Italy - What to know before you go!

How to Prepare for Your Pilgrimage:
Thank you for choosing the Medjugorje Web to visit and explore the beautiful shrines of Italy. Your pilgrimage will be packed full of spiritual activities and sightseeing. We do not include much free time for things such as shopping, so we can offer you the most comprehensive pilgrimage possible. However, all tours/activities are optional, and if you feel you are unable to keep up with the pace of the tour, manage the terrain, or would like free time for your own interests, you are welcome to refrain from participating in any aspects of our program (no refund can be issued for aspects of the tour which you choose not to participate in).

It is also important to note that the amount of walking can be significant, and the terrain varies greatly throughout our tours. You will encounter hills, mountains, unpaved streets, cobblestone streets, etc. Please prayerfully consider whether you are up to such physical activities prior to registering. For this reason, we would like to offer you some recommendations to carefully read through.

A couple of weeks before your pilgrimage, one should begin preparing physically as well as spiritually.

1 - If not accustomed to physical activity begin walking "briskly" 1-2 times a day; build up to 2-3 miles with no discomfort.

2 - If possible attend daily Mass or spend some quiet time in church during lunch or after work.

3 - Pray for Jesus and Our Lady to open your heart to fully experience the graces available on your pilgrimage.

4 - Begin praying the rosary daily ( Learn How to Pray the Rosary ) or at least the Apostle's Creed, 7 Our Father's, 7 Hail Mary's & 7 Glory Be's as Our Lady has requested; this takes about 5-7 minutes.

Security Procedures:
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. Visit the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for complete details.

General Info About Your Documents, Flights, Arrival & Travel:

Final Documents:
Medjugorje Web will ship your final documents to the address provided on your reservation application approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. The package will be delivered via Priority Mail. Your final documents will include your flight schedule with electronic ticket number, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, general trip information, luggage tags, portfolio of travel documents, name tag, backpack, and more. Once received, carefully review your e-tickets to ensure that your name on your passport matches the e-tickets exactly. Please note that the name field on your tickets is only 19 characters long, therefore names exceeding this length will be cut off (this is not a problem, as your actual reservation contains your full name). Please also carefully review the itinerary provided to ensure that all departure and destination cities, as well as dates, are correct. Please contact us immediately should any discrepancies be found. *Please note that late payment/bookings can cause delay in the shipment of your final documents.

International Flights:
We recommend that you check in for your international flight three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers must personally check their luggage at the airline counter. Please advise the airline representative of your final destination upon check in so that you will not need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connections. Please note that our pilgrims travel from all across the world. You will be traveling independently for all flights until your arrival at your final destination. You will not have a tour escort with you during your flights. Please be advised that Medjugorje Web attempts to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights, so you may arrive/depart on the same flights as other co-pilgrims (for additional information see "Arrival Procedure" below).

Airline Connections:
Our booking agent will book your airline reservations based on the routings provided to us, including connection time, cities for connections, and partner carriers. Airlines determine the standard for the required minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another for each specific airport. At times, the connection times provided by the airlines are quite tight (i.e. 45 minutes) and require passengers to make haste during their connections. At times the airline connection times are quite long, due to the flight availability at the time of booking. While we wish we could determine the connection times for each of our clients, we are subject to the rules, regulations, and availability of the carriers we work with. We also must ensure that all reservations correspond so that each participant is able to meet the group transfer to/from the airport to hotel and hotel to airport. We will do all we can to provide you with the most convenient flight schedule available to us with our partner airline carriers at the time of your booking, however, we must still follow all appropriate airline rules and regulations.

Airline Tickets:
Airlines now require that we provide electronic tickets ("e-tickets") in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your printed e-ticket, which was provided with your final documents, and passport to the agent. The airline agent will then check you in for your flight, check your luggage, and provide you with a boarding pass for your flights.

Code-share Flights:
Many airlines participate in agreements/alliances with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (i.e. Air France), you may find that you are actually flying on a plane belonging to another carrier (i.e. Delta). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." You should check-in for your flight with the airline the plane is "operated by." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Medjugorje Web for clarification.

Airline Mileage Accounts:
Please present your frequent flyer card to the agent when checking. Please be sure to save all boarding pass stubs from your trip just in case you need them for proof of travel when obtaining mileage credit.

