About Tuscan Countryside & Rome

Everyone loves Italy and now we’re offering a unique opportunity to visit off the- beaten-track activities as well as world renowned favorites. Benvenuto!

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Singles Travel International has found the perfect retreat in the country offering options such as a traditional cooking class, lots of wine tasting and camaraderie with others while we enjoy a relaxing pace at our 14th century villa hotel. Our revised itinerary allows you a “maximus” good time! No need to pack and unpack or sit on a bus all day! Our intimate day trips lend themselves to meeting others while appreciating the area highlights. Our tour includes visits to Florence, a Chianti Wine & Cheese Tasting and visit to Siena and San Gimignano. Our elegant villa hotel is in the charming town of Figline Valdarno where evenings are spent leisurely “wining and dining” in the company of new friends and Italian locals. We begin and end in Rome with just enough time to see the highlights and prepare for our journey.

What else do you get with an STI Vacation?

UNIQUE STI BENEFITS:

  • Custom and Carefully Designed Vacation Elements so You Don’t Have to Plan, Just Show Up!
  • Special Attention from Experienced, Professional Singles Travel Concierge, Trained and Dedicated to Making Your Vacation a Special and Life-Changing Experience*
  • Complimentary Roommate Matching Via our State-of-the-Art Member Profile Feature
  • View Member Profiles and Meet Fellow Travelers Online Before You Go.
  • Private and Secure Chat Reserved Exclusively for Members on Your Vacation – Topics Include Optional Tours, What to Pack, Who’s Coming Early etc., to Assist Members in Coordinating Activities in Advance. Create your own Topic and have fun!
  • Exclusively Singles Only Events and the Company of Other Like Minded Members with a Passion for Travel
  • Inclusive Features of Our Tour:
    • 7 Nights Accommodations: 4 Nights in an Historical, 14th Century, Villa Hotel in the Heart of Tuscany and 3 Nights at the Savoy Hotel in Rome, perfectly located just off the Via Veneto. All Rooms have Twin Beds and Private Bath or Shower.
    • Visits with Tours in the Following Cities:
      • ROME (3) – STI’s LOCAL EXPERT shows us the highlights of the “City of 7 Hills” on our panoramic morning tour. Sites include the Roman forum Colosseum (photo stop), Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo. We’ll also make a stop at the Trevi Fountain for good luck! Add our optional VIP Tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
      • FLORENCE – STI’s LOCAL EXPERT joins us for an insiders perspective of this art inspiring, Italian city. VIP access to the Academy Museum to see The David. Our tour continues with visits to Romanesque church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini, the incredible cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, the legendary 14th century bridge, Piazza della Signoria, featuring a copy of the statue of David and medieval Palazzo Vecchio and a breathtaking view of the city from up high in Piazzale Michelangelo.
        Time for a leisurely lunch and free time for museums, exploring or to shop the biggest names in fashion as well as unique, local boutiques, before the group returns to our villa.
      • SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO – STI’s LOCAL EXPERT takes us on a Private Tour of both ancient cities.
      • CHIANTI – Private tasting AND lunch experience for STI members pairs wines and cheeses specially selected by our sommelier and matched by the most traditional flavors of the Tuscan countryside. Tasting includes 3 different types of Tuscan wine: Chianti Classico, a Pure SanGiovese, and a white wine as well as 2 types of Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
      • FIGLINE VALDARNO (4) Private Group Tour of Villa Casagrande with Wine & Appetizers
      • Optional Cooking Class and Dinner with Wine Produced on the family farm. Three hour “ Tuscan Cooking Class” where we will learn the basics of traditional Tuscan cooking as well as savor the foods prepared by us!
    • 7 Breakfasts (B); 1 Lunch (L), 2 Wine Tastings (W), 3 Dinners (D), including Heavy Appetizers & Wine at Villa Casagrande and Exquisite Welcome Dinner in Rome and Farewell, 4-course Dinner with Wine in Rome! Lots of time to join friends, try new cuisine and meet some locals.
    • Services of a Professional English Speaking Concierge throughout our Tour
    • Additional Services of EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES in Rome and Florence
    • All On Tour Transportation via Deluxe Motor Coach or Minivan with Air-Conditioning
    • Hotel Taxes & Service Charges

    Ages listed are not meant as a restriction, but are simply used as a guideline. Singles Travel International does not guarantee the number of guests, ages or ratios.

