Local Living Italy - Tuscany San Gimignano - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay one night in a hotel and five nights in apartments within a locally owned home, specifically Agriturismo Casa Florelia, just outside San Gimignano. The property owner, Ugo, lives on-site.

• Does the accommodation in San Gimignano have air conditioning?

  Please note that the rooms at Agriturismo Casa Florelia do not have air conditioning.

• What are the bathroom arrangements at the San Gimignano accommodation?

  In Ugo's home, there are two bedrooms with private bathrooms, as well as two bedrooms with shared bathrooms.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 8 travelers, with an average of 6.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

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

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include sharing an apartment in our local friend Ugo's home, enjoying delicious Tuscan cuisine and regional wine tastings, strolling the medieval lanes of San Gimignano, walking through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, and making new friends.

• Are there any cooking experiences included in the tour?

  Yes, a half-day cooking class in San Gimignano is included in the tour.

• Will I have opportunities to explore other Tuscan cities?

  Yes, the itinerary includes a day trip to Siena with an orientation walk and a visit to Volterra to see ancient Etruscan walls and an Alabaster workshop.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  Intercity transport will primarily be by local bus and train, along with walking.

• Do I need to carry my own luggage on the tour?

  Yes, you must be comfortable carrying your own luggage as you will need to transport it on and off trains and buses, and potentially up several flights of stairs, as elevators are rare in European train stations.

• What currency is used in Italy and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the Euro. Credit and debit cards (especially Visa, with 4-digit PINs preferred) are useful for cash advances, but it's recommended to bring a combination of Euros, traveller's cheques (though less readily cashed), and cards. Always take more rather than less to avoid running short of funds.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

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

• Is tipping customary in Italy and for the tour staff?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff, and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. For the Chief Experience Officer (CEO), €6-8 per person, per day (or €30-€40 per person, per week) is a guideline.

• Are there any specific dress codes to observe in Italy?

  Yes, when visiting churches and cathedrals, shoulders should be covered. Your CEO can provide more specific advice.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information and required inoculations. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. For legal reasons, leaders cannot administer drugs. A Medical Form is required for travelers over 70.

• What are the safety considerations for this trip?

  General safety advice includes using common sense, being aware of your surroundings, and safeguarding personal belongings with a neck wallet or money belt. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes. At night in major cities, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. The CEO can amend the itinerary due to safety concerns.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Galleries, Pitti Palace, and Medici Chapels in Florence. In San Gimignano, you can visit the Wine Museum, San Gimignano 1300 Museum, Collegiate Church, and Torre Grossa, or take a Francigena Walk. It's recommended to book popular museum tickets in advance during high season (May-October).

• What kind of guidance can I expect from the tour leader (CEO)?

  Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will provide orientation walks to show the layout of towns and cities and local services. They are generally knowledgeable about the countries visited. However, local guides are licensed to provide historical facts in public places, not the CEO.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers on this tour?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Proof of insurance will be required by your CEO.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Italy?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. For most nationalities, travel in Europe is simplified by the Schengen visa. However, it is your responsibility to check the most up-to-date visa requirements with your local embassy or consulate. ETIAS travel authorization may be required for visa-exempt nationals starting in 2025.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  For urgent situations, first contact the local representative or local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Emergency contact numbers for various regions are also provided in your pre-departure information.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter?

  Yes, you can subscribe to their adventure travel e-newsletter for news, trip information, and special offers. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses, integrating them into the tour operator's itineraries globally. 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects.

• Are there any rules regarding illegal drugs or exploitation during the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and are against the law, putting the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly against the tour operator's philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is designed as a 'Local Living' experience.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 2.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour in San Gimignano?

  For five nights, you will stay in apartments within a locally owned home, specifically Agriturismo Casa Florelia, just outside San Gimignano. The property owner, Ugo, lives in one of the remodeled medieval house apartments. There are two bedrooms with private bathrooms and two with shared bathrooms. Please note, the rooms at Agriturismo Casa Florelia do not have air conditioning. The first night is in a hotel in Florence.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

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

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 8 travelers, with an average of 6.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  Intercity transport will mainly be by train and occasionally by local bus. You must be comfortable carrying your own luggage, as there will be many stairs at stations, and elevators are rare in Europe.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. All clients must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Your CEO will need to see evidence of your insurance.

• What are the local dress requirements, especially for visiting religious sites?

  In Italy, shoulders should be covered when visiting churches and cathedrals. Your CEO can provide more specific advice if needed.

• What currency is used in Italy and what should I know about money exchange?

  The currency in Italy is the Euro. Credit cards and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but ensure you have your 4-digit PIN. It is advisable not to rely solely on cards; a combination of Euros, traveler's cheques, and cards is recommended. ATMs are commonly available, but verify with your bank that your cards will work in Italy.

• What should I know about safety and security on this trip?

  In major cities, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and protect your personal belongings. It's recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Avoid wandering alone at night and consider taking taxis for evening excursions. Your CEO will provide guidance on safety.

• Are there opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities may be offered by some hotels for a charge. If you plan to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What are some of the main experiences included in this tour?

  This tour includes sharing an apartment in a local's home, a home-cooked dinner with your local host Ugo, a half-day cooking class, a local wine tasting, an orientation walk in Florence, exploring the medieval streets of San Gimignano, a visit to Volterra including an Alabaster workshop, a hike through the Tuscan countryside along the Via Francigena path, and a day trip to Siena.

• What is the role of the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) on this tour?

  The CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will accompany the group throughout the trip. Their role is to facilitate your travels, provide information on the areas visited, offer suggestions for activities and local dining, and introduce you to local contacts. While knowledgeable, they are not licensed guides for providing historical facts in public places.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include visits to the Galleria dell'Accademia (20EUR), Uffizi Gallery (25EUR), Pitti Palace (17.75EUR), and Medici Chapels (9-32EUR) in Florence. In San Gimignano, you can visit the Wine Museum (Free-30EUR), San Gimignano 1300 Museum (Free), Collegiate Church of San Gimignano (5EUR), Torre Grossa (13EUR), and take a Francigena Walk. During high season (May-October), it's highly recommended to book reservations for popular activities in advance.

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

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% of the bill for wait staff and €1-€2 for other service providers. Tipping local guides is recommended at €3-€5 per day, and for your CEO, a guideline of €6-€8 per person per day (or €30-€40 per person per week) is suggested if you feel they did an outstanding job.