Frequently Asked Questionons
Before You Go
What are the passport requirements for traveling to Italy?
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Italy. However, the U.S. State Department recommends 6 months of validity to avoid any issues with airlines or unexpected travel delays. Check your passport now — if it’s expiring soon, allow 6–8 weeks for renewal.
Will I need a travel visa for Italy?
U.S. citizens do not currently need a visa to visit Italy. However, starting in late 2026, the European Union plans to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) — a quick online pre-travel authorization, similar to the U.S. ESTA for visitors to the U.S. It is not a visa. We will keep the group updated as this rolls out, but you can also check the official EU ETIAS website before your trip.
What travel insurance should I purchase?
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Start by checking your existing home, auto, or life insurance policies — some include travel riders. Otherwise, the following providers are well-regarded:
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Travelex
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Allianz Global Assistance
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AAA (Triple A)
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Tin Leg — especially recommended for seniors
Your policy should include at minimum:
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$100,000 in medical coverage
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$500,000 in medical evacuation coverage
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Trip cancellation protection
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Coverage for delayed or lost luggage
We also recommend adding airline-specific coverage for flight cancellations or disruptions.
What electrical adaptor will I need for Italy?
Italy uses Type C or Type L plug adaptors. The voltage is 230V/50Hz, while the U.S. runs on 120V/60Hz — so you’ll need both an adaptor (for the plug shape) and a voltage converter if your devices aren’t dual-voltage. Most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage — check the label on your device’s power brick. If it says “100–240V,” you only need an adaptor.
Getting There
Which airlines fly nonstop to Rome from the U.S.?
Several major airlines offer nonstop service to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) airport:
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ITA Airways — nonstop from New York JFK, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Houston (seasonal)
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United Airlines — nonstop from Newark, Washington Dulles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Denver (seasonal)
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Delta Air Lines — nonstop from New York JFK, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Detroit, and Minneapolis (seasonal)
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American Airlines — nonstop from Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Dallas/Fort Worth
What time should my flight arrive in Rome?
Most nonstop flights from the U.S. arrive in Rome between 7:00 AM and noon. We strongly recommend booking a flight that arrives between 8:00 AM and noon so we can gather the whole group together and travel to the Certosa di Pontignano as one. Our meeting point will be the Terminal 1 International Arrivals exit, where Vincenzo will be there to welcome and collect each guest as they land.
What time should my return flight depart?
Please book your return flight departing at 3:00 PM or later. The drive from the Certosa to Rome’s airport is just over 3 hours, and international flights require check-in at least 3 hours before departure. We will plan to depart from the Certosa by 9:00 AM.
Transportation & Logistics
How will we travel as a group?
A private 40-passenger coach with a professional, English-speaking driver will be available to the group for the entire duration of the retreat. You won’t need to worry about renting a car or navigating on your own.
Does the coach have restrooms on board?
The coach does not have an onboard restroom, but we will plan a comfort stop along the way — both on the drive to the Certosa and on the return trip to the airport.
At the Certosa di Pontignano
What is the check-out time?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM on your departure day.
What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?
We are happy to accommodate food allergies and dietary needs — just let Carol and Vincenzo know at the time of your registration. Communicating your needs early ensures we can make the proper arrangements with the kitchen. Last-minute requests may be difficult to accommodate.
Which meals are included in the retreat?
Your retreat includes a generous table of shared meals — 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 4 lunches are all part of your experience. The two meals on your own are the arrival day lunch (a stop at an Autogrill along the way — Italy’s beloved motorway rest stop, and genuinely worth the visit) and lunch during your free day in Florence, where you’ll have the pleasure of exploring the city’s incredible cafés, trattorias, and street food on your own.
Packing & Practical Tips
What should I pack?
We recommend keeping luggage manageable — a small to medium suitcase (roughly 22–25 inches long) plus a personal item like a backpack or tote works well. The weather in late May and early June is lovely: daytime temperatures typically range from the low 70s to the mid-80s°F, with cooler evenings in the 50s–60s°F.
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Pack comfortable, versatile clothing, including:
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Light dresses or blouses, shorts, jeans or khakis
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A sweater or light jacket for evenings
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A lightweight windbreaker
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Your most comfortable walking shoes — these are essential
Italy has a relaxed dress code, but do pack at least one outfit that’s a bit more covered up (shoulders and knees covered) for visits to churches and historic sites. Think comfort meets effortless Italian style.
How much cash should I bring?
Italy is largely cashless, and credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. A small amount of cash — around €150–€200 — is handy for things like an espresso at a neighborhood bar, fresh pastries, small souvenirs, or spontaneous stops during free time. ATMs are widely available throughout Florence and Siena if you need to withdraw more.
Will my cell phone work in Italy?
Contact your cell phone carrier before you travel to set up an international plan. Most carriers offer either a $10/day pay-as-you-go option (charged only on days you use it) or an unlimited international data plan for around $100/month. You can also use your phone for free over Wi-Fi throughout the retreat — just remember to switch your phone to Airplane Mode and connect to Wi-Fi to avoid unexpected roaming charges.
Excursions & Activities
How much walking will be involved?
The retreat is thoughtfully designed with a gentle, manageable amount of walking. Daily excursions through the Tuscan countryside and charming hilltop villages are paced comfortably. The most walking you’ll encounter will be during your free time in Florence and Siena, where you can explore as much or as little as you like.
Can I visit the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David while in Florence?
Absolutely! During your free time in Florence, we’ll provide recommendations for sightseeing, restaurants, street food, and walking tours. If you’d like to visit the Uffizi Gallery or the Galleria dell’Accademia, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance through LivTours — a boutique tour company we trust. A helpful tip: plan the Uffizi in the morning and the David in the afternoon. And remember to bring your passport for both, as tickets are linked to your name.
Emergencies
What if I need to return home early due to an emergency?
We understand that life happens. If you need to return home unexpectedly, we can arrange a private car service to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) for an additional cost. Alternatively, we’re happy to provide a complimentary ride to the train stations in Siena or Florence, where you can connect onward.
For additional questions, please reach out to Vincenzo Lauria at vincenzo@vlitaly.com.