Itinerary

Sun, Oct 8:  Rome, Italy – Arrival & Welcome Party
Mon, Oct 9:  Rome, Italy  – City Tour with Optional Vatican Tour
Tue, Oct 10:  Rome/Chianti/Tuscan Villa in Figline Valdarno
Wed, Oct 11:  Tuscan Villa: Florence Day Trip
Thu, Oct 12:  Tuscan Villa: At Leisure; Optional Tuscan Cooking Class
Fri, Oct 13:  Tuscan Villa: Siena & San Gimignano Day Tour 
Sat, Oct 14:  Tuscan Villa in Figline Valdarno /Rome
Sun, Oct 15:  Arrivaderci Roma!
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Day 1 – Saturday, October 7

Overnight Flight/Rome

We wish a safe journey to all our members traveling tonight, we’ll see you tomorrow!

Day 2 – Sunday, October 8

Welcome to Italy! Transfer on your own to our hotel and enjoy the day in Rome, the #1 travel destination for singles! Catch up on jet lag and enjoy your free day. Our STI Concierge, Georgia, will be on site to help make the day a success.

Later this afternoon, our Concierge welcomes you to a meet & greet with other members of our group. Then, take a short walk in the vicinity of our superbly located hotel followed by a light dinner in a nearby restaurant. Overnight at the Savoy Hotel. (B aboard aircraft, D)

Day 3 – Monday, October 9

Rome

Buon giorno! Our morning begins at breakfast in the hotel. We have scheduled this morning’s tour early in order to see all the spectacular sites and get to the Vatican with time to spare. Step aboard our private coach and meet our Roman escort who will show us the highlights of Rome before we head to Tuscany. Our 3-hour tour includes the Roman Forum, Colosseum (photo stop), Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo. If time allows, we’ll also make a stop at the Trevi Fountain for good luck!

Our afternoon is free to explore at your leisure or ADD our OPTIONAL VIP, Vatican Museum Tour with Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Our local, expert guide will whisk us inside, bypassing the line, offering us a private view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece!

Note: Proper attire required to enter St. Peter’s basilica (bare shoulders must be covered and shorts/skirts must come down to your knees).

This evening, join your STI Concierge and new friends at a local restaurant serving Italian specialties (at own expense)! Overnight at the Savoy Hotel. (B)

Day 4 – Tuesday, October 10

Rome/Chianti/Figline Valdarno

Our morning begins at breakfast in the hotel. Now that we’ve had a chance to experience the hustle and bustle of Rome, it’s time to kick back and relax during a short ride into the Tuscan hillside where time seems to have stopped.

Along the way, learn about Italian culture as well as tips for making the most of our week in Italy. Midway, we’ll stop at our oasis, the magnificent Villa of Vignamaggio. This Tuscan Historical Villa is surrounded by an elegant Italian garden in a stunningly beautiful corner of the Chianti countryside, in the municipality of Greve. It offers an authentic testimony of country life during the Renaissance period and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The main part of the villa dates back to the 14th century. We’ll take a guided tour of the gardens and the centuries-old cellars and we’ll have the opportunity to taste world famous wines and olive oil products. Its wine production has received several International prizes and awards and is often mentioned in specialized wine magazines. Around 230,000 bottles of wine are produced every year, divided between Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, I.G.T. and Vinsanto del Chianti Classico DOC. Obviously not to forget is the extra virgin olive oil, made with hand – picked olives, cold pressed, according to tradition; it is the perfect complement of the Tuscan table!

Afterwards, we’ll be treated like lords and ladies for a sumptuous lunch in our very own villa!

