Tipping? Drink the Water? And more...

Helpful Information Before You Arrive 
Our team has collected helpful hints and tidbits over the years in our travels. Here are some pointers and tips for you. We also recommend you register with STEP by the US government: https://step.state.gov/

•  Watch our own Mark Story via our YouTube® Channel below and get ready for your upcoming Journey.

•  Keep READING BELOW the videos for MUCH more helpful content.

But before you proceed, we'd love to introduce you to our Italy's Great Cities Tour - 4 different itineraries to introduce you to Italy:

••• New Entry 2025 Requirements for European Schengen Zone (Italy, etc. ):

Click this link to learn about the official ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

ETIAS in a nutshell
ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

Bag Portage Policy

You can bring one suitcase weighing up to 50 pounds, along with one carry-on and a personal item like a purse or satchel. If your carry-on is big or has wheels, read below.

Note that we'll transfer one suitcase per person between cities and to/from hotels. You can have one carry-on and a personal item when traveling between cities. The carry-on should be small enough to fit in your lap or at your feet during travel (e.g., from Venice to Florence, Florence to Cortona, Rome, and Sorrento).

Important info for arriving in Florence: Our Discovery Walk starts right after we arrive by train from Venice, so we won't go to the hotel first. Guests may not pull a bag with wheels on the Discovery Walk. Therefore if your carry-on has wheels (not permitted on the Discovery Walk) or is bulky and is difficult to walk with for over an hour, it must be portaged with our bags from Venice to Florence (at no extra cost for the segment from Venice to Florence). 

If you want a second bag carried for the whole tour, it's $150 per bag. Remember, we include a Laundry Service up to €25,00 per person on the Italy's Great Cities tour in Cortona which will allow you to pack less!

Dining the Journey Style

No other tour company provides a dining experience like Journey. Enjoy our included dinners at unique, off-the-beaten-path restaurants that have been sought out for both their cuisine and ambiance. Each dinner experience is at a local restaurant which has been personally selected and reflects the region’s finest in both cuisine and wine. 

All breakfasts are included. Deluxe category will feature a full, hot breakfast buffet or table service. Classic category (where applicable) will feature a continental breakfast.

When Dining Independently

You will have some evenings where you may opt to dine independently. Here are some average costs: 

Soft drinks and mineral waters range from €3 to €5. Lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich with a soft drink or bottled water can run about €15. A ‘full dinner’ such as a steak at a typical Italian restaurant with dessert (we suggest gelato) and a non-alcoholic beverage runs around
€30 while a bottle of wine can make it run about €40 to €60 euro on average.

Special Experiences: Wineries, Bodegas, Private Boats, etc. 

Select itineraries may include an experience at one of our winery estates in Italy, bodegas in Spain, or one of our private boats in Venice or perhaps the Italian Lakes district. With these unique experiences, you can tour a majestic estate and its winemaking facilities before joining the Tour Captain in a beautiful banquet room for a tasting paired with plated delicacies; or you might enjoy entering Venice by private boat, as one of the most romantic cities in Europe welcomes you; or perhaps take a boat tour around the Isle of Capri or off the coast of Mexico’s Cabo for whale watching. Whatever the special experience, you are sure to have a memorable time that can equal few others! Check your itinerary to see if this item is included. 

Optional Dinner Nights with the Now Journey Tour Captain

How our optional dinners work: Normally, each of us (solos or couples) will order from the menu making a note of your items and their cost – then we calculate a group cost of Water, Bread, and any other group oriented charges the restaurant may impose – then we each pay by credit card (at the table with a machine) or by Euro (remember, we don't tip Americano style in Italy).

Customary Gratuities Included

 All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers are included. Tipping for your Journey Tour Captain is voluntary and the average recommendation is $USD20  per person per day. We recommend that gratuities be extended on an individual basis at the end of your journey. Make note, many mainstream tour operators do not reveal this policy until you are already on their tour. 

