Lake Como & the Dolomites - June
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 is currently an UNCONFIRMED tour.
We’ll email you when the tour is confirmed. You will be informed as soon as possible and at least three months before your tour start date.
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, and evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue, air ambulance, and repatriation. Coverage amounts beyond our minimum threshold are 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 thoroughly examine the reviews of individual insurance companies. 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 to 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 2027 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 your booking period.
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 2027 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.
7a. Included / Non-Included Transfers:
Milan hotel to Lake Como hotel transfer is included. Milan airport to Milan hotel transfer is not included (see arrival details below).
7b. Arrival Details
If you’re flying in from a North American city, you’ll typically arrive in Italy the calendar day after your departure.
To clarify, you need to arrive in Milan a day early from our tour start date — June 21st.
On June 22nd, please be available for pickup in Milan (the exact time will be provided closer to the tour date).
Our guide will collect you from your Milan hotel. Not to worry – you’ll receive detailed instructions on meeting our guide closer to the date.
Some guests fly into Italy a few days before—if you can spare the time, that’s a great idea.
8. Departure Day.
8a: Included/Non-Included Transfers:
Dolomites area to Milan city center hotel or train station transfers are included. Milan hotels to Milan airports are not.
8b. Departure Details
The last day of your tour is June 30th. This is a check-out and travel day after breakfast. We will transfer you back to Milan (either to a hotel you have booked to extend your stay or to Milan Central Train Station). Be sure to book return flights departing no earlier than 4 p.m. Our estimated arrival time at Milan Central is 1 pm. Journey time is approximately 4 hours.
9. Airports (Milan)
Milan Airport Travel Tips
Milan has two airports:
Malpensa (MXP) – 28 miles / 45 km from the city center
Linate (LIN) – 5 miles / 8 km from the city center
1) Milan Linate Airport (LIN) — closest airport
Distance to city center: ~8 km (about 5 miles)
Here are your travel options:
A) Metro (M4 “Blue Line”) — fastest and cheapest (but not necessarily the easiest)
Direct metro access from Linate into Milan.
Operating hours: approx. 5:20 am to 12:20 am; at night, service is replaced by the NM4 night bus.
Ticket: €2.20 for 90 minutes in the central zones of Milan
Ticket purchase: Purchase these tickets directly at the Metro station (you’ll find machines at every station)
Best if you’re staying near a metro stop or want the simplest “no traffic” route.
B) Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale — fast, cheap, and pretty straightforward, especially with luggage
The dedicated Linate Shuttle connects the airport with Milano Centrale.
Fare: €7 one-way or €12 return (return valid for a month); tickets can be purchased on board (and online). We suggest purchasing them once at the airport or on board.
Pick-up locations: Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – bus stop located just outside the Arrivals area (follow the signs for Shuttle Bus / Linate Shuttle). In the city: Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale – Piazza Luigi di Savoia)
Timetable: daily service from 5:30 am to 10 pm, every 30 minutes, journey time 25 minutes.
From Milano Centrale train station, you can then catch a taxi to your hotel.
Best choice if you want a cheap and direct ride to Centrale and don’t want to navigate the metro with bags.
C) Taxi — simplest door-to-door
There are official taxi ranks outside arrivals (always use the official stand).
Pricing: Linate taxis are metered (no flat airport fare), so costs vary with traffic and time of day.
A common ballpark for central Milan is around €20–€25 (traffic/time can change this).
D) Private car transfer (pre-booked)
Fixed price, meet-and-greet pickup. Good for groups, late arrivals, or those who don’t want to think after just getting off a long-haul flight and want to be greeted and taken to the hotel. We can set up a driver to pick you up.
You can also book a private transfer via your hotel or a reputable licensed provider.
Private Transfer Costs: Linate Airport to Central Milan Hotel organized by Italian Fix
Up to 2 people – Starting at $150
From 3-7 people – Starting at $175
N.B Rates are increased by 20% on:
Sundays
Stat Holidays
Between 10 pm and 6 am
If you are interested in Italian Fix organizing your private transfer, please email us at ciao@italianfix.com with your flight details, and we will provide you with an accurate quote.
2) Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — main international hub
Distance to city center: ~45 km (about 28 miles)
Here are your travel options:
A) Train (Malpensa Express) — best overall (travel time: 1 hour)
Direct service between Malpensa and Milan train stations, including Milano Centrale.
Fare: €15 one-way for trips to/from Milan stations.
Great if you want reliability and to avoid city traffic.