Alas, all good things must end and we bud farewell to our gracious host. But, the fantasy has just begun! We’re off to our own villa in Tuscany for the next 4 nights!

Upon our arrival at Villa Casagrande, our elegant, 14th century villa hotel in Figline Valdarno, we are greeted by one of the family members who will assist us to check in and get settled in our historic home.

After checking in and settling into your space, come to meet your STI Concierge and the other members of the group on the loggia of our villa for appetizers and more wine tasting! Enjoy the tranquility and prepare for adventures to come. Overnight at the Villa. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Wednesday, October 11

Florence

After breakfast, we embark on our morning tour of Florence. Our intimate minivans allow us to completely absorb the information from our driver/guide but also allows door-to-door service at the Academy where we’ll enjoy VIP entry to see The David. Our tour continues with visits to the Romanesque church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini, the incredible cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, the legendary 14th century bridge, Piazza della Signoria, featuring a copy of the statue of David and medieval Palazzo Vecchio and a breathtaking view of the city from up high in Piazzale Michelangelo.
Lunch is at our leisure in one of the beautiful piazzas followed by free time for shopping or more sightseeing before we return to our villa.

Enjoy the balance of the day to explore with others from the group. Our STI Concierge is available to help you make the most of your time in Florence, one of the most popular cities in Italy, the Tuscan capital, itself a masterpiece of artistic inspiration. Overnight at the Villa. (B)

Day 6 – Thursday, October 12

At Leisure; Optional Tuscan Cooking Class

After breakfast at the Villa enjoy the day at your leisure. Visit the health center at the Villa, rent bikes, go horseback riding, take a walk or visit the cellar and the museum of the Villa which has been host to Popes and Princes. We also recommend a short Later, join us for a three-hour “Tuscan Cooking Class” where we will learn the basics and secrets of traditional Tuscan cooking, as well as, savor the foods prepared by us in the ancient kitchen of the villa. Miss Paola walks us through a complete menu from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, teaching us the methods of preparation and cooking of each recipe. Our dinner is accompanied by Chianti wines of Fattoria Casagrande ! Overnight at the Villa. (B, Optional D)

Day 7 – Friday, October 13

Tuscany

Siena & San Gimignano

After breakfast today, embark on a journey to enjoy a day of Medieval wonder in the heart of Tuscany! We begin with a panoramic view of the historic Monteriggioni Castle, the most majestic and best-fortified castle of the Italian Middle Ages, and has remained an invincible fortress for more than three centuries. From the time of its construction in 1213 it resisted every siege, ensuring freedom to the Republic of Siena until 1554. Today it is a fun journey into the past.

We journey on, just 30 minutes away, to Siena, what some describe as the most beautiful city in Tuscany. The center is dominated by Piazza del Campo, vast and shaped like a fan, which is the core of Siena’s civic life. Here we’ll want to tarry a while, and if it rains, consider yourself lucky! You will get to see magic patterns of rainwater descending the cleverly laid paving stones.

Architecture buffs will appreciate Siena’s great cathedral, begun in the 12th century in the Romanesque style but transformed in the 13th century into one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic. The church is dedicated to Santa Caterina and parts of her remains are enshrined within.

Language aficionados will know that Tuscany is the birthplace of the modern Italian language — and in Siena you will find the purest spoken Italian (no regional accent).

Siena also serves as a market for the surrounding agricultural area which produces cattle, cereal grains, olives, and, above all, its Chianti wines. Salut!

Our 1 hour drive to San Gimignano will seem effortless as we pass through the most wonderful Tuscan countryside — classic rolling hills, vineyards and silvery green olive groves, a living picture postcard! The spectacle of the terrain is a tour unto itself.

San Gimignano, often referred to as “the Manhattan of Tuscany” or “the Manhattan of the Middle Ages” is best known for its watchtowers, which were a display of power and prosperity in Medieval times. Although only 14 of San Gimignano’s original 76 towers remain, it’s still more than enough to charm us and make for wonderful photos.

