This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Make sure your passport is valid for six months AFTER your return date from Italy. The passport must have at least six months validity remaining to be allowed entry.
• A tourist visa may be required of US citizens for stays of this length. Expected changes to entrance requirements in Europe have been delayed until 2025. More information is available at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website.
• Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Italy and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
• Plan your flight reservations arriving into and out of Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Send a copy of your itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office please.
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival in Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact your ground operator, with a copy to our office. You may also phone or text your guide. Quite a few guides will set up a WhatsApp connection so you can also reach your guide by phone.

Please plan to arrive by 4:00 PM on your tour start date. We have about a thirty minute or so drive to the hotel. Your emergency contact/hotel list (to be sent ahead of departure) will be helpful at Immigration when they ask where you are going. We will let you know the pickup arrangements a few weeks before the tour.

If you arrive early and plan to rent a car, an INTERNATIONAL driver’s license is required in Italy.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departures from Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice

We will return to Venice on your tour end date in time for flights out – our group shuttles will be in the morning, if you depart later than mid-day from Venice, enjoy some local birding and you can taxi back to the airport later in the day.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least 6 months beyond the date of reentry. We advise having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps. 

You may need a visa to visit European countries in 2025. Requirements requiring visitors from more than 60 visa-free countries (including the U.S.) to get a travel authorization when entering Europe for brief stays have been delayed until 2025. Learn more at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website.

You may also visit the U.S. International Travel Information for Italy website.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  Check the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website for Italy for other helpful information or reach them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). Consider bringing copies of your vaccination records with you.

Common Ailments: Although general medicines may be readily available, travelers are advised to bring their own supply for the duration of their visit. We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for common ailments (such as upset stomach, headache, motion sickness, diahhrea, etc.).  Altitude sickness can affect some and if there is a concern, be prepared.

Prescriptions and Allergies: You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you take, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicine as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad.  It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.  It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Weather & Climate

Italy generally has warm weather in the spring. Highs average in the low 70s°F with lows in the mid-50s°F., with mild to moderate humidity. It will be slightly cooler in the Dolomites with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the mid 40s°F. Rain is possible, so be sure to pack a rain jacket. Come prepared with layers of clothing, including a rain-jacket that can double as a windbreaker, and an umbrella. Bring walking boots for use in the day and more comfortable shoes for meals and relaxing.

Food & Drinks

Italian cuisine is one of the highlights of this tour! Please advise us as soon as possible of your dietary preferences or restrictions. If there is anything you particularly don’t like to eat, it is useful for us to know. With enough advanced notice we are usually able to accommodate most special requests. If you have dietary restrictions, it is best to ask servers for the appropriate information about the food. We appreciate your flexibility and openness to the new and foreign foods that you may experience on this trip.

As with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

Tap water is not considered unsafe, however, if you prefer to drink bottled water, you can purchase it at the hotel. Tap water is okay to use for brushing your teeth. On particularly hot days be sure to increase your intake of fluids.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Please, pack light and carry your medication, airline tickets, passport, visa, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON. 

Please note that that luggage will be transported with you in the vehicles. Only bring luggage that you can comfortable carry yourself. Soft luggage is much easier to pack in the vehicle than more rigid hard-sided pieces. So, if you have the choice, please use soft luggage. Be sure to have your name, address, and itinerary on the inside of the bag, as well as a luggage tag with your name on the handle. It is recommended that you limit yourself to one checked suitcase and it is wise to check with your air carrier on luggage restrictions before your fly. Please remember that your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the seat. You will want a daypack for field trips, so this is the ideal carry-on.

Dress is very informal and comfortable throughout the trip. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight, long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. A jacket should be enough in the cooler mornings and evenings. We strongly recommend neutral or dark-colored clothing for every wildlife area that we will visit on the tour. Clothing should be unobtrusive, i.e. no bright yellows, reds or white, as this can disturb wildlife and makes us very conspicuous.

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

The Euro (EUR) is the currency in Italy. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) in good condition (no rips or tears) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

It will helpful to arrive in Italy with some local currency just in case you encounter an “out of order” ATM or a local bank holiday. You may exchange some money into Euros before your trip through your bank, an exchange office, a travel agent, a AAA office, your departing airport in the U.S. or the Venice airport.

If you need more Euros, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local currency and your bank statement will show the amount withdrawn in US Dollars at the conversion rate of that day. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure and become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. 

Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. We suggest you have more than one card available. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), if possible. Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling in Europe to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. That said, while we do not advise you that you bring them as your main source of funds, it might be nice to have one or two in case of emergency.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for your hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.

*Please note that these suggested tips are quoted in U.S. Dollars. You will want to convert and tip in Euros.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

To make International calls, the country code for the USA is 1. When calling the U.S. from a foreign country using a landline, you may want to use a prepaid calling card to avoid unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards can typically be purchased locally.

International calls to the United States: Dial 00 + (1) + country code + area code + number.

