ABOUT
Join us on an enlightening journey through Italy, a land renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its holistic approaches to wellness and healing. This trip will delve into the fascinating world of gemmotherapy, an innovative practice that harnesses the therapeutic power of embryonic plant stem cells..
From the mystical allure of Turin to the serene waters of Lake Como, the coastal charm of Polignano a Mare, and the architectural wonders of Alberobello, our adventure is a celebration of the love of nature and the timeless beauty of Italian culture.
This page serves to help answer questions about the upcoming trip in May 2025.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
ARRIVAL
The adventure kicks off in Turin (Torino) on May 4th.
*Please note you must arrive in Turin by May 4th 2025 and check into hotel NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano after 3PM.
Note Jennifer and Lou are flying on May 1st – arriving May 2nd – to Milan Malpensa (MXP) in the early afternoon.
**VERY IMPORTANT** Jennifer and Lou will be staying at an AirBnb/VRBO the nights of May 2nd and 3rd in Milan. If you would like to share the AirBnb/VRBO for one or two nights, please advise Jennifer and Lou ASAP. Note this is an additional cost.
Currently, there are no direct flights from U.S. cities to Turin. It is recommended that you book a direct flight from your nearest major U.S. airport to Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Rome (FCO). From MXP, there’s a direct connection to Milan City Center (Stazione Centrale).
Upon arrival in Milan, the goal is to connect to Turin, and there are two major ways to do so:
Option 1 (recommended): travel by train. If taking the train, the train from Milano Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova (Turin) takes about 1 hour. See below for train services.
Option 2: Bus to Turin
**IMPORTANT**: Please add the WhatsApp app on your cell phone and join our WhatsApp Group below. This will be our main mode of communication during the trip. Note only data charges apply for calls and texts on this App.
WhatsApp Group The Italian Escapade
TRAIN SERVICES
Transfer to Milano Centrale: There’s no direct train from Malpensa (MXP) Airport or Linate (LIN) to Turin (TRN), so first, you’ll need to take the Express trains from the airports to Milano Centrale station.
If at Malpensa Airport (MXP), follow the signs saying Treni/Trains to find the Malpensa Express stations. At Terminal 1 the train station is located on the basement level. The ticket desk is open daily from 6:15 AM to 9:05 PM European Standard Time.
Train from Milano Centrale to Turin: From Milano Centrale, you can catch a high-speed train (Frecciarossa) to Torino Porta Nuova. The train ride takes around 1 hour.
In order to get to the hotel upon arrival the train station in Turin at Torino Porta Nuova, there is a tram service available.
TRAM SERVICES: From Porta Nuova railway station: take the tramway no.4 toward Falchera Cap for 5 stops. Get off at Duomo-Polo Reale stop. You will find the hotel 140 meters away from the tram stop. The journey costs approximately €1 – €2 and takes about 15-16 minutes.
TAXI SERVICES : It is 20 minute ride to the the NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano from the airport. This is a more convenient way to travel with lots of luggage. Costs €30-€40 . Most taxis make use of credit/debit cards as a payment method.
*The public taxi rank is located on the left at the exit of the Arrivals level.
Please note that once you reach the hotel, we’ve got you completely covered! For the remainder of the trip until your departure, you will be in our care. This includes, lodging, meals and transportation.
https://www.trenitalia.com/it
Accommodation for the night of 4 May : NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano. Check in after 3PM
DEPARTURE
We will conclude the trip in southern Italy. It is recommended that you fly out from Bari (BRI) to Rome (FCO) as Bari currently does not have any direct flights to the US.
Please be advised that traveling to Rome is generally more convenient for connecting to international flights. However, there is also the option to fly to Milan Malpensa (MXP) and then connect to flights departing for the U.S (if for example, you booked a round-trip ticket from US to MXP)
Depart- Bari May 11th
This marks the final day of the activities with us. Check out in the morning from Hotel Mare preferably early to catch shuttles to the airport provided by Forza Vitale.
Participants have two options, taking a flight to Rome (FCO) or a flight to Malpensa (MXP). Transportation to the Bari airport is taken care of by us.
- By flight: The main carriers operating direct flights from Bari (BRI) to Rome (FCO ) are ITA Airways and Ryanair.
- Prices can range from €30 to €100 for one-way tickets
- View flights from Bari to Rome here
FAQs
Where do I clear customs?
Immigration (passport control) will be at first port of arrival in Europe/Italy. Customs is just a walk through the ‘nothing to declare lane’. You will also clear customs upon arrival in the U.S.
Do I have to pay extra money to fly my luggage?
Yes. Generally most regional airlines in Italy tend to have a baggage fee for extra baggage. Travel lightly, space is restricted in most parts of the country, including hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and airplanes.
What clothes should I pack?
The trip starts off in the northern part of Italy which is cooler and generally more rainy. The mountains in the Alps require warm clothes and layering and wetness protection. As the journey progresses to the southern part of Italy, the temperatures will start to increase and as such, the layers will start to be shed. The summer wear will come in handy in the south where temperatures will be pleasant and yet not too hot this time of year.
How can I stay connected?
Most places in Italy have accessible Wi-Fi readily available. However it is advisable to organize a data plan with your wireless carrier. Please check data plans with your carrier for Italy, as this is the only country we will be visiting.
Do I need to convert my money to Euros?
Generally there is no need for cash as most places do have access to debit/credit card services. However, it is advisable to have some Euros to buy the occasional coffee, gifts, snacks, etc.
How can I charge my cellphone?
Cellphones can be charged via USB or a USB C port which are readily available.
Can I use my electric gadgets in Italy?
Please note Italy operates on a 220 volt system which is NOT compatible with the 110 volt appliances (e.g. hairdryers) of North America. We recommend buying 220 appliances on location in Italy or buying a transformer before you leave for the trip. Additionally, you’ll need adaptors for the plugs as the Italian plugs are a different configuration than NA.
Do I tip in Italy?
It is generally frowned upon to accept tips in Italy. We recommend you do not tip service staff.
Communication while in Italy
Most Italians do speak English, particularly in larger cities, so you will be able to communicate. Note we will have bilingual folks on our trip with us able to do translation. Our WhatsApp group will our form of connectivity.
OTHER TIPS:
Have fun!!!!
