Our Contract

All bookings are made with Verde Italia Pty Ltd (ABN 786 71 711 630) (us/we/our). By booking a journey with us, you are deemed to have agreed to these booking conditions (Booking Conditions) (which constitute the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis.

Tour participation

Our tours are focused generally on food, wine and cultural experiences and have been designed with adults in mind. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate minors. Participants are required to be 18 years or older.

We have no upper age limit for our trip, though we remind you that our trips can be demanding (especially walking hilltop towns where roads are steep and frequently uneven) and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination. You may be asked to provide a Fit to Travel letter from your doctor.

In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all requested personal details. Necessary details include full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.  Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.

Making Your Travel Plans

We limit our group tours to a small number of attendees, to ensure a more personal and intimate experience. Our trips will only go ahead if we reach a required minimum number of guests.

1. Your trip will be confirmed when minimum numbers are reached, at latest by the final balance payment date 90 days prior to trip departure.
2. If the trip is cancelled by us, a full refund will be issued. Should the trip be rescheduled to another date, you can choose to allocate any payments you have made to secure a spot on the new trip dates.
3. We strongly advise that you do not book your flights until the trip has been confirmed in writing by us. We will not compensate you for any travel arrangements booked by you.
4. Extra time in a destination outside of the tour start and end dates, is at your own expense. If you arrive before or after our designated check-in / transfer has been arranged, we can provide suggestions for ways to enjoy your time.
5. Passports must have a minimum of 3 months validity at the time of departure from Italy per Italian government requirements however we recommend ensuring there is 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Please make sure you check your current passport and renew it if necessary.
6. Visas may be required for entering Italy and are at your own expense. You can check this Italian government websitefor requirements.
7. It is your responsibility to research the visa and passport requirements for Italy and coordinate your visa within the appropriate timeframes required by your local embassy. We are unable to provide any refunds if you are denied entry to the country, even if we or our local agent, has provided visa support (eg. if the local agent provided you with the invitation letter).
8. If a trip is priced in a currency different to that of your own, or if we have provided estimated amounts in your local currency, please be aware that currency fluctuations may affect the final converted price in your currency. We do not have control over worldwide currency fluctuations, and monitoring this will be your responsibility. Payments are due in the currency quoted on the trip page.

Payments

Our trip payments are split into 2 instalments: a deposit to reserve your spot on tour and a final payment for the balance. We are happy to discuss a payment plan with instalments if requested.

• Deposits– a 30% trip deposit is required to secure your place on our tour.
• Balance– the remaining trip balance is required 90 days prior to your trip commencement date (the date specified in the trip itinerary).

Cancellation and Refunds Policy

No one books a trip to Italy with the intention of cancelling, but unexpected events do occur. Our cancellation policy is in place to help guests, our local partners and us through expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.

Cancellations Initiated by You:

• If you cancel your trip up to 120 days prior to departure, you will receive a full refund minus a $500 AU per-person service fee (to cover credit card fees, our administration fees and other non-refundable costs associated with your booking).
• Cancel between 119 and 91 days prior to the trip departure, and your will forfeit your 30% deposit.
• Cancellations within 90 days of departure incur a 70% cancellation fee. Should we be able to fill your spot before we commence the trip, we will refund up to 100% of the payment we have retained, however in the event we have sold “your booking” for an amount less than your booking with us your refund will be capped at 70% of that lesser amount.  If spots are filled, refunds will be applied in the order that guests cancelled.

If you are not able to make a trip, we allow you to transfer the trip to someone of your choosing, found and assigned by you, no later than 30 days prior to departure and in writing and who is deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions. Your nominee must sign a copy of these and conditions for an assignment to be valid.  In that case, we will be transferring any payments you’ve made to that person and the new assigned guest will be responsible for making the pending payments. You will be responsible for recovering any monies already paid from the guest yourself.

Cancellations and Refunds After Tour Commencement:

No refunds or credits will be issued for failure to attend or failure to complete the tour, or for arriving late or leaving early. If you arrive late to a tour, any costs required to reach the location where the rest of the group is at the time of your arrival will be at your expense.

We do not issue refunds for any part of the trip not used, including (but not limited to) meals, accommodation, activities, or any other services.

