Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Of course you do.

We’ve captured the most common queries here, but if you can’t find the answer please contact us – travellers@bottegaventura.com.au

GENERAL

When do I have to arrive in Rome/Bordeaux?

We recommend staying in Rome or Bordeaux at least 1-3 days prior to joining our tour, as this helps minimise any potential impact and stress of jetlag, flight delays, cancellations and/or any surprise airport or train transport strikes. It’s also a great way to acclimatise and then experience the change of scenery from city to countryside.

You might like to arrange another 1-2 days in Rome/Bordeaux following your return to minimise any impacts on catching connecting flights, trains or tours. We recommend the following hotels to start your search:

Suggested accommodations - ROME

Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere https://www.hotelsantamariatrastevere.it/

The Hotel de Russie (between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps) https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/

 Forty Seven Boutique Hotel (near the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum) https://www.fortysevenhotel.com

 

Suggested accommodations - BORDEAUX

Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Centre Chartrons  in the heart of the quartier des Chartrons – bohemian charm, cafes and galleries https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/bordeaux/bodcc/hoteldetail

Hotel 56 in the Paludate district on the banks of the Garonne River and close to Gare St Jean  https://56paludate.com/en/

Grand Hotel Francais – a beautiful hotel in the very centre of Bordeaux. Please note, this is a pedestrian area and taxis will need to call ahead for bollard codes to drop off luggage at the hotel. https://grand-hotel-francais.com/en/

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Is it safe to travel?

All Australian travellers and all travel companies should keep themselves abreast of travel security advice provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through its Smart Traveller website. Bottega Ventura monitors DFAT advice. If DFAT advice is to not travel to a destination, or to avoid non-essential travel, Bottega Ventura will either cancel a tour outright or modify the itinerary to eliminate the security risks that have been identified. The timing of changes due to security advice is beyond Bottega Ventura’s control. We will do our best to make clear decisions about changes well in advance of a tour, but we cannot exclude the possibility of cancelling or making significant changes to a tour immediately before the start or even during a tour. In these situations your personal security is our highest priority.

Having said all that, neither Italy nor France have had travel restrictions in place for many, many years!

Will you book my flights for me?

The short answer is ‘no’. Bottega Ventura is offering LAND CONTENT ONLY.

Do you recommend particular airlines?

Again, the short answer is ‘no’. You are responsible for selecting the most convenient flights and the best price to suit your travel plans.

How do I book trains in Europe?

Our tours run from Bordeaux to Bordeaux in France or Rome to Rome in Italy. We will not organise connecting flights or trains to Bordeaux.

In France, TGV (high speed) trains can be booked through SNCF Connect

www.sncf-connect.com/en-en

In Italy, Frecciarossa trains can be booked through TrenItalia

www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce/frecciarossa

 

You can also use Trainline www.thetrainline.com which is a third-party booking service that will work with trains all across Europe including France and Italy

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What’s included in the price?

• Return transfers to Rome, with pick up and drop off to Roma Termini train station only. You will need to make your own way to and from the station (15 minute taxi ride from centre of Rome). No other pick up or drop off points are offered. OR

• Return transfers to Bordeaux, with pick up and drop off to Gare St Jean train station only. You will need to make your own way to and from the station (15 minute taxi ride from centre of Bordeaux). No other pick up or drop off points are offered.

• Personally hosted by Antonio Mendes and Fiona Nicol.

• All transfers and transport within the itinerary.

• All breakfast, lunches & dinners are provided - except one free evening to experience the local trattorias/restaurants & wine bars at your own pace.

• We also have espresso breaks & aperitivo/aperitif (pre-dinner drinks) included in your package.

• Our lunch and dinner traditional dining experiences include two glasses of house wine. For labelled wine you are free to select your choice at the venue, on the understanding you are responsible for payment.

• For any fine dining experiences, all wine selection and payment for individual bottles of wine are the responsibility of guests. We will remind you of these details before each dining experience.

• Our local collaborators and partners are well compensated for their time, products and services within our itinerary on your behalf. We include any gratuities for our transfer drivers, restaurants, guides & experience providers as part of your package cost. It’s not necessary, however if you feel something was a stand-out experience, you are welcome to contribute extra.

 

What is excluded in the price?

• International or domestic airfares

• Passport or visa costs

• Travel insurance

• Pre and post tour accommodation in Rome and/or Bordeaux

• Transfers to and from Roma Termini and/or Gare St Jean

• Laundry expenses

• Hotel bar tabs

• Spa services

• Personally selected bottles of wine and beverages

• Personal discretionary spending

• Medical or emergency evacuation costs

All of the above are the responsibility of individual guests.