Air Travel to Italy:

Is air travel included in the program cost?

No, you must purchase your airline tickets independently. We are happy to advise you on various options.

What airport/city should I fly into?

Most people generally fly into Naples, which is about 40 minutes from our facilities. You may also fly into Rome to suit your travel schedule -- in which case you must transfer to the downtown train station and take a train (a 3 or 4 hour trip) to Salerno, a small city which is approx. 10 minutes away, where you can arrive from by taxi or public bus.

What airline should I use?

See website for recommendations under “Travel Information.”

Airport transportation:

How do I get from the airport to the festival?

A festival bus will run mid-day for each program's arrival and departure dates and is scheduled to accommodate the greatest number of flights. We are also happy to arrange private pick-up from the airport for a small fee to help you avoid spending exhorbitant taxi fares.

Arrival/Departure:

What time of day do people arrive and depart the program?

You are invited to arrive any time after 12 p.m. on arrival day. We do recommend you try to arrive by 5 p.m. in time for our orientation and introductory meeting. On departure day people generally leave first thing in the morning because the international flights leave Naples on an early schedule. Hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

Can I come a day or two early or stay on afterwards?

You are welcome to arrive a day or two early and stay on to enjoy the festival however we must know in advance to assure your reservations. Arrangements are made through the festival and your stay will be pro-rated based on festival “guest program” rates.

Everyday Concerns:

Electrical Appliances:

Do I need any electrical appliances, such as a hairdryer?

We do recommend you try to leave electrical appliances at home. The hotel rooms are all equipped with hair-dryers. The hotel has strict regulations about using irons in the rooms due to fire hazards. If you find it necessary to bring something, you will need a transformer for European current as well as an adaptor plug to fit into the wall outlet (adaptors can also be found locally in hardware stores).

Internet Service:

What kind of internet service is there in the town? The hotel is equipped with wireless service if you bring your own computer. There is an internet café within walking distance that charges by the minute. There is also a somewhat cumbersome computer in the lobby of the hall that you purchase a phone card to use.

Laundry :

What kind of laundry facilities are there?

Try to bring enough clothes with you to not waste much time on laundry. Many people do handwash in their sinks. The hotel has a laundry service but it is extremely expensive. There are also “lavanderias” in town where they will wash individual items but it can take several days. There are no Laundromats.

Money:

How do I exchange money?

The easiest way to have access to money is by using an ATM machine locally (called a “Bancomat”) with your credit card. You may also bring travelers checks which can be exchanged at the front desk in the hotel or in a local bank. Be sure to check fees associated with your credit card for international transactions.

Packing :

What should I bring?

See our information sheet on “What to Bring.”

Meals:

Do you recommend signing up for the Meal Plan?

While you are free to eat on your own, we do strongly recommend you consider the festival Meal Plan. Due to our intensive rehearsal and concert schedule, it is much more convenient to eat with the group at specially arranged times when local restaurants are not always open (usually not until 8 p.m.); also it is an important time to socialize with faculty and other participants; many announcements are made, etc.

If I'm on the Meal Plan, what happens when we go to other towns for concerts?

For those on the Meal Plan, we arrange to eat together in a local trattoria or restaurant for a delicious 3-course meal when we are in a different town for a performance.

Do we need to dress up for meals in the hotel?

Although the dining room is not formal, it is not as casual as in the U.S. At dinner no shorts or tank tops are allowed. People generally dress up a bit, also because we often go directly to concerts after dinner.

What other options exist for eating in the town?

In Vietri there is an array of small restaurants, cafes, and pizzerias all within walking distance.

Does the Meal Plan offer options for Vegetarians?

The meals are served buffet style with a wide range of choice for several courses, and there are many options for vegetarians.

Hotel:

Does the hotel have private bathrooms?

Yes, the hotel rooms are lovely and recently refurbished and all include a good-sized private bath, equipped with hair-dryers and other amenities.

What do you mean by triple occupancy?

We do offer the option of triple rooms for those on a budget who want to share a room with a couple of friends. Many students take advantage of this option. Double and single rooms are also available for a supplemental cost.

Hostel:

What should I expect at the hostel?

The hostel is very spartan but clean and comfortable. It is like a small dormitory with group rooms for males and females, furnished with bunk beds (6 - 8 to a room), with one shared bathroom per room. You will need to bring your own linens (sheets & towels). The hostel is about a 15-minute walk from the classroom & practice facilities and a 20-minute walk to the hotel. It has a nice garden and a lovely view and is generally very quiet.

Is the hostel air-conditioned?

No, the hostel is not air-conditioned. It can get warm however there are floor and/or window fans.

Insurance :

Why do you recommend travel insurance?

Each year we have at least one last-minute cancellation, usually due to unexpected health problems. At such a late date it is impossible for us (or the airlines) to provide a full refund. Travel insurance can offer you protection for unexpected situations, lost luggage, etc.

See listing of travel insurance agencies.

Does my health insurance cover me in Italy ? You should check your policy carefully but under most circumstances you should be covered. If not, you might want to consider a short-term policy even though the Italian system is very hospitable to foreigners.