The tradition of wearing ared outfit on New Year's Evehas very ancient origins. In fact, it has its roots as far back as 31 B.C., in the time of Emperor Octavian Augustus when, on the occasion of the Roman New Year, both men and women used to wear red, as asymbol of prosperity.
Later on, the tradition became closely linked to underwear. In the Middle Ages, for example, the groin area was covered with a red cloth to ward off bad luck. And it is precisely underwear in this color that holds sway during the festive season, a tradition that everyone interprets in their own way. For some, it should be worn inside out and put back on the right way round after midnight, a gesture that supposedly enhances the accumulation of positive influences. For others, on the other hand, the underwear with which the New Year was welcomed should be thrown away. The meaning is clear: away with the old, in with the new, quite literally. When in doubt, to ward off the start of an unlucky year, it is better to respect tradition.
With the United States populated with European Immigrants only a few generations ago, it's easy to see how a tradition of getting "new underwear for Christmas"got started!
Happy New Year guys! Tomorrow the countdown begins... Tuscany will be here before you know it and we can't wait to spend time with all of you!
Traveling in a foreign country can be slightly intimidating, but it doesn't have to be... you might not know the language, and likely you're not 100% familiar with the local customs or culture... This is normal, and we see it as our job to help "get you mentally prepared" so that you have a better feel for what's happening around you!
Here at Adventures to Tuscany, you'll hear us talk a lot about truly authentic experiences and deep cultural immersion... We pride ourselves on working hard to prepare our guests, so that you know how to plan & prepare for your trip... and so you know what's going on and that you have the best experience possible. Most Tour operators do very little of this, and when their tour guests get to their destination, they muddle through... but often, they feel somewhat "lost" as to what's expected of them or what they're supposed to do... questions abound, and typically because of the standard 44 -50 person group sizes, those questions often go unanswered... or a guest ends up just asking the question to another tour member who doesn't really know the answer either...
Our goal has always been to overcome these issues, and we use this BLOG as our main conduit to prepare you by feeding you just one one spoonful a day... If you've been following along, you may not realize it, but you're already far-far ahead of most Americans who travel to Italy... You've already read a lot of customized articles addressing the who, what, when, where and why's of your destination and your Tour... And we'll be posting several times a week for the next 8 months before you leave for Italy! And we're just getting started! If you continue to follow along with the BLOG, you'll be an expert by your departure... And that is our goal! As always, please reach out to us if you have questions, or if we can help in any way!
Tipping in restaurants in Italy... Probably one of the most heavily debated and argued topics among frequent international travelers... And with this in mind, we're going to try to give you a little confidence with your tipping practices...
To truly understand this topic, you must first talk about the Italian Culture and what local Italians do in their daily lives... Here in the US, most of us know and understand that our waiters & waitresses get paid a lower base wage and depend on gratuities for their living... And that gratuity over the years has pretty much become a standard of 15 - 20%, and it's often the minimum expected whether you got special service or not... In Italy, waiters & waitresses are professionals and they get paid a full wage and could never make it on tips because in their culture, they just don't tip very much, if at all... and they're not necessarily expected to do so...
For the most part, most native Italians do not tip very much at all... It's just not part of their culture... In a restaurant, they'll often just leave "the change." If they got special service... Perhaps if their check is 38 euro, they'll just leave the change from 40 euro... (around 5%). Seriously, most Italians do not tip at all... We're talking zero... zilch... notta! It's not that they're cheap; it's just not a thing in Italy. And quite honestly, most Italian waiters don't expect a tip... (except from Americans...more on this later)
Most typically, restaurants in Italy will charge you a "Coperto," to sit down, which basically translates to a cover charge... This is normally 2 to 3 Euros per person, and you'll usually see it listed on the menus & on your check as the coperto... You'll sometimes hear people say this is the "bread charge..." But don't bother telling them you don't want the bread, cause you'll still pay this... and then on the menu you'll usually see the words "Servizio Incluso" which means the service charges (or what we might consider the tip) is included in their food prices... What gets difficult to understand is that this charge, the coperto, is not a tip and it does not go to the waiter, but it does help the owners of the restaurant offset the higher wages they pay their waitstaff.
Some trendy or touristy restaurants in bigger cities will have listed on the menu servizio non-incluso, and then, either expect you to tip, or they'll sometimes add a 10 - 20% service charge onto your check...
What complicates all of this is that most American tourists, over the last 70 years, who don't understand this issue, feel guilty not tipping, and leave the typical 15 - 20% tip that they would in the US... This has created a very weird, hard to explain "double standard"where many waiters and waitresses (especially in the bigger cities) while knowing full well they'll get little or no tips from their fellow Italians, will still expect Americans to leave big tips...
So the following scenario is what makes the debate go on forever; Your typical American, feeling guilty about not tipping, will end up asking the waiter; "Is the tip included?"Now you have to understand this: They don't think of the Coperto or the Servizio as a tip, these are just standard charges and they (the waiters) don't receive them... So they legitimately & truthfully say "No, the tip isnot included..." So the American leaves a 15 - 20% tip on the table! And this is why this issue is confusing and debated so heavily all over the internet!