Passports and Visas:
All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to travel. Please note that for most travel abroad your passport MUST be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return date. For additional information on obtaining a US passport please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. A visa is not required for citizens of the USA for most of our destinations. The following countries do not require US citizens to obtain a visa for entrance: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Turkey, Greece. Please be advised that it is the passengers responsibility to reconfirm if any visa's are required for their trip itinerary.

Health Precautions:
No inoculations are necessary for travel. You can consult with your health care provider before traveling if you have any concerns. It is usually best to avoid tap water, and drink bottled water. Some people do experience stomach upset from the change in diet. It is a good idea to bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's travelers' hotline at 1-800-232-4636. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov.

Travel Warnings:
US State Department Travel Advisories: For up to date US State Department travel advisories you may visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Arrival Procedure:
After disembarking from the plane you will clear immigration, and proceed to the baggage claim area to locate your luggage. You will exit baggage claim through customs into the "arrivals hall/ lounge." Look for the Medjugorje Web representative who will be holding a sign with your name and/or "Medjugorje Web." You will be transferred to your hotel where you will meet your guide and the rest of your group. Please remember to look for the sign!

If your plane arrives late, or you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer, which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for a taxi or private transfer to take you to your hotel. This cost will be at your own expense, and you may submit a claim to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return and/or to your travel insurance company. For most destinations taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel is the easiest and least expensive course of action. However, for some destinations even a taxi can be very expensive due to the distance you are traveling. If you prefer to have a private transfer arranged for you in lieu of taking a taxi, you will need to contact Medjugorje Web to advise us of your flight delay and new arrival time at least 4 hours prior to your new arrival time. In this case we will do everything possible to arrange for a private transfer to meet you upon your arrival, however, you will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon arrival at your destination. If you are unable to locate your driver or a taxi, please call your local emergency contact (listed in your Final Instruction Booklet) so that they may dispatch a transfer for you. Please remember to save your receipts. We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (http://www.medjugorje.org/insurance.htm).

Luggage:
Please contact your air carriers prior to packing to verify their current baggage policy, as they do change frequently. In general, most international flights permit one piece of checked luggage, one carry-on bag, and one personal item. Although many airlines will permit you to check a second piece of luggage at an additional cost. International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. In most cases your checked luggage must be under 50 lbs (23 kg), and not exceed external dimensions of 62 inches (length+width+height). For most carriers a carry on bag may not exceed 22" x 14" x 9" and 20 lbs. You are also permitted to bring aboard the plane 1 personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, camera bag, shopping bag, or similar. Porterage for one suitcase on the tour is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 45 in overall dimensions (length+width+height) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg). An additional cost of $3 USD per traveling day will be collected by the Tour Director if a second piece of baggage is carried, or if the suitcase exceeds the established weight and/or dimensions. For health reasons, porters may refuse to carry heavy suitcases.

Be sure to carry ALL travel documents and money on your person, but not all in the same place, to limit the inconvenience in case of loss. Do not keep money, important documents and medicines in your checked suitcase. Please leave your jewelry at home. We recommend a money belt worn inside your clothes, while touring. On departure from your hotel, remember to double check that you have your money belt with you, and that you have collected any items left in your room safe or the hotel safe. Please, at all times, be as vigilant as you would be in any major city, especially in crowded places such as subways, squares or churches/cathedrals. Never leave your bags unattended or out of sight in public areas, including airports, hotel lobbies or dining rooms.

Be sure to keep ALL medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your suit case should be lost. Also bring enough medication for several additional days in case you should get delayed upon your return.

Keep a separate list of important numbers, i.e. passport, traveler's checks, and credit cards, in your luggage, together with photocopies of airline tickets and the relevant pages of your passport.

The same common-sense rules of safety and security apply as everywhere else:
Avoid excessive displays of jewelry or cash (only carry enough with you for daily needs)
Use room safes or leave items with the hotel manager
Make certain that any valuables are insured against theft
Avoid exploration on your own of unfamiliar streets or areas
Be especially cautious if gypsies approach you begging

Insurance:
Please note that travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all pilgrims. For more information you can visit http://www.medjugorje.org/insurance.htm

Transportation is by private motor coach:
The duration of driving time between cities/countries can range extensively depending on your itinerary. Some days may include only short transfers on the bus from your hotel to a restaurant, or similar. Other days you may drive a couple of hours to travel from one city to another. There are some days/itineraries which may include up to 8 hours of driving in one day. During travel days with extensive driving the coach will stop for bathroom/stretch (approximately every 2 to 3 hours) breaks as well as a lunch stop.

