Escorted tours offer a great value as you always get more doing a tour with a group rather than privately. However in order to have an escorted tour, we do need a minimum number of participants. There are many times when participation is low and we have to offer an alternative date. This change of course is at no charge to you. We STONGLY urge that you buy your airfare through us so we can make such changes.

You can certainly welcome to buy your own air if you are not on an escorted group tour.

ItalyVacations.com does not apply any booking fees to any booking made more than 30 days before travel date. However, when you book "last minute" or within 30 days of travel, we do apply a Late Booking Fee of $50 per booking. This cost covers expedited shipping costs and additoonal workload to secure the products.

This booking fee is added manaully by our fulfillment team who review each online order.

 

Your credit card will be billed in USD. There will never be any discrepenecies of what you are quoted and what you are charged.

Escorted tours offer a great value as you always get more doing a tour with a group rather than privately. However in order to have an escorted tour, we do need a minimum number of participants. There are many times when participation is low and we have to offer an alternative date. This change of course is at no charge to you. We STONGLY urge that you buy your airfare through us so we can make such changes.

You can certainly welcome to buy your own air if you are not on an escorted group tour.

Each Italy Vacation has a unique array of products and services that carries with it specific policies intrinsic to the itinerary.  Air products are governed by the specific airline and vary from one to another. Land products also vary by hotel, car, train and day tours.

Click here for the full terms and conditions.  http://www.italyvacations.com/terms-conditions

 

 

Airfares all have different rules.

Many special fares do allow for changes and cancellations for a set fee of a set amount ($200.00 for example) however most fares require immediate ticketing and are fully non-refundable and non-changeable.  We strongly recommend that you purchase an airfare that allows for some flexibility, which may be a bit more cost.

We will issue your air tickets as soon as you purchase your itinerary with payment. You can see the RULES of your air tickets when purchasing on the website.

Please check the rules of the airfare you have been quoted at time of purchase. You can call our booking agents at any time to review the price and airfare rules that you are seeing online.

 

 

Due to the cost and time involved in changing confirmed reservations on deposited bookings, we must add a flat $100 change fee to the cost of the booking each time a change is made to the different components on your booking.  This includes changes to dates of travel, airline ticket changes, changes of hotels and downgrades in room types or hotel category, passenger name changes, car rental changes, dates of villa rentals, transfer changes etc.  Any additional charges we may incur from our suppliers (including air carriers) may be added as well. 

Please note that once issued all DAY TOURS and RAIL TICKETS are completely non-changeable and non-refundable.

Trip cancellation and interruption is based on the following cancellation penalties:

More than 61 days before travel: $150 fee per person (This is the minimum non- refundable deposit)
Between 60 and 31 days before travel: 25% of the trip cost
Between 30-15 days before travel: 50% of the trip cost
Between 14-8 days before travel: 75% of the trip cost
Within 7 days before travel: 100% of the trip cost

In addition to these land portion penalties, air tickets penalties are each defined by the rules set forth by each airline. Air tickets are completely non-refundable once ticketed.

Perillo's Italy Vacations strongly suggests purchasing our trip insurance to cover yourself against possible trip cancellation or interruption.

Using a phone card is a great inexpensive way to stay in touch if you only need to make a few phone calls.  But, for more frequent usage, the most economical way is to rent a cell phone for use in Italy.

First, you need to check with your carrier to see if your cell phone is compatable with an overseas network.  Then, for the most inexpensive way to make calls, you will need a SIM card for Italy.  This can be purchased through us.

The most economical way to exchange your US dollars for Euros is by purchasing them in advance through us.  Click here for more details.  Avoid exchanging at hotels and airports as they have higher exchange rates.

Italy is and has been in the Euro-zone for almost 10 years, and so you cannot use the old currency. You can however try to exchange any Liras that you have at any Eurozone central bank  You should have Euro's in advance for when you arrive. We have a great service that will deliver any amount of Euro you wish for only a $14.95 booking/shipping fee. It's a much better deal than you will get at the airport!  Click HERE to purchase some today.

The following hotels in Rome qualify for pick-up: 

Accademia Hotel, Hotel Aldrovandi, Ambasciatori Hotel, Anglo Americano Hotel, Hotel Atlantico, Bernini Hotel, Boutique Hotel Trevi, Hotel Cicerone, D'Inghilterra, Hotel Eden, Hotel Europa, Hotel Flora, Leonardo Da Vinci, Lord Byron, Nova Domus and Suites, Hotel Oxford, Grand Hotel Palatino, Parco dei Principi, Hotel Raphael, Starhotel Metropole, Starhotel Michelangelo, Hotel Savoy, Sole al Pantheon, Trinita' dei Monti, Tritone, Hotel Victoria.

