DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR PASSPORT

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after return date for valid travel. If your passport is not valid, you will be denied permission to board your flight.

The great thing about Europe is that it is super easy to get around once you are there. Whether you are flying into Rome, directly into Florence, or another EU country, these recommendations should be of great help. Rome2Rio.com is also a fantastic resource to help you map out your travel from point A to Z.

We recognize that flight options and travel plans will vary for every guest, so we have compiled some general recommendations to help ease the process:

- Book Early: Secure the best deals by booking your flight well in advance. Tuesdays are known to be the best days for booking flights.

- Flexible Dates: Consider flexible travel dates for potential cost savings.

- Compare Airlines and Airports: Explore different airlines to find the most convenient and affordable options. Connecting flights, especially with layovers in major European hubs like London, can sometimes be more affordable. If you take this route, consider added time for potential layover inconveniences.

- Direct Flights: If possible, choose direct flights for a smoother journey to major Italian airports like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), or Venice (VCE) from U.S. cities.

Shuttles will be provided for easy transport to and from the wedding festivities from our recommended hotels (see "Accommodations" tab).

For those who are looking for personalized car services outside of the wedding festivities, please feel free to inquire about a private driver using the following NCC companies:

Poggi Bus: info@poggibus.it

Florentia Bus: noleggio@florentiabus.it

Brubus: info@brubus.it

Alternatively, guests may take taxis to get from point A to point B. They can be easily hailed at the airport or various train stations. However, please be aware that taxi services are not always as reliable once in the countryside. It is best to plan your transportation ahead of time if possible.

Taxi service options include:

Taxi 4390: +39 055 4390

Taxi 4242: +39 055 4242

Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to get around within Italy. To make your trip more seamless, it is recommended that you purchase your train tickets in advance. High speed trains (i.e. Rome to Florence) will often have assigned seating, whereas trains for short regional journeys will not. You should always give yourself ample time to get to the train station and find your train's platform.

Recommended train lines:

Trenitalia

EUrail

Italiarail

Notable train stations:

- Rome: Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina

- Florence: Santa Maria Novella

- Nearest to i Vivai and Casalbosco: Prato Centrale

- Nearest to Palazzo 42 and Villa Giorgia: Pistoia

If you plan on using public transportation, remember to validate your tickets in the provided machines before boarding. Failure to do so may result in a fine if caught by ticket inspectors.

For more information on train travel success, check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=T_V55pQGmiQ&ab_channel=GregorBrown

If you would like to rent a car, we recommend getting one for your stay in Montemurlo only, unless you feel comfortable driving in a big city. Here are some tips to get you prepared:

Driving Side: In Italy, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Documents: When driving in Italy, you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance with you at all times. If you are a visitor to Italy, you can drive using your valid U.S. driver's license for up to one year from the date of your arrival in Italy. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy if you are a U.S. citizen.

Drinking and Driving: The legal blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0.5 g/l, and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol can be severe. If you plan to drive to the wedding, do not drink.

Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free kit.

ZTL Zones: In some Italian cities, there are areas known as Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), which are restricted traffic zones that are off-limits to non-residents during certain times of the day. It is important to pay attention to the signs and not enter these areas, as fines can be hefty.

Parking: In many Italian cities, parking can be difficult, and there are often restrictions on where and when you can park. Make sure to check the parking regulations and always park in designated areas to avoid fines.

Toll Roads: Many highways in Italy are toll roads, and tolls can be paid in cash or by credit card. Keep some cash on hand in case you need to pay a toll.

- Bring a Europlug power converter (Type C and F) prior to traveling to Italy!

- Think twice before bringing your own hair dryer, straightener, or curler! Sometimes the power converter can blow them out

- Carry euros for public bathrooms! Most public bathroom entries come at a small price

- While credit cards are widely accepted, it is always a good idea to carry cash, especially in smaller towns.

- If your phone's SIM is unlocked, download the AirAlo app to buy an Italian e-SIM

- Be cautious of pickpockets if you are in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings, keep valuables secure, and consider using a money belt or keeping important items in a safe at your accommodation.

- Pack comfortable shoes for sight-seeing days! Cobblestone streets and hilly areas are common in Italy.

- Tipping is customary but not as heavily as some countries. Check if service charge is included in the bill. If not, round up.

- Be mindful of afternoon siesta time, especially in small towns where many shops close for a few hours.