Cancellations Initiated by Us:

We reserve the right to cancel tours with inadequate participant interest, in which case your hold deposit will be refunded. Notification of cancellation for this reason will occur a minimum of 90 days before the tour departure date. As mentioned above, we cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations before your tour has been confirmed.

Travel Insurance

Because refunds are made available only per the policy outlined above, and we are unable to make exceptions for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies, we require all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to compensate in case of unexpected cancellations.

You should book your policy as soon as the trip has been confirmed. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance or you will not be able to join the trip without it.

We will request proof of your travel and medical insurance details no later than 30 days before departure. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the cancellation of your booking without any refund.

 Prices and Surcharges

Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions, and availability. There is a chance that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices.

If you like the price you see on our website then your best option is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply. The most up-to-date pricing is available on our website.

Prices are based on currency exchange rates at the time of trip publication. Please note that prices may vary depending on which currency the booking is made in.

We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 45 days before departure due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances, we will be responsible for any amount representing 5% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price, you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund.

Please note that a surcharge may be applied to all purchases made by credit card.

Timely Payment

Timely payment is key for the trip to go ahead as planned and for our local partners and agents to be able to guarantee accommodation and activities. We reserve the right to cancel a booking without refund should the final payment deadline not be met.

COVID Policies

We prefer that all guests are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 so that we ensure the safety of everyone on the trip.

All guests must comply with Italian regulations with respect to vaccinations and face coverings at the time of their visit. You can check this Italian Government website for more information.

If the tour has to be postponed based on border closures or COVID-19 restrictions in Italy, a credit for your deposit will be issued to be used for the postponement date of the same trip.

If the tour happens as scheduled, but a guest decides not to attend based on any other reason than a country’s border closure, then the regular cancellation policy (stated herein ) will be maintained. If a country only closes its borders to citizens from certain countries, and the tour goes ahead, the regular cancellation policy will be maintained, and your travel insurance is where you must seek compensation.

Testing Positive to Covid while on Tour

Should you present flu / Covid like symptoms while on tour, you will be required to take a Covid test and present the results to your tour host.

If you test positive for covid while on tour with us you are required to follow Italian government protocol for quarantining. In addition to any local requirements, we may require Covid positive tour members to leave and not re-join the tour. You will also need to cease in-person contact with other tour members, including travel partners who are remaining on the tour; and avoid public areas of our accommodation when the tour group is present.

General Health and Wellness Policy

The health and wellbeing of all our guests and staff is of utmost importance to us. If you feel unwell, please let your host know and they can assist with accessing treatment options including with English speaking practitioners.

We require all guests to consider the health and well-being of fellow guests if they display cold / flu / Covid symptoms and isolate as appropriate.

Trip Itinerary and Inclusions

We provide all tour participants with detailed itineraries prior to booking and departure. The boutique nature of our itineraries means that they may be subject to minor changes, updates and additions as we get closer to departure. Any changes reflect the goal of enhancing your tour experience.

Before departure: If we make a major change, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least two days in eleven of the itinerary. We reserve the right to change an itinerary up to and after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

Photography / Videography

We aim to make our trips as special as possible, and some tours may include a photographer/Tour Leader who will take candid photography and video throughout the tour.

A selection of these images may be shared with the group after the completion of the tour for the group’s enjoyment and also use by us and them and others on social media. Please advise us if you do not wish this to occur prior to the trip commencement via email [email protected]

Accommodation

All tour costs are based and costed on  twin sharing  with two guests per room with twin or double bedding.

1. We aim to book full twin bed options, however on some trips, the twin bed rooms will include two large single beds made together for couples. This is because twin share accommodation is not common in many parts of Italy.
2. If you are traveling solo, a single supplement will apply per trip payable on booking if you desire your own room. If you would be happy to be paired with a room mate, we may be able to accommodate your request however this is dependent on other travellers booking the trip requesting the same and is not guaranteed.
3. If you are traveling with companions, please let us know in advance and advise the bedding type required so we can pair you in the same room.
4. We are unable to accommodate more than 2 guests to a room.
5. You are responsible for the safety and security of your belongings within a shared room setting.

