Help & info

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Everything you wanted to know about our itineraries, packages, and how we work.

Product & itineraries

Which areas do you cover?

Northeast Italy, specifically: Veneto, the Dolomites, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Venice is included, with our anti-tourist-trap approach.

We chose this part of Italy because we live here, and we know it well. We'd rather do one corner of Italy properly than half-know the whole country, so for now we don't plan trips to Tuscany, Rome, or the South.

How do the packages work?

We offer three different plans:

Full online itinerary: you give us details, preferences, and travel style; we craft your personalized itinerary and share it with you via email. Email support included.

Itinerary + video call: you give us details, preferences, and travel style; we craft your personalized itinerary and walk you through it in a video call where we discuss it in real time and answer all your questions. Email and WhatsApp support included.

Video consultation: no itinerary, just a video call to help you plan or refine your trip to Italy. We collect a few questions in advance and discuss them in the call.

What do the packages include?

Day-by-day recommendations on where to go, sleep, and eat, plus activity suggestions. With multiple options per day and honest notes on what to skip and why.

What does “self-guided trip” mean?

You travel independently: your pace, your timing, your style. We give you the map and the local knowledge; you drive the trip. No group, no schedule to keep, no guide walking you around.

Do you make reservations for me?

No, we keep the bookings in your hands as we are not a travel agency and we can't make reservations for you. We give you specific recommendations with honest notes (“book this one, skip the one across the street”), and you can reserve yourself.

How long does it take to receive my itinerary?

48 hours from the moment you complete the questionnaire. If your plan includes a video call, we'll schedule it within the same week.

Can I ask for changes after I receive my itinerary?

Yes, one round of revisions is included. Tell us what's not working (“too much driving on day 3”, “we'd rather skip the wine tasting”, “can we add a hike?”) and we'll rework it. We'd rather get it right than leave you guessing.

Travel logistics

I'd like to travel by train or public transport: do you include these options in your itineraries?

Yes, and it's one of the things we specialize in. Northeast Italy has really good train and bus coverage compared to other areas of Italy, if you know how to use it. We'll build your itinerary around working connections so you don't need a car unless you want one.

I'd like to do camping: is Northeast Italy a good destination?

Yes, there's a strong network of well-run campsites. Note that wild camping is restricted in most of Italy, so we'll point you to the legal, scenic options.

Are the itineraries suitable for families as well?

Yes, we have specific recommendations and options for families. You can write a note while filling out the questionnaire so we know more about who you travel with.

General

Do I get support during my trip to Italy?

We support you closely during the creation of the itinerary. We don't normally provide real-time support while you're traveling, but you'll have our contacts and we'll always be happy to help with tips when we can.

What if I'm not happy with my itinerary?

Tell us. One round of revisions is included, as we'd rather rework it than leave you with something that doesn't fit. If after the revision it still isn't right, we'll have an honest conversation about what to do next. We're two real people, not a faceless service, and we care about getting this right for you.

Does Off the Boot take commissions on hotels and restaurants?

No, we don't take any commissions on hotels, restaurants, or activity bookings. Our recommendations are based only on what we genuinely think is worth your time.

What languages do you work in?

We work with you in English. On the ground, we'll flag where English is widely spoken and where a few Italian phrases will go a long way, and we'll give you the ones worth learning.

Payment

How can I pay for Off the Boot services?

You can pay using credit card or PayPal. A payment link is shared with you when you choose your plan. The payment is safe and processed through a secure provider.

When do I pay?

Upfront, when you choose your plan. We start working on your itinerary as soon as the payment is confirmed and your questionnaire is in.

In which cases can I get a refund?

You can be refunded in case you pay by mistake, as long as you immediately email us saying you do not intend to receive the itinerary.