Questions and Answers
Q. How often do you go to Italy?
A. I guide tours in May and September. These are the best months to travel to Italy, whether you're coming with me, or you're planning to go on your own. Keep in mind that you're mostly going to be outside walking, therefore pick a time when the weather is pleasant because you won't be close to any air conditioning!
Q. What is the weather like during those months?
A. Weather in Tuscany is very similar to North Carolina - hot and humid summers, cold and rainy winters, typically without snow, eccept for in the mountains. We enjoy 4 seasons, just like here.
Q. So what's the best month to go, May or September?
A. They're both wonderful - May is Spring time, so there are a lot of wild field flowers in bloom, like the characteristic Florentine blue Iris (similar to the fleur-de-lis), which is actually the symbol of the Renaissance city. The days are getting longer as we go towards summer. September is grape-harvest season, so you'll see all the vines full of ripened grapes ready to be picked and turned into divine wine! Also a great month if you love mushrooms and truffles.
Q. Will I get to see sunflower fields?
A. Unfortunately the month of sunflowers in bloom is July/August (the hottest weather and busiest time of the year for tourism), so if you come with me in September, you'll actually see a lot of "dried" sunflowers!
Q. Are there more couples or singles in your groups?
A. There is usually a mix - and if travelers are flexible on the dates, I try to put together people who I believe will travel well together. Most single people that travel with me are those who don't feel comfortable traveling completely alone, but at the same time they don't want to go on a "cattle tour" with a big group. So they feel good knowing that I'm with them and the groups are small.
Q. How big are your groups typically?
A. It really depends. The minimum is 6 and the maximum is 12.
Q. What is the average age of those in your groups?
A. The tours are open to people of all ages, but without having to divulge age information, I can comfortably say that the typical traveler that enjoys my tours is someone who loves wine, food, enjoys quality of life, and has a certain appreciation for art, history, and the Italian culture. The tours are a relaxing experience surrounded by calming natural scenaries.
Q. What if I want to stay longer and see other parts of Italy?
A. Fantastic! I encourage people to extend their stay in this wonderful country! You'll see that Italy is extremely "concentrated" with things to see and to do. Since I do not offer airfare packages, you can stay as much as you want before or after my guided tour!
Q. How long is the tour?
A. 10 days/ 9 nights. The first day is Friday, and that is your arrival day in Florence (whether you're flying in or coming in from other parts of Italy, this is the day you need to be in Florence). I will not see you the first day, but you will spend the night in the specified hotel and I will pick you up the next day, Saturday afternoon in the hotel lobby. You will spend 7 nights in the villa in the countryside, after which I will drop you back off for your final night at the hotel in Florence.
Q. If I extend my stay afterwards, can I take day trips from Florence?
A. Absolutely! Florence is very well-connected to other major Italian cities by train. Not only do I recommend taking a train to move in and out of Florence, but I highly recommend avoiding renting a car!! Florence is 2 hours North of Rome, 2 hours South of Milan, and 2 and 1/2 hours South-West of Venice. You can easily take day trips to these cities and enjoy seeing the main highlights.
Q. Will there be a lot of walking?
A. Although you must be in good physical health and be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time to sign up, the beauty of my tours is that you do as much or as little physical activity as you wish! There are walking trails around the property where we stay, you can rent a mountain bike, go running, go swimming, etc. Or, you can just relax on the patio with a glass of wine in one hand, and a book in the other. When we go to the hill-top towns, you'll have plenty of "on your own" time that you can spend however you want: window shopping, exploring the town and its streets, visiting museums and churches, or just sitting at a cafe' in the piazza and people-watching.... it's up to you!
Q. Why don't you offer airfare with your trip package?
A. There are several reasons: many people have airmiles that they wish to use to fly overseas. Several people may want to extend their stay in Italy and visit other cities. People may prefer leaving from other airports than Charlotte and take a particular route to get to Florence. And frankly, I don't get any better rates on airfare than anybody else to be able to offer a competitive price.
Q. Can somebody who does not live in Charlotte, NC come on the tour?
A. Of course! That's another reason why I don't offer an airfare package, because this way, anybody can take the route they prefer, no matter where they're flying from. The meeting point is the hotel in Florence.
Q. What happens if my flight is delayed and I get there too late?
A. If I have already picked up the group from the hotel, it will be your responsibility to get to the villa from wherever you are. I will give you addresses, phone numbers and emergency numbers before you leave the US, but I will not refund for unused portions of the trip.
Q. Can I bring my hair dryer?
If you bring any electrical appliances (hair dryer, razor, etc), you will need an adapter (Italy has 2 pin plugs), which you can get at Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, etc. The electricity supply is 220 watts, which means your appliance should have a switch that you can turn to the correct voltage. If it doesn't, you'll need a transformer, because an adapter alone will not be sufficient. Laptop computers usually switch automatically to the right voltage.
Q. What if I'm vegetarian / have allergies / require a particular diet?
A. Even though Tuscan specialties include salame, prosciutto, dairy products, and savory meat sauces, there will be an optional vegetarian menu during meals. If you however require particular needs, or supplements, the cost for these is not included and I recommend taking them with you prior to leaving the US.
Q. Will my cell phone work overseas?
A. Some wireless companies offer an "international calling" option, which you have to request before you leave. I do recommend taking your cell phone with you, but check with your provider to see if they offer coverage overseas. If not, you can also rent a cell phone through a third-party company.
Q. How much is the ride going to cost me from the airport to the hotel?
A. It's about 10-15 minutes with average traffic, it shouldn't run more than 20 Euros each way.
Q. Am I going to be able to bring back food or wine?
A. Si!! Yes, you will, but not all kinds of foods are allowed. You cannot bring meat products (like prosciutto or salame), but you can bring cheese as long as it is vacuum-packed. You won't be able to bring back any kind of plant or seeds (sob! No Italian tomatoes in my yard!). You can bring other sealed products like chocolate, cookies, honey, extra virgin olive oil, etc. As far as wine and liqueur is concerned, you can bring a total of 5 litres combined (if you bring more, you'll have to pay duty on it). Another option is to have the wine shipped home from Italy (which can get a little pricy).
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes! Make sure you get one if you don't, and make sure it is valid if you already have one. Give yourself a couple of months to get it or renew it. If you're not an American citizen, you may need a travel visa. Check with the Italian embassy or local immigration USCIS office.
Q. What is the time difference between here and Italy?
A. Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern time. This means you will be jetlagged the first few days. My advise to avoid it is to try to go to bed very early and wake up as early as possible (even at 4-5am) 3-4 days prior to leaving.
Q. Will I be able to check my email during the trip?
A. Internet cafés are in abundance in Florence, and you'll also be able to check your email at the hotel, but there is no connection at the villa.
Q. Will I need any vaccine shots before leaving?
A. Unless you're going to other countries that require shots on your trip, Italy does not.
