SantaCaterina Ski,Italy

You may either take group ski lessons, private ski lessons or form groups to enjoy exploring the slopes together. Whatever you preference your Tour Leader will be available to help organise your skiing. 

On a skiing holiday, dress is generally very informal, the emphasis being on comfort and warmth. We recommend that you pack a pair of skiing trousers and warm ski jacket or a waterproof shell and separate fleece lining or an all-in-one ski suit. Thermal or silk underwear is recommended. Cotton/cotton mix roll necks, T-shirts or sweat shirts; several thin layers are better than one thick layer. Ski socks, ski gloves or mitts and a hat or headband are suggested. Where temperatures are expected to be well below zero, take a facemask or balaclava. Moon boots or waterproof walking shoes are a “must”. Suntan cream (high protective factor), lip salve, sunglasses and/or goggles are all very useful items to pack. Casual clothes are ideal for the evenings; it is unusual on skiing holidays to dress formally in the evenings.

We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €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. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on. If you choose to have ski lessons, you may also like to thank your ski instructor at the end of the week with a token of appreciation.

A reasonable level of fitness is required Tourist tax of €2 per day is payable locally  

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
• follow procedures if you are hosting a guest at your property in Italy

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 areafor 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.

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. 

Euro

Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.

The transfer from Milan Airport to the hotel is approximately 3.5-4 hours, depending on weather and traffic.