🎒 Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Boulder HS Orchestra Tour 2025

 

📦 What should I pack?

Passport (valid for at least 6 months after travel dates) – don’t leave home without it!

Performance attire – full orchestra uniform/outfit (check with your director)

Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be exploring on foot a lot!

Casual clothes for sightseeing, dinner, and travel

Light jacket or sweater – evenings in the mountains (Brunico, Innsbruck) can be cool

Swimsuit, flip-flops, beach towel – for beach days in Slovenia & Croatia 🏖️

Refillable water bottle

European plug adapter (Type C or F) – most electronics will need a converter

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💶 What about money? Should I bring Euros?

It’s best to withdraw Euros from ATMs once you arrive in Italy – it’s safer and gives you the best exchange rate

U.S. dollars are not accepted anywhere on this tour

Most shops and restaurants take credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but cash is helpful in smaller towns and markets

Let your bank know you’re traveling to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia to avoid card blocks

💳 How much spending money should I bring?
Plan for lunches, souvenirs, snacks, and optional treats—around €20–30 per day is a safe estimate. Many meals are included in the tour.

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📞 Important emergency contacts

Tour Director (Dante Z.C.): +39 331 471 6969

Hotel front desks: listed in the itinerary document

U.S. Embassy in Rome (Italy): +39 06 46741

Emergency in Europe (Police/Medical/Fire): 112 (works in all EU countries)

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✈️ What about airport customs and immigration?

Upon arrival in Italy, you’ll go through passport control and customs (standard procedure, typically quick)

When re-entering the U.S., you'll go through U.S. Customs in Dallas

Don’t bring any fruits, meats, or plants back home—they’ll be confiscated

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🌐 Will there be Wi-Fi?

Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but connections can vary in strength
Consider activating international data with your cell provider or using Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi

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🧼 Are towels and toiletries provided?

Yes! Hotels provide linens, towels, and basic toiletries (shampoo, soap), but you might want to bring your preferred brands or extras like conditioner.

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🪪 Do I need a visa?

No visa required for U.S. citizens traveling to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, or Croatia for less than 90 days.

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🧳 How much luggage can I bring?

One checked suitcase (under 50 lbs)

One carry-on bag and personal item (like a backpack or instrument case)

Don’t overpack—you’ll be moving around a lot!

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🧍🏽‍♂️ Will we be safe while traveling?

Yes! Safety is our top priority. Students are always accompanied by adult chaperones and a professional tour director (Dante), and we only stay in vetted hotels and visit secure locations. Students are given curfews, check-in times, and safety guidelines at every destination.

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🎻 What about my instrument?

Instruments will be safely transported with you and kept in secure hotel storage when not in use.

Larger instruments like cellos and basses will be arranged locally when needed or transported in protective cases.

Be sure to label your case clearly with your name and school.

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🕐 What’s the time difference?

You’ll be 8 hours ahead of Boulder (Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia are on Central European Time).
So if it’s 10:00 AM in Boulder, it’s 6:00 PM on tour!

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🏥 What if I get sick or hurt?

We are always near clinics and hospitals in every city.

Tour staff and chaperones will assist immediately, and Dante will coordinate with local services.

Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications in your carry-on (not checked luggage).

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📱 Can I use my phone?

Most U.S. providers (like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) offer international plans—check with yours before leaving.

Wi-Fi is available at most hotels for free.

Students should keep phones on airplane mode with Wi-Fi, unless their data plan allows for travel use.

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💡 How much free time do we have?

Each city includes scheduled free time for shopping, relaxing, or exploring.
Students must stay in pairs or groups and follow chaperone guidelines during these periods.

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🍝 What kind of food will we eat?

You’ll enjoy delicious local meals—pizza in Cremona, Tyrolean dishes in Brunico, fresh seafood in Croatia, and classic Venetian fare. Vegetarian options are available, and we do our best to accommodate dietary needs—please let your tour director know in advance.

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💧Can I drink the tap water?

Yes! Tap water is safe and clean in all the countries we're visiting.
Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated, especially during walking tours and performances.

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🛍️ Can I shop? What are good souvenirs?

Absolutely! Europe is full of beautiful markets and artisan shops.
Great souvenirs include locally made violins or miniatures (Cremona), chocolate from Innsbruck, handcrafted ceramics, or Venetian masks.

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