What we suggest and what we do is to check the menu outside the door before you enter the restaurant... It will usually state the Coperto and whether or not the Servizio is included... Then if the service is included, and you've received good service, we suggest you leave a very small tip... usually one or two euro per person or maybe 5%. You can now feel relieved of your guilt... You've shown respect, and you've left a much bigger tip then most Italians ever would... (again, most just don't tip). If someone has done something extraordinary and special for you, (perhaps you've asked for a special table, asked them to take a photo, or asked for something not on the menu) and you want to do something special for them in return, you could leave 10%... That, in Italy is a huge tip! And of course, if you're just an overly generous person, trust us, no one will hate you if you leave them 20%!
(note: you may see us giving very generous tips in the venues we take you for meals, tours, tastings, etc... and you may ask why we tell you one thing and we do another.... Our situation is very different; as a Tour Operator, we ask these people & businesses for very special considerations; special reservations, customized tours, provisions, special seatings, special tables, special menus, special wines, special treatment for our guests, etc, and we've worked with these people & businesses for decades and we need to count on these folks to accommodate both us & our guests many times each year... and to not only accommodate our guests, but to treat them very well... so we take care of them generously... but the same would never be expected of you).
It's always difficult to find great video footage of Tuscany that truly does justice to the beauty and emotion of the area... but this one's pretty good... I was searching for something and stumbled across this very short American Express Inspirato video... They're obviously trying to "plant a seed" among their upscale cardholders that a Villa vacation in Tuscany can be an incredible experience... Well, we couldn't agree more... These visuals, textures, and flavors in this video just barely scratch the surface of what you'll be experiencing in just a few short months!
We've been doing Tuscany many times a year for many years... and we know it well... The Villa in this video is Villa Medici... and it too, is near Panzano, not far from our Villa... But, being a boutique operator that specializes in Tuscany, and not being a giant travel company like American Express we've had to do a lot better research than they have, and as you'll soon find out, we have a much nicer Villa, with much better views, it's much bigger, and has a much better location... and our Villa has a great pool to boot!
And while Colle Bereto (the winery in this video) is a nice little winery just 3 miles down the road from our Villa, it is somewhat small and new, and only has a 30 year history... The wineries where we'll be taking you for VIP Tours, Guided Tastings, and outstanding alfresco luncheons, are many hundreds of years old, and offer a degree of history, pedigree, charm and majesty that's hard to match!
And yes, we'll be taking you to all the villages in the video, and we will be visiting many more! Most of the footage in this video is shot in Radda-in-Chianti, Greve and Siena... And our Villa sits high in the Chianti Hills in the very middle of all these villages in the video, with incredible views down over the village of Radda-in-Chianti... but we'll be getting you off the beaten path to even more quaint and charming villages then these... Trust us, this will definitely be an incredibly magical Adventure to Tuscany! Get ready to have the greatest vacation of your life! Tuscany is pure magic... this trip is gonna be outstanding... and it'll be here before you know it! As always, if you have questions about anything, please reach out to us... We're working on preparations for all four of our Tuscany & Provence expeditions in our upcoming 2024 Summer Tour Season... and you can reach us at AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com , or feel free to call us at 610-657-7894
So Tuesday on your Tour, we'll be going to one of Italy's most beautiful & visited cities, Siena! It by all accounts has the most beautiful piazza in all of Italy! We'll have a 2.5 hour walking Tour of the city with our private Adventures to TuscanyTour Guide Stella Soldoni! Stella's a local and an incredible, award winning guide that will bring the magical history of Siena to life for you as we tour this magnificent city! After the Tour you'll have approx 2.5 to 3 hours free time in Siena for either a quick lunch and a couple hours shopping or a relaxing long lunch with some wine and people watching on Siena's famous Piazza del Campo! (we always warn people, there's usually not time for both a long relaxing lunch with wine and a decent amount of time for shopping... so if shopping in Siena is important, we suggest grabbing a slice of pizza, and hitting the stores)
Here in this video is world famous Travel Guru and PBS Celebrity Rick Steves talking about Siena and showing you some of the highlights you'll see when we're there! (note: this video is 25 minutes long, so we're breaking the 3 minute rule here... but watching it will give you a much better understanding and appreciation for the full day that we'll be spending in Siena).
Click the little square box on the bottom right of the You Tube control bar to go full screen
Again, we always like to remind folks that if you're finding The Blog annoying or too time consuming, by all means feel free to either ignore the posts, or just let us know and we'll be happy to take you off of the notification emails... The Blog and these informative posts are purely for your convenience and to help heighten & enhance your appreciation of the sights, sounds, feels and tastes you'll be experiencing on the Tour... The only thing you really have to do to participate in The Tour is show up... We'll take care of the rest!