Tipping While Dining/Traveling Independently

Tipping for Taxi, Hotel Staff, Independent Restaurants, and Public WCs (water closets)

Tipping in many countries in Europe is not customary however if you would like to tip, round up the fare to the nearest Euro. This is our recommendation for: 

Taxi - no more than 1 or 2 Euro and not expected by driver.

Hotel Staff - no more than 1 or 2 Euro and not expected.

Euro coins for public WCs will be needed (however, we recommend going into a cafe or bar). 

Your Accommodations

Your hotel properties are included in the tour price and will feature private bathrooms, air-conditioning (some properties are seasonal), and the amenities you’ve come to expect such as shampoo and conditioner, hair blow dryer, body lotion, and other essentials. Your hotel experience will differ greatly from property to property, as we stay in unique properties that reflect the culture and architecture of the destination. Most rooms are designed for double-occupancy. Triple occupancy normally features two beds configured as a queen with a roll-away cot. 

Electrical Outlets

Voltage for Italy is 220V while USA is generally 110V. A converter/adapter will be necessary for your travel through Italy. Adapters “adapt” the physical configuration to the outlet but may not “convert” the voltage, so both devices are necessary. t

Walking on Tour

Walking is the best way to experience our destinations! We walk a lot, but it’s unhurried, and there are ample opportunities to sit and relax. You must be physically capable of walking and experiencing the many stairs and cobblestone streets that are found in Europe. 

Portage of Your Luggage

Journey includes portage of your luggage at our hotels throughout our destinations and on our vehicles. Train, Boat and Air travel may require guests to manage their own luggage through security.  

Passport Required

If you are an American, Canadian, UK, Australian, New Zealand, or Mexican resident, a valid passport is required and must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your journey for entry in the European Union. A Visa is automatically provided when you book your airfare. We recommend you take a photocopy of your Passport photo page and attach it to an email draft in your email account. This could be very helpful, should you lose your passport while on tour. 

Train Travel While On Tour

On select itineraries, train tickets on high-speed trains will be used and these tickets are included and managed by the Journey Tour Captain. 

Personal Expenses While On Travel

Personal expenses such as phone calls, room service, beverages not specifically included, dry cleaning, laundry service, airline excess luggage charges, visa fees and services, arrival and departure taxes, and other optional incidentals, are not included.

Museum and Venue Closures or Changes

We may need to change the itinerary, or substitute activities, hotels, and/or transportation as deemed necessary, should closures, strikes, or other situations inhibit the execution of the itinerary. The Journey Tour Captain is the authority while on tour, and is empowered to execute any changes necessary. Changes not made by Journey resulting in an expense or loss should be submitted to your travel insurance provider.

Internet Access & WhatsApp

Complimentary basic Internet WiFi where available in hotel rooms. Service will, generally, not be as robust as North America. We highly recommend you download WhatsApp app to your mobile phone so you can receive updates from the Tour Captain.

Calling to and from Italy

The country code for Italy is 39. When calling to Italy: dial your international access code: 011 from USA and Canada followed by the country code, area code and phone number. So, try 011 39 + the number. 

Currency in Italy: Your Money On Tour

The official currency in Italy, as in all of the European Union, is the Euro.

Hands down, the best way to get cash in Europe is via the ATM. Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN) before leaving, and plan on withdrawing euros (cash) for your purchases. Credit cards are the next best way to make purchases, but not all locations accept them. Visa and MasterCard for sure are accepted, with American Express a distant third, and Discover will often not be known or accepted, depending on the location. 

How much money to take with you? It’s truly up to you. You know your habits and preferences, and therefore we recommend using the ATM and/or credit card approach.

Should you get Euros before leaving the US? We recommend you visit your local bank and order about $USD250-350 worth of Euros to take with you. This is just in case you get delayed somewhere in Europe while on route. Of course your credit card will work fine in most establishments. 

