italy starter guide

A Simple Guide for Planning Your Italy Vacation

Planning a trip to Italy can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Deciding which cities to visit, where to stay, what to see, and how to get from place to place adds up to a lot of research, planning, and potential headaches. And, sometimes, the many resources, Web sites, and travel guides available only make matters more confusing.

We, at the Globus family of brands, can help making your dream Italian vacation all that you want it to be. At the world’s largest escorted travel company, with over 430 vacations to more than 79 countries across 6 continents, we have heard just about every question there is about planning a vacation–and we think we can help you find most of your answers here. From selecting your ideal destinations, budgeting, accommodations, and itinerary to figuring out when to travel, what to pack, and how to get where you want to go, the Italy travel kit is your guide. Should you have any additional questions that we haven’t answered, we are just a phone call (1 800 425 3575) or email ([email protected]) away; or may be we

The Vatican

should say, close. We are happy to answer your most simple or detailed questions. And once you make your decision, we can offer you our array of vacations– from a fully escorted vacation to an independent adventure– and meet your style or budget, give insider knowledge, and deliver worldclass service with every journey! We wish you happy and safe travel – enjoy the ride, ciao! Scott Nisbet President and CEO Globus family of brands

Sicily

TRAVELING TO AN ITALIAN DESTINATION FOR THE FIRST TIME? Looking to explore one city or multiple destinations? With Italy’s varied history, cultures, and historic sites, deciding where to go, when to go, how long to stay, and how to get the most bang for your buck can be tough. The first step is to ask yourself some questions…and we’re making the second step (answering them) a little simpler. Our goal is the same as yours: Stop dreaming and start going!

trip planning Should I try to visit several different cities or focus my time on a single destination? If you think this trip is your “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to go to Italy, then by all means, pack your schedule so that you see and experience as much as possible. You will need 1-2 weeks to truly enjoy a multi-city getaway. If you only have a short amount of time •  History: While every Italian city offers •  Shopping: There is great shopping to get away, plan to visit just one major historical treasures, if you are interested throughout Italy. For unique items, destination. Choose between some of in history and only have a short time, try Venice for its Murano glass the most popular Italian cities, or you may Rome is your best bet. Rome has the and Sorrento for its intarsio inlaid prefer a resort getaway. Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the woodwork. Florence is best known catacombs, the Vatican and Sistine for its fine leather products. Looking NEED HELP DECIDING WHERE Chapel, and ancient ruins throughout for Italian fashion designer brands? TO GO? CONSIDER WHAT the city. Rome and Milan both offer highINTERESTS YOU THE MOST end designer boutiques and many •  Romance: If you’re looking for Italian designer flagship stores. •  Relaxation: If you just want to a shorter, romantic vacation, you take it easy on your Italian getaway, should head to Venice. Take a ride For an even more exciting Sorrento is a laid-back resort town. on a romantic gondola, stroll through getaway, build in a couple of trips Wander through the cobblestone the shops and over the many bridges, outside your chosen city. For streets and taste a glass of worldand savor a leisurely drink or romantic instance, choose Rome as your famous limoncello. Enjoy amazing dinner in St. Mark’s Square—a great destination hub for three nights and scenery on a drive along the place for people-watching. take day trips to Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast. or the Isle of Capri.

TRAVEL TIP

WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET? A simple guideline is to allot about $200-$300 per day. How much it costs largely depends on the destination & the category of hotels you want to stay at but a good starting guideline is to allot about $100 - $150 per day for the hotels. Add an additional Rs.45000 to Rs. 50000 for airfare, Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000 for visas and don’t forget to budget for transfers to/from the airport, personal expenses such as meals while on tour and ofcourse, shopping!

If your budget (or time) is limited, explore packages where travel, lodging, and some sightseeing are included. Then, add on activities and excursions that fit your budget. If the idea of researching and booking transportation (from the airport, between cities, etc.) and activities is starting to panic you, don’t worry…in the next sections, we’ll give you some very simple solutions!!

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED? Taking travel time to and from Italy into account, the minimum amount of time you want to spend on your Italian getaway is four days. Generally speaking, four days in a new destination will allow you time to experience the major sites and visit the most popular attractions. Anything less than four days and the trip might not be worth the money you spent on your flight.

