Climate

Early fall is the best time to visit Italy. The crowds have thinned and the weather is starting to cool and become less humid.

Expect Venice daytime temperatures to be up to 24°C (75°F) and as low as 15°C (59°F) in the evening. Florence temperatures should average 21°C (69°F), the hill towns perhaps a bit cooler. The Italian Riviera temperatures are similar to Florence.

Currency

The Euro is the national currency. The easiest and cheapest way to get cash abroad is the same way you do at home: simply use the ATM card linked to your home checking account. Money will be withdrawn from your bank and converted to Euros at a more favorable exchange rate than you'd get changing cash or travelers' checks.

Entry Requirements

A passport must be valid for six months beyond the length of stay.

Note: We suggest packing additional photocopies of the photo and personal information pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate location from where you keep your passport or other documents.

Medical Information

Please check with your medical insurance provider to find out if your coverage is valid outside the United States; and whether coverage is adequate for medical emergencies and evacuations. If you need a doctor, your hotel can recommend one, or you can contact your embassy or consulate.

Electrical

As in most of Europe, electricity in Italy comes out of a wall socket at 220 volts; the U.S. and Canadian are at 120 volts. You will need adapters to plug in appliances but, if your appliance is universal, you will not need a converter.

Time Zone

Italy will be on Daylight Savings Time during our visit. Italy is in the Central European Time Zone. They are 6 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the U.S. and Canada.