Official site for schedules and tickets: https://www.malpensaexpress.it/
Our advice: Purchase your tickets once you land in Milan at the airport or at the train station from a ticket machine or ticket office.
B) Shuttle bus to Milan Central (fast, cheap, and pretty straightforward, especially with luggage)
The dedicated Malpensa Shuttle connects the airport with Milano Centrale.
Fare: €10 one-way or €18 return (return valid for a month); tickets can be purchased on board (and online). We suggest purchasing them once at the airport or on board.
Main departure points:
Pick-up locations: At the Airport: Terminal 1: Bus stop located outside Arrivals – Exit 4, marked “Malpensa Shuttle”; Terminal 2: Bus stop directly outside the terminal, next to the arrivals area. In the city: Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale – Piazza Luigi di Savoia)
Timetable: Daily service from Milan Centrale station: 3:45 am to 11 pm; from Malpensa Airport: 5 am to 12:30 am. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes, and the journey time is about 50 minutes
From Milano Centrale train station, you can then catch a taxi to your hotel.
Best choice if you want a cheap and direct ride to Centrale and don’t want to navigate the metro with bags.
B) Taxi — fastest door-to-door, but more expensive
Malpensa has an official fixed taxi fare of € 110 between Malpensa and Milan (city).
Always take taxis from the official airport taxi line/rank.
D) Private car transfer (pre-booked)
Fixed price, meet-and-greet pickup. Good for groups, late arrivals, or those who don’t want to think after just getting off a long-haul flight and want to be greeted and taken to the hotel. We can set up a driver to pick you up.
You can also book a private transfer via your hotel or a reputable licensed provider.
Private Transfer Costs: Malpensa Airport to Central Milan Hotel Organized by Italian Fix
Up to 2 people – Starting at $250
From 3-7 people – Starting at $275
N.B Rates are increased by 20% on:
Sundays
Stat Holidays
Between 10 pm and 6 am
If you are interested in Italian Fix organizing your private transfer, please email us at ciao@italianfix.com with your flight details, and we will provide you with an accurate quote.
Practical arrival tips (worth knowing)
Avoid taxi scams: do not accept rides from anyone approaching you inside the terminal. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals.
Confirm the plan before you get in: for metered taxis (especially from LIN), ask for an estimated total and whether surcharges apply (night/holiday/luggage can affect totals).
If you’re staying near Milano Centrale, the LIN shuttle and MXP shuttle are the simplest “airport → Centrale” solutions.
b) Hotels (Milan)
If you are staying near Milan Malpensa Airport, we suggest the following hotels for a night before your flight home. Our search requirements for this are hotels only, with an airport shuttle.
The Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel – If you’d like room service, an indoor pool, and to be literally located at Terminal 1 – look no further than The Sheraton. You’re looking at paying more than at other hotels, but there is no travel time to and from the airport, the rooms are soundproof, and there is an in-house restaurant and spa.
Hotel Villa Malpensa – Just 800 meters from the airport. If you want an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a buffet breakfast starting at 6 am, Hotel Villa Malpensa has you covered. Add in convenient airport shuttle service, and you’re set for a smooth start or end to your trip. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and you’re just minutes from the terminals without paying premium airport-hotel prices.
Holiday Inn Express Milan-Malpensa Airport by IHG Just 3 km from the airport. If you need a simple, comfortable stay with air conditioning and reliable airport shuttle service, this is a solid choice. It’s practical, convenient, and easy on the wallet, making it perfect for quick trips or early flights.
Mo.om – Something modern and about 10 minutes from the airport is a 4-star hotel. This hotel also has spa services, a restaurant, an airport shuttle bus, and an outdoor pool for a more zen atmosphere. Good to note this is half the price of the Sheraton!
Tribe Milano Malpensa, only 2 km from the airport, offers a stylish stay with an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. Modern rooms, vibrant design, and easy access to the terminals make it a great pick for both business and leisure travelers.
Hotel tip: Always book directly with the hotel, not through a third party such as Booking.com, in order to obtain the best rates. While booking, send in your flight details and request your airport transfers so you have one less thing to worry about later.
Hotels in Milan Center
If you are looking to stay in a hotel in the city center, here are our top choices:
Hotel Gran Duca di York – This is where our guides stay. Located in the heart of Milan within walking distance of the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it combines a classic atmosphere with modern comforts. Rooms are air‑conditioned and offer free Wi‑Fi, premium bedding, flat‑screen TVs, and complimentary stocked minibars, while some come with a terrace. Start your day with a generous free continental‑style breakfast, then enjoy amenities like a 24‑hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, and an on‑site bar/lounge. With its charming historic setting and central location, it’s a practical and comfortable base for exploring the city.