Take your time strolling the narrow cobbled streets and open piazzas, and be prepared to step back in time. Art lovers may wish to step into the church of Sant’Agostino where they will find a substantial selection of works by some of Italy’s major Renaissance painters. San Gimignano is also home to award-winning gelato, look for it in the main piazza.

This evening we share tales of the beauty we experienced at dinner with friends (optional). Overnight at the Villa. (B)

Day 8 – Saturday, October 14

Figline/Rome

Enjoy our last breakfast at the villa! Take in your last morning before we head back to Rome. We will get a start mid morning so that you have some extra time in Rome for shopping, packing and our farewell dinner.

We arrive into Rome this afternoon and check into the Savoy Hotel. Dinner this evening is our grande finale of Italian hospitality! Meet for an aperitif (optional) on the rooftop of our hotel, overlooking all of Rome! Then, we take a short walk to our restaurant where a 3-course feast with wine awaits! What better way to say arrivaderci Roma and our new found friends? (B, D)

Day 9 – Sunday, October 15

Rome

After breakfast, find a friend and share a ride with another member to the airport for your departure flight home. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to hosting you again soon! (B)

*Note: Itinerary and activities are subject to change at the discretion of our local operators without compensation. Singles Travel International is not responsible for the consequences of any changes.

FAQs

Once you make your online reservation, an STI reservation specialist will contact you to review and recommend additional services. Depend on them for assistance with airfare, proper protection, pre and post tour services. Once that step is complete, you will receive a final invoice from us confirming your reservation details.

READ your invoice and the FAQ page very carefully and advise if any changes need to be made.

Next, say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat!

**UPLOAD** a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after November 10, 2017).

Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Click Here! for your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group.  Questions? Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 23 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our STI Concierge is waiting to meet you. Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you. The bonds that develop on our tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by July 10, 2017. Book today as we are limited to only a few single reservations, based on a first come, first serve basis.

Roommate matches are based on the same sex, general age range and smoking preference whenever possible, but not guaranteed. STI reserves the right to make any match up until day of departure, including roommate changes once on tour for members who select the Share & Save option.

We highly recommend that our guests contact their roommates in advance. Booked members have access to our private online chat. Meet your roommate as well as the other members on your vacation. Singles Travel International makes every effort to accommodate requests, but does not guarantee the satisfaction or success of a roommate match. It’s the responsibility of the guest to contact his/her roommate and ask the appropriate questions.

Optional pre and post cruise/tour stays are not eligible for the guarantee. Chances are excellent that we’ll find you a match, but if no match found by 30 days prior to departure, member pays the single supplement.

Read more about Roommate Matching on our Frequently Asked Questions found at the Help Center.

The tour begins at the Hotel Savoy Rome in the afternoon of October 8, 2017, and ends in the morning of October 15, 2017. Therefore the tour is 7 nights/8 days. Note: Flights from North America must depart on October 7, 2017 in order to arrive in Rome on October 8. Your return flight from Rome arrives in North America on the same day, so the actual length of the trip is 8 nights/9 days (first night on airplane).

October is a great time to visit Italy with temperatures in the low to mid 70s. The climate in Tuscany is generally very mild with differences depending on the geography of each area. The warmest months are generally July and August, while June and September offer nice, warm weather in general, without it being too hot. Of course, there are always exceptions or dry spells that cause a few days to get really warm.
The coast and valleys tend to have hotter summers than the hills or mountains. April and May as well as October and November are good months to visit Tuscany – they have sunny days but the chances of rain are higher.

It is important to remember that the main tourism season stretches from mid-April to the end of September with July and August being peak months. The best time to visit Tuscany is in the quieter part of the season, from April to June and from September to October when weather is usually good, prices lower and there are “fewer” tourists.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Refer to the Price and Options tab for the amount. Final payment is due in our office by July 10, 2017. A reminder will be emailed to you 7 days prior to due date and your card will automatically be charged. If you make a reservation after July 10, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $100.00 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.

