Good Stuff To Know…

Commonly Asked Questions About Your Lost in Italy® or Lost in Ireland® vacation…Please read the following information carefully. It contains important details to help you get ready for your trip.

I’ve decided on a trip. How do I know if it’s going to be cancelled?

The very nature of the Lost in Italy experience requires a minimum number of people for the trip to depart.  Walking Tours require a minimum of eight travelers, Via Ferrata tours require six.  If you’re one of the first 5-7 people to deposit on a trip, we’ll notify you by e-mail as soon as we have the minimum number. Aside from a few rare exceptions, we seldom cancel a trip due to low enrollment. As soon as we have the minimum number of travelers you can finalize your airline arrangements. Please do not purchase any non-refundable airline tickets before your trip is confirmed.
Lost in Italy® is not responsible for the purchase of nonrefundable, advance purchase airline tickets.

What is the best way to book my airfare?

Lost in Italy® tours are all "land only" packages, airfare is not included in the pricing of a tour. Do not book any flights or order non-refundable airline tickets until you have verified that you are accepted on the Lost in Italy® tour and that the tour has the minimum number of people to insure its departure. We will notify all travelers by e-mail when a trip and the dates are confirmed. When arranging your flights, remember to allow for plenty of time between connecting flights for airline delays due to weather, etc.
Call Lost In Italy to discuss the best travel options for you BEFORE you book your airfare to review your arrival and departure dates and strategies.  This way you will be better informed when you research your options.
Lost in Italy® is not responsible for the purchase of nonrefundable, advance purchase airline tickets.

What if my flight is delayed and I arrive late?

In the unlikely event that unforeseen flight delays cause you to miss your arrival timetable...don't worry, all is not lost. You can call our office or our cell phone in Italy and we will advise you on the best route to rejoin the tour. This will usually be a combination of taxi, bus and train transportation (at your expense). When you join the group, you can entertain us with stories of your great adventure! Another strategy is to arrive in Italy or Ireland the day before your tour starting date. Your tour leader can advise you on a fun destination to spend the first night before you arrive at the starting point for your tour. For example, for travelers on our Italian Lakes and Venice tour, the city of Verona has an excellent airport and is a great place to spend the first night in Italy before your tour starts. The next day you can make your way to Riva, the starting point for the tour. We have suggestions for all of our tours.

Do I need a passport to visit Italy or Ireland?

As a U.S. citizen you will need a valid passport for travel to Italy or Ireland.  A lost passport or airline ticket can be frustrating for any traveler. In case of problems, it is important to bring a photocopy your airline tickets and of the front pages of your passport showing your personal details, passport number, date of issue, etc. In case of loss or theft, these copies may expedite the replacement of new documents. You should also make a copy of these important documents and leave them with someone at home that can be contacted reached in case your documents are lost or stolen.   Remember that your passport is not valid until you sign it, and a passport can be considered invalid if it expires less than 6 months from your return date. 

What criteria do you use for counting the number of tour days?

The day counts listed on the website and catalog represent the number of days, full or partial, that you spend with Lost in Italy® whether or not there is any walking, hiking, or cooking involved.

What does the tour price include?

Although some types of tours are different, most Lost in Italy tours include all lodging, some meals, (most previous travelers would agree that we provide the majority of your meals,…), motorcoach shuttle during the tour, skilled and knowledgeable leaders, most entry fees and fares for trains, ferries and other travel noted in the tour itinerary. You are on your own for airfare, any extra alcoholic beverages not provided by the tour leaders, personal expenses and the cost of transfers to and from tour starting and ending points.

What happens if I need to cancel my tour?

All tour deposits and payments are non-refundable. At Lost in Italy®, we strongly recommend that you purchase tour cancellation insurance as protection against this eventuality.
Trip insurance cancellation and interruption protection can be very important and is strongly suggested. We highly recommend that you sign up for travel insurance when you make your initial deposit, and if you sign up within two weeks of making your initial deposit all pre-existing medical conditions are covered.  The best way to purchase travel insurance is to call us and let us explain the differences in the policies, then we can sign you up right over the phone.  This will insure that you get the appropriate insurance for your trip. 
Seasoned travelers know that travel insurance not only covers the cost of your tour if you need to cancel, but it covers a variety of other things such as emergency medical expenses, emergency medical transfers, baggage delay or loss, travel delay, missed connections, etc. In the last three years over 90% of our travelers protected themselves with a travel policy! Our most popular policy will even fly you back to your home, or to the hospital of your choice, in the unlikely event you are injured or fall sick on your tour.  This will help you avoid being treated in a foreign hospital, where standards may not be what you are accustomed to.
These policies are an excellent and affordable way to protect yourself and your investment.  Of course travel insurance doesn't cover every possible situation that crops up, so you need to familiarize yourself with what is covered and what is not, before you purchase it.   