While you're with us in Tuscany, most all your meals are included... All your breakfasts, all your Dinners, and all but 3 lunches..But as some of you may be touring before or after your stay with us at our Villa, this may be something for you to consider:Il Dolce Far Niente - The sweetness of doing nothing... For over 40 years of traveling thru Europe, one of the things we admire most about European culture is their ability to relax, kick back, and just enjoy the moments of a casual picnic...
And in our ongoing effort to immerse ourselves in their culture, Terese and I long ago identified four essentials we always pack in our suitcases for all of our European adventures... A lightweight corkscrew, an 8 ounce disposable plastic bottle, a couple of nice polycarbonate wine glasses and a small pocket knife... (make sure to pack the pocket knife in your checked luggage)
making our own panini
These are the four essentials that have given us privilege and access to Il Dolce Far Niente... With a quick stop in any local alimentary (corner stores), we've had our own little picnics in some of the most beautiful and memorable places in all the world! On the banks of The Siene in Paris, on the Piazza del Campo in Siena, on a grassy hillside overlooking The Coliseum in Rome, on the majestic lawns of the famous Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, in the mountains of Switzerland, on a paddled canoe in Cambodia... at The Chianti Wine Festival in Greve, on the banks of The Rhone in Provence, on dozens of long-haul trains throughout the Mediterranean, in the high meadows of the Italian Alps, and on the lawns beneath The Eiffel Tower... The list goes on and on... We plan at least one picnic for every trip we take! On our last research trip to Provence we planned a picnic for the river bank in a grove of large plane trees beneath The Pont du Gard! It was outstanding!
many stores will be happy to put together a picnic for you- just ask
And the best part of all this; it's really easy and it's super frugal! While the coperto (cover charge), a bottle of wine and a few small plates of antipasti for two could easily cost you 80 - 90 euro sitting outside at a cafe in a prime tourist location, with a stop in a corner market, just about anywhere in Italy, you can get a small baguette, a wonderful salami, a few slices of prosciutto, a small block of incredible cheese, a handful of olives, a couple of fresh figs, a bottle of mineral water, and a nice bottle of chianti all for about 20 euro... how do you beat that... a better lunch, a better view, and a much better price!
a picnic on the balcony in our room at a little convent we stayed at in Siena... We had some grilled eggplant, some ripe figs, some kalamata olives, a block of great chèvre, some fresh baked olive-rosemary foccacia, some wonderful prosciutto crudo, a link of incredible soppresata and a really nice bottle of wine... it all came to 24 euro and the view was amazing! (One of the nuns at the convent even gave us a rose for the table!)
The pocket knife is truly essential... and you'll get nowhere without the corkscrew... the little 8 oz bottle enables you to easily pre-pack two glasses of wine in your daypack, and of course great wine always tastes better out of a nice wine glass!
The key to a great picnic, is finding the right spot! While over the years we've forgotten a lot of the really great cafes and restaurants we've eaten at on our travels, we never forget the fabulous picnics we've put together and the spots where we've had them! If you plan them right, they can truly turn out to be memories of a lifetime!
here's a beautiful place for a picnic and a little Diddy from our favorite duet the Moffit Brothers; Music Travel Love
Hi Guys, hope all is well with each of you, and we hope you're getting excited about your upcoming Italy Adventure! We've recently received a couple different questions from guests on your upcoming Tuscany Expedition this May, and we'll talk about them here...
First, someone has reached out about the new Schengen Area Entry/Exit System known as EES. The new EES system has been in the works for years and has been delayed several times already. They're now estimating that it will come online and be active starting November 10th, 2024". Travelers will need to scan their passports at a self-service kiosk each time they enter or cross an EU external border. The system will register the traveler’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. Facial scans and fingerprint data will be retained for three years after each trip.
If this is in place when you travel in May of 2025, there's nothing you need to do in advance of traveling. (unless you're an international jewel thief). You'll just scan your passport at the arrival airport and the kiosk will snap a facial photo and you'll put your fingers on a digital scanner for fingerprints.
The other new program coming out is The New European Travel Information and Authorization Services (ETIAS). This program has been delayed multiple times over the last 3 years, and is now slated to come online "Mid-2025". It will require non-EU travelers entering Europe to register in advance online for a visa-like document that will be valid for 3 years. Passengers will apply online or via a mobile app and be checked against EU borders and security systems. Most applications will be approved within minutes, but it could take up to 30 days. It will be valid for three years or until the holder’s passport expires (whichever is sooner), at a cost of €7 for those aged 18 to 70. It’s free for those outside this age range.
But again, this is not in place yet, but it may be by the time you're traveling in mid-May of 2025. We will keep you updated on this as we're sure a lot more information will come out on this after the beginning of the year!
But we do always take every opportunity to remind you that the Italian government requires you to have a US Passport that's valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date from Italy. If you need a passport or if you need to renew your passport, we strongly urge you to work on it now. It sometimes can take upwards of 3 - 4 months to get a new one or renew.
