Lisa: We've been to a bunch of thermal spas in Italy, and our experience has been that if you want the main treatments, you need a doctor's prescription. You can usually use the pools, sometimes get a massage, etc., but for the most part, they're set up to indulge the Italian medical system, which sends patients off to these places for "cures" and pays for them. As an outsider, you can have access to only certain services, and in many cases you have to reserve in advance. Good luck - we used to take 6-week trips through Europe when we were younger planning a "spa "stop" at least every 4-5 days to refresh from the journey, and I miss that.