FAQs

Question

WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE? AM I EXPECTED TO ATTEND EVERY EVENT?

Answer

From 6 October until 8 October 2023, we will have exclusive use of Borgo Divino, an agriturismo about 19 miles (30 km) from the center of Florence, Italy, in a town called Montespertoli. We’ll have a couple of different organized activities and meals during those days and you are welcome to join us for all of them (check the schedule page on our website for more details), but please do not feel obligated to! All we ask is you RSVP before 1 July 2023 to let us know what events you do plan to attend.

Question

WHAT’S AN AGRITURISMO?

Answer

An agriturismo is a working farm/vineyard that doubles as a B&B. Essentially, it’s all the comforts of a 4-star hotel set amongst the Tuscan countryside. Pretty much everything you’ll eat and drink at an agriturismo is grown and produced right there on site. Check out Borgo Divino's website to get a better idea of what we mean.

Question

How do I get there?

Answer

We recommend flying into any of the major airports in Milan or Rome, renting a car at the airport, and then driving directly to wherever you’re staying. From either city, the drive is roughly 3.5 hours. Another option from Rome or Milan is to take a high-speed train directly to Florence (about 2 hours on the train) and then take a taxi from the train station to your accommodations. For folks flying from Israel, Ryanair offers a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Bologna twice a week. From Bologna, it’s a 90 minute drive to Montespertoli or a 45 minute high-speed train ride to Florence. For folks flying from New York, Neos is a low-cost Italian airline that flies direct between JFK and Milan twice a week. It’s the cheapest non-stop airfare we’ve seen so far and definitely worth checking out. Pisa and Florence are the closest airports to the venue (less than an hour by car) but will require at least one transfer and tend to be more expensive.

Question

When should I book my flight?

Answer

If you find a good deal on airfare, don't wait. Buy it. From LA or NYC, if you find airfare under $800/person – BUY IT. From Houston, if you find airfare under $900/person – BUY IT. From Tel Aviv, if you find airfare under 2000 ILS/person – BUY IT. Most likely, you'll find the best deals right now. We suggest booking no later than June, as prices will definitely start to go up by the summer.

Question

Do I need a passport?

Answer

Yes, both Israelis and Americans will need passports in order to travel to Italy for the wedding. If you don't already have one, we suggest applying for one now. If your passport is set to expire before January 2024, you must renew it before you come to Italy (you can renew up to 9 months before it expires). Passports must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Italy.

Question

What do I need to know about renting a car and driving in Italy?

Answer

For the best prices on car rentals, we suggest booking in advance online. There are a handful of low-cost car rental companies in Italy, but they’re infamous for last-minute fees and add on costs, especially if anything happens to the car. Your best bet is to stick with one of the major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, etc.). Keep in mind that manual transmission is the default in Italy, so make sure you specify/select automatic if you aren’t comfortable driving manual. Also, in addition to your regular driver’s license, you’re technically required to have an International Driving Permit, which is essentially just an official translation of your license. You can get them for $20 from a AAA office. You probably won’t be asked for it, even if you’re pulled over or in an accident, but it may be worth the money just for the peace of mind. Driving in Italy is definitely not for the timid or anxious driver – locals drive fast and pass on blind corners, the roads have narrow shoulders or none at all, and don’t let the peaceful countryside fool you—they’re full of one-way, single lane roads. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the signage when driving around major cities—car traffic is restricted in most city centers and there are cameras looking for violators everywhere. Do not drive or park in any area that has a sign reading Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL, often shown above a red circle). The fine for this is hefty (at least 80 Euros).

Question

What about the train?

Answer

There are two major train companies: Tenitalia and Italo. Generally, tickets are inexpensive even if you wait until the last minute and buy them at the train station. This method will give you the most flexibility. But for the absolute cheapest train tickets, we suggest pre-purchasing them weeks (or even months) in advance—just keep in mind they will likely be non-refundable/non-changeable. The major train stations you should know for our wedding: Roma Termini in Rome; Milano Centrale in Milan; and Firenze Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Train employee strikes are common (usually on Fridays) but generally won’t impact main-line service. If you’re taking the train, just make sure to give the train company’s website a check in the days leading up to your trip.

Question

Where should we stay for the wedding weekend?

Answer

There are tons of great villas, bed and breakfasts, Airbnb's, and other accommodations near Borgo Divino. We recommend checking out Fattoria Le Mandrie, Borgo Filicardo, Poggio Capponi, or Villa Le Calvane, as we will be providing transportation to and from these spots the day of the wedding. You are welcome to make arrangements wherever you'd like, just keep in mind you will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the venue.

Question

How much should we budget for this trip?

Answer

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend on airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation, and sightseeing/activities, assuming you book your flights and hotels early. For Americans: If you’re coming only for the wedding weekend: $3,000-$3,500 per couple For additional days after the wedding: budget $150-$200 in daily expenses per person For Israelis: If you’re coming only for the wedding weekend: 6850-8550 ILS per couple For additional days after the wedding: budget 515-685 ILS in daily expenses per person To reiterate, these are just rough estimates of what you can expect to spend-- you can definitely spend less and you're welcome to spend more. If you're looking to save money, keep an eye on airfare and book early. Take advantage of free breakfasts at hotels/B&B’s, keep lunch simple by visiting a sandwich shop or pizzeria, and always order the house wine (it’s cheaper than soda and just as good as the fancy stuff). Check out travel guidebooks—we recommend Rick Steves, his books have the best walking tours so you can save money and be your own tour guide. Also, October is considered the beginning of low-season for tourism in much of Italy so you may be able to find some end of season deals.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

We expect it to be perfect. Average temperatures during the day in Montespertoli are 70-75F/22-24C and 55-65F/13-18C at night. Average chance of rain is 28%. In 2022, it was 78F/26C on 7 October. We did a video tour with the owner of the villa that day and he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Question

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Answer

For the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday, the dress code is black tie optional. Please dress in your best formal wear-- tuxedos and gowns strongly encouraged! Stiletto heels are not recommended – you’ll be walking on grass and gravel. The ceremony and dinner will be outside, so you may want to bring a light jacket/shawl in case it gets chilly in the evening. Everything else is casual. Bring your bathing suit in case it’s warm enough to get in the pool. Bring good walking shoes if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing. Modest dress (no shorts, no crop tops, covered shoulders) may be required if you plan to visit any churches or religious sites.

Question

Can I bring my kids or other guests?

Answer

Unfortunately, we will only be able to accomodate the guests named on your invitation. We hope you understand and will still be able to join us!

Question

Can we bring a gift?

Answer

We are lucky enough to already have nearly everything we need for this new chapter together, and your presence at our wedding is honestly the best present we could ask for. However, for friends and family who have expressed an interest, we have created a gift registry for your convenience. Please visit the registry page on our website. We kindly request no physical gifts be brought to the wedding in Italy.

Question

Will there be transportation available the day of the wedding?

Answer

Yes, we will provide shuttles to and from Fattoria Le Mandrie, Borgo Filicardo, Poggio Capponi and Villa Le Calvane on the day of the wedding.

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes, free parking will be available at Borgo Divino.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP no later than 1 July 2023.