FAQ

The owners of VIA VILLAS of ITALY, Lori Redmond and James Dominic, spend extended periods each year inspecting VIA VILLAS of ITALY's collection of vacation homes. They photograph and document the homes and meet with the owners to discuss client feedback and to ensure any needed upgrades. This direct knowledge of our properties allows us to help you select the vacation home that best fits your needs.

Prices vary from property to property. Complete information is available on each property description on our website. All vacation homes are cleaned before arrival. Linens are included and are changed weekly unless another arrangement is specified. Heating and air-conditioning are almost always at additional cost. In some cases, there is a final cleaning fee.

Most vacation homes require a refundable security deposit. For some, VIA VILLAS of ITALY collects the security deposit in advance of your trip, in which case it will be refunded, less any fees for damage, a month after your trip. Some vacation homes require the security deposit to be paid in cash (euros) when you arrive. In this case the deposit will be refunded at the end of your stay less any fees to be paid on location, such as heat, telephone, or breakage.

If your vacation home has a pool or air conditioning, it will be indicated on the property description on our website. Our At A Glance feature on the right side of each property page will indicate this type of information. If there is a pool, there will most likely be a photograph of it as well. If the description does not state that there is a pool or air conditioning, assume there is none. If these features are important to you, be sure to mention that to us when selecting your vacation home.

Pets are respected and loved throughout Italy, but bringing a pet to your vacation home is not allowed. There are rare circumstances where very small, well-trained pets may be considered.

At most vacation homes, we can arrange for services such as cook services, additional housekeeping, babysitting, wine tasting and cooking lessons. If you need a vacation home with staff or daily housekeeping, please be sure to mention it when you call to book your vacation home. If you would like to arrange for a chef to prepare dinner one or two nights during your stay, the best time to make arrangements is one month before your trip.

Please review the following services we offer in cooperation with our partners at Hardin Associates. They can provide airfare and hotel reservations before or after your rental week. Please Note: Hardin Associates, like most travel agencies, is a fee-based service. Please don't hesitate to call toll-free at 1-888-654-9923 . Ask for Janet or Barbara and be sure to mention you have rented a vacation home through VIA VILLAS of ITALY. We also work with AutoEurope to offer special rates on rental cars. If you find a lower rate, they will try to beat or match it. You can also book flights through AutoEurope. Call 1-888-223-5555.  They are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Italy is not as accessible as the U.S. but many of our vacation homes have a ground floor bedroom that is suitable for wheelchairs. It is crucial that we be informed of the nature of your situation in advance, so we can help you make the best decision and so that there will be no surprises when you arrive. We require you to bring a small, portable, folding wheelchair (you can find a good selection at Easier Living) and to travel with someone who is able to lift you. We will do our best to find a vacation home for you that is appropriate for your needs.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, the best way to protect the significant investment in your holidays plans. We recommend Travelex Insurance Services at 1-800-228-9792. Please mention that you are working with VIA VILLAS of ITALY and that our Location Number is 38-0011. You can also visit them online at Travelex Insurance Services

All of our properties come with a hair dryer. If you arrive and find yours missing, please contact the property manager onsite and they will provide one.

Cell Hire - Cell Phone Rentals We highly recommend renting a cell phone before you travel to Italy. It can be quite convenient when making your contacts or when calling ahead for reservations or in the event you get lost. Call Cell Hire at 1-866 235 5447 and mention VIA VILLAS of ITALY to receive a discount or click on the blue link. via travel design is affilitate #5335.

You can use your laptop with a modem connection (dial-up) in any vacation home that has a telephone. You will need an Internet service provider with local access numbers. Our vacation homes equipped with WiFi internet access can be found on our home page and in the At A Glance section of each property page. Alternatively, you may consider leaving your laptop at home and use local Internet points and cafes to check your email. If it is important that you have high-speed Internet access, be sure to mention this to us when you book your vacation home.

If your appliance is not adaptable for dual voltage, you will need a converter to allow your appliance to run on European voltage. If your appliance runs on dual voltage, you will need a plug adapter to make your appliance cord fit the European outlet. Visit Magellans to purchase any needed adapters.

Driving is not difficult, but there are some issues to consider. Roads to many vacation homes can be unpaved, and driveways may be winding, hilly, or rutted. If this is a concern for you, be sure to tell us when selecting your vacation home. When choosing a rental car, we recommend renting the smallest car possible. Guests who rent vans may sometimes regret their choice; Italian villages are not always van-friendly with their ancient, narrow streets. It is usually better (and less expensive) to rent two smaller cars, which also gives you the flexibility to pursue different activities at times. We suggest you pick up and return your rental car at the airport rather than a downtown location, if possible.

Once your final payment is received and processed, your Arrival Instructions and via destinationswill be sent to you by email. This email will include driving directions for your arrival and contact information of the key holder of your vacation home. Arrivals are typically on Saturday between 4-5 pm. If you find you are delayed, call your host to let them know and to arrange a new rendezvous. Otherwise you may find you are unable to get into your vacation home until the following day. In this case, you will have to spend the night in a hotel, at your own expense. If you are arriving on Sunday, traditionally a family day, special arrangements must be made in advance.

You are expected to vacate your vacation home between 9:30 am and 10 am on the morning of departure. If you plan to leave very early in the morning, please notify the owner or key holder on arrival day so that you can arrange to return the keys and take care of any fees to be paid. There is no need to scrub the floor when you leave, but dishes should be clean and put away, garbage should be disposed of, and your vacation home should be broom clean.

If the property you rented is not prepared to your satisfaction (for example, if it is not clean or the appliances do not work), first contact the key holder or designated contact person immediately so that the problem can be rectified and you can enjoy the rest of your stay. If the problem isn't solved, call VIA VILLAS of ITALY and we will try to help. Please don't suffer in silence! We want you to be comfortable and enjoy your stay. Likewise, if something breaks while you are there, please contact the person responsible for the property to let them know.

Call us toll-free within the USA at 1-888-477-2740 or at 215-248-2570.