Travel Note
Don't forget to renew your passport. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after return date for valid travel. If passport is not valid, you will be denied permission to board your flight.
Travel Note
The great thing about Europe is that it is super easy to get around once you are there. Whether you are flying into Rome, directly into Florence, or another EU country, these recommendations should be of great help. Rome2Rio.com is also a fantastic resource to help you map out your travel from point A to Z.
Hotel
Wedding festivities will be taking place in Montemurlo, a municipality located 30 minutes outside the city of Florence. Please find the latest accommodation details here. Unless otherwise requested, we ask that guests stay in the recommended hotel below, where we have secured a rooming block from Tuesday 7/7 - Thursday 7/9. BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS: - Go to the hotel website and click "Book Now" (https://www.ivivaialparugiano.it/) - Enter the Promo Code: JD2026, select your dates and check availability - Add in the special requests section if you have food allergies, need twin beds, have mobility problems, need an extra bed, etc.* *Please note, Extra beds can only be added to Suite or Junior Suite rooms. Extra beds cost 30 euros per adult per night, breakfast included.
Discount Code - JD2026
Flight
We recognize that flight options and travel plans will vary for every guest, so we have compiled some general recommendations to help ease the process: - BOOK EARLY: Secure the best deals by booking your flight well in advance. Tuesdays are known to be the best days for booking flights. - FLEXIBLE DATES: Consider flexible travel dates for potential cost savings. - COMPARE AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS: Explore different airlines to find the most convenient and affordable options. Connecting flights, especially with layovers in major European hubs like London, can sometimes be more affordable. If you take this route, consider added time for potential layover inconveniences. The two closest airports are Pisa (1+ hour from Florence by train) and Florence. - The small Florence Aeroporto A. Vespucci receives flights from London. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to downtown Florence. - Pisa's Aeroporto Galileo Galilei is 80km west of Florence, with good international service. Trains connect the airport station with the Santa Maria Novella train station (1 hour). These trains run every hour from 7am to 7pm. - DIRECT FLIGHTS: There may be several other options with direct flights to major Italian airports like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), or Venice (VCE) from U.S. cities.
Rental Car
Taxis can be easily hailed at the airport or various train stations. However, please be aware that taxi services are not always as reliable once in the countryside. It is best to plan your transportation ahead of time. Taxi service options include: Taxi 4390 https://www.4390.it/ +39 055 4390 Taxi 4242 https://www.4242.it/ +39 055 4242 For those who are looking for personalized car services, please feel free to inquire about a private driver using the following NCC companies: Poggi Bus: info@poggibus.it Florentia Bus: noleggio@florentiabus.it Brubus: info@brubus.it
Rental Car
If you would like to rent a car, we recommend getting one for your stay in Montemurlo only, as you'll need a special permit to drive in the historic center of Florence, and the city is very pedestrian-friendly. If you choose to rent a car, it is recommended to choose an airport rental and book while in your home country. Here are some tips to get you prepared: DRIVING SIDE: In Italy, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. DOCUMENTS: When driving in Italy, you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance with you at all times. If you are a visitor to Italy, you can drive using your valid U.S. driver's license for up to one year from the date of your arrival in Italy. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy if you are a U.S. citizen. DRINKING & DRIVING: The legal blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0.5 g/l, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe. If you plan to drive to the wedding, do not drink. MOBILE PHONES: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free kit. ZTL ZONES: In some Italian cities, there are areas known as Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), which are restricted traffic zones that are off-limits to non-residents during certain times of the day. It is important to pay attention to the signs and not enter these areas, as fines can be hefty. PARKING: In many Italian cities, parking can be difficult, and there are often restrictions on where and when you can park. Make sure to check the parking regulations and always park in designated areas to avoid fines. TOLL ROADS: Many highways in Italy are toll roads, and tolls can be paid in cash or by credit card. Keep some cash on hand in case you need to pay a toll. GAS: Most gas stations are closed on Sundays. Self-service pumps are available at some stations, but the directions will typically be in Italian. IMPORTANT: Do not leave luggage visible in your rental car
Train
Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to get around within Italy. To make your trip more seamless, it is recommended that you purchase your train tickets in advance. High speed trains (i.e. Rome to Florence) will often have assigned seating, whereas trains for short regional journeys will not. You should always give yourself ample time to get to the train station and find your train's platform. Recommended train lines: Trenitalia - https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html EUrail - https://www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/suggested-itineraries/italy-itinerary?gclid=CjwKCAjwtIaVBhBkEiwAsr7-c6W8p-DlYfT9Imy4omuGIg8GKqRVbLn4OECwZcsGiwQN8rxGvA6Z5RoCbXUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Italiarail - https://www.italiarail.com/trains-in-italy?utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=608494&admitad_uid=55959d8aca2c1de91aac8939d7f1f095&tagtag_uid=55959d8aca2c1de91aac8939d7f1f095 Notable train stations: - Rome: Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina - Florence: Santa Maria Novella - Nearest to i Vivai: Prato Centrale If you plan on using public transportation, remember to validate your tickets in the provided machines before boarding. Failure to do so may result in a fine if caught by ticket inspectors. For more information on train travel success, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=T_V55pQGmiQ&ab_channel=GregorBrown
Travel Note
- Bring a Europlug power converter (Type C and F) prior to traveling to Italy! - Think twice before bringing your own hair dryer, straightener, or curler! Sometimes the power converter can blow them out. - Carry euros for public bathrooms! Most public bathroom entries come at a small price. - Most businesses accept major credit cards; however, few accept American Express. If you would like to exchange cash for euros, there are exchange offices located in downtown areas; however, they charge high commissions and may refuse large exchanges. The easiest option is to use the ATM ('bancomat') to withdraw cash from your credit card. Call your credit card company or bank for instructions for withdrawing abroad. - If your phone's SIM is unlocked, download the AirAlo app to buy an Italian e-SIM. - Be cautious of pickpockets if you are in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings, keep valuables secure, and consider using a money belt or keeping important items in a safe at your accommodation. - Pack comfortable shoes for sight-seeing days. Cobblestone streets and hilly areas are common in Italy. - Most restaurants apply a cover charge ('coperto'), which is about 2-3 euros per person. You may add a tip if the service was acceptable (typically 2-5%). Tipping is NOT required if there is a service charge included. - Be mindful of afternoon siesta time, especially in small towns where many shops close for a few hours.