The wedding will be held in Gambassi Terme, a charming town outside Florence. The most convenient and cost-effective way to reach this part of Italy is by flying into a major city and taking a train to Certaldo, the nearest accessible train station, located just a short distance from Gambassi Terme.

The wedding celebrations will begin on Friday, August 29th, with an (optional) wine tour, a welcome dinner the evening of Saturday, August 30th, and the ceremony and reception taking place on Sunday, August 31st. See the Weekend Events page for more information. We recommend arriving in Italy at least two to three days in advance to account for any travel delays, allow time for the train journey, and adjust to the 7-hour time difference. Arriving early will also give you the chance to enjoy some extra sightseeing, so plan your travel dates accordingly to make the most of your trip.

Additionally, note that transportation will be provided to and from Certaldo and the villa for all the wedding festivities.

Below we share our top recommendations for booking your travel to our big day. This is the most affordable way we’ve found, and booking as early as possible is key to getting the best deal—prices will increase the longer you wait! You do not have to follow these suggestions strictly, as we encourage you to take some extra time to explore since you’re already making the journey.

If you have any travel-related questions or want us to double-check your flights or train tickets before you book, please let us know!

Passports are, of course, essential for international travel. Make note to check that your passport is up-to-date, and if you don’t have one yet, apply ASAP, as processing times can be lengthy. You can find all the necessary information on how to apply for or renew your passport through this link: U.S. Passport Information.

Additionally, starting in 2025, the EU will introduce a new travel requirement called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for U.S. citizens traveling to the EU and Schengen region. ETIAS is an electronic screening system for passport holders who have visa-free access to these areas. While the exact start date is unclear beyond "mid-2025," we are preparing for this to be in effect by August. To our knowledge the online application process is quick, with approval granted immediately or within a few days.

We will keep you updated as more details become available and provide all the necessary links and resources to help you navigate the process. For more information on ETIAS, you can visit this link: ETIAS for European Entry.

We know that flying can be expensive, so we want to share some tips based on our experience and research to help you book your travel. As mentioned earlier, we recommend starting your journey by flying into a major city. The best options are Milano Malpensa Airport (MPX) in Milan or Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome. While you can also fly directly into Florence, it tends to be the pricier option.

To find the best flight deals, we suggest using Google Flights (https://www.google.com/travel/flights), which allows you to compare prices across different airlines. Keep in mind that not all flights will be direct—some of the cheaper options may include layovers and longer travel times.

Since this is an international trip, you’ll need to go through customs, which can take some time. If you have a layover in another U.S. airport, make sure to allow at least two hours to transfer terminals, go through security again, and clear customs before your international departure. Planning ahead will help ensure a smoother travel experience!

Italy's train system is a fantastic way to get around, though navigating ticket purchases can be a bit confusing. While there are third-party apps and websites that simplify the process, they sometimes come with higher prices compared to booking directly through the Italian system.

We recommend starting with Trainline, as it offers an easy-to-use platform with competitive pricing. Alternatively, you can use the English version of the ItaliaRail website for a straightforward booking experience. Both options are reliable for purchasing train tickets in Italy.

When booking your tickets, keep in mind that you may need to transfer trains, and sometimes there are bus transfers involved (for ease, because we've been there!, we do not recommend purchasing a ticket involving a bus transfer).

Traveling by train in Italy is a wonderful way to see the country, enjoy scenic views, and share the experience with friends and family!

If you fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), there’s a train that will take you to Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale). You can purchase tickets here or use the Trainline system mentioned above. If all else fails, you can buy tickets in-person at the airport kiosks, but we would rather you be prepared just in case! From Milano Centrale, book a ticket to Certaldo. You can combine this into one booking if you're heading directly to Certaldo or get a separate ticket to Milano Centrale if you plan to explore Milan first.

If you arrive at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), a direct train will take you to Roma Termini, Rome's main station. From there, you can catch a train to Certaldo. Both Trainline and ItaliaRail allow you to book directly from the airport to Certaldo. If you’re staying in Rome for a bit, you can simply book a ticket to Roma Termini and continue your journey from there later.