Money:
Make sure to bring along a credit card for convenience and security. Credit cards offer a very reasonable exchange rate and can be cancelled should it be lost. Visa or MasterCard are the best options as American Express and Discover Card are not accepted in most stores outside of the USA. We recommend that you exchange US dollars (USD) at your local bank prior to departure in order to obtain the best exchange rate. It is also practical and cost effective to withdraw local currency using your ATM/Debit card during your trip. ATMs are readily available in most of the destinations we service, and are very similar to those in USA. Most offer English as a language option. It is recommended that you contact your local bank and credit card companies before departing on your trip to advise them that you will be traveling. Travel checks are NOT recommended, as they are often not accepted and are difficult to exchange during the trip.

Be advised that exchanging money at airports will result in higher fees. We strongly recommend that you do not exchange money at your hotel or local change booths, as the fees are extremely high.

We are frequently asked, "How much money should I bring with me?" This is a very difficult question to answer as each person is different. The type of lunches you prefer can make a big difference (restaurant vs cafe). Are you planning on purchasing mementos/gifts for yourself or loved ones? We recommend that the minimum spending money you should bring with you, in addition to the suggested tips, is the equivalent of EUR 25.00 per day (approximately $35). Remember, you can always spend less, or bring money home!

Currency Exchange:
The EURO is the currency of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. As of December 8, 2014 the exchange rate is approximately $1.00 USD (US Dollar) = € 0.80 EUR (Euro) // € 1.00 EUR (Euro) = $1.25 USD (US Dollar). Keep in mind that this is the "pure" exchange rate, any form of currency exchange has some fees associated. For up to date currency exchange rates please visit www.xe.com. Please note that the currency exchange rate does fluctuate.

ATM Machines:
ATM machines can be found at most bank branches, post offices, train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc. and are accessible 24 hrs/day. Most banks charge a commission when you withdraw money, especially if it is from the network of another bank. You should ask your bank for information about where you can use your card and what commissions are charged for withdrawing money. Most US banks assess a $2.00-$5.00 international ATM fee in addition to the ATM's usual fee of 1-3 euros. Your bank will utilize an exchange rate that is a couple percent above the "true" exchange rate." Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds someone can withdraw outside their home country, so call your credit card company before you leave home. And keep in mind that you will pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time.

For increased security, European Banks now issue debit and credit cards that carry an embedded chip. As part of their anti-fraud measures, you are seldom asked to give a store / restaurant employee your card for them to swipe. Instead if you are at a restaurant, your waiter will bring a small portable machine / card reader to your table with the amount of your bill already entered. You cannot add a tip to the total (leave a small tip in cash instead). Your card is swiped and you will be asked to OK the total and enter a PIN. Note: The PIN for this is not the Cash Back PIN. If you have a normal US credit/debit card without a chip, you do not have a PIN. Just in case you do not have or you forget your PIN, just hit the OK with no PIN entered. This usually works. If you have any questions about your ATM card, check with your bank in advance of your departure from home. Ensure you know how to contact them if you encounter problems using your card. Use your card before you leave home and again shortly after arrival, even if you do not need the money, just to verify that everything works.

Value Added Tax (VAT):
There is 20% value added tax on most goods and services in Italy. At retail stores, this tax is already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $50.00 or more at a gift store that has an agreement with the VAT authorities, you should fill out a form at the store and have it stamped there. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a 20% refund at the airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage. They should be kept in your hand luggage. Tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, paid with foreign currency are also exempt from VAT tax.

How to Get Your VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund:
Italian sales tax, or VAT (value-added tax), is 20%, but you can get most of it back if you spend € 175 (EURO) or more at any participating retailer. You must be over 15 years old, and you must present a passport. The name of the refund is détaxe, meaning exactly what it says. You never really get the full 20% back, but you can get close. After you spend the required minimum amount, ask for your détaxe papers. Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases so it's best to have them in your carry-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun (note - this only applies if Italy is your final point of departure back to the U.S.). For additional information on the VAT refund http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_added_tax. All refunds are processed at the final point of departure from the E.U., so if you're going to another E.U. country, you don't apply for the refund in Italy. Mark the paperwork to request that your refund be applied to your credit card so you aren't stuck with a check in Euros. Even if you made the purchase in cash, you can still get the refund applied to a credit card. This ensures the best rate of exchange. You can get cash in some airports, but if you don't take the cash in Euros, you'll lose money on the transaction. If you're considering a major purchase, ask the store policy before the purchase -- or be willing to waive your right to the refund.

