Italy is (Re)Open(-ing) ✈ + Late Spring Harvests
The Lina + Spring Veggies
Ciao! Spring is gently fading to summer and we're currently (happily) receiving endless gifts from friends in the form of fresh romaine, artichokes, onions, and garlic. The oil we're reaching for the most is the Lina. It may have something to do with the fact that we're spending more time with Lina (the person) or it could just be that this oil pairs beautifully with all the late spring veggies!
Here's a list of what's tasting especially good right now in Calabria: Asparagus, Celery, Fava Beans, Fresh Peas, Garlic, Onions, Lettuce, Potatoes, Spinach, Zucchini.
Italy is Open(-ing)
Just an FYI this is a LONG newsletter that's jam-packed with summer Italian travel info and tips for the region of Campania. If you don't have time to read this right now please star/flag/mark as unread for later... or bust through and starting PLANNING THAT TRIP TODAY!
You may have heard the news, Italy is (re)open(-ing). And it’s very exciting as Le Castella is starting to show lots of signs of life! We’ve received many DMs/emails inquiring about U.S. travel to Italy. We decided to let a professional take over. Today travel planner Cassandra Santoro, Travel Italian Style, will be answering many of your U.S. to Italy travel questions.
IMPORTANT: Travel regulations/restrictions from the U.S. to Italy are changing daily. The information in this email is intended to provide you with some context and introductory information for planning a trip to Italy in the near future. We highly recommend you consult with the consulate, CDC, airlines, the Italian government, and a travel planner directly.
Meet Cassandra
Cassandra Santoro is the CEO and Founder of Travel Italian Style, a boutique travel company. As a personal trip planner, she has visited all 20 Regions of Italy and spends 6 months each year traveling the country with a focus on finding inspiring and real experiences for her clients and followers. She also co-hosts the Rediscover Italy Podcast where she shares stories of locals, life and travel in Italy.
Traveling to Italy from the U.S.
As of May 16, 2021 Americans are welcomed back into Italy via a COVID-Free Flight! But there is some fine print you may want to be aware of before spontaneously booking that last minute trip!
When it comes to enjoying la dolce vita in Italy in the next months, I am going to share the facts that I know at this point. Just note they can change daily (literally daily). So, it’s always best to head to our resource links below or contact your travel agent to keep up to date!
American travelers are welcome into Italy on a COVID-Free flight only... But what is a COVID-Free Flight?
COVID-Free flying is available for American visitors who are tested three times total before traveling in Italy. Currently Delta Airlines is the main company handling these flights into Milan and Rome. Additional destinations may be opening soon.
Test Breakdown
A PCR-Test must be completed 48-72 hours prior to boarding. You arrange and pay for this test on your own. To be sure you stay in this window of time we highly recommend a rapid PCR, especially if you are taking a connecting flight! The cost for the Rapid PCR is about 140 USD per person.
Please note: Some airlines require a test within 48 hours of your departure (be sure to check with your airline).
Rapid Tests
You will also be given a rapid test before departure in the USA and upon arrival in Italy. Your Rapid Test in the USA is included in the price of your flight. Upon arrival into Milan or Rome you will be directed to register for a test. To receive a copy of the results of this test you must pay 20 Euro on site (per test).
We recommend arriving at least 4 hours prior to your flight to give yourself ample time to get through this process. I will be taking this flight next week! So be sure to check the Travel Italian Style Instagram following May 28 for the most up to date details on the experience.
Do you have to test on your return to the USA?
Yes. You must receive a PCR or approved antigen rapid test 72 hours before boarding your flight back home to the states.
How do we get a PCR test in Italy?
At this time, it is still not clear if hotels or vendors in Italy will be providing the testing on site. At my travel company we’re working with each of our clients individually through this process.
You can also consider looking into the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test. While all the details are not 100 percent clear to us (yet). It seems that each person traveling would receive a test that they would bring with them to Italy. Three days before departure from Italy you would contact the Abbot team to conduct your own COVID-19 test with the help of a virtual assistant. The cost is 150 USD per person and it can be done anywhere you have WiFi.
Again, we’re not completely clear on all the details of this test. So we still highly recommend you contact your airline to see if this test can be substituted for an in-person test.
What else should I know about COVID-Free Flights from the USA to Italy?
American has just launched COVID free flights. So just keep this in mind. United Airlines launches COVID free flights in July. Both flights have slightly different regulations so contact them directly for updates.
What happens if I test positive?
Contact the airline to find out the next steps.
What if I try to avoid a COVID-free flight?
You will have to quarantine for about 7-10 days upon arrival into Italy.
