FAQs
Question
Do I need a passport or European visa?
Answer
You do need a valid passport. We recommend brining printed copies as well. A passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the time you plan to travel. US passports have been taking a good six months to process so you may have to act expeditiously. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was expected to go online in 2024 and has been delayed to mid-2025. Therefore U.S. citizens traveling to Europe in 2024 are not required to obtain a travel visa. For more information visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Question
Event attire?
Answer
Friday, May 31st: On Friday evening we will be having a PIZZA PARTY! Please wear anything white. Casual dress – think linen pants / jeans and a t-shirt or top, sundresses, etc. Saturday, June 1st: Cocktail attire for the wedding ceremony and dinner. Our dinner is on grass so please plan shoe wear accordingly. Sunday, June 2nd: Casual dress. Ryan’s dad loved to wear Hawaiian shirts on any vacation. In honor of Ron, feel free to join the groom in sporting a Hawaiian shirt if you have one!
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
We do not have a wedding registry. Your presence is our greatest gift. We absolutely do not want wedding gifts! For those who wish to give something, we invite you to consider making a donation to causes close to our hearts. We have selected a few nonprofits that are very important to us, and contributing to their work would be a deeply meaningful gift. Social Venture Partners - Boston: https://www.svpboston.org/ Harlem Grown - https://www.harlemgrown.org/ The Earthwatch Institute - https://earthwatch.org/
Question
How will our castle stay work?
Answer
We have a master list of all available rooms and after you RSVP, we will be assigning rooms. Your room, on-site meals, beverages, and special events have been afforded. Should you desire extras, such as additional beverages or snacks, your credit card information provided upon check in will be charged and settled at the time of check out. Some of our friends may be asked to stay together in apartments. Castello di Ristonchi consists of 30 apartments from studios to 2-bedrooms. Each apartment has its own bathroom and kitchen. Some apartments in the tower have lots of stairs (but the best views!). We look forward to acting as a middleman and working with each of you to be sure that you are fully accommodated during your stay. If you are interested in other housing options outside of the venue grounds, please see the "Recommendations for accommodations near the castle?" FAQ below.
Question
What is the weather like?
Answer
In early June, you can expect warm days and cool night with temperatures fluctuating between 60-85 degrees F. Feel free to use the link below to view historical weather details where our venue is located. https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/pelago/1548049/weather-forecast/1548049.
Question
Is there WiFi at the castle?
Answer
Yes! The Castle's updated network consists of 6 ubiquity AP and delivers speed of 30/3Mb. There is WiFi in the common areas and outside as well as in the Castello/Tower apartments. The Fattoria and Borghetto apartments have very thick stone walls and do not reach WiFi.
Question
What should I pack?
Answer
Travel documents and copies. Euros and credit cards. Medications including those for allergies (i.e. bee stings, if needed). Cell Phone with charger & appropriate data plan. Italian adapters and converters (2 prong). Ceremony attire. Leisure clothing and shoes (for walking / hiking / biking). Swimsuit. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Mosquito repellant & after bite cream. Toiletries. An ironing station will be available but no wash machines. Small first aid kit. Sweater or wrap-light waterproof jacket (please be sure to check the weather). Reusable water bottle. Feel free to bring any books, board games, or shared fun options that you'd like!
Question
Just in case … what else is there to do in the area?
Answer
Hiking is free and abundant trails surround the castle. Several mountain bikes are available throughout the weekend. Visit https://www.ristonchi.com/activities for more information on hike and bike trails. Florence is 30km away, less than an hour’s drive. 'The Mall', the luxury designer outlet, is a 20-minute drive. Vallombrosa Abbey is a marvelous piece of architecture and an oasis of peace surrounded by beautiful forest nature, also a 20-minute drive. Travignoli is a winery and vineyard for wine tastings and tours that is less than a 10-minute drive. Pelago is a very small village that is 10km from the castle and around a 10-minute drive. Should you require anything additional or are arriving early, in the town square there is a small market (COOP, Viale della Rimembranza, 11, 50060 Pelago FI, Italy). There is also a small restaurant in the village (Leonia bistrot, Viale della Rimembranza, 2, 50060 Pelago FI, Italy).
Question
Where are the closest grocery stores?
Answer
Coop in Pelago 8 minute drive: Open 7:30-13:00 & 17:00-20:00 (closed Sundays) Alimentari Degl'Innocenti Emiliano 10 minute drive Coop in Pontassieve 15 minute drive: Open Mon-Sat 8:00-20:30 Sun 8:30-13:30
Question
Recommendations for accommodations near the castle?
Answer
The Castello owners have curated a list of nearby hotels, villas, and airbnbs for guests who wish to stay close to the castle before or after the wedding weekend. *VILLA GRASSINA:* 5 mins by car or 20 mins walk. www.villagrassina.it *VILLA CERTINA:* 2 mins by car or 9 mins walk. https://www.vrbo.com/it-it/affitto-vacanze/p2160289?arrival=2023-05-19&departure=2023-05-22&uni_id=2287272 *FLORENCE HILLS RESORT & SPA: 10 mins by car* https://www.theflorencehills.it/en/ OTHER: https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/34694916?adults=1&category_tag=Tag%3A8536&children=0&infants=0&search_mode=flex_destinations_search&check_in=2023-04-10&check_out=2023-04-15&previous_page_section_name=1001&federated_search_id=6cfc44f4-1f41-4181-9fcc-9dea44c3c290 https://www.vrbo.com/it-it/affitto-vacanze/p8743695?noDates=true&uni_id=4806508 https://www.vrbo.com/it-it/affitto-vacanze/p1786983?arrival=2023-04-06&departure=2023-04-09&uni_id=3498648
Question
How do we get to Castello di Ristonchi?
Answer
For more detailed information, visit the tab "Travel & Accommodations". We will be providing a bus shuttle to and from Florence. For self-directed travel, the easiest and cheapest way to travel through Tuscany is renting a car. You can also take the train to the station "Pontassieve" and from there, either take the bus or work with a taxi service to arrange pick up.