Weights and Measures:
The metric system is used exclusively through out Europe. A kilometer is a bit over 1/2 mile (.62 miles). A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.

Time:
Most of Europe operates on a 24 hour clock. This means that 6:00 pm is 18:00, etc.

Tipping:
Tips are an important part of earnings for your escorts, guides and bus drivers. You should allow EUR 9.00-10.00 per person per day for tips.

• Your tour escort, who is with you throughout your tour, should be tipped approximately EUR 6.00 per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction).
• Your bus driver EUR 3.00 per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction)

Tip envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another EUR 1 (or 2) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included, a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters EUR 2 for each bag. If you are using a Taxi, drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guide. When and if your group has a completely free day(s) and the escort sees you for only a couple of hours or just during dinner time, then it is really up to your discretion what to tip them.

Hotels / Accommodations:
Rooms sizes, compared to the US, may be smaller based on European standards. Mini-bar items and access to pay TV channels are at your own expense. King / Queen size beds are rare in Europe. In some hotels, key cards operate the room lighting systems and/or the elevator. Fixtures in bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized. While most hotels do offer a hair dryer in the bathroom, we recommend bringing one with you if it is essential to you. Although most hotels provide toiletries (shampoo, lotion), we strongly recommend that you bring an adequate supply with you.

Please note that while we do request non-smoking rooms for our clients, hotels are less stringent about enforcing these rules outside of the USA.

Remember to frequently check your hotel bulletin board for important information, suggestions, or any last-minute changes from your tour escort.

Electricity:
The voltage used is 220 volts AC, single phase 50 cycles (the U.S. uses 110/120 volts). We recommend bringing a good quality voltage converter kit, which includes the voltage converter as well as various plug adapters found in different countries. Adapter/converter kits can be purchased at stores such as Radio Shack, Walmart, K-Mart, Target. Buying electrical devices in foreign places is not recommended unless you are sure that the current they will be compatible with US voltage. Typically cell phones, tablets and laptops can operate, and charge at either 110V or 220V. Please check your device to be sure to avoid damage.

Telephones:
The telephone country code for Italy is +39 (from US 011 + 39 followed by the city code and telephone number).

Cell Telephones:
You may bring your cellular phone, but make sure it is GSM compatible (T-Mobile, and AT&T) Phones from Verizon or Sprint will not work in Europe. You can contact your wireless phone provider to be sure your phone is set up to work internationally. Some offer phones that you can rent for the duration of your trip. If you have a smart phone data plan please make sure to contact your cellular provider to inquire about international data use costs. International data usage can be VERY expensive.

A Magnificat book has been provided to you for daily prayer and reflection. Please note you can now download the Magnificat App on your smartphone or tablet. But this does require international data useage, so double check with your provider before using.

Hotel Telephones:
While hotel telephones offer convenience, they do tend to cost substantially more than public phones. You may choose to use a calling card to save money, but most hotels charge a connection fee which ranges from $1.00 to $5.00 for such calls.

Public Telephones:
Public phones are found in cafes, restaurants, Métro stations, post offices, airports, and train stations, and occasionally on the streets. Finding a coin-operated telephone in Europe is an arduous task. A simpler and more widely accepted method of payment is the télécarte, a prepaid calling card available at kiosks, post offices, and Métro stations and costing € 7.50 (EURO) - € 15 (EURO) ($9.75-$20) for 50 and 120 units, respectively. A local call costs one unit, which provides you 6 to 18 minutes of conversation, depending on the rate. Avoid making calls from your hotel, which might double or triple the charges. To make a direct international call, first dial 00, listen for the tone, and then slowly dial the country code, the area code, and the local number. The country code for the U.S. and Canada is 1. A reasonable way to communicate.

Public Toilets:
Known as WC, and available in most tourist locations. Be prepared with tissues in your pocket at all times. Also, be aware that some public toilets are staffed by attendants who ask for a small "user's fee".

Photography:
If you are bringing a digital camera, make sure to bring extra batteries. If not digital, remember to bring plenty of film (200 or 400 speed is recommended for outdoor and indoor-flash photography). Photography is not allowed in some museums and in some security-conscious facilities.

