Travel Notices

Preparing for your trip

Package: Discover the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia with Venice, 2024

Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!

Printed Nov 5, 2024. Please visit https://staging.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=1757 for the latest updates.

Checklist

Item Due
Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date. ASAP
Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination ASAP
Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking. Within 5 days of booking
Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.) 75 days prior to travel
Make your final payment, if any balance is due. See your invoice
Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry. See below
Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel. Prior to travel
Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you. Prior to travel
Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency. Prior to travel

In addition, if you booked flights with your package:

Item Due
Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!) After receiving your e‑tickets
Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference. After receiving your e‑tickets
Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket. 72 hours prior to travel
Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available). 24 hours prior to travel
Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime! 3½ hours prior to departure

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

AustriaAustria Entry Requirements

Advice from our partner Sherpa

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CroatiaCroatia Entry Requirements

Advice from our partner Sherpa

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ItalyItaly Entry Requirements

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SloveniaSlovenia Entry Requirements

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General Requirements & Guidelines

  • In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
  • if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
  • Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
  • Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Tour Only Option

If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for booking your own flights into Venice, Italy and out of Split, Croatia. After you book your flights, please send us a copy of your flight arrangements for our records. For land-only travelers, the touring program will begin at the hotel in Venice, Italy on Day 2 and end after check-out from the hotel in Split, Croatia on Day 10. If you would like Friendly Planet to arrange transfers for you, please contact us as soon as possible. Generally, hotel check-in time is 3pm and check-out time is 11am.

Find out what to do in case of arrival complications.

Flights & Tickets

If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Friendly Planet's toll-free number is 800-555-5765. The direct extension for our air department is 208.

United Airlines - 800-864-8331

American Airlines - 800-433-7300

British Airways - 800-247-9297

Delta Airlines - 800-428-4322

Brussels Airlines - 866-308-2233

Air France - 800-237-2747

Swiss Air -  877-359-7947

Lufthansa - 800-645-3880

Want to reserve specific seats?

That depends on the airline. You can usually request a window or aisle seat, and sometimes specific seat numbers (but not exit row and bulkhead seats) ahead of time. Many airlines now charge a fee for this, and such fees are not included in your package price. If you have a seat preference, let us know when you book, in the special requests section, or email us at air@friendlyplanet.com after you book. Then:

If your airline does not charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll happily pass along your seat request to the airline and confirm they received it (though we cannot guarantee it will be honored).

If your airline does charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll let you know. You'll need to contact the airline directly to request your seats after we have issued your flight tickets, and fees are payable directly to the airline.

If you do not request specific seats: The airline typically assigns them within 24 hours of departure. If you do not like your assigned seats, you may be able to change them, subject to availability, when you check in online or at the counter. Learn more about Advance Seat Reservations.

Want to request a special meal?

You can enter special meal requests when you book with an agent or complete your online registration, shortly after booking. We will relay your requests to the airlines and our representatives abroad, but we cannot guarantee they will be honored. Please double check meal requests with your airline 72 hours before departure, and with our representatives upon arrival.

Looking to earn frequent flyer miles?

You may be able to earn frequent flyer points for your flights. Contact the airline directly once you receive your tickets to enter your frequent flyer number in your flight record, or enter it when you check in. As you travel, check your tickets or ask the check-in or gate agent prior to boarding each flight to ensure the number has been entered properly. And just to be safe, keep your boarding passes and passenger receipt as proof that you have actually flown the miles you want credited to your account.

Interested in upgrading to business class or premium economy?

Cabin upgrades may be available on your flights. Ask us about price and availability when you book online, in the special requests section, or contact our air department after you book. Please note that our special contracted airfare rates generally do not permit upgrading with frequent flyer points, and that upgrade requests may incur change fees if tickets have already been issued.

Flight Schedule

If you selected flights with your package, you will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Connecting Flights

If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

If you purchased this package with flights scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle.

If you purchased this package without flights, transfers are generally not included. In most cases, private transfers are available for an additional fee; contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the touring program start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

  • You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
  • Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
  • Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag, not to exceed 44 pounds; one personal item such as a purse or camera bag; and one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If your trip includes domestic flights within your destination and/or travel by motor coach, your carry-on should also fit should also fit under your seat or in the overhead bins on those flights or coaches.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven and sometimes wet terrain. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Postojna Caves also include numerous stairs, requiring a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip.

This tour is operated by our carefully selected, valued partners and may be shared with other English-speaking passengers, ensuring guaranteed departures.

 Your tour is operated in partnership with Katarina Line Travel Agency, a local tour operator with many years of experience operating travel programs in Croatia and the Adriatic.  Please be assured that all arrangements have been made to assure a wonderful experience.

Katarina Line operates this program under the name Lakes & Mediterranean Harmony.

