FAQ

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If you don’t see the answers you are looking for on this page, click on the CONTACTS page and email your questions!

Is airfare included?

All airfare costs are your responsibility. STEPS in Tuscany will provide ground transportation depending on your itinerary:

• If you fly into Rome, STEPS in Tuscany can arrange transportation to and from Florence at your expense.

• If your entire group is flying together into the Florence airport, STEPS in Tuscany will provide round-trip ground transportation to your accommodations at no expense to you.

• If your entire group is traveling by train from other cities to meet at the main train station in Florence, the Firenze SMN, STEPS in Tuscany will provide round-trip ground transportation to and from your accommodations at no expense to you.

• If you are joining a group, you are responsible for your travel expenses to the main train station in Florence, Firenze SMN. Round-trip ground transportation will be provided by STEPS in Tuscany at no expense to you — to the farmhouse (Il Vichiaccio) OR to your accommodations in the city center.

Should I take out travel insurance?

YES!!! Always a good idea! LIFE happens and it’s always good to be covered!

How do I reserve a place in STEPS in Tuscany?

Ready to reserve your spot? Click on the CONTACT page and email me! I will get back to you as quickly as possible with details on how to make your reservation.

Please note that 50% of the total fee is due at the time of reservation, and the balance is due at least 60 days before the first day of the tour. If you are making your reservation within 60 days from the first day of the tour, then 100% of fee is due at when reservation is made. All fees are non-refundable.

What is included in a STEPS in Tuscany tour? Will I need any extra money?

STEPS in Tuscany is an ALL INCLUSIVE tour package that includes all fees for daily transportation, activities on your itinerary and meals*.

*Costs for the welcome apertivo, dinner and pizza party are included in the ALL INCLUSIVE package fee. Wine, prosecco, beer and bottled water is also included for these onsite events.

Upon arrival, STEPS in Tuscany will collect 40 Euro per person to enable the purchase of coffee, tea, milk, fresh fruit, yogurt, continental breakfast items and snacks to stock for convenience in your shared kitchen.

Please note on your itinerary there may be an “OYO”(On Your Own) lunch which will be your responsibility. This will most likely be on a day where you are scheduled to have free time for shopping and exploring.

Information about tipping will be provided on your itinerary.

What happens after I book a STEPS in Tuscany tour?

Once you have reserved your STEPS in Tuscany Experience and paid your deposit, there will be a few forms that you will need to complete, date and sign (for each person in your group). These documents include an Accident Waiver/Release of Liability Form, a Cancellation Policy & Agreement Form, and a Travel Questionnaire (for food allergies, transportation details, optional excursions, etc.).

While you are gathering your information for completing these forms, you will need to check your passport to be sure it will be valid for the dates you are traveling to Italy. Also, please make a photocopy of your passport and bring it with you so you can give a copy to a STEPS in Tuscany representative when you check-in. This photocopy is required by Italian law for all tourists when entering a venue. There is a tourist tax fee required at each venue, and STEPS in Tuscany will take care of paying these taxes at all planned venues as required by law.

What travel documents do I need ?

You will need a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of travel. You will also need to bring a photocopy of your valid passport to give to a STEPS in Tuscany LLC staff member when you check-in. As required by Italian law, a photocopy of each guest’ passport will be provided to the manager of your accommodations. STEPS in Tuscany will take care of providing all copies of passports and paying all tourist taxes.

Where is the best place to buy Euros?

The best place to get Euros is from your debit or credit card in the ATM’s in Italy. Most require a PIN number to receive cash. They are in abundance in every city and they give the best daily rates. I do not advise bringing US dollars to convert. The banks charge a high fee and a higher exchange rate.

BE SURE TO NOTIFY YOUR BANK THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING OUT OF THE COUNTRY!!

How do I communicate with friends and family in the US from Italy?

If you don’t have an international calling plan on your cell phone, STEPS in Tuscany suggests that you explore using the WhatsApp on your cell phone.

WhatsApp is a free app that everyone in your traveling group and everyone back at home can download on their phones so you can stay in touch. All you need is Wi-fi for it to work properly. (If you are staying in the farmhouse, there is free Wi-fi there.) Text, photos and short videos can be sent via WhatsApp. I would also suggest that you practice using it before you leave the US so that everyone is comfortable with how it works.

What amenities are in the farmhouse?

In the restored 15th-century farmhouse, there are 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Each bedroom can accommodate two people. On the ground level, this bedroom has 1 Queen bed with a walk-in shower. On the second floor, there are 3 bedrooms; each can be arranged with either 2 Twins or 1 Queen bed. The two upstairs bathrooms are also equipped with walk-in showers. Each bathroom has bath towels and a blow dryer. The property also has a fully-equipped kitchen, free Wi-fi, an outside hot tub, and a washer and dryer (for small loads).

Note: The rooms are available first come / first served. So, if you are joining another group, your room selection is determined upon availability. If you are renting the entire farmhouse, your guests may select their room of choice.

What if I have limited mobility issues or other physical disabilities?

If you or anyone in your group has limited mobility, please communicate your concerns in advance so that STEPS in Tuscany can discuss your needs.

What are the Terms and Conditions?

Please note that the costs for each STEPS in Tuscany LLC Experience is based on a pre-set number of participants for accommodations, transportation, excursions and meals. Therefore, all monies are non-refundable. If you find that you have to cancel your reservation, please attempt to find another traveler to take your spot in the group. You will be responsible for retrieving all monies from that participant and acceptance of the replacement participant is up to the discretion of STEPS in Tuscany LLC.

Terms and Conditions: 50% of total fee is due at time of booking, and the balance payment is due 60 days prior to first day of tour. Reservations are cancelled if final payment is not received by the due date, cancellation penalties apply as noted here.

STEPS in Tuscany LLC, reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour departure for any reason including insufficient demand or force majeure. If a tour is cancelled prior to departure, STEPS in Tuscany LLC’s only responsibility will be to refund the amount received for the tour. STEPS in Tuscany LLC will try to rebook the same tour with a different departure date, or a similar tour but there is no guarantee of availability of offering. STEPS in Tuscany LLC cannot assume responsibility for any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not made through STEPS in Tuscany LLC.  

STEPS in Tuscany LLC recommends the purchase of Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance prior to travel.