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I admit, with “rules” being so fluid and not knowing whether the trip would actually happen or not, I had some anxiety and reservations. After looking back, it was easier than I anticipated.

Requirements:

At the time I re-opened the workshop, the requirements to enter into Italy were the following:

* get a COVID rapid antigen or PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy;

*fill out a Digital Passenger Locator Form, with no need to quarantine,

*Completed round of COVID-19 vaccination completed 2 weeks before travel (we kept our vaccine cards in a plastic pouch handy…they checked them upon entering museums and restaurants) (If not vaccinated, they just wouldn’t be able to enter museums or inside restaurants but could eat at the outdoor cafés)

**Right before our trip, the rules changed and now un-vaccinated travelers had to quarantine for 5 days upon arrival, as well as be re-tested after 5 days. Unfortunately that affected one of our students, and she had to cancel.

It’s important to also check the requirements on the countries you might transit through. Because things kept changing, we decided to fly direct into Rome from Dallas.

Upon Departure:

I suggest keeping all of your documents together and organized so you can be ready to show them at the airport/museums etc. Some airlines have an app they use to keep all of these handy. (For American Airlines, we used the veriFLY app…they asked to see it upon departure from Rome).

Once we made it over all of the hurdles and were sitting on the plane, I sat back and relaxed as we soared to beloved Italy. (The plane wasn’t completely full, so we had a row to ourselves!)

We did have to wear a mask in the airport and on the plane, which wasn’t great, but well worth it to get to go to Italy again! I brought several “throw away” masks so I could change them out a couple times during flight. It made a difference!

Upon Arrival:

Arriving was easy…we just made our way through customs, showed them our passports and headed to our car rental place in the airport.

While in Italy:

Most shops had signs that allowed only 2 customers in the stores at a time, and masks are required inside all buildings. (Of course, you can take them off to eat!) Most restaurants and museums asked to see our “Green Card” (In Italy their vaccination cards are digitized with a QR code they can click on, but we could show them our white CDC vaccination card which was accepted).

We felt very safe and everyone we encountered was very kind and respectful. I could sense a lot of joy and energy in the air and the Italians were very happy to welcome back tourists.

Upon Return:

Upon returning, we had to test negative again within 72 hours of departure. What I would suggest is to make sure you make a reservation with a pharmacy (“farmacia”) and check to make sure they provide the correct tests.

After our retreat, my husband and I rented a car and travelled through Tuscany and Umbria and made several stops along the way, with Orvieto being our last stop before heading to Rome to fly home. The plan was to pop in to a farmacia there and get the test. We arrived to find a long line to get into the farmacia, and then, “No appointment, no test.” And, on top of that, they were closed the next day (Sunday) and couldn’t schedule us until Monday. (We were leaving Orvieto on Sunday).

We knew we could get a rapid test at Fiumicino airport (in Rome) for 20 Euros, so we opted to leave early Sunday morning, drive straight to the airport and get the test the day before we departed. I highly recommend not waiting until the day of your flight, or make sure you arrive at least 4 hours before your flight. We witnessed several passengers missing their flights who were attempting to get the rapid test the day of their flight.

Final Thoughts:

Was it worth it? Even with the hurdles, I will tell you with a resounding “YES! It was so worth it.” I feel like it jump-started me back into life.

I felt so much peace being submersed into all that beauty; the Italians were so welcoming, and I got back my inspiration. On top of that, there were no crowds.