Travel Italy
2009 – 10 Days from $5,590
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. Superb travel Italy style! From Michelangelo’s statue of David to the echoes of gladiators at Rome’s Colosseum, the art and drama of the ages inspire this journey. Confirmed reservations provide an opportunity to view the original works of the masters at the Uffizi Gallery, and Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia. Enjoy confirmed reservations at the Doges’ Palace in Venice, see St. Mark’s Square, and take a gondola ride on the canals complete with a serenade. Visit the medieval town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside. Take a private boat across Lake Como at the foot of the Alps, and a high-speed train ride to Florence. See the Colosseum in Rome, and view the inspiring treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel during a private, after-hours guided visit – a Tauck Exclusive! And of course, you'll also have ample time to pursue what interests you most in Venice, Florence, and Rome when you travel Italy with Tauck!

2009 Itinerary


Day 1: Welcome to the pleasures of the Italian Lakes
Tour begins at 6:00 p.m., Grand Hotel Eden. A transfer is included from Milan's Malpensa Airport to Grand Hotel Eden in Lugano. As you travel Italy Tauck-style, you'll see the best of this ancient country, from great cities to countryside villages and towns that are off-the-beaten track! Begin by heading through the beautiful northern Italian countryside from Milan to Lugano, Switzerland – an Italian-style city set on the edge of a bejeweled lake with views of the not-too-distant Alps. Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront promenade, then meet fellow traveling companions at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland

Day 2: Villa delights and a cruise on Lake Como
Your travels take you to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, built in the 18th century, and noted for garden landscaping and sculpture. Admire the dramatic views of the Alps silhouetting the famous villas along the shores of Lake Como on a private boat cruise to Bellagio; enjoy free time to explore the picturesque town as you please. Another private boat cruise takes you past some of Italy's most elegant lakeside villas to Como. Return to Lugano, where the evening is free to spend as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland

Day 3: Travel Italy from the fabulous lakes to Venice
Journey to Venice, designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. After lunch, head to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the greatest buildings in Europe with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. See the Doges’ Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. A serenade aboard a gondola cruise through the canals, and dinner at a popular Venetian restaurant, are the perfect endings to a perfect day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy

Day 4: Explore Venice as you please
Spend the whole day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most in remarkable Venice, a highlight as you travel Italy with Tauck. Perhaps tour the Galleria dell'Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to the many islands in the Venetian lagoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy

Day 5: By Rail to Florence, home of David and the Renaissance
Travel Italy by rail today from Venice to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city’s architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian – a special touch when you travel Italy with Tauck. You'll be totally prepared for your visit to Galleria dell’Accademia, where you're certain to marvel at Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. View Lorenzo Ghiberti’s bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. Later, a walking tour explores the historical center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy

Day 6: Masterpieces of the Uffizi
Gaze at some of the world’s greatest art masterpieces at the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy’s largest art museum, on a guided tour with a local expert. Admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. Following your tour, you can spend as much time as you like looking at the art. During your free afternoon you can explore as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy

Day 7: Across lush landscapes and on to eternal Rome
Travel Italy through the verdant landscapes of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio today, featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through its narrow centuries-old streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held, and visit the Duomo, one of Italy’s great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Tuscany to your final destination – Rome, the Eternal City that was the center of the once-powerful Roman Empire, and is today the capital of modern Italy.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 8: Discover the Vatican's treasures on an exclusive private tour
After spending some time exploring Rome as you please, you're treated to a unique view of the rich treasures of the Vatican with an exclusive experience that's sure to be a highlight when you travel Italy with Tauck: a private, after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (day of the tour may vary)! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the world's great masterpieces, including Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, without the usual crowds. Up close and unhurried, you'll have a chance to see why the chapel's floor is as famous as its celebrated ceiling!
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 9: An extraordinary day in Imperial Rome
Get an insider’s view of Rome from a local guide as you see such can't-miss sights as the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus and many others. You'll avoid long lines with pre-arranged reservations at the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator combat, and visit St. Peter's Square and one of the world's most famous houses of worship, iconic St. Peter's Basilica. Enjoy some more free time to check out what interests you most in Rome before gathering to share your favorite experiences at the farewell cocktail party and dinner – a special finale when you travel Italy with Tauck.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, Italy

Day 10: Arrivederci Rome
Your journey ends in Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino; allow 2 1/2 hours for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

See the great cities of Italy – Venice, Florence and Rome – and the beautiful Italian Lakes – when you travel Italy with Tauck; book today!


