Tour Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements:
At this time, only a valid passport is required to enter Italy. No visa is required for stays shorter than 90 days. Click here for details.
Starting in 2025, travelers from age 18-70 from the United States will also be required to have a visa from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS). There is a €7 fee to apply for the ETIAS visa. The ETIAS system is not currently accepting applications; however, information about application requirements may be found on the organization’s official website.
Where to arrive:
Bologna International Airport (BLQ). The provided shuttle will pick travelers up from this location.
If you would like to travel on your own before the tour begins, you may come to the airport in Bologna in time to be picked up with the other travelers, or you can navigate to the destination of the hotel on your own.
For the truly adventurous traveler, coming from another location in Italy, here are a few other ways to arrive at your destination:
By airplane: An alternative airport is Rimini’s Federico Fellini Airport, then navigate to the destination of the first hotel.
By train - From Rome or Milan by Frecciarossa fast train to Bologna, then by local train from Bologna to Rimini, then a taxi to the destination of the first hotel for your program.
How far in advance would you suggest making flight reservations?
In general we recommend making your flight arrangements as soon as possible. However, if your tour is not yet confirmed, we advise you wait until you receive a tour confirmation email before purchasing your tickets. If you need further assistance finding flights, you may wish to use a travel agent.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend you purchase travel insurance.
PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL
For all programs, we recommend you arrive at the Bologna airport no later than 4:30 PM* on the first day of the program. The complimentary group shuttle will be scheduled to leave the Bologna airport by 5:00 PM*. Further details about the exact meeting location will be provided via email as we get closer to the start of each program. While we can wait a few minutes for flight delays, to ensure a timely departure, it is best to arrive earlier in the day if possible. You can even arrive a day or two in advance and explore Bologna while adjusting to the time zone.
If you will be arriving early in Bologna, you may take a taxi or the “Marconi Express” train to explore the city, then return to the airport. There is no luggage storage at the airport but you may store your bags at the Bologna Centrale Station. Alternatively, you may choose to go directly to the hotel for your program.
To find the Marconi Express train, follow the signs in the airport. which will take you to the first floor of the Terminal, and from there to the walkway connecting with the train station. A ticket is required, and may be purchased at machines prior to entering the express train departure station. The cost is currently 11 euros one way and the trip takes about 7 minutes. See details here.
Taxis may be found at the arrivals area of the Bologna airport. Fares can range from 15-18 euros, depending on the time of day, traffic and exact location of your destination, and the trip to central Bologna typically takes 20-30 minutes.
PLANNING YOUR DEPARTURE
The provided group shuttle will leave the hotel in the morning after breakfast so it is best to plan your flight departure from Bologna in the afternoon on the last day of each tour. Below are the planned shuttle departure times, to arrive in Bologna by 9:30 AM. Please note that these times may be adjusted as we get closer to the trips.
From Verucchio: 8:00 AM
From Cesena: 8:15 AM
From Bagno di Romagna: 7:30 AM
In case your destination in the U.S. requires an early morning flight, we will help you arrange for alternative transportation. Contact us to discuss your specific situation if needed.
Some people may choose to stay in Italy after their program concludes. One option is to remain in Bologna to enjoy exploring its unique culinary treasures. We are happy to assist you with transportation if you will be staying in Italy beyond the end of the tour. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation if needed.
Before You Go
WHAT TO PACK
We suggest you pack clothing that is mostly informal, and comfortable to wear while walking, shopping, and visiting the area. However, we do not recommend “athleisure” wear (sweatpants, workout clothes, etc.). In Italy, many people dress in what they call “sport elegant” style, or what we might call “smart casual,” meaning comfortable, casual, yet dressy enough to go from day to night. For example: linen or cotton pants and a blouse or skirt/dress for women and collared shirts for men.
A few other notes:
Some of the restaurants, especially on the Culinary tour, are more formal, so you may wish to bring something for these occasions.
Bring comfortable shoes including sandals or other shoes for walking in the daytime.
The weather can be unpredictable. In May and September, days may be warm, but evenings cool. Layers are recommended, including a sweater or light jacket for the evening or cooler days.
On some days we may not be able to change for dinner, as our plans will not take us back to the hotel between the afternoon and evening activities.
learning about the area
Food and wine plays an important role in all of our travel programs. Below are some resources in which to immerse yourself before you leave, and help you better understand the area of Emilia-Romagna and the food culture of Italy.
Movies & Video Series:
Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy
“The Big Night.” Learn more here.
Books:
The Splendid Table by Lynne Rosetto Kasper
Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well by Pellegrino Artusi
Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food by John Dickie
Food: A Culinary History from Antiquity to the Present edited by Massimo Montanari
STAYING IN BOLOGNA
Many people may opt to stay in Bologna for a few days at the beginning or end of their trip to enjoy the city’s historical architecture and gastronomic treasures. If you choose to do this, below are a few recommendations from our previous experiences in this vibrant city. Please note that restaurants and some of the places to visit may require a reservation.
Where to Stay:
Art Hotel Commercianti - great location in the heart of historic Bologna, yet still relatively quiet
iPortici Hotel - beautiful hotel with fascinating late nineteenth-century architecture and a welcoming atmosphere of sophistication; home to a Michelin restaurant
Mercure Bologna Centro Hotel - located across the street from the train station and less than one mile from city center; more reasonably priced than hotels listed above
Where to Eat:
Where to Visit:
Other Details
Communications While in Italy
We use WhatsApp for communications while traveling to Italy and during the tours. It is a free app that allows all our guests to send and receive SMS messages while using WiFi, regardless of their phone’s operating system. We will set up a group including all travelers for each tour to provide updates during the tour. We recommend you install this app before departing the U.S. for your program, in case you need to let us know about delays or other information while in transit.
Money
Most Italian stores and vendors accept credit cards; however, cash is also widely used at small shops, bars and markets. Because our trips cover all excursions and a large percentage of meals, it is a matter of personal preference how much cash you choose to have on hand. ATMs are generally available and offer competitive exchange rates.
What about electrical adapters? Do I need these?
Here is a link to information about the style of electrical outlets used in Italy. In addition, Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Therefore you will need plug adapters, and possibly a converter, for U.S. electrical appliances like cell phones or hair dryers. Check your specific appliance to determine your needs.
In addition, sometimes the electrical outlets may be in locations that are less convenient, so it can also be helpful to bring either an extension cord, or power strip, to plug into your adapter. What to use depends on how many devices you want to plug in at the same time and whether the devices have a built-in converter or not.
FOOD PRODUCTS:
Keep in mind that you cannot bring any perishable or unpackaged food products into the U.S. Sadly, this includes vacuum packed sausages and meats.
*The exact meeting time for the arrival shuttle may be adjusted once we receive the flight details from all our travelers.