FAQs

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, guests should be able to enjoy two hours or more of walking, be sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and be able to walk up and down stairs without assistance.

The farmhouse apartments are not equipped with elevators, so guests with second floor rooms will climb a 16-step stairway. Unpaved roads and pathways separate the apartments, winery, and restaurant, and walking is required between each. The walk between the apartments and restaurant is approximately one-half mile and can take up to 20 minutes.

Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle, and sometimes it's not possible for motor coaches to drop off at site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited. Also, dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary, but adds to the enjoyment of this program.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.

Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.

Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.

Should you need assistance with securing or renewing a passport, Orbridge has a preferred partnership with Passport Visas Express. This company specializes in assisting guests with passport and visa services. Contact them at (888) 596-6028 or visit passportvisasexpress.com/orbridge. 

The euro (EUR) is Italy's legal currency. The euro coin series is comprised of eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. The euro banknote series is comprised of seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.

We recommend securing euros in the U.S. prior to departure. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.

ATMs are available at the destination airport but otherwise may not be readily accessible during the program. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country. Carry some local currency to cover purchases with merchants who may not accept credit cards, as well as a few euro coins to access public restrooms.

Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency. Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate, and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

Northern Italy is generally mild and pleasant year-round. During spring, temperatures range from the mid-60s ºF to mid- to low-40s º F. During summer, temperatures peak in the 80s ºF with lows in the 60s ºF. During fall, highs are in the 70s ºF and lows are in the 50s ºF.

Light showers are possible regardless of the season but are most common in the spring months.

Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.

Italy uses Type C electrical outlets—two-wire ungrounded and unpolarized prongs—on a 230V system.

North American 110V or 120V appliances require a converter to operate on a 230V system. Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage.

While cellular service is available throughout Europe (though unreliable in more remote areas) your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the property throughout all the buildings.

When entering a church or cathedral, shoulders must be covered, and shorts and skirts must reach the knee.

If ordering wine from local vintners, be aware of any state laws prohibiting alcohol shipments to your state of residence.

Porterage for one piece of luggage is included in the program price. We recommend limiting luggage to one medium-sized piece and one small carry-on per person.

Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for this program. It's recommended to dress according to the day's activities. For example, when visiting a church or cathedral, shoulders must be covered, and shorts and skirts must reach the knee. Denim jeans can be worn in most situations.

Dinner attire is European casual, which is typically a bit more formal than in the U.S. Depending upon the season, this can include skirts or dress pants/slacks, nice blouses, button-down polos, button-down and collared long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a comfortable pair of black or brown walking shoes or flats instead of athletic shoes.

Bring comfortable shoes. Although there will be ample time for sitting, you will be on your feet often and walking daily.

Dry cleaning service is available upon request (at an additional cost). Consider packing travel soap suitable for hand washing small items.

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.