Baggage

All guests will be limited to 1 small piece of hand luggage and 1 medium suitcase per person. Size maximum 65cm x 50cm.

Special Requirements

We are committed to making our trips accessible to as many people as possible and will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, medical conditions and other needs of our guests.

By joining our trips, you agree to notify us of any requirements before reserving a spot so we can confirm that your needs will be met within the limitations of the itinerary, the destination and the trip style.

We will endeavour to discuss possible options with you prior to reserving your spot and provide you with the most accurate information available to us for you to make an informed decision.

By joining our trips, you also state that you know of no physical or mental condition that would create a hazard for you or others, or affect other people’s enjoyment of the trip.

Waiver

Participants assume the risk involved when participating in foreign travel, and any and all activities and/or pursuits voluntarily undertaken while participating in the tour.

By participating in any or our  trips, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release us and our local partners and agents from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown.

Please be prepared to sign a ‘Waiver of Responsibility’ form before you begin your tour. This form is an understanding that all guests need to exercise judgement and care at all times to ensure their own safety and that of their fellow travellers.

Legal Matters, Alcohol and Drugs

You will comply with all applicable including but not limited to Italian laws and any and all public health directives. Failure to abide by such may result in immediate termination of your trip without a refund and we, our local partners or agents accept no liability.

We do not tolerate drug use of any kind during our trips and we require responsible alcohol consumption, for your safety and that of those around you.

Smoking is not allowed in any of our booked transport, accommodation, restaurants, or within the vicinity of the tour group.

Authority on Tour

Our  trips are run by our Tour Leaders and in some cases local professional guides. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any guest or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the tour leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange, and drug regulations in Italy, and you also agree to travel in accordance with responsible travel guidelines.

Force Majeure

In case of a Force Majeure event, we are not responsible for performing our obligations and will not be responsible for any resulting damages.

A Force Majeure Event is any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, earthquake, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labour strikes, requisition, pandemics, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

If we, our partners or agents are affected by a Force Majeure Event, we, or our agents, may vary or cancel any itinerary or activity without any obligation or liability.

Claims and Complaints

We are committed to creating and delivering extraordinary experiences. However, if any issues arise during a trip, you agree to notify the tour leader as soon as possible so we can find a satisfactory solution that works for everyone.

You agree to send all your complaints in writing by email to [email protected] along with any supporting documentation.

Optional Activities

Optional activities are any activities not included in your ‘booking’ and are not included in the trip price. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider. Any additional activities not set out in the itinerary are at the expensive of the traveller.

Privacy Policy

Any personal information that we collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a trip or to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to operate the trip. We will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available for viewing on our Website).

Miscellaneous

As mentioned, we and all our representatives (hereinafter referred to as “agents”), act only in capacity as agents for the guest in all matters connected with travel, sight-seeing journeys and transportation.

You agree that as agents, we are held free of responsibility for any damage occasioned by any cause, in particular:

• For any damages or expenses or inconveniences caused by late departures, change of schedule or change in activities caused by reasons beyond our control.
• For loss or damage to baggage or any of the participant’s belongings.
• For personal injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage, irregularity or property damage as a result of force majeure or for any other losses or damages incurred by any person or journey participants caused by any delay or change of itinerary or arising out of any act, including, but not limited to, any act of negligence, any person acting for or on behalf of agents for transportation, accommodation or sight-seeing provider or any other person or entity rendering any of these services or accommodations being offered in connection with this journey.

All prices quoted are correct at time of publication, include the cost of operation of the journeys, and are subject to currency changes.

In the event of any dispute between the parties about the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement or regarding a party’s compliance with its obligations under this Agreement, in the event such cannot be resolved within seven (7) days of one party notifying the other of the dispute (the Dispute Notice), dispute must be referred to mediation to a mediator agreed by the parties, within seven (7) days of the Expiry of the Dispute Notice,failing which one so nominated by the President of the Law Institute of Victoria, with such mediation to occur within 21 days of the expiry of the Dispute Notice.

In the event the matter does not resolve at mediation, the parties are at liberty to take whatever action they feel is appropriate to resolve the matter(s) in dispute.

