Italian Indulgence, Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a booking?
Complete the form on the website page - ‘Booking Information’- and read the Terms and Conditions. When this is completed and returned to us, we will contact you with further information and confirmation of your place on the tour. Your place on the tour will be guaranteed when the deposit of $1000 is paid and received by us. We will then ask you to complete an information sheet to be returned to us with any special requirements you may have.

When will I receive my final documents before the tour?
You will receive your documents approximately 4 weeks before the start of the tour. This comprehensive pre tour package will include all the necessary information to start your tour.

Why can’t I receive my documents earlier?
We need to confirm all details of the itinerary before we send them on. Sometimes, it is necessary to change small details and we want you to have all the correct information at your disposal.

Who will accompany us on our tour?
The Italian Indulgence Tour Director will accompany the tour along with local and registered guides in most towns and cities who are experts in their fields – history, wine, architecture etc.

Do I need to be fit for the tour?
A moderate level of fitness is required when travelling in Italy. It is necessary to do quite a bit of walking to and from historic sites, mostly on cobbled stoned streets, which can be uneven. Tuscany and Amalfi can also be hilly. It is in your best interest to prepare for these walks and start the tour with a medium level of fitness. We can help with a suggested exercise regime, before the tour, to help you thoroughly enjoy your Italian experience – contact us. You should endeavour to be able to complete a walk of at least 2 kms at a reasonable pace.

What is the maximum number of people of the tours?
We have a maximum of 12 people – we feel this is just the right number to move around Italy without the drawbacks of a larger group.

Some meals are covered in the cost, why aren’t they all covered?
Touring with a group is great fun with many friendships continuing after the tour - restaurant time is thoroughly enjoyable, but at times, we have found that people like to do their own discovery, or just have an early night after a busy day exploring. On the nights where dinner is not included, and you would like some guidance, or even some company, we will certainly give you help in choosing the right dining option.

What type of restaurants should I expect?
Authentic food and wine is integral to your ‘Indulgence’ experience. We always try to find excellent quality restaurants that reflect the area we are visiting. Some might be tiny family run establishments and others bigger and well known. Italy has wonderful regional cuisine and this can vary from town to town. Our restaurants have been thoroughly checked by our guides and are chosen for great quality, service and atmosphere. Included dinners include a glass of wine, water and coffee. Occasionally the quality of restaurants will vary and can change, but we try to keep up to date with the standards and alter arrangements if need be.

What are the ‘extras’ I will need to pay?
- meals not specified in the itinerary – this cost varies on how you wish to dine. A ‘lunch’ could be a delicious and fresh focaccia made in a wood fired oven or an aromatic slice of pizza eaten on the steps of an ancient building, or a healthy salad in a sidewalk café.
These costs will vary but will certainly not be extravagant.

- entrances not stipulated in the itinerary (all galleries mentioned in the itinerary, when accompanied by a tour guide will be covered).

- items of a personal nature.

I am travelling on my own and want my own room – why is it so much more?
The price given in the itinerary is for twin share accommodation. This is fine if you are travelling as a couple or two friends sharing, but unfortunately the single room cost is more expensive. We have found that hotels charge nearly the same whether it is for one person or two. We try to keep our single room cost to an absolute minimum.

I am travelling on my own but would like to share a room.
In many cases it is possible to match up guests to share a room, we match people by age and gender

Will the itinerary be the same?
Our itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out but touring Italy can sometimes offer wonderful surprises. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for this spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable.

Occasionally it might be necessary to change times or days of quoted activities if unusual circumstances arise ie, the Vatican may have shorter lines in the afternoon on certain days.

What is the hotel standard?
You will stay in hotels that are 3 and 4 star and have been checked personally by us. We look for hotels in the historical centres that are comfortable, charming, provide good service, have private bathrooms and are close to the restaurants and monuments we will visit. Within the hotel, rooms can also be of varying quality and style and this will be beyond our control to change.

In Europe hotels vary in quality from Australia and America, rooms are usually smaller and do not have coffee making facilities, sometimes the shower is over the bath.

We look for the more boutique hotels rather than sterile chains.

I would like to arrive a few days before the tour and maybe sometime after, how do I organise this?
We can help to choose hotels, either in the same hotel as the tour, or something different. We are associated with Travel Associates in Elsternwick, Melbourne. Liz Hancock or Wayne Ackerfeld can organise flights, trains, cruises and travel insurance – contact us for more information.

What should I pack?
We will forward a comprehensive list of what is suitable for Italy sooner to the time. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must! Runners are good of course, although some prefer something a little more stylish. Other comfortable and casual shoes ie “Wonders”, “Sketchers”, “Merrell” - these are good options for women.

Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a requirement of our tours.

Are there any visa requirements in Italy?
Australians do not require a visa when travelling to Italy. If you are travelling under another passport it is your responsibility to check with the Italian consulate in your state.

What about tipping?
Tipping guides, waiters, drivers etc, is covered by the Tour Manager and included in your tour. However, if you would like to tip others ie., the house maid, this is entirely discretionary.

What type of suitcase do I need and how much should I pack?
We allow one suitcase per person and one very small carry on bag (the size of a backpack). We travel in small minibuses and do not have room for more than one bag per person.
We are sure that very few people return from a holiday and wish they had packed more. You will need a suitcase with wheels and this should not be oversized - we suggest a sturdy bag of approx 40X 60 cms. Airline restrictions on baggage vary but usually 20 kg in economy. Excess baggage costs are very expensive and are your responsibility.

Do I need to carry my own luggage?
Most hotels will have porters to carry the luggage to your room however, when the tour involves train travel it is not always possible to have a porter and you will need to carry your luggage onto the train – your Tour Manager, will help if you need assistance but this is ultimately your responsibility.