YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT WITH MORE THAN 6 MONTHS AVAILABLE BEFORE IT EXPIRES. WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS OR CREDITS FOR GUEST WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT AND ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BOARD THEIR FLIGHTS.
ITALY TAKEOVER
Oct: 1st – Oct 7th, 2025
Leave USA – Sep 30
Arrive on – Oct 1st
Flight Back On – Oct 7th
This is the final confirmation for everything related to The ITALY Takeover. Please review closely the details of the trip:
Ciao e benvenuto in Italia! Hello and welcome to Italy! If you’ve never been or are returning to this beautiful country this trip is a one-of-a-kind experience that includes spending time in Rome the Eternal City, in Florence the Cradle of Renaissance, and Venice the Queen of the Seas
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Personal Identification/Proof of Citizenship:
Airlines require all passengers present an acceptable form of identity at airport check-in. For your trip to Italy, U.S. citizens must present passports valid for at least 6 months past your re-entry date.
We recommend that you keep a photocopy of your passport in a location other than with your original passport in the unlikely event that your passport is lost or stolen. Or a photo in your cellular phone.
LUGGAGE TAGS:
Federal regulations require that all checked bags be clearly identifiable on the outside. Please attach a tag to each piece of checked luggage. These tags also expedite luggage handling at airports and the hotel. Tags should remain on your luggage throughout the program. Also, include full identification information inside each piece of luggage in the event that the tags are lost during handling.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE:
Federal regulations require that all checked bags be clearly identifiable on the outside. Please attach a tag to each piece of checked luggage. These tags also expedite luggage handling at airports and the hotel. Tags should remain on your luggage throughout the program. Also, include full identification information inside each piece of luggage in the event that the tags are lost during handling.
We recommend you include in your carry-on luggage some basic personal essentials – a change of clothes and toiletries – in the event of delayed luggage.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
INCLUDED IN YOUR AND YOUR GUEST’S TRIP:
- Six night’s accommodations, including taxes, city tax and breakfast
- Ground transportation as outlined in the agenda
- Tours as outlined in the agenda
GRATUITIES:
When enjoying time on your own in Rome, Florence, or Venice, tipping is not expected, unless you receive great service. If you feel tipping is deserved, 10 percent is sufficient, especially in the restaurants.
GENERAL INFORMATION
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
The U.S. State Department strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling out of the country to confirm how their policy may apply in a foreign country.
VACCINATIONS:
No specific vaccinations are required for travel in Italy. Check with your personal physician for any specific medical concerns you may have. At this time there are no COVID restrictions for travel to and from Italy, this is subject to change.
TIME ZONE:
When in Italy, the time will be six hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Refer to the following chart for time differences.
Rome
12P NOON
Cincinnati
6A
Chicago
5A
Denver
4A
Los Angeles
3A
CLIMATE & WEATHER:
The weather in Rome, Florence and Venice in October can be nice. The average daily high temperatures are between 70-75°F with evening temperatures around 65-68°F. Rain might occur in October, so be prepared and pack a travel size umbrella.
WHAT TO WEAR:
When considering what to wear in Rome, Florence and Venice, remember that the cities style is tailored and chic, yet conservative with an edge. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for your optional tours. Nice, stylish jeans are accepted almost everywhere but should be dressed up when worn at night to a restaurant or nightclub.
If you plan to visit any churches or other Christian sites, knees and shoulders must be covered or you risk being denied entry, especially if you are going to the Vatican. Even if you are just out sightseeing, make sure to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders if you decide at the last minute to pop into a church (one way to keep cool by the way)!
LANGUAGE:
Italian is the official language of Italy. While the local staff you meet during your stay speak English, employees of shops and restaurants may not.
CURRENCY:
Italy uses the single European currency known as the euro (€). Euro notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. A single euro is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1 and €2.
EXCHANGING MONEY:
The easiest and best way to get cash in Italy is from a bank ATM, which are linked to a network that most likely includes your bank at home. MasterCard Cirrus and Visa PLUS are the two most popular networks and you can use their websites to locate ATMs in Rome. Be sure to check with your bank on the daily withdrawal limit before you depart and ask whether you need a new personal ID number.
Use these websites to locate ATMs in Rome:
http://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.html
http://www.visa.com/atmlocator/index.jsp#
There are exchange booths at the airport but often do not offer a favorable rate of exchange and charge a commission fee for the transaction.
CREDIT CARDS:
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Rome at hotels, shops, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. We recommend contacting your credit card company to advise them of your travel plans before departing the U.S. to avoid having a hold placed on your card due to unusual activity.
American Express and Discover cards are not as readily accepted in Europe as in the United States or Canada. Do not rely on these cards as a sole method of payment while in Rome.
U.S. CUSTOMS:
U.S. citizens may return home with $800 of duty-free purchases per person, including 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. A flat rate of 10% duty tax applies to the next $1,000 of purchases. For more specific guidelines, visit the Customs & Border Protection website at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go
Day 1 Tuesday – Sep 30, 2025
Depart from US home city
Day 2 Wednesday – Oct 1, 2025
- Arrive Rome – transfer from airport to hotel
- Time to unpack and relax
- Dinner at your leisure
Day 3 Thursday – Oct 2, 2025
- Morning: Ancient Rome Tour including the Colosseum. Icon of Rome and symbol of the Imperial Rome, is the Flavian Amphitheater, known as the Colosseum. It is the most famous and the largest Roma amphitheaters in the world, where gladiators and fierce animals challenged each other until death, for the entertainment of Emperors and the cheering crowds. Next to it is the real heart of the Roman Empire, the Roman Forum with the most important temples and the Senate House. Finally climb the Capitol Hill, to enjoy a spectacular view over the Imperial Rome!
- Lunch on your own
- Afternoon at leisure or optional activities: Rome Golf Cart Tour or Discover Fountains and Squares of Rome
- Dinner ar your leisure
Day 4 Friday – Oct 3, 2025
- Morning: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. No other visit can match the experience of a visit to the world-renowned Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums hold one of the richest art collections in the world, gathered by art loving Popes. It is an amazing walk-through century of the best art expression in the world, ending with Michelangelo’s most famous creation inside the Sistine Chapel. NOTE: Dress Code – No shorts and no sleeveless shirts inside the churches.
- Lunch on your own
- Afternoon Excursion to Rome Villages ending at Santa Benedetta Winery to include wine tasting, cooking class and dinner.
Day 5 Saturday – Oct 4, 2025
- Morning: Transfer to Florence – Breakfast will be available at hotel prior to leaving for the train station. Upon arrival in Florence, approximately an hour and half ride, you will meet your personal local guides for your walking tour to include: Duomo, Baptistry, Signoria Square and Old Bridge. Your guided tour will end around 12.30 pm, lunch on own, meeting at designated time to reach the hotel for check in.
- Mid-afternoon tour by bus, riding for 1 hour ½ to Pisa & Lucca
- Dinner in Lucca
Day 6 Sunday – Oct 5, 2025
- Morning free in Florence for shopping or individual activities.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Venice at 2.30 pm to the train station. Upon arrival in Venice, approximately two hours and 15 minutes ride, you will be transferred to designated hotel for check in
- Dinner at your leisure
Day 7 Monday – Oct 7, 2025
- Morning tour of Venice, followed by Lagoon Island tour: Murano & Burano with lunch
- id afternoon in Venice to explore on your own or shopping
- Gondola serenade prior to Farewell group dinner
Day 8 Tuesday – Oct 8, 2025
Departure to US