Singles Travel Service, LLC.

Upscale Italy Singles Tour

August 1st to 10th, 2008

Specifically Designed for Upscale Boomers

(Over 40)

Q: How many nights is the trip?

A: The tour begins in Rome at 6:00 p.m. on August 1, 2008 and ends in Palermo on the morning of August 10, 2008  Therefore the tour is 9 nights/10 days. Note:  Flights from North America must depart on July 31, 2008 in order to arrive in Rome on August 1, 2008. Your return flight from Palermo arrives in North America on the same day.

Q: How do I meet up with the group?

A: Make sure you are at Visconti Palace Hotel in Rome, Via Federico Cesi 37, located in the heart of Rome's  City Center by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2008.  Note that hotel is subject to change before departure and any changes will be reflected in your final documents.

Q: May I come in early to Rome and stay on in Palermo?

A: Of course.  We have a 1 or 2 night package before and after the tour and will request that you are confirmed at the same hotel as our tour, although not guaranteed.  If you need other arrangements, please call us, we'd be happy to assist with your vacation plans.  Remember that if you arrive early or stay late, transportation to and from the hotel is included in our pre or post tour package.  If you choose not to take advantage of our package, transportation is on your own.    

Q: Is airfare included?

A: In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. 

Q: How should I schedule my flights?

A: In order to be ready to begin the tour in Rome at 6:00 p.m. on August 1, you may be required to depart your home city on the day before.  The trip concludes in Palermo (Sicily) on the morning of August 10, 2008, so you may schedule your return at any time that day. 

Try our Discount Air Links:

 

Airport Code Rome

(Depart USA Thursday Afternoon to Arrive 8/1 Daytime)

Rome - Ciampino Airport CLA

Leonardo Da Vinci Airport FCO

Airport Code Palermo

Palermo Airport PMO



Q: What are my options for transportation in Rome and Palermo?

Transfers to Hotel are included in our package.

Q: Are there any other expenses which are not included?

A:  You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in our posted events), meals not indicated in itinerary, incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to hosting staff ($10 per day) and local guides.

Q: Will you match me with a roommate?

A: Absolutely.  Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us!  In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by April 25, 2008.


Q: Do I need a passort and/or visa to travel to Italy?
A: All guests are required to travel with a valid Passport that does not expire prior to February 2, 2008. No visas are required for US  or Canadian citizens.

Q: What is the lodging like on our tour?

A: We use First Class accommodations in a centrally located area whenever possible. ROME Visconti Palace (F), SORRENTO Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto (F) or Corallo (F), TAORMINA Capotaormina (SF) or Corallo (F), AGRIGENTO Jolly della Valle (F), PALERMO Jolly Foro Italico (F). 

Note that hotels are subject to change until day of arrival.

Q: I've never taken a singles tour, will I be alone?

A: Of course not.  You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group.  In 14 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience.  It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day.  From the moment you join our tour , our Travel Directors are waiting to meet you.  Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along.  The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you.  The bonds that develop on our adventure tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Q: What are the ages of the other guests?  What is the ratio of men to women?

A:  Our "All Ages" vacations cater to 40+ and our average age range is 40 to 65.  We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men.  As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus.  We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not gaurantee ratios or ages.

Q: What will the weather be like in August?

A: The summer is beautiful in Italy with all the open markets, outdoor monuments and of course, piazzas (squares).  You can expect daytime high temperatures to be in the mid to upper 80s for Rome and the island of Sicily.  Oftentimes, the humidity is high and evening temperatures are mid 60s in Rome and mid 70's on the island of Sicliy. 

Q: What is the baggage allowance?

A: Currently, most international airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase.  Check with your air carrier before traveling.  However, on tour, only ONE bag weighing 50 pounds (22kg) measuring 30x21x11 is allowed. 

Q: What kind of clothing will I need?

A: Bring along summer clothing and we recommend that you mix and match using 1-3 colors, such as khaki, brown and white.  Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  No shorts are allowed in cathedrals, so ladies should bring cotton slacks or knee length skirts. 

Q: Do you have any suggestions on what else to bring?

A: Italy has a large gypsy population and pick pockets are rampant in the tourist areas.  It is best to leave your good jewelry at home and carry you money in a belt/wallet or wallet that may be worn inside your clothing.

Packing Tips: Take only what you need; don't over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don't pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

  • A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes.
  • A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, sandals, etc). 
  • Collapsible umbrella (which can double as a sunshade parasol) and/or lightweight raingear.
  • Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap, and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.
  • Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor.   
  • Toiletries: all your daily essentials.
  • Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
  • Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
  • Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
  • Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
  • Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
  • Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
  • Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
  • Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
  • Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film and extra batteries. 

Q: What is the currency and exchange situation in Italy?

A: The currency used in Italy is the Euro.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rate for the Euro fluctuates often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing "foreign exchange rates" in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.

Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.    

You may exchange cash and traveler's checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Banks offer the best rates, but beware, hours are limited in Italy.  They are generally open from 9 a.m.-12 noon and 2-5 p.m.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants.

Q: What about Traveler's Insurance?

A: Our package included full international 360 Travelex coverage. However it does not cover pre travel cancellation which is available for an additional charge.


   


Q: How can my family reach me?

A: Your Final Documents will include phone contact numbers for each hotel listed in your daily itinerary.  We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family. 
    
Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: Cancellations made beyond 90 days will qualify for a full refund less a $75 administration fee plus credit card charges if applicable. Thereafter, per person cancellation fees are: Any cancellation made between 90 days to 60 days prior to trip will qualify for a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for cancellations within 60 days of departure. Air packages and air tickets are subject to cancellation policies imposed by the airlines.


Singles Travel Service LLC, 1040 First Ave, New York, N.Y. 10022    212-752-2429