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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
* General * Sorrento * Rome * Tuscany * Venice *
· Do I need to speak Italian to enjoy visiting Italy? While you do not need to speak Italian, most Italians appreciate when someone tries to speak the language. Try to learn a few words or sentences and have fun!
· What form of currency do I need? Italy uses the euro as their form of currency. The best way to exchange your currency is at any of the ATM machines you’ll find located all over Italy. They work the same as in your home country. It is best to bring along a spare ATM card in case of an emergency. Let your bank know where you’re traveling to, and check with them before leaving to ensure that your card and PIN are compatible. You may also want to inquire as to the bank’s international ATM fee. Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than American Express; it wouldn’t hurt to take some hard cash for an unexpected emergency. You can bring traveler’s checks as a back-up, but please note that you will be charged a fee when you exchange them.
· When is the best time to visit Italy? Spring and early summer are wonderful times to visit. Harvest season in the fall and early winter also can’t be beat. During these times you will find smaller crowds. July is most crowded and many places close in August as Italians take their vacations during this month. Winter can be cold in many parts, however deals are abundant.
· Which airlines fly to Italy? Most major carriers fly from the United States to Italy. Some offer non-stop flights while other carriers, like Air France, will stop in Paris and offer connecting flights to your final destination. In Europe you will find many smaller carriers, as well as the major ones, offering flight options. Your best option is to check with your local airport and obtain a list of carriers which service your area; you can contact them for options.
· Why does our Signature Tour include Sorrento, Rome, Tuscany and Venice? Italy measures 736 miles long (SW-NW) and 237 miles wide (NE-SW). The size of Italy is equivalent to the state of Arizona in the United States. The country is divided into Northern and Southern Italy. Sorrento, Rome, Tuscany and Venice are located along the length of the country and offer the best of what Northern and Southern Italy have to offer travelers. Each city will offer you a different slice of Italy. Additionally, they all can easily be used as a home base for exploring just about anywhere in the country.
· How should I pack? Let’s face it – I don’t even know if you are a man or a woman, a child or an adult. However, I can safely say that my answer would be the same for all of you – TRAVEL LIGHTLY! My family travels through Italy each year with one carry-on piece of luggage and we do just fine. I’m not saying we come home with only one piece; after all shopping in Italy is half the fun, and Italy has no shortage of what you may need. If you forget it at home, you will find it in Italy!
· How should I dress? It really depends on the time of year that you are visiting, but whenever you go keep in mind that Italians generally present themselves well. The Italians call it La Bella Figura, the beautiful figure - while that doesn’t necessarily mean high fashion, it means looking good. My family tries to blend in and not look like tourists when we visit. This is easily accomplished with a few nice pieces of clothing. Men should pack good jeans, casual dress shirts (button-down and even polo or golf shirts), and shoes. A nice shirt or a blouse paired with a skirt or pants for a woman is acceptable. Of course we don’t need to mention shoes to the women – just remember that you want to be comfortable as well as stylish!
· Do I need a special license to drive in Italy? While the Italian Government doesn’t require a special license to drive in Italy, we would advise that you obtain an International Driving Permit from a local AAA Office. They cost about $10 dollars and the permit would explain, in Italian, that you hold a valid drivers license in the event you are stopped by the authorities who do not speak your native language.
· Is train travel affordable and convenient? It depends on the number of travelers in your party. If you are traveling alone it offers a good value to get from place to place. Special passes are available through websites like www.raileurope.com which offer discounts for train travel. On the other hand, if you are a group of 4 to 6 people sharing a car and splitting the rental and expenses, you will have far more freedom of traveling at a lesser cost.
· Is the cost of dining out expensive? The cost of dining out in Italy is relative to the cost of dining out anywhere else on the planet! Your choices are abundant and depend on the types of meals you want to enjoy. You can share a deli sandwich made with local produce, or a brick-oven pizza complete with drinks for between $10-$15 US dollars. Be sure to look in the nooks and crannies of the cities for places to eat and even ask the locals for a favorite pick. It should also be mentioned that a good, cost efficient meal awaits you at one of the many rest stops found on Italy’s major toll highways or Autostrade. So, if you find yourself traveling and in need of a bite to eat, indulge for these rest stops are known for their food.
· Is crime a problem? Violent crime in Italy is almost nonexistent, but you should be aware of street pickpockets or scams. Use a money belt to protect your valuables and be smart about not falling for these common incidents found wherever you travel.
· Is traveling in Italy difficult if you are elderly of disabled? Italy has and continues to accommodate elderly visitors. However, not all regions have been brought up to the standards of some other countries. Contacting the areas in which you plan to visit is the best advice. They can provide you with the most up to date information.
· Will I experience culture shock? Simply put, “It’s not home.” As with any travel destination accept it for what it is and don’t compare it to what you may be accustomed to at home. You know how you think that the way you do things is the right and only way? If you embrace those things that are different you will enjoy the best of Italy’s culture. Also, be sure to become familiar with the areas you will be visiting before you go so you know what to expect.
