Welcome to the lounge!

The Guest Lounge is a portal where we’ve gathered lots of helpful information for you as you plan your trip. It covers everything from the day-to-day tour itinerary to arrival and departure information to insurance recommendations.

Of course, if you have any questions that still need to be addressed, email us at ciao@italianfix.com.

1. Status of Your Tour.

This tour is now CONFIRMED. You can start making concrete travel plans. 

We’ll send more updates as we approach the trip, including collecting your arrival info. 

2. Insurance. (This is extremely important.)

I) Mandatory Insurance Requirements:

Travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance is required to travel with us, with a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD covering all applicable dates of travel. You will be asked to submit proof of it before you travel. Travel medical insurance must cover personal injury, medical treatment, evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue, air ambulance and repatriation. Recommended coverage amounts beyond our minimum coverage threshold is listed below. 

II) Strongly Recommended Insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance, which covers expenses related to your inability to travel, is highly recommended. Trip cancellation insurance may be your only recourse to receiving reimbursement for non-refundable expenses should your trip be canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether by TBM or by you. You are responsible for understanding the specifics of your travel insurance policy, including the fact that there are no exclusions limiting the coverage you need. If you have insurance coverage already, please check your insurance policy to see if it provides the coverage described above. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance policy details with your insurance provider to ensure TBM’s policy requirements are met and that your needs to be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses are met.  

 

The baseline for coverage we recommend is:

• Trip Cancellation — $10,000 (you should increase this amount if you are spending more than this amount for tours, flights etc.) 

• Trip Interruption – $12,000

• Medical Evacuation – $1,000,000

• Medical Protection – $50,000

You can use Square Mouth to browse policies if you’re American.   If you’re from most other countries, browse options at World Nomads.

III) Potential buyers should exercise caution when considering insurance policies offered through websites that aggregate offerings from multiple companies. It is imperative to examine the reviews of individual insurance companies thoroughly. For instance, SquareMouth retails Tin Leg Insurance, which has garnered overwhelmingly negative feedback. Consequently, it is advisable to explore alternative insurance providers. In closing, do business with reputable companies. Be sure to read the reviews carefully before purchasing your travel insurance. 

Some people are opting for Cancel For Any Reason insurance, which is a lot more expensive but has the most extensive coverage if this is what you desire. We will ask you for a copy of your insurance policy before you travel.  

IV) Refer how to read insurance at this link.

3. Refund & Cancellation Schedule.

Our full Booking Terms & Conditions are at this link. You were emailed a PDF copy upon confirmation. 

As a reference, your payment schedule for 2026 tours is as follows: 

• Once you have paid your $795 deposit, you have two weeks (14 days) to cancel your booking and receive a full cash refund.

• After this two-week grace period has passed, the $795 deposit becomes non-refundable.

• The remaining balance for your tour is due within two weeks (14 days) of your trip deposit. In some circumstances, such as promotional early booking periods, we may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the balance in installments. The payment options available to you depend on which period you are booking in. 

• Regardless of which payment options you are offered at the time of booking, all monies collected are non-refundable, except where we cancel a tour. 

• Our system is automated, and a receipt of payment is emailed to you when a payment is processed. If we cannot process a payment, we will notify you. Please review your receipt and contact ciao@italianfix.com if you have questions.

4. Cancellation Process Initiated by Guest.

Please write to ciao@italianfix.com to initiate a cancellation, and we will provide an official cancellation letter you can use to submit to your insurance, if applicable. 

5. Switching Tour Dates.

You can switch to another tour in our 2026 season at no additional charge up to 100 days or more before your tour start date (subject to availability), but never between 99 and 0 days before the tour.

6. Transfer Policy.

Subject to certain conditions, you may transfer your tour booking to another person 100 days or more before a tour. This is subject to availability and never between 99 and 0 days before a tour. 

 

7. Arrival in Italy.

If you’re flying in from a North American city, you’ll typically arrive in Italy the calendar day after the day of your departure.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ARRIVAL: Though our tour officially starts on September 15th, we leave after breakfast that day for the islands. This means you MUST plan to be in Naples by the DAY BEFORE, on September 14th. Our driver will collect you from the Naples hotel of your choice on September 15th.

 

8. Choosing a Naples Hotel

Naples is an overwhelming city; quite chaotic and raw. Choose a hotel we recommend, and book a hotel early because if you change your mind, you can always cancel it. Stay in a central hotel, not an apartment or Airbnb, so you can have a front desk. 

Here is a link to Google Maps showing the Naples hotels listed below. 

• There is a main pedestrian artery in Naples called Via Toledo. 

• These three hotels are close to the pedestrian street: 1) Grand Hotel Oriente, 2) Palazzo Turchini (choose the executive room or the suites, classic rooms are very basic), or Romeo Hotel (5-star, with a spa). 

