Q. Is there anything special I need to bring on the trip?
A. It is essential that you have a valid passport (not less than 6 months from renewal) for travel abroad. If you need to get a passport or have yours renewed, allow at least 6 weeks for processing. It’s also suggested you carry a photocopy of your passport, in case of loss.
Q. What will the weather be like?
A. Fall weather in Italy can be warm, but most likely it will
be "sweater weather." Evenings cool down considerably
so be sure to pack a jacket or sweatshirt. The Spring trip will
experience warmer weather, but a sweater is always suggested
just in case the weather gets chilly.
Q. What type of clothes should I pack?
A. As a general rule, pack casual clothes and comfortable walking
shoes. Some of the ceramics shops are actually factories and
you might find unique treasures by rummaging around in the bargain
pile. You don’t need designer duds for these stops. Casual
slacks and blouses will be fine for group dinners and you may
want to include a cotton skirt for visits to the Vatican or
other churches, as bare legs are not allowed. Comfort is the
main guide for what to pack. You may also want a hat, sun glasses
and sun screen.
Q. What kind of payment is accepted for purchases?
A. American dollars can be exchanged at banks in all major cities
for Italian Euros. ATM machines are widely available and cash
is easily accessed. Visa and Master Card are also widely accepted
and our dish factories will even take your US checks or American
dollars.
Q. Will we have to tip anyone on the trip?
A. Two Sisters will take care of all tips. However,
at the end of the trip we “pass the hat” for the
bus driver and ask everyone to contribute a little something
extra. He will be taking care of our luggage, items on the bus,
hotel transfers, etc., and it’s nice to thank him after
a week of good service.
Q. What about smokers?
A. Although many Italians smoke, we request that there is no smoking on the bus or during our group meals. If you need to share a room with another smoker, please let us know and we’ll do our best to see what can be arranged.
Q. Can we take pictures in the shops?
A. Please feel free to take as many pictures as you like along the way. Shops and factories encourage photographs, but always ask an artisan if you can take their picture. Most are happy to pose alone or with visitors and are used to being photographed. Be sure and bring plenty of film with you, as it’s very expensive in Italy.
Q. Are children invited on the tour?
A. Over 18, please - but ask if you have a specific request.
Q. Do I need a special luggage tag?
A. We will provide you with Two Sisters Travel luggage
tags prior to departure. Please remove all your old airline
tags and stickers before you leave home.
Q. Will we be able to fill prescriptions in Italy?
A. There are many over the counter items in Italian drug stores, but don’t count on getting any normal refills. They can usually find something with the same ingredients, but it’s very difficult and it’s better to be prepared with a good supply of any medications that you will need during the trip. Bring them on the plane in your carry-on bag, in case of luggage delay.
Q. How can my family contact me ?
A. Prior to departure we will provide everyone with the names
and phone numbers of all the hotels for family contact, if necessary.
We will also have our cell phones to use for emergencies. Phone
cards can be purchased very cheaply in Italy and are a great
way to call home at a low price. Unless you have a tri-band
(global) cell phone, it probably won’t work in Italy.
These phones can also be rented upon arrival in Italy for use
during the trip.
Q. What about customs when I return to the US?
A. Each person is entitled to bring back $800 worth of merchandise duty and tax free. Anything above that is itemized and a minimal tax of 10% or less is levied upon re-entry to the USA. The ceramics are cheap, so you rarely come close to the limit, as with the purses and other items. Gold is usually worn home and not mentioned, but we are not allowed to suggest omitting that from your declarations. We can discuss all that during the trip.
Q. How do I get all my purchases home?
A. The airlines normally allow two large pieces of luggage and
with careful packing, you can get lots of goodies in between
your clothing. The leather goods pack easily and we’re
experts at getting a 10-place setting set into your bags. Some
of the shops will ship, but most do not. We have a contact at
Mail Boxes, Etc., and will make a stop there for shipping home
dishes. It’s also a good idea to share a shipment with
another shopper and go together with one or two boxes home.
It’s not cheap, but better when two or three go in on
a mailing. Many of the larger shops will ship and you can also
take a third bag on the plane for approximately $90. We find
that packing your clothes in a medium suitcase and putting it
inside a larger one is a good idea for the trip over. That gives
you two bags to check going and more room for the return trip
and purchases.
Q. Will there be any sightseeing time for us?
A. This is really a “shopping” trip, but we do allow quite a bit of free time at every stop to explore on your own. We have 2 1/2 days in Rome, a day in Florence and afternoons in other towns to wander off on your own. If you wish to go to Italy in advance or stay after the tour is finished, we will be happy to assist you with hotel arrangements.
Q. What about electrical power in Italy?
A. Italy has a two-pronged type outlet and uses 220 volt power. Hair dryers, curling irons and digital camera chargers will need adapters and dual voltage systems to switch to 220. These adapters are available at travel shops or Radio Shack. It is difficult to plug in laptop computers, as the phone system is not the greatest, but most towns have Internet Café access for emails home.
Q. Will there be hotel safes for valuables?
A. No, please do not bring any valuable jewelry or other expensive items. There is no way to guarantee their safety.
Q. What about insurance?
A. While it is not mandatory, we provide the following links
for Trip Protection plans. These plans usually reimburse you
for the cost of airfare or medical treatment in case of an emergency.
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