Agave in Centrale – Located near Milano Centrale, this stylish aparthotel offers air‑conditioned rooms with free Wi‑Fi, kitchenettes, and smart TVs. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast, relax in the garden, or make use of the fitness center and luggage storage. With transport links on your doorstep, it’s a convenient base for exploring Milan.
B&B Hotel Milano Aosta – Also near the train station and a practical choice for city stays. Rooms are modern and air‑conditioned with free Wi‑Fi and smart TVs, and you’ll find a rooftop terrace overlooking the square. There’s a 24‑hour front desk, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping to keep things smooth, plus a breakfast buffet available each morning for a fee. With comfortable basics and excellent transport links right on your doorstep, it’s ideal for travelers who want convenience and value without fuss.
Duomo Hotel & Apartments – Located steps from the Duomo and the heart of Milan’s fashion and historic districts, this modern aparthotel offers stylish, air‑conditioned rooms and apartments with free Wi‑Fi, kitchenettes or dining areas, and city views. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast, a 24‑hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, and easy access to transport and sightseeing right outside the door. With its super‑central location and practical comforts, it’s a great choice for sightseeing stays.
Palazzo Segreti – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Milan, just steps from the Duomo and La Scala. Elegant rooms and suites feature air‑conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, and many have terraces. A buffet breakfast, a chic café, and 24‑hour concierge service make it a convenient and sophisticated base.
Hotels Near the Linate Airport
Moxy Milan Linate Airport – If you’re after a modern, fun stay just minutes from the terminal, Moxy is a great pick. This is a trendy, design-forward hotel with a lively bar, social spaces, and a younger vibe overall. You’ll pay a bit more than at basic airport hotels, but you get stylish rooms, soundproofing, and a convenient location close to Linate without feeling stuck in a dull airport hotel.
Hotel NH Linate – If comfort, reliability, and good value are your priorities, NH Linate ticks all the boxes. Located close to Milan Linate Airport, it’s well-reviewed for its clean, spacious rooms and quiet atmosphere. It’s not flashy, but you get a solid restaurant, friendly service, and easy access to both the airport and the city, ideal for an overnight stay or early flight.
Novotel Milano Linate Aeroporto – If you want more space and amenities, Novotel is a strong choice near Linate. This larger hotel offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness facilities, and good transport connections into Milan.
What to Do in Milan
1. Quadrilatero della Moda – The Fashion “Golden Rectangle”
Milan’s luxury shopping district, home to designer boutiques like Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Perfect for fashion lovers.
One of Milan’s most important contemporary art spaces, featuring rotating exhibitions, installations, and innovative cultural projects.
3. Armani/Silos
Giorgio Armani’s personal museum showcases his iconic designs, collections, and the evolution of his fashion empire.
4. Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
The city’s iconic Gothic cathedral with stunning architecture, intricate stained glass, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Milan. It’s typically open daily (cathedral and archaeological area from about 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with terraces extending later on weekends). Advance tickets recommended; you can book on their official website.
5. The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano)
Experience Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie. A must-see masterpiece of Renaissance art. Viewing times are generally Tuesday–Sunday (approx. 8:15 AM – 7:00 PM with last entry before 6:45 PM), and tickets book out well in advance on their official website.
6. Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Opera House)
One of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, hosting opera, ballet, and concerts in its historic theater dating back to 1778. It’s located in the elegant Piazza della Scala. Visit their official website for more info and tickets.
Milan Restaurant Suggestions
1. This restaurant overlooks the Duomo and is an excellent spot; expect fine dining, but it’s not a gouge. Make sure it’s the location “Da Giacomo Arengario,” as this is the only “Da Giacomo” that overlooks the Duomo (other locations in the city). You can book online, and the “terrace/outside” seating has the best view and is recommended.
2. Lunch: On the other side of the Duomo, atop the La Rinascente department store, you’ll find a casual rooftop restaurant. It’s perfect for a relaxed lunch while enjoying stunning views of the cathedral.
3. Lunch when shopping near the designer shops: Salumaio di Montenapoleone is the best people-watching, right inside the Quadrilatero della Moda (this is where to go in the city for serious Milan shopping of designer stores — very pretty area of the city, 15 minutes’ walk from the Duomo).