Florence

If you have a little more time, combine destinations for a broader experience. For example, travel to Rome & Sorrento or Rome & Venice. For even more historical sites, in addition to Rome, be sure to add Sicily, where ancient structures are waiting. Fans of art and architecture, as well as fashion, should definitely add Florence as well. If you have at least two weeks for an in-depth experience of Italy, we also recommend adding the Italian Lake District in Northern Italy. Charming Lake Maggiore—with its endless sunshine, palm trees, and mountain backdrop—is a great place to go at the end of your trip.

what’s the right time? San Gigmanano

How far ahead do I need to plan and book my travel?

to travel, also offering smaller crowds, milder weather, and more sunshine.

When are you planning to travel? If your heart is set on a trip during the summer months, plan to book your getaway five months out. Travel during the “shoulder season” (lateSeptember through April) and you can book a few weeks to two months out.

What’s the weather like in Italy and how will it affect my plans?

When is the best time of year to travel to Italy? Italy is truly a year-round destination. If traveling during the summer, take advantage of Italy’s bright sunshine, many beaches, fun festivals, and outdoor music perfomances. (Many Italians take a vacation in late August, so many restaurants and shops close; however, this could be the perfect time to avoid the summer crowds in major cities like Rome.) If you’re looking for smaller crowds and shorter attraction lines, travel during the winter, and take advantage of the local Christmas markets that pop up. Late spring and early autumn are the ideal times

TRAVEL TRAVEL TIP: TIP

Naples

Italyismostlyhotandhumidinthesummer,colderandwetterinthe winter,andmoremildtemperaturesarefoundinthespringandfall. If you’re going to Italy during the summer months, plan your day so you are inside museums, galleries, or churches during the hottest hours. Visit outdoor attractions early in the morning or in the evening. Or, perhaps plan a trip to the coast where the ocean can cool you down (just expect lots of people have this same idea). If traveling in the winter, make sure you check attraction hours, as many have reduced hours and days.

TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY? Making a home base in one or two Italian cities, while spending at least three nights in each city, is great for families with children. You won’t have to pack up and lug all of your gear from place to place, and your kids can feel comfortable knowing where they will be sleeping each night. Book a family vacation through Monograms and receive a 25% discount off the land vacation price for kids ages 2-11, a 10% discount for kids 12-17, and kids under 2 are free!

This chart should give you a better idea of the type of temperatures you can expect.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Capri 54 F 55 F 59 F 64 F 72 F 79 F 84 F 85 F 79 F 71 F 62 F 56 F

Florence 50 F 53 F 61 F 66 F 74 F 81 F 88 F 87 F 81 F 70 F 58 F 50 F

Lake Maggiore (Stresa) 43 F 47 F 55 F 62 F 70 F 77 F 83 F 81 F 75 F 64 F 52 F 44 F

Rome 53 F 56 F 61 F 66 F 74 F 81 F 88 F 87 F 81 F 72 F 62 F 55 F

Sicily 54 F 55 F 57 F 60 F 66 F 72 F 78 F 79 F 75 F 69 F 62 F 56 F

Sorrento 54 F 55 F 59 F 64 F 72 F 79 F 84 F 85 F 79 F 71 F 62 F 56 F

Venice 44 F 47 F 55 F 62 F 71 F 77 F 82 F 83 F 75 F 65 F 53 F 46 F

Will I have a problem if I don’t speak the language? Italian is the official language of Italy but because Italy receives so many tourists, you can find many people who speak English in the major cities and tourist destinations. Italians are generally friendly and interested in helping you. However, as you might expect, learning a few words and phrases and attempting to speak the native language will get you much further with the locals. To get you started, here are a few words and phrases: Hello: Ciao Goodbye: Arrivederci Please: Per favore Thank you: Grazie You’re welcome: Prego Yes: Sì No: No Excuse me: Mi scusi Do you speak English?: Parla Inglese?

