ITALY LOGISTICS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Are you already dreaming of our retreat in the Tuscan countryside? We are, and we can’t wait to see you there! Below are some logistics and packing information. We hope it answers all of your questions and if it doesn’t, please feel free to reach out at any time. We are here for you all along the way!
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
US citizens will need a passport for entry into Italy. The passport should have at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date and have two blank pages for stamps. A visa is only required if you are staying longer than 90 days.
Please make a copy or take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself so you have one on file.
U.S. Consulate General Florence
Lungarno Vespucci, 38
50123 Firenze
Telephone: (+39) 005.266.951
Arrival Information and Ground Transportation
You can fly into Rome Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) or Florence Airport (FLR) and we will help you organize transfer, or you can rent a car and drive to the beautiful retreat center.
We recommend arriving by mid-day on the start of the retreat so you can relax and settle in. If you are arriving at night, no worries, you will not missing anything too important! We will begin our opening circle after dinner on the first night. We will finish on the last day after lunch.
If you arrive days earlier or stay after the retreat, there are plenty of boutique hotels and AirBnBs to stay at in Rome or Florence.
If want to stay at an AirBnB before or after the retreat you can use this link for a discount if it’s your first time!
IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL
Should you have flight delays or other troubles on the day of travel, contact Kori, as soon as possible.
Contact Numbers
Kori Zornes (702) 321-6769
Email: kori@revampretreats.com
PAYMENT
The credit card on file will be charged for the final retreat balance. All payment is non-refundable. If you have any questions, email info@revampretreats.com.
GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP
PACKING YOUR BAGS
We highly suggest you pack light. You will not want to have to lug around a lot of excess luggage. Keep valuables to an absolute minimum. Revamp Retreats is not responsible for any lost or stolen items including important paperwork such as passports. Think less is more! Some more packing tips below:
1. We recommend a sturdy bag, easy to pull or push or carry. Rolling clothes instead of normal folding works wonders too in saving space.
2. Carry your daypack with you on the first day as your carry on. Keep your valuables in your daypack- i.e.: passport, money, ticket, journal, etc. We recommend you pack one set of clothes in it should your suitcase get lost.
SOME PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
· 6 yoga outfits for warm yoga outside
· 2 pairs of light pants –something you can move in
· 2 long sleeved shirt – for layering (again quick dry)
· 1 sweater or warm pull over for the plane
· Windbreaker and rain jacket (bring a VERY LIGHT rain jacket that doesn’t take up space)
· Underwear and some good sports bras
· Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
· Socks
· Flip flops or house shoes if you don’t like to walk around barefoot
· 1-2 pairs of PJs
· 1-2 bathing suits
· Casual, comfortable clothes & day dress/swim wrap
· One day pack (a small backpack you can carry with you on our treks or to the beach)
· Insect repellent
· Toiletries (sunblock, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, anti-bacterial spray etc. Think travel size and if possible biodegradable please! The hotel will also have toiletries)
· A good book
· Sunglasses
· Visor/ hat/ baseball cap
· Reusable water bottle
· Any medications needed, allergy medicine
· Ear plugs, eye mask
· Hair ties, bandannas, or other things to keep your hair out of your face.
· 1 light travel yoga mat if you like to use your own (optional- the retreat center has all yoga props provided!)
· Passport and copy of passport, photo ID, credit card, cash
· Power plug adapter - In Italy the power plugs and sockets are of type F and L. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Above all else, keep it light!
WELLNESS
Your health and well-being is extremely important to us, and hopefully to you, too! To stay healthy with all the travel, switching time zones, etc., it’s important to keep your immune system and your belly happy. Here are a few tips:
Supplements:
Probiotics (to regulate your immune system)
Activated Charcoal (if you get a stomach bug or need a quick, effective detox)
Magnesium (to sleep and relax)
Elderberry (to boost immunity)
Sleep Gear:
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Snacks
If you have food sensitivities, low blood sugar or love to snack, bring some healthy snacks with you!
Flying
For a wellness-focused and comfortable flying experience, check out our tips here!
INSURANCE
Revamp Retreats does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm with your insurance carrier that they would cover the costs if your items are stolen, lost, or damaged while on your trip. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
MONEY & TIPPING (GRATUITIES)
You will want to bring a small amount of money for personal items, snacks, tipping and souvenirs. You may want to exchange cash at the airport or pull money out of an ATM located in the airport.
Make sure you look up exchange rates during your stay and also check fees for Exchange Centers and ATMs.
Most restaurants will add a small charge to the bill- “coperto” or “servizio incluso” which means tip/tip included. It is not necessary to leave extra but completely optional.
EXCURSIONS AND MASSAGES
There will be opportunities to partake in excursions and massages during your retreat. There will also be free time to explore Tuscany! Please pack comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT Tuscany
A LITTLE ON SANT’EGLE
Sant’Egle is an Eco Resort designed for a sustainable zero-impact holiday. This historic home was the Customs House in the 1600’s where the people who crossed the border between the Papal State and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany (a since-passed Italian monarchy) would come in search of rest.
The charm of this historic home, so rich in legends, has been carefully restored and is the destination for those seeking an exclusive place, tastefully furnished, characterized by hospitality and genuine Tuscan organic flavor.
LOCATION AND TIME ZONE OF ITALY
Tuscany is on Central European Summer Time Zone (CEST), 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
SAFETY
As it would be traveling to any foreign country, one must remember to be safe and respectful of other customs and situations. If this is your first experience traveling abroad, please be aware in public places, and keep a close watch on your belongings. You really won’t want to bring any unnecessary valuables. Leave all of it at home that isn’t essential.
INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE
Once we arrive at our retreat site, we encourage you to disconnect as much as possible.
Feel free to get any international plans if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip. A lot of phone carriers now include Italy as part of their phone plans. You can call your carrier to check ahead of time.
Sant’Egle will have internet in some locations on property if you need to connect.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature in Tuscany during this time is mid to high 70s degrees F.
CRITTERS
There are some mosquitoes in the area we are staying. Please bring insect repellant (natural or deet).
FOOD
We believe in eating delicious local and healthy meals on our retreat. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local food. If there are any dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time so we can inform the retreat center.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST… HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BE A CONSCIOUS TRAVELER:
-Go with the flow: When traveling abroad things might not always go your way. Flights may be delayed, luggage lost, languages misunderstood. It is all part of the adventure, try your best to be okay with whatever comes up and embrace it as part of the journey. Practice patience and find humor in unexpected situations.
-Respect the culture: Do some research to where you are going before you arrive. Respect the locals and their way of life (and ALSO respect the animals and wildlife). It is also great to learn a few words before arriving- please, thank you, hello. It will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
-Keep an open mind: There is so much to learn from others who live differently and do things differently than we do. Take the time to try new things and enjoy the local food and customs. Slow down, relax, and take it all in.
-Have fun: This trip is for YOU…. to relax and unwind, to dive in deep, to get to know yourself better, and to connect with others. Notice what comes up for you during the retreat. It may feel emotional, exciting, difficult… whatever comes up, embrace it. The schedule will be full of activities but also know when you need to take time alone to reflect, read, nap, or just do nothing. We are here for you on this journey and our mission is to spark passion and inspiration for your path and life purpose. Let us know how we can support you.
We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!