VAT: About the VAT - Value Added Tax

Every year, tourists visiting Europe leave behind millions of dollars of refundable sales taxes. While for some, the headache of collecting the refund is not worth the few dollars at stake, if you do any serious shopping, it’s hard cash - free and easy. The process isn’t difficult; you just have to get the necessary documents from the retailer, carry your purchase with you, and track down the right folks at the airport; this will give you something to do while you’re hanging around. The standard European Union Value-Added Tax ranges from 15 to 25 percent per country, averaging about 20 percent overall. Rates change, so you’ll want to check with merchants when you’re there. 

When you make your purchase, have the merchant fill out the necessary refund document, called a “cheque.” You’ll need to present your passport. Make sure the paperwork is done before you leave the store, so there’s nothing important missing. If they leave any blanks for you to fill out, be sure you understand what goes where. Attach your receipt to the form and stash in a safe place. 

Know where to get your refund. If you buy merchandise in a European Union country and you’re bringing the goods home with you, process your documents at your last stop in the EU, regardless of where you made your purchases. So, if you buy sweaters in Denmark, pants in France, and shoes in Italy, and you’re flying home from Greece, get your documents stamped in Athens. But be aware, if the currencies are different in the country where you made your purchase and where you process your refund, you may have to pay an extra conversion fee.

Get your documents stamped. The customs export officer will stamp your documents after you present your purchased goods to verify that you are, indeed, exporting your purchase (try to keep the goods in your carry-on).

Collect the Cash. Once you get your form stamped by customs, you’ll need to return it to the retailer or its representative at the airport, port, or border crossing. If the retailer handles VAT refunds directly, it’s up to you to contact the merchant for your refund. You can mail the documents from home, or more quickly, from your point of departure (using a stamped, addressed envelope you’ve prepared, or one that’s been provided by the merchant) - and then wait. It could take months, so be advised.

European Climate Control (Air Conditioning)

European air conditioning should be considered as a climate-control system. Most have three settings for the fan, plus a “cool” setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air conditioning system is far less than what you have in your living environment back home. 

Packing Tips from our own Sherry Moore!

The following is a sample packing list to help you remember things that apply to you:

• Passport - valid for 6 months beyond your return date

• Euros (250-300 per person recommended). Lunches normally are only accepted in euro cash as well as gelato, water and souvenirs under 10 euros.  Everything thing else like not-included dinners will accept visa, although they often will not split a check and we all have to put in euros or put it all on one card and give that person euro cash.

• Reading glasses (if applies)

• Sunglasses

• Visa credit card (know your PIN) - take a photo and keep as a draft in your email

• Phone charger

• A couple of US to Italy plug converters

• Travel umbrella

• Light rain coat

• Long sleeve shirts

• Short sleeve shirts (you want to layer)

• 2 pairs of shoes recommended for ladies (1 for day & 1 for night). Walking shoes you are used to. Heels or wedges only if you're an expert cobblestone walker! Tennis shoes are fine

• Bathing suits for itineraries with boat tours, beaches or other opportunities to swim

• Men: walking shoes you are used to.  Tennis shoes are fine.

• Ladies and Gents: Scarves work for both sexed in Italy quite easily

• Ladies: limit jewelry

• I like to pack 1 water bottle in my suitcase for when I unpack

• Sunscreen

• Book for plane if you want

• Headphones for plane

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash

• Qtips (although the hotels tend to have them)

• Deodorant (please! ha ha)

• Shaving cream and razor

• Ladies - flat iron and/or curling iron

• No need to pack a blow dryer - hotels have them

• No need to pack an iron; you can request one, but pack an empty spray bottle and when you arrive take out only what you plan to wear per city, spray them down, hang them up and when you get back to your room they are virtually wrinkle free!

• Pack in layers in case it's warmer than usual or cooler than usual.  Anticipate highs in the 70s overall.

• Ladies; long pants, maybe a pair of capris, maybe a pair of shorts (I like leggings and lightweight pants that roll up small and if I need to hand wash they dry fast).  You are welcome to bring a dress if you want to.  Dress up or down how you prefer! There are no "formal nights" but some of the included dinners you may like to dress up a bit.

• Men - no need for a dinner jacket, as we don't really have any truly "formal nights," but some of the included dinners you may like to dress up a bit in Bellagio, Venice and the last night in Rome.

• Hair spray if preferred

• No need to pack lotion, shampoo or conditiner (provided at hotels and high quality)

• Don't forget underwear and socks - you wouldn' t believe how many people forget to pack them!

• Don't forget your PJs!

• Vitamins and any prescriptions (do not need to be in original containers even if in carry ons)

• Put the on-tour help phone number and email in your phone (it will be provided in your final Trip Kit email coming at any time).  If your flight is delayed or you have last minute questions contact that number.

• Remember on days where we go in a church shoulders and knees have to be covered.

• Mail: do you need to have your mail held?

• Newspaper: do you need to have your newspaper held?

• Trash cans: do you need to have a neighbor take out your trashcans?

• Plants and animals - set up someone to water your plants and/or feed and care for your animals.

• Take a picture of your passport and keep it on your phone or email a copy to yourself

• Call your credit card and bank to alert them to your international travel

• put Google Translate on your phone if you wish

• Recommend NOT carrying a day pack or backpack during the day as it screams "tourist" and many venues no longer allow them in due to security issues

• Do not put locks on your suitcases unless they are TSA approved.  

• Snacks are fine for your carryon for the plane.  Sometimes there are dogs at the airports and you may be asked if you have food in your suitcase or carry-on.  You must disclose everything even if it's a candy bar or granola bar

• I like to pack granola bars to carry during the day while out exploring

  Everything from "Where's the Gym?" to our favorite restaurant recommendations – Welcome to Venice!

  Journey’s own Mark Story has recommendations for everything from restaurants on optional evenings to laundry and packing tips. 

  Firstly, Welcome to Venice: Understanding the lay of the land of these famous Venetian islands will help your experience! Venice is divided up into sestiere (plural: sestieri). This is a subdivision found in some Italian towns and cities. The word is from sesto, meaning sixth; and is used only for towns divided into six districts. The best-known example is found right here in Venice. Other towns including Ascoli Piceno, Genoa, Milan and Rapallo also feature sestieri.

  
  

  Recommended Restaurants in Venezia

  La Caravella

  Located in the Hotel Saturnia & International is a ‘destination restaurant’ where locals and international visitors both enjoy exquisite cuisine and world-class service. Reservations are a must. 

  Address: Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2399, 30124 Venezia
  Menu: restaurantlacaravella.com
  Phone: +39 041 520 8901

  
  
  Quadri

  Try 1 Michelin Starred favorite of mine, Quadri featuring "Italian classics with a modern twist served in a lavish, romantic setting overlooking St Mark's Square."

  Address: Piazza San Marco, 121, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy – Hours: Opens most days at 12:30PM – Phone: +39 041 522 2105

  
  

  What To Do in Venice When Arriving One Day Early

  Peggy Guggenheim Museum

  Peggy Guggenheim was dedicated to the advancement of 20th century art. Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, where Peggy Guggenheim lived is now the location of her museum. It is an unfinished 18th century Grand Canal palace and worth the visit. Tickets are available on site usually without advance purchase, however, you can purchase in advance through Now Journey.

  Address: Address: Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123 Venezia - Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 10AM–6PM, Wed Closed. Please check hours for any special closings.

  FUN: Cicchetti Crawl (also called Bácari)

  For the skinny on this traditional Italian experience, "Venetian Style," click HERE to read all about it.

  
  

  Cooking Lesson in Venice with Rialto Market Visit

  This tour starts from Rialto market, where colorful fruits, vegetables and fish-seller counters give an amazingly lively view of the true Venetian life.  Runs about $250 per person.

  Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Venice

  Learn insider secrets of Italian cuisine with a cooking class in Venice. Get hands-on experience creating traditional Italian dishes with guidance from a passionate chef. Eat the meal you've made, complete with wine. About 3 hours and runs about $169 per person.

  Concert at Teatro La Fenice

  Teatro La Fenice was twice destroyed by fire and twice restored to its former splendor. For centuries La Fenice has been Venice’s principal stage for world-class opera, music, theater and ballet.

  Galleria dell'Accademia

  Galleria dell’Accademia is a museum gallery of pre-19 th century in Venice, northern Italy. It is housed in the Scuola Grande della Caritá on the south bank of the Canal within the sestriere of Dorsoduro near Accademia’s bridge. The collections of Accademia were first opened to the public in August 1817, contains masterpieces of venetian painting up to the 18th century, generally arranged chronologically though some thematic displays are evident. Artists represented include: Tiepolo, Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. Admission is around 15 Euro + 2,50 Euro booking fee.

  Address: Campo della Carità, Dorsoduro 1050 – Telephone: +39 041 5222247 – ga-ave@beniculturali.it – Hours: Monday: 8:15 to 13:00, Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 to 18:15, Ticket sales end 45 minutes before the closing. Closed: January 1, December 25, May 1 (subject to availability of voluntary staff).

  Visit San Marco Campanile (Tower)

  St Mark's Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the Piazza San Marco. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

  Address: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy – Height: 323′ – Hours: Opens most days at 9:45AM – Phone: +39 041 270 8311

  Visit and enjoy the famous Café Florian

  You will pay for not only tasty treats and beverages but also for the amazing orchestra and its serenade. And remember, the table is yours for as long as you like to people watch.

  Tips on Navigating Venice

  1. You will have to 'work your way through the crowds' – because everyone wants to come to Venice at least once in their lifetime. Venice is filled with things to see and do and hailed for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The city is also known for being packed with tourists, so be prepared. Especially around famous must see sites like the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s square there’s simply no escaping the crowd.

  Here's the Tip: Book a tour with Now Journey and stay right on beautiful San Marco island and access the magic of Venice at night when all the tourist hordes have gone to their ships and off-island hotels (check this one off your list - you're booked!).

  2. Take a Gondola Ride - Experience and live the fantasy of an authentic Gondola ride through Venice. Despite the high prices and risks of being ripped off, it is still big fun (especially when you go with Now Journey).

  Here's the Tip: Book a tour with Now Journey and enjoy the included Gondola Experience complete with Venetian musicians to serenade (check this one off your list - you're already booked!). We take care of everything and it's included.

  3. Buy a Venetian Mask - A typical souvenir to bring home from your trip to Venice, is a Venetian mask. There’s no shortage of shops and vendors trying to convince you to buy one. Just make sure it’s a genuine Venetian mask, not one that has the label ‘made in China’ on it. Tip: ‘Ca’Macana in the Dorsoduro district is a favorite place for mask-hunting and is one of the oldest mask studios in Venice. The masks Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman wore in the movie Eyes Wide Shut were designed and made here.

  
  

  Working Out In Venice

  Our hotels in Venice feature fitness centers and access to gyms.

  Saturnia & International - Alternatively, the hotel will provide you access to a gym located just about a 10 minute walk across the Accademia bridge.

  Il Bauer - The fitness area is furnished with the premium Technogym equipment for cardio fitness, weights and strengthening. Gym equipment is fully available for guests, who can also request tailored programs to the personal trainer of BAUER’s fitness center. The fitness center is available for all guests everyday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  To say that Italy is magnificent is a massive understatement. Florence is no exception, in fact, it’s the king of Italy.

  Welcome to Florence

  Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell'Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

  
  

  Recommended Restaurants in Florence

  My Pick for Lunch: Boccadama

  Located on the ground floor of a magnificent renaissance palazzo in Piazza Santa Croce, Ristorante Boccadama is in the heart of Florence. They boast, "We are committed to authentic Tuscan and regional Italian cooking and use only the highest quality local ingredients, preparing all of our dishes fresh daily. May I suggest the Rigatoni with Truffle (rigatoni al tartufo)? Amazing.

  Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 25/26r – Hours: Opens 11:30AM on most days. – Phone: +39 055 243640

  Enoteca Pinchiorri

  Try this 3 Michelin Starred favorite of mine, Pinchiorri. They boast "An elite sommelier will guide you through their wine list to end all wine lists, with over two hundred types of wine to choose from and the best vintages and brands. Many of the signature dishes of the restaurants are creative and delicious twists on old Tuscan favorites."

  Address: Via Ghibellina, 87 –Hours :  Opens 7:30PM on most days. – Phone: +39 055 242757

  Osteria Cinghiale Bianco

  Cinghiale Bianco is located on the ground floor of a thirteenth century tower in Borgo San Jacopo, one of the quaintest streets of medieval Florence, among art galleries, antique shops and fine boutiques. The first dining room is situated right in the old tower, with the original antique stone walls in view. The second dining room and the kitchen were built in the tower's old courtyard, which was covered by vaults in 1500 in order to best bear the weight of the historic building. With its characteristic and romantic charm, candle-lit stone niches in "pietra serena,” Cinghiale Bianco offers a very special ambience.

  Address: Borgo S. Jacopo, 43 – Hours: Most days from 6:30PM – Phone: +39 055 215706
  
  

  Suggestions for Your Leisure Time in Florence

  Uffizi Gallery

  The Uffizi Gallery is a prominent art museum located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Center of Florence in the region of Tuscany. The building of the Uffizi complex was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de' Medici so as to accommodate the offices of the Florentine magistrates, hence the name uffizi, "offices."

  Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6 – Hours: Opens 8:15am on most days but not all! – Skip the line tickets highly recommended.

  Piazzale Michelangelo

  Your Tour Captain will be treating you to this optional trek (or taxi ride) to this awesome vantage point.

  
  Working Out In Florence

  Some of our hotels in Florence feature fitness centers and access to gyms.

  Grand Hotel Cavour - Located just off the lobby is the fitness center for cardio and weight training. 

  Hotel L'Orologio - Those wishing to keep fit while traveling or to relieve stress can make use of the fitness area equipped with the latest-generation Technogym machines (treadmills, benches, exercise bike, wellness ball, cardio fitness), with free access daily. Open to all guests, 24 hours a day.

  Hotel Rosso 23 - May we suggest Florence Fitness located at Via dei Foss, 56. Opens at 8am. http://www.florencefitness.com/

  Life offers you a thousand chances... all you have to do is take one.

  ― Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun

  Welcome to Cortona

  Cortona is a hilltop town in Tuscany and is home to one of Frances Mayes' villas, Bramasole – the real Bramasole! The Etruscan Academy Museum displays a vast collection of bronze, ceramic and funerary items reflecting the town’s Etruscan past. The museum also includes an Archaeological Park with multiple sites, including city fortifications and stretches of Roman roads. Near the Renaissance-era cathedral is the Diocesan Museum, with sacred furnishings, plus paintings by Fra Angelico.

  Laundry Service in Cortona

  Keep your luggage more manageable by taking advantage of Now Journey's included laundry service upon arrival into Cortona on Italy’s Great Cities Tour. Your clothes will be laundered and/or ironed for you and returned to you on the second evening in Cortona.

  An order form will be waiting for you in your hotel. On some departures your Tour Captain will provide the order form in Florence and inform you of the procedure to deposit your items to be laundered prior to arriving at Cortona.

  Remember: Clothes with sensitive fabrics or special requirements should not be submitted for cleaning.

  
  
  

  Recommended Restaurants in Cortona

  Osteria del Teatro

  Since 1994 Cortona has hosted one of the most successful examples of a typical Tuscan restaurant, able to combine the tradition of tasty and genuine cuisine and a refined technique in the preparation of dishes. The Osteria del Teatro is the osteria in Cortona that has stood out for the quality of the dishes, both thanks to the skill and experience of the chef Emiliano Rossi, and to the courtesy and warm welcome that is reserved for guests. The Osteria del Teatro is the right place to enjoy the best typical Tuscan cuisine immersed in the atmosphere of an old trattoria in the center of Cortona. An opportunity to enjoy tasty and refined dishes in a unique setting: a building of the 'completely renovated and restored to its original splendor. Three different rooms will host you in an elegant and exclusive way: the first features typical features of the old Tuscan taverns, the latter characterized by a more convivial atmosphere, the third enriched by precious frescoes that make it intimate and romantic. Visit the sections of the site dedicated to the menu and our useful section dedicated to recipes: our tavern in Cortona is waiting for you to conquer the typical Tuscan dishes! Closing day: Wednesday

