Italian Lakes & theBernina Express2027

As part of health & safety we do require all our guests to be able to manage the demands of the trip. This will often include early starts with long days travelling by foot and on and off minibuses/coaches. You also must be mindful that when visiting a country with different cuisine and culture, special dietary requests cannot always be made as readily available with great choice. Please see the day by day itinerary for details of the programme.  The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change according to traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond control.

Bernina Express Excursion

The Bernina Express excursion is subject to confirmation by the railway operator and ticket availability. For departures after 12 December 2026, bookings cannot be guaranteed until approximately 4–5 months before travel. Should timetable or availability issues arise, the excursion may operate on an alternative day or departure time and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly. Ensure you carry your passport with you on this excursion as you are crossing country borders.

Passport validity requirements:

If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)

• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.Passport stamping. At Italian border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home)

• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance

• show a return or onward ticket

• prove that you have enough money for your stay. The minimum amount required depends on your accommodation

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

From the 12^th October 2025 the EU is introducing a new European Entry System (EES) that will be phased in and fully operational by the 10^th April 2026. Non-EU nationals including British passport holders will now be required to complete biometric checks on arrival and exit to Schengen countries, which will include facial recognition and fingerprints. There is no cost for this, and no action needs to be taken.

Compulsory vaccinations: None.

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Italy 

The currency is Italy is the Euro.

The summer months can be hot so comfortable wear with layers are recommended for during the day. Smart casual wear is recommended for the evenings. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. We recommend wearing closed and comfortable shoes (high heels and flip-flops are not recommended).

There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately EUR 25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.