Private Tour FAQ
We have assembled answers to frequently asked questions. If your questions still remain unanswered after browsing this page, please contact one of our friendly tour design representatives. We are always happy to assist with your travel to Italy. Call us at 1-800-848-8163 or email reservations@roadtoitaly.com.
1) Questions about our company
Where are you located? Our sales office is located in Toronto Canada. We also have an office in Rome Italy for coordinating all the hotels, guides and other service reservations for our clients. Our Rome office also serves as a local contact for our clients while in Italy.
How long have you been in business and are you a licensed travel company? We are proud to say that we have been in business since 1979. We are an IATA ( International Air Transport Association ) appointed agency. We are registered with TICO ( Travel Industry Council of Ontario) which means that our clients are protected up to $ 5000.00 per person, in case we are unable to deliver our service. We are also members of ASTA ( American Society of Travel Agents) ACTA ( Association of Canadian Travel Agents), and CLIA ( Cruise Lines International Association).
2) Questions about our programs
What is the difference between your private suggested tours and a group motor coach tour? Though both our “private tours" and "motorcoach tours" are pre-arranged, meaning you do not have to plan any of your trip, there are some major differences. The private tours are fully customized travel. We work to organize the tour around your exact schedule/flights. You have a say in how many days you stay in each city of your choosing; you chose the hotels you would like to stay at; and you chose how in depth you would like the sightseeing to be. We work with you to design a trip that meets your interests and budget. Private tours offer the most flexibility and free time.
Escorted tours are for those who want to travel without any of the hassle of planning the trip on their own, while taking advantage of traveling with a group, which also allows them to save on costs. There are several packages each tour company offers for select destinations, departing on select dates, for pre-set durations of time.Group motor coach tours offer great value and opportunity to see the main sites of the country at an affordable price.
Can I change an option on one of your suggested private tours? Yes you can. These tours are fully customizable. In fact we offer a varied list of optional activities to replace or add to the ones suggested on the tours. If you do not find what you are looking for on our list, we can make further arrangements just for you.
What is Custom trip Planning? Custom trip planning is what we specialize in. Our tour designers will work with you to create the ideal trip for you based on your interests and budget. Knowledge and contacts are everything in coordinating a successful customized trip. We have great people in Italy that can handle all details, from the most basic to the most personalized request.
How does the booking process work? Once you contact us, your tour designer will work with you to create an itinerary that suits your needs and budget. Once you approve the program and confirm your dates, we will book the accommodations. At this point we require a 25% deposit to hold the space in the hotels. The final payment is due 45 days prior to your departure. Travel documents and vouchers will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to your departure with all necessary contact information.
Your prices are in Euros. How do you calculate the final amount of the trip in US or Canadian dollars? The USD or CAD amount will be calculated for the deposit at the applicable current exchange rate as per our currency broker. The balance is due on or before 45 days prior to the start of the program. The USD or CAD amount for the balance will be calculated at current exchange rates at the time of your payment.
Are your private guides and drivers licensed and do they speak English?
Yes. Our guides and drivers are personally picked by us so we know them well. They are fluent in English. All guides have gone through extensive training in their particular specialized areas and are licensed with the local guide associations which are strictly regulated by Italian tourism laws.
Our all drivers have special tourism licenses for their vehicles.
What kinds of vehicles are used for Private tours? Our drivers are constantly upgrading their vehicles. A typical sedan used for up to 3 people is a Mercedes type C model or similar. A typical minivan use d for groups up to 8 people is a Mercedes Viano or similar.
For groups over 8 people minibuses or full buses are used depending on the size of the group. With groups larger than 8 we also include an English speaking escort for all transfers and excursions.
3) Questions about Italy
Is it safe to travel in Italy? Italy is a very safe country, renown for its warm friendly people. Having said that, you must use caution in large cities around tourist areas where tourists can become magnets for pick pockets. Common sense precautions will help you to avoid unpleasant situations.
Do I need a VISA to visit Italy? If you are a Canadian or US citizen you need only a valid passport. The passport should be valid for six months after the date of travel. Other nationalities should check with the Italian Embassy or consular office for Visa requirements from their countries.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Italy is a year round destination. The climate is very moderate all year long but there is a winter, spring, and summer.
April to end of June, and September to end of October, are the best months for weather. Not too hot or rainy.
For bargains, off season is great - November to March and also the month of August for city hotels.
What are the must see cities for a first time traveller to Italy?
Whatever you choose to see in Italy will be worth while and a wonderful experience. However, for a first trip we would strongly suggest you visit the 3 main art cities;
Rome: ideally 3 days to visit St. Peters, The Vatican & Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Florence: 2 days to see the main sites, 3 days if you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery which is one of the most important museums of the world, or if you want to take an excursion into the countryside.
Venice: 2 days to take in the main sites and ambiance.
Have a look at our Rome, Florence, Venice suggested tour.
Can I use my hairdryer, curling iron, etc in Italy?
In Italy the voltage is 220 and in North America it is 110. The electrical sockets are round not flat. So in order to use your personal appliance you need a conversion plug and if the appliance is not dual voltage, a converter. You can purchase a kit with everything you need from you local travel shop or in the luggage section of your local department store or at most airports.
You should note that most of our hotels have hair dryers in the bathrooms.
Can I use my ATM card in Italy? Yes you can. You will need a 4 digit pin number. We suggest that you also bring with you some cash to start .
4) Questions about hotels
What should I expect from your hotels?
Road to Italy offers a great selection of centrally located city hotels and charming country inns, villas and castles. We select our hotels from 3 -star to 5-star deluxe, based on cleanliness, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, location, and best value for the dollar.
Our staff visits hotels yearly to make sure that the standards remain high.
Our clients benefit from our quality control checks and from our long standing relationship with our partner hotels.
We have points with a hotel chain, can we use your services if we book hotels with our points?
We will be happy to work with clients who want to use their own hotels because of points or other reasons.
However, we cannot vouch or be responsible for any problems with hotels not contracted by us directly.
5) Travel Insurance
Do you offer travel insurance? Is it important to have it?
We offer excellent travel insurance with many coverage options from basic trip cancellation insurance to full coverage which includes emergency medical assistance. Ask our tour designers about the various options.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment, which for a trip to Italy can be substantial. Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind in safeguarding your investment in the event of a cancellation prior to or during your trip.
Take advantage of the experience of our tour designers
call for a no obligation, personal consultation to create a worry free Italy vacation of your dream. If you do not find what you are looking for on our list, we can make further arrangements.