Traveler Information
for Italy
Our pilgrimages to Italy offer the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and religious history of the country. In Florence you can explore the intersection of art, culture, and religion; in Assisi you’ll explore the city that St. Francis called home and visit sites related to his ministry. In Rome, you’ll explore the wonders of the Vatican and ancient sites that have influenced our secular and spiritual world for centuries. Along the way, the Italian countryside and villages provide ample opportunity for stillness and reflection.
Weather
Italy is a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Most of the rain occurs in Fall and Spring. The weather in the mountains and the north is more temperate and mild than in Rome. Due to its location and the nature of large cities, Rome is hotter than similar smaller cities.
Packing
One pilgrimage practice is simplicity, so we recommend packing light. You should also be able to manage your own luggage between the airport, bus, and hotels. You can wear clothes multiple times, do a little laundry in the sink, or send a few items out for laundry through the hotel. We recommend packing clothing that can be layered for warm days and cool nights. Unless specifically mentioned, you won't need to dress up for dinners or other occasions. Some other things for your Italy packing list include:
o Hat for sun protection
o Sunscreen
o Small Umbrella
o Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders for visiting churches
o C-type power adapters
o Quick-drying washcloth (washcloths are often not provided at hotels)
Free Time
Our pilgrimages tend to be structured with few large blocks of free time for independent exploration. If your itinerary indicates a free morning or afternoon, you can expect to have at least 3-4 hours of time. We’ll do our best to clarify when that free time begins as the details of your itinerary become firm. You may wish to use this time to shop and explore independently, or for some rest and reflection time. If you want to see more, here are some links to sites that we don't usually include in our itineraries. Some might require pre-booking tickets:
Florence and Assisi
Rome
Money
Staying Connected
In Italy, credit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases like a gelato, but cash is still widely accepted. Paying in cash might offer a chance to negotiate prices on larger purchases.
ATMs are available at the airport and in most cities, you can order Euros from your bank before leaving home. Avoid processing transactions at ATMs or other checkouts in dollars as you may be charged high conversion fees. Always process transactions in the local currency. Check with your credit card provider about any international transaction fees, and let them know about your travel plans.
In Italy, tipping is not expected but is becoming more common. In a pub, leaving the coin change to the next Pound or Euro is common but not expected. A tip of 5-10% at a sit-down restaurant is generous but not expected. Only some restaurants will allow you to add a tip to a credit card payment. It is customary to give a small tip to a taxi driver, especially if they help you with your luggage.
Your pilgrimage includes all gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and meals taken together. Hotel gratuities are split among all staff, so if you want to tip a particular staff member, give them the tip directly. Housekeeping tips can be left in the room upon checkout.
Being disconnected from the constant onslaught of information and communication can be refreshing during a pilgrimage, so consider limiting your use of the internet during the day. You can expect wi-fi in all of your hotel accommodations but not usually on buses or coaches.
If you wish to have cellular or data connectivity during your pilgrimage, please contact your carrier to find out more about the cost of international roaming and the level of coverage you can expect. If your phone is unlocked you can also purchase a local SIM or eSIM for a less expensive option. Some SIM plans offer only data while others provide calling, too. SIMs purchased in the airport are generally over priced compared to visiting a neighborhood shop
All of our pilgrimages use WhatsApp to communicate with group members during your travels together. Be sure to download and install WhatsApp on your smartphone at least a week before departure so we can add you to the group for your pilgrimage.
WhatsApp is also a great way to stay connected with family and friends at home since it allows you to call and text over a wi-fi connection.
Educational Resources
Travelers who do a little bit of preparation often have a richer experience on their pilgrimage. We send all our travelers a series of short articles about two months before your departure to help orient your journey in its historical and spiritual context. About a month in advance of the trip, we'll also send a print journal you can use during your pilgrimage. In addition to these resources, you might enjoy one or two selections from our extended reading list.