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Travel

The Wedding Website of Nicole Stelter and Ali Albakaa

Hotel

Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort

Via Santa Maria a Marignolle 10, Florence, Italy
 39-055-3920401

We’re excited to share that our ceremony, dinner, and dance party will all take place at the hotel, making it easy for everyone to relax and celebrate together in one beautiful location. We encourage guests to stay on-site for convenience and to enjoy the full wedding weekend experience. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Discount Code - NICALI2026

Travel Note

U.S. Citizen Guests

For our U.S. Citizen guests, NO VISA IS NEEDED, but: Starting October 12, 2026, you must register for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. You will need a valid passport, a credit/debit card to pay the €20 fee, and an email address, with most applications processed in minutes.

Travel Note

UK Citizen Guests

For our UK Citizen guests, NO VISA IS NEEDED, but: Starting in late 2026, you will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa waiver before travelling. This is not a visa, but a quick online authorization costing around €7 (free for under 18s/over 70s).

Travel Note

IRAQI Citizen Guests

For our Iraqi guests, you must apply for a short-stay (up to 90 days) Schengen visa, which requires appearing in person at an Italian embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Where to Apply: VFS Global Baghdad or Basrah or the Italian Consulate in Erbil.

Flight

Nearest Airport: Amerigo Vespucci Airport

Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is the main airport for Florence, Italy, also known as Florence Airport, Peretola. It's a small, single-terminal airport located just 7 mi / 11 km from the wedding venue, at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort.

Flight

Other Nearby International Airports

Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) in Pisa is 50 mi / 80 km from the wedding venue, at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna is 65 mi / 105 km from the wedding venue, at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome is 191 mi / 308 km from the wedding venue, at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort.

Train

Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN)

This is Florence's main train station, located in Piazza della Stazione, serving as a major hub for high-speed Trenitalia and Italotreno lines. The station is 4.5 mi / 7.2 km from the wedding venue, at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort. Make sure to book your tickets BEFORE boarding the train!

Train

Trenitalia

High-speed trains from Italian cities to Florence are the fastest, most convenient option. Major operators include Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italotreno, with tickets starting as low as $14–€15 if booked in advance. Trains run frequently, making it an easy trip. Make sure to book your tickets BEFORE boarding the train!

Train

Italotreno

High-speed trains from Italian cities to Florence are the fastest, most convenient option. Major operators include Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italotreno, with tickets starting as low as $14–€15 if booked in advance. Trains run frequently, making it an easy trip. Make sure to book your tickets BEFORE boarding the train!

Train

Eurail

The Eurail train system is a flexible rail pass allowing non-European residents to travel across 33 European countries on a single, digital ticket. It covers national railways and many ferries, offering unlimited travel, like the Global Pass or One Country Pass. While the pass covers the ticket, some high-speed and night trains (like Eurostar) require an additional seat reservation fee.

Train

Interrail

An Interrail Pass is a flexible train ticket allowing European citizens and residents to travel extensively by rail across 33 European countries. It offers unlimited travel on participating networks, usable via a mobile app or paper, and is popular for multi-country trips. Key types include the Global Pass (all countries) and One Country Pass.

Train

Buses & Trams

Autolinee Toscane (AT), consists of over 30 lines, including small electric buses (C1, C2, C3, D) for the historic center. Tickets cost €1.70 (valid for 90 minutes), and can be bought at tobacco shops (Tabacchi), newsagents, or via the AT Bus app. The Autolinee Toscane (AT) tickets are valid for both buses and the tram system in Florence. Tickets MUST be validated upon boarding.

Rental Car

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Mandatory for non-EU citizens. It acts as a translation of your license. Get one from AAA (American Automobile Association) before you leave the U.S. It costs about $20. You must have your valid U.S. license and your IDP with you at all times while driving.

Rental Car

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy requires an International Driving Permit (IDP), strict adherence to ZTL (limited traffic) zones to avoid heavy fines, and alertness to aggressive driving, speed cameras (Autovelox), and tolls. Drive on the right and yield to the right. Click VIEW for helpful tips to prepare to drive in Italy.

Rental Car

Taxi and Rideshare Options

In Florence, Italy, rideshare options are primarily limited to Uber Black (premium, professional drivers) and local taxi apps, as traditional UberX is not used. There are two companies in Florence that provide Taxi service: Taxi4242 and Taxi4390. Key apps include AppTaxi, ITTaxi, and TaxiMove. Taxis are usually hailed at stands or booked via phone (+390554390 or +390554242) rather than on the street.