And lastly, someone has asked about due dates for final payments. Your final balances are due no later than November 17th, (approx 30 days from now). You can make these payments several different ways;
Personal check
Zelle Transfer
ACH or Wire Transfer
Credit Card
The easiest and simplest way to do this, is to just send us a personal check for the balance, Checks can be made out to: Adventures to Tuscany , and mailed to us at:
Adventures To Tuscany, 215 Country Acres Dr. Kunkletown, Pa 18058
If you prefer, you can make a free Zelle transfer from your bank account to our business account at Bank of America by simply making the transfer to our email address: AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com . (we will caution you that some banks have daily limits on Zelle transfers that could make this more difficult as you might have to make several payments over the course of a week).
Alternatively, if you know how to do it, you. can make an ACH transfer or a Wire transfer from your account to ours; your bank would have to instruct you on their policies and fees to do this. Most banks charge a fee for these services and it can be anywhere from $10 to $30.
And lastly, you can of course use a credit card to make the payments; we happily accept Visa, MasterCard & American Express. But you should be aware that to keep our Tour prices as low as possible, we pass the bank's credit card processing fees (2.75%) on to you. (ie: if your balance is $6290, those fees would be an additional $173.00).
We'll watch for your payments in the mail... If you choose to make any of the above mentioned electronic or digital payments, (Zelle, ACH, Wire or Credit Card) please notify us so we can watch for them.
there are many renditions of this song that are better recordings, but Grahm Nash telling the story behind the song makes this very special... if you're old enough to have been a CSNY fan, you'll appreciate this!
Italy has without a doubt the very best Ice Cream in the world... It's so good it's in a class by itself... and they don't even call it Ice Cream, they call it Gelato! While you're in Italy you could have Gelato every day and by all means, it should be a different flavor every day! They have the most unusual flavors you'll ever see and Italians love to mix the flavors... So don't just get one flavor, get three! And when we take you to San Gimignano, you might want to get Gelato twice, because San Gimignano has what most Italians agree on The Best Gelateria in The World! And we couldn't agree more!
The Gelato Maestro ~ Sergio Dondoli
No visit to San Gimignano is complete without a gelato at the most famousgelateriein the world, located on the central and usually very busy Piazza Della Cisterna. You’ll recognize it by the long line out the door, but don’t worry, the staff behind the counter work quickly and you’ll be out the door in no time. Stop at Gelateria Dondoli for unusual flavors like Vernaccia wine sorbet or one of their trademark specialties, such asCrema di Santa Fina, an eggy gelato with pine nuts and saffron, orChampelmo, with grapefruit and sparkling wine. Feel free to ask thegelatierifor recommended combinations. We can assure you, the gelato from Dondoli is not just good... it will be the best you've ever had by far! It's sooo good!
If you prefer a more hands-on approach to your gelato, the Maestro himself offers Gelato Classes:Sergio Dondoli, a man larger than life, with a marvelous set of whiskers and a peculiar attention to detail, as you’ll notice by his perfectly color-coordinated apron, hat and Havaianas glasses in the very same shade of purple as his gelato cups. The class lasts about two hours, during which you’ll learn how to make gelato with fresh organic ingredients, all about its history and how it differs from ice cream. You’ll eat more gelato than you can dream of, but you’ll burn off the calories in laughter thanks to Dondoli’s great sense of humor.
Our guests sometimes ask us: "Why do guys promote Travel Insurance so much?"
So we're not the only ones... Ask any travel agent and they'll tell you the same thing: "Sh*t Happens". We've had guests get a flat tire and car trouble on the way to the airport and miss their flights... Airlines sometimes cancel or often delay flights... missed connections... Luggage delayed, lost or stolen... medical issues while traveling internationally... someone loses a job... gets divorced... breaks a leg... heart attack... some one dies... serious dental problem on vacation... international hospital stay... this list could go on forever, but you get the idea - no one ever plans for it, but Sh*t Happens! And all these mishaps can be covered by a comprehensive Travel Insurance click here for a simple quote
In our 24 years of taking groups to Italy, we've seen all of these things! You have the simple choice to buy an inexpensive travel insurance policy and be covered or just take the risk... But we like to be clear about this; we don't make travel insurance mandatory... it's your choice, but it's also your risk! Our advice; you've made a significant investment in your vacation, protect it! Here's a great article by travel guru Rick Steves:
By Rick Steves:
"When considering an insurance plan, it's good to know what it does and doesn't cover."
Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling: accidents, illness, missed flights, canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die.
Deciding whether to invest in travel insurance has always been a tricky decision, and of course the coronavirus pandemic has made that choice even more complicated. Here are some considerations to help you choose.
Each traveler's potential loss varies, depending on how much of your trip is prepaid, the refundability of the air ticket you purchased, your state of health, the value of your luggage & belongings, where you're traveling, the financial health of your airline, and what coverage you already have (through your medical insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and/or credit cards). It's important to note that most policies won't cover you if you decide not to travel for fear of contracting COVID-19.
For some travelers, insurance is a good deal; for others, it's not. What are the chances you'll need it? Can you afford to lose your total investment in your vacation? How willing are you to take risks? How much is peace of mind worth to you? Take these considerations into account, understand your options, and make an informed decision for your trip.