  Address : Via Giuseppe Maffei, 2 – Phone : +39 0575 630556

  Locanda al Pozzo Antico

  Family owned and operated, this is a wonderful, and traditionally slow dining experience. Restaurant at the Old Well! The Locanda al Pozzo Antico restaurant, located on the ground floor of the important 1400's building right in the center of the medieval town, a few steps from Piazza del Comune, in its warm and refined atmosphere, offers typical Tuscan dishes of great quality, fresh and seasonal. The menu is made of handmade pasta, certified locally sourced meat and fresh fish paired with the best local and national wines. During the warm seasons it is possible to dine al fresco in the inner courtyard in a special, romantic and exclusive atmosphere or in the two air-conditioned rooms while in winter the atmosphere is heated by the precious stone fireplace.

  Address: Via Ghini 14, 52044, Cortona, Italy – Telephone: +39 0575 62091

  
  

  Suggestions for Your Leisure Time in Cortona

  With a full day at leisure, be sure to check all of our optionals on our website on the Italy's Great Cities Tour under Day 7 (click here for tour itinerary page)

  
  

  Working Out In Cortona

  Think Tuscan Hills – and get your walk, jog, run or hike in beautiful Cortona! There are some gyms a few miles away.

  Welcome to Rome

  Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum or town center and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. So much to see and do in this amazing city – feel the vibe? Catch the rhythm and energy that is Roma!

  
  Recommended Restaurants in Rome

  Ristorante Santa Lucia

  One of Mark Story's favorites in Rome located just outside of Piazza Navona. Simplicity and sophistication live together in the cuisine, characterized by a common thread: the freshness and genuineness of the products. The recipes are the result of the culture, the experience and the knowledge of those who, over the years, have been leading Santa Lucia with passion and commitment. Great Italian wines and a respect for both tradition and current trends. Recommended!

  Address: Largo Febo 12 - Telephone: +39 06 6880 2427

  La Pergola

  Renowned luxury hotel restaurant with city panoramas from the roof, serving gourmet Italian cuisine.

  Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101 – Hours:Opens most days at 7:30PM – Phone: +39 06 3509 2152

  
  Working Out In Rome

  A full gym is found just outside of Campo de Fiori: Gym: Palestra Farnese Fitness (10 minute walk from either hotel)
  Address: Vicolo delle grotte, Vicolo delle Grotte, 35 – Hours: Open until 10PM on most days – Phone: +39 329 618 7172

  
  

  Walking on the Now Journey Adventure 

We do a lot of walking on our tours so good mobility is essential. Have you made sure we’re aware of any conditions that may impede your participation on the tour? Walking: Now Journey’s Unique Approach to Modern Touring We walk on our small group tours of Italy. We walk a lot, so get ready for exploring the cities of Italy and plan to be on your feet for up to three (3) hours standing and walking up-and-down stairs, cobblestone streets, and hopping on-and-off our private (and sometimes public) transportation in all weather conditions (rain, sun, hot and cold weather).

Our pace is unhurried, but you must be physically capable of standing, walking and experiencing the many stairs, hills, and cobblestoned streets that is Italy. What a Day on Your Now Journey Tour “Looks Like” A DAY ON TOUR: A Great Balance: Most of our sightseeing experiences are scheduled for the morning, with most afternoons at leisure to explore the city. We are not a traditional tour where you are exhaustively touring from sun-up to sun-down. Perfectly Balanced. We combine expert Italian Guides, American Tour Captains, and a nice balance of leisure time on most afternoons, so you can soak up all that is Italy.

