To respect our local host communities/countries and to ensure the safety and health of our guests and participants we follow the safety measures and protocols in place by out host communities/countries at the time of any given workshop or program or tour. These measures and protocols may vary and or change from time to time as well as during the course of and given workshop or program or tour and we will adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols. All of our guests and participants, without exception, are expected to adapt to and abide by official safety measures and protocols during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face masks are the responsibility of each guest or participant. Health documents such as proof of vaccination or inoculation or other required by a host country, such as Italy for example, are the sole responsibility of each guest or participant. We strongly suggest all such documents are carried on-person at all times during any given workshop or program or tour in which they are participating. Persons who may be in an at-risk category or state of health are suggested to not participate.
Why enroll early? Early enrollment can ensure your participation in our small group programs. With group sizes usually limited from 8 to16 participants space can fill fast. Additionally, we are more likely able to fulfill your preferred Enrollment Plan choice. And though we have options for guest rooms with our hotel and accommodation partners we can actually reserve and secure needed rooms early with confirmed enrollment. Early enrollment can aslo be helpful regarding planning flight reservations...which may be made at cost savings when reserved early. We also create an email group among early enrollees which serves as a forum for introductions, finding travel partners and making travel plans. Accommodations Your accommodations are provided as part of your chosen Plan. Most Plans offer two-star or three-star hotel options. Four-star hotel options are quoted upon request. If your preferred hotel or accommodation Plan is not available at the time we receive your enrollment form we will notify you and offer you a comparable alternate choice. Participants are responsible for all room service, in-room telephone and other personal charges incurred as part of their stay. You will be asked to present your passport upon check-in as well as a credit card to cover additional charges, if any. Your passport may be held for a few hours and will be returned. Not all hotels/accommodations offer air conditioning. Some but not all also offer internet service free or at a minimal cost. Escorted Group Travel Escorted group travel from Florence may be included as part of your selected workshop. Note that when escorted group travel is offered it is offered as one-way from Florence to Cortona on arrival day and from Cortona to Florence on departure day only on the date specified for your selected workshop. Meeting point is at the Florence Petrola airport unless otherwise noted on the specific workshop website. Escorted travel service from or to other locations may be arranged for additional fees. Group Meal Plan The Group Meal Plan (GMP) is included with all “All-inclusive” hotel Plans or when the Group Meal Plan has been chosen and indicated on the enrollment form or if included at a later date. This plan provides Italian breakfasts (generally offered at your hotel), lunches, evening dinners, as well as daily aperitifs. Lunches and dinners are group style at restaurants in Cortona or at our day trip destinations (ie: Florence and Siena), or may be a box-lunch style provided onsite at paintign locations. Participants may order food from the food menu unless a prefix menu has been chosen by Toscana Americana Workshops. Local wine pre-selected by Toscana Americana Workshops is served with the meal as part of the meals. Individuals may choose to order other wines and they will be responsible for those additional costs. Catered lunches and/or picnic style lunches may be served at other than restaurants during certain workshops. Dining, Drinking & Tipping Cortona offers many cafes, bars and restaurants, several with outside table service. Try something new as you relax between workshop sessions. Coffees, wines, juices and other drinks and light fare are available. Unlike in Rome and the larger cities you may pay after your service by paying your server or bring your bill (il conto) to the register. When leaving tips, tip the wait person directly. The coperto, or cover charge, at restaurants generally contributes little to the wait staff. Though tips are not required, they are appreciated and demonstrate your level of satisfaction with the service provided. MYTH BUSTER: It is OK to tip! Here are a few nice locations: The terrace at Hotel San Luca; under the loggia at Teatro Signorelli; Bar Sport at piazza Signorelli; cafes at Piazza della Republicca; and on Via Nazionale. MYTH BUSTER: Not all, but many Italians drink cappuccino after noon and in the evening! So go ahead...enjoy a cappuccino anytime! Non-Participating Guests Non-Participating guests are included on the opening reception at La Saletta and on the day trips to Florence and Siena. Non-Participating guests who have chosen an “all-inclusive” plan or the Group Meal Plan (GMP)are also included in the wine tastings and meals. With advance notice and based upon availability other excursions and tours may also be arranged at additional cost. Available may be wine tours, golf, hiking, horseback or trails rides, bicycle rental, scooter rental. Day trips are possible to Arezzo, Orvieto, Assisi, Florence, Montepulciano, Perugia, Piensa, Montalcino Siena and Lake Trasimeno. Thursday is market day in Camucia, below Cortona. Val di Chiana Outlet Village is also open daily. Shipping Workshop Supplies and Materials to Cortona Due to delays in arrival of some shipments due to Italian Customs concerns we do not recommend shipping your art supplies. If you do choose to ship Cortona is served by FedEx, DHL and other shippers. Non-commercial items may be shipped to your hotel address. We will gladly provide addresses to fully enrolled Participants. Be sure to note the contents as "personal effects/personal items for art vacation". Most insured packages will be inspected by Italian customs. You may be responsible for import duties assessed by Italian customs. Plan on at least 21 days for your shipment to arrive in Cortona. Also add "Hold for "Your Name Here"" on the shipping carton. Telephone and Internet Public telephones are found near Hotel San Luca (at Piazza Garibaldi) and outside Porta Colonia. It is best to purchase a phone card for the appropriate destination at any of the Tabacchi shops. Internet is now available at most hotels, hours limited. Your hotel may also offer Internet services at additional charges. Participants are responsible for all use of the phones in their respective rooms. Using a fixed landline allows more actual minutes of talk time. Cell phones tick away minutes about twice as fast. Electric converters If you intend to use electrical items be sure to purchase an adapter for Italy before you leave. If you forget they may be purchased in Cortona. See the grounded and non-grounded samples at: http://www.globalconnections-int.com/lewis_n__clark_adapters.htm Weather Spring and Autumn weather is generally warm during the day and cool at night with chance of some precipitation. Summer months can have extended periods of very warm to hot days with comfotable nights. The sunlight can be brilliant and clear days will provide views across the valley toward Montepulciano and Mt Amiata. Extended stays If you need travel assistance we can help arrange day trips, excursions & extended travel as well as ticketing and accommodations. What to bring/packing Note: Do not pack prohibited items in carry-on luggage! They may be confiscated. See http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpacking.htm for packing ideas, tailor them to your style and intentions. Money and Security Moneybelt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, traveler's checks, railpass, international driver's license (if you're renting a car, may be obtained at AAA offices in USA) Security: Bury copies of your passport, plane ticket, and prescriptions in the bottom of your luggage Inform your credit and debit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid problems Packing • Pack light, buy it if you need it. The basics are available in Cortona. • Preferably your pack should no more than 20 pounds. • Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13". • Pack your bag as a trial run before your trip with everything you think you want to take to be sure it is not too heavy or unmanageable! Currency – the Euro Euros may be obtained at self-service ATMs at the airports and in Cortona using a bank or debit card. You may also purchase euros from your bank or financial institution before departure. For ease of use think of Euros as dollars (euros) and cents (centissimi). Italy, as part of the European Union, uses the Euro. Coins include 1, 2, 5, 20, and 50 centissimi (cents)and one and two euro values. To see examples of the coins see: http://www.euro.ecb.int/en/section/euro0/coins.html Paper currency includes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500 notes. For more info see: http://europa.eu.int/euro/entry.html Travel Be sure to inform us of your travel itinerary. Also, be sure to keep the address and phone number of your hotel in Cortona in the event you are separated from your luggage. Also, it is a good idea to bring a carry-on with essentials you would like to have should your luggage be separated from you. For may helpful ideas regarding travel, packing, safety, health, guidebooks visit: http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm Prohibited items The list of prohibited items on airlines changes. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf Passports Valid passports are for entry to Italy by any non-EU person. Many US Post Offices now handle passport applications and photos. For more info about US passports visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html Customs Read about US Customs at: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ Phone numbers for American Embassy? Embassy of the United Statesvia Vittorio Veneto, 119/A00187 Roma, ItalyTel. (+39) 06.4674.1 (switchboard)Fax (+39) 06.4674.2356 Local hospital? -Hospital Of Santa Margherita in Fratta Tel.0575/6391-Emergency Aid Dial 112 What is the average temperature? April/May Days 60’s to low 70’s. Nights 50’s to mid 60’s Where can we get our laundry done? How much might it cost? There are no laundry services in Cortona’s historic center other than those provided by hotels for their guests. Turn-around times vary from one to three days…depending on weather! Dry cleaning is available with a 2-3 day turn-around. Laundry services may be found in Camucia, 2-3 day turn-around. Will we be able to purchase toiletries such as toothpaste? Molesini’s Despar Market and the Farmacia Centrale both offer toiletries, a larger selection at the pharmacy. English spoken at the pharmacy. Found on Via Nazionale. Will we be able to purchase art supplies? Nocentini’s sell art supplies and books. Found on Via Nazionale. Also in Arezzo, Florence & Siena. Is the water safe to drink? Yes, the water is safe to drink, though many people prefer to buy the mineral waters and waters with gas. Is there a bank close by? How should I change my money? There are several banks in Cortona’s city center. We recommend using ATM cards/Debit cards because of their ease of use and the possibility of getting cash anytime of day. Info your banks that you intend to travel and use your card abroad. All ATMs (Bancomats) have English language directions. Will most people speak English? About half of the local business people speak some degree of English. Many other locals do as well. If you know any Italian the locals are pleased to hear you speak it! What is the physical activity level for getting around Cortona? Cortona is a real Tuscan “hill town”. Other than Via Nazionale and the two piazzas the stone-paved and cobbled streets go either up or down. There are always gentle alternate routes for getting most anywhere intown. Florence (Firenze) State Museums interactive website:http://www.firenzemusei.it/home.html