Terrain:
Europe is based on a myriad of old buildings, and there are split-levels and uneven surfaces everywhere; please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian only and have cobblestones. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets; rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended. Many streets in Europe are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, the buses are not always permitted to drop groups off directly in front for their destination. Please be prepared to walk.

Taxis:
Be wary of any person approaching you offering unofficial taxi services. If you do not have an airport transfer included and you need transportation, make your way to the official taxi desk or to the regular taxi line outside the terminal; choose only those vehicles with a meter and a taxi sign. We recommend you pre-negotiate the fare, as taxi drivers in some countries may attempt to overcharge unwary travelers.

Capital:
Rome is the capital of Italy. Other major cities are Milan, Naples, Turin, Genoa, Florence and Venice. Italy shares its northern Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula, and Campione d'Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland.

Local Customs:
A different way of life in some countries on the tour may take you by surprise, but if you travel with an open mind and respect local customs and culture, you should find it easier to adapt to and enjoy your new surroundings. Standards of living may not be quite what you are used to, but there are compensations – a closer sense of reality and a more authentic feeling of a locale. Due to cultural differences in Europe you may not be greeted quite as cheerfully as back home; smiling is generally reserved for intimate friends! So be especially wary of people presenting themselves as “instant friends” and never accept any offer of food or drink from strangers.

Business Hours
Throughout the year, apart from Festivals, businesses are open at the following hours:

Offices:  Mondays to Fridays: 08:30am - 1:00pm and 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Banks:    Mondays to Fridays: 08:30am - 1:30pm and 2:45pm - 4:15pm
Stores: Mondays to Saturday: 09:00am - 1:00pm and 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Bank business hours in Italy. Bank business hours are regulated across Italy. Business hours for banks in Italy begin at 8:30 and continue until 1:30pm when they close for lunch. These banks open again in the afternoon only for one hour from 3.30pm. Banks in Italy are open from Monday to Friday.

Business hours in Italy. Business hours in Italy fluctuate depending on the nature of the enterprise and the location. While business hours for most government operations are more or less standardized across the country, there is some variation in opening times between the north and south of Italy. Generally, things in the south of Italy tend to stay open later in the evening. Following are the business hours for various places you might need to visit while in Italy.

Shop business hours in Italy. Shops in Italy usually open their doors at 9:00am and stay open until among 1:00 and 2:00pm when they close for lunch. Afternoon shop opening hours are generally from about 4:00 to 8:00pm. Most shops open for at least a half day on Saturday while others treat it as a normal working day. Few shops are open on Sundays. Large supermarkets and department stores are the exception to this and many of them open for half a day on Sunday while throughout the rest of the week they are open from 10:00am to 7:30pm.

Pharmacy business hours in Italy. Pharmacies in Italy generally open their doors at 9:00am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm until 7:30pm. Most pharmacies are open on Saturday mornings, but typically not in the afternoons. There is always at least one pharmacy in every area that is open at any given time. There will usually be a sign on the door of any closed pharmacy stating where the nearest open pharmacy is at that time.

Every town and city has at least one or two local holidays in Italy. Many Italians take their holiday in August, and some businesses close for the entire month, others for one or two weeks. Traffic during this time slows down and the Versilian coastline comes to a standstill. National holidays are on the 1st and 6th of January, Easter Monday, the 25th of April, May the 1st, August the 15th, November the 1st, and finally the 8th, 25th and 26th of December.

Shopping:
Most shops are closed on Sunday, except for certain barbershops that are open on Sunday morning and tourist-oriented stores that are now permitted to remain open on Sunday during the high season. Stores are open daily from Monday to Saturday. Some observe a "siesta" from 1pm to 4pm, re-opening until 7pm. Some malls close later in the day and are open Saturdays after sundown. Although normally shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30/4 p.m. to 7:30/ 8 p.m., in large cities and tourist areas there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. with possible variations from town to town. Department stores such as La Rinascente, and Coin, are found in many Italian cities and towns and are open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Some potential purchase items are: Clothes for men and women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster, woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. Ask your tour escort for regional specialty products, which the countries/cities in your itinerary are known for (i.e. Paris is known for fashion, Venice is known for hand blown glass, Santiago de Compostela for the pilgrim shell, etc.) Enjoy some stress-free Christmas shopping during your travels; small, light items that you can easily carry home make nice. Don’t forget to buy something for yourself as well to remind you of the pleasant memories of your pilgrimage abroad. Whenever traveling abroad, be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas. If you purchase a video or DVD, please check that it is compatible with your home viewing system (for USA and Canada – VHS NTSC and DVD region 1; for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific – VHS PAL and DVD region 4). Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags; VAT refunds, if applicable, may sometimes take up to three months to process.