All final payments are due 90 days before travel date.  However, pricing is not guaranteed until full payment is given, so paying in full is recommended.  Also, no documents will issued until final payment is received. You are welcome to make smaller multiple payments if requested.

Once a deposit is received, your booking will be confirmed. Many products are available at the time of booking, however if you have chosen any products "On Request" it will take 24-48 hours to confirm. An email confirmation will be sent to you. If there are any issues whatsoever in confirming your flights or hotels, we will advise you right away. Choosing a hotel that is "Available" removes this issue altogether.

Perillo's Italy Vacations accepts only Visa, Mastercard and American Express for a deposit. A deposit must be submitted to process any booking request.

Perillo's Italy Vacations requires a minimum $100 per person deposit to process your booking request.  Deposit amounts vary depending on the products included in your booking.   Please note, partial payments are only permitted for certain vacations, booked more than 4 months in advance.

All U.S. citizens require a valid U.S. passport with 6 months of validation from your return date. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their nearest Italian Consulate Office for entry requirements.

Perillo's Italy Vacations will email you all documents approximately 30 days prior to departure provided your booking is paid in full. Final payments on all bookings is due 60 days prior to departure.

Perillo's Italy Vacations will email all your documents (e-docs) via a PDF (Portable Document Format) attachment to the email address you give us when you submit your order. You simply open the attachment and print up all your documents. We send one document or voucher per product, not per person. Examples of products are hotels, sightseeing, car rentals, etc. The only type of voucher which will be directly mailed to your home address are rail tickets and reservations which will come in paper form.

US citizens only need a valid passport to go to Italy. Your name on your passport must match your reservation with first and last names.

Escorted tours offer a great value as you always get more doing a tour with a group rather than privately. However in order to have an escorted tour, we do need a minimum number of participants. There are many times when participation is low and we have to offer an alternative date. This change of course is at no charge to you. We STONGLY urge that you buy your airfare through us so we can make such changes.

You can certainly welcome to buy your own air if you are not on an escorted group tour.

You may order a current Perillo Tours brochure by clicking here.

Tips for luggage handling, doormen, housekeepers and restaurant personnel are included however tips for tour guides, local guides and bus drivers are not. Such gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis. The suggested tip for a tour guide is $3.00 to $4.00 per day, per person. For a bus driver and local guide is $1.00 to $2.00 per day.

A series of optional tours will be available from your tour guide while on the tour, they cannot be purchased ahead of time. You are under no obligation to take any, they are strictly optional.

For an updated list of optional tours, please select a tour on our website, and then click on the optional tours link. Payment of the tours is done while on your tour in Italy and is paid in Euros, in cash. No credit cards can be accepted for the payment of optional tours.

Each tour member is limited to one large suitcase and small carry on due to limited space on our tour buses. The airlines are charging extra fees for checked luggage exceeding 60" (calculated by adding width + height + depth). The luggage should not weigh more than 44 lbs. Carry on baggage should not exceed 45" total and no more than 11 lbs.

Yes, please advise at time of booking if you require special meals.

There is a no smoking policy on Perillo Tours tour buses but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during frequent stops.

Yes, you may extend your trip either pre or post tour. There is a minimum $50 deviation fee per person (does not apply to land only passengers)

Children over the age of 8 years are permitted on any of our escorted tours. Those children under 8 years of age are not permitted.

The website only allows one (1) room per booking. If you have a large party or need to book more than one room (more than 3 adults), please contact our Italy Specialists via our 800 number to help you book multiple rooms.

ItalyVacations.com offers live phone coverage by knowledgeable Italy Specialists from 9am-6pm EST, Monday-Friday (closed for major holidays) to answer any questions about your booking or to help assist you in planning an Italy itinerary. Specialists are also available via live chat or to answer email inquiries during the same hours from Monday-Friday. Emails submitted on weekends will be answered within 24 hours.

Yes, click here to book only a day tour.

Sorry, Perillo's Italy Vacations does not offer senior citizen discounts.

All U.S. citizens require a valid U.S. passport with 6 months of validation from your return date. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their nearest Italian Consulate Office for entry requirements.

You should probably check with your air carrier for these restrictions, but a general policy for most airlines is you are allowed one bag and one personal article, such as a purse or laptop computer to bring on board with you. Baggage allowances vary for each carrier but on international flights, you are usually allowed two checked bags, weighing up to 60 pounds. Please note that it is more than likely you will pay additional fees for extra and overweight bags due to the escalating cost of fuel.