I don’t understand: Non capisco How are you?: Come sta? Good evening: Buona sera Good morning: Buon giorno How much is it?: Quanto costa?

mapping out your trip What type of trip do you want to take? You’ve decided on your destination(s) and you need to fill your days with fun activities and excursions that will make your trip memorable. But where do you start? From museums and monuments to gardens and ruins, Italy is filled with enough history and “must-see” sites to fill a year’s worth of sightseeing. With our experience helping travelers create vacations to remember, we can help you truly personalize your getaway. You have many options on how to travel through Italy. Your decision depends on the type of trip that suits your needs. Below are the most popular ways to experience Italy. Use it as a guide to choose a style that fits you and your vacation needs.

Escorted Tour Vacation

Independent Travel Package

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Getaway

Want to experience the “best” parts of a destination while letting someone else be in charge? On an escorted tour (also known as coach tour), sightseeing excursions and intercity travel are planned for you with all of the details and logistics ontour handled by an expert …your Tour Director/Manager. You can avoid all the hassles of the logistics and the planning that comes with a vacation to Italy. You have the choice of booking affordable vacations which offer flexibility with the must-see sights included or even premium vacations with more inclusions.

Like to travel on your own, but need an expert to put together your trip for you? Generally, with a travel package, all travel and accommodations are arranged for you, with an itinerary including some prescheduled activities and some free time to explore on your own. This provides a balance for travelers who want the benefits of an organized trip, but do not want to travel with a group or a fixed schedule. And some independent travel packages offer access to Local Hosts, to help with any on-site needs, suggestions, or recommendations.

Prefer a challenge and want to research, plan, and book everything on your own? When you choose this option, it’s important that you’re independent minded, adventurous and are willing to spend time and effort to customize every detail of your trip from accommodation to sightseeing to traveling from one city to the other. This works great for travelers who are willing to take risks and rough it out if things don’t go as per plan.

Cruise For those who want just a taste of Italy, a cruise may be an option. Like an escorted tour, the benefit is that everything is packaged together, but remember that your time in the destination will be very limited. While most European cruises don’t overnight in Italy within their core itinerary, some offer pre- or post-cruise extensions at an additional cost.

TRAVEL TIP ASK YOURSELF, “HOW BUSY DO I WANT TO BE?” Decide on your preferred pace of the tour and choose a vacation accordingly. Some travel companies, such as Cosmos, have a tripscale indicator for each vacation. These show the pace of the tour - if the vacation is leisurely or on-the-go or nicely balanced. Use this to decide on the kind of getaway that’s perfect for you. Some travelers prefer late wake-up calls, however, scheduling sightseeing early in the morning will help you avoid the crowds, especially in the main cities of Italy. And you could use the afternoon to relax and take in a local experience.

what are the things i can’t miss? Do I want a trip that focuses on Italy’s “greatest hits” and must-see sites? We always recommend starting your first full day on vacation with a city tour to give you the lay of the land. Having a Local Guide show you the highlights and provide some tips on what to see and where to go is a great help, whether it’s your first or fifth trip to that destination. You can research, book, and pay for these tours and other excursions in advance of your trip. That way, you’ll wake up on your first morning knowing exactly what you are doing, without having to waste your time looking at maps and asking for directions. City tours are included on escorted tours and independent travel packages such as Monograms. Activities and excursions are generally extra but will give you a well-rounded experience.

ITALY’S “MUST SEES” No matter who or how well traveled you are, seeing the main sites in each city is a “must.” Here are a few standout sites that make the destination unique and present great photo ops.

Lake Maggiore Venice

ITALY Florence Adriatic Sea Rome Mediterranean Sea

•  St. Peter’s Square and Basilica •  Trevi Fountain

FLORENCE Sorrento

Sicily

architectural heritage are reflected in its The vibrant and “Eternal City” many museums and art galleries. It is also of Rome has it all—ancient ruins, important for Italian fashion and is ranked cultural highlights, architectural one of the top fashion cities in the world. marvels, magnificent churches, Must-see sites: beautiful statues, mouth-watering •  The Academy of Fine Arts •  East Door of the Baptistry of St. John cuisine, and stylish boutiques. •  Uffizi Gallery Must-see sites: •  Pitti Palace •  The Colosseum •  Santa Maria del Fiore •  Roman Forum •  Giotto’s Bell Tower •  Sistine Chapel

ROME

Ionian Sea

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence’s artistic traditions, numerous monuments, and rich history have caused it to be ranked one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its history, culture, and

VENICE Formed in the 9th century, Venice is a city with a rich history, built on 121 small islands connected by 435 bridges. Enjoy people-watching in St. Mark’s Square, discover hidden treasures and restaurants in the maze of back alleys, and take a gondola ride.

