Venice - Fall 2022

Day 1 -  Ca Venere Apartment Carnaregio

Calle dei Ormesini 1149/A Cannaregio, Venice (already paid 5/26)

+39 340 080 8439

Day 25-26 - Ca Venere Apartment Carnaregio

Calle dei Ormesini 1149/A Cannaregio, Venice

+39 340 080 8439

While in Venice, things to do:

Since we will be flying into Venice on Aer Lingus and staying just one night at the beginning and end of our trip, we won't have too much time there, but there will still be a chance to explore a bit more than we have on previous trips. Here are a few of the ideas we have for either the 1st or last days of this trip.

Burano - Skip, this time, or not

***Murano - Take Ferry Line 3 from Santa Lucia Train Station, 24 minutes, $16 RT each; or Ferry 12, 4.1, 4.2 from Fondamente Nove Stop, 10 minutes,$?

***Jewish ghetto - Ghetto Ebraico -  a 2-minute walk from our apartment! Self-guided tour with (GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities) app from the iTunes app store or Google Play

*Bridge of Sighs

Climb the Campanile

Harry’s Bar (inside this time) probably not…

***Aperitivo at Osteria All’Arco- Close to our apartment, 3 minutes from the Rialto Bridge

***Piazza San Marco to Chioggia:- Vaporetto Line 11 & Line 11 ferry 1:20 $16 each RT Small seaside town south of Venice. Or, we can take the long bus ride (no ferry) for about the same price and 2 hours. I think we can also take just the Line 11 Vaporetto water bus from Lido for a faster trip to Chioggia...

https://www.invenicetoday.com/en/services/how-to-get-to/Chioggia-Venice.htm#.YuK7gXbMJPY

What to see there: 

Porta Garibaldi

Chioggia Duomo

Piazzetta Vigo

Three Museums

Fish Market

Sottomarina Beach

Excellent seafood restaurants (try Schie (fish) with or without polenta

Barry, Debbie and sister Moe, at Piazza San Marco, Venice in 2014.







 

Lodging Information From Our Fall 2022 Trip

 All Lodging Was Booked Through Booking.com

As of today, all of our lodging has been finalized for our upcoming Italian adventure. We chose, and are not compensated by, Booking.com to reserve all of our self-catering apartments in Italy. Because we have used Booking.com for several years including for our last trip to Italy in 2016, we receive a 10-15% discount on our bookings. Their "Free Cancelation" feature is very attractive and easy to use. There is almost no risk of losing money by reserving lodging through Booking.com. Almost all rentals on Booking.com do not require a deposit or payment when you reserve. And, you can cancel easily if you've found more suitable accommodation for your needs (actually for any reason). You do have to be careful to check for "Free Cancelation" before you book because not all options for rooms, apartments, or villas include that feature. We have done that several times in preparation for our trip during the past year. When the COVID surge early in the year influenced us to change our trip from spring to fall, we had to either cancel all of our reservations or change the dates. The process was pretty simple on Booking.com. However, during that process, we did completely change a couple of apartments. Luckily, we had started planning early. We also added 3 days to our itinerary which became a slight challenge that resulted in a few longer train trips between cities/towns. All has worked out well, in spite of our changes.

Our total lodging expenditure for 26 nights in Italy will be $2856.00 not including local taxes that are paid separately in cash at the apartments. Those taxes range between $1 and $5 per night per person which for us will probably add about $150 to our total. Each apartment's rate will be charged to our credit card before we arrive in Italy unless we haven't reached the "Free Cancelation" by date. Some of our later reservations will be paid while we are already there. The average cost for our 2 BR apartments with kitchens and washers, patios, balconies, and free wifi is less than $110 per night. The most expensive is $137 a night in Florence. The least expensive is $92 in Feltre. Also, there were lower-priced apartments in Florence, as well.

I hope that this information gives you an idea of what is possible when planning your own trip to Italy. I mentioned that there are washers in the apartments which is important to us because we each bring just one carry-on bag; that means only about 3-4 days worth of clothing, so, being able to clean our clothes is very convenient. The first time we visited Italy in 2011, we carried 2 huge suitcases that we had to lug around on the trains which at best was a pain. We learned a huge lesson. Next up: ideas for day trips from the cities where we are staying. So many choices...