Walking Times on the Tour

A quick look at the walking on your Now Journey tour:In Bellagio on Lake Como (if selected)

• Plan to walk about ½ mile on the Discovery Walk, and on the sightseeing tour the next day.

In Venice:

• Plan to walk about 2 miles on Day 2 in total: Discovery Walk and then later walking to the Included Venice Welcome dinner.

• Plan to walk about 1.4 miles on Day 3: Included walking tour of Venice.

In Florence:

• Plan to walk about 3 miles on Day 4: Discovery Walk and then later walking to the Florence Dinner.

• Plan to walk about 4 miles on Day 5: Included walking tour of Florence, then to optional dinner.

In San Gimignano and Cortona:

• Plan to walk 3 miles on Day 6: Included walking tour of San Gimignano, uphill and stairs, the Discovery Walk in Cortona, and the walk to the Cortona Dinner.

In Rome:

• Plan to walk about 3 - 4miles on Day 8 Included Discovery Walk, and to the Rome Welcome Dinner.

In Sorrento (if Selected)

• Plan to walk about about a mile on the Discovery Walk including the  Welcome Dinner.

The information provided above are estimates and may vary. Your Tour Captain is responsible for day to day activity and will coordinate all aspects. Alert: Did you fail to communicate to Now Journey any mobility issues? You may be removed from sightseeing activities or from the Journey entirely without compensation should you fail to report in advance via the signed Tour Agreement of any mobility issues which may adversely affect the success of the group tour. 

The Weather

It’s generally warm all over Europe in spring, summer, and fall; it can be very hot in the south, especially inland. The high temperatures (measured in Europe in degrees Celsius) begin in May, often lasting until sometime in October. Winters in the north are cold, with rain and snow, but in the south the weather is warm all year, averaging 50F (10C) in winter. 

For the most part, it’s drier than in North America, so high temperatures don’t seem as bad because the humidity is lower. In the south, temperatures can stay in the 90s F (30s C) for days, but nights are most often comfortably cooler.

Rule of thumb: at the coast and in the valleys the summers are hotter than in the hilly areas, where the climate is very continental – rain falls more often. 

Usually the summers in Tuscany are without rain and very hot, especially in the valleys. Spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November) might be rainy but there are still dry, sunny days. In the winter there are sunny, mild days but at night it sometimes gets very cold. July is the hottest month with temperatures from 73° up to 86°. Especially in the valleys the temperatures sometimes rise up high. In the coldest month – January - they are about 44° at the coast and about 38° to 42° inside the country.

Milan – Northern Italy

Month	High (F)	Low (F)	High (C)	Low (C)	Wet Days
January	44	25	7	-4	8
February	47	27	8	-3	9
March	56	34	13	1	8
April	62	40	17	4	6
May	70	49	21	9	5
June	77	55	25	13	4
July	83	60	28	16	1
August	82	60	28	16	2
September	75	54	24	12	5
October	64	44	18	7	8
November	52	33	11	1	11
December	45	26	7	-3	10

Rome – Central Italy

Month	High (F)	Low (F)	High (C)	Low (C)	Wet Days
January	55	39	13	4	6
February	56	40	13	4	7
March	59	43	15	6	7
April	63	47	17	8	8
May	71	54	22	12	8
June	77	61	25	16	9
July	83	66	28	19	6
August	83	67	28	19	7
September	79	62	26	17	5
October	71	56	22	13	8
November	62	46	17	8	10
December	57	42	14	6	7

Palermo – Southern Italy

Month	High (F)	Low (F)	High (C)	Low (C)	Wet Days
January	59	51	15	11	12
February	59	51	15	11	8
March	61	52	16	11	8
April	64	55	18	13	6
May	70	61	21	16	3
June	77	68	25	20	2
July	83	74	28	23	0
August	84	75	29	24	2
September	80	72	27	22	4
October	74	66	23	19	8
November	66	58	19	14	8
December	61	54	16	12	10