Hello from the “Green Heart Of Italy” –

I just flew into Rome on Monday and drove up to the historic walled medieval village of Montone, Umbria, Italy to check on the remodeling project we are doing at our new Hotel Fortebraccio. It’s a lot of fun to see how we can take this 31-room hotel and transform it into a stunning 4-star boutique Umbrian hotel. Executive Travel purchased this hotel in March, and within days our team of carpenters, painters and workers started the journey to make this boutique hotel the pride of all Umbria. This hotel is only about 200 yards away from our stunning www.VillaDestinoItaly.com. The Villa and the hotel are in the center of Italy and allow guests to explore not only Rome and Florence but also the beautiful small villages of Gubbio, Siena, Citta di Castello, Perugia, as well as wineries, cheese shops, and so much more. If you are looking for a great format for a business planning retreat, board meeting or incentive that offers a half day of work in the morning followed by the afternoon of exploring the sites and bites of Italy in the afternoon Hotel Fortebraccio and www.VillaDestinoItaly.com offer you the perfect destination.

Here is my lucky 13 list of the Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make When Visiting Italy

1. Underestimating how much there is to see –  Italy isn’t just Rome, Venice, and Florence. Small towns, hilltop villages, and coastal gems like Cinque Terre and Puglia offer unforgettable experiences without the crowds. I have found that the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my trip are the little medieval villages like Montone, Gubbio, Orvieto, Spello and all the things to see and do in the countryside. 
2. Trying to see everything in one trip –  Packing in too many cities leads to travel fatigue. Choose 2-3 regions and dive deep. My motto for travel this year is “Slow down and Cozy up”. When you are building your itinerary, you should leave one day for every 4 days of your itinerary completely open. I call it the “Exploring the real Italy day” on your trip. 
3. Not validating train tickets – Even with a ticket, if you don’t validate it at the little yellow or green machines before boarding regional trains, you can get fined on the spot.
4. Expecting everything to be open all day – Shops and restaurants often close from 1–4 PM for riposo (siesta). Plan meals and errands around local schedules to avoid frustration. Also, to avoid the heat and tourists in the major cities in the summertime, start your sightseeing early in the morning and try to beat the crowds and heat.
5. Dressing like a tourist – Flip-flops, shorts, and loud clothing scream “foreigner” and attract pickpockets. Italians dress smartly—blend in and you’ll enjoy better service, too. However, always wear your most comfortable shoes. The more comfortable, the better. 
6. Thinking you need a rental car in major cities – Driving in Rome, Florence, or Milan is a nightmare due to limited traffic zones (ZTLs), crazy traffic, and expensive parking. Trains and walking are far better. I can still remember my son Paul driving in Rome during June two years ago and he told me he would never do that again. 
7. Ignoring local customs around food –  No cappuccinos after 11 AM. Don’t ask for Parmesan on seafood pasta. And dinner usually starts after 8 PM. When in Rome—literally—do as the Romans do.
8. Not learning a few basic Italian phrases – A simple buongiorno or grazie goes a long way. Italians appreciate the effort and respond with warmth and better hospitality.
9. Overlooking travel insurance – Lost luggage, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations can turn a dream vacation into a disaster. Don’t leave home without solid coverage. We can help!
10. Failing to book key attractions in advance –  The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery—these sell out fast. Avoid long lines and sold-out signs by booking ahead online. The lines can be four blocks long if you don’t secure an advance reservation. 
11. Forgetting to sign up for an international phone plan – AT&T, Verizon, and other major carriers offer $10/day plans that use your regular number and data abroad. Without one, you could rack up hundreds in roaming charges.
12. Exchanging currency at the airport or using non-bank ATMs –  Airport kiosks and sketchy ATMs often have the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Use a debit card at bank-branded ATMs for the best rates and lowest costs.
13. Skipping reservations for restaurants – In tourist-heavy cities or popular local spots, you’ll often need a reservation, even for lunch. Don’t assume you can just walk in, especially on weekends.
14. Bonus – Use a friendly travel advisor – Sorry, I could not help myself. Let us do all the work and make your travel easy and fun. 

Portugal for Everyone – June 14-25 – Come Along!
Portugal is on many people’s bucket lists, and we are thrilled to invite you on an extraordinary tour, a unique journey! This is your chance to explore over 500 miles of golden beaches, charming villages, soulful Fado music, and a rich history shaped by the Celts, Romans, Moors, and more. From Porto to Lisbon, you will travel in a small group (with a maximum of 25 like-minded travelers) and enjoy exclusive stays in selected 4- and 5-star castle hotels. Highlights include visits to a Barrosã breeding farm, cork plantation, wineries, salt flats, and Port wine cellars. Whether you love history, agriculture, or gourmet food and wine, this tour is guaranteed to be for you! CLICK HERE for the detailed tour brochure – we only have eight spots left! Call or email our friendly group department today to secure your spot(s) today at 888.549.1186 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com

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Need information on any of the above?
Call our friendly travel advisors…
Lincoln – 402-358-8888 Toll-free 800-737-0582