Capri

Sicily

Explore the cobblestone streets lined with Must-see sites: shops and restaurants, and be sure to sample •  Taormina’s Greek Amphitheater limoncello, the sweet drink made from the •  Mount Etna enormous lemons that come directly from •  Valley of the Temples in Agrigento the town’s numerous lemon trees. Delight in the amazing views, watch the sunset dip into the sea, and see Mount Vesuvius across LAKE MAGGIORE Spend time in Lake Maggiore, Italy’s the bay. TRAVEL TIP second-largest lake and one of Italy’s most Must-see sites: beautiful areas. Enjoy the picturesque •  Sedil Dominova WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO lakefront, colorful flowerbeds, shops, cafés, •  The Bell Tower GET AROUND? and restaurants. •  Pompeii The best way to get around Italy is in a group tour, •  The Isle of Capri Must-see sites: as it is hassle free and logistics are taken care of. •  Isola Bella It pays to be careful in Italy! However, you have SICILY the option of travelling by train as well - it is fast, •  Isola Pescatori convenient, and relaxing, and trains travel to •  The largest island in the Mediterranean, •  Mottarone Cable Car from almost all major Italian cities. If you’re Sicily is known for its blue skies, and nervous about figuring out how to get around, archaeological sites, and rich heritage. book yourself with a reputed tour company SORRENTO Visit the ancient Greek structures, who can take care if travelling around Italy Sorrento is a laid-back town with beautiful and sightseeing as well! Plus a Tour Manager/ see Europe’s greatest natural wonder— Director or a Local Host® will be available at landscapes—high and low hills, azureMount Etna—and try some tasty Sicilian your destination to offer suggestions on getting seas, majestic mountains, and deep valleys. around town. cuisine. Must-see sites: •  St. Mark’s Square & Basilica •  Doges’ Palace & Bridge of Sighs •  Rialto Bridge •  Accademia Bridge

what’s the best way to feel like a local? What can I do to have an authentic Italian experience? Make time to head off the beaten path to discover the cafés, shops, galleries, and neighborhoods that form the heartbeat of that city. This is where Local Guides (and Monograms Local Hosts®) are invaluable. They can introduce you to the less-traveled areas and enhance your experience like no one else.

The following are some of the most popular “local” suggestions:

ROME •  The

Campidoglio’s (Capitol Hill) elegant marble stairway that leads to the Piazza Campidoglio is an exhilarating Renaissance creation. Continue to the Capitoline Museums, the first public art gallery in the world, and then climb the stairs to the roof terrace, a location beloved by chic modern Romans for its sweeping views over the city.

•  Take a taxi to the San Sebastiano gate

in Imperial Rome’s towering Aurelian Walls and enter an archeological park created to preserve the Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica).

Once Rome’s link to the eastern Empire, it is now considered one of the wonders of the world for its engineering and monuments.

VENICE •  Take an after-dinner ride on the Number

1 boat of the vaporetti or public water buses. Stop at every point on the Grand Canal, watch light reflect magically from the towering palazzo, and pass underneath the Rialto and Accademia bridges. •  View one of Venice’s modern treasures

behind walls in the residential district of Dorsoduro. The Peggy Guggenheim

Collection is filled with the American heiress’ cutting-edge collection of surrealist and modern paintings, including Jackson Pollock, among others. •  And don’t forget to stop at Hemingway’s

favorite haunt, Harry’s Bar, for a Bellini, its signature drink invented by the bar’s founder.

FLORENCE •  If

you’re interested in Florence’s shopping scene, wander down the Via Tornabuoni, a street featuring the swankiest stores in town. Or, for an open-air food, clothing, and antiques

market experience, the Piazza San Lorenzo, Mercato Nuovo, or Mercato Centrale are must-see considerations. •  To

get away from crowds of tourists for a bit and for a fun “local” point-of-view, head across the river on Ponte Vespucci to Oltrarno with its interesting neighborhood, small stores, and artisan workshops. At Piazza Santa Spirito, enjoy a small morning market or the 15th-century Santo Spirito Church.