• These three hotels are near the ocean, one right beside the next, with sea view rooms. 1) Grand Hotel Santa Lucia 2) Grand Hotel Vesuvio (5-star) 3) Royal Continental 

• Arriving late by train in Naples? Choose UnaHotel Napoli, just 500 meters from the train station, so you can walk across the street. Staying around the train station is not close to the main hub of town and is not recommended for longer stays.

 

9. Departure Day.

The last day of your tour is September 20th. This is check-out and travel day—schedule flights in the late afternoon.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DEPARTURE: We will be waking up on departure day on the island of Ischia, which means getting you to the airport in Naples requires a ferry.

This is how the day will go:

• On the morning of September 20th, we will be on Ischia island. After checking out from our hotel after an early breakfast, we will take a ferry from Ischia to the mainland and arrive at Naples airport after 2 p.m. Depending on your needs, we’ll do a Naples airport and Naples city center transfer.

• If the flights you find from Naples leave only very early in the morning, you must consider staying one night in Naples and catching your flight the following day (September 21st). Very early morning departures on the ferry are hectic for you, so you should avoid this.

• The time change from Italy to North America means you will arrive stateside the same day as you depart.

 

10. Airports.

ARRIVAL: Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP)

DEPARTURE: Fly out of Naples International Airport (NAP)

We provide Naples hotel pick-up and transfer to the islands. This includes transfers off the islands back to Naples airport or hotel.

To get from the airport to your hotel, you can arrange a private transfer with your hotel or take a taxi from the taxi line outside the airport.

Alternative airport: Rome (FCO) — This could be a good alternative only if you want to extend your stay and arrive or depart at an alternative airport (or schedule an open-jaw flight — for example, arrive Rome, depart Naples).

Rome to Naples travel is serviced by the bullet train called Italo or state trains Trenitalia.

 

11. Daily Itinerary (All itineraries are subject to change.)

 

DAY 1 – Tuesday, September 15

We’ll collect you from your Naples hotel before lunch and head down to the port to catch the hydrofoil to Ischia, a 50-minute ride. We’ll check into our spa hotel, just minutes from the port. Our hotel is within walking distance of all amenities. Ischia is known for its thermal waters, and we’ve chosen a spa hotel so you can soak in these healing waters anytime you like during your stay. We’ll have lunch and visit the castle because the view is incredible. The 5-star hotel images are here. Sleep: Ischia

 

DAY 2 – Wednesday, September 16

Our first full day on Ischia includes a tour of the island (it’s bigger than you think and has a lot of small villages), so you can get the lay of the land with our private driver and guide. We’ll dine at a local trattoria for lunch, but we also have a visit to a cantina and wine tasting scheduled. Lots of great food and wine (or non-alcoholic beverages) are always on our minds. Free time on your own so you can shop and wander. Sleep: Ischia

 

DAY 3 – Thursday, September 17

Today we’ll spend the day on the island of Capri. You’ll cruise the coast on our private boat. That classic shot of you living your best life with the Faraglioni (those steep rock formations in all the shots of Capri) behind you isn’t going to take itself. You’ll tour Capri with your guide, then have some free time. We’ll travel back to Ischia before dinnertime. Sleep: Ischia

 

DAY 4 – Friday, September 18

Spend a day of pure relaxation at the renowned thermal baths, frequented by Europeans in the know who travel from all corners of the continent to experience this oasis. Spanning acres of gardens and featuring a pretty beach and pools, along with a wine bar and multiple dining areas, this destination promises rejuvenation. Massages and other services are available to book for additional fees. Sleep: Ischia 

 

DAY 5 – Saturday, September 19

One of the highlights of our journey is visiting Procida, currently known only among savvy travelers. In 2022, it became Italy’s first island to win the prestigious Capital of Culture award, receiving a million-euro prize to preserve its rich cultural heritage. Procida is often overshadowed by more glamorous islands nearby, which is exactly why we’re going. Sleep: Ischia

 

DAY 6 – Sunday, September 20

Check-out and departure day with transfer back to Naples. You might even be heading to another Italian Fix trip after this. View the calendar to see all of your options. Whatever you need, we’ll help. Buon viaggio! 

Punctuality: Please be punctual for meeting times set for the group by the guides.

12. Book a Spa Experience

Need some relaxation? We can arrange a booking for you at Giardini Poseidon, the largest thermal park, where you can soak, unwind, and recharge. Simply email us at ciao@italianfix.com.

13. Luggage.

Please pack accordingly. Remember that you must be able to lift or roll your suitcase independently. We do have porters at hotels, but there are still instances where you will have to manage your luggage on your own. 

The best combination for this tour is a backpack you can use as carry-on luggage on your flight and one medium-sized (or large) checked bag that is not full when you arrive, so you have room to take shopping home with you. We don’t recommend traveling with two large suitcases, as they’re difficult to manage. We do not have luggage restrictions, and you can bring what you like. 