Here are the places we've reserved for fall 2022:

Venice - Ca' Venere Apartment (1st and last night):

Ca' Venere Apt. ExteriorVenice

Desenzano del Garda - Red & Blu Apartment:

Red & Blu BR, Desenzano del Garda

Verona - Boutique Apartment Ca' Monastero

Boutique Apartment Exterior, Verona

Feltre - La Maisonette Apartment

La Maisonette entrance hallway, Feltre

Bologna - Tilia Apartment

Tilia Apt. BR, Bologna

Cortona - Donnaberarda Apartment

Donnaberarda Terrace with view, Cortona

Florence - Greenhouse Apartment 

Greenhouse BR and Hallway,  Florence

Italy and COVID Today

 

Helpful Information for Travelling to Italy Now

Last updated: 07/05/2022 - From The US Embassy and Consulates in Italy

*** As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.  Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.  

Country-Specific Information:

• Italy has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country and advising Americans to “avoid travel to Italy” if you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. The Department of State’s Level 2 Travel Advisory recommends that Americans exercise increased caution due to terrorism. 
• From May 1 until September 30, 2022, the use of more protective FFP2/KN95 masks is mandatory on all trains, ships and local public transportation (buses and metros) and inside all healthcare facilities.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Italy? Yes
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
  • Please note that response times vary by testing location, the type of test taken, and the method of retrieving test results (i.e., in-person or via correspondence).
  • At present in Italy, antigen tests cost approximately $20, while PCR tests cost approximately $70.
• Individuals who test positive in Italy will need to self-isolate between 7-21 days, depending on the specifics of the case. The self-isolation will occur at the traveler’s own expense.
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/covid-19_testing_required_US_Entry.html
  • Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the nearest Consular Section at:
    CDCWaiverRome@state.gov for the Consular District of Rome or
    CDCWaiverMilan@state.gov for the Consular District of Milan or
    CDCWaiverFlorence@state.gov for the Consular District of Florence or
    CDCWaiverNaples@state.gov for the Consular District of Naples.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Italy approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
• Are vaccines available in Italy for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes, but only for those U.S. citizens enrolled in the Italian national healthcare system.
• Which vaccines are available in Italy? Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax.  In addition, the Sputnik V and Pfizer-BioNtech are available in the Republic of San Marino. However, regional health authorities will determine which vaccines are administered.
  • • COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed by the Government of Italy at a regional level.  According to the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, the National Vaccination Plan guarantees that vaccinations will be available to all people present/resident in Italy, whether or not they have a valid Permit of Stay as long as they are registered with the Italian National Health Service.  Citizens will have to follow the instructions and schedule of their region of residence, and further information from each region is available at the following link: http://www.regioni.it/regioni-online/.  For additional information on COVID-19 vaccination in Italy, please see the Italian National Institute of Health’s website.
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
• The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
  • U.S. citizens may travel to Italy for any reason, including tourism.
  • The Government of Italy periodically updates travel restrictions based upon changing conditions, and all travelers should refer to current Italian health decrees when making travel plans.
  • English-language guidance on current entry and exit requirements is maintained on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
  • Regional governments in Italy may also impose restrictions on travelers from certain foreign countries, and travelers intending to travel or return to Italy are advised to check whether any new provisions have been introduced by their region of destination.
  • Starting from June 1, 2022, travelers to Italy will no longer be required to show the Green pass (i.e. Anti-COVID 19 vaccination certificate or recovery certificate, or a negative swab test) to enter Italy and are not subject to quarantine upon arrival to Italy if they do not possess the Green pass.
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No

Movement Restrictions

• Is a curfew in place? No
  • The Italian government provides answers to frequently asked questions on the COVID measures in effect at the following site: FAQs.
  • During this time, it is also important to remain aware of restrictions in place within your region.
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
  • Further information is also available on the Italian Ministry of Health’s website.

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? In some instances
  • Individuals who test positive in Italy will need to self-isolate between 7-21 days, depending on the specifics of the case. The self-isolation will occur at the traveler’s own expense.

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes
• Is public transportation operating? Yes
  • Public transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but with reduced frequency.  Travelers should check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel.  Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.
  • FFP2/KN95 masks are mandatory on all trains, ships and local public transportation (buses and metros).

Fines for Non- Compliance:

• Italian police can impose monetary sanctions for non-compliance with Italian anti-COVID-19 measures regarding social distancing, movement restrictions and mask mandates.

Consular Operations:

• What ACS services are being offered?
  • In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy will limit the level of consular staffing and appointments for the following routine U.S. citizens services beginning on October 26, 2020: passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notarial services, and federal benefits assistance. U.S. citizens should visit the corresponding pages to make appointments for these services.  We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Italy and intend to return to normal operations as soon as possible.  For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s U.S. Citizen Services webpage.
• What visa services are being offered?
  • The entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the Schengen Area, including Italy, within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation 10143.  The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy are offering certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including limited appointments for individuals exempt from or who may qualify for a National Interest Exception to Presidential Proclamation 10143.  While the Embassy and Consulates aim to process cases as soon as practicable, there are likely to be increased wait times for completing such services due to substantial backlogs.  The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased until December 31, 2021.  If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/nivor (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment.  For further information, please visit U.S. Embassy Rome’s Visa webpage.
• All individuals entering consular buildings must wear a face covering.

Local Resources:

• The Italian National Institute of Health’s website: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/
• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy.  English speaking operators are available.
• Other links:
  • COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
  • CDC page on COVID-19
  • Italy Country Information

By U.S. Mission Italy | 5 July, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News | Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Health,