There are obviously many ways to travel to Florence (Firenze). This is totally dependent on how you schedule your trip or where you are looking to go before the wedding. I will list the 2 main options for you below (train via Rome airport or Milan airport). If you are attending the pre-wedding festivities in Amsterdam, it is technically closer for you to fly into Milan over Rome --- I would just check both airports to see which prices look best. However, flying into either airport you should pay about the same amount and take a 1.5 hour direct train to Florence.
Please also keep in mind the possibility of major travel delays. To be safe, I would give yourself 1-2 days buffer, especially surrounding the wedding date. Wedding events begin Wednesday, March 27th, so we recommend getting into Florence by at least Monday, the 25th. You want to leave enough time to settle in and adjust your internal clock before the wedding so you can really enjoy yourselves.
USA to ITALY (via Roma FCO Airport)
If you are flying directly into Italy from the US, we always suggest flying into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) Airport + then taking the direct (1.5 hour) train to Firenze. However, MXP (Milan Airport) is equidistant to Florence, and you could definitely fly into Milan MXP if you prefer.
1. Roma Airpot (FCO) to Roma Termini Train Station: Once landed in Rome Fiumicino (FCO) Airport, you first collect all of your baggage then follow the signs to the Leonardo Express Train (Trenitalia). This is just your smaller, connecting airport train that will take you to Rome's main train station, Roma Termini. *I would definitely recommend buying all of your train tickets before you get to Rome*. This train ride is short (roughly 32 minutes) and leaves the airport every 30 mins. Tickets cost 14euros one way. I would recommend giving yourself plenty of time in between disembarking your plane + getting on the train (to account for missed baggage or delayed flights).
2. (TRAIN) Roma Termini Train Station ----> Florence/Firenze (Santa Maria Novella Train Station): Now you've arrived at Roma Termini -- next you will board your main and final train to Florence. You can put luggage overhead or in the stacked luggage area behind the seating area. *When booking your train from Roma Termini to Florence SMN, make sure you book the 1.5 hour direct, high speed train. There will other options that require multiple transfers, I would not suggest those. This is the easiest and most direct way! You can book either ItaloTrain or TrenItalia - different companies, same path. These trains are very clean and offer 3 types of travel classes (Smart, Prima or Club Executive). The website will explain the differences, but wifi and comfortable leather seats are standard for all classes. Food and drink is also available for purchase. This ticket is about 39 euros one-way, and about 50 euros for round trip, prices will increase with upper class choices.
Now that you have arrived, you can head to Villa Medicea di Lilliano (wedding venue) or to your personal accommodation. It is very easy from the train station to get wherever you need -- taxis lined up outside the station.
USA to ITALIA (via Milano MXP Airport)
If you are flying into Milano Airport via a neighboring country, Amsterdam or directly from the US, please follow train instructions below to get to Florence/Firenze.
1. Milan (MXP) Airport to Milano Centrale: just like above, you will need to take the regional airport train from Milano Airport to Milan's central train station via the Malpensa Express. This train takes about 50 minutes and runs 2x per hour.
2. Milano Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella: You will then take a high-speed train from Milan's main train station all the way to Firenze. This train takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes. One way, this ticket costs about 30euros. If you wanted a round trip ticket, it will be about 50euros. Again, be sure to book the direct train for the shortest amount of time. Once in Firenze, grab a taxi and make your way to your accommodation
Villa Medicea di Lilliano (Our Wedding Venue + hotel for select group)
Villa Medicea di Lilliano is the location of our ceremony and reception - but it can also accommodate about 35 people comfortably. This group of 35 people have been pre-chosen by both Nick/Kali and will be notified of their room assignment by August of 2023. We have created a two day room block for ALL guests staying on site with us. Check-in is on the morning of Wednesday, March 27th, and check-out on Friday, March 29th. Anybody staying on site will need to find alternative accommodation for the front and back ends of this 2 day room block. These rooms are reserved for our families + closest friends. The rooms have been pre-paid by Kali, so please speak to her about room payment.
The suites and villas here have a modern Tuscan style. Villas have 1-5 bedrooms, communal living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchen and laundry, free Wifi, terraced gardens and courtyards. Also, being located directly on the grounds of the wedding, it is very easy to get around. If you're interested about the Villas available on site, check out their website below + call Kali with any questions.
*If you have not been asked to stay at Lilliano (our wedding venue) then please see below for recommended hotels. The handful below are located in the city center and the discount codes are there for you. I have also included the distance to our wedding venue so you can make the best choice for your trip.
