Trafalgar Last Minute Deals!

Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011

* Price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. CST# 2077132-20

Conditions
• This offer is combinable with all applicable Trafalgar
discounts except Early Payment Discount
• Applies to new bookings only & subject to availability
• Book between September 29 and October 12, 2011
• Definite Departures—these are guaranteed to run

Useful Italian Phrases

Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2011

If your Italy tour vacation is coming up, here are some quick and useful phrases to learn.

Save up to $600 per person to Italy & France!

Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Trafalgar’s unique, one-of-a-kind experiences are on sale now! Take advantage of great savings on these select 2011 Italy and France vacations: 

Don’t delay – space is limited and offer ends September 30, 2011!

*Savings valid on the above 2011 Italy and France vacations and departure dates only. Savings varies by itinerary, see above. Must be booked and paid in full at time of booking. Offer is not combinable with other promotions (except Show Coupons), but is combinable with brochure discounts (except Early Payment Discount). Subject to availability and offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply.

Money Exchange Italy Travel

Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I am leaving for Italy on October 1^st and I was wondering if it is still a good idea to exchange money before getting there or afterwards.

The current exchange rate is $1 USD is equivalent to .693424 EUR

So something that costs 1 EUR will cost $1.44 USD, 5 EUR, is currently $7.21 USD, 20 EUR is $28.85 USD and so on.

About the EURO

EURO come in both bills and coins.

Coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro. The bigger the coin, the more value it has, unlike in the U.S. where the dime is smaller than a nickel, but worth more.

Bills come in 5 (greyish color) 10 (red,) 20 (blue,) 50 (orange,) 100 (green,) 200 (yellow) and 500 Euro (violet.)

Many vendors do not have a lot of change, so we don’t recommend anything over 50 EURO.

Traveler’s checks are difficult to exchange at hotels are shops, so take them to a bank or foreign exchange office.

ATM machines in Italy are known as Bancomat and can be found easily in large cities. Check with your bank or credit card company before leaving to see what their fees are.  IN the past the ATM was the best option to get money in Europe, however many credit card companies now charge 2.5 to 4% for cash advances. If you use your debit card, make sure you know what your daily limit is.  There are ATM machines at the airport, but they are usually quite full, so it is a good idea to have some EURO on hand when you land.

As far as credit cards, please note not everyone accepts American Express, so Visa and Mastercard are better options to take with you.

In the end it is best to have a couple of options with you just in case, so take a debit card and a credit card, or travelers checks and a debit card.  

Remember that your Italy tour guide can assist you with locations to exchange your money.

Italy Fascinating Culture

Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011

Italy is home to a rich and beautiful culture. The Italians are very proud of their past and are very much still “living in” today. A closer look at Rome will reveal a city bustling with modernism and fashion, yet cobblestone streets are and timeless architecture are constant reminders of a time once passed. This country is renowned for romance, food, and passion and every ounce of life within its culture will undoubtedly convince you likewise.

The cuisine is, of course, outstanding – there is simply no way to describe the divinity of the dining experience. The full aromas alone are enough to wet you appetite throughout the day. You will discover that the delicious Italian food everybody raves about is actually very simple and made from simple but classic Italian ingredients and herbs, that just blend perfectly in a balance of spice and texture. The Italians really know their food!

Let’s not forget about the world of art and fashion that nestles within the country. Milan, the capital of fashion, boasts a number of designers including Armani, Gucci and Versace. In addition to the posh designer shops, there are a myriad of affordable boutiques that allow for purchasing of Italian goods, designs, and souvenirs.

CUISINE: Come and discover Italy must order dishes, favorite ingredients, and an Italian wine and meal pairing guide. A few specialties described include chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, linguini with clam sauce, shrimp fra diavolo, and more seafood and regular dishes.

FASHION/SHOPPING: Ask your tour director about the Italian specialty products and designers (Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Valentino), as well as a location of shopping centers, major stores, and markets.

LANGUAGE: Discover Italian phrases that will help you feel more at home during your travels and will enhance your Italian experience as you can communicate with locals. Do you research early!

ARHITECTURE/DECORATIVE ARTS: A brief history of the styles of architecture that you will see on your trip, as well as some famous works of art that can be found throughout Italy includes a directory of artwork by Donotello, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo Caravaggio, and many more. In addition, Italy is home to the most famous building structures including the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, and Basilica San Marco.

ROMANCE: Come see why Italy is popularly known as a romantic destination; explore the history of romance in Italy through the your experiences in the Venetian canals, Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Lake Como, the Blue Grotto, and many more.  

ENTERTAINMENT: Art, music, theater; take your pick from the many spectacular exhibitions and performances set throughout Italy. Our suggestions range from classics such as Italian opera to exciting festivals, such as the Venetian Carnival.

Browse our selection Italy tours and vacation packages.