I will be traveling to Italy mid-April 2022, flying from the west coast to Milan, then ending up in Varenna. I don't think I will have any trouble negotiating the 72 hour testing limit for entry into Italy. My question concerns a Viking Cruise Lines rule that says I must have a PCR test within 72 hours of boarding their vessels. My test in the US will be past that time frame, as I will be staying in Varenna for 3-4 days. I read that getting covid tests in Italy is not a problem, but will I be able to find a pharmacy in little Varenna to administer a test for me? I am hoping that someone who has been to Varenna recently can help. Thanks, David.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8176 posts
Most of the discussion regarding the ease of testing at pharmacies, is for rapid antigen tests, not PCR tests. However, someone else may have experience with PCR tests or Varenna.
Posted by
OP
43 posts
Paul, thanks for the reply. A rapid antigen test would be acceptable to Viking, so that is also a possibility.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7284 posts
Rapid antigen is also accepted for entry to Italy
Test with 24 hours of your arrival to Italy
Most every pharmacy will offer rapid antigen
Use Google maps to find a pharmacy near your lodging in Varenna or ask your lodging to advise a test location
Posted by
Southeast US
4068 posts
If someone cannot offer experience in Varenna, you may e-mail your hotel. I would think it would be able to tell you what your options are.
Posted by
Paris
10341 posts
Yes, I would simply ask your hotel. They are sure to know.
You could also email this pharmacy, which comes up when you Google “Varenna farmacia”
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8958 posts
I would like to suggest that you take the BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Card home test with you to Italy. It is the proctored version and acceptable to the cruise lines. I have no doubt that antigen testing will be available in Varenna, but having a test in hand that you know will work might be a major stress reducer for you. I've done this test twice for cruises and it is quite easy. The total process takes about 20 minutes over an internet connection and the results are emailed to you immediately.
This way, you have a choice. You can get tested in Varenna or you can simply use the test that you brought with you.
This website if you want to order 6 kits.
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en
This website if you want to order 2-3 kits.
https://store.optum.com/royal-caribbean/
The insurance companies (not medicare, alas) are currently required to cover these test kits as part of your health insurance. You should check with your individual company about any limits they may have.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34152 posts
Varenna is a seriously small village. One pharmacy as far as I remember, next to the church, across the street from the ZTL (yup even Varenna) which is the main square.
http://www.farmaciadivarenna.it/wordpress/ is the website - let it scroll through the 4 pictures at the top of the webpage and you'll see how small.
I can also pop up the google street view - ZTL in front with the hotel, church behind you, look to the right and see the unilluminated green cross, that's the pharmacy. This is the view Collapse the side panel or scroll slightly right - across from the parked orange van.
You will have much more success on one of your field trips unless you intend to just sit on a bench in the town. A short ferry ride away and you will almost certainly go there is Bellagio or you can ferry to Como or Lecco all of which have much more "town" to find stuff in.
My memory of the stores in Varenna are one deli, one tiny general store, one pharmacy, one ice cream place, one big church, one little church, some restaurants and lots of overnight accommodation. There's almost certainly a bar but I don't specifically remember it.