• We have meticulously selected 3-star or equivalent hotels and villas for our trips. The criteria are simple: location and comfort.
  
• Location refers to cappuccino aromas, splendid views and sounds of church bells (or in Cortona—roosters) right outside your window. You will not be staying in isolated "burbs" with the other gigantic tour groups.
  
• Comfort refers to cleanliness, AC and heat. Keep in mind most Italians prefer an open window and ocean breeze to centralized air. In addition, some of the older hotels (in the center of town where we like to stay) can occasionally have the aches a 200 year old building would expect to have. Also, since villas and hotels are usually family-run, you may be responsible for carrying your own bag to the fourth floor (another reason to pack light.)
  
• All accommodations have been personally viewed by Dolce Vita Adventures.
  

Home is where you choose it to be.—Anonymous

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• Italy usually has a milder climate than Northern VA/DC area. The difference is in their use of AC/heat indoors. They simply don't care to use it as much as we do. So inside sometimes feels like outside.
• Spring is warm in the daytime, but chilly evenings and rain showers are normal. Summers are very hot. Fall is warm through October (many still swim in Sicily), however jackets are advisable for evening.
• Update your weather info before you go, but remember meteorologists play the same dice game, whether here or there.

Nothing but blue skies—

http://italy.embassyhomepage.com/italy_weather_italian_embassy_uk.htm

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• To really enjoy Italy we have to get out of the bus, walk the cobblestone streets, push open bronze cathedral doors, climb up vineyards and dive into the turquoise waters of Capri. PLEASE START A SERIOUS WALKING REGIMENT BEFORE THE TRIP. Please notify the tour director of any physical challenges before the excursion begins.
  
• If you take prescription medicine, take it in its original container, know the generic name—not just the brand name, in case it needs to be replaced. It would be wise to have a copy of all prescribed medications you are taking, and their purpose, in your luggage. There is always at least one pharmacy open at night.
  
• Dolce Vita Adventures will need medical emergency contact information and signed release forms before departure.
  
• In case of emergency your guide will do everything possible to provide you with prompt medical attention.
  
• Telephone #s while in Italy:
  
  • 118 = medical emergency
    
  • 112 = police
    
  • 113 = general emergency
    
• For a list of English-speaking doctors in Italy, contact the Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, IAMAT (716) 754-4883.
  

• Dolce Vita Adventures must have a xerox copy of the photo page of your passport before departure.
  
• It is wise to make a copy for yourself as well, and keep it in your luggage (since the original passport is safely tucked in your money belt—on you.)
  
• Your passport needs to be valid for up to 6 months after return to the US. You will not need visas or shots.
  
• If you do not have a passport please begin the process ASAP, as it may take 6 weeks or more.
  
  

"If you look like your passport photo, you're not well enough to travel."—E. Bombeck

www.passportsandvisas.com
www.usembassy.it

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• Banking hours in Italy are lethargic, so it's advisable to change a little money into "Euro" either before departure or upon arrival in Rome.
  
• Local ATMs are everywhere. They are easy and convenient (with English directions) and usually give a better exchange rate than the kiosks. Your ATM card is valid in Italy if it has a Cirrus or a Plus symbol on the back and you have your 4 digit access code. The ATM withdraws only from your checking account (not savings, and it will not handle transfers.) Make sure your bank "unlocks/opens" your card for overseas cash withdrawal as some are "locked" for fraud prevention. Notify your bank and your credit card that you will be using them overseas.
  
• Visa, then American Express, is the most commonly accepted credit card. However, cash is best for "negotiating" prices. Traveler's checks are sometimes troublesome.
  
• A money belt for your passport, ATM card, Visa and a little cash is strongly recommended. Safety and peace of mind = a good time.
  
• Don't forget about the VAT tax refund—spend a certain amount of Euro (100-150) at the same store and get a tax refund at the airport customs counter (item must be "unused," so just put the necklace back in the box for a few minutes.)
  

Money converter: www.xe.com/ucc

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• Please take into consideration the cost Dolce Vita Adventures incurs even before our adventures begin.
  
• Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive a full refund of paid balance minus the registration fee.
  
• Cancellations 60 to 89 days prior to departure will receive 75% refund of paid balance minus the registration fee.
  
• Cancellations 45 to 60 days prior to departure will receive 50% refund of paid balance minus the registration fee.
  
• Cancellations 44 days prior to departure will receive no refund.
  
• Every attempt will be made to replace your cancellation with a traveler on the waiting list. In that case, your money will be fully refunded minus the registration fee.
  

• Dolce Vita Adventures offers morning "immersion" classes in Cortona, Italy. For 8 students the classes can be conducted at the villa.
  
• Dolce Vita Adventures offers short and/or intensive Italian language training classes in Northern Virginia for travelers throughout the year.
  
• It's not imperative for you to learn the language; it would however greatly enrich your experience to just memorize the following Italian courtesy words.