Insurance Basics
The insurance menu includes five main courses: trip cancellation and interruption, medical, evacuation, baggage, and flight insurance. Supplemental policies can be added to cover specific concerns, such as identity theft or political evacuation. The various types are generally sold in some combination. As you weigh options, consider the relative importance to you of each type of coverage. Is your main concern getting your money back for a canceled trip or lost baggage? Treatment or evacuation if you fall ill during your travels? Is there a possibility that your job or family situation will impact future plans?
"Comprehensive Travel Insurance" covers all of the above (plus expenses incurred if your trip is delayed, or if you miss your flight). Companies such as Travelex and Travel Guard offer comprehensive packages that serve as your primary coverage; they'll take care of your expenses regardless of what other insurance you might have (for instance, if you have health insurance through your job). That means they pay first and don't ask questions about your other insurance. This can be a real plus if you want to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Insurance prices can vary widely, with most packages costing just 5 to 12 percent of the total trip. Age is one of the biggest factors affecting the price: Rates go up for every decade over 50, while coverage is generally inexpensive or even free for children (under 18).
Note that some travel insurance, especially trip-cancellation coverage, is reimbursement-only: You'll pay out-of-pocket for your expenses, then submit the paperwork to your insurer to recoup your money. (If your trip gets canceled, don't expect insurers to refund policy premiums.) With medical coverage, you may be able to arrange to have expensive hospital or doctor bills paid directly. Either way, if you have a problem, it's wise to contact your insurance company immediately to ask them how to proceed. Many major insurance companies are accessible by phone 24 hours a day — handy if you have problems in Europe.
Also consider which categories may already be covered, to some degree, in other ways. For example, many credit cards come with travel perks (some degree of flight insurance, car-rental coverage, and so on). And your homeowners insurance or medical insurance may travel with you. However, don't just assume you're fully covered. Do some careful homework and be very clear on the limits of your policies. (For example, your stateside car insurance most likely won't cover you on European roads, and even credit-card coverage is not always accepted by European rental agencies.)
Travel agents always recommend that you get travel insurance (because they sometimes get a small referral fee, and they can be held liable if they don't explain insurance options to you). While travel agents can give you information and advice, they are not insurance agents — always direct any specific questions to the insurance provider. The policies available vary by state, and not all insurance companies are licensed in every state. If you have to make a claim and encounter problems with a company that isn't licensed in your state, you don't have a case.
When you're ready to call a travel insurance provider, write down any important questions and have them ready. It's also smart to know ahead of time whether the policy is refundable or not and for how long.
If you're insuring a Tour or Package trip, also consider whether the policy covers any pre- or post-tour reservations, which can come with different conditions. Often times Tour reservations are completely non-refundable. Check to see which reservations you make (flight, hotel, transportation, tours, etc.) are covered by an insurance provider if you need to cancel.
Types of Coverage
For each type of insurance, I've outlined some of the key legalese. But be warned — these are only guidelines. Policies can differ, even within the same company. Certain companies and policies have different levels of coverage based on whether you purchase the car rental, hotel, or flight directly on your own or through a travel agent. Ask a lot of questions, and always read the fine print to see what's covered (e.g., how they define "travel partner" or "family member" — your great-aunt might not qualify).
Trip-Cancellation or Interruption Insurance
For me, this is the most usable and worthwhile kind of insurance. It's expensive to cancel or interrupt any prepaid travel, and for a small fraction of the trip cost, you can alleviate the risk of losing money if something unforeseen gets in the way.
The rugged, healthy, unattached, and gung-ho traveler will probably forego trip-cancellation or interruption coverage. I have skipped it many times, and my number has yet to come up. If it turns out that I need to cancel or interrupt, I'll just have to take my financial lumps — I played the odds and lost. But in some cases it's probably a good idea to get this coverage — for instance, if you're paying a lot of up-front money for an organized tour or short-term accommodation rental (both of which are expensive to cancel), if you or your travel partner have questionable health, or if you have a loved one at home in poor health.
A standard trip-cancellation or interruption insurance policy covers the nonrefundable financial penalties or losses you incur when you cancel a prepaid tour or flight for an acceptable reason, such as:
You, your travel partner, or a family member cannot travel because of sickness, death, or layoff,
Your tour company or airline goes out of business or can't perform as promised
A family member at home gets sick (check the fine print to see how a family member's pre-existing condition might affect coverage)
You miss a flight or need an emergency flight for a reason outside your control (such as a car accident, inclement weather, or a strike)
So, if you or your travel partner accidentally breaks a leg a few days before your trip, you can both bail out (if you both have this insurance) without losing all the money you paid for the trip. Or, if you're on a tour and have an accident on your first day, you'll be reimbursed for the portion of the tour you were unable to use.