Italian business hours are generally from 8am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 7pm, Monday-Friday, with an afternoon lunch break lasting for approximately 2 hours. This break may be shorter in most major cites. Here are some examples of business hours for most major businesses throughout the country.

Banking hours: Approximately from 8:30am to 1:30pm, then from 3 to 4:30pm Monday-Friday. The afternoon opening hours will vary from city to city. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and on national holidays.

Museums/Churches: Most churches are open from early morning until noon or so, when they close for a few hours. They re-open in the afternoon and will generally close around 6pm. A few major churches like St Peters in Rome and St Marks in Venice are open all day. Many museums throughout Italy are closed one day a week, usually on Monday. During low tourist seasons, museums often close early; during high seasons, many stay open until late at night.

Shops: Shops in Italy are usually open from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 7:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Shops in major cities usually will remain open during lunchtime and may close earlier.

Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open form 9am to 9pm, Monday-Saturday. In major cities, supermarkets are open on Sunday.

Post offices: Major post offices are open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 1pm on Saturday.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies are open from 9am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Most pharmacies will be closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

 

Italians observe many different holidays of a national and religious nature. In addition to the national and religious holidays, there are certain local city feast and patron saint holidays that are observed. On Sundays, you will always find closures.

The major Italian holidays where it is likely you will find certain non-essential business closures are:

January 1 (New Years Day)
January 6 (Feast of the Epiphany)
Good Friday
Easter Sunday & Monday
April 25 (Liberation Day)
May 1 (Labor Day/May Day)
June 2 (Founding of the Republic)
August 15 (Feast of the Assumption)
November 1 (All Saints Day)
December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
December 25 & 26 (Christmas Day/St Stephen's Day)
December 31 (New Years Eve)

All Guides speak English and Italian. You can prepare in advance by learning the conversational Italian through a fun and easy online course called Mango Language.  Try it now!

They are 6 hours ahead of us. When it is 12:00 noon in the US, it is 6:00pm in Italy.  Also, please remember that when you leave the US on your international flight to Italy, you will arrive the following day on Italy's time.

Most popular travel times to Italy are April, May, September and October. The weather is spring like and the crowds are thinner. During the off-season, from November-March, travel is much more inexpensive.  During the summer from June-August, like most destinations, it is more crowded and very warm.

As in any cities, it's better to check with the Front Desk about consuming the tap water.

You will need an adapter/converter to use US appliances, chargers, etc in Italy. The current in Italy is 220 volts AC; US is 110 volts AC.

There is usually a small surcharge ( .50 Euro) to use public rest rooms in Italy.

Escorted tours offer a great value as you always get more doing a tour with a group rather than privately. However in order to have an escorted tour, we do need a minimum number of participants. There are many times when participation is low and we have to offer an alternative date. This change of course is at no charge to you. We STONGLY urge that you buy your airfare through us so we can make such changes.

You can certainly welcome to buy your own air if you are not on an escorted group tour.

Yes, click here to book only a day tour.

Yes. All the properties we offer provide air-conditioning in all rooms.

Yes, absolutely. All the hotels we offer will provide a private bathroom with tub and/or shower in each room.

Hotels throughout Italy are rated objectively by Italian government standards and are generally based on each individual hotels unique amenities, facilities, and services that are provided. Ratings are not related to ambiance, charm or other subjective criteria. Perillo's Italy Vacations has thoroughly researched the hotels we have selected to offer in our repertoire and we are confident they will live up to your expectations. The properties we offer are in the range of three to five star categories. Three star hotels would be considered tourist class hotels. Four star hotels are considered first class and five star properties are of a deluxe variety. Obviously, as you go higher in classification of property, the more amenities and services the hotel will provide.

Yes, virtually all the properties we offer will be equipped with a hairdryer in the room.

You will need an adapter/converter to use US appliances, chargers, etc in Italy. The current in Italy is 220 volts AC; US is 110 volts AC.

We strongly suggest that you purchase our travel insurance. Purchasing travel insurance will protect you in case of trip cancellation or interruption. It will also cover trip or baggage delays and losses and medical expenses. Our travel insurance covers you, your traveling companion(s), and immediate family members for trip cancellation in case of illness or death of you, traveling companion(s) and immediate family members. Our travel insurance provider is AIG Travel Guard. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance upon initial deposit as that will cover any pre-existing medical conditions that may be present.

For complete travel insurance details, click here.

