Journeys: Northern Italy, Venice to Florence - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this Northern Italy tour?

  The tour highlights include admiring Renaissance treasures in Venice and Florence, witnessing traditional glass blowing in Murano with a local expert, experiencing the mesmerizing beauty of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, savoring local foods on a guided market and food tour in Florence, and enjoying panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour is in hotels for all 6 nights.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes trains, private minivans/buses, boats (like vaporetto water taxis in Venice), and walking.

• Will I have my own room if I'm a solo traveler?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. However, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What optional activities are available during the trip?

  Optional activities include a Venice Food Tour, visits to the Guggenheim Museum, Campanile San Marco, Doge's Palace, and Gondola rides in Venice. In Cinque Terre, you can visit Portovenere. In Florence, options include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia, Pitti Palace, and Medici Chapels.

• Is tipping customary in Italy, and what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. For the National Geographic Expedition Leader, €8-10 per person, per day can be used as a guideline.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader will be with you throughout the tour, supported by local guides in specific locations.

• What is the emergency fund recommendation for this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances outside our control.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for the trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and the exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to the tour philosophy. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any member of the group for such violations.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leaving valuable jewelry at home, and utilizing hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your Expedition Leader has authority to amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and consider staying in small groups or taking taxis at night in major cities.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Italy?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality, and the Schengen visa system generally applies. Travelers staying overnight in Venice are exempt from the new Venice Access Fee if they complete a form prior to arrival. ETIAS travel authorization will also be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals from 2025.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for local communities through tourism, supported by the tour operator. 100% of your donations to Planeterra go directly to their projects.

• What are the main highlights of this Northern Italy tour?

  This tour offers a chance to gaze at Renaissance treasures in Venice and Florence, witness traditional glass blowing in Murano, experience the stunning beauty of Cinque Terre, savor local foods on a market and food tour in Florence, and enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation throughout the 6 nights of the tour will be in hotels.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes a mix of train, private minivan/bus, boat, and walking.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What is the minimum age to join this tour?

  Travelers must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above may travel with a guardian who is over 21 years old.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement on group trips. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader will accompany the group throughout the tour, supplemented by local guides at specific sites.

• Are there any optional activities available in Venice, Cinque Terre, or Florence?

  Yes, optional activities include a Venice Food Tour, Gondola Ride, Guggenheim Museum visit in Venice, visiting Portovenere near Cinque Terre, and exploring the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, or Medici Chapels in Florence.

• Is tipping customary in Italy and what are the guidelines?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended. For the National Geographic Expedition Leader, €8-€10 per person, per day is a guideline, or €30-€40 per person, per week.

• Is there an emergency fund recommendation?

  It is recommended to have access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What should I know about the new Venice Access Fee?

  As of April 25th, 2024, Venice introduced a tourist entry fee for day visitors. However, if you are staying overnight in Venice (which applies to this tour), you are exempt from this fee by completing an online form prior to arrival, or your Expedition Leader will assist if you are traveling through or finishing the tour in Venice.