Arrival in Verona: We will meet the group at 3:00 pm at the main train station in Verona on the first day, and then proceed to Lake Garda together (approximately 1 hour drive). Unless you will be traveling around before the workshop, we recommend you fly to Verona’s Villafranca airport. There are no direct flights from the US, but you can change in the European city associated with your airline. Then it is a quick taxi ride to the main train station in Verona. Other options include flying into Venice, Brescia, Florence, Bologna, or Milan’s Malpensa airport and traveling around on your own prior to our first meeting in Verona.
Accommodations: We will stay at the Hotel Gardenia del Lago. There will be several painting opportunities right on the hotel grounds as well as in the nearby (walkable) towns of Villa and Gargnano. We are reluctant to make any predictions about the weather, but it can get chilly on the lake, so bring something warm and plan to dress in layers. But pack a swimsuit in case it is warm.
Meals: We’ll have breakfast and dinner at the hotel in Lake Garda every day. There will usually be a choice of 2 entrees every night. Wine, as always, is included. Lunch is independent.
Departure from Verona: There is no class on this day. After breakfast at approximately 9:30 am, our coach will take us back to Verona and drop us off at either the train station or the airport. We will arrive at the drop-off point at approximately 11:00 am. If you are flying home that day, please book a flight departing in accordance with this time.
Flight Arrangements: For booking airline tickets, check online with Orbitz, Expedia, or Travelocity. Try varying your dates to get the best deal. Also, adding a stop usually returns a lower price.
Travel Agents & Insurance: Over the last few years, the way we travel has undergone significant changes. For that reason, we now encourage everyone to use a professional travel agent when arranging their trips. Travel agents save you time and stress by handling all the details and tailoring your itinerary to your needs. One of the most important services they offer today is helping you choose and enroll in the right travel insurance program. With the continued possibility of schedule changes or postponements, travel insurance has become essential, and selecting the right plan on your own can be overwhelming.
If you encounter any issues during your travels, your agent can provide quick support and solutions, taking the pressure off your shoulders. While booking through online sites like Expedia or Hotels.com may seem more convenient or less expensive, they offer little help if you need to modify your plans. A travel professional, on the other hand, is there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
If you choose to Go It Alone, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance for the trip in the event of any unforeseen obstacles to your travel. We recommend Travelex (800) 504-7883 or Travel Guard International (877) 901-7599.
Passports: Please check the expiration date on your passport. It must be valid until 6 months AFTER you return home. This is an EU regulation. You will not be allowed to travel if your passport expiration date is too soon.
We’ll be sending you further information about your workshop in the coming months. We will send you an electronic invoice for your balance about 10 days in advance of the due date. If you would prefer to pay your balance before the due date, log onto www.WeTravel.com with your email address, and you will find your invoice where you can pay installments or the full balance.
Before departure, you will get a note from your instructor with a list of suggested supplies to bring. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact us.
Ci vediamo in Italia,
Michael Mele & Linda Mironti, Directors