Traveller’s Tips

Passport/Visa Requirements
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals with the exception of nationals of EU countries with valid national photo ID cards. Visas are not required by British, Australian, Canadian, USA and other EU residents for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationals are advised to contact their embassy to check visa requirement. All nationals must produce evidence of return/onward travel and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay. N.B.: No visas (and no extension to previously issued visas) may be granted to tourists who are already on Italian territory

Currency and Banks
The national currency in Italy is Euros. There are numerous ATM’s where you can withdraw Euros with your Visa/Switch etc. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and bureau de change. Banks in Italy are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm. Some banks are also open on Saturday morning until 1.30 pm. Banks are closed on Sundays and national holidays and also on the town’s patron Saint’s day. The afternoon hour may vary from city to city. Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at most hotels and shops and at the foreign exchange offices in main railway stations and at the airports. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Skipper Qualifications
To charter a sailing yacht in Italy it is necessary to have sailing certificates proving your competence. The Port Authorities in Italy require an RYA Day Skipper with VHF qualifications as a sufficient license. International equivalents are also accepted from the majority of countries in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc. Your original certificate should be taken with you and presented upon check in.

Travel Insurance
We strongly advise you to purchase suitable travel insurance before your departure, including cancellation insurance to protect your booking deposit. When you book your holiday through Adriatic Holidays you are comprehensively insured on the yacht you are chartering, and are not liable for any damage beyond the value of the security deposit.

Travel Insurance can be arranged by contacting Cover-More Insurance Services Ltd by telephone on 01245 272408 or email: enquiries@covermore.co.uk. Cover-More Insurance Services Ltd are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA number: 312172). All the arrangements will be made with the insurance company and a full policy wording will be sent to you directly. Please quote referral code AFE5009 when contacting Cover-More Insurance Services directly.

Time Zone
Italy is are GMT + 1 hour. (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Language
Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German is spoken in the South Tyrol region (bordering Austria). French is spoken in all the border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan (border with France and Switzerland). English, French and German are also spoken in the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles.

Airport Information
From London to Rome the flight time is three and a half hours. The two main airports are located in Rome; Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Rome Fiumicino is 32km (20 miles) south west of the city (journey time – 30 to 55 minutes). To get to/from the airport there is a direct rail link to Termini Station in central Rome and a bus service to the city centre and to Ciampino airport. Taxis are also available to the city. Fiumicino offers a duty-free shop, car hire, ATMs, bank and bureau de change and a selection of bar and restaurants.