SORRENTO •  Walk

through the Old Town along the fisherman’s path and take a step back in time to Marina Grande, once the main harbor of Sorrento. Sophia Loren was filmed in the 1960s movie It Started In Naples at this picturesque harbor.

•  Take a ride on the Sorrento City Train

Tour—with audio commentary—to appreciate the panoramic terraces and beauty of the city.

SICILY •  Travel

to Europe’s largest and highest active volcano, Mount Etna. Take a hike in the beautiful woods or ride the cable car that climbs to 8,530 feet

up the mountain. the archaeological sites of Syracuse, birthplace of mathematician Archimedes and home to many wellpreserved Greek and Roman ruins, some that date back to the 4th–5th century BC.

•  Tour

LAKE MAGGIORE •  Hang

with the locals at one of the weekly street markets. Sample some produce from a nearby farm or stumble upon a local artisan selling his crafts. This is a great place to pick up items for a picnic lunch.

simplify your trip Perfect Starter Packages by

Your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be, sans the planning and logistic hassle. Cosmos is designed to make touring in Italy simple. It is less expensive, more comfortable, and far easier than traveling on your own. You travel hassle-free, knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. With a range of vacations from multi-country to regional discoveries, Cosmos offers greater choice of activities, plenty of free time to explore and longer stays in key cities for you to truly get immersed in local culture. Our Tour Directors/Managers will make you feel comfortable and confident in destinations – even if it’s your first time there.

The following are the most popular Cosmos packages for the first-time traveler to Italy: The Splendors of Italy

Leisurely Tuscany & Rome

Rome, Sorrento & Capri

• 9 DAYS

• 8 DAYS

• 9 DAYS

Visit Italy’s most celebrated treasures: the “Eternal City” of Rome, and Tuscany with its medieval and Renaissance heritage. Start with a guided sightseeing of Rome. Stay in the spa town of Montecatini. Discover Florence with its Renaissance masterpieces, Pisa with its Leaning Tower, Siena and San Gimignano with their medieval castles, towers, olive groves and vineyards. Returning south, stop at St. Francis’ Assisi.

Begin with three nights in Rome, included guided city sightseeing, visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Visit Mount Vesuvius and view its crater. Stay on the romantic Isle of Capri, a mecca for the jet set. Finally, enjoy Sorrento, the lively seaside resort facing the Gulf of Naples and home to the popular limoncello liqueur. An excursion to the celebrated Amalfi Coast is included as well as a guided visit of the Pompeii archaeological site.

Italy, a country filled with history, amazing art, delicious cuisine, remarkable architecture, and splendid beauty. Explore the maze of streets in Venice, and discover hidden treasures in their back alleys. Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Explore the historical sites of Rome, including the Colosseum. Admire the square in Siena. Enjoy wine tasting in Italy’s Chianti wine region, and shop for local goods in Italy’s Tuscany region.

This is just a sampling of the Cosmos Italy packages—we offer 10 packages in all. And we even go beyond Italy. We apply the same skill within Europe, North America, South & Central America, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, and Africa. In total, there are over 430 packages to choose from. See them all at www.CosmosVacations.in or call us for more information.

WHY CHOOSE COSMOS FOR ITALY? • Our famous value: complete travel packages include hotel, transportation,

sightseeing and a Professional Tour Director for as low as US$1299. • Up to 30% cheaper than traveling on your own. • Hassle-free touring with all the logistics looked after. • Visits to all major and must-see sights included. • Authentic destination experience with expert Tour Directors who belong to the

region. • Well located hotels selected with care for their standards. Florence

Italy’s Best • 14 DAYS Start at Rome with its famed archaeological sites; Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance;” enchanting Lake Maggiore; the unique floating city of Venice; Perugia, capital of Umbria; and the lively resort of Sorrento. You’ll also experience Pisa’s amazing Leaning Tower; Milan, the capital of fashion; Italian-speaking Lugano, Switzerland; lively Lake Maggiore; Ravenna with its precious Byzantine mosaics; Assisi’s frescoed St. Francis Basilica; Pompeii’s remarkable archaeological site; and the jet-set Isle of Capri.