Inclusive Prices


Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, first-class accommodations on the Eurostar train from Venice to Florence, the private boat ride across Lake Como, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tauck Director are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Milan Malpensa International Airport and provide transportation to the Grand Hotel Eden, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from The St. Regis Grand Hotel to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome on the day of your departure.
 
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tauck Director –Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staffs and local guides are included.

No Options Sold - Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
 

Not Included


Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
 

Additional Information


Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.

If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
 
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
 
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
 
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at The Grand Hotel Eden on the first day of the tour. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at check out time at the St. Regis Grand Hotel. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.

Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
 

Preparing To Go


Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.

ATM and Credit Cards – Tauck recommends that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. Tauck also recommends that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Clothing and Packing – When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll; however, generally you will only need to dress for warm and delightful weather – and the occasional shower.

When dining in finer restaurants, slacks or a dress for women are acceptable dining attire; jackets for men are not required. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer. This is particularly important when you visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where shorts and tank tops are not allowed.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at the hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Italy:
  • An optional sports jacket for men
  • Casually-elegant outfits for ladies
  • Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
  • Shorts, slacks and jeans
  • Tee shirts
  • Socks
  • Light sweater
  • Light-weight jacket
  • Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for sightseeing
  • Raincoat and rain hat
  • Collapsible umbrella
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wash cloths – as most hotels in Italy do not provide them
  • Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 1,300 feet (396 meters).

Health – Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome, though paced to accommodate all of our guests, is nonetheless an active tour. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. There are several long walking tours ranging form 1½ hours in Venice to 4 hours in Vatican City. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also logon on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.

If you are a citizen of another country, please check with an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

Luggage Restrictions-

Checked Luggage – General

While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.

Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.

Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.

Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversized bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.

Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter Italy.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter Italy for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Tauck strongly recommends that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, Tauck recommends that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel with Children –
 
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older (3 year of age or older for Bridges tours) at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age (Some tours will insert and age here.) to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.

Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.

Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel

If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.

If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.

All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.

Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment

In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
 

Destination Information


Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Italy and Switzerland.

Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Italy is the Euro.

In Italy, travelers’ checks are becoming increasingly unpopular. Most reputable establishments will accept major credit cards. The ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) in Italy are known as Bancomats, and they are widespread. Using a credit card, or even better, a debit card or your local bank ATM card, is very easy. If you are unsure about the compatibility or the banking systems, contact the bank or institution that issued your card. The Bancomat will dispense Euro. Many banks are now charging large fees of 2.5% to 4% for cash advances on credit cards which negates any advantage of using the Bancomat in the first place. We advise that you use your regular ATM card and simply withdraw money from your account just as you would do at your local bank.
 
The official currency in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is the Swiss Franc (CHF) which is divided into 100 centimes and in Italy and Austria, it is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Although not part of the EU, Switzerland prices are nonetheless often indicated in Euros and some merchants may accept Euros.

To obtain the up-to-date currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Italy and Switzerland’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
 
Switzerland – VisaHQ.com 
Italy – VisaHQ.com
 
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
 
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

Italy levies a 20% and Switzerland levies a 7.6 % Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
 
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Italy is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your appliances do not conform to these standards, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters. These items can be purchased in a store that specializes in travel products.

Time Zones – Italy is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through late October, Italy switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 2 hours ahead. In June, Rome is 6 hours ahead of New York City. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.

