Italy Plus Tours Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Important Information to Know
1. What is the typical age of a group?
Over the past 20 years we have had as young as early teens and as old as late eighties and everything in between.
2. What is the typical group size?
Our groups have consisted of 20 persons to 30 persons. A group is typically considered 10 or more guest when planning for hotels, restaurants and airlines.
3. How much walking is involved?
Each day will be a little different. Plan to walk a distance of 3 to 5 miles per day on average. Remember this will be stretched out over the course of a day in between meals and tour time. GUEST NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.
4. What type of clothing and shoes should I pack?
Always check the international 10 day weather forecast to give you an accurate temperature to know what to pack. Spring are light clothes with a jacket; Summer light clothes; Fall light clothes with a jacket. Most important, comfortable shoes or sandals for walking. A more than casual outfit for the evening.
5. How do I know how much to pack and are there limits with the airlines?
Typically plan to pack for two outfits per day. Your day excursion outfit, and an outfit that you will change into after you have freshened up for dinner / evening time. Do not feel you need to do this – however, this has been typical of past tour guest. You may also need to allow for space to pack any items you purchased while on your tour to take back home. The airlines, on INTERNATIOAL FLIGHTS, typically allow for ONE luggage (40 lbs) or less to be check for FREE. On DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, typically luggage (50 lbs) 27 x 21 x 14 size for ONE luggage to be checked for FREE. Please check both domestic and international luggage weight allowance before packing which can be found in google search online with most up to date information for the actual airline carrier of choice for the tour you will be on.
6. Should I bring an umbrella and or sunscreen?
Packing a “portable” umbrella does not take up much room and can be used unexpectedly. Sunscreen is always advised.
7. Is smoking / vaping allowed?
If you are a smoker/vapor, you should know where most of the prohibited areas are. When you are with the group on our tour bus, there is NO smoking or vaping Most of our hotels will also be non-smoking. Ask the hotels and restaurants if vaping is allowed when you are on their property.
8. Do I need to have travel insurance?
To have travel insurance is a personal preference. HOWEVER, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND you inquire with travel insurance companies regarding the different coverage available before you pay your first deposit check. Please review Italy Plus Tours website at www.italyplustours.com to read our Terms & Conditions, stating that Italy Plus Tours or its managers, Giovanni Catalano or MJ Parri are under no circumstances liable for any changes in the itinerary or conditions beyond our control that can alter the tour in any way. Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling: accidents, illness, missed flights, rescheduled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home in case of death (but not limited to that which is listed). It is your responsibility to purchase travel insurance if this is your desire. Contact a travel insurance agent to educate yourself and make a decision that is best for you.
9. Does the land cost include a double or single room occupancy?
Our land cost is based on double room occupancy. For those requesting a single room, there is an upcharge of approximately $50 per night. This price is subject to change based on availability and location of the tour.
10. I see there are OPTIONS on a tour. Explain what this means.
OPTIONS give the travel guest an opportunity to join in an excursion for the day for a specific site or activity. Options are for an additional cost and they are listed in the tour itinerary as either included or not included.
11. Are tips & tax included?
Per each Italy Plus Tour itinerary, tips and city tax are typically included. However, if you feel so inclined to offer an additional tip for a service that was exceptional, it is your personal preference to do so.
12. Can I use my cell phone on the tour in another country, or if I need to make a call back home to the United States?
It is recommended that you contact your mobile service provider to educate yourself on international calling.
13. Do I need to stay with the tour group every day of the planned tour?
Italy Plus Tours highly recommends the days that are planned are for the cultural experience and education you will receive from the professional tour guides as well as having the comradery of your fellow travelers to make for great memories along the way. However, Italy Plus Tours respect that some travelers may wish for private time, down time, or simply a day to go their own way. You MUST let Italy Plus Tours know your change in plans for that day so you will be accounted for. Understand, should a traveler decide to take their own excursion not planned with Italy Plus Tour, you are totally responsible for your expense, travel, and any incidentals that come your way. In addition, Italy Plus Tours will not refund any tour guest for the day planned activities on the tour in which YOU decided not to partake in. You are also making this decision at your own risk, and Italy Plus Tours or its managers Giovanni Catalano or MJ Parri are not liable for loss, damage, injury, expense that may occur to you.
14. How much spending money do I bring and where do I exchange US dollars for foreign currency?
Only you will now what your intentions are for traveling. Are you looking to purchase gold, excessive clothing, wine, trinkets, etc? As we get closer to your tour date, we will have a GROUP MEET & GREET to go over all of these specific details found at this FAQ site. Foreign currency can be purchased with most local banks in advance with a phone call or in person to order the foreign currency. Expect your foreign currency to arrive 3-5 business days from day of order. You may also visit American Automobile Association (Triple A) to inquire about foreign
currency. In addition, most International Airports have a kiosk for this service. Lastly, while you are in Italy there are ATM machines abundantly located that allow for Visa travel cards (as an example) to receive foreign currency exchange.