Do I have to be in great physical shape to enjoy my tour?

We know that active people have different levels of fitness, so we design our daily itineraries with options for folks with varying abilities. People who travel with Lost in Italy® tours live life at their own pace, and realize that only on foot can you truly experience the culture. Our trips are not athletic events, but the more active you are, the more you’ll enjoy your experience. With this in mind, a program of regular physical activity, including walking and hiking, is excellent preparation.  Our Via Ferrata tours would require that you have a good level of physical fitness, although no mountain climbing experience is necessary. If you feel that our standard walking tours may be more than you can handle, then you'll appreciate our Easy Walking tours, which are appropriate for nearly everyone! Currently we offer Easy Walking tours in Italy, Ireland and Slovenia.

How do I choose the best trip for me?

Lost in Italy tours are designed to accommodate people who are moderately fit, active, and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We alternate days of countryside walking with days of exploring small cities and towns. When possible, on many days we offer options to shorten the walk for some of the group or to provide alternate independent activities.  On just about any day you can opt to "do your own thing" and laze around the square with the locals instead of participating in the days planned schedule.
Some routes that we walk are more challenging than others due to length, steepness, or the amount of pasta and vino you consumed at lunch. Generally speaking, the steeper the path, the slower we go. One of the guides will always bring up the rear. The following rating guide will help you decide if a tour is right for you. Remember, the ratings are an average for the whole tour, and the individual days may vary slightly. Generally these apply to the routes that we walk in the countryside, on the days when we are exploring towns you can walk as much or as little as you desire.  Some walks can be shortened for those who wish an easier day. 

Keep in mind that all of these ratings are for people who are fit, and are accomplished walker/hikers.  The ratings apply to an average walker/hiker, not beginners and not experts.  For example, a Moderate rating means that a fit walker will enjoy the route but not be challenged by it.  If you don’t have a history of fitness or walking, then the Moderate route will be more like the Challenging route to you.  Like wise the Challenging route may be more than you can handle.  The tour leader will assess your fitness level on the first day or two of the trip.  They will then be able to counsel you on what the best route for you may be on certain days, or when a particular walk may be more than you can handle.  For your safety and for the group safety, all decisions of the trip leader are final.


Easy We will walk between 3 and 10 miles per day, with mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Although steps and steep stretches may be encountered, they are not frequent. Surfaces are generally solid, but can have occasional stretches of loose stones or uneven surfaces. Walking times will vary between 2-4 hours.

Moderate We will walk between 4 and 12 miles per day, with some moderate to steep inclines or steps. Paths will vary from cobblestones and pavement to dirt, rocks, or grass. Surfaces can be loose and uneven, requiring normal balance skills. Some easy scrambling over boulders may be required. Walking times will vary between 2-6 hours.

Challenging You should be prepared to be able to walk 5-12 miles per day over occasional to frequent steep inclines and declines. You should be able to negotiate any type of trail surface, from loose gravel and fist-sized stones to coarse ash (on Etna). Surfaces can be loose and uneven, requiring good balance skills. Paths may be exposed or in the case of Etna, windy and cold. Walking times will vary between 3-6 hours.

What if I don’t want to walk every day? 

This is your vacation, you can sleep in, explore the town, shop all day…whatever you want. Your guides can even help you plan your day’s activities.

What if we have bad weather?

It is important to appreciate that local conditions occasionally force us to make changes. The tour leaders will do their best to organize alternate activities, such as exploring the local towns and in-door establishments. Severe delays are unusual but can occur, our walks usually take place in all but the worst weather.

How old do you have to be to participate in a Lost in Italy trip?

With the exception of private groups, you must be at least 16 years old to be accepted on a Lost in Italy® tour. All minors (under 18 years) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

I’m not sure I’m into the “group thing”. I’m used to doing my own thing sometimes. 

