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General Information
Safety Information
Umbrian Experiences

General Information
Banks
Banks are usually open from 08.30-13.30 and then for one hour in the afternoon, usually 14.30-15.30 although this may vary. Please note that a passport is required for changing money or traveller’s cheques.

Post Offices / Stamps
Stamps can be bought from tobacconists and post offices. Local post offices are usually open Mon-Fri 08.25-13.50 and Sat 08.25-Midday. Main post office in Perugia opens at 8.00am and closes at 6.30pm – Monday to Friday. On Saturday open from 8.00am to 12.30pm. In August it is only open from 8.00 to 1.30 every day.

Shops
Shops are generally open from 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.30. Many shops are closed on Monday morning. In smaller towns and villages food shops may be closed on Wednesday afternoons and Sundays. Shops are open in the summer from 16.00 – 20.00

Tap Water
Tap water is not always agreeable with everyone due its differing mineral content. We recommend that you buy bottled water. This is very cheap and can be bought in packs from all supermarkets and local food shops.

Telephones
To use public phones a phonecard is necessary . These can usually be bought from bars and tobacconists. The international dialling code for the UK is 0044, followed by the area code and omitting the initial “0”.

Emergency Numbers
In the unlikely event of an emergency, please find below a list of useful telephone numbers. Please note that some operators may not speak English. Fire: 115 Ambulance: 118 Police: 113

Public Transport - Trains
Trains are reasonably cheap, and prices are calculated per km. A return journey costs exactly twice as much as a single, so things are kept simple and you don’t feel that you are losing out along the way. There are several different types of train in Italy – so best to check journey times and costs at a station. Please note that it is essential that you validate your ticket at one of the boxes on the station concourse or platforms. Failure to do so is likely to result in your paying a hefty fine! Further information available at: www.fs-on-line.com

Public Transport - Buses
Tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus and then stamped in one of the machines at the front or back of the bus upon boarding.  Tickets can be purchased from all bus stations and Tabacchi and are often sold at bars and newspaper stands too.

Safety Information
Balconies
If you are travelling with young children, make sure that they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb up.

Glass panels
Few hotels and apartments are legally obliged to install “toughened” or safety glass in their windows, doors, glass cabinets, etc. Please take particular care when walking through patio doors, as in bright sunlight it can be difficult to spot if they are open or closed.

Fire safety
Other countries have different fire safety regulations and procedures. Please read carefully all fire safety information available in your villa or apartment.

Bathrooms
Sometimes villas and apartments overseas do not always provide non-slip mats in their baths and showers. As bathroom floors overseas are often tiled and you will be using a bath or shower tray which is unfamiliar to you, please take extra care to ensure you do not slip.

Swimming pools
Even though on holiday, you need to adopt a sensible attitude around the pool and make sure that children and non-swimmers are supervised at all times. Before diving, please check that the water is deep enough. Take care when walking around the pool, as pool surrounds are often slippery when wet. You should not enter the pool after drinking alcohol. Always check the pool design and layout – in particular:

• Check your height in relation to the pool depth (metric).
• Find out where deep and shallow areas are, plus any slopes.
• Check for any “hidden” obstacles in the water (rocks and ledges).
• Never dive from the poolside into less than 1.5m of water and never dive from bridges, rocks, or other decorative features.
• Do not use the pool if you cannot see the bottom.
• Swim before eating and drinking, not immediately after.
• Check what to do in an emergency. If it is not stated, ask.
• Always supervise children.
• Do not swim at night (or when the pool is closed).
• Remember to always use adequate protection against the sun’s rays.

Sea / lakes / beaches
At times, especially during rough conditions, dangerous currents may be present. We therefore recommend that you only swim in designated areas.

Driving abroad
Please be fully aware of the local regulations regarding the “Highway Code”. These are available from your local car hire company. For your own safety and peace of mind we recommend you never drink and drive.

Sunbathing
Remember the sun’s rays are at their strongest between the hours of 1100h to 1500h.

• Always use a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB (ultra violet) and has a high SPF (sun protection factor).
• Never expose babies under six months to direct sunlight.
• Always protect your eyes from the sun with a good pair of sunglasses; check the label for British Standard BS 2724: 1987.
• Remember you can still burn in the shade, when it’s cloudy or when you’re swimming. Wind and water intensify the sun’s effect, so while you may feel cool, you could be burning.

Animals
The hygiene and care of animals overseas differs vastly from the UK. We suggest that you do not feed or play with animals, either wild or domestic, whilst abroad and ensure that children are not allowed to do so. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, please report this and seek medical assistance immediately.

UMBRIAN EXPERIENCES
Here are some suggestions during your stay in Umbria.

1. A trip to Perugia and the national gallery of Umbria – take the escalators through the old walls of the town which bring you directly to the historical centre of Perugia.
2. Visit the Basilica and Fortezza in Assisi
3. Visit Todi and take funicular up to the main piazza to see the Palazzo del Popolo.
4. Visit the small village of Monte Castello di Vibio and visit the tiny theatre “Teatro del Concordia”.
5. Visit Gubbio and take a ride on the funicular (open ski lift cages for two people) up to the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo, where you can see the actual ‘Ceri’ (large wooden casks) used in the famous race.
6. Drive up to the top of Monte Subasio for amazing views, perhaps also visiting “Eremo delle Cacere” a refuge where Saint Francis of Assisi stayed.
7. Visit the ceramics museum in Deruta.
8. Hop across to the islands on Lake Trasimeno.  Ferries to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese leave from Passignano, Tuoro, Castiglione del Lago and San Feliciano.
9. Visit Orvieto. Best to park at the station car park and take the funicular up to the old town.  Visit the cathedral and go on a tour of the extensive Etruscan cave system beneath the town.
10. Visit the wine and olive oil museums in Torgiano. Lungarotti have a winery that can be visited with an organised tour.
11. Visit the small villages of Bevagna and Montefalco.  Try ‘Sagrantino’ wine, a rich deep red unique to this corner of Umbria.
12. Take a trip to Spoleto for its roman remains and imposing viaduct bridge.
13. Take in a “Sagra” (food festival), or a cultural event if there are any in your area during your stay.