· Will I get homesick? Don’t think about what you’re missing, think instead of what folks back home are missing. You’re the one on vacation… in Italy! Sure drinks at home may have more ice and parking may be more accommodating but enjoy, you’re in ITALY!
· What’s the flight like? For Europeans, it’s a walk in the park. For those from the United States in can range from as few as 9 hours from New York or Boston to as many as 16 hours from Los Angeles. Whatever the case may be, your Italian experience is well worth the flight to get there.
· How will I keep in touch with family in the US? You will find that the most common methods of communication are phone cards which can be purchased at a tobacco shops all over the country. Make sure they are the proper card, international or domestic, and know your country code. You can also e-mail from your hotel or many of the cyber café’s located throughout Italy. Both options are reasonable and personal preference will dictate which you choose. Don’t forget to take into account the time change when phoning home!
· What if I get sick or need medication? Check with your local health insurance provider to see if you have coverage that’s accepted in Italy; most do not. You will be staying in major cities and some may offer English speaking doctors who can attend to your needs. If you are on any medication bring enough with you to last your entire vacation, and a little extra just in case. We advise that you bring your medication in its original container, and keep it with you at all times in case luggage is lost.
· Can I insure my trip? Trip insurance can be purchased on-line at www.insuremytrip.com or through a number of other insurance companies. The cost of the insurance depends on the type of coverage you are looking for and are normally purchased when you have laid out monies that may be lost of you cancel your trip. The Insure my Trip website will compare a number of companies and package plans you can choose from. Purchase these directly, you do not need to purchase through Visit Italy My Way.
Sorrento lies at the edge if the Tyrrhenian Sea in the South of Italy. Traces of this sea town can be found in Greek mythology. The Romans placed the legendary abode of the sirens, those wicked mermaids who lured seamen to their deaths with their sweet songs, at Sorrento (Surrentum). In Homer's Odyssey, Ulysses stuffed the ears of his crew with wax and bound himself to the mast where he struggled with the luring call as they passed by. The famous tenor Enrico Caruso spent his summer vacations here and chose it as his final resting place. A place like no other, only a visit will unveil the secret of Sorrento.
· Sights Sorrento is the springboard for visiting Capri’s Blue Grotto, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the city of Naples, and many other destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
· Food Pizza, seafood, Mozzarella and Provolone cheeses, basil, oregano, olives, sun dried tomatoes, and delectable deserts such as cannoli and freshly made nougat are abundant.
· Wine White wine compliments the food of this region; Marsala wine and Limoncello made with Amalfi Coast lemons, vodka, sugar and water, serve as after dinner drinks.
· Don’t Miss Capri’s Blue Grotto * Pompeii * Positano All day trips worthy of your time! In Positano you will fall in love with two fine leather Italian shoe makers, Mario and Luigi.
· Shopping Sorrento has a lot to offer as far as shopping goes. This part of Italy is known for linen specialties, lemon infused everything, inlaid wood items, and ceramics. You will find plenty of shops as you wonder the small streets. In general, when shopping in Italy, make sure you shop around. Prices fluctuate from place to place for the same items depending on location. Touristy areas are almost always more expensive.
· Nightlife Foreigners Club * The English Inn * Teatro Tasso * “Corso Italia Passeggiata” - After dinner Italians take part in this “evening stroll” where they walk the streets and enjoy the night life of this beautiful city. Restaurants, bars and gellaterias are all open late.
· Distance to Major Cities 140 miles North to Rome 340 miles South to Sicily
· Transportation Connections
You can access a small commuter train to Naples. Once in Naples you can take a connecting train to just about anywhere in Italy. From Naples, you can also take a ferry to Palermo, Messina, Sicily, or the islands of Sardinia and Ischia.
· Movies to Watch Before You Go
Only You starring Robert Downing Jr., Marissa Tomei Under the Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane It started in Naples starring Sophia Loren, Clark Gable Avanti starring Juliet Mills, Jack Lemon
Rome also lies at the edge if the Tyrrhenian Sea and is located in the Northern most part of Southern Italy. Rome was once the heart of one of the greatest empires the world, and the evidence still stands today in the abundant ancient ruins found all over this magnificent city. Legend has it that Rome was founded by Romulus and his brother Remus, twin sons of the priestess Rhea Silvia and fathered by the God of Mars in 753 b.c. Romulus slew Remus over a dispute over which one of the two brothers had the support of the local gods to rule the new city and give it his name. The story has it that Romulus was abandoned on the site of Palatine Hill and raised by a she-wolf.
· Sights Pantheon * Colosseum * St. Peter’s Basilica * Roman Forum * Vatican
· Food Rome is situated roughly between Tuscany and Sorrento. Foods in Rome combine many of the same ingredients found in these regions to create regional dishes. Fried zucchini flowers, Gnocchi alla Romano, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, and a cheesecake desert called Torte di Ricotta name just a few of Rome’s tasty treats.
· Wine Due to the size of Rome and its dominance in the country you will find wines from all regions at your fingertips. The true local wine of the region is a white wine, Frascati.