We totally understand, we’re not really into the traditional “group thing” either. In fact, we pride ourselves on being the “anti-group” group. No name tags or seat numbers. The very thought of waving a “group leader flag” or speaking into a megaphone makes us shudder! We’re more like a group of friends traveling together rather than an organized group. We think our trips are flexible enough to have the perfect balance of free time to “do your own thing” combined with the fun of hanging out with a group and meeting fascinating people from all over. It’s the best of both worlds! The amazing number of impromptu “trip reunions” all across the country are testament to the fun, like-minded people you’ll meet.

How do you assign trip members to hotel rooms?

Trip members are assigned to rooms based on the bed type they request and the order in which they sign up. If there is a marked difference in rooms, we try to spread the “best rooms” around throughout the tour. However, this is not usually an issue for the Lost in Italy® trip members since our groups stay fairly active and don’t spend much time in their rooms.

I’m traveling alone. Will I have to pay more if I want a private room?

On most tours, a limited number of single rooms are available for an extra charge. Our prices are based on double occupancy. Standard accommodations are two people per room with a private bath. If you are traveling as a single, we can try to find you a roommate of the same gender, or you may choose to room alone. Please note there will be a single occupancy surcharge. Even if you desire us to match you with a roommate rather than staying in a private room, you need to be prepared to pay the single supplement in the event there are no other singles to match you with.

Is it true that many single rooms are smaller than doubles, even though I’m paying a supplement? 

Typically, European hotels are long on charm but short on space in rooms designated for singles, even though you are charged more than those with double occupancy.

If I’m paired with a roommate, will I get a regular bed?

Part of the distinctive Lost in Italy® experience is staying at charming inns and small family hotels, rather than chain hotels. However, with the charm sometimes come limited bed configurations. Twin rooms may consist of one double bed and one single bed

What meals are included in the tour price? 

Check individual tour descriptions for specifics. At Lost in Italy® we don’t believe in pre-planning all of your meals. We have lots of great places we’ll take you, but we think you should have a fair amount of free time to “Get Lost” and make your own experiences. Even if we don’t provide 3 meals a day, most previous travelers would agree that we feed you VERY WELL…you won’t go hungry! Depending on the trip, we probably provide you with the majority of the meals you’ll need.

Do we eat as a group at every meal? 

Some meals are included with the itinerary and you can choose to sit as a group or individually, depending on the seating at the restaurant, farm, castle, or wherever we happen to be. As you are out “getting lost” you might discover the perfect spot for a quiet dinner for two or ask your tour guide for their recommendation, they usually know the best places to enjoy a good meal and a fine bottle of vino.

How often can I expect to see the motorcoach during the day?

The amount of motorcoach support depends on the remoteness of the routes – the more remote, the less the opportunity for support. The leaders carry cell phones to stay in close contact with the driver and will advise you about the daily schedule during each morning’s route.

Do I have to carry any of my own gear?

Your pack will be light, you need only carry whatever you need for that day's outing...lunch, clothing and personal items, (camera, etc).

What size will my group be?

Our Walking Tour groups average around 14, and never more than 18. Our Via Ferrata tours are full at 12.   Quite a difference from the bus tours with 65 per bus…and 3 busses!

What if I want to have my own private group?

If you have a group interested in your own private unique tour of Italy, we can "build" a custom itinerary to meet your needs and schedule. We can take you to any part of Italy, organize any type of activity, stay in any level of accommodation, and handle any size group. Types of Groups: Families, Youth/School Organizations, Church Groups, Food and Wine Clubs, Singles Groups, Italian Heritage Societies, Irish Heritage Societies, and Groups of Friends. Let us put together the "perfect" custom vacation for your group!

Is Lost in Italy® part of a giant corporate travel conglomerate?

We are unique in that we are a very small company, and we want to keep it that way! We only run a limited number of trips per year, that way they stay special for both the travelers and us. This also gives us the flexibility to change the daily plans at a moment’s notice, depending on local conditions and what the group may want. Every other company out there is owned by someone on another continent, run by employees who can’t deviate from the schedule written months ago. In contrast, we literally fine-tune our plans each night for the next day’s activities! Your tour may also feature local guides to provide additional information on the area’s natural and cultural history.

Am I expected to tip my tour leaders and guides?

Tipping is always left up to your discretion! Of course, if you feel that your tour leader or the local guides have truly enhanced your experience and you would like to reward them with a gratuity, then of course it is appropriate.

What kind of clothing do I need?

For Spring and Fall trips to Italy, we recommend:
Casual, comfortable and layering are watchwords for day wear. Evening dress is influenced by the formality of your choice of restaurant. PACK LIGHT…here’s a phrase we never hear…”Gee, I wish I would have packed more stuff!”