• Balanced itineraries with free time to explore on your own. • Opportunity to sample local cuisine & do what locals do. • Cosmopolitan vacations with travel companions from different countries across the

world. • Optional excursions at unbeatable value – diverse enough for unique interest and at

unbeatable value. • A dynamic blend of transportation includes first-class motor coaches and cruises! • Porterage is included – not handling your own bag really makes you feel you are on a

vacation. • Personalize with extra nights and value priced airport transfers. • Choice of over 100 itineraries with departure dates throughout the year. • Option to prepay Tour Director and driver gratuities makes tipping hassle-free for

you. • Cosmos receives a 96% satisfaction rating on our customers’ post vacation surveys • Recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer. • We are celebrating 50 years’ experience in showing people the world!

beyond italy Want to add more vacation to your vacation? Perhaps you would like to extend your stay in Italy or venture to Britain, France, Germany, Spain, or other European countries. The Globus family of brands offers hundreds of Italy and Europe vacation options—from fully escorted tours to river cruises. So, take advantage of some of these other great vacation packages and truly make this a trip of a lifetime!

HERE ARE A FEW POPULAR TOURS THAT WOULD BE GREAT OPTIONS FOR YOUR EUROPEAN VACATION: Multi-country Panoramas

Britain & Scotland

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

The best way to sample what this charming Old World continent has to offer. From Austria to England, France, Germany and Holland and from Hungary, Italy, to colorful Spain, and Switzerland, come away with a whole new perspective after a Cosmos vacation to Europe. Options begin from 8 days to 30 days!

Get a delightful introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, and Wales and step back in time to experience the tradition and pageantry of an Edinburgh Castle Military Tattoo, marvel at mysterious Stonehenge, or kiss the legendary “Blarney Stone” in Cork.

Colorful, lively, dramatic-and ultimately beyond description. Explore the exotic and fascinating Morocco, visit Portugal’s Sanctuary of Fatima, travel through Spain’s La Mancha, or step back in time in Marrakesh. With over half a dozen vacations to the Iberian Peninsula, you will truly be spoilt for choice!

• A Taste of Europe (8 days)

• England, Scotland & Wales (10 days)

• Scenic Europe & Bernina Express (10 days)

• British Panorama (6 days)

• Madrid & Andalusia (8 days) • The Best of Spain & Portugal (13 days)

* Globus tours include everything you need for a hassle-free European experience–from an expertly planned itinerary and all transportation to sightseeing and many meals—all with the guidance and insight of the industry’s most experienced Tour Directors. Visit www.GlobusJourneys.in for a listing of all of your European options.

Prague

Central & Eastern Europe Come and enjoy the Eastern and Central European experience! Just an hour or two drive away from each other you can explore diverse cities and heritage sights with more than 1100 years of unique history and experiences unlike any other. This all year round destination blends the very best of Europe in music, folklore, culture and lifestyle. • Prague, Vienna & Budapest (9 days) • Central Europe (15 days)

This is just a sampling of the Cosmos European packages—and we even go beyond Europe. We apply the same skill within USA and Canada. In total, there are over 100 packages to choose from. See them all at www.CosmosVacations.in or call us 1800 425 3575 for more info.

You can also travel Europe by boat! River cruising is Europe’s fastest-growing travel segment, and Avalon Waterways is leading the way. Avalon’s style and premium standard will give you a perspective of Europe like none other, with Europe’s newest fleet, largest staterooms, expansive views, and enriching land programs (included in your cruise price).To view it all, visit www.GlobusJourneys.in/Avalon-Cruises.aspx.

Paris

you’re ready to go...almost You are a few weeks away from your departure date and are starting to think about packing and finalizing the last details of your trip. Here are a few additional things to remember to make sure you are ready and prepared for your adventure overseas. VISA A Visa to Italy takes up to 2 to 3 weeks, on an average. We recommend that you apply for the visas as early as possible. You need to provide tour confirmations, personal financial records, insurance, flight tickets etc. to apply for a Schengen tourist visa. Please verify with the consulate for specific documentation needed.