HOTELS LOCATED INSIDE CITY OF FLORENCE:
Peruzzi Residences (19 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: VILLAGUEST
peruzziresidences.com/
Milu Hotel (27 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: Villamedici2023
hotelmilu.com/it/
Calimala Hotel (21 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: Villamedicea2023
https://www.hotelcalimala.com/it/
HOTELS LOCATED NEAR VENUE, IN COUNTRYSIDE:
*all below locations are near surrounding small, countryside towns of Grassina, Badiuzza, etc -- they are all in the Tuscan countryside. If you are looking to stay close to the wedding venue and you want an escape from the city...these hotels are beautiful, quaint, and only 20mins from the city center (so you can easily travel back and forth for sightseeing).
Borgo Bottaia (7 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: BBVM
https://www.borgobottaia.it/
Borgo I Vicelli (12 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: Please contact sales@medicivilla.com to receive your code
https://www.borgoivicelli.com/it/
Torre a Cona (15 mins from Wedding Venue)
Special code: MEDICEA
www.torreacona.com/
YOU NEED A PASSPORT. If you’re reading this, take a second right now and go check to see the expiration date on your passport. Make sure that it will not expire before March of 2024 – and if it is, you must renew it TODAY. Renewals are very backed up and taking 6-10 months right now, so you do not have a huge window to get this done. Please do not be the person who forgets to renew their passport.
Q: How much (on average) will your wedding cost for me to attend?
A: This, of course, fully depends on how long you plan to stay in Italy or extend your trip on either end of the wedding to other cities or countries. To estimate 1 week of travel in Italy, on the high end, the cost will be around $1800USD per person (not including food/drink/spending money). Of course, this depends if you are traveling solo or sharing a room with someone else. Because our wedding is in the off-season in Europe, flights be much less expensive. Also, additional flights within Europe are inexpensive (around 50EUR one way) - try EasyJet, RyanAir and SAS for these discounted flights if you're looking for additional travel. Get creative and be flexible with dates + airports you fly into!
Flight: ~900-1200 USD (USA to ITA)
Train: ~75USD round trip
Accommodation options: to compare
-Villa Medicea di Lilliano (125EUR per night )
-Peruzzi Residences (157EUR per night)
-Air Bnb in Firenze (100-200EUR per night)
Q: How should I handle my money while in Italy? Do I use card or need cash?
A: You will definitely need a travel credit card for purchases made in Europe. These are the best cards because they don't charge foreign transaction fees - I would highly recommend one if you don't already have.
Also, there are a few ways for you to get cash/euros for your trip. First, you may choose to order euros from your local American bank - they will mail them overnight directly to your door before your trip. This is a convenient option and you will pay the least amount of fees this way. Alternatively, you can bring USD with you to Italy and choose to convert it at the airport. Keep in mind, you will pay higher fees for this. Or lastly, you can just withdraw money from an Italian ATM in either the airport, train station or local shop. I always opt for this option because it requires the least amount of thought and the fees arent terrible. Either way - you will definitely need both a debit card for cash and travel credit card.
Q: When should I book my flights and accommodation?
A: For our wedding in March 2024, I would start browsing flights around October 2023. Sometimes flights are cheap even the month before your trip - there's not rhyme or reason sometimes...But I would download the Hopper app to start scanning flight options and to warn you when flights are the lowest/highest. Also, if you book directly through your travel credit card app, I think they have the easiest way to track and book flights and hotels.
For accommodations, if you have not been personally invited by Kali to stay at Villa Medicea di Lilliano for the 2 day block , then you will need to book your own stay. Please book your room by Fall of 2023 so you can ensure you get what you want. If you are staying at Lilliano, Kali will contact you to discuss these details + room assignment. You will not have to do any additional work of your own or pay anything just yet - speak to Kali.
Q: How will I have cell phone service in Italy/Europe?
A: You have the option of having full cell phone service while you're in Europe for a per day fee (Verizon is $10/day) OR you can choose to just use free wifi when available at your hotel or restaurant. In order for you to not pay a daily fee, keep your phone on Airplane Mode throughout your trip. And when there are days that you need service, turn off Airplane mode and you will have unlimited service for 24 hours. If you do not turn it it off, you will be charged daily.
Q: Should I rent a car?
A: This totally depends on your needs and what you're looking to do and see. You absolutely do not need to rent a car while in Florence -- taxis are reasonable and a lot of places are walkable. However, this is why I gave multiple options for hotels in different location so you can choose what works best for you.