A note from us:

It's past...  womp womp

The Welcome pool party is Palm Royal-themed, think 50's and 60's retro or comfortable poolside loungewear. 

The wedding day, please wear comfortable formal attire as the aperitivo,  ceremony and reception will be entirely outdoors.  We will be evaluating weather prior to and will update everyone accordingly.  

Italy in August is HOT, prepare for 90 degree heat. 

Dulles International (IAD) has a direct flight to Rome (FCO), Italia Airways is a great, reasonably priced airline, I've traveled round trip for under $800.   Air France is also a great option with layovers in Paris for $725 RT out of IAD. In addition, Scandinavian Air flys directly to Florence from BWI for $500 RT.  

I highly recommend using SkyScanner, it's an app you can download and search for competitive airfare, set price alerts and track flights for free. 

If you are flying from the states, you have a few options, flying into FLOR (Florence) or flying into FCO (Rome).   Those are the most economical flights, however, you can also fly into Siena (smaller airport) if you'd like but it may be more costly to do so. 

If you are flying into one of the major airports, the best way to get to Tuscany is to DRIVE! Enjoy the road trip, it's' relaxing (trust us), from Florence you're about 1.5 hours and from Rome you're about 3.5 hours.  Once you see the vineyards, you're close :-) 

We typically use SIXT rental car when we travel, they are efficient and have great customer service. Book a car in advance and save a ton of time at the counter. 

The Euro is the currency in Italy/all of Europe.  Your credit cards will work fine there, also, most vendors take ApplePay as well!  It also never hurts to have a little cash on you, so take out some Euro from an ATM when you arrive. 

YES! Update your passports immediately to avoid any  delay.  Everyone must have a valid passport to travel to Europe.  We also highly recommend getting TSA Precheck/CLEAR to expedite going through security leaving the United States and Global Entry for returning.  

Please Note: Europe does NOT require Visa for entry.  Just a passport. 

*2025 update:  Starting mid-2025, Europe may require you to complete a travel application (called ETIAS) prior to your trip,  It costs $7.00 and should take approximately 5 minutes to complete, it's an extra security measure for travelers and can be completed online at ETIAS.COM. Don't worry, we'll send out reminders for everyone before the wedding to remind you.

• Yes "Italian time" is a thing, pack your clothes, your toothbrush and a little patience because Italians are never in a rush 
• The luxury conveniences we have become accustomed to in the United States are not so prevalent in Europe, have patience
• Shops often close during business hours, for no reason at all
• You have to beg for your bill at the end of your meal 
• There is no tipping in Europe, workers get paid a living wage, if you tip it's considered very generous 
• There is no "to-go" food or coffee, you're expected to sit and enjoy 
• Most people speak English, but brushing up on a little Italian won't hurt you 
• Uber works in most cities, you can also rent scooters/vespa's this way as well 
• Make reservations at restaurants, August is considered the "high season"   
• Bring walking shoes and be prepared to climb steep hills

If you're coming from DC, be prepared for EVERYONE to know about Cafe Milano in Georgetown.  The guy who started that restaurant is from a small town in Amalfi and the entire country supports his international-restaurateur endeavors, be prepared for random people to affiliate the two.  It's actually quite amazing the support italians have for one another. 

Relax and adapt to the slow-lifestyle and pace that is Italy, as a country.  The attitude of the Italian population alone is a breath of fresh air, people are so genuine and kind so if you need help just ask. Enjoy la dolce vita! 

Tuscany is like the "Texas" of Italy, it's HUGE, thus, there are plenty of beautiful towns to stay in the countryside. You will find an abundance of hotels and Airbnbs. We just ask that you be located within an hour of the venue for ease of transfer.  Locate a place near Montalcino and Montepulciano, they are wonderful places to park for the week, plenty of cute shops, dining and vineyards surround the small towns. 

Specific hotels we recommend: 

• Castello Vicarello, for the boutique family-owned experience, (yes there's a dog)
• Castiglione del Bosco, for the golfers & families
• The Belmond di Casole, for the bougie-travelers 

Traveling with more than a few people and staying for a while? Group up in a Villa!  Airbnb's are prevalent in Tuscany and we often find the best deals this way.