• Travel Light – It is always best to travel light, so that you can avoid unnecessary delays, and get to your destination most efficiently. You won’t have long waits for your luggage when you bring just enough. One more advantage is that you avoid excess baggage charges which can often be quite significant. Traveling light makes your arrival/departure less complicated and will make your travel experience better all round.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• A small daypack – A backpack will make touring Travel Insurance is highly recommended when around a city or taking a day trip a lot easier, as you traveling in general and it is mandatory when traveling can carry more items and still have your hands free to Italy. There are various companies offering it. The for photo opportunities. insurance covers loss of passports, baggage, delays in • Money – The currency in Italy is the euro. ATMs flights and medical expenses while on tour. have become an easy way to get the type of money CONFIRMATIONS & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS you need when you need it, so plan to bring a debit card! Visa, MasterCard, and other credit Have your travel documents and vouchers easily cards are also generally accepted forms of payment accessible. Carry a copy of important documents worldwide. Make sure you notify your bank before like a plane ticket, travel itinerary, insurance papers, you leave for your trip so they don’t flag your passport pages, visa copies and confirmation account for “unusual–activity” while you are away. numbers, stored in a safe place, apart from in your The last thing you need when you are in Italy is hand luggage. to have your account frozen, leaving you without PACKING access to cash. • A money belt – A waist pouch and a money belt provide great peace of mind when you are carrying money, passports, credit cards, and other important documents.

FOREX

You can carry currency or travelers cheques of various denominations for convenience. Some banks offer pre-paid traveler’s card designed to give you a • Dress for comfort – Most places in Italy may involve secure and hassle free travel experience. These also a lot of walking around sightseeing attractions. Carry help avoid paying transaction charges for shopping comfortable shoes. Also, take layers of clothing to abroad. They are ideal during travel since they can help you adjust to temperature variations during be hot-listed if stolen & reloaded, while you are still the day. vacationing. Credit cards in India don’t always offer a good rate of exchange for usage overseas. You can

also exchange money at local banks and hotels, but remember that they will charge a relatively high fee for handling the exchange. FLIGHTS • Baggage – Check your airline’s policies and restrictions regarding checked and carry-on baggage. Most airlines allow one checked bag per person free-of-charge on international flights. Make sure you follow your airline’s weight and size guidelines to avoid paying excess baggage fees for an oversized or heavy bag. • Arriving at the Airport – For international flights, arrive at the airport no less than two hours before your departure time. Check if your flight is on time before leaving home so you can eliminate waiting around the airport if your flight is delayed. TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN When traveling anywhere with children, both young and old, we follow one rule: expect the best, but prepare for the worst-case scenario. • Pack extras of everything in a bag. From snacks and water to toys and changes of clothes, you can never be too prepared, particularly when dealing with potential delays, rerouting, and long waits. • Aim for a window seat for your child for a little builtin entertainment at take-off and landing. • Beyond your flight, it’s important to plan your vacation with a mix of fun activities, rest and relaxation each day. And, bring snacks with you in your daypack to ward off cases of “the grumpies.”

OVERCOMING JETLAG • Minimize the impact of changing multiple time zones by staying hydrated during your flight and avoiding alcoholic drinks while on the plane. • Remember to set your watch to the time at your destination as soon as you begin your flight to help you begin adjusting before you even arrive. • If it’s daytime when you arrive at your destination, spend as much time as you can outside, using the sunlight to help you adjust to the new time zone. The reverse is true if you arrive in the evening. Try to get a good night sleep so you can wake up at a reasonable time the next day to start your vacation. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION • The best way to enjoy your Italian vacation is to immerse yourself in the local destination experience – food, language and people are all part of that experience. • Show respect to cultural differences. Maintain punctuality for sightseeing and other activities that you have enrolled for, so you can maximize on your vacation experience. • Keep an open mind and exhibit attitudes that set a positive example of our nation outside–every citizen is a country’s ambassador, especially when traveling overseas!

For 50 years, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages. Infact, for as little as $77 per day, you can enjoy the benefits of escorted travel, a greater choice of activities, free time to explore your destination the way you want, and longer stays in key cities, so that you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. With many European tours for less than $1,000, you’ll spend less time dreaming and more time doing. Get started today—see your local travel agent, call Cosmos at 1.800.425.3575 or visit us at www.CosmosVacations.in For a Cosmos specialist travel agent, use our handy Travel Agent Locator— and tell them Cosmos sent you!