FAQs

Question

What are the best cab companies?

Answer

Taxi 4242- +39 055 4242 Taxi 4390- +39 055 4390

Question

Where can I book accommodation?

Answer

In the 'Travel' section of the website, I have listed some suggestions for places to stay. Airbnb is also always an option, just make sure to confirm what floor you are staying on and whether or not there is an elevator (they are not guaranteed and often the most beautiful apartments are on the top floors)! VRBO is also a budget friendly option for booking independent stays in Florence.

Question

How can I get the best rate on my flight?

Answer

I always recommend searching for flight www.skyscanner.com using a private browser. You can select departure and arrival destinations and dates very generally or specifically based on the best pricing for all available airlines.

Question

Can I fly directly into Florence?

Answer

Yes and no. There are generally no direct flights into Florence. More than likely, you will have to change planes in France, England, the Netherlands, or Germany but this is usually very easy to do, just make sure that you book a flight with a layover of a couple of hours since these airports (particularly Charles de Gaulle- Paris, and Airport Schiphol-Amsterdam) can be quite large. If your layover is in Germany, you will likely have to go through security again before boarding your connecting flight. Make sure that you don't book a flight to Florence, South Carolina! The airport in Florence is called Florence Airport, Peretola.

Question

Can I fly into Rome and get to Florence easily?

Answer

Yes! It will almost always be cheaper to fly into Rome at Airport of Roma Fiumicino. Getting from Rome to Florence is pretty easy by train (the train station is inside the airport) and will cost anywhere from 40-70 euros depending. The entire journey take about 2.5 hours but you will have to change trains at Rome Termini. The stop that you want for Florence is "Firenze-Santa Maria Novella".

Question

Can I fly into Pisa and get to Florence easily?

Answer

Yes! Pisa is another great example of an easy comment by train. You will first have to get on the "PisMover" which will take you to the regional trains. Before to buy a ticket for "Firenze Santa Maria Novella." The journey should take less than an hour.

Question

Will I have trouble communicating?

Answer

Italy see millions of visitors from all over the world. Most people especially employees in airports and train stations speak English. Most announcements in airports and train stations are first announced in Italian and then English.

Question

What do I do in case of an emergency?

Answer

Dial 112. You'll be connected to an operator who will ask you the nature of your emergency and connect you accordingly.

Question

Should I buy designer bags from street peddlers?

Answer

Unfortunately, no. You'll notice the street peddlers of counterfeit designer products are a rarity in Florence because the penalty for being caught buying from them is very steep.

Question

Should I eat at restaurants at popular tourist sites like the Duomo?

Answer

Generally, I don't recommend it. The view, while marvelous will be ruined by the mediocre food.

Question

What should I do if a street peddler or beggar approaches me?

Answer

Street peddlers and beggars make their living working crowds, particularly of crowds of tourists. They will want to talk to you, ask you where you are from, and even engage you physically. You are under no obligation to take anything that they try to give you, nor are you under any obligation to give anyone any money. If they try to give you something, don't accept it unless you are prepared to pay for it. If you don't want to engage, simply avoid eye contact and keep walking.

Question

Is pickpocketing a problem in Florence?

Answer

Generally no, Florence is a very safe city. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't exercise caution in crowded places. If you keep your wallet of phone in your pocket, keep them in your front pocket. For added safety, don't keep all of your money in one place on your person.

Question

How can I get around Florence?

Answer

Florence is a walking city! Bring comfortable footwear. Stilettos are not recommended as the streets are often uneven or cobblestones. Florence has lots of public transportation. Bus tickets can be purchased from any tabaccheria (tobacco shop), tram tickets can be purchased at tram stops. Taxis are always available at Santa Maria Novella train station or ordered directly at +39 055 4390 or from apps like itTaxi.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Florence is generally warm, even in October. Generally, days will be warm/mild and evening will be chillier.

Question

Where should I stay in Florence?

Answer

Florence has a variety of hotels, hostels, and AirBnBs to chose from! Before you book, just make sure that you're booking in the central neighborhoods of Florence. This includes: The city center (including Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery) Santa Maria Novella (near the central train station) San Giovanni (the Duomo neighborhood) Santa Croce Oltrarno district (on the other side of the Arno river) San Frediano San Marco San Lorenzo Ponte Vecchio When all else fails, google the distance from the place that you're considering staying from Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo).

Question

How Accessible is Italy?

Answer

Italy can be challenging if you have mobility issues, particularly in terms of accommodations. If stairs are a challenge, be sure to confirm that your accommodation has an elevator. Unlike in America, an elevator is not usually a given!

Question

What are some good day trips to take from Florence?

Answer

The trains give you a passport to many beautiful places in Italy. Cortona is charming hill town in the Tuscan countryside a 1.5-2 hour train ride from Florence (depending on the train). Cinque Terre is a seaside cliff town that has unmatched views and will be less crowded in October. Pisa is also an option, but there's not much to do aside from seeing the leaning tower. Sienna, Lucca, Perugia, Volterra, and Orvieto are charming smaller Tuscan towns that are very easily accessible by train or car. Livorno and Viareggio are beautiful seaside towns very close by train.

Question

How will I get to the venue?

Answer

Buses will arrive at the hotel Helvetia & Bristol at 4pm (16.00) to pick up all guests who will need transport to the venue. A bus will then return on an hourly basis starting at 10pm (22.00) until 2am (02.00) to return guests to the center.

Question

How will I get to and from the ceremony?

Answer

Transportation by bus has been arranged to leave from Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione 2 Via dei Pescioni, Firenze, Toscana 50123, Italy Buses will arrive around 3:30/3:45 (15.30/15.45) at the hotel Helvetia & Bristol and depart at 4pm (16.00) to bring all guests who will need transport to the venue. A bus will then return on an hourly basis starting at 10pm (22.00) until 2am (02.00) to return guests to the center. You are welcome to arrange your own alternative transportation as needed!