Tax Free Italy Stores:
If a store has a "Euro Tax Free" sign on its window or door this means that the store participates in the "Tax Free Italy" program. When making a purchase at such a store, present your passport at the cash register and ask the store clerk to issue you a "Tax Free Shopping Cheque" together with a receipt for the goods. The store will charge you tax at the time of sale. However, the Tax Free Shopping Cheque will indicate the amount of VAT refund that you are eligible to claim. Non-EU travelers can obtain reimbursement at either the Italian customs office or at the EU Customs before their final destination. Keep the goods purchased together with the appropriate bill of entry for inspection by the customs officer(s). Customs normally inspect the merchandise before stamping the Tax Refund Forms: (a) If the goods are contained in your checked baggage for your flight to the US, you should get the Customs receipt/inspection before check-in; (b) If the good are contained in your carry-on baggage, it is possible to get the Customs receipt after passport control, after inspection of the goods. You can then receive a refund for all of the Tax Refund Forms stamped by Customs: (a) in cash, by addressing an ETS desk in the airport (be sure to address the correct one); or (b) receive the refund by mail in Tax-free Shopping Cheques; or (c) by transfer to your credit card account. Be sure to allow plenty of time at the airport to process your VAT claim.

U.S. Customs:
U.S. citizens who have been in Europe for more than two days may return to the United States with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more home with them, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It's a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a Customs Inspector upon your return to the United States. For details visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

Traveling International – Register with US State Department
Enroll with The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - https://step.state.gov/step. It is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For 24 Hour Consular Emergency Line: U.S. 1.888.407.4747 / Outside the U.S. 1.202.501.4444

Meals / Food:
Most European countries tend to dine later than we do here in the US. Please expect your dinners to be scheduled around 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Most breakfasts are buffet style. Unlike in the US, it is frowned upon to take food out of the breakfast room. Most dinners will be served "sit down" with a pre-determined 3 or 4 course meal. Your meals include iced tap water and coffee or tea. All other beverages, including bottled water, will be at an additional cost. While some restaurants may be able to provide for a special diet, such as vegetarian or salt-free, there is no way for us to guarantee this.

Check with your tour guide or concierge for a list of good restaurants. Food is generally safe to eat. Should you want to feel "at home", many American franchises now operate in Europe: Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and more.

Tap Water:
Due to differences in mineral and micro-biotic levels, we recommend that you avoid consuming local tap water (including ice), as it may upset your stomach.

General Information About Your Pilgrimage Destination(s):

Climate:

City		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Amalfi	Low	36	36	41	45	56	59	68	70	61	50	50	47
	High	68	76	68	79	83	94	95	94	86	85	76	68
Capri	Low	45	45	49	51	59	67	70	69	67	59	57	50
	High	56	56	59	64	73	82	86	85	82	71	67	60
Florence	Low	36	37	41	46	54	59	63	62	59	52	43	38
	High	49	53	60	69	75	84	90	89	82	70	58	51
Naples	Low	42	44	46	51	57	62	67	67	64	57	50	46
	High	54	56	61	67	73	82	86	86	82	72	63	57
Roma	Low	39	40	43	46	55	60	65	65	61	53	46	41
	High	55	61	61	68	74	83	88	89	83	73	63	57
Venice	Low	33	35	41	50	58	64	68	67	62	52	43	37
	High	44	46	55	64	71	78	83	83	78	65	55	46

Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, and an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures. Light-weight for summer. Medium-weight for winter with heavier clothing for inland areas. It is a good idea to pack waterproof clothing at any time of year.

Mid-summer advice:
Wear a sunhat and loose-fitting clothing, try to drink at least one liter (one quart) of water a day, avoid eating too much ice-cream and reduce, the amount of ice in drinks. A small battery-operated fan may be useful in hot weather.

Language:
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken, and many signs appear in English.

