To enter into Italy Vaccinated and passengers with recovery certificates are allowed without quarantine if they take a PCR or Antigen test 72 hrs before entry. Unvaccinated travelers from Canada, US, UK can enter into Italy but they need to be quarantined for 5 days and show proof of a negative Covid test after 5 days. Per our previous email about entry rules, minors (whether they are vaccinated or not) accompanied by vaccinated adults must also take a PCR or Antigen test if over 6 yrs old. Kids 6 and under are exempt from testing and quarantine if accompanied by an adult who has a vaccination or recovery certificate. Please see our email again from August 31st for updated links. The wedding venues (or for museums, tours, indoor dining) should ask to see your vaccination cards if you have not already sent us a file with copies of these for your guests. Keep your vaccination cards/recovery certificates with you or bring a copy on your phone or have a clear photocopy.
Regarding your return test - your countries are presently requiring a negative PCR for Antigen test 72 hours before re entry to USA/UK/Canada: There are walk-in options and others you can book. Your hotels have a list and can direct you. Many Italian pharmacies offer rapid antigen testing for about €20/€30 The main train station (Santa Maria Novella) has a tent outside that offers free antigen tests , for now, every day 8am-630pm offered by the Red Cross. Here are more places - airports: https://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/the-passengers/covid-19/swab-test-reservation.html https://www.pisa-airport.com/en/the-passengers/covid-19/triage.html https://www.klm.it/en/information/faq/covid-test-locations/country
Italians will appreciate the effort, but most people in the city center speak English. Some helpful Italian phrases are: Ciao - Hi/Bye Grazie - Thanks Prego - You're welcome Scusi - Excuse me Colazione - Breakfast Pranzo - Lunch Cena - Dinner Il conto - The bill Caffè - Espresso Caffè Americano- Coffee Bagno - Bathroom Non parlo Italiano - I don't speak Italian
Yes, a lot of places in Italy will only take cash. The best exchange rate you can get will be at home with your U.S. bank or directly withdrawing at an ATM in Europe. Most credit cards will have foreign transaction fees when used abroad so check with your bank.
Average temps in Florence in October: high of 70F and a low of 51F. Pack for Fall but bring a warm jacket or shawl! Also, comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing are a must! Many of Italy's streets are cobblestone.
You will need an adapter for small electronics like phone chargers and a converter for larger ones like computer chargers (these often come together). Most hair styling tools won't work due to voltage differences, but hotels will have blow dryers.
Major cities like Milan and Rome use Uber, however it is unavailable in Florence. Taxis are the best way to get around if you are venturing outside the city center where you can walk everywhere. The numbers for calling a taxi are: +39.0554242 or +39.0554390. If you prefer biking, download the app "mobike" for Florence's equivalent of a citibike.
Typical dinner time is around 8:30. Tipping on your bill is not customary in Italy. "Coperto" is a small per person cover charge you will see on your bill.
Aperitivo is having a snack and an appetite stimulating drink before a meal- think Negroni, Spritz, Prosecco, beer or a light wine. It is a social activity like Happy Hour but with snacks and without drink specials.
Call us, text us, email us! Francine Phone +1.781.215.3947 Email fvosikas@gmail.com Rod Phone +1.617.784.6431 Email rod.siino@gmail.com Our wonderful wedding planners are also available to help with small requests like arranging airport transportation, etc. Their contact information is +39.340.817.2530 or info@originaltuscanwedding.com
Kids are welcome - for headcount purposes we'll need to know if they should be included in the wedding dinner planning. Please let us know so we can plan ahead.
Cocktail, please. But we want you to feel comfortable, so if those shoes are too high or that top button is too tight, let it all hang loose.
Original Tuscan Wedding -- https://www.originaltuscanwedding.com/meet-otw/ We can't say enough good things about them!