Will transportation be provided to the reception venue?
Yes, we will provide a taxi service to get you from the church to the reception. If you need transport, please indicate so during the RSVP process. At the end of the evening, we will have a taxi steward to coordinate your taxi home at your own cost.
Will the reception be indoors or outdoors?
This is weather dependent. Last year on October 4th, the high was 84 F/ 29 C and the low was 60 F / 16 C. If we are blessed with sunny weather, the cocktail hour and dinner will take place outdoors, followed by dancing inside the villa. If we are blessed with rain, all events will take place inside the villa.
Are we “breaking plates,” Greek style?
Since we’re not in Greece, no. In Greece they use special plates for this custom but it’s not a part of the Italian culture, so we won’t be breaking anything, on purpose.
Is Florence safe?
Yes, Florence is safe. However, tourists in Italy are targeted for petty crimes by pickpockets and scammers. So it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and don’t trust anyone who approaches you on the street for any reason. If a stranger tries to give you something, like a bracelet for example, don’t accept it! Other than that, always stay diligent with your personal belongings. It’s best to carry some type of crossbody bag or sling bag.
Do I have to tip in Italy?
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy. However, if you get good service it’s always appreciated. That being said, tipping is discretionary and the tip amount doesn’t need to be based on the percentage of the total bill. We recommend to tip anywhere from 2€ to maximum 10€, depending on what you had and the size of your party.
Cash or credit card?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Italy and a typical form of payment is by card with contactless or tap payment. TIP: If you are prompted to choose the currency by the POS card machine (USD or EURO) always select to pay in EURO so you get the best exchange rate. We recommend traveling with a Mastercard or Visa that has NO INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTION FEES. Unfortunately American Express is not accepted by most independent boutiques, restaurants, shops and some hotels.
HOW TO ACCESS CASH
It’s also a good idea to have some euros on hand. Ideally, you should plan ahead and get some euros from your bank before coming to Europe.
DON'T EXCHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT when you arrive, it’s a rip off.
Most American banks have a partner bank in each European country. We recommend finding out which bank in Italy they are partnered with. It will be cheaper to take out euros directly from that partner bank at that ATM while in Italy. Alternatively, use an ATM at a bank or Poste Italia (the Italian post office) ATM.
DON'T USE the little isolated ATMs that are randomly positioned throughout the city, it’s a scam.
PHONE SERVICE?
Your provider should have international plans, this is the best solution. T-Mobile has the best options when it comes to international travel. We don't recommend purchasing an Italian SIM card and swapping it out, unless you have an unlocked phone. Wi-Fi is readily available, you can always connect to Wi-Fi to use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or FaceTime to make calls or send messages for free via Wi-Fi.
WHAT ABOUT MY APPLIANCES?
Non European hairdryers won't work in Italy because the voltage is different, curling irons and other lower voltage appliances should be fine with an adaptor AND converter. Hotels will have hair dryers and you can also request them in your Airbnb's under the amenities tab. Computers, phones, and tablets will work with just an adapter that plugs into the wall. So need for an additional converter for these electronics, it's already built in to the charger. JUST DON'T FORGET TO PACK A EUROPEAN ADAPTER to charge your computers, phones etc.
Should I carry my passport with me at all times?
While this is a personal decision, our advice is to keep a scanned copy or picture of your passport on your phone with you at all times. Ideally, you should leave your passport in a safe in the hotel (or safely kept in your home rental) as it's way too much of a hassle to replace if it gets lost or stolen.
What are the meal times in Italy?
Italians eat later than Americans. Typically, lunch is served between 12:30 - 3:00 PM and dinner between 7:00 - 11:00 PM, the busiest hours being 1:00 for lunch and 9:00 for dinner. Reservations are recommended. Local restaurants are usually closed between 3:00 - 7:00 PM, touristy places and snack bars stay open throughout the day.
OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANT CUSTOMS TO BE AWARE OF:
1. Waiters don't frequently pass by the table to check on you or drop the check without being asked. They aren't being rude, they just don't want to bother you or rush you along. So if you need something you'll have to flag down the waiter, and when you're ready for you bill just ask for it.
2. No parmesan cheese on seafood pasta. Don't insult the Italian chef!
3. Pineapple on pizza, fettucini alfredo, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti with meatballs are actually NOT "Italian dishes". Instead try a Margherita Pizza or opt for the Cacio e Pepe or Eggplant Parmesan. You won't be disappointed!