· Don’t Miss Visit Piazza Navona any time of day, but especially in the evenings to get a real taste of Italian living. This piazza is a meeting ground for locals, artists, and tourists who want to really experience Italy. Rome is as alive at night as it is during the day! Don’t miss out!
· Shopping Via. Condotti * Campo de Fiori * Piazza Navona * When in Rome…SHOP! Rome is an endless haven of stores. You can find anything in Rome: scarves, sunglasses, jewelry, bags and the list goes on. Check out the street vendors; they often have nice items for a reasonable price. The Spanish Steps are at the mouth of a designer drenched street. Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabanna and everything other deserving fashion label can be found here. Just explore the city and take advantage of Rome! If you find yourself in need of a ride back to the hotel with all of your shopping, you should know that you have to stand at a taxi stand to get a taxi.
· Nightlife Campo di Fiori * Piazza Navona * Piazza della Rotonda * Trinity College Music Bar
· Distance to Major Cities
180 miles North to Florence & Tuscany 375 miles North to Milan 340 Miles North to Venice
· Transportation Connections
The term “All roads lead to Rome” was coined because when the Roman Empire set out to conquer a distant land, they needed to build a road. Instead they built over 60,000 miles of road that connect to every major city in Italy and beyond! The main train station offers you your pick of cities to travel to.
· Movies to Watch Before You Go
Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck Hudson Hawk starring Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Mary Steenbergen Gladiator starring Russsel Crow, Joaquin Phoenix The Lizzy McGuire Movie starring Lizzy McGuire Return to Me starring David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carroll O’Connor Only You starring Robert Downing Jr., Marissa Tomei Under the Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane
The region of Tuscany lies in central Italy and borders the Tyrrhenian Sea on its West Coast. Within the Tuscany Region are the cities of Florence, Siena, and a countless number of small towns simply known as Hill Towns. Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance; Tuscans proudly proclaim the works of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Donatello and many other great masters who took root here.
· Sights City of Florence * Uffizi Gallery * Accademia Gallery * Scenic Beauty
· Food Tuscan food is hearty. Rabbit, wild boar, and pheasants are some of the diverse dishes you’ll find on the menu. In addition to cured meats and hams, you will find truffles, Crostini, Tortelloni and Pecorino and Parmesan cheeses. Trust me - there is something for everyone!
· Wine The finest red wines are made in the hills of Southeastern Tuscany: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Noble di Montepulciano. Many are made with the versatile Sangiovese grape.
· Don’t Miss Florence: Duomo * Ponte Vecchio * Piazza della Signoria * Accademia The views and landscapes of Hill Towns such as Cortona and San Gimignano.
· Shopping Florence (gold and leather districts) and surrounding Hill Towns.
· Nightlife Nightlife is found in all the piazzas.
· Distance to Major Cities
194 miles North to Milan 181 miles South to Rome 159 miles Northeast to Venice
· Transportation Connections
While a car is the most convenient method of transportation, all Tuscan towns are connected by buses and some by trains all of which go to Florence. It’s here that you will find buses and trains that connect to all the major cities of Italy.
· Movies to Watch Before You Go
Hudson Hawk starring Bruce Willis, Mary Steenbergen, Danny Aiello Only You starring Robert Downing Jr., Marissa Tomei Under the Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane
Venice lies in the Northeast of Italy and borders the Adriatic Sea. Venice is the main island consisting of over 400 smaller islands all connected by mini bridges! The main form of transportation on this island is by boat of course, as cars are nonexistent. Venice has always stood for romance and its gondolas and hundreds of canals provide the perfect backdrop. Its connection to the sea made it a super power with the largest Navy in the world capable of producing one warship a day. Napoleon considered Venice’s Piazza San Marco the “Living Room of Europe” and you can see why. Venice shares a lagoon with the less famous islands known as Murano, Burano and Torcello. These small islands are a must see!
· Sights St. Mark’s Square* Bridge of Sighs* Sister Islands: Murano, Burano, Torcello
· Food Venice’s life is connected to the sea and seafood is the lifeblood of its cuisine. Appetizers, soups, pastas, and entrees all share the plate with one or more type of fish. Venice is also home to Italy’s most famous deserts, Tiramisu.
· Wine The accompaniment to fish has always been white wine and Venice is no exception. Dry white Soave complements the main course, while Venice’s own sparkling wine, Prosecco, makes for a delightful aperitif anytime of the day.
· Don’t Miss St. Mark’s Square * St. Mark’s Basilica * Doge’s Palace * Island of Murano
· Shopping Venice is one of Italy’s oldest tourist destinations and the hundreds of shops leave no shortages of places to buy anything you desire.
· Nightlife Venice tends to close early at night; if you’re up to it, the island abounds with wine bars where locals and tourists alike are drawn.
· Distance to Major Cities
170 miles West to Milan 72 miles West to Verona 340 miles South to Rome
· Transportation Connections
Venice remains a central train hub for Italy. Super highways link it to all major cities in Italy and beyond.
· Movies to Watch Before You Go
Only You Actors starring Robert Downing Jr., Marissa Tome The Italian Job starring Charlize Theron, Mark Wahlberg
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