Does the driver speak English?
Yes, all of our drivers speak English well.
I have completed a booking form / quote request will you confirm the booking?
You will receive a confirmation voucher or reply within 24 hours of your booking or inquiry. If you do not receive anything within this time frame, please contact us.
How early do I need to book my service?
The earlier the better, especially during peak tourist season. We usually recommend booking your service at least 7 days before the requested date, depending on the type of service, as availability may be limited.
Is your company licensed?
Yes, we are a fully licensed company and are required to abide by the regulations set by the Italian licensing authorities.
Is the tip included in the quote? If not, how much should we tip the driver?
Tip is not included in the quote, as gratuities are not mandatory in Italy. However, we believe that if clients are happy with their service, the driver should receive a tip as a token of appreciation. Standard gratuities in Europe typically range between 10% and 25%, depending on the service received and the level of satisfaction.
What type of vehicles are used for services?
Our fleet is comprised of deluxe Mercedes and Volkswagen sedans, minivans, minibuses, and buses. For groups of more than 8 passengers, we will provide the service either with a Mercedes Sprinter minibus or multiple luxury minivans, depending on availability and local regulations. Many Italian cities have restrictions on where certain vehicles can circulate, so in order to offer you the best service possible and ensure you reach your destination comfortably, we will arrange the most suitable vehicle accordingly.
Are we able to customize itineraries?
The itineraries we provide are suggestions based on our experience and knowledge of the areas, offering you the optimal way to maximize your touring time. We are, however, flexible and happy to accommodate feasible requests for itinerary changes. Please note that we reserve the right to modify the order of visits depending on traffic conditions, weather, strikes or internal assemblies, or any other unforeseen circumstances that may affect the planned itinerary.
What is the difference between a tour guide and a driver-guide?
A tour driver and a tour guide are not the same. When booking a private tour, it is important to understand the difference so you know exactly what you are paying for. A tour guide holds an official license, usually issued by the state or country, and has completed formal studies in the history and culture of the sites you will visit. Guides are permitted to enter historical sites with you and provide detailed explanations. Their services are naturally an additional cost.
A tour driver, on the other hand, is not licensed as a guide, has not attended guide school, and is not permitted to enter sites to provide historical commentary. Their services are therefore more economical. Many drivers are very knowledgeable about local history and culture, but they are legally required to provide explanations only while inside the vehicle. Once you are dropped off, they cannot offer historical explanations, as doing so may result in fines issued by the authorities.
Why haven't I heard from you?
You should have received an automatic email in response to your booking or inquiry. Please check your spam folder. If you have not received it, please contact us at info@joebananalimos.com
What is your cancellation policy?
For full details regarding our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page.
What payment methods are available?
You can easily confirm your booking by choosing one of the following payment methods:
• Immediate payment by credit card
• Delayed charge (5 days prior to your first service date)
• Euro cash on the day of the service, with a credit card provided as guarantee
Do children pay, or do they travel free of charge?
We are a fully licensed and insured company, and we strictly comply with all Italian laws, which require that each child and baby in every vehicle is properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat (as appropriate), and that each individual, including children and babies, is accounted for. The Polizia and Guardia di Finanza regularly stop vehicles to ensure that all members of a group are being transported safely and have been properly accounted for in the services we provide. For these reasons, we do charge for all members of the group.
Who can I contact in case of an emergency?
In case of any emergencies, you can contact the following number +39 338 190 0236.
What are the opening hours for shops and businesses?
In Italy, traditional business hours are observed, with most shops opening around 9:00 am and closing for a few hours in the afternoon (usually between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm). Shops then reopen until around 7:30 pm. Some smaller businesses may close on Sundays, so it's advisable to plan shopping accordingly.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Italy?
While major credit cards are generally accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card transactions.