For Spring and Fall trips to Ireland, we recommend:
Like Italy, casual, comfortable and layering are watchwords for day wear. Evening dress is influenced by the formality of your choice of restaurant. PACK LIGHT…here’s a phrase we never hear…”Gee, I wish I would have packed more stuff!”

 

How much luggage should I limit myself to?

Everything for an 8-9 day trip should fit into a medium sized suitcase with wheels. Keep in mind that the airlines are sticking to their requirements for checked and carry on baggage, contact your airline for details on their restrictions. Either an easy-to-carry backpack or soft-sided luggage with wheels and a handle are recommended for traveling throughout Italy. You will have to manage your own luggage throughout the tour.  Often we are staying in a historic district, which means everyone will need to carry their own bags from the bus to the hotel at some point during the trip. Traveling with a backpack or wheeling your bag is much easier than struggling to carry everything in your hands.

What if the exchange rate changes before my trip?

The monetary exchange rate between the US and Europe, (the dollar and the Euro), fluctuates constantly.  We try to take this into account when we organize tours, but since the tour prices are announced 6-12 months before the departure date, the rate can sometimes vary quite dramatically when the departure date arrives.  Normally we absorb any differences, but we reserve the right to adjust the trip price before the final payment date.  Historically, we have only had to do this once, and hopefully we will never have to do this again.  If there is ever a price adjustment, we anticipate that the most the price will vary is just a few percent.  Of course, if you were organizing your own tour, you would have to deal with the same rate fluctuations, and wouldn’t have the advantage of a tour company absorbing the majority of the change.

Couldn’t I put together my own trip and do it cheaper?

Maybe…IF you had LOTS of time to do all the research and planning. IF you could walk dozens of trails and visit hundreds of sites (like we have over the years) to find the best 3 or 4 for your trip. IF you spoke the language and could make connections with local experts and fun characters who truly bring the flavor of Italy and Ireland to life. IF you could schmooze your way into restricted places and unique sites. IF you wouldn’t miss the specialized knowledge and support of Steve, Jeff, and our local guides as they look after you during your stay.
I think you’ll agree that a Lost in Italy® trip is not only an unbelievable value, but an unforgettable experience that you couldn’t possibly duplicate on your own.


Have Fun... Will Travel ...

What are recommended Books and Movies to get me in the Italy mood?
Here are some of our favorite books and films to help put you in the “Italia” frame of mind:

Books:
Neither Here nor There…Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson The hilarious journal of Bryson’s travels and misadventures throughout Europe. Although he visits several countries, his stay in Italy is a large portion of the book.

Love and War in the Apennines by Eric Newby True account of British Commando Eric Newby’s stay in an Italian POW camp during WWII. Released by the Italians before the Germans could take over the camp, Newby spent the next year being hidden from the Germans by Italian partisans in various homes and hideouts. Fascinating mix of drama, humor, and history.

A Small Place in Italy by Eric Newby Newby returns to Italy after the war to find and marry the girl he fell in love with while a fugitive POW. Deciding to settle down in the hills of central Italy, his humorous daily interactions with his new neighbors makes for entertaining reading

Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayes Fast becoming a classic, this book chronicles the trials and tribulations of Mayes and her husband as they renovate a farmhouse in Central Tuscany. Her poetic style of writing truly captures the romance of classic Italia; The people, the culture, the food, and the countryside.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham This is a short, fun read by renowned author John Grisham about an American pro football player exiled to play in Italy. Unknown to Americans (and most Italians) there is a small American-style football league in Italy, made up of Italians who have fallen in love with football and a few American players who couldn't quite make it in the NFL. With a small but dedicated following attending the games, the league plays a regular season and even has an Italian Superbowl. The great story here, though, is how American athletes integrate themselves into the wonderful Italian culture of food, wine, and sports.

Films:
Mediterraneo – Subtitled Version Classic film about a small detachment of Italian soldiers sent to occupy a beautiful remote Greek island during WWII. Finding that all of the men on the island have been drafted by the Germans, and with no evidence of the war to be found, the oddball assortment of laid-back Italians settle down and slowly “go native”.
Cinema Paradiso – Subtitled Version Award winning film chronicling the humorous daily ups and downs of life in a small southern Italian village as seen through the eyes of the town movie theatre projectionist. This is considered to be one of the best foreign films ever made, (or at least one of the best foreign films ever made that makes any sense).