July 10 and August 13, 2017 – 50% penalty applies.

After August 13, 2017 – 100% penalty applies

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single cabin/room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of cruise or tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after airline tickets have been issued, tickets are non-refundable and often times unusable.

Of course. Contact us if you need additional other arrangements, we’d be happy to assist with your vacation plans. Transportation to and from the hotel is not included in our pre or post tour packages. Note that we do not guarantee roommates for optional pre tour stay, but will make every effort to assist you with finding a match. The chat is the best place to make a connection.

Make sure you are at the Savoy Hotel Rome, Via Ludovisi, 15, 00187 Roma, by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017. Our STI Concierge will be on site waiting to meet and greet all of our members.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate without paying an equivalent fee to the rest of the group that made the reservation with STI. Your credit card on file will automatically be charged.

All guests are required to travel with a valid Passport that does not expire prior to April 20, 2018. No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens. Non US citizens are responsible for adhering to Italian regulations. Contact the nearest Italian Consulate for details.

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

In order to be ready to begin the tour in Rome (FCO) at 5:00 p.m. on October 8, you may be required to depart your home city on the day before. The trip concludes in Rome on the morning of October 15. Schedule your return flight anytime that day, but not too early or you will regret it! Our last night in Rome will be the grand finale!

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Round-trip transfers are not included in our tour. We recommend Rome Airport Transportation for private door to door service and a driver waiting in arrivals. You must book online in advance on their [website.] (http://www.romeairporttransportation.com/rates)

Post your flight information to our chat to find a share. Rates are better with more riders. Otherwise, at time of posting this answer, the one-way rate is 48 Euros. Other options include taxi (approximately 40 Euros one way), train (11 Euros one way) or shuttle. Details available on the [Rome Fiumicino Airport website] (http://www.rome-airport.info/in.html)

All rates are subject to change at any time.

Our 3-star villa, Hotel Villa Casagrande stands in Figline Valdarno since the medieval times, when it was established by the Serristori family.

Totally refurbished, the villa is provided with a relaxing garden and a swimming pool, set by ancient walls. There is a modern sauna and gym.

Full of artistic heritage, Villa Casagrande offers 60 rooms equipped with all modern comforts, yet preserving the building’s 14th century charm.

Hotel Villa Casagrande also offers a refined restaurant where we will enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Savoy Hotel Rome, rated well among SOLO reviewers on Trip Advisor, and quoted as “Excellent place, fantastic location” is indeed just that. The 19th-century palazzo Savoy Hotel is located on the corner of fashionable Via Veneto, 5 minutes walk from the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, and Via Condotti’s designer shops. The nearest metro is Spagna. This hotel serves as our home for the first and last nights of our tour and is also within an easy walks to the Hop on/Hop off bus, restaurants, supermarket, pharmacy, even the US Embassy! The Savoy is first class, with matching service. Note that rooms are small by US standards but we’re going for location, location, location! We’ll be out and about more than in the room.

Rooms are air-conditioned and have light decor, high ceilings, and traditional furnishings. All rooms have high-speed wired and wireless Internet access (surcharge), LCD satellite televisions, safes, and minibars. Marble bathrooms have bath/shower combinations, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries. Daily housekeeping is included.

Our tour does not include airfare, 4 dinners, transfers, optional excursions and extra hotel nights before or after the tour. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in STI events), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to STI staff ($10-$15 per day) and local guides.

It has been our experience over 23 years that the best possible quality of service is achieved when our Concierge Team is compensated by tips from our delighted members. This is their best incentive to make your vacation an exceptional experience. You will have an opportunity to reward your STI Concierge at the end of your tour. It is customary to tip, but of course, gratuities are at your discretion and are greatly appreciated for a job well done!

Our “All Ages” vacations cater to 45+ and our average age range is 45 to 65. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ratio or ages.

Currently, most airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage. IMPORTANT: Porterage is included for 1 bag only.