4. A Santa Lucia. Just 8 minutes from the Duomo, A Santa Lucia is a classic Neapolitan-style restaurant known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere and excellent seafood and pasta dishes. It’s a great option when you want a more traditional Milan dining experience away from the busiest tourist crowds while still remaining centrally located. The restaurant has an old-world charm, attentive service, and a refined local clientele, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner after exploring the historic center.
Other restaurants recommended by our hotel (10 minutes by foot from Hotel Gran Duca di York)
Cantina della Vetra – Intimate and rustic; highly recommended by the hotel.
Locanda alla Scala – Features a charming secret garden courtyard.
Trattoria La Colonna – A historic Milanese restaurant.
Ronchi 78 – Milan’s first wine bar, home to Italy’s first female sommelier, with live music.
Sofia Loren – Perfect spot for pizza.
10. Daily Itinerary (All itineraries are subject to change.)
DAY 1 – Tuesday, June 22
Your driver will collect you in Milan and whisk you north to Lake Como. We’ll make a quick stop along the way before arriving at our tranquil home base in Varenna. You’ll feel worlds away from the crowds in this peaceful village. After settling in, we’ll take a short walk into town before gathering for our first dinner together at a traditional trattoria Sleep: Varenna (Lake Como)
DAY 2 – Wednesday, June 23
Today is all about soaking up the beauty of Lake Como. We’ll visit Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi for a stroll through their gardens. After lunch we’ll hop a private boat and cruise past some of the lake’s most iconic towns, including Bellagio, where you’ll have free time to wander the winding lanes and shop (the Como-made silk scarves are a typical souvenir). Sleep: Varenna (Lake Como)
DAY 3 – Thursday, June 24
We cross the border into Switzerland today for a ride on the legendary train, the Bernina Express. This UNESCO-listed train journey has been running since 1908 and is the highest railway in Europe, reaching an elevation of 7,392 feet (2,253 meters). You’ll glide past glaciers and meadows as you slice through the Swiss Alps, as the route links the stylish town of St. Moritz with Tirano, Italy. After free time in St. Moritz to explore and grab lunch. We’ll head back to Lake Como by private car. Tonight we’re back at Lake Como so you can have some free time. Sleep: Varenna (Lake Como)
DAY 4 – Friday, June 25
Today we leave the lake behind and head to the town of Brixen (called Bressanone in Italian). Over 75% of locals speak German, and you’ll feel more like you’re in Austria than Italy. You’ll check into a grand historic hotel. Once a stop on the medieval trading routes, Brixen is where Italians and Europeans come to relax, eat well, and soak up the alpine atmosphere. It’s at 1,840 feet (560 meters) and has great weather in late June: cool evenings of 59°F (15°C) and highs of 81°F (27°C), with long days of sunshine. After settling into our hotel right in the center, we’ll have a walking tour together. Sleep: Brixen/Bressanone (Dolomites)
DAY 5 – Saturday, June 26
The morning is yours to do whatever you please. There is a beautiful spa at the hotel. We’re right in the main village, so you can walk and wander anywhere as it’s very safe and easy. This is a typical Tyrolean small town along a river, and the tidy pastel buildings and pretty sidewalks are perfect for exploring and shopping, and everything is accessible on foot. In the afternoon, we’ll head out together to explore the surrounding countryside with our driver. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at a traditional alpine inn that’s been serving hearty Tyrolean cuisine for generations. Sleep: Brixen/Bressanone (Dolomites)
DAY 6 – Sunday, June 27
Today we set out to explore some of the villages nestled in the valleys around Brixen. Each has its own unique energy, shaped by centuries of mountain life and the region’s dual cultural identity. Your guide will share stories from the region’s history, and you’ll have the chance to stop for photos, shopping, and a leisurely lunch. Return to Brixen and enjoy some free time. Sleep: Brixen/Bressanone (Dolomites)
DAY 7 – Monday, June 28
We continue our journey through the mountains. Jenesien (called San Genesio in Italian) is a village 20 minutes north of Bolzano, 3608 feet (1100 meters) above sea level. Settle into your new mountain home and take the rest of the day to unwind — this part of the tour officially kicks off the “R&R” part of our trip. We have no daily itinerary planned for Days 7 & 8, but your guide is happy to help if you want assistance. The spa and the beauty of the natural refuge in the Dolomites invite you to gear down. There is a gorgeous sky pool with views over the mountains. There are multiple saunas at various temperatures and purposes, a steam room, and relaxation areas. We’re specifically coming to this hotel because of its wellness areas and the unique atmosphere of a South Tyrolean escape where Europeans come to chill out. Dinner is served each night in the hotel’s dining room, and we eat together as a group. Sleep: Jenesien/San Genesio (Dolomites)
DAY 8 – Tuesday, June 29
Today is your day to rest and rejuvenate in the forest spa of the hotel or take a swim in the sky pool. Not a spa creature? The Monzoccolo/Tschögglberg is one of the sunniest hiking regions in South Tyrol. There are chestnut, spruce, and larch trees along the hiking trails, which form a network of over 500 miles (800 kilometers). You can also take the 8-minute cable car ride from Jenesien to Bolzano. However you choose to spend the day, you’ll end it feeling deeply restored by the fresh air and the beauty of the forests. Decide on the spot if you’d like to do a lot or a little today, as it’s truly a place to unwind and recalibrate. Tonight we’ll eat together as a group in the hotel dining room for our final celebration meal. Sleep: Jenesien/San Genesio (Dolomites)
DAY 9 – Wednesday, June 30
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the mountains and return to Milan by private transfer, arriving in central Milan by 1 pm. We’ll drop you off at your hotel of choice or at the train station if you have onward travel plans to visit other parts of Italy. If you have a flight today, only book evening departures. Please see the calendar for other tours you can combine with this tour.
