Naples, Italy is the major airport that is nearest to the ferry to get you to the island of Ischia. You may find cheaper flights by flying into Rome and then taking alternative options of travel, specifically a train, to get you to the ferry port including private drive, bus, taxi, etc. Italy has a very affordable and fast rail network and domestic flights throughout Italy are also very affordable. We are currently estimating a flight from Cleveland to Naples to cost roughly $1000, or an estimate of a flight from Cleveland to Rome to cost roughly $800 and we recommend using an app like Hopper that will alert you for best times to buy. If you plan ahead you can save hundreds of dollars! P.S. Another option to save on flight costs is to drive to and fly out of Toronto or other larger airports!
We would recommend starting the application as soon as possible so you don't have to rush at the last minute and worry it won't be received on time! The typical processing time is between 6-8 weeks, but this is not guaranteed. There is an expedited option with an additional fee if needed. The cost depends on if you are under or over 16 years of age and price varies between $100-165 for your passport book. Applications can be done at certain US Post Offices where they can also take your passport photos. You can also fill out your Passport form online via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html. Additionally, There are other options such as CVS or Walgreens for Passport photos but BEWARE the photo size and instructions are very important! Here is another link that will provide all info. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Yes! There will not likely be enough rooms for all but the good news is that there are many adjacent hotels, airbnbs within minutes of Hotel La Madonnina. If you're planning to stay on site please contact the hotel by email at info@hotellamadonnina.it and mention KAYDIFRANCO wedding, and book before DECEMBER 15th! Otherwise, there are many hotels and air bnbs close to the venue!
Upon arriving in Naples, take a bus or taxi to Port Molo Beverello, where you can catch a ferry to Porto D’Ischia. The ferry ride takes approximately 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll find plenty of taxis available for a quick 5-7-minute ride to the hotel!
FerryHopper.com! There is also an app available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the port. Trips starting at 6:10 am- 8:20 pm
You can buy bus tickets on the bus, or in any cigarette shop, bar/cafe and newspaper stand.
Around 23 euro ($24.50) one way.
You can order them from your bank at home! It may take up to a week to arrive, so plan accordingly. You can also exchange at the airport but you'll most likely pay a higher exchange fee.
The bus runs every 20-30 mins, keep in mind the island is small, so the hotel/venue is not far from the port, about 5-7 min bus ride!
There will be a booking link available shortly that we will share with everyone. Check back for updates. The Hotel will be first come first serve and we will take a final head count by October! There are other hotels in walking distance, please feel free to explore.
Yes, Ischia is a very walkable island, don't forget to bring your comfy walking shoes!
Most phone plans now include overseas talk and text. For example, most Verizon plans include Global service that charges you $9.99 per day for limited talk and limited data. We would encourage you check with your service provider. Another service that can be downloaded on your phone is "WhatsApp" which we would reccomend you download. This allows you to talk and text over a Wifi connection that you should be able to access throughout your journey. Italy is very accustomed to travelers so the language barrier has been minimized and most Italians do speak English. It wouldn't hurt to download Google Translate, or have a translate app on your phone as well!
The train system in Italy is very efficient and there are multiple offerings including high speed rail that can get you across the country in record times. Some examples of pricing and costs: Rome (Roma Termini) to Florence (Firenze SM Novella) 1.5 Hrs travel time and cost is between 20-30 Euros.
Credit Card is widely accepted throughout Italy, but if you would like to order Euros you can do so by going to your bank and making an order. This typically takes a few days and then you pick up your Euros. When paying in Italy via credit card from time to time you will be asked if you want to pay with dollars or euros. Most credit cards no longer charge foreign transaction fees and because of that and the fact that the local shop or hotel could tack on exchange fees its always encouraged to pay in euros. When you go to a resturant or coffee shop a tip is not required. It is viewed as odd and unnecessary and even could be offensive if you try to tip. Leaving remaining change or a few euros is okay if you insist.
The weather is typically in the low to mid 80's
We encourage you to pack as light as possible! Its important to remember you will likely be traveling from place to place and the less you have to carry the easier it will be on you. Pack light! If you forget anything we will help you get a replacement! Worst case you get to try the local toothpaste or deodorant! You will need a European Travel Plug Adapter to charge all your devices- that range between $6-$20 dollars on Amazon...we will have extras just in case!
If you haven't traveled on an airplane in a while we just wanted to share some advice and tips. When traveling through basic security you will have to take off your shoes and remove any belts, hats, jackets etc so be prepared - the less apparel and accessories you have on the easier it will be for you to get through security. You will likely need to remove any devices or electronics from your carry on bags. You cannot carry more than 8oz of liquids in any carry on bags. Bring a light jacket in your carry on- sometimes the planes get cold! The flight to Italy is long and can be tiring, but is so worth it once you arrive! have your headphones, charger, comfy clothes, a book or iPad, and neck rest readily available to make flying easier for you! When getting off the plane be mindful of others, it's always best to wait in your seat til your turn to grab your bags and walk off the plane, vs rushing to the front and cutting off others!
A couple of those outstanding risky things we want to mention. Since we are on an island and taking a ferry it's unlikely but very possible the ferrry can be closed for a day if there are high winds etc so it is encouraged to arrive a day or two in advance.
Visit Babonbo.com or Babyquip.com there you'll see you can order ahead for strollers, car seats, toys, and other baby gear to be delivered to your hotel or delivered right to the airport when you arrive for an extra fee! We highly recommend getting your strollers before arriving on the island of Ischia in case there are fewer options.
There is a complimentary shuttle for hotel guests, just let Michael or Hannah know 24 hours in advance what time you will arrive in Ischia, the shuttle will pick you up from the port and take you to Hotel La Madonnina (for those of you staying elsewhere, there are plenty of taxis right at the port, have euros to pay taxis!) There is a also a package for transportation with a cost of $50 per person - it includes, pick up from the airport to the ferry, a ferry ticket, and transportation to your hotel once you get to Ischia, if your interested in this service please let Michael or Hannah know asap so we can relay the info!