 

The website only allows one (1) room per booking. If you have a large party or need to book more than one room (more than 3 adults), please contact our Italy Specialists via our 800 number to help you book multiple rooms.

ItalyVacations.com offers live phone coverage by knowledgeable Italy Specialists from 9am-6pm EST, Monday-Friday (closed for major holidays) to answer any questions about your booking or to help assist you in planning an Italy itinerary. Specialists are also available via live chat or to answer email inquiries during the same hours from Monday-Friday. Emails submitted on weekends will be answered within 24 hours.

Yes, click here to book only a day tour.

All U.S. citizens require a valid U.S. passport with 6 months of validation from your return date. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their nearest Italian Consulate Office for entry requirements.

You should probably check with your air carrier for these restrictions, but a general policy for most airlines is you are allowed one bag and one personal article, such as a purse or laptop computer to bring on board with you. Baggage allowances vary for each carrier but on international flights, you are usually allowed two checked bags, weighing up to 60 pounds. Please note that it is more than likely you will pay additional fees for extra and overweight bags due to the escalating cost of fuel.

Italian business hours are generally from 8am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 7pm, Monday-Friday, with an afternoon lunch break lasting for approximately 2 hours. This break may be shorter in most major cites. Here are some examples of business hours for most major businesses throughout the country.

Banking hours: Approximately from 8:30am to 1:30pm, then from 3 to 4:30pm Monday-Friday. The afternoon opening hours will vary from city to city. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and on national holidays.

Museums/Churches: Most churches are open from early morning until noon or so, when they close for a few hours. They re-open in the afternoon and will generally close around 6pm. A few major churches like St Peters in Rome and St Marks in Venice are open all day. Many museums throughout Italy are closed one day a week, usually on Monday. During low tourist seasons, museums often close early; during high seasons, many stay open until late at night.

Shops: Shops in Italy are usually open from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 7:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Shops in major cities usually will remain open during lunchtime and may close earlier.

Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open form 9am to 9pm, Monday-Saturday. In major cities, supermarkets are open on Sunday.

Post offices: Major post offices are open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 1pm on Saturday.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies are open from 9am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Most pharmacies will be closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

 

Italians observe many different holidays of a national and religious nature. In addition to the national and religious holidays, there are certain local city feast and patron saint holidays that are observed. On Sundays, you will always find closures.

The major Italian holidays where it is likely you will find certain non-essential business closures are:

January 1 (New Years Day)
January 6 (Feast of the Epiphany)
Good Friday
Easter Sunday & Monday
April 25 (Liberation Day)
May 1 (Labor Day/May Day)
June 2 (Founding of the Republic)
August 15 (Feast of the Assumption)
November 1 (All Saints Day)
December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
December 25 & 26 (Christmas Day/St Stephen's Day)
December 31 (New Years Eve)

Yes. Please keep in mind that whenever visiting churches and cathedrals throughout Italy, it is mandatory to dress respectfully and conservatively, yet comfortably. A suit or business outfit is definitely not required but shorts, dresses/skirts above the knees, shirts with uncovered shoulders, sneakers/sandals are all examples of what "not to wear" to any religious location during any season.

During winter months, you will tend to pack heavier. Sweaters, corduroys, heavier slacks, a medium weight coat or raincoat for southern parts of Italy, a heavier coat for more northern parts, hats, gloves and scarves and boots are all smart essentials to consider.

During summer months, packing light colored clothing is best and will be most comfortable. Shorts, sunglasses, lightweight slacks, Windbreaker (for possible cooler nights), dresses, short sleeve button-down dress shirts, jeans, blouses, short sleeved polo or t-shirts, sandals, sneakers, a pair of comfortable dress shoes and sport jacket (for more formal occasions) are all smart examples of clothing to take along.

Depending on the time of season you visit, one should pack smartly and not tend to over pack with unnecessary items as there will be times you will need to haul your own luggage.

The weather in Italy is considerably milder, in the winter at least, than in the northern U.S. and just about the same as you may expect in the southern U.S on average. Winter average temperatures generally range from the mid 40's in the northern part of Italy, to the mid-60's in the southern parts and Sicily during daytime hours. Rainy, (Snow in the extreme north of the country) damp and foggy periods are more common in the north during this time while it will be brighter and sunnier in the south.

During summer months, parts of Italy can get very hot, especially during July and August where average temperatures in the southern parts of the peninsula and in Sicily can reach from the low to mid 80's and, at times, well into the 90's during the daytime hours. Temperatures are more moderate (low 70's-low 80's) in the northern parts of the peninsula. Afternoon thunderstorms can be common throughout the country, especially in inland locations.

