ITALY TOURS .EU
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Phone: +390916193355
* Calls are answered in English during work hours in Italy
When will you reply to me?
We customize and reply to ALL inquiries in person. We do not use an automated reservation system so we can customize your visit as much as possible.
You can expect us to:
– Organize the tour to match the docking times of your cruise ship
– Get the most relevant time for your Skip-The-Line tickets
– Answer any questions you have in advance
– Double check all the details so there are no mistakes
We Guarantee:
– Returning you to the ship in time for departure (or we will take you to the next port at our expense)
– No surprise policy – you will get all the details in advance
– Worry-free shore excursion
The only downside to all this?
It takes time...
We kindly ask for your patience as we receive a very high volume of requests during the high season! While it is absolutely amazing to have so much demand for our tours – we might be slower to reply during the peak season. Many thanks for your kind patience!
How do I pay for the tours?
On a SHARED tour when we normally need a minimum of 6 people to participate (except for Pompeii where we need 8 guests), we will bill you once we reach the minimum. At that point you will have the option to pay. We accept all major credit cards – Amex included.
OUR PAYMENT POLICY
There is a full refund in the event that:
(1) You cancel the tour for whatever reason with at least 3-days notice
(2) If the cruise ship does not dock at the port for circumstances beyond your control
Can I pay with USD/CAD/GBP?
Yes!
Please note we use the OFFICIAL exchange rate to charge the amount in US Dollars directly (or CAD/GBP). This is to ensure you do not lose ANY money on exchange rates or fees that would be charged by your financial institution. There is simply no better or easier way to exchange your money. We do not charge extra on rate or fees – we have zero benefit from this and we do it for your convenience and to save you money! If you prefer the charge to be in Euros – please let us know during the booking process.
What is the pick-up and return time to the ship?
In regards to tour timing, and since we offer a ‘Worry Free Shore Excursion Policy’, we adjust the start time of the tours as well as the return times to ports in a way that you will never miss your ship. We normally start 35-45 minutes after the official docking time (if ship docks at 07:00 am we will start around 07:45 am for example) and we return to port 8 hours after that. However, as we also aim to return to the ship with at least 60 minutes to spare before departure, we will cut the tour time short only if we need to. We can happily confirm that this is not needed in the vast majority of cases since normally the ship will dock for at least 9 hours or more. Once a tour is confirmed, we will decide on the best, customized start time which will ensure the best plan for logistics, traffic and other considerations as well as your safe return to the ship 100% in time for departure. We never have a case where guests could not join any of our tours due to timing, since we simply customize each and every shore excursion to accommodate everyone.
Should I bring my passport with me on the tour?
No! You don’t want to lose your passport when you’re traveling on a cruise! You can bring a driver’s license instead or a photo copy of the passport.
I am making multiple bookings – can I get a discount?
We offer the best possible rates taking into account the tour setup, quality, size of the groups, and the fact we have an expert guide on most tours.
We are normally much cheaper than the ship tours which runs with 30-40 other tourists on a bus, and where you will have to endure long walks since only mini-vans such as ours are allowed in city centers in Italy. We don’t have much room for discounts as we run our tours on low margins.
You will be entitled to a discount however if you book 3 or more tours with us. Get 5% on the most expensive tour when you contact us after you complete the tours.
What about guests with Mobility Issues?
For guests with mobility issues or for those with difficulties to stand/walk for the entire duration of the tour, our staff will be happy to offer a suitable place to wait IF needed. If you feel for example that you will hold back the tour, we will offer you the option to wait while others complete the walking tour. We cannot guarantee in advance where and for how long you will have to wait (we kindly ask for your flexibility), but we can say with certainty that if you are not in a wheel chair then you will see most sites on the itinerary. Your kind consideration for others in the shared small-group tour is much appreciated. Kindly follow the suggestions of our staff as we have the best interest in mind for you and others in the group. Many thanks in advance for your kind cooperation.
We strongly advise against visiting the Vatican during peak season due to limited seating, extensive crowds, and the necessity for continuous standing and walking (2.5 hours).
Whats the Dress Code?
In churches/cathedrals – no pants above the knees or low-cut shirts.
No singlet or clothing with straps for ladies.
Skirt or dresses must not be above the knee.
You can bring a shawl to cover your shoulders if needed.
No restrictions for shoe wear.
If you don’t get the minimum, would the tour still run?
In the event that we don’t reach the minimum needed (we offer best rates for small group tours with expert guides on most tours so its rare we don’t get the minimum), we will offer you the option to share with those that did sign up – and it may end up costing you more per person if there are less than the minimum (you will have the option to opt-out at that point).
Usually we will let you know 30 days prior to the tour if the minimum was not achieved. If we do not have the minimum number of participants 10 days prior to the start of the tour and others do not agree to pay more, then the reservation will be cancelled and you will be notified.
Also, If you decide to go online to try and recruit others to join this tour then for anyone wanting to go, kindly ask them to write us directly so we can send them the all the information directly.
Can you tell me how many people are already signed up?
Yes we can! But we can’t give out names or other details due to privacy concerns. We can only provide general information about the number of participants signed up over emails/phone.
Who will purchase the Skip-the-Line tickets?
We will – subject to early booking and availability. There are many logistical constraints to consider when buying the tickets, including the timing, our program for the day, etc. Contact us ASAP about the tickets to avoid disappointment.
Please note – it is NOT possible to mix tickets from other agents/on-line sources, since venues in Italy will not allow this when they check you at the entrance!
Whats happening in Rome this year? 2025!
Please note that 2025 is a special Jubilee Year for the Vatican, which is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the city! This will affect your visit on certain celebrated days, with possible crowds or temporary restrictions in some areas.
While we cannot guarantee access to all sights on such days, we will do our utmost to cover the program. Rome will be very very busy this year and please expect big crowds in the high season.
For more details about the Jubilee Year and its impact, please visit:
https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/pellegrinaggio/calendario-giubileo.html
Thank you for your understanding!
Does the ticket to the Vatican include a visit to the Sistine Chapel?
Yes. Our Skip-The Line tickets to the Vatican include a visit to the famous Sistine Chapel.
Can we climb the tower of Pisa?
You may with our private tour OR on the Pisa and Lucca shared tour.
Here is more important information regarding the climb:
Cost is: 24 Euros per person
The venue will not issue a refund (and there are no discounts)
There are 300 spiraling steps to climb with no elevator
No kids below 8 years of age are allowed
Tickets must be bought and paid in Advance
Pisa’s tower isn’t the tallest in Italy, but it does require considerable physical effort. For many, the sense of imbalance that comes from climbing the spiral stairs of a seriously tilting edifice is the most challenging part. The ascent takes about 10 minutes, but it takes another 5 minutes or so to recover from the dizziness. At the uppermost terrace, serious vertigo-sufferers will want to keep away from the low edge, which cantilevers thrillingly over the piazza.
Will we enter St. Peters Basilica?
Yes! In the vast majority of tours and if you choose to buy Skip-The-Line Tickets to the Vatican. Once inside, there is a shortcut passage to enter the basilica. If it’s open during the day of your visit, the Vatican guide will take you inside.
Will we visit the Colosseum?
It depends on the tour option you choose.
Due to the significant surge in visitors to Rome in the last 3 years, we now advise not to include an inside visit to the Colosseum. Our experience is that visiting the inside of the Colosseum will likely result in valuable tour time lost to queues, even with ‘skip-the-line’ tickets.
To ensure the best quality tour experience, we decided not to include an interior visit to the Colosseum with our small-group Rome Shore Excursions. This adjustment allows us to dedicate more time to providing you with a thorough and enjoyable tour.
If you are determined to visit the Colosseum despite potential queues, we kindly suggest our private tour or the ‘Sunday tour’ option (the ‘Sunday tour’ can run any day of the week, and we only named it that because the Vatican is closed on Sundays).
Also, please know that there is plenty to see around the Colosseum area itself. Observe and absorb all that’s on offer (you might need 2 full days to fully explore this area). Spending time around the Colosseum you will find endless gems around you. From the palatine hill to the Forum to churches, museums, Circo-Massimo, Art galleries, and more. This area is truly an open-air museum like no other place. You won’t even notice how time flies, and… you might likely enjoy it more than those choosing to go inside the Colosseum!
How do we get the tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican?
I bought the tickets – do I need to print them or can I show them on my phone?
No need to print the tickets. They can be scanned from your phone.
How do I buy skip the line tickets for Pompeii?
1. Click on the booking link we will provide you
2. Select “Ingresso Express – Full Price (€19.00)” – this is the correct ticket unless
* Citizens of the EU aged 18-24, you can select the Ridotto (€3.00) ticket
* If you are under 18 years old, select the ‘Free Ticket Under 18’ option
3. For each ticket, please enter:
* Full name
* Date of birth
* Codice Fiscale – if the guest does not have an Italian tax code, they should simply enter: EE1
4. Make sure to select the afternoon time slot starting from 1:00 PM
5. Complete the reservation and download the tickets
*** If you choose the plus option, this is OK. The only difference is that its more expensive since it includes entry to Villa dei Misteri (but there is likely not going to be sufficient time for this part)
The Accademia visit – how does that work with a group tour if its optional?
