Passport & Visa

In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Italy. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Cuisine

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine. Most of the staples of the Italian diet have already become favorites in America, but on your tour, be sure to try those less familiar pasta sauces and the vast range of cured hams, cheeses, rustic breads and desserts. In Italy, the cuisine is often slightly varied by region, and many cities and towns have their own specialties  Venice and Northern Italy are known for their meats and pastries, Tuscany for its wine, oil and sauces, Rome and Southern Italy for its pizzas. For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small, family-owned restaurants that tend to be set away from the main piazzas and squares. Italians tend to indulge in long meals featuring wines and the occasional beer, followed by the requisite after-dinner drinks grappa or limoncello. American or English-style bars and pubs are not as common, although they can be found in the major cities and currently gaining in popularity, especially in Northern Italy and in Rome.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Venice and depart from Rome. When you first arrive in Venice, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation on “Venice, Florence & Rome” is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the three cities on foot or by public transportation. In Venice, each section of the city is connected by water bus (least expensive), water taxi or gondola. You can purchase discounted bulk passes from vendors or purchase single tickets at each dock. Florence is walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines. Rome offers both underground transportation and bus service to the city’s major attractions. Subway and bus tickets may be purchased separately or in bulk.

Museums in Florence

The museums of Florence are popular attractions that you might consider visiting during your free time in the city. However, we recommend that you make reservations two months in advance, if you would like to visit any of the museums in Florence. For more information, go to the museums’ website at http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/. If you are joining our optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano, please note that you will not return to Florence in time to visit any museums that day. If you are joining our optional excursion to Pisa and wish to visit a museum after returning to Florence, we recommend booking your museum visit for later than 4pm. Please note the museums are closed on Mondays.

Clothing & Packing Tips

To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).

Baggage Allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.

Currency

The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to access cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.

About your Photography Tour

Who is this tour designed for?

Anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of age or skill level. All you need is a digital camera, a sense of adventure and a desire to learn.

What happens if it rains?

The day-by-day itinerary is an outline of daily activities. This kind of program requires maximum flexibility, and events are likely to be rearranged as local conditions demand. If you’re unlucky enough to experience inclement weather, we will arrange more activities in town and fewer in the countryside. Please note that weather and other circumstances may impact your photographic opportunities.

What should I expect each day?

The best time of day for shooting outside is in the early morning and just before sunset. In order to give you as many opportunities as possible to capture these destinations, our days begin very early. Weather conditions will also dictate your photography tour, and flexibility is important. 

What kind of instruction will I receive?

Learning takes place through personal tutoring sessions, discussions around the dinner table, and while photographing on location. Whether you are a novice or an advanced photographer, you will come back with great images and a deeper understanding of the photographic medium.

How should I prepare for this tour?

There’s no need to take any preliminary photography courses, but each traveler is responsible for bringing her own photographic gear. We recommend that you bring the following:

• Your own camera and its manual; each traveler should take some time to familiarize herself with her camera’s settings.
• Lightweight yet sturdy tripod
• Spare batteries and/or rechargeable batteries and a battery charger
• Memory cards and a memory card reader for downloading photos to your tablet or laptop
• Antistatic cloth
• Lenses—24/70 and 70/200 are recommended
• A smile and some patience... the best shot is worth waiting for!

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