Useful Italian Phrases:
A few Must Know Travel Terms Common Italian Phrases Phrase Pronunciation

English	Italian	Pronunciation
Hello	Ciao	"chow"
Goodbye	Arrivederci	"a-rive-ver-der-chi"
Yes	Si	"see"
No	No	"no"
Please	Per favore	"pear fa-vo-re"
Thank You	Grazie	"grat-ze-ay"
Excuse Me	Mi scusi	"me scoo-zy"
Do you speak English?	Parla inglese	"par-lah ing-less-e"
Can you help me?	Potete aiutarli?	"poh-tete ay-u-tarli"
I don't know	Io non lo so	"io no lo so"
I want	Vorrei	"vo-rei"
How much?	Quanto costa	"kwanto costa"
Where is	Dov'è?	"doe-ve"
bathroom/restaurant/hotel	la toilette/ristorante/l'hotel	"la toilette/ristorante/l'otel"
Taxi please	Il taxi per favore	"il taxi pear fa-vo-re"
Where can I find a doctor	Dov’è posso trovare un dottore	"doe-ve posso tro-va-re un do-to-re"

Papal Audience:
General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City and require a ticket for admissions, which we will provide for you. Your tour escort will give you your ticket the day of the Audience. Your tour escort will also advise you of the departure time from your hotel (usually between 7:00 to 8:00 am), in order to obtain a good position. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences. In the summer at the papal summer residence at Castle Gandolfo. For this audience women should dress modestly, with knees and arms covered. It's suggested that Men wear dress pants (long) and a dress shirt.

Visas:
U.S. citizens do not need an entry permit (visa) to stay in Italy as either tourists or on a business trip for a period of up to three months. (If you enter Italy under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not allowed to take up any employment there.) More information is available from the Consulate Section of the Italian Embassy, 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008. http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington.

Italian Consulate General NEW YORK:
690 Park Ave.New York, NY 10021
Tel.: (212) 737-9100
Fax: (212) 249-4945
Homepage: http://www.consnewyork.esteri.it
E-mail: info.newyork@esteri.it

Italian Embassy:http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Italy:
113 police emergency
115 fire department
118 ambulance

European General Emergency Code: 112

Embassy in Italy:
Americans living or traveling in Europe are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's Travel Registration web site https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ , and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in cases of emergency. In case of an emergency, embassies have a 24-hour referral service.

The consulate in Genoa is at Via Dante 2 (tel. 010-58-44-92). For consulate hours, see individual city listings.

US Embassy in Rome:http://rome.usembassy.gov/english/

US Embassy in Rome:
Via Vittorio Veneto, 119A
TEL: 06-46-741
FAX: 06-488-2672

US Consulates in Florence:
Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38
TEL:. 055-239-8276
FAX: 055-284-088

US Consulates in Milan:
Via Principe Amedeo 2-10
TEL: 02-29-03-51-41

US Consulates in Naples:
Piazza della Repubblica 1
TEL: 081-583-8111

US Consulates in Genoa:
Via Dante 2
TEL: 010-58-44-92

For Additional Information About Your Destination:

Please visit the official tourism website as follows: www.italiantourism.com

For Additional Information About Vatican please visit: www.vatican.va

US Offices for the Italian tourist board:

Chicago: 500 North Michigan Ave, Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 ~ Tel. (312) 644-0996 ~ Fax. (312) 644-3019 ~ enitch@italiantourism.com

LA: 12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ~ Tel. (310) 820-1898 ~ Fax. (310) 820-6357 ~ enitla@italiantourism.com

New York: 630 Fifth Ave, Suite 1565, New York, NY 10111 ~ Tel. (212) 245-5618 ~ Fax. (212) 586-2949 ~ enitny@italiantourism.com

What to Pack:

Clothing:
Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer.

For Winter, Early Spring, and Late Fall: be sure to back a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves. Just in case.

For Summer, Late Spring, and Late Summer: Bring a sunhat and plenty loose-fitting clothing. Don't forget a lightweight sweater for the evenings as some places may be a little cooler than others.

A note about summer attire; shorts (or miniskirts) and bare shoulders are considered inappropriate at some religious sites. For men, shorts that can be transformed by zippers into trousers may be convenient.

Bring an all-weather coat, just in case. We strongly recommend that women bring a shawl or sarong which can be placed conveniently in their day bag, so that they may drape their shoulders, or tie around their waists in the more religious sites.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. If new, make sure you walk in them for a couple of weeks to break them in. On the plane you will want to wear loose-fitting clothes and pack a pair of slippers to wear for the flight, as well as a lightweight jacket. Make sure your shoes are lace-up, as your feet may swell a little.