Europe is still an elegant place when it comes to attire. Mixing in with the locals is much easier to do when dressed smartly and respectfully. For touring during the day, wear comfortable shoes and layers will be key for a time of year with fluctuating and unpredictable weather. Scarves are always fashionable and are a lightweight way to completely change your look, ok for men as well in Italy!

Note: Proper attire required to enter St. Peter’s basilica (bare shoulders must be covered and shorts/skirts must come down to your knees).

Packing Tips: Take only what you need; don’t over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match 1-3 colors. Don’t pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Our tour is moderately active with a lot of walking.

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

– A smile and an open minded attitude
– Notepad, reading material and a travel journal to write all about your “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience.
– Bathing suit, we have our own indoor pool!
– Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor
– A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes
– A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, sandals, etc.)
– Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.
– Water Resistant Jacket with light lining and/or collapsible umbrella, just in case
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
– Travel alarm clock with illuminated face
– Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
– Home address book (smart phone with contacts) for sending postcards to all your friends who said they’d go but didn’t! A useful tip is to pre-write or print names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
– Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film, cards, extra batteries and/or chargers.
– A European adapter and converter for your electrical gadgets.

The currency used in Italy is the Euro.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rate for the Euro fluctuates often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing “foreign exchange rates” in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.

Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

You may exchange cash and traveler’s checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Banks offer the best rates, but beware, hours are limited in Italy. They are generally open from 9 a.m.-12 noon and 2-5 p.m.

You may purchase Euros from your local bank in advance or get a small amount on arrival at the airport. There is always an exchange at airports.

We recommend that you bring a combination of $3-500 USD depending on your spending habits for meals and shopping, as well as a debit card for withdrawals and a major credit card, preferably VI or MC.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants.

No inoculations are required for travel to Europe. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician may access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website, cdc.gov. Click their “Traveler’s Health” link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard and in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation. If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

Your Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information document, posted to the FAQ tab 14 days prior to departure, will include phone contact numbers for our hotels. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

For easy, less expensive communication in Europe, you may be able to use your own phone plan, generally .99-1.99 per minute (check before departure).

Internet access is available almost everywhere, including our hotels, but access is not always free. We recommend that you contact your provider before you depart to add an international roaming, text and data package. Most may be disabled once you return home.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.

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This trip was the most interesting I have done. It was wonderful to see the animals engaging in their lives without caring about us walking amongst them. It almost seemed as if they were ‘posing’ for photos. The highlight for me was snorkeling with a playful young sea lion, while I was also watching a green sea turtle and tropical fish below. Although a long way to travel from Australia, it was well worth it. Not only were the animals amazing, but everything about the ship life was very good, especially the professionalism, service and attentiveness of the staff, both onboard and during land excursions. You didn’t have to be extremely fit to take advantage of all the land excursions, as there were always two options – one for the less fit and those who wanted more exercise. I highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in the natural world and who wants to be well looked after.

Fotolia_58389435_Subscription_Monthly_M_04    Toni F.
    Narrabeen, Australia

My first vacation with STI was the 2011 Valentines Cruise – it was the best “adult” vacation I’ve ever had! I had just gotten a divorce and needed to de-stress and have fun. I went on the internet and researched several singles travel companies and STI was the best – not just by the recommendations I read by the members but also the Better Business Bureau rated them as an “A” company. So I took the chance and booked the vacation – that was the best decision ever! I met really great people and had a blast with them! We keep in touch via Email and Facebook and we even got together for another cruise on the 4th of July. In every cruise I make new acquaintances and lasting friendships. I plan to keep traveling with STI as long as I’m single, as a matter of fact I have already booked the New Year’s Eve cruise this year and will be rooming with Sarah one of my cruise buddies. Next year Epic Med Cruise! If you’re looking to meet great people and have an unforgettable time, I highly recommend you book a trip with STI

Fotolia_58389435_Subscription_Monthly_M_04    Rosa M.
    Miami, FL