This type of insurance can be used whether you're on an organized tour or cruise, or traveling independently (in which case, only the prepaid expenses — such as your flight and any nonrefundable hotel reservations — are covered). Note the difference: Trip cancellation is when you don't go on your trip at all. Trip interruption is when you begin a journey but have to cut it short; in this case, you'll be reimbursed only for the portion of the trip that you didn't complete. If you're taking a tour, it may already come with some cancellation insurance — ask. (Adventures to Tuscany does not sell or provide travel insurance... If we were forced to cancel your tour, as per our Tour Cancellation Policy outlined on your Reservation Contract, we will immediately refund 100% of the money you've paid us for your Adventures to Tuscany Tour within 14 days of cancellation. But we do not provide refunds if YOU decide to cancel... That's why we always recommend travel insurance; in case YOU need to cancel your participation in the Tour. ). click here for a quote
Buy your insurance policy within a week of the date you make the first payment on your trip. Policies purchased later than a designated cutoff date — generally 7 to 21 days, as determined by the insurance company — are less likely to cover tour company or air carrier bankruptcies, pre-existing medical conditions (yours or those of family members at home), or terrorist incidents. Mental-health concerns are generally not covered.
Jittery travelers are fretful about two big unknowns: terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Ask your company for details. A terrorist attack or natural disaster in your hometown may or may not be covered. You'll likely be covered only if your departure city or a destination on your itinerary becomes the target of a terrorist incident within 30 days of your trip. Even then, if your tour operator offers a substitute itinerary, your coverage may become void. As for natural disasters, you're covered only if your destination is uninhabitable (for example, your hotel is flooded or the airport is gone). War or outbreaks of disease generally aren't covered.
Insurance and Pandemics
With travel turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, it's more important than ever to know what travel insurance covers — and what it doesn't.
While most standard policies provide coverage for flight cancellations and trip interruptions due to unforeseen events, most COVID-19–related issues are excluded from coverage, including:
Fear of travel: If you decide not to travel out of fear of contracting COVID-19, your insurance policy likely won't cover you.
Stay-at-home orders: Most travel insurance only covers cancellations made to accommodate mandatory isolation, not stay-at-home orders.
Additional COVID-19 outbreaks: If the area you're planning to visit experiences new shutdowns after you've booked the trip, don't look to your travel insurance for coverage.
Going against government travel warnings: If you do have coverage, your policy may be voided if you travel somewhere that your government has deemed unsafe, or if your government has restricted international travel.
You may be able to avoid the question of what is and what isn't covered by buying a more costly "cancel for any reason" policy (described below).
Medical Insurance
Health emergencies are the primary cause for trip cancellations and interruptions, and they can come with high medical bills as well as extended lodging bills for travel partners.
Remember, before buying a special medical insurance policy for your trip, check with your medical insurer — you might already be covered by your existing health plan. While many US insurers cover you overseas, Medicare does not. (you can check with your insurer if you have a Medicare Supplemental policy). Also, be sure you're aware of any policy exclusions such as preauthorization requirements.
Even if your health plan does cover you internationally, you may want to consider buying a special medical travel policy. Much of the additional coverage available is supplemental (or "secondary"), so it covers whatever expenses your health plan doesn't, such as deductibles. But you can also purchase primary coverage, which will take care of your costs up to a certain amount. In emergency situations involving costly procedures or overnight stays, the hospital will typically work directly with your travel-insurance carrier on billing (but not with your regular health insurance company; you'll likely have to pay up front to the hospital or clinic, then get reimbursed by your stateside insurer later). For routine care, a visit to a doctor will likely be an out-of-pocket expense (you'll bring home documentation to be reimbursed). Whatever the circumstances, it's smart to contact your insurer from the road to let them know that you've sought medical help.
Many pre-existing conditions are covered by medical and trip-cancellation coverage, depending on when you buy the coverage and how recently you've been treated for the condition. If you travel frequently to Europe, multi-trip annual policies can save you money. Check with your agent or insurer before you commit.
The US State Department periodically issues warnings about traveling to at-risk countries. If you're visiting one of these countries, your cancellation and medical insurance will likely not be honored, unless you buy supplemental coverage.
For travelers over 70 years old, buying travel medical insurance can be expensive. Compare the cost of a stand-alone travel medical plan with comprehensive insurance, which comes with good medical and evacuation coverage. A travel-insurance company can help you sort out the options. Certain Medigap plans cover some emergency care outside the US; call the issuer of your supplemental policy for the details.
Theft Protection
Theft is especially worrisome when you consider the dollar value of the items we pack along. Laptops, tablets, cameras, smartphones, and e-book readers are all expensive to replace.
One way to protect your investment is to purchase travel insurance from a specialized company such as Travel Guard, which offers a variety of options that include coverage for theft. Before buying a policy, ask how they determine the value of the stolen objects and about any maximum reimbursement limits for jewelry, electronics, or cameras.
It's also smart to check with your homeowners or renters insurance company. Under most policies, your personal property is already protected against theft anywhere in the world — but your insurance deductible still applies. If you have a $1,000 deductible and your $700 tablet is stolen, you'll have to pay to replace it. Rather than buying separate insurance, it may make more sense to add a rider to your existing policy to cover expensive items while you travel.