General Clothing for Men:
Jeans, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve shirts, socks, undergarments, and light jacket or coat.

General Clothing for Women:
Jeans, long skirts, casual dresses, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve, socks, stockings, undergarments, and a light jacket or sweater is suggested.

Other Suggested Items to Bring (check list):
__ Inflatable head & neck rest, eye mask, foam earplugs (for flight)
__ Portable alarm clock
__ Flashlight with extra batteries: take batteries out while traveling
__ Old towel or small plastic bag to sit on outside
__ Handy wipes: freshening up during the day
__ Travel pack size Kleenex.
__ Extra batteries for flashlight, camera, recorders
__ Tape recorder or journal for Mass, and talks
__ Extra film for camera: expensive outside of US
__ Travel size poncho, in camping section of Wal-Mart
__ Optional grocery size plastic bags: 1-2 for dirty clothes or items you purchase
__ Soap-small bar travel size
__ Shampoo-travel size or put some in a small container; don't carry some big bottle
__ Toothbrush & Toothpaste-travel size
__ Deodorant-travel size
__ Chap stick
__ Comb/Brush
__ Aspirin/Advil, Etc.
__ Feminine protection
__ Laxative/Imodium
__ Band-aids
__ Dramamine or Bonine - if subject to motion sickness
__ Pepto Bismol- tablets
__ Sominex
__ Allergy/cold medicine; tablets (put medicines in a sandwich bag)

Health Care:
Jet Lag: It is generally ecommended to avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol while flying to combat jet lag. There are also products such as Jet-stress or Cell Guard that claim to help jet lag. Melatonin can help you to sleep on the plane. These items can be found at most health food stores.

What If...& Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled or delayed it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange alternate flights. Please note that once your tickets have been issued or you have checked in for your flights, we can no longer make any changes to your flight itinerary. This can only be done by the airlines. Be persistent and remain courteous. Remember that the delay is not the airline agents fault and being patient and courteous you will receive more help and assistance. Please be advised that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expense or overnights when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. We strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for this reason (http://www.medjugorje.org/insurance.htm).

What should I do if I miss my flight due to late arrival at my departure airport?
If you should miss your flight, due to your own late arrival at your departure airport, it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange alternate flights. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes. Please note that you should contact us once your alternate arrangements have been made so that we can arrange for a private transfer (at your expense) if necessary.

What happens if I miss my group transfer upon arrival?
If your plane arrives late, or you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for a taxi or private transfer to take you to your hotel. This cost will be at your expense, and you may submit a claim to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return and/or to your travel insurance company. For most destinations taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel is the easiest and the least expensive course of action. However, for some destinations even a taxi can be very expensive due to the distance you are traveling. If you prefer to have a private transfer arranged for you in lieu of taking a taxi, you will need to contact us to advise us of your flight delay, and new arrival time, at least 4 hours prior to your new arrival time. In this case we will do everything possible to arrange for a private transfer to meet you upon your arrival, however, you will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon drop off at your destination. If you arrive at your destination, and are unable to locate your driver or a taxi, please call your local emergency contact (listed in your Final Instruction Booklet) so that they may dispatch a transfer for you. Please remember to save your receipts. We strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for this reason. (http://www.medjugorje.org/insurance.htm).

What happens if I have a problem or complaint during my trip?
If you have any problems, concerns, or complaints during your trip, please communicate them IMMEDIATELY to your tour escort. Your tour escort is at your disposal to assist you with all your needs, including issues with your hotel room, meals, etc. Remember, there is very little that can be done to solve a problem once you have returned home. Most of the time your tour escort can quickly address any concerns you may have. If an issue is not resolved to your satisfaction by your tour escort, then please contact our office.

What should I do if I want to change my ticket?
If you would like to change your ticket, for any reason, once it has been issued you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes.

For more on our general terms and conditions visit http://medjugorje.org/tandc.htm

Please share your feedback with us upon your return!

Any questions? Call 877-Web-Medj (932-6335) or Email Us: sshawl@medjweb.com

Medjugorje Web 772 N Peace Rd. DeKalb, IL 60115

877.Web.Medj (932-6335)

815.333.2338 Fax

Email: sshawl@medjweb.com