Cell phone service is available. Check with your carrier for coverage and turn on international service. If you bring the phone for internet and an alarm, but do not want charges, make sure you know how to turn OFF your cellular data function on your cell phone. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. It may be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card in Italy. If you wish to use a local SIM, make certain that your phone can accept one.

Wi-Fi is available in the all rooms, lounge, and reception area at the hotels. If your phone can connect to WiFi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to WIFI, is to use smartphone apps like WhatsApp, Skye, or Viber to send of text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Electricity

Italy uses 230V AC 50Hz. An international travel adaptor is needed and can be purchased in most airport departure lounges. Two round pins are the most frequently encountered sockets. Sometimes the sockets are recessed as shown so make sure your adaptor fits that type of outlet.  Helpful information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Time

Italy is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 6 hours earlier than New York City (Eastern Time). Italy observes Summer Time (or Daylight Savings Time). On April 29, sunrise will be at 6:20 AM and sunset at 8:06 PM. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, the weather during your stay should be mild (65-75°F) during the day, and nights and mornings cooling down into the 40s°F to 50s°F. Check your favorite weather website closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors.

Clothing & Gear

• Long pants, 2-3 pair. One of these might be rain pants you wear over long underwear or tights for comfort. Quick dry hiking pants work well if you plan to do hand laundry.
• Long-sleeved shirts/turtlenecks, 3-4 – think layering
• T-shirts or equivalent, 1 (optional) for layering
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Raincoat and pants – these double as wind break
• Medium to heavy outer jacket for warmth and wind protection, can layer with your raingear
• Warm sweater or fleece shirt
• Fleece or down vest (windproof, if possible, this is a great clothing item for this climate).
• Rain gear – these double as windbreaks. A two-piece suit is preferred. It is important that this be both waterproof and breathable, you will most likely be wearing it for active activities (walking, birding), as well as large enough to fit over other layers for sedentary activities (boat trips) as an additional layer.
• Warm jacket (windproof) can be same as your rain gear if you layer adequately.
• Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes, think of what feels good at day’s end)
• Hat with broad brim for sun
• Scarf or neck gaiter, warm, water-repellent lightweight gloves, warm hat
• Socks – several warm pairs, and several pairs of a lightweight, easy to wash and dry material
• Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
• Supportive hiking boots that can keep your feet dry. You may want to treat your boots with snow- seal or other similar product. Another good option is an LL Bean type boot with rubber bottoms and leather uppers. Bring shoes with good support and firm grip tread.
• Comfortable shoes for evenings, travel days
• Bandana (optional)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• E-ticket verification
• Personal identification
• Passport with copy kept elsewhere
• Small daypack or fanny pack to carry gear while hiking (essential!)
• Umbrella (compact and not brightly colored)
• Walking sticks (optional)
• Small flashlight with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock (If you use your phone, important to turn off data roaming)
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Toiletry articles
• Insect repellent, there will be mosquitoes!
• Sleeping mask or equivalent to cover your eyes if you are light sensitive
• Earplugs if you are noise sensitive
• Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
• Spotting scope (optional, guides will have a scope to share, but feel free to bring your own)
• Camera and extra battery, digital chips etc., lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual – at least load that to your kindle or phone... Do a good check before leaving. (optional)
• Electrical transformer and plug adaptor
• Water bottle (or plan to reuse a store-bought water bottle upon arrival if preferred)
• Gallon-size Ziploc bags for keeping things dry
• Laundry soap for hand washing, travel sewing kit
• Notebook and pen or journal (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Phrase book (optional)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing – your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

• Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
• Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
• Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
• Copy of eyeglass prescription and any medical alerts
• Insurance information and vaccine records
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
• Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
• Antibacterial soap in small container for quick handwashing

General

Italy

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy

Venice

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice

Dolomites

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomites

Bologna

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bologna

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Italy

• https://fatbirder.com/world-birding/europe/italian-republic/

Wildlife in the Dolomites

• https://www.visittrentino.info/en/articles/unesco-dolomiti/dolomiti/nature-and-science-animals

Flora and Fauna in the Dolomites

• https://www.dolomiti.org/en/dolomiti/dolomiti-unesco/the-natural-environment-of-the-dolomites/

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

UNESCO Site- Venice and Its Lagoon

• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/394/

Parks in the Dolomites

• https://www.dolomites.org/things-to-do/nature-parks/

Geology & Geography

Geography and Geology of Italy

• https://infcis.iaea.org/udepo/Resources/Countries/Italy.pdf

Geography of Italy

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Italy

History & Culture

History and facts about Italy

• https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy

Italian Culture

• https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/italian-culture

Italian Cuisine

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_cuisine

Helpful Travel Websites

Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

• https://www.veneziaairport.it/en/

National Passport Information Center

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Homeland Security Real ID Act

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• https://www.tsa.gov

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories

• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy

Travel Health Pro (UK)

• https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/111/italy

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/italy

Foreign Exchange Rates

• https://www.xe.com/

ATM Locator

• https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/
• https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html

Electricity and Plugs

• https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/italy/

Date, Time, and Holidays

• https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/italy
• https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/italy/