4. If you are near a big tourist attraction and a waiter hands you a menu without prices, do not sit and do not order anything. These are tourist traps and they have been known to gouge tourists.
Can I order cappuccino in the afternoon?
Yes and no. Most importantly don’t order a cappuccino in a restaurant after lunch or dinner.
Here’s the deal. For Italians cappuccino is a breakfast drink and they think it’s disgusting to have one after a big meal (because it’s not good for your digestion). So if you’re in a snack bar or cafe in the afternoon having pastry or light snack, then a cappuccino is appropriate. But if you’re in a restaurant and you’ve just had a nice Italian meal and you order a cappuccino, then prepare yourself for some sort of negative reaction, judgment, and/or look of disgust coming your way.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FOR COFFEE AND PASTRIES:
Coffee Mantra ~ Sant’Ambrgio area
Pasticceria Nencioni ~ Sant’Ambrgio area
Melaluca ~ Santa Croce area
Pasticcerie Gigli ~ Piazza della Repubblica
Caffe Concerto Paszkowski ~ Piazza della Repubblica
Wild Buns Bakery ~ Piazza Tasso / Santo Spirito area
Where’s the best gelato?
First of all, the daily recommended dose of gelato is two helpings per day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Just kidding, well not really. Honestly if you’re here for a short time, eat as much gelato as you can handle.
TIP: the general rule of thumb is to avoid gelato shops with huge mounds of brightly colored gelato. Traditional and authentic gelato melts quickly because it’s made in-house with fresh, simple ingredients. On the other hand, the massive colorful mounds of gelato indicate that preservatives and other artificial ingredients have been added so that the gelato doesn’t melt and keeps this impressive eye-catching mounded form.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE GELATO SHOPS ARE:
Gelateria dei Medici
Perche No
My Sugar
Gelateria dei Neri
Vivoli
Gelateria Santa Trinita
Gelateria La Sorbettieria
Sbrino Gelatificio
What is “schiacciata?”
You’ll probably notice a lot of ‘schiacciata’ panino (sandwich) shops around Florence. One of which is globally known and Instagram famous called All'Antico Vinaio, expect long lines and higher prices than the local spots, I'd only go if you want an Instagramable moment. In any case, you have to have a schiacciata panino while you’re in Florence. So, what is it? It’s a local Florentine type of bread, like ‘focaccia’ bread that comes from the northern part of Italy, schiacciata bread is from Florence and most sandwiches here are made with this bread.
What is Bistecca alla Fiorentina?
Florence is well-known for it’s leather and beef products, the most revered cut of beef being the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. It’s the classic Florentine T-bone steak, 3 to 4 fingers high, grilled on an open flame and cooked very rare (bloody). You can ask them to cook it rare or medium-rare, but if you want it cooked medium or higher it’s better to choose a different cut of beef.
TIP: When you order Bistecca alla Fiorentina, they will ask you for how many people, it’s best to order for one/two less than the total number of people eating the steak, particularly when you’re having a first course. It’s huge! Then they will present the steak to the table before cooking so that you can approve the size. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a classic main dish in the Tuscan region and it’s priced by the gram, so to be sure ask for the final price based on the weight of the steak you’ve ordered.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS WITH TYPICAL TUSCAN FOOD:
Ristorante Boccadama
Osteria Santo Spirito
4 Leoni
Fuori Porta
Ristorante di Cambi
Beppa Fioraia
Osteria delle Tre Panche
Burro é Acciughe
Osteria dell'Enoteca
Hostaria da Fulvio
Neromo
Buca dell’Orafo
Ristorante Buca Mario
Cantinetta Antinori
Call to make a reservation in advance.
Shopping?
Florence is a wonderful city to wonder the streets and pop into little shops that you discover along the way. Here’s a brief list of places to get your started, as suggested by us and our friend Cassandra who’s a fashion designer here in Florence.
BOUTIQUES & SHOPS
Flow Store (Italian style boutique)
Gerards and Gerard Loft (casual and cool Italian style clothes and accessories)
9 Rosso (vintage jewelry store near the Ponte Vecchio)
Mio Concept Store (eccentric keepsakes and accessories)
ECHO (casual, effortless Italian wear)
AquaFlor Perfumery (unique perfumes and home fragrances near Santa Croce square)
LEATHER GOODS
POKER Leather Factory (in the Santa Croce square, tell them you’re friends of Jorgos)
Scuola del Cuoio (on the backside of Santa Croce Church, best classic leather handbags, wallets, woven leather, etc.)