Do I have to take the tests to fly even if I am vaccinated?
Yes, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated must complete the same steps for the COVID-free flights. There has been talks that the EU will open to vaccinated only travelers in the next weeks. However, there has been no exact date mentioned. It is still not clear what this means for COVID-free flights or entering Italy. We hope to have more answers on this by next week! In any case, still be sure to carry a copy of your vaccine card with you as this may come in handy for other activities throughout Italy.
What are the rules in Italy at this time?
As of today, masks indoors and outdoors are mandatory throughout all 20 regions of Italy. The masks can be taken off while dining or while enjoying the beach. But they should be worn even while exercising, exploring, taking walks and of course visiting sites. I know, I know the CDC said fully vaccinated people can be maskless but Italy’s health authorities are yet to lift the mask mandate. So don’t forget to pack up your most stylish designed face coverings.
What else should I expect?
At this time outdoor dining is open fully and indoor dining is slowly opening throughout the country.
There is also a curfew of 11pm. This means at 11:00pm each evening businesses must close, and everyone must be off the street. Even visitors. However rumor has it that June 1 the curfew may be extended to 12:00 midnight. And it may be lifted completely by June 21!
But again, things change daily. So, my best advice is to keep up to date on the Italian government websites such as this one: https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/home.html.
Will Italy close its borders again?
At this time, the borders are open. But if cases rise, restrictions may be put into place once again. That is why it is so important you check in frequently prior to departure.
In Conclusion...
We’re all so excited to welcome visitors back to Italy! However, do keep in mind there may be some minor inconveniences during your trip in order to keep locals and visitors like yourself healthy and safe.
But overall, if you have the time, patience and are determined to make this summer 2021 trip to Italy happen then prepare your documents, pack that bag and start dreaming of Neapolitan pizza.
Quick Tips for Campania
In 2009 I was working as a tour leader and had the opportunity to bring travelers to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. From my first bite of fresh alici (sardines) to an icy and refreshing lemon granita I couldn’t get enough! Although I was living in Florence, I knew one day this place would be my home.
Fast forward to the current day and this is now where I spend the majority of my time when in Italy. Some may call it “touristy” but after visiting all 20 regions of Italy I can tell you that authentic Italy can be found just about anywhere if you know where to look!
Many visitors already know the highlights to visit such as Ravello, Positano, Capri. Each one of these places is spectacular and unique. But I thought to share a few more gems I love in the region of Campania.
Atrani
I base myself in one of the smallest villages in Italy called Atrani. This charming fishing village is just ten minutes walking from the town of Amalfi.
Besides being breathtakingly beautiful, Atrani is the perfect day place to immerse in a bit of local life. From a lemon spritz at bar La Risacca or a delicious pasticotto at Caffe Vittoria, this local village of about 900 residents is still a hidden gem. But I am sure it won’t be that way for long so I suggest a visit on your next stop.
Minori
Not far from Atrani is the town of Minori. A place that may sound familiar to you. That is because Stanley Tucci made a stop here during his first season of Searching for Italy.
During this episode, he introduced us to the pastry shop Sal De Riso. A place named after its master pastry chef who is named (of course) Sal De Riso. A man who has been well-known to us locals even pre-Tucci!
When you arrive, there are a variety of delicious treats inspired by Italian flavors. But you can’t miss the delizia al limone. A local specialty that is basically a freshly made sponge cake with refreshing lemon cream made from Amalfi Coast lemons. It’s light, fluffy, and deliciously local.
Quick Tip: Sal de Riso also serves lunch and dinner and offers tons of outdoor seating!
Vietri Sul Mare
From Minori, you can make your way to Vietri Sul Mare. Vietri is famous in the south of Italy for its handmade ceramics. While you can purchase these pieces throughout all of the Amalfi Coast, I recommend visiting this quaint, charming, and colorful town to meet the artisans and sculptures yourself. I am certain you will leave with your own beautiful ceramics and also a wonderful memory of what life is like beyond tourism on the Amalfi Coast.
To learn more insider tips for my home region of the Amalfi Coast and Campania check out our Instagram hashtag #AmalfiCoastLocals.
If you are traveling beyond the region of Campania and the Amalfi Coast, we have lots of information to share with you! I have visited all 20 regions(states) of Italy and most of them several times. On the hashtag #TISItalyTravel I share travel tips for places throughout all of Bella Italia.
We hope this info was helpful! Grazie mille and ci vediamo in Italia!
If you’re interested in working with or speaking to Cassandra about traveling to Italy contact her here.
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A presto,
-Skyler & Giuseppe
www.EXAUoliveoil.com