For holidays at the villa near Spoleto in Umbria, the closest airport is Perugia (about 1 hour away) otherwise you could consider flying to Rome (about 1.5 hours away). If coming to the villa in Chianti, the nearest airport is Florence (about 45 minutes away) but you may find better deals flying to Pisa (about 1.5 hours away).
How can I find out about trains in Italy?
You can look at the following website www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
What about the weather?
Our holidays are typically in the spring, early summer and autumn when it's less hot and less crowded.
This is a useful website: www.worldweatheronline.com
Do I need to be able to speak Italian?
No, your hosts will have competent English although by the end of your holiday you may have picked up the odd Italian word or two!
What levels of experience are required?
We will note the level of experience relevant for a particular themed holiday, but generally our holidays are open to all levels although likely to be geared more towards the novice and intermediate.
Who comes on the holidays?
We attract a wonderful mix of people, who besides being of questioning minds and interested in life, are young at heart, fun and sociable. We encourage people from around the world to join us!
Are there any age restrictions?
Most of the holidays are geared towards adults however keep a look out for holidays that include the young ones.
How fit do I need to be?
Please note that a moderate level of fitness and mobility (and vision) is needed for tackling stairs in the villas and for partaking in the various activities (which will vary according to holiday). Please contact us if you would like more information.
Are the holidays very intensive?
We try to balance the activities with the (important) simple pleasures of enjoying the beautiful locations. There is plenty of time to relax, read, chat, dream…
I’m worried I’ll share a room with someone who snores
We have included a point on our booking form with regards to snoring to help us to try our best in organising the sleeping arrangements (useful traveller’s tip: always take earplugs).
Internet/wifi/mobile reception
Internet/wifi is not readily available at the villas but we can try to assist you at times with the office wifi (please note it can be unreliable!). Mobile phone reception is variable, depending on service provider and location. We ask that use of mobile phones is restricted to times and places that do not negatively impact on the rest of the group.
Electrical appliances
Electrical appliances either need to be compatible with 220-240 volt current, or must be plugged in through a current converter. The villas have standard European plugs so you may need to bring an adaptor.
Washing
At the villa near Spoleto in Umbria, staff can assist with washing or ironing for you, at an hourly rate. There are washing machines available at the Tuscan villa otherwise we can arrange your washing to be taken to a laundry, with an applicable handling fee.
Pets
Unfortunately no pets are allowed.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Direct deposit, EFT or wire transfer (please contact us for our UK bank details). Unfortunately we are unable to process credit cards.
How much money should I take with me?
We include as much as possible in our holidays (besides your travel to/from the villa at the beginning/end of the holiday and the odd meal). However, this does vary from holiday to holiday so please refer to the 'what's included' section in our comprehensive info pack which we can email to you on request. And keep in mind you may want to buy some mementoes, postcards, etc.
Do I need to take travel insurance?
We require that you have adequate travel insurance/private funds and ensure your medical and personal accident insurance includes repatriation back home. Quirky Olive is not liable nor responsible should you be unable to attend your holiday and therefore lose your deposit and other travel costs.