Weather - The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Generally, spring and fall average high temperatures in the regions explored on this journey range from 53 to 81°F (12 to 27°C) and summer high temperatures range from 76 to 88°F (24 to 31°C), though temperatures are frequently over 90°F (32°C) in summer. Rain falls evenly throughout the year in Venice, but more seasonally in Lugano and Rome, where summers are dryer than winters. Venice experiences very high humidity, with hot weather in July and August. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences thunderstorms and rain showers which, particularly in spring and autumn, tend to cause flooding, known as the 'acqua alta’. Rainfall in Florence is twice that in Rome.
 
Average Temperature
 
Lugano, Switzerland
Venice, Italy
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
55 / 25
13 / -4
42 / 30
6 / -1
February
56 / 27
13 / -3
46 / 33
8 / 1
March
64 / 30
18 / -1
53 / 38
12 / 3
April
70 / 37
21 / 3
61 / 46
16 / 8
May
76 / 44
24 / 7
70 / 54
21 / 12
June
82 / 49
28 / 9
76 / 60
24 / 16
July
85 / 54
29 / 12
81 / 64
27 / 18
August
83 / 53
28 / 12
80 / 63
27 / 17
September
77 / 48
25 / 9
74 / 57
23 / 14
October
69 / 39
21 / 4
64 / 48
18 / 9
November
61 / 31
16 / -1
52 / 39
11 / 4
December
56 / 27
13 / -3
44 / 32
7 / 0
 
 
 
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
50 / 34
10 / 1
55 / 38
13 / 3
February
53 / 37
12 / 3
56 / 39
13 / 4
March
59 / 40
15 / 4
59 / 42
15 / 6
April
65 / 45
18 / 7
64 / 46
18 / 8
May
74 / 52
23 / 11
71 / 53
22 / 12
June
81 / 58
27 / 14
78 / 60
26 / 16
July
88 / 63
31 / 17
83 / 65
28 / 18
August
87 / 62
31 / 17
83 / 65
28 / 18
September
79 / 57
26 / 14
78 / 60
26 / 16
October
70 / 50
21 / 10
71 / 53
22 / 12
November
58 / 41
14 / 5
63 / 46
17 / 8
December
50 / 36
10 / 2
57 / 41
14 / 5
 
 
Average Rainfall
 
Lugano, Switzerland
Venice, Italy
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
2.9
74
1.5
37
February
2.7
69
1.9
48
March
3.2
81
2.4
61
April
3.1
79
3.1
78
May
2.9
74
2.6
65
June
2.2
56
2.7
69
July
3.1
79
2.3
59
August
3.0
76
2.7
69
September
3.1
79
2.3
59
October
3.5
89
3.0
77
November
4.4
112
3.7
94
December
3.6
91
2.4
61
 
 
 
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
3.1
79
3.2
81
February
2.9
74
3.0
76
March
4.3
109
2.6
66
April
6.2
157
2.2
56
May
7.9
201
1.3
33
June
6.9
175
0.6
15
July
5.4
137
0.6
15
August
6.8
173
1.3
33
September
6.3
160
2.7
69
October
5.8
147
3.7
94
November
5.0
127
4.4
112
December
2.6
66
3.5
89

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
 

If You Have to Cancel


Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.

If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Click here for more details.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
 
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)

59-8 days before departure
$900 per person

7-1 days before departure
$1500 per person
 

Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.

You might also be interested in ...

Classic Italy

Tauck Partners' Savings - save up to $380 per couple! Tauck's most comprehensive Italy tour - featuring our exclusive, private after-hours visits to the Vatican Museums - visits Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Tuscan hill towns, and the Amalfi Coast - total Italian immersion, with world-renowned art, architecture, preserved medieval towns, and dramatic scenery. Select Small Group departure dates available with no more than 26 Tauck guests!

A Week In... Italy

Tauck Partners' Savings - save up to $380 per couple! Private after-hours visits to the Vatican, frescoed cathedrals, priceless art masterpieces, the glory of the Roman Empire, medieval hilltop towns, and the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery are all highlighted on this 8-day Florence, Rome, and Tuscany tour.
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