What is included in your deluxe Italy tour packages?
We attempt to include ALL forseeble expenses in the final package price. That includes the custom detailed itinerary for your trip, all hotel arrangements, transportation (including car, train, ferry, and other), local specialty guides, entry tickets, classes, events, etc. And most importantly: our participation – we will be your “family friends in Italy” who take care of everything to make sure that your trip is as smooth, efficient and hassle-free as we can make it.
How large are the tour groups?
We don’t do group tours, so the size of the group is however many people are in your family or group. We can accomodate any size group, but we won’t ask you to join anyone else. Our trips are completely private and exclusive.
What is the cost of your luxury Italy touring?
The trips are custom-built around your style of travel, “wish list”, fitness level, interests in food, wine, art, history, nature etc. We aren’t able to give pricing without talking to you first about those things, and how much time you have to dedicate to your Italy vacation.
Are there any additional fees or costs?
Lunch, dinner and whatever shopping or non-scheduled activities you do on the spur-of-the-moment.
What type of accommodation is included in your luxury tours?
Most of our clients choose 4 and 5-star hotels and boutique, family-run bed-and-breakfasts and resorts. Some choose 5-star luxury hotels (and Italy has some of the best in the world) or 3-star accomodations. Our experience has taught us that the quality of the accomodations is the most decisive element in the success of a trip. So for that reason, we can’t work with AirBnB, VRBO or other similar one-off services.
Is transportation included in the touring costs?
Yes. Most often it is with our Mercedes Viano 7-passenger van. Sometimes the fast Eurostar train system is a faster way of getting from region to region. And the islands and volcanos and other special places we visit need boats, ferries, jeeps or other transportation. Those are all included in the final itinerary pricing.
What type of meals are included in your trip packages?
Italian hotels universally include breakfast. We don’t typically include lunches or dinners in the itinerary – leaving those choices to how you are feeling that day and what else is going on. We are foodies and cooks ourselves, and will be more than happy to recommend our favorite restaurants, stores and markets wherever we go.
Is there a tour guide included in your escorted Italy trips?
We are generalists and know quite a bit of interesting information that make a trip fun, from artists’ biographies, current events, politics and the economy, to architecture, food, trivia and even the mafia! That being said, we also use specialty guides to give in-depth visits to important sites like the Vatican Museums, Pompeii and other museums and archaeological sites.
What is the itinerary of your Loving Italy trips?
We don’t have any fixed itineraries per se. We will design a tour for you around your interests and style of travel. Some of the most commonly-requested destinations are her on the website.
Are there any additional activities available outside of the tour?
We try to suggest as many activities as possible when we plan the trip with you, because it makes the final itinerary more “effecient”. We dont love that word, but you know what we mean – it prevents the waiting around and doubling back that sometimes are the result of last-minute changes.
That being said, maybe once in Italy you find out that you are close to a place where you could take a hot air balloon ride, or drive a Ferrari on a track, or hike up Mt Etna….and you want to add it to your day. We are happy to accomodate requests, and will do everything we can to make it happen.
Are there any age or fitness requirements for the tour? Are there any medical requirements or considerations for the tour?
Not really. The tours are family-friendly, so there aren’t any age restrictions. Most of touring is leisurely walking, so the physical activity level is medium at best. You will often need to be on your feet for a couple hours at a time; there is nearly always a cafe or bench nearby, so there are way to “cheat” too!
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No. We recommend buying travel insurance to cover the unforseen, but we have no way of including it in our packages, so you will need to talk to your insurance agent before traveling.
Are there any medical or medical-related services available on the tour?
The Italian Red Cross will treat anyone, even those without overseas medical coverage. And we can help you find a hospital or medical specialist if necessary, as well as translate and help you navigate the entire process.
Are there any discounts or promotional offers available?
Because we give “package pricing”, our rates are already discounted from what you would pay doing single-day one-off tours or activities. Since we don’t do more than a dozen long trips per year, we don’t offer promotions, discounts, coupons etc.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for your Italy touring services? Are there any special terms and conditions associated with the touring?
Our Terms and Conditions page is here. We book our calendar far in advance, and the hotels need booking long in advance, so we try to avoid late and last-minute cancellations. Most of our Terms and Conditions page addresses that.
Are there any language requirements for the tours?
If you can read this page without any trouble, then you’re “in”! We do tours in English only.
What type of clothing is recommended for the tour?
That depends on the season, the destination, and several other factors. Ask us about clothing once your itinerary is in place and we will be happy to help you pack right.
Is there a contact number for customer service in case of an emergency?
Yes, of course. You will be given our personal phone numbers before you arrive in Italy. We are reachable 24/7 for our clients and will do everything possible to help you find a happy resolution to whatever travel-related problem you have.
