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About this trip
All-inclusive retreat to the top sights in Italy. We will stay at 5-star accommodations and have a private driver and guide throughout our duration in Italy. Everything will be taken care of for you from start to finish when we pick you up from the airport.
All meals, transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, guides, and gratuity will be included. Our retreats are all-inclusive, but please be prepared to have Euro currency for small things you wish to purchase and for personal tipping.
This retreat is more active in style due to the amount of time required to move from location to location and the walking necessary while traveling in Europe. Please note that there are many uneven steps and cobblestone streets, so suitable footwear and a steady gait are required.
Please note that everything is entirely optional for all of our retreats. If there is ever something you wish to skip out on or a day where you would like to do your own thing, please feel free to do as you want during your vacation.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and availability.
Airfare into Rome and out of Venice, Italy, will be needed.
Packing List
Packing List for Travel to Europe
Important Documentation:
- Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
- Passport
- Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
- COVID-19 vaccination records
- Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)
Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.
Money:
- Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
- Credit card
- Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
- Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)
Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry, as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.
Clothing:
- Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe preferred)
- Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
- Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
- Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
- Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
- Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Undergarments and socks
- Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
- Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
- Laundry bag
Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
- Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream
- Personal medications (in their original containers)
- Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
- Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
- Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
- Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
- Hand sanitizer
- Earplugs
Electronics:
- Smartphone and camera
- Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
- Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
- Headphones
- Waterproof phone case
- Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
- VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)
Additional Personal Items:
- Refillable water bottle
- Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
- Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
- Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
- Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
- Book or e-reader
- Journal or notepad
Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. If possible, leave valuable items at home or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!
European Travel Tips
Money:
- Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
- Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Also, avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs, as they charge many conversion fees.
- Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something.
- Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and you won't get a good conversion if they do.
- If a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro, always use the local currency, Euro.
- Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
- If you leave a tip anywhere, round it up—no need to tip out the standard 20%.
- Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.
Financial Safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash publicly.
- Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
- Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
- Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges or transactions.
- Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
- Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
- Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.
Personal Safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
- Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
- Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
- Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
- Be wary of strangers who approach.
- Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
- Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
- Always keep emergency contact information with you.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.
Transportation:
- Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
- Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
- Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.
Meet Your Host
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. Amy works as an online mental health therapist when she is not leading international retreats. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats.
To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).
Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
What’s included
- AccommodationsHighly rated hotel accommodations
- Airport TransfersAirport Transfers in to Rome and out of Venice
- MealsAll meals as listed in the itinerary
- Train TicketsTrain tickets from Rome-Florence - Venice
- Vatican CityPrivate guided tour of the Vatican City
- Classic & Imperial RomePrivate guided tour of classic and imperial Rome with lunch
- Florence & AccademiaPrivate guided tour of Florence, with Accademia
- Siena & San GimignanoPrivate guided tour of Siena & San Gimignano with lunch
- TuscanyPrivate guided tour of Tuscany with Chianti Wine Tasting and lunch
- Venice TourDoge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Group Guided Tour
- Skip-The-Line TicketsEntry tickets for all sites and museums listed in itinerary
- GratuityGratuity for guides and meals
- Private Guide and DriverPrivate local guide and driver for our group only
What’s not included
- FlightsInternational flights to and from Italy. Arrival in to Rome and departure from Venice
- Personal TippingPersonal tipping for spa staff, bellmen, housekeeping, etc.
- Additional ExcursionsAny additional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary
- Additional food/ drinksAny additional food and drinks you may want to purchase
Available Packages
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Solo Occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Available options
International Airfare purchased by WWR
Travel Insurance purchased by WWR
Itinerary
Welcome to Italy! When you exit with your luggage, please look for Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, who will be holding a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. Private transfer to your hotel is included.
You will have free time today to explore as you wish until the group dinner and orientation. The retreat officially starts at the welcome dinner on this day.
Please pack light, as space is limited. Due to limited space in the vehicles and on the trains, you can only bring one suitcase and a handbag or backpack.
Depending on when you arrive, you may have free time before the retreat starts. Here are some suggestions for optional excursions that you can book on your own. Please book in advance to ensure space.
3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori
Rome Highlights by Golf Cart: Private Tour
Please meet in the lobby at 7:00 PM for a brief meet and greet before walking to dinner as a group.
7:30 PM: We have a group dinner reservation at Pro Loco Pinciano, right around the corner from our hotel.
Hotel/Lodging: