Preparing for your trip

Capital: Zagreb
Population:  4.171 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Croatian
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

According to the World Health Organization, immunizations are NOT currently required for travel to Croatia.  However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities regarding other recommendations.

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Croatia’s climate has two basic seasons - a mild continental climate inland, with average daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s during the summer and 30’s-40’s during winter, and a Mediterranean climate in the coastal region, with average daytime temperatures in the 60’s and mid 70’s during the summer and mid 40’s-50’s during winter. Summers are generally dry and sunny with occasional rain or even a thunderstorm. Evening temperatures will be 15-30 degrees cooler depending on your location. This tour does not operate from November through the middle of March to avoid the winter season.

We suggest casual clothes, a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and back of your neck, sunglasses, light shawl, or a scarf for visiting religious sites, and a lightweight jacket or sweater for cool and windy nights. Bring a smart casual outfit for evenings out at restaurants and nightclubs. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, take both pairs. For hiking, pack lightweight clothes that can be layered. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella. Remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are in order for most every occasion as you travel.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

You will certainly have time for shopping, and you’ll find a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. 

A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, unless they are very specific to the destination, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase.

While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides may have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay a commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S. will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items. You, as the buyer, assume the full risk in the purchases you make.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Cameras and video recorders are generally allowed almost everywhere in, and you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Always ask for permission to photograph the locals, and make sure you have some small change in exchange for the photo opportunity. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities, but you might end up paying a premium. It’s better to bring a spare memory card, saving both time and money.

• The Croatian language is considered a South Slavic language.  It is nearly identical to the Serbian language, except Croatian is written in the Roman alphabet, while Serbian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
• Hum is the smallest town in Croatia, with just 17 residents. 
• Croatia is known for its “hinterlands” – remote regions that are often by a coast.  One of the most popular hinterlands is the historic region of Dalmatia. 
• You can find an Egyptian sphinx at Diocletian’s Palace.
• The movie Fiddler on the Roof was filmed in Croatia.

Capital: Rome
Population:  60.8 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Italian
Drives on the: Right
Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Italy.  Please consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure. 

Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization

Italy generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and wet, windy, and cool winters. However, the weather varies depending on the region. In cities such as Rome and Milan, the temperature ranges from the low 30s in the winter to the mid-70s to 80s in the summer. In coastal cities such as Venice, the temperature is slightly cooler than the mainland, but still pleasant. July and August are ideal times to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. In Sorrento, the average high is in the 70s and the low is in the 60s. Evening temperatures will be about 10-15 degrees cooler.

Clothing style in Italy is smart, fashionable, and casual and appearance is important. Jeans are very popular, especially when paired with nice (but comfortable) shoes. Bring a nice outfit to wear for special evenings. At religious sites, dress modestly. Shorts and sleeveless tops are considered inappropriate, and arms and legs should be covered. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, take both pairs. These will come in handy when walking along uneven sidewalks and cobbled streets. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the rule for most occasions as you travel.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

You will certainly have time for shopping, and Italy offers a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. 

A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, unless they are very specific to the destination, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase.

While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides may have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some a commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S. will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items. You, as the buyer, assume the full risk in the purchases you make.

Como: silks
Spoleto, Rome: truffles
Florence, Rome, Milan: leather goods
Venice, Murano: glass
Vatican City: postage stamps and religious items

You will certainly have time for shopping, and the countries on this tour offer a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in the countries visited on this tour, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

• Italy is the fifth most-visited country in the world, welcoming around 46 million  tourists per year, and it’s also the fifth most-populous European country.
• There are over 140 types of pastas in Italy! Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions of the country.
• The colors of the Italian flag (green, white, and red) have special meaning; Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity.
• Europe’s three active volcanoes, Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius are all located in Italy.
• Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088.
• Fashion is a staple in Italy, with some of the world’s most sought after designers, including Armani, Versace, and Prada, all originating from Italy.
• Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita.

Capital: Podgorica
Population: 620,000 
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Montenegrin (with Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian also widely spoken)
Drives on the: Right Time zone: CET (UTC +1)

The best time to visit Montenegro is late spring through early autumn (May–September). Along the Adriatic coast, summers are hot and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches of Budva or the Bay of Kotor. Inland and in the mountains, temperatures are cooler, especially at night, so a light jacket or sweater is useful. Winters (December–February) are mild on the coast but cold and snowy in the mountains—ideal if you’re planning a ski trip to resorts like Kolašin or Žabljak. Autumn (October–November) offers pleasant weather, colorful landscapes, and fewer crowds.

The best time to visit Montenegro is late spring through early autumn (May–September). Along the Adriatic coast, summers are hot and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches of Budva or the Bay of Kotor. Inland and in the mountains, temperatures are cooler, especially at night, so a light jacket or sweater is useful. Winters (December–February) are mild on the coast but cold and snowy in the mountains—ideal if you’re planning a ski trip to resorts like Kolašin or Žabljak. Autumn (October–November) offers pleasant weather, colorful landscapes, and fewer crowds.

Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.

Montenegro is known for its handmade goods and artisanal products. Look for items such as traditional woolen rugs and blankets from the north, hand-carved woodwork, lace, and local wines and rakija (fruit brandy). Olive oil from the coastal region, honey, and organic cheeses also make excellent souvenirs. In Kotor and Budva, you’ll also find art galleries and shops featuring jewelry and crafts inspired by the Adriatic.

Learn more about electrical standards around the world.

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

• With an area of just over 13,000 square kilometers, Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe, yet it offers a rich array of natural and cultural attractions.
• Montenegro is home to one of the world's oldest olive trees in the village of Boka. It's estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
• The Bay of Kotor is the largest natural bay in the Adriatic Sea and is renowned for its stunning fjord-like scenery and historic towns.
• Montenegro is home to the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe's deepest and longest canyons, making it a popular spot for rafting and nature tourism.
• Montenegrin is the official language, but many people also speak Serbian, Croatian, and other regional languages, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage.