ANSWERS FOR ALL YOUR QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
It is your responsibility to verify and meet passport, visa, health, and immigration requirements for your itinerary. General information is available, but you must consult the relevant embassies or consulates and your doctor for specific details. Most countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months after return, and some countries may ask for your full itinerary, flight tickets, and travel insurance upon entry. Travel advice can be obtained from government travel resources. Any costs or losses incurred due to a failure to meet requirements will be your sole responsibility and we are not responsible if you are unable to travel
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?
You MUST take out adequate and suitable travel insurance in order to take part in a tour organised by us and this is a condition of your contract with us. You are wholly responsible for arranging your own insurance. We reserve the right to request a copy of your insurance policy and/or a receipt showing payment of the premium, although we will not check this policy for suitability, and it will remain your responsibility at all times to ensure that you’re adequately insured.
Can I Use my Mobile while in Italy?
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Italy. Your best (and often cheapest) option is to purchase a local SIM card when arriving in Italy. There is also the option to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home.
Can I drink water in Italy?
Water from taps in Italy is safe and good to drink. The street fountains around Rome have the best fresh water, you can carry a water bottle with you and refill it.
Are credit cards accepted in Italy?
Major credit cards are accepted by shops in Italy. Smaller cafes, shops and markets may not accept credit cards, and smaller museums or galleries may charge an entry fee in cash only, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
What is ATM access like in Italy?
What public holidays are celebrated in Italy?
- 1 Jan: New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
- 6 Jan: Epiphany (Epifania)
- *Mar/Apr: Easter Sunday (Pasqua)
- *Mar/Apr: Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
- 25 Apr: Liberation Day (Giorno della Liberazione)
- 1 May: Labour Day (Festa del Lavoro)
- 2 Jun: Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica)
- 15 Aug: Feast of the Assumption (Ferragosto)
- 1 Nov: All Saint’s Day (Festa di Ognisanti)
- 8 Dec: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa dell’Immacolata Concezione)
- 25 Dec: Christmas Day (Natale)
- 26 Dec: St Stephen’s Day (Festa di Santo Stefano)
Please note, Italy public holidays may vary.
What is the weather like in Italy?
As you can tell from a world map, Italy is a pretty long country compared to its European neighbours. This gives it one of the more diverse climates in Europe, with mountainous zones in the north and dry arid landscapes in the south graced with all different types of weather.
Much of the inland northern regions have harsh winters and hot summers, while coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and the south of Italy generally fit that Mediterranean stereotype, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The east coast of the Italian peninsula is not as wet as the west coast, but in winter, the east coast is usually colder.
Generally, Italy’s hottest month in the south is August and can reach upwards of 40°C, while the north hits its peak in July and has slightly milder maximums. January is the coldest month throughout the country.
Is Italy accessible for travellers with disabilities?
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, whatever physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help choose the most suitable itinerary and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Despite Italy’s charm and old-town feel, travellers with mobility and sight or hearing impairments may find it difficult to travel around the country independently. Old cobbled streets and pavements blocked by parked cars are the norm, making it difficult for wheelchair users.
Despite this, much of Italy’s public transport system is mobility friendly. The service ‘Sala Blu’ (Blue Hall) is provided to travellers who require assistance at the 14 main train stations around Italy. These services include providing a wheelchair, a representative to accompany you to your train, another to meet at the other end, lift service to get on and off the train, and free use of baggage trolleys.
Many of Italy’s most-visited attractions, like the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Uffizi Gallery, are almost entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Venice may be considered the least accessible, but it is possible. Bridges between canals should be avoided, but vaporettos (or water taxis) can be used, especially the routes along the Grand Canal.
If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.