15. Do I need to sign a contract with Italy Plus Tours?
Traveling with Italy Plus Tours, you will need to visit our website at www.italyplustours.com and read our Terms & Conditions in full. It is made fully clear, upon reading the tour itinerary, upon you the tour guest sending in your initial deposit payment, you are confirming that you have read, agree and understand the Terms & Conditions set forth on the Italy Plus Tours website at www.italyplustours.com. Tour deposits will be accompanied with a signed T & C Acceptance Confirmation Form.
16. Will I need to have my Passport with me at all times?
Yes and no. While traveling abroad to any foreign country, you must have your Passport (and another form of ID such as your Driver License) in your possession while going through all airport interchanges. While you are touring, please have a copy of your Passport to keep with you, and leave your original Passport at the hotel in a security box. Having an additional copy of your Passport in your safe box at your home in the US is also a good suggestion.
NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Italy Plus Tour booking must match the name on your passport, and must match the name on your airline ticket. Any variation between spelling or your name or on your airline ticket from your passport may require re-ticketing which may incur an additional cost to you.
17. What form of payment do you accept when paying for a tour?
Italy Plus Tours offers two types of payment. You can pay by check made out to Italy Plus Tours, or you can pay with a major credit card. When using a credit card there is an additional charge for processing. All tour packages will give a cost paying by check. If you wish to pay by credit card, contact Italy Plus Tours to understand the price of the tour when using a credit card. Please see our Terms & Conditions (3) for inadequate funds and a $50 return check fee.
18. Do I purchase my own airline ticket?
As a tour group, we have the advantage to get our tour guest the best airline “group rate” price available. Therefore, as a group (10 or more persons) we will provide an airline ticket price to you for the tour. Once you are confirmed with your deposit to be on a tour, we will give you a TOTAL cost of the land and air together as a total package. HOWEVER, should you require “special airline flight needs” such as special seating, reclining seat, first class, etc., it is YOUR responsibility to purchase your own airline ticket using the tour flight schedule given from IPT to be on the same flight as the tour, or, to arrive earlier than our tour arrival time. See our Terms & Conditions for further explanation and additional cost you may incur. You MUST let IPT know your flight plan schedule so that your tour package cost can be adjusted. NOTE: Some tour itineraries may include “internal flights” such as a tour to Sicily in which our tour operator in Italy will schedule and pay for this flight with your installment payment. Internal flights are NON-refundable. See our Terms & Conditoins for further explanation.
19. What airport typically will Italy Plus Tours depart from to begin a tour and return
to?
Italy Plus Tours will typically depart from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in
Cleveland, Ohio and return to the same location. Should you wish to depart from
another location/and or return back to the US from another location, please let IPT
know your intentions and we will discuss each guest individually for your travel
options, planning, scheduling and payment.
20. I see that “prices and itinerary are subject to change". Can you please explain this?
All pricing on the tour package are subject to change upon the receipt of final payment
due to any increase in tour cost, such as, but not limited to: increase in air, land or sea fares, fuel cost, and currency fluctuations. All taxes, fuel surcharges, security charges and any other taxes or charges imposed by airlines, airports, cruise lines, governments, etc. are not included in price. For example, price increase can be for newly imposed governmental taxes (but not limited to this example). Gratuities not specifically mentioned are excluded.
21. What if I get sick (in need of medical attention) or hurt during the tour?
Safety and reassurance on our tour are what we will strive for. If you are worried about getting sick while traveling, again we strongly encourage you to purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE before you make your deposit payment and or before your tour departure. Most of Europe offers high-quality medical care that is as competent as what you will find at home in the USA. The majority of Europe’s doctors and pharmacists speak at lease some English, so communication generally is not an issue.
Nearly all European countries have a universal health care system. While no health care system is perfect, Europe’s universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of – including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked. You may or can expect a fee.
EMERGENCIES
If an accident or life-threatening medical problem occurs on the road, get to a hospital. For serious conditions (stroke, heart attack, bad car accident), summon an ambulance. In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union’s universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask your hotelier, restaurant host, or whom ever is around you to call an ambulance (or taxi for less dire situations).
Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost for a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what your treatment is.
Make sure you get a copy of your bill so that when you return home, you can file a claim to be reimbursed. If you purchase travel insurance to serve as your primary medical coverage, call the company as soon as possible to report the injury. They can usually work directly with the medical facility to get your bills paid.
MINOR AILMENTS
If you get sick on your trip, don’t wait it out. Find help to get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Your options could be as follows:
PHARMACIES
Throughout Europe, people with a health problem go first to the pharmacy, not to their doctor. European pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe remedies for many simple problems, such as sore throats, fevers, stomach issues, sinus problems, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint, and back pain. Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies.
22. Can I cancel my tour with you and receive any or all of my money in return?
Please read Terms & Conditions at www.italyplustours.com . Please NOTE: NO refund will be given for any unused tour times, may it be the tour guest choice, inclement weather, operational situations or for any other reasons due beyond our control as stated in our Terms & Conditions.
Our tours are capacity controlled. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto 121
00187 Roma
Phone: (+39) 06.46741
EMERGENCY: dial 112 while in Europe