FAQs
Question
How does a castle stay work?
Answer
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 (plus a few surprises). The cost of a three-night stay (all meals + the extra activities we will be covering in addition to the wedding) will be a one time payment. When you RSVP to the wedding, you will be able to see the cost associated with your stay. We have a master list of all available rooms and as families RSVP, we will be assigning rooms. Some of our friends may be asked to stay together in apartments if flexible. We ask that you let us know your preference when you RSVP. Castello di Ristonchi consists of 30 apartments from studios to 2-bedrooms. Each apartment has its own private bathroom and kitchen. Some apartments in the tower have lots of stairs but the best views. We look forward to acting as a middleman and working with each of you to be sure that you are fully accommodated during your stay.
Question
What is the inside of the castle like?
Answer
Ristonchi Castle is a rustic, 1,000-year-old medieval castle surrounded by olive groves and a forest of chestnut trees and wild edibles. It's not a regular hotel - it's a CASTLE! There won't be daily cleanings, but all of the basics will be provided for you, such as clean sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, toilet paper, soap, and shampoo. The furnishings are typical Tuscan style, and some of the bathrooms are small and quirky, but that's the fun of staying in an old castle. When you wake up you know you are in Tuscany! There is heating in winter, but no air conditioning in summer. The thick stone walls and fresh mountain breeze should keep you comfortable, or there is a fresh mountain spring water pool that will definitely do the trick! There are limited paid laundry services as well as a steamer service for your wedding attire. There is a bar and small shop where you can buy coffee, drinks, ice cream, and snacks. The castle is secluded so please bring everything special (like medication) you'll need for the weekend with you. See the packing list under travel to get you started. Bottom line, this is not a Hilton, this is a very rustic castle experience.
Question
How do I get to the castle?
Answer
We recommend utilizing the Ristonchi buses outlined under the transportation section. We recommend planning your arrival based on that. If you get to Florence a few days before the wedding (also recommended!) it is super easy to bop on over to the Florence airport to meet the buses at your designated time. We are highly encouraging guests to arrive before Friday to ensure mitigation in travel mishaps, flight delays, jet lag, and more.
Question
What do I need to bring?
Answer
You'll need clothing appropriate for the activities you'll be participating in (wedding, pool, hiking, wine drinking, etc). The wedding will be outside on grass and that may be something worth considering for shoe options. We are planning to have activities but please feel free to bring any books, board games, or shared fun options that you'd like! The rooms will have bed linens, a towel per guest, hand soap, and shampoo packet(s). Please bring any additional toiletries you may want and a pool towel if you plan on swimming. A more detailed list can be found under the schedule and travel sections.
Question
When do we need to RSVP and pay by?
Answer
The final date to RSVP and pay for your accommodations will be March 3, 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." If you know you definitely cannot attend, please RSVP "no" as soon as possible so we can maintain an accurate headcount and extend additional +1s with as much notice as we can. Once you RSVP on this website- you will be sent a payment link. We will also be sending along a Google Form to fill out requesting all of your housing preferences, dietary restrictions, etc.
Question
Can I stay longer after the wedding is over?
Answer
Unfortunately, you are not able to stay at the castle once the wedding is over, however, there are other villas within a few minutes' drive if you wish to stay in Tuscany. If you'd like to vacation past the 3-day wedding, the castle is conveniently located by train to major cities as well as Florence airport with low-cost airlines that connect you across Europe. Noah and Sophie will continue traveling to Cinque Terre after the wedding. If you are interested in keeping the party going- text us on the side! We encourage guests to take advantage of the wedding and continue traveling. will also be flying into Florence the weekend before. Feel free to fly in early to enjoy Florence and we will meet you there!
Question
Is There WIFI at the castle?
Answer
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.
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
Please take note: The castle is rustic and charming. The floors are worn, and the bathrooms are small and quirky (hey it happens when a building is built 800 years before plumbing was common). Keep your eye out because some of the stones in the walls have medieval markings engraved in them. The castle is surrounded by an ancient forest - they live in harmony with nature and don't use harmful chemicals - so there may be a bug, a bee, or a spiderweb around along with the beautiful, serene nature. There is heating, but no air conditioning. If this sounds like a nightmare to you - there are some villas you can book about 15-minute drive from the castle. But we REALLY hope you'll stay on site with everyone else and live out a once in a lifetime chance to stay in a Tuscan Castle.
Question
CAN I BRING A DATE?
Answer
We have addressed the invitations to the people we would love to come. Please ensure that you are RSVPing for yourself and your guest. Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited on your save the date.
Question
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Answer
In August you can expect warm days and cool nights fluctuating between 70F- 85F. https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/pelago/1548049/weather-forecast/1548049
Question
Will there be food?
Answer
All meals throughout your stay are included; from the welcome pizza party, breakfast and brunch, BBQ, pasta making class, post ceremony aperitivo and of course the 3-course wedding dinner with a delicious modern Tuscan menu. Ristonchi uses fresh seasonal products that they grow and produce, find locally, or by fair trade. They provide fresh mountain spring water in glass jugs to reduce plastic. We will be in the Chianti region and surrounded by vineyards with some of the best wine in the world!
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors
Answer
Weather permitting, the wedding ceremony and dinner will be outdoors. There are back up indoor options on-site in the event of inclement weather.
Question
Do I have to attend all events?
Answer
All events outside of the wedding are totally optional! We really hope that you will join us for all events, but we want your time here to feel like a vacation. Feel free to explore the castle grounds, hike, etc.
Question
Are you registered?
Answer
Your presence is our greatest gift, and we do not plan to have a registry.
Question
More Questions?
Answer
We understand that travel can be challenging. PLEASE text or call us any time with questions. We are so excited to help everyone plan their stay!