GENERAL INFORMATION

Passport

Please make sure your passport is validfor at least six months after your planned return.

Visas

Visas are not required for British nationals.

Electricity

The electric current in Italy is 220V and the cycle is 50Hz. Check the local voltage with the hotel before using electrical appliances. Plugs have prongs that are round, not flat, making an adapter plug necessary. International adapters can be found in the major electric shops as well as UK airports

Health & Travel Insurance

Please ensure you have medical and repatriation cover and have given Lightline the name and telephone number of your insurance company together with the policy number. As this is part of the Terms and Conditions that you have accepted we have the right to refuse passage if this is not complied with.


If you are having problems finding the right insurance please contact us and we will be able to arrange this for you.


You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals. An (EHIC) will not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Read More...

Medicines & other essentials

If you have any medical conditions, which require you to take medicines or if you have special essential dietary requirements, please don’t forget to take these with you as they may not be available at your destination.

Average monthly temperatures

Local laws and customs

In the cities of Venice and Florence, you should observe public notices about conduct. You may be fined if you drop litter. It is also an offence to sit on steps/courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of the main churches and public buildings in Florence. Italian authorities are engaged in a major effort to stamp out the illegal production and sale of counterfeit goods. Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence and Rome. Do not buy from illegal street traders: if you do so you run the risk of being stopped by the local police and incurring a large fine.

Currency

The unit of currency is the European euro.   You are able to get the euros from any local ATMs.  All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.). The ATMs accept UK debit and credit cards.  Sterling is not normally accepted.  Traveller’s cheques are not recommended as they are harder to cash.  ·Credit cards are the best way of settling your room bill.

Gratuities & Donations

A gratuity (tip) is widely accepted as part of life in Italy - guides, drivers and hotel staff all expect a tip.

Smoking

New restrictions for the protection of health now apply - smoking is not allowed in places that can generally be defined as “public”. Airports, post offices, banks, hospitals, cinemas, theatres, shops, museums, etc.
Smoking is not allowed in restaurants and bars unless they have separate air-conditioned areas for smokers. Anyone smoking in the prohibited zone risks a fine of between €25 and €250.