Punctuality: Please be punctual for meeting times set for the group by the guides.
13. Book a Spa Experience
Looking to unwind? We can arrange a booking for you at Hotel Saltus, the same hotel where we’ll be staying in the Dolomites. Simply email us at ciao@italianfix.com to get the brochure and book.
14. Try a Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Brixen
If you’d like, you can dine at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant located within Hotel Elephant in Brixen, where we will be staying.
On June 25 and June 27, you will have a free-choice dinner, meaning dinner is not included, and you are free to choose where you would like to dine. For a special culinary experience, you may consider making a reservation at the hotel’s Michelin restaurant.
You can book your table through this link.
Please note: reservations should be made for Friday, June 25, or Sunday, June 27 dinner only.
15. 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.
This is an active trip with multiple hotel check-ins. 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 luggage 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 to travel with only carry-on luggage, so your backpack will count as a “purse.” This means that you’re very agile with just one small rolling piece of luggage.
16. More Packing Tips.
Checking Luggage? Traveling with AirTags (for iPhone) or Tiles (for Android) in your checked luggage allows you to track your luggage’s location.
Carry one spare change of clothes in a carry-on in case checked luggage gets delayed.
Weather: It can be both hot and cool in the same week – June weather can be a mix. You can check the weather in “Lake Como” and “Jenesien/San Genesio” to see the averages between the two ends of the tour.
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’s essential that it has a zipper to close and keep 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.
17. 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 doing 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.
18. Trains (if you’re using them, read this).
If you are arriving in Milan, clearing customs takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale (the central train station downtown) on the Malpensa Express (you can buy tickets in advance online here), or you can get to the station by coach.
Click here to purchase bus tickets to the train station from the airport online and to check out their schedule.
19. Hotel Information – Coming Soon!
20. Important Travel Updates: ETIAS & EES
As you prepare for your upcoming trip to Europe in 2027, please note two important EU border-control systems that affect many non-EU/Schengen travelers.
Entry/Exit System (EES) – Now Fully Operational
The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational across the Schengen Area on 10 April 2026 and is now in use at participating external borders. EES replaces manual passport stamping with an electronic system that records entries and exits for eligible non-EU nationals. Link
Under EES, eligible travelers making their first entry into the Schengen Area will have:
Their passport details registered electronically.
Their entry and exit dates recorded.
Their biometric data collected (fingerprints and a facial image).
For subsequent trips, travelers will generally only need to verify their identity with a facial scan, although procedures may vary slightly by country and border crossing.
No advance application is required for EES. It is a border-control registration system completed when you arrive in Europe.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. Once launched, it will become a requirement for eligible travelers from visa-exempt countries before traveling to participating European countries. The exact launch date has not yet been announced and will be communicated by the European Commission several months in advance.
For 2027 departures:
Some travelers may be required to obtain an approved ETIAS before traveling, depending on their nationality and travel date.
A transitional implementation period is expected following the launch, but requirements may vary during this time. Link
If ETIAS applies to your trip, we will advise you before departure. Please do not apply through unofficial websites. Applications will only be available through the official EU system once it opens.
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
As EES is now fully operational, processing times can be longer at some airports, ports, and land borders—particularly during busy travel periods. We recommend allowing extra time when arriving in Europe and being prepared for possible queues. Link
21. Need support?
We’re always here for you! Email ciao@italianfix.com.