01
v. Pre-Departure
Prima della Partenza
Hotels & the packing list
Italian October is mild by day and crisp at night — pack like you'd dress for a Hong Kong cold front, plus a real coat for evenings in the Langhe and Val d'Orcia.
Most cities you'll walk a lot — comfortable shoes you can dress up are the most-used item in the suitcase. ZTL fines arrive by mail months later; park outside the historic walls and walk in.
Restaurants book up weeks ahead in October — confirm reservations the day before by phone or email.
Clothing
№ 01 — What to Wear01
- Layerable tops · 6–8Long-sleeve T-shirts, light merino, a few nicer pieces for dinner.Must
- Sweater / cardigan · 2Evenings in the Langhe & Val d'Orcia are cold — bring real warmth.Must
- Trench / mid-weight coatItalians dress up for dinner — a presentable jacket goes a long way.Must
- Jeans / chinos · 2One for daytime, one for evening.Must
- One nicer outfitFor Piazza Duomo / Cammillo / Hotel VIU dinners.Rec.
- Light scarfUseful in churches, draughty restaurants, and on the high-speed train.Rec.
- Walking shoes you can dress upYou'll walk 15–20k steps most days. Sneakers if they're stylish; otherwise loafers.Critical
- Compact rain shellOctober rain is light but persistent. Doubles as a wind layer.Rec.
Documents
№ 02 — Travel Papers02
- Passport · 6mo validityCheck before you fly — most important thing in the bag.Critical
- International Driving PermitHK license alone is not enough for the rental car. Apply via TD HK in advance.Critical
- Rental car booking confirmationPrint a copy — Italian rental desks sometimes can't pull up email bookings.Must
- Hotel confirmations · printed or PDFUseful at borders, on tax-free forms, and when GPS misroutes.Rec.
- Restaurant & winery booking emailsSave them offline; cell signal is patchy in the Langhe.Rec.
Electronics
№ 03 — Devices03
- Phone + chargerSet up Apple/Google Maps offline regions before you leave.Must
- EU plug adapter · Type L / FItaly uses Type L primarily; Type F (Schuko) also works in newer outlets.Must
- Power bankCarry-on only — checked bags can't have it.Must
- CameraOptional — Val d'Orcia and Piazzale Michelangelo deserve it.Opt.
- eSIM or roaming planItaly data is cheap on eSIM — set up before you fly.Rec.
Health
№ 04 — Medicine04
- Personal prescriptionsBring enough for 12+ days; pharmacies require a local script.Must
- Antacid / PeptoBig lunches + tasting flights — you'll thank yourself.Rec.
- Headache + ibuprofenEasier from home than translating at a pharmacy.Rec.
- Blister plastersCobblestones are unkind.Rec.
Money
№ 05 — Wallet05
- Euro cash · ~€200 to startTrattoria Sostanza is CASH ONLY. Small bars and toilets often need coins.Must
- Two credit cards · Visa & MastercardAmex is patchy in trattorias; keep one backup card separate.Must
- Notify banks of travel datesPre-empts the inevitable "fraud" lock at the worst moment.Note
Wine Logistics
№ 06 — Bringing it Home06
- Wine sleeves / Wine Wings · 6+Inflatable protectors are the easiest way to get bottles home in checked luggage.Must
- Soft folded duffelPack it empty — fill it with bottles & oil for the flight back.Rec.
- HK customs allowanceHK has no wine duty — bring as much as you can carry.Note
- Producer shipping optionSome Barolo / Brunello estates ship to HK direct — ask at tastings.Opt.
Where we stay
Hotels & Addresses
All confirmed bookings below. Hotel VIU Milan redeemed with Bonvoy points.
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19 – 20 / 10 · 1 night · 4 pax
Casa Boffa
Barbaresco village · walking distance to Antiné & Enoteca Regionale
Google Maps04
20 – 21 / 10 · 1 night · 4 pax
Agriturismo Borgo delle Vigne
Zola Predosa, 15 min from central Bologna
Google Maps05
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