Your driver will be waiting for you at the confirmed pickup location (your arrival train track, at the airport arrival exit gate, at your accommodation) holding a sign with your name written on it.
We provide services in luxury Mercedes and Volkswagen sedans, minivans or minibuses (depending on availability).
For parties of 1-3 guests we normally use a sedan. For parties of 4-8 guests we use minivans. And for parties larger than 8 guests we either use multiple minivans or a minibus (depending upon availability).
The itinerary can certainly be customized according to your needs; however, please note that some areas may not be accessible with a stroller, wheelchair, or for guests with limited mobility. We recommend contacting one of our Tour Operators and indicating the specific tour you are interested in for further assistance.
If you intend to visit religious sites, please have knees and shoulders covered (both men and women).
Please send us an email specifying your dietary preferences/needs, and we will advise accordingly.
In most cases, yes, the duration of the tour can be extended on the day itself, subject to availability and an additional fee.
Unfortunately, as tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable, if tickets have already been purchased when you choose to change your tour date, the tickets purchased will no longer be valid for your tour. Please contact us and we will be happy to advise on entrance times for you to purchase new tickets on your own.
Gratuities are not mandatory and never included, but if you've been pleased with the service, it's customary to show appreciation, and workers are very thankful. Generally speaking, gratuities can be 100€ full day guides, 50€ half/partial day guides, driver 75-150€ on full day use of vehicle, skipper 150-250€ for full day tours, hotel porters 3-5€ per bag, restaurants 10-20% on the total, guest ambassadors, based on service received, 1-5% on rhe total amount. Gratuities in Italy run anywhere from 10-25% depending on the services and your satisfaction with them.
While major credit cards are generally accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Greetings in Italy are typically warm and involve a handshake. It's common to greet people with a friendly "Ciao" or "Buongiorno" (good morning) during the day. In the evening or when meeting someone for the first time, "Buonasera" (good evening) is more appropriate. Italians value politeness, so don't forget to use "Grazie" (thank you) and "Per favore" (please) when appropriate.
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices ("cambio"), or ATMs. Banks offer competitive rates but may have higher fees. Exchange offices are convenient but compare rates. ATMs are widespread with favorable rates, but watch for bank fees. Major credit cards are accepted, but carrying cash for small purchases and emergencies is advisable.
There are discussions about changes to travel regulations, including the potential requirement for a ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for visitors from the US to Italy. To keep up with the news we recommend you visit the following website https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
For groups above 7 passengers, vehicle arrangements may vary depending on the location and availability. We can provide a Mercedes Sprinter minibus or multiple luxury minivans.
A tour driver and a tour guide are not the same. When booking a private tour, it is important to understand the difference so you know exactly what you are paying for. A tour guide holds an official license, usually issued by the state or country, and has completed formal studies in the history and culture of the sites you will visit. Guides are permitted to enter historical sites with you and provide detailed explanations. Their services are naturally an additional cost.
A tour driver, on the other hand, is not licensed as a guide, has not attended guide school, and is not permitted to enter sites to provide historical commentary. Their services are therefore more economical. Many drivers are very knowledgeable about local history and culture, but they are legally required to provide explanations only while inside the vehicle. Once you are dropped off, they cannot offer historical explanations, as doing so may result in fines issued by the authorities.