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Italy if weather conditions are a factor in your decision making.

No matter where you are in Italy, you can dial 113 in case of emergency. Not all 113 operators speak English, so you may want a local person place the call. Asking the operator for "pronto soccorso" (first aid) should get an ambulance sent to you. If you just need a doctor, ask for "un medico"

Italy has the Carabinieri (national police) as well as the Polizia (local police). Both are armed and are able to investigate crimes. Always report the loss of your passport to the police as well as the U.S. embassy.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome is located at 121 Via Veneto. Local telephone number is 06/46741. Website: www.usembassy.it

 

Traveling throughout Italy is considerably safe as violent crimes are not prevalent, however, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing or purse grabbing is probably the most serious crime a tourist may encounter while in Italy. Although such crimes are something to consider and be wary of while traveling, it is not something to be paranoid or consumed over. Be aware that many thieves operate on foot as well as moped in crowded locations and simply take certain precautions. Do not carry too many valubles with you when sightseeing. If you carry a purse, choose one with a zipper and thick strap that you can drape across your body; adjust the length so the purse sits in front of you or at hip level. Store only enough cash to cover casual spending for that day. If you are a victim of such a crime, report the incident immediately to the local police authorities.

The best way to protect yourself against purse grabbing and pick-pocketing is to wear a concealed money belt or hidden money pouch. Be street smart and wary of crowded public places or when on buses, subways, trains, or in busy tourist spots as these are the more common places for these types of crimes to occur. It is also wise to distribute valuables (including credit cards and passport) between a deep front pocket or an inside jacket pocket.

Tipping is not as customary in Italy and is not always expected, as it is in the U.S., however it is always a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave "a little something extra" depending on the level of service you receive.

Here are some tipping guidelines for various services:

Restaurants and trattorias: Tipping varies throughout different parts of Italy. In smaller towns or villages, tips may generally be smaller or in some cases non-existent. For eating establishments in larger cities, tipping is more customary, but again not always expected as service staff are generally paid higher wages than in America. In most cases a service charge of 10-15% is included in your bill. If so, an additional tip is not necessary, however, if you feel as if your service was exceptionally good, an additional gratuity is at your discretion. If there is no service charge included in your bill, a standard gratuity of 10% is sufficient.

Bars: A small tip is a nice gesture and will surely gain you favor with your bartender. A standard tip would be about 1-2 euros for a round of drinks.

Hotels: In most hotels, service charges are already included in your bill but for bell staff, a standard tip of 2 euros per bag carried to your room is more than enough to give. For chambermaids, a standard tip of 1 euro per day is customary for a moderate hotel, 2-3 euros per day for a deluxe hotel. For room service staff, 2-2.50 euros is customary.

Railway and airport porters: Generally charge a fixed rate per bag.

Restroom attendants: Are usually located in more expensive hotels and restaurants and may receive 0.50 euro.

Taxi drivers: 1-2 euros, depending on length of journey.

Sightseeing guides: 2 euros per person for a half-day group tour. More for a longer or private tour.

Barbers and hairdressers: 1-2 euros for a barber. 2 to 4 euros for a stylized hairdresser.

Gondoliers in Venice: Gondola rides in Venice are indeed pricey. A tip, above and beyond the cost of your ride, is entirely at your discretion, depending on the quality of the journey. The knowledge the gondolier exhibits and if he educates you on certain points of interest and/or provides entertainment (singing) during your ride should factor into your decision making. An additional 5-10 euros is more than sufficient.

In Italy, traveling by train is probably the simplest and most efficient mode of major transportation to get from city to city and is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Italian countryside at a leisurely pace. Perillo's Italy Vacations can arrange for your rail tickets or rail passes and seat reservations between all the major cities and smaller towns and villages that have train service. It is highly recommended to purchase your rail tickets or rail pass in advance.

We offer train tickets as part of a travel package. Simply buy your air, hotel and/or day trips with us and we will gladly issue your train tickets. We are sorry but we cannot sell just a train ticket.

 

 

To familiarize yourself with the cities you are traveling to beforehand, you can purchase some excellent maps, both city and country, through us.  Once in Italy, some hotels may provide some basic city maps.

Children over the age of 8 years are permitted on any of our escorted tours. Those children under 8 years of age are not permitted.

We offer train tickets as part of a travel package. Simply buy your air, hotel and/or day trips with us and we will gladly issue your train tickets. We are sorry but we cannot sell just a train ticket.