Each clause of these Booking Conditions shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any clause or part thereof shall be held to be void or invalid, the same shall not affect the remainder hereof, which shall be effective as though the void or invalid clause or part thereof had not been contained herein.

These Booking Conditions shall be binding upon the heirs, successors, executors, administrators, or assigns of the parties.

These Booking Conditions shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunals competent to hear appeals therefrom.

These Booking Conditions shall not constitute a partnership and neither of the parties shall have any authority to bind the other in any way except as provided in these Booking Conditions.

Any notice or other communication regarding a dispute:

• must be in writing;
• where the sender is a company, must be signed by an officer or under the common seal of the sender:
  • by delivery in person will be received when delivered to the addressee; or
  • if by post will be received two (2) business days from and including the date of the delivery to the addressee; or
  • if by email, when received by the addressee, but if the day of delivery or receipt is on a day that is not a business day or is after 4:00 p.m. (addressee’s time) it is regarded as received at 9:00 a.m. on the following business day.

Verde Italia Travel Code

By paying your deposit and completing your booking forms with us, you signal your agreement to the following Verde Italia Code:

• I have chosen a trip that suits my abilities, level of fitness, and state of health.
• I do not have any physical conditions or disabilities that are a hazard to me or other Verde Italia travellers.
• I have a valid passport and will ensure l arrange all necessary visas and vaccinations required for travel.
• I will read the Verde Italia pre-trip materials about clothing, medical requirements, and culture specific etiquette.
• I will respect the laws and customs of countries visited.
• I will follow environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with the Tour Leaders’ direction.
• I will respect the rights and privacy of other trip members.
• I understand that travel within a group invariably involves compromise to accommodate diverse desires, travel goals, personalities, and physical abilities of all group members.
• Tour Leaders may be required to improvise and exercise good faith, use discretion and/or make decisions based upon group consensus. These decisions may not always please each individual but are intended to satisfy the larger desires of the group.
• We reserve the right to refuse participation during a trip to anyone whose health or behaviour could impede the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests. An individual may be asked to leave a trip if the we feel that the person’s continuing participation may prove detrimental to the individual or the group.
• I understand that the choice to participate in an activity or excursion that is not included in the Verde Italia itinerary is my choice and at my risk and expense.
• I understand if travelling off the beaten track, access to medical facilities and evacuation services may be limited.
• You understand the weather and Force Fajeure is out of our control.
• I will drink alcohol responsibly and consume no illegal drugs on the trip. We take no responsibility for your behaviour or any consequences that follow thereafter.

Inclusions and Exclusions - JOURNEY THROUGH UMBRIA TOUR

You agree that the trip contains the following inclusions and exclusions:

Inclusions

• Luxury accommodation for 10 nights at Podere Masale Villa and Borgo della Marmotta
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected regional wines provided by us
• Local transportation in luxury mini-van and supplementary car
• Full time Tour Leader & host
• Professional Tour Guide for 4 historic towns
• A 4 hour private cooking class & lunch
• A Montelfalco wine tour & tasting
• A Chiesa del Carmine truffle hunting experience & degustation lunch
• A private dinner in chef's home
• One optional round of golf at Antognella Golf (club hire and course fees)
• Entry fees to all attractions on guided tours
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers

Exclusions

• Your airfares & related costs including any visa requirements and/or baggage fees
• Travel insurance which is essential
• Your personal extras such as laundry & souvenirs
• Any other activities you choose in your free time
• Any individual spa treatments booked

Inclusions and Exclusions - AGEING WELL RETREAT

Inclusions:

• Accommodation for 7 nights at Borgo della Marmotta, Spoleto
• Yogalates programme as listed in itinerary
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners including selected regional wines provided by us
• Local transportation in private mini-van
• Full time Tour Leader & host
• Fully curated cultural programme as listed
• Entry fees to all attractions on guided tours
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers

Exclusions:

• Your airfares & related costs including any visa requirements and/or baggage fees
• Travel insurance which is essential
• Your personal extras such as laundry & souvenirs
• Any other activities you choose in your free time
• Any individual consultations with Lisa (optional extra)
• Any other treatments booked at the accommodation (sauna/massage)

Please note a seperate waiver will need to be signed upon final payment of the retreat.