All-inclusive retreat to the top sights in Italy. You will stay at 5-star accommodations and have a private driver and guide throughout your duration in Italy. Everything will be taken care of for you from start to finish when we pick you up from the airport. 

All meals, transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, guides, and gratuity will be included. Our retreats are all-inclusive, but please be prepared to have Euro currency for small things you wish to purchase and for personal tipping.

This retreat is more active in style due to the amount of moving from location to location and walking required while traveling in Europe. Please note there are a lot of uneven steps and cobblestone streets, so suitable footwear and a steady gait are necessary. 

Please note everything is entirely optional on all of our retreats. If there is ever something you wish to skip out on or a day where you would like to do your own thing, please feel free to do as you want during your vacation. 

Please not the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and availability.

Airfare into Rome and out of Venice, Italy, will be needed.

Packing List for Travel to Europe

Important Documentation:

• Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
• Passport
• Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
• COVID-19 vaccination records
• Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)

Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.

Money:

• Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
• Credit card
• Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
• Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)

Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.

Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed toe preferred)
• Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
• Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
• Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
• Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Undergarments and socks
• Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
• Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
• Laundry bag

Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. Plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally if you run out of outfits.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
• Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Personal medications (in their original containers)
• Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
• Hand sanitizer
• Earplugs

Electronics:

• Smartphone and/or camera
• Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
• Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
• Headphones
• Waterproof phone case
• Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
• VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)

Additional Personal Items:

• Refillable water bottle
• Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
• Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
• Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
• Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
• Book or e-reader
• Journal or notepad

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Leave valuable items at home if possible or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!

Money:

• Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
• Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs as they charge many conversion fees.
• Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something. 
• Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and you won't get a good conversion if they do.
• Always use the local currency, Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.
• Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
• If you leave a tip anywhere, round it up—no need to tip out the standard 20%.
• Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.

Financial Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash publicly.
• Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
• Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
• Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges or transactions.
• Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
• Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.

Personal Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
• Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
• Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
• Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
• Be wary of strangers who approach.
• Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
• Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
• Always keep emergency contact information with you.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.

Transportation:

• Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
• Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
• Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. Amy works as an online mental health therapist when she is not leading international retreats. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 

To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website.