Before you leave, it's a good idea to take an inventory of all the high-value items you're bringing. Make a list of serial numbers, makes, and models of your electronics, and take photos that can serve as records. If anything is stolen, this information is helpful to both your insurance company and the police. If you plan to file an insurance claim, you'll need to get a police report in Europe. (You can ask your hotelier for help.)
Other Insurance
Evacuation insurance covers the cost of getting you to a place where you can receive appropriate medical treatment in the event of an emergency. (In a worst-case scenario, this can mean a medically equipped — and incredibly expensive — private jet.) This is usually not covered by your regular medical-insurance plan back home. Sometimes this coverage can get you home after an accident, but more often, it'll just get you as far as the nearest major hospital — so it may be worth buying if you're planning an adventure in a remote area. "Medical repatriation" — that is, getting you all the way home — is likely to be covered only if it's considered medically necessary. Before purchasing a policy, ask your insurer to explain what exactly what's covered before and after you get to the hospital.
Keep in mind that medical and evacuation insurance may not cover you if you're participating in an activity your insurer considers to be dangerous (such as skydiving, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or even skiing). Some companies sell supplementary adventure-sports coverage.
Baggage insurance — for luggage that is lost, delayed, or damaged — is included in most comprehensive policies, but it's rare to buy it separately, and there's a strict cap on reimbursement for such items as jewelry, eyewear, electronics, and camera equipment. If you check your baggage for a flight, it's already covered by the airline (ask your airline about its luggage liability limit; if you have particularly valuable luggage, you can buy supplemental "excess valuation" insurance directly from the airline). Homeowners or renters insurance typically covers your possessions anywhere you travel; the baggage insurance covers the deductibles and items excluded from your homeowners policy. Double-check the particulars with your agent. If your policy doesn't cover expensive rail passes, consider Rail Europe's Rail Protection Plan, which must be purchased when you buy your pass; it covers loss and theft of the pass — but doesn't cover trip interruptions.
Flight insurance ("crash coverage") is a statistical rip-off that heirs love. It's basically a life insurance policy that covers you when you're on the airplane. Since plane crashes are so rare, there's little sense in spending money on this insurance.
Collision coverage, an important type of insurance for rental cars, may be included in some comprehensive travel-insurance plans or available as an upgrade on others.
"Cancel for any reason" (CFAR) policies are the only way to ensure that you'll get some reimbursement if you cancel a trip because of a pandemic. A CFAR policy usually adds about 50 percent to the price of a basic policy. And CFAR coverage is limited by strict requirements — for example, you must buy it no more than 21 days after purchasing your trip, and to be reimbursed you must cancel your trip no later than 48 hours before departure. You'll also only be reimbursed part of your prepaid trip cost, usually just 50 to 75 percent. (And since some states, such as New York, don't allow the sale of CFAR insurance, check your state regulations before purchasing.)
If you plan to cancel a trip and want to cancel your coverage too, check your policy to see if you're eligible for a refund on your premium. If you plan to rebook your trip rather than cancel, check with your travel insurance provider to see if you can move your policy to the new date (but know that you may have to pay more on the premium for your new date).
The pandemic has spurred widespread changes to the travel insurance landscape. Travel insurance is in high demand, and companies are adding new types of coverage to adapt — so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing.
To sum it up…
There will always be risks when you travel. And while insurance helps mitigate many expenses associated with those risks, it won't eliminate that risk entirely. When choosing if travel insurance is right for you, do your homework, ask questions, and think about how much peace of mind is really worth to you.
Travel Insurance Providers
For extensive travel insurance coverage, go with a big-name company. Avoid buying insurance from a no-name company you found online. Consider the package deals sold by:
Betins
Allianz
Travelex
Travel Guard
Travel Insured International
You can compare these insurance policies above among various providers at SquareMouth and at Insuremytrip.com(both also sell these insurance policies).
So we've all experienced the feelings of transformation or enlightenment while we've traveled on vacations... We're forced to see far off lands and cultures thru new eyes... and this excitement stimulates your brain's production of natural dopamines, serotonins, oxytocins and endorphins... all the "feel-good" chemicals! We urge you, on this upcoming adventure, to get the very most out of it, by deciding before you go to heighten these experiences by being open & positive to everything around you...
The Roses
In Tuscany, you will be surrounded by endless possibilities to "fertilize your brain & your soul..." While many of these things will be obvious, others are much more subtle, and you actually must seek them out... Americans are some of the wealthiest and most travelled tourists in the world, so there are lots of places that cater to Americans... If you want an authentic experience; avoid these places! Get off the beaten path, and experience the real Italy! Yes, it could take an extra 10 minutes to decipher the menu when it's not in English, but it will definitely be worth 10 minutes of your time!
You will be surrounded by new foods and smells and we certainly urge you to open your mind to trying them... Maybe it's the Lampredotto sandwich (4th stomach of the cow), the Lardo di Colonnata (spiced pork lard cured in marble) or of course in Tuscany, Cinghiale (the Wild Boar), Coniglia (rabbit) and Picciona (pigeon) and one of my favorites; Polpo alla Griglia (grilled octopus). And of course there's so many incredible specialty cheeses & meats in Tuscany!
