Tuscany!
AIRPORTS
The two main airports are Pisa (1+ hour from Florence by train) and Florence.
www.pisa-airport.com/
www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/
• From the small Florence Aereoporto A. Vespucci you can take a taxi or a bus/tram to downtown Florence.
• Pisa's Aereoporto Galileo Galilei is 80km west of Florence offering good international service. Trains connect Pisa airport station with Santa Maria Novella train station (about 1 hour).
It is also possible to land at Rome.
From Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino International Airports to Siena it takes about 2 hour and 40 minutes.
TRANSPORTATION
It takes about an hour from Florence to Siena by train or by Bus: http://www.fsbusitalia.it/fsb/L%27offerta/Linee-regionali/Toscana#
(English website to be updated)
Distance from Florence to other major cities: Rome (282km) or about 3 hours by train, Venice (277km) or 3 hours by train.
CAR RENTALS
Car rentals can be arranged either at the airport or downtown Florence. Driving inside the historic center of Florence requires a special permit; you should check with your hotel or car rental agency. If you would like to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside a car rental is recommended - otherwise there is plenty to do in Florence which is mainly a pedestrian friendly city.
Most shops, offices and petrol stations are closed on Sundays; therefore, if you need to fill up, we suggest you do it on weekdays or Saturdays. Self-service pumps are available at some stations, but the directions for using them are usually only in Italian.
Do not leave luggage visible in your rental car. Car rentals are best arranged at the airport and should be booked from your home country. If you rent a car ask the company for a 24/7 toll free number in case of emergency since most rental companies are closed on Sundays and holidays.
TRAINS
Italy has excellent train service including the Freccia Rossa and Freccia Argento high speed trains. www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
TAXIS
Take authorized cabs only (ones bearing a TAXI sign on top with a meter inside); they are usually white with an emblem and taxi identification on the side (for example, Roma 33). Fares vary depending and you may be charged per suitcase for your luggage, usually about 1 euro. Weekends and holidays are also charged more.
The walled city of Siena is one of Tuscany’s, if not Italy’s most strikingly beautiful medieval cities and among the most sumptuous Tuscany wedding locations. Originally founded by the Etruscans, it pre-dates Rome, and the Emperor Augustus founded a town here called Saena Julia. Siena’s narrow cobbled streets are pedestrian only making the city a very friendly place to explore on foot. Wherever you look you are sure to find an artistic treasure to marvel. Most of the architecture and monuments of note were completed in the 12th century and the feel of this city is completely different from Florence. Whereas Florence is primarily a Renaissance city, Siena is purely medieval.
Florence, the Italian city where the Renaissance was born, known for its many museums and great Roman, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The capital of Tuscany breathes culture and is a must visit for everyone who loves art, gelato, good food, markets and cozy streets to get lost in.
Museums
In Italy Monday is the general closing day for museums. Tickets to the Uffizzi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David) and other museums can be pre-purchased in order to avoid the many hours waiting in line. www.florence-museum.com/booking-tickets.php
Tipping
Most restaurants apply a cover charge (called ‘coperto’) which is about 2 or 3 euros per person. You may add a tip if service was acceptable and typically tipping is between 2 to 5 percent of the bill. Tipping is NOT required if there is a service charge on your bill.
Medicine
If you take prescription medicine be sure to bring enough for your stay abroad as some pharmaceuticals may not be obtainable.
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION USEFUL SITES: www.firenzeturismo.it/en/ www.visitflorence.com/what-to-do-in-florence/