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Hey there,

The rumors started around mid-August.

Based on increasing case numbers in the USA, there was talk that the EU was going to restrict those coming from that country for non-essential reasons. We waited patiently for a decision, expected the last week of August, and also for Italy's expected update to their regulations on August 30.

News leaked to the press before the 30th and headlines began to pop up in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and many other publications that travelers from the USA were being banned from Europe, and this caused quite a bit of worry and confusion for those with travel plans this fall. However, that's not the full story and the actual situation is more nuanced.

Italy is welcoming visitors from the USA and Canada, with some caveats.

The European Council (governing body of the EU) back in June recommended that the 27-nation bloc lift non-essential travel restrictions on 14 countries, including the USA and Canada. Eager to recoup heavy losses from the past year, and dependent on tourism from across the Atlantic, many EU countries (including Italy) jumped on this opportunity and began to open up. These EU recommendations are non-binding, and member countries can agree to them or put their own rules in place.

A New Decree

We had been expecting new restrictions for travel to Italy to be announced in the latest decree but did not think a total ban on travelers from the USA/Canada was going to happen, and we were right. In fact, not much has changed for vaccinated arrivals. In addition to showing proof of vaccination (or recovery from COVID-19 in the last 180 days), you'll also need a negative test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Italy. And there is good news for vaccinated arrivals from the UK: you will no longer need to quarantine!

For vaccinated travelers from the USA, you CDC card will be accepted as proof. Equivalent documents issued by the Canadian govt. will also be accepted.

For those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, your recovery certificate will need to be accompanied by a notarized translation (presumably to Italian) and contain certain, specific information which you can research on the Italian Ministry of Health website.

Unvaccinated travelers from the USA and Canada will have to quarantine and take several tests, and some other EU countries are banning unvaccinated travelers altogether. We expect restrictions on the unvaccinated to become stricter and more prohibitive as winter approaches. The next Italian decree is expected on October 25.

The New Travel Normal

COVID-19 tests, digital and paper forms, proof of vaccination, rules that differ from one country to another: these are just some of the complications that make up the current travel reality.

Other factors, such as where you're coming from, where you're going, and where you transit will affect your eligibility to enter Italy without a quarantine. The rules change often and can be difficult to navigate on your own. If you are planning a trip to Italy (or anywhere in Europe) this fall, do your research, and if you have booked through a travel company check with them for the latest info. We have also found airline websites to be reliable sources of up-to-date information; each airline requires something slightly different for travel, so check with your specific airline for details.

We've been following the ever-changing rules and regulations to enter Italy for our guests and have been in constant communication with them as the situation evolves. Our first guests for the Fall 2021 season have arrived and they all agree that the stress and confusion were worth it now that they're here!

A scene from our 2021 Friuli-Venezia Giulia Chef Bike Tour, happening NOW!

The Situation in Italy

Italy has a color-coded tier system for regional COVID-19 restrictions in Italy. Currently all regions except Sicily are in the "White Zone" (Sicily is in yellow), which comes with the fewest restrictions. Before August 2021, zones were determined by the number of COVID-19 cases (seven-day average). As of August 1, zones are determined by hospital occupancy.

Masks are still required indoors, on public transport, and outdoors in large groups, and nightclubs are still closed. The Green Pass is being expanded to more locations and venues, including domestic flights, long distance trains and buses.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has said that September will be a decisive month for vaccinations. There is a goal to have 80% of the population vaccinated by the end of the month. If this goal is not met, there could be new laws to compel more people to get the vaccine. The current number as of September 8 is 67.4%.

Join Us

Check out the info below for details on available spaces this fall and on all 2022 tours.

We hope to see you in Italy soon!

-Heather & Beppe

Now booking 2022!

Our 2022 calendar is filling up, and now is a great time to book: Deposits for 2022 trips are currently 10% and we have not yet raised tour prices.

Book a Last-minute Adventure!

Tuscany Strade Bianche Sept 26-October 3, 2021 (NEW DATE)

Lake Garda to Venice Lagoon October 2-9, 2021.