UPDATED: How to get to shuttle- you can follow google maps link which may take you around the station OR for a more direct route enter train station and head to platform 16 (security will let you through if you ask for tour bus location-we tested it yesterday) walk along platform 16 to platform 17- turn right at platform 17 (exist the station) down a ramp to bus lot. Look for Fabbri Bus. Arrive around 2:30pm, plan to leave around 2:45. If confused or having trouble text Tony at (217)202-5397 for videos. https://maps.app.goo.gl/mY2KoBegEPzXJkH97 (Link in last email from Tony as well) The two best options: 1. Shuttle: We have set up round trip shuttles from Florence to the castle for an additional fee of $50. The shuttle will leave at 2:45PM (please arrive at 2:30PM) on June 10th from Florence train station. The shuttle will leave at 10:00AM on June 13th from Castello Di Ristonchi back to the train station. Additional details and location will be sent in our final email. Note: The shuttles consist of two vans (7 seater and 20 seater) and one larger bus (50 seater). The larger bus can't make it up the road of the castle so the smaller vans act as shuttles from the town of Pelago to the venue (5-7minutes drive). 2. Self- drive: If you are planning to travel in from another part of Italy or the meet up time/location won't work for you, you can rent a car and drive to the castle. There is plenty of parking available at the castle. The castle is a 45 minute drive from the main city center in Florence. Please note- check in is 4pm, no early check ins will be allowed.
A valid passport is the most essential thing you will need. If you need a new passport or need to renew an expired one, the current timeline is 6-8 weeks. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the trip date. If you plan to rent a car, you must obtain an International Drivers License. This can be easily obtained at a local AAA or online. June is considered peak season for traveling to Italy, we recommend looking early and often at flights for the best deals. Jet lag is real, take this into consideration when deciding when to arrive. If permitted, we recommend coming a few days earlier to adjust to the time change and explore nearby regions in Italy. UPDATE: ETIAS has been postponed and will not be needed for this trip!
We’re excited to be able to subsidize the cost of housing and offer our guests a flat rate for the duration of your stay at Ristonchi. All events listed on the “Schedule” page are what we cover as part of your stay. The cost of a three night stay (all meals + activities + and some alcohol) is $350.00 per person (see transportation for additional $50 option). Rooms will be assigned in advance as guests RSVP, some friends and family may be sharing apartments and a bathroom. Please take note: The castle is over 1,000 years old, that being said, please do not think you are arriving at a brand new Hilton Hotel. The castle is rustic and charming. The floors are worn and the bathrooms are small and quirky. Some apartments in the tower have lots of stairs, but the best views.
The ceremony with take place on the lawn and that may be something worth considering when deciding on shoe options. The weather in Pelago, Tuscany in June has highs of 78-82F and lows of 58-62F. The castle is set up on a hill and typically gets a nice cross breeze at night, but the 1,000 year old castle does not have central AC, so if you run hot like Tony a personal fan might be a good idea. (links in the packing list) Dress codes are specified in the "schedule" section of the website, note there is a pool so don't forget a swimsuit. See Tony's email for a packing list. Blow dryers will be in each apartment. Ironing stations with steamers will be set up on the day of the wedding.
Well....it wouldn't be a Tuscan wedding without wine! We will be providing some beer and wine during the events. We have ordered additional cases of wine and beer to enjoy together. That being said, specialty cocktails, beer, or additional bottles (or cases) of wine, and sodas that you wish to consume will be available to purchase once you arrive. These items will be charged to your room - and must be paid in full upon checkout. Cash or credit card accepted. As stated in the schedule, the wedding day consists of wine during dinner until the after party where the full open bar begins!
YES! The Castle's updated network consist 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 the wifi.
Rome (FCO) will have the most flight options, typically cheaper as it is a large international airport. From there you take a train to Florence (roughly 1:30). The train is very convenient and easy to navigate! Florence airport will be the closest airport however because it is smaller there will be fewer flights and they may be more expensive. We suggest flying in and out of Rome for the cheapest and best options.
Aside from the initial save the date/ invite we sent out, we will not be sending out formal invitations. We figured there is too much information for an invite and our website will be the best resource and RSVP location.
Please click the "RSVP" at the top of this website where you will select "WILL ATTEND" or "WILL NOT ATTEND". Once you RSVP "WILL ATTEND" - we will reach out with a Google doc to collect additional information and a payment link to reserve your stay. We know this is a big decision - please take all the time you need to think it over and get back to us. Note: You may RSVP "YES" now and pay for your reservation at a later date. In fact, we would prefer you let us know your intentions sooner rather than later. The final date to RSVP and pay for your accommodations will be January 10th, 2025. Please note- Ristonchi does not offer refunds once payment is made so we ask that you are 100% sure you will be attending before RSVPing "yes". Please provide your email address with your RSVP as pertinent additional information will need to be collected.
Flying to Italy to celebrate with us is more than enough and we do not expect anything more than that. There will be a registry (to be completed later) if you feel like you want to do more, but we emphatically do not think this is necessary.
No, we have decided to make this an adult only wedding weekend. I know this can present challenges, but we hope that with some extra planning you and your partner can join us for a kid free weekend away.