But beyond the foods & wines, there's still tons of possibilities to nurture your soul by sincere interaction with the local people... Take the time to realize that even interaction with someone like the Customs officials or the attendant at the rental car facility, offers opportunities to bond as citizens of the world... I'll never forget talking to a man at an outdoor farmers market in Cambodia and asking him "how are you today?" His reply to me was "I am truly blessed..." It opened a short, very enjoyable conversation, but more importantly, things he said to me that day were very moving from an international perspective, and he made an indelible mark on my soul... it not only helped me to grow spiritually, but more important - it changed my life forever!
Always remember that you truly are an ambassador of your country when you travel... The people that you meet and interact with definitely project their feelings about you onto the USA as a whole... And this, this is where you have a chance to really make a difference in how the world sees the United States... Whether you give a coin to a street musician, or a sincere compliment to a chef, you have these few moments to truly nurture your soul... to learn something... to convey something... and perhaps, if you're lucky enough, to create a bond, if only for a few minutes... or if you're assertive enough, a friendship that will last a lifetime! We have many guests that have been on our trips that keep in touch regularly with some of our local friends we've introduced them to in Italy... With social media these days it's so easy to create these international relationships.
These super special experiential moments come only to those who take the time to look for them... So by all means, - pause, take a breath, and take the time to look for them! Our Tours are very different... They're specifically designed to deeply immerse you into the magic of the local culture... And because of our extremely small groups, you'll have lots of these opportunities... Know that the Tuscan people are very, very friendly... We'll be introducing you to a lot of our local friends... Start a conversation... ask polite questions... give compliments... ask for advice... Show them pictures of your children, and ask to see theirs! Ask a waiter to recommend something new, something unlike what you'd normally try... How's the pigeon today? You'll have the rest of your life to have a Reuben Sandwich... So today, maybe try the rabbit! Ask for a picture together... Smile... look them in the eye and sincerely thank them for their help... And if you can form that magic bond like so many of our guests have done, it will pay dividends for the rest of your life!
Communication only ever truly happens if the person on the receiving end understands exactly what you are trying to convey... And to this end, we urge you to not only carry a phrase book or translator, but use it... even if it seems awkward... the other person will sincerely appreciate your trying... but more importantly, the act itself conveys amazing compassion and respect... In our business,we get to hear people's "bad vacation stories" all the time... And it's so easy for people to be cynical these days... Commit to making this your best vacation ever! Recognize that this is a special time in your life... That you're on a very special trip, and that you've earned this... Enjoy every minute of it, embrace the diversity of different cultures... open your heart and watch the magic just happen! We work hard to nurture this in our guests, and so we're the lucky ones, we get to see it all the time! Take the time to smell The Roses... It's truly magical, but the magic only only comes to those who look for it! see you in Tuscany...
Imagine this; You're sitting outside on the Grand Terrace of your private hilltop Villa in the middle of incredibly beautiful vineyards and olive groves on a 2200 acre Wine & Olive Oil Estate in the very center of Tuscany... You're sipping a glass of world-class Chianti that came from the very vineyards that surround your Villa... And Tuscany's pre-eminent acoustic duo begins playing a private concert for you Under The Tuscan Stars...
Tuesday's going to be a big day... A full day touring one of Italy's most beautiful and most renowned cities - Siena... And later that day, our Festival del Bianco... (The White Party) And our Wood-Fired Oven Pizza Party with special local Tuscan guests coming down from The Castello di Albola Wine Estate, and local friends from the Village! And outstanding live entertainment on the Grand Terrace! Tonight we'll be serenaded by one of Tuscany's pre-eminent Acoustic Bands: Aromatica Duo! Davidè Pepi (Da-vee-day) and Francesca Celati! Davidè is a published studio musician, a member of one of Italy's most famous Bands, a professor of guitar & music at one of Tuscany's premier music schools and a Master Guitarist... and Francesca is an acclaimed vocalist in several of Tuscany's top musical ensembles and sings like an angel in four languages...
Below is one of our most favorite Music Videos highlighting Davide's guitar work... It will give you an idea of what's in store for us when we have our private concert Under The Tuscan Stars at The Villa!
By the way, the actress in this music video isn't Francesca, but Corrina Cecchi, the daughter and heir apparent to the massive Cecchi Italian Wine Empire... You'll find their wines in the Chianti section of your local wine store, usually right aside of the Castello di Albola Wines! Corrina is Davide's fiancèe!
This night has always been very much a favorite of our our Tour guests... Davidè's & Francesca's creativity & talents are just phenomenal... Enjoying this evening in this very special setting, & getting to meet & interact with Davide & Francesca will take your breath away... They're a perfect example of how sweet, kind and friendly the Tuscan people truly are... and you'll have a really fun night meeting a bunch of our local Italian friends that we invite to this party! We hope you're getting truly excited about Tuscany... We promise you, this night will be an experience you'll never, ever forget!
you'll want to watch this full screen!
click the full screen icon to the far right on the You Tube Control Panel
