Money Exchange Italy Travel

Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I am leaving for Italy on October 1^st and I was wondering if it is still a good idea to exchange money before getting there or afterwards.

The current exchange rate is $1 USD is equivalent to .693424 EUR

So something that costs 1 EUR will cost $1.44 USD, 5 EUR, is currently $7.21 USD, 20 EUR is $28.85 USD and so on.

About the EURO

EURO come in both bills and coins.

Coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro. The bigger the coin, the more value it has, unlike in the U.S. where the dime is smaller than a nickel, but worth more.

Bills come in 5 (greyish color) 10 (red,) 20 (blue,) 50 (orange,) 100 (green,) 200 (yellow) and 500 Euro (violet.)

Many vendors do not have a lot of change, so we don’t recommend anything over 50 EURO.

Traveler’s checks are difficult to exchange at hotels are shops, so take them to a bank or foreign exchange office.

ATM machines in Italy are known as Bancomat and can be found easily in large cities. Check with your bank or credit card company before leaving to see what their fees are.  IN the past the ATM was the best option to get money in Europe, however many credit card companies now charge 2.5 to 4% for cash advances. If you use your debit card, make sure you know what your daily limit is.  There are ATM machines at the airport, but they are usually quite full, so it is a good idea to have some EURO on hand when you land.

As far as credit cards, please note not everyone accepts American Express, so Visa and Mastercard are better options to take with you.

In the end it is best to have a couple of options with you just in case, so take a debit card and a credit card, or travelers checks and a debit card.  

Remember that your Italy tour guide can assist you with locations to exchange your money.

Italy Fascinating Culture

Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011

Italy is home to a rich and beautiful culture. The Italians are very proud of their past and are very much still “living in” today. A closer look at Rome will reveal a city bustling with modernism and fashion, yet cobblestone streets are and timeless architecture are constant reminders of a time once passed. This country is renowned for romance, food, and passion and every ounce of life within its culture will undoubtedly convince you likewise.

The cuisine is, of course, outstanding – there is simply no way to describe the divinity of the dining experience. The full aromas alone are enough to wet you appetite throughout the day. You will discover that the delicious Italian food everybody raves about is actually very simple and made from simple but classic Italian ingredients and herbs, that just blend perfectly in a balance of spice and texture. The Italians really know their food!

Let’s not forget about the world of art and fashion that nestles within the country. Milan, the capital of fashion, boasts a number of designers including Armani, Gucci and Versace. In addition to the posh designer shops, there are a myriad of affordable boutiques that allow for purchasing of Italian goods, designs, and souvenirs.

CUISINE: Come and discover Italy must order dishes, favorite ingredients, and an Italian wine and meal pairing guide. A few specialties described include chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, linguini with clam sauce, shrimp fra diavolo, and more seafood and regular dishes.

FASHION/SHOPPING: Ask your tour director about the Italian specialty products and designers (Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Valentino), as well as a location of shopping centers, major stores, and markets.

LANGUAGE: Discover Italian phrases that will help you feel more at home during your travels and will enhance your Italian experience as you can communicate with locals. Do you research early!

ARHITECTURE/DECORATIVE ARTS: A brief history of the styles of architecture that you will see on your trip, as well as some famous works of art that can be found throughout Italy includes a directory of artwork by Donotello, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo Caravaggio, and many more. In addition, Italy is home to the most famous building structures including the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, and Basilica San Marco.

ROMANCE: Come see why Italy is popularly known as a romantic destination; explore the history of romance in Italy through the your experiences in the Venetian canals, Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Lake Como, the Blue Grotto, and many more.  

ENTERTAINMENT: Art, music, theater; take your pick from the many spectacular exhibitions and performances set throughout Italy. Our suggestions range from classics such as Italian opera to exciting festivals, such as the Venetian Carnival.

Browse our selection Italy tours and vacation packages.

Hotel d’Inghilterra Rome

Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011

Featured Hotel partner: Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome

Hotel d’Inghilterra is part of the Chateaux & Hotels Collections, and is located very close to the majestic Piazza di Spagna and via Condotti with its fashionable shops, the Spanish Steps, the famous Cafe Greco and more. The hotel is famous for its authentic Italian atmosphere and long tradition of service.

Now offering a best available rate in all seasons for new bookings, including the following special amenities:

• Daily buffet breakfast in the Café Romano
• Upgrade upon availability
• A bottle of selected Italian Prosecco upon arrival
• Book a minimum 4-night stay in a deluxe room and up and Ensemble guests will get a 3-course dinner for two with a selected bottle of wine

Some restrictions may apply, please call for details.

Useful Italy Phrases When Traveling

Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011

Here are a few useful words to know before you take your trip to Italy.

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Yes, please . . . . . . . Si grazie
Thank You . . . . . . Grazie
Excuse me, sorry . . Scusi
Good Morning . . . Buon giorno
Goodbye . . . . . . . . Arrivederci

Start planning an Itay tour.

Driving Times Between Italian Cities

Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2011

A very common question we are asked is: How much time do we spend on a bus each day?

Of course the answer varies depending on what itinerary you choose, and how many sightseeing stops are scheduled along the way, but here are some of the average driving times between popular Italian cities.

Assisi-Florence - 2½ hours

Rome to Sorrento - 2½ hours
Rome to Florence - 3½ hours
Rome to Assisi     - 3 hours
Rome to Cortona  - 3 hours
Rome to Amalfi Coast - 3 hours
Rome to Civitavecchia (cruise port -50 km) 1½ hours

Florence-Rome - 3½ hours
Florence-Pisa - 1½ hours
Florence-Bologna - 1 hour
Florence-San Gimignano - 1 hour
Florence-Siena - 1 hour
Florence-Venice - 3 hours
Florence to Livorno (cruise port) 1 hour

Milan-Florence - 3½ hours
Milan to Malpensa Milan airport - 1 hour

Naples-Ravello - 2 hours
Naples-Sorrento - 2 hours
Naples-Assisi - 5 hours

Orvieto-Perugia - 1½ hours

Venice-Assisi - 5 hours
Venice-Florence - 3½ hours
Venice-Padua - 1 hour
Venice-Milan - 3 hours

Sorrento-Positano - 45 minutes
Sorrento-Ravello - 1½ hours