Note for Postojna Cave: The temperature in Postonja Cave is in the 50’s with almost 90% humidity at all times. The railings and ground in the cave, as well as the train seats to the cave are always wet. We recommend that you wear a closed toe shoe with good traction and wear a waterproof jacket. You may also bring some tissues or a small towel from the hotel that you can use to wipe the seat on the train. Passengers who prefer not to walk through the cave may take the 15 minute train ride into the cave and browse through the gift shop before taking the train to exit the cave.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Accommodations

Our hotels are all Western-style, and your room will have a private bathroom.  The water in the hotel tap system is probably potable, but we recommend drinking bottled water to avoid problems. Hotels will normally provide bottled water for an additional fee. The electrical current is 230 V with 50 cycles for all of the countries visited during this tour. Take a travel converter/adapter kit with you, as these are not readily available.

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.

Non-Included Meals: Your hotels while on tour will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (not including drinks) in the coffee shops will average about $15 - $25 per person, per meal and for dinner about $25 - $35 per person, per meal. Your hotels accept credit card payments for non-included meals. Ask your guide or hotel concierge for restaurant recommendations for non-included meals if you wish to explore food choices outside of your hotel.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Tipping

A small gratuity to your driver/guide will be greatly appreciated. The recommended amount is $6-8 per person per day for the tour guide and $3-$5 per person per day for the driver. On some days, sightseeing tours will be conducted by a local guide for whom we recommend a gratuity of $3-$5 per person. It is also customary to tip the hotel & restaurant staff.  We recommend $1 per bag for the porter who brings the suitcase to your room and $1 per person will be a sufficient tip to the wait staff at the restaurants during the included meals. Tipping is, of course, a personal matter and an expression of your satisfaction with services provided to you.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

AustriaAustria Fast Facts

Overview

Capital: Vienna
Population: 8.747 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: German, Hungarian, Slovenian & Austrian German
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Austria.  Please consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure.  

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Weather

The best times to travel in Austria are between the months of May and November. The average daytime temperatures in May through September is in the 70’s and 80’s. The average temperature in October will be in the 60’s. Evening temperatures will be about 10-15 degrees cooler. Take along a sweater for evenings, even in summer. The higher you are in elevation, the colder it gets. Winters are cold and drizzly, but provide the best skiing.

What to wear

Since weather can be unpredictable and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella and take with you a light jacket or sweater.  If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs.  Packing to dress in layers is a great way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions.  Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel.

Money & Credit Cards

The official currency in Austria is the Euro. The hotels, some stores and some restaurants will be able to accept major credit cards.  However, smaller stores, souvenir places and some art galleries will accept cash only in local currency, Euro or U.S. dollars. ATMs are available in most major cities. We highly recommend that you bring enough cash to cover incidental expenses as well as tips to the guides and drivers. 

Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Shopping

Austria is famous for its crystal! Shop also for antiques, loden coats, wood carvings, enamel, pottery, local handicrafts, costume and fashion jewelry, china, clocks, ski equipment, hand-painted Augarten porcelain, and recordings of Viennese waltzes.

You will certainly have time for shopping, and the countries on this tour offer a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Electricity & Power Adapters

230 volts. Plugs C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in the countries visited on this tour, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

Did you know?
  • 62% of Austria's total land area is covered by the Austrian Alps.
  • The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world, dating back to 1191!
  • Austria is in the top 5 world’s most peaceful countries in the world, with its capital city, Vienna, standing as one of the world's best cities to live in.
  • Many famous people were born in Austria, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mozart, Beethoven, Sigmund Freud, and more!

CroatiaCroatia Fast Facts

Overview

Capital: Zagreb
Population:  4.171 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Croatian
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

Health Precautions & Vaccinations

According to the World Health Organization, immunizations are NOT currently required for travel to Croatia.  However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities regarding other recommendations.

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Weather

Croatia’s climate has two basic seasons - a mild continental climate inland, with average daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s during the summer and 30’s-40’s during winter, and a Mediterranean climate in the coastal region, with average daytime temperatures in the 60’s and mid 70’s during the summer and mid 40’s-50’s during winter. Summers are generally dry and sunny with occasional rain or even a thunderstorm. Evening temperatures will be 15-30 degrees cooler depending on your location. This tour does not operate from November through the middle of March to avoid the winter season.

What to wear

We suggest casual clothes, a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and back of your neck, sunglasses, light shawl, or a scarf for visiting religious sites, and a lightweight jacket or sweater for cool and windy nights. Bring a smart casual outfit for evenings out at restaurants and nightclubs. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, take both pairs. For hiking, pack lightweight clothes that can be layered. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella. Remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel.

Money & Credit Cards

The local currency is the Euro. Hotels and many shops do accept credit cards. While Visa and Mastercard are most accepted, some establishments also accept AMEX and Discover. If possible, use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. However, smaller stores, souvenir places, and some art galleries will accept cash only in local currency. Your hotels will generally exchange your cash for local currency, and you’ll find ATM machines where you can get additional cash as needed. Traveler’s checks are not accepted. 

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Shopping

You will certainly have time for shopping, and you’ll find a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. 

A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, unless they are very specific to the destination, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase.