Some people prefer all carry-on luggage, so your backpack will count as a “purse.” This means that you’re very agile with just one small rolling luggage.

14. More Packing Tips.

• Checking Luggage? Traveling with Airtags (for iPhone) or Tiles (for Android) in your checked luggage allows you to track your luggage location.

• Carry one spare change of clothes in a carry-on, just in case checked luggage gets delayed.

• Weather: It can be hot and cool all in the same week – the weather in September can be a mix. You can check the weather on Ischia to see the averages.  

Clothes: Bring a variety of clothes for all weather situations. Things to consider are:

• A jacket (not too heavy) for cool or wet weather. Bring it in your carry-on luggage so you can wear it on your flight if it’s cold. 

• A long-sleeved shirt – you can layer this under a jacket for a day if it rains.

• Comfortable clothes suitable for a travel day (for example, when traveling on our bus).

• Clothes you could wear in the day that are practical for an afternoon of sightseeing. For example, a cotton or linen T-shirt and shorts or a dress. 

• Clothes you could wear at night — out to dinner. For example, pants and a top.

• Something suitable for a boat, a beach, or a pool. (Plus, a hat that can get thrown in luggage.)

Shoes: The basics are:

• A very practical pair of sneakers/runners. Your “daily drivers” for sightseeing.

• Pair of sandals/open shoes. This secondary shoe could alternate with the above.

• Maybe—depending on whether you want a third pair—something dressy (but not too dressy). Wear them to dinner, but be able to walk well in them on cobblestones. 

 

Daily Bag/Purse

• A lightweight purse or backpack—it must have a zipper to close belongings inside. This is your “daily driver.” I like a crossbody purse, but think of your preferences for a day of sightseeing.

• We also like to bring another bag (it can be as simple as a cloth tote, as fancy as a large purse, or as utilitarian as a backpack). For example, packing a jacket and the shopping you’ve bought.

15. FAQ’s. 

Do you recommend we exchange currency at the airports or once we land?

• For the best exchange rate, withdraw money from an Italian ATM. Some people like to arrive with €100 emergency cash (you can order this from your bank before you travel; be aware of lead time), but Italy uses contactless pay almost everywhere. 

How much walking-around cash do you suggest for the week, and where can I exchange it? I might get some trinkets and gelato, but I won’t be going on a major shopping trip.

• When you arrive in Italy, just take out cash at the airport ATM. A couple of hundred is a ballpark figure. You’ll also pay for a few meals, but you can put those on a credit card.

16. Naples Advice.

What do you recommend doing in Naples before the tour? 

• Walk the main pedestrian street and down to Castel dell’Ovo.

• If you want to go on a guided tour, there is a fascinating “underground Naples,” and you could do this with a tour like this company (we have no affiliations)

• Food: Naples is best known for its pizza and pastries. So make sure you visit a pizzeria and a pasticceria. Depending on where you stay in the city — the best ones are the ones easy to get to — so ask your concierge at the hotel for their recommendations (Bianca loves the classic place like Gino Sorbillo Antica Pizzeria – Via dei Tribunali 32)

17. Hotel Information

Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa

Via Emanuele Gianturco, 19, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy

+39 081 991522

18. Important Travel Updates: ETIAS & EES is a new travel requirement in 2026. 

As you prepare for your upcoming trip, please note two key EU border-control changes that will affect non-EU/Schengen nationals:

• The Entry/Exit System (EES) is currently in effect 

• The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is to come into effect in late 2026

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Entry/Exit System (EES) – Launch date: April 10, 2026

• On 12 October 2025, the EU began its phased rollout of the EES for non-EU nationals entering or exiting the Schengen Area. Link

• EES officially became fully operational on 10 April 2026. This means the system is now live across participating European countries, although implementation at individual borders may still vary. Link

• Under EES, third-country nationals traveling for short stays will have their travel document data, entry/exit dates, and, for their first crossing, biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) registered electronically. Link

• After the first registration, return crossings may only require a facial scan (depending on country/port) rather than a full fingerprint & photo each time. Reuters

• No prior online application is needed for EES. It’s a border-control registration system, not a travel authorization. RAC

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European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – Expected launch: late 2026

• The ETIAS rollout has been delayed. It is now expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, not in 2025.
  As of now, no precise date has been announced, and no action is required of visa-exempt travelers.

• ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain online authorization before entering the Schengen Area. You cannot currently apply for an ETIAS. Link

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What to expect when entering Europe:

• 

  Go directly to passport control

• 

  You may be directed to a kiosk

• 

  Provide: Passport, fingerprints, facial scan

• 

  The border officer will complete registration

Some airports are experiencing long wait times, while others are temporarily easing or adjusting implementation to reduce delays. You must leave extra time for this process. 

19. Need support?

We’re always here for you! Email ciao@italianfix.com.