In-Person Cultural Workshop FAQs

After almost three decades of hosting artistic, cultural, and culinary workshops in Italy, we’ve answered many questions from our guests. We love sharing our knowledge about Italy and want to create a seamless travel experience for you, whether this is your first or tenth time taking a cultural workshop with us.

Our goal is to show you authentic Italy and help ignite your creativity in the most beautiful country in the world. Below is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions from students participating in our cultural workshops across Italy.

Communication before the trip

I’ve signed up for a cultural workshop. When will I receive information about accommodations, transportation, and workshop details?

After you register for a workshop, you’ll receive an email with all of the information you need for the workshop. Please read the email thoroughly and contact us if you have any questions.

Traveling to Italy and home again

When is the best time of year to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to visit. However, we think the shoulder season (May, June, September, and October) is the best time to see Italy. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. For this reason, all of the cultural workshops take place in those four months.

Can you help me find flights or extend my stay in Italy?

We recommend you work with a travel agent to find flights or add a pre or post-stay. If you don’t have your own trusted travel agent, here is one we can recommend: Sue Painter, sue@travelchangeslife.com, 941-720-1842. She is familiar with Il Chiostro programs and can help you with flights, hotel reservations, extensions before or after your trip, transfers, and especially booking the right travel insurance to cover your trip.

For flights, we recommend you use an airfare aggregator like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo/Kayak to find flights and then book directly with the airline. Booking with the airline gives you the most protection and flexibility when it comes to your flight.

How will I get to and from the airport?

We’ll arrange pick-ups for everyone, but you’ll need to make your own way from the airport to the meeting location. On the day of arrival, we’ll set a pick-up time and location for the group, typically at the Florence train station or another designated spot in the city. Getting from the airport to the city center is simple in Florence using the T2 Tram or by taxi. Once we all gather at the designated spot, we’ll travel together by private van to the cultural workshop location. The meeting time and location are detailed in the important email you received upon registration.

Over the week, our team will collect departure flight information and help you arrange transportation back to the airport.

Packing and shipping

What are some essential items to pack for my trip to Italy?

Essential items to pack include comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the season (check your favorite weather app the week before you leave), travel adapters for European outlets, a universal plug adapter, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and any necessary medications.

Can I send my art supplies (heavy shoes, clothing, etc.) ahead of me?

You are better off carrying supplies in your luggage or carry-on bag because your supplies will most likely get stuck in customs if they are shipped to Italy. To clear customs, you must provide written documentation declaring that you don’t intend to set up business in Italy with your supplies and passport information. This usually delays the materials beyond the start—or even end—of the cultural workshop. Most likely, you’ll be charged an import duty above the shipping cost that would probably cover the cost of buying things in Italy.

You can bring paints (not turpentine, which we will supply) on the plane in your checked luggage. A small quantity in 3 oz. containers of paint can go in your carry-on luggage.

Is it possible to use my cell phone in Italy?

Check with your mobile carrier before you leave to understand international roaming fees and data plans because using your cell phone abroad could incur significant charges. Many carriers offer temporary international plans, sometimes only $10 per day, or options for purchasing local SIM cards, which can be more cost-effective for extended stays.

What electrical adapter do I need for Italy?

Travelers from the US should bring a Type C 2-prong adapter which fits in most Italian electrical outlets.

Passports and other documents

What are the passport requirements for Italy?

As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States. However, citizens from non-EU countries (including the U.S.) may enter Italy with a passport valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

If you need to renew your passport, don’t wait, as it often takes 4-6 weeks to process a renewal application (longer if it’s a new application). For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy from the United States?

No, if you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Italy for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you do not need a visa. You will only need a valid U.S. passport.

Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe must apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit.

What are the COVID-19 travel requirements for entering Italy from the United States?

There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions in Italy. However, we will closely monitor new developments and confirm and share any new requirements before our groups arrive in Italy.

Money

What currency is used in Italy, and can I use U.S. dollars?

The currency used in Italy is the Euro (€). While some tourist areas might accept U.S. dollars, it’s unlikely, so exchanging currency or using ATMs to withdraw Euros is advisable for better rates and convenience. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and are a good alternative to carrying a lot of cash. Make sure your bank and credit card company know about your travel plans to prevent the card from being flagged for fraud.

Most places in Italy do not accept American Express, so it’s better to have Visa or MasterCard, particularly one without Foreign Transaction Fees.

NOTE: There is a big difference between the official bancomat machine and the ubiquitous, flashy yellow machines called “ATM’s.” A cash machine in Italy is called a bancomat and it is associated with a bank. Anything with an ATM sign was created by a company exploiting foreign tourists by charging higher exchange rates and hidden fees. See what we mean by watching this video: https://fb.watch/kfTB-OxLwc

Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for my Italy trip?

We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our guests. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Dozens of travel insurance companies offer similar coverage. Make sure you understand the policy, what is covered, and when. You might need to purchase supplemental insurance based on your individual needs. We recommend Travel Insured International. To learn more, read this article Do I Need Travel Insurance by Rick Steves.

The Language

Do I need to speak Italian to travel to Italy?

While knowing some basic Italian phrases can be helpful and appreciated, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It’s always a good idea to learn a few essential phrases to be polite and enhance your travel experience.

Try the following phrases:
Grazie – Thank You
Prego – You’re welcome
Per favore – Please
Scusi, non capisco – Sorry, I don’t understand.
Parli Inglese, per favore? – Do you speak English, please?

Eating & Drinking

What are the tipping customs in Italy?

Tipping in Italy is not as customary as in the United States. A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but leaving a small additional tip is appreciated for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in cafes and bars.

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Italy?

Yes, tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink. However, if you prefer, you can also buy bottled water readily available in stores and supermarkets.

Do you have more questions about our Cultural Workshops?

We have compiled a short list of the questions we are asked most frequently by those attending a cultural workshop, our FAQs.

If you don’t see the answer to your question, please call us at 1.800.990.3506 or email info@ilchiostro.com.