While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides may have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay a commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S. will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items. You, as the buyer, assume the full risk in the purchases you make.

Electricity & Power Adapters

230 volts. Plugs C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are generally allowed almost everywhere in, and you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Always ask for permission to photograph the locals, and make sure you have some small change in exchange for the photo opportunity. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities, but you might end up paying a premium. It’s better to bring a spare memory card, saving both time and money.

Did you know?
  • The Croatian language is considered a South Slavic language.  It is nearly identical to the Serbian language, except Croatian is written in the Roman alphabet, while Serbian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
  • Hum is the smallest town in Croatia, with just 17 residents. 
  • Croatia is known for its “hinterlands” – remote regions that are often by a coast.  One of the most popular hinterlands is the historic region of Dalmatia. 
  • You can find an Egyptian sphinx at Diocletian’s Palace.
  • The movie Fiddler on the Roof was filmed in Croatia.

ItalyItaly Fast Facts

Overview

Capital: Rome
Population:  60.8 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Italian
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Italy.  Please consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure. 

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Weather

Italy generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and wet, windy, and cool winters. However, the weather varies depending on the region. In cities such as Rome and Milan, the temperature ranges from the low 30s in the winter to the mid-70s to 80s in the summer. In coastal cities such as Venice, the temperature is slightly cooler than the mainland, but still pleasant. July and August are ideal times to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. In Sorrento, the average high is in the 70s and the low is in the 60s. Evening temperatures will be about 10-15 degrees cooler.

What to wear

Clothing style in Italy is smart, fashionable, and casual and appearance is important. Jeans are very popular, especially when paired with nice (but comfortable) shoes. Bring a nice outfit to wear for special evenings. At religious sites, dress modestly. Shorts and sleeveless tops are considered inappropriate, and arms and legs should be covered. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, take both pairs. These will come in handy when walking along uneven sidewalks and cobbled streets. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the rule for most occasions as you travel.

Money & Credit Cards

The local currency is the Euro. Hotels and many shops do accept credit cards. While Visa and Mastercard are most accepted, some establishments also accept AMEX and Discover. If possible, use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. Some very small shops souvenir places will accept cash only in local currency. Your hotels will generally exchange your cash for local currency, and you’ll find ATM machines where you can get additional cash as needed. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Shopping

You will certainly have time for shopping, and Italy offers a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. 

A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, unless they are very specific to the destination, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase.

While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides may have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some a commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S. will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items. You, as the buyer, assume the full risk in the purchases you make.

Como: silks
Spoleto, Rome: truffles
Florence, Rome, Milan: leather goods
Venice, Murano: glass
Vatican City: postage stamps and religious items

You will certainly have time for shopping, and the countries on this tour offer a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Electricity & Power Adapters

230 volts. Plugs C, F & L. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in the countries visited on this tour, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

Did you know?
  • Italy is the fifth most-visited country in the world, welcoming around 46 million  tourists per year, and it’s also the fifth most-populous European country.
  • There are over 140 types of pastas in Italy! Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions of the country.
  • The colors of the Italian flag (green, white, and red) have special meaning; Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity.
  • Europe’s three active volcanoes, Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius are all located in Italy.
  • Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088.
  • Fashion is a staple in Italy, with some of the world’s most sought after designers, including Armani, Versace, and Prada, all originating from Italy.
  • Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita.

SloveniaSlovenia Fast Facts

Overview

Capital: Ljubljana
Population:  2.065 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Slovenian
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Slovenia.  Please consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure. 

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Weather

The best months to visit Slovenia are between mid April to the end of October with average temps between 60-80° F during the day and 40-50° F at night. The summer months are an ideal time to visit with good chances of pleasant weather. Bring a sweater and a jacket for evenings all year-round. 

What to wear

Since weather can be unpredictable and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella and take with you a light jacket or sweater.  If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs.  Packing to dress in layers is a great way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions.  Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel.

Money & Credit Cards

The official currency in Slovenia is the Euro. The hotels, some stores and some restaurants will be able to accept major credit cards.  However, smaller stores, souvenir places and some art galleries will accept cash only in local currency, Euro or U.S. dollars. ATMs are available in most major cities. We highly recommend that you bring enough cash to cover incidental expenses as well as tips to the guides and drivers. 

Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Shopping

You will certainly have time for shopping, and the countries on this tour offer a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Electricity & Power Adapters

230 volts. Standard plug F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in the countries visited on this tour, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

Did you know?
  • There are over 10,000 caves in Slovenia, with Postonja cave being the most famous of them all.
  • Wine is very popular amongst the Slovenes. In fact, there is one winery or vineyard for every 75 people in Slovenia
  • The linden tree, which stands as a symbol for the Slovenian people, can survive centuries and represents love, friendship, and loyalty in Slovenia.
  • The name "Ljubljana", Slovenia's capital city, translates to “the loved one”.
  • Slovenia is similar in size as Massachusetts, with over 60% of the total land covered in forest.

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.

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