Planning Your Trip

[Additional information will be available closer to the program date.]

Flights

Transportation to and from Venice is NOT included in the tour price.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the international airport of Venice, Italy.

Travel Insurance

We do recommend that you purchase trip insurance. There is just so much uncertainty, and a good trip insurance package can cover medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption due to work reasons, involuntary job loss, and much more! I've even had a trip canceled due to a military coup. You never know.

Here are some suggestions for travel insurance companies.

Check that your health insurance coverage extends to your travels outside the USA. Here is an excerpt from the US Embassy in Italy.

Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $60,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations during the tour are included.

If you wish to book a room at the tour hotel before or after your tour, please book a room directly with the hotel.

The hotel contact information is;

Hotel Saturna International
info@hotelsaturnia.it
+39 041 5208377

When you contact the hotel, let them know you are staying there as part of a tour group and would like to reserve a room before or after the tour. Let them know the number of guests, the type of room you’d like, the check-in and check-out dates, and the total nights for your pre/post stay.

Transportation

Depending on when you arrive at the Venice airport, transfers will be provided from the airport to the hotel. Details about these transfers will be included in an information package sent to you before your departure.

Physical Ability

Venice is a pedestrian-only city with no cars or public transportation within its historic center. Visitors should expect to walk extensively on uneven cobblestone streets and navigate numerous bridges, many with steps. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Those with mobility concerns should plan for frequent breaks, as ramps are limited, and accessibility can be challenging. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as rain can make surfaces slippery.

We will be using water taxis and private boat services, so you should be able to navigate the embarkation and disembarkation of a boat moving in the water.

Cell Phones

Cell phones have become a lifeline for most people. The best way to stay in touch while traveling abroad is to take your phone with you and keep it in “airplane mode”. This way, you can check email, surf the web, or message friends while using your hotel’s Wi-Fi without expensive data charges.

If you want to continue using your phone while exploring the sites, most plans will allow for roaming. This is becoming much easier, although it is an expensive option. Check with your cell provider to find out what international charges may be for your plan.

Some travelers like to use a separate SIM card in their cell phone while they're traveling. You can purchase a Sim card for use while you're in Italy. You'll need to determine if your phone requires a physical SIM card or an electronic SIM card.

Money and Credit Cards in Venice

Italy uses the euro and accepts major credit cards.

Banks are very wary of transactions from international locations on your credit card. To avoid any delays, you should call your bank and let them know you’re traveling. They will ask you where you will be and on what dates.

Electrical Considerations

The voltage in Italy is 220/240 volts, 50 Hz., and the standard plug has two or three prongs - type L and F plugs. To use any electronics brought from home, you’ll need to have an adapter. But wait! We don’t recommend taking anything electrical with you.

With a good adapter, you can use your camera and phone chargers but don’t plan on taking a hairdryer or curling iron. The results could be shocking.

Italian Plugs.

Unfortunately, Italy has not standardized on a single plug type. You'll find that they use the type L 3-post adapter and also the type F 2-post adapter. It’s best to carry both of them, or a multi-type adapter.