FAQS

Documents Required
As a US citizen, you will need a valid passport. If you hold a passport from another country, you will need to check further as to the proper identification needed for this trip.

Reservations
For reservations and more information, please stop by or call the Alexandria AAA Branch:

AAA Mid-Atlantic
801 N Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-549-1080
Hours: M-F 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday 9 am to 3 pm.

Payments Required
A deposit and balance payment will be required. Please ask your AAA agent for details.

Weather In October
Or more to the point, "How should we pack?" Near the end of October the temperatures become much more "fall-like." Some rain possible. Day time temps can be 55 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit, night time 45 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a sweater, and a jacket just in case.

Clothes
There will be no formal nights on this tour, therefore you can dress casually for most occasions: jeans, skirt and casual tops. There will be a couple of restaurants, although not requiring specific attire, you may feel more comfortable with something other than the casual stated. But no requirements.

Shoes
Shoes are a different matter - remember that the cellars and vineyards are mostly located on fattorie (farms). These will have dirt roads - and combine that with rain and you get muddy shoes. Be sure to bring shoes you don't mind getting muddy, are comfortable for walking and clean easily. An additional pair of shoes is highly advised.

Electronic Devices
Italy, Continental Europe as well as the Uk run on a different current with prongs and receptacles that differ from the US. If you have electronic devices you are bringing, it is advisable to bring adapters and converters - all of which can be found in your local AAA branch.

Transporting Liquids
Similar to the US, the EU Airlines do not allow liquids of more than 3 ounces on board. Bringing back wine (and olive oil) on board will not be possible. You can pack in your suitcase, but there you may risk breakage, theft or confiscation.

Currency & Bringing Cash
The Euro, Europe's currency, has been trading this year anywhere between €1 = $1.55 to $1.60
During the tour you will need to use cash on occasion. It is our advice to bring some Euro with you (100 € should be enough to get started) and use your current ATM card when you need to supplement your cash needs while there. ATM's (called Bancomat in Italy) work seamlessly, mostly provide a choice of language to operate, and provide you with the best rates and flexibility. Be sure to bring two ATM cards in the event that one is lost or destroyed.

Packing Wine
The laws for importing wine into the US are highly regulated, and is not possible to import wine beyond a few bottles carried on your person. Of course because liquids in access of 3 fluid oz, are not permitted in the cabin this leaves the only alternative of packing in your suitcase and risking breakage or confiscation.

Shipping Wine
It is not possible to ship cases of wine from the cellars visited to your local wine store through the distributor affiliated with your store. However this cellar tour has been crafted to bring you to cellars producing wine that is currently found in DC area stores. Not all cellars will be found but most are. A list will be provided in your documentation.

TERMS

Tour Dates
On the ground in Italy arriving October 17, 2009 and departing October 25, 2009.

Cancellation Insurance
To protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances leading to a possible cancellation, it is advised to purchase cancellation insurance for this excursion. Talk with your AAA travel agent at the time of reservation and confirmation.

Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure day are included for the date, time and place as provided in the itinerary. If you have arranged for a flight for arrival or departure outside of the parameters of this itinerary, there may be an additional charge for airport transfer.

Baggage On Coach
For carry on baggage when boarding the coach, certain size and weight restrictions are required in overhead compartments, as required by law for the safety of passengers. It is advised to keep a small carry on only.

Gratuities
All hotel gratuities are included with the price. When meals are featured, those gratuities are also included in the price.

Changes in Itinerary
AAA Mid-Atlantic and its assigns will make every effort to operate its tour as disclosed. However circumstances may arise which would require an adjustment to the tour. We will do all that is possible to avoid such changes, however such modifications may be arranged without notice.

Group Rate
This tour rate is based on a group of 40 passengers. The rate prior to deposit is subject to change based on exchange rate and change to itinerary.

Tour Cost
- Tour cost is $4875 per person based on double, subject to change pending final itinerary. Single supplement $1854
- Deluxe motor coach for the itinerary as described above including all expenses for the coach: City taxes, parking fees, road tolls, accommodation and meals for the driver;
- Professional English speaking Tour Manager throughout;
- Portage of maximum two pieces of luggage per person at Airports and Hotels. More than two bags handled may be subject to additional charges.
- English speaking guide and entrance fees where applicable for following sightseeing:
  Todi, Perugia, Siena, Torino
- Taxes
Air is NOT included in the price.

Deposits, Payments Policy
- A deposit of $1500 is required for confirmation.
- Balance due by August 1, 2009.  

Cancellations Policy
 - 25% cancellation fee of gross price by August 1.
- 100% cancellation fee of gross price on or after August 2. 
- Cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

Responsibility
AAA Mid-Atlantic Inc. AAA their suppliers and all affiliated clubs or associations, and/or any other selling agents act only as agent for passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. They can accept no responsibility for strike, war, terrorism, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses will have to be born by the passenger, as tour/tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated.  The right is reserved to make changes to the itinerary.  The prices of this tour are based on current tariffs and exchange rates, and subject to adjustments and other changes. If and to the extent that General Tours may not be liable to the passenger for any injury or death or property damage or its liability to the passenger therefore may be limited, whether as a result of the terms of General Tours contract or otherwise, then The Washington Wine Academy and AAA shall also not be liable therefore to passenger or its liability therefore shall to the same degree be limited, as the case may be.

Other Terms and Conditions
At the time of reservation, please request any applicable Terms for this tour from you AAA agent.