Due to the significant surge in visitors to Florence recently, we now advise not to go inside the Accademia on a shared tour. Our experience is that visiting the Accademia can result in valuable tour time lost to queues, even when arriving with ‘skip-the-line’ tickets.
To ensure the highest quality touring experience possible we decided not to include interior visits to the Accademia during our Florence and Pisa tour. Rest assured, you won’t miss out on Michelangelo’s famous David, as there is a life-size replica displayed outside, free of charge. This will allow us to dedicate more time to providing you with a thorough and truly enjoyable tour.
If you are determined to visit the Accademia despite potential queues, we kindly suggest booking our private tour or the small-group ‘Florence Only’ tour, rather than the ‘Florence and Pisa’ excursion.
Will there be time for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat?
Yes!
Free time for shopping and eating will be given and you are free to choose the venue of your choice. We will point at an AREA with a variety of restaurants/shops to accommodate any taste or budget. We highly recommend to avoid slow serving restaurants (unfortunately, many are slow), as there is plenty to see on our tours. One option is a quick visit to a local ‘Pizzeria’ for example.
Will there be toilet stops?
Yes but please note toilet stops are not free in Italy…
For stops at a cafeteria, you will need to buy something to use the toilet, or if the stop is at a public toilet, you will need to pay 1 Euro and it has to be COINS – no notes and no credit cards.
Please know we have no say in this matter as this is how other businesses can earn from the service and possibly use the proceeds to maintain the cleanliness of the facilities.
Will there be time to explore the sites or just drive-by?
Yes – there will be time to explore!
We get off the vehicle to explore the sites. Even for the ‘panorama’ part of the tour, we stop, get off the van, explore, take photos, etc. This is done for all tours except in extreme cases, if the ship is docking for a very short time. In Pisa for example, we stop for 45 minutes on a shared tour and as much as requested on a private tour.
What will happen if the ship does not dock at port?
You will get a full refund within 7 business days (less the admission tickets which are non-refundable as a policy of the venues in Italy).
Are your vehicles equipped with A/C?
Yes. BUT…
Due to new ‘anti-pollution’ laws introduced we cannot run the A/C when the vehicle is parked. This will affect tours in the summer as we must stop the A/C from working once the vehicle has stopped and it is empty from guests. Once everyone returns, we will put it on again but it will take some time and you will feel the impact especially if we have frequent stops on tour. Your kind understanding will be much appreciated and perhaps we can all take comfort in the fact that we help the environment this way (bring plenty of cold water with you during the hot summer days). It does get very hot!
How do I book? What’s my next step?
When you are ready to book, please email us the following information (we will specify it in the email clearly too):
* Name for the sign
* Do you prefer the private or semi-private tour?
* Do you want Skip-The-Line tickets?
* Your mobile/cell-phone number
* Ship name/Docking times
We have children with us – do they need to pay the full price?
Prices are provided per seat in the vehicle regardless of the age of the participant. The total amount is in essence divided by how many seats we need for the day – thank you for your understanding.
When will you send me the confirmation?
If you are booking a SHARED tour – we will email you the confirmation as soon as the minimum number of participants pay for the tour.
If you are booking a PRIVATE tour – normally within 2 days.
For more questions
You can view many questions, answers, and reviews from previous guests on our Cruise Critic thread…
Feel free to participate in this chat to find out more information. Thank you!
WHY BOOK WITH US DIRECTLY
Use this link to read WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK WITH US DIRECTLY!
Can you recommend any other Tour Operators in other countries?
Yes! We are part of an alliance of Tour Operators and we are happy to recommend the following tour companies for best value for money tours around the Mediterranean:
For tours and shore excursions in Spain – visit SpainDayTours
Visiting the biblical land of Israel? We highly recommend Guided Tours Israel – a family company offering small-group tours at unbeatable prices!
For shore excursions in Turkey – check out Ephesus Shuttle – the #1 shore excursion operator in Turkey
If you are visiting Greece and particularly Rhodes Island, contact Rhodes Private Tours for a custom shore excursion. For tours in and around Athens, contact George’s Taxi Private Tours
For tours in Madrid – visit MadridDayTours.com Madrid is a great base for taking day trips. This Madrid office offers private and semi-private tours in and around the Capital of Spain
For passengers on the way to the fascinating land of Egypt, we recommend Ramses Tours – offering a a wide range of tours and a warm and friendly service
For tours from the hotels, airport, and cruise ship in Barcelona – BarcelonaDayTours offers the best value for money tours!