COMING SOON Florence, Italy May 2025

Traveling to parts of Italy? See Sorrento/Amalfi Coast, Naples or Milan 

TRANSPORTATION:

• Public Transport
• Trains: Florence Main Train Station 
• (1) We went Sorrento --> Naples --> Florence. We took the commuter train from Sorrento --> Naples & then purchased Trentelia Tickets to go from Naples --> Florence 
• (2) We took the train from Florence to Milan 
• We didn't use taxis or other public transport. Instead, we did several day trips coordinateed through tour companies 
• Highly recommend putting an Air Tag or Samsung Tracker in your suitcases/backpacks to ensure your luggage is with you 
• Note: To help with jet lag, highly recommend downloading Time Shifter App. With a mix of coffee & melatonin (optional), you'll be guided a week in advance on how to prevent jet lag

HOTEL: Florence is quite small. Recommend staying somewhere in downtown with a 10-15 minute walk to the Duomo and 5 minute walk from the train station

PAYMENT METHODS:

• CASH: Recommend bringing $50 euros per person for (1) tipping tour guides and (2) euro coins for bathrooms (3) Any bill that is under $10 euros - the expectation is that it will be paid in cash
• CREDIT CARDS: Accepted everywhere
• Only use credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fee
• Always charge your credit card in euros instead of USD (better conversion rate)

SAFETY:

• We felt very safe as long as you use typical precautions.
• We were warned several times about pickpockets. Keep your valuables in front pocket and carry a crossbody purse. We carried a colored copy of our passport as a precaution.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Good Excellent walking shoes
• Italy does require tourists to carry actual passport, copies are not accepted
• Plug converter is needed coming from the USA

LANGUAGE:

• Download Google Translate App to help communicate
• Some Italian phrases to know:
• Buon Giorno - Good Morning
• Grazie - Thank you
• Prego - You're welcome
• Per Favore - Please
• Scusi - Excuse me
• Bagno - Bathroom
• Il Conto, per favore - The bill, please
• Para Inglese? - Do you speak English?

RANDOM TIPS:

• Download WhatsApp to communicate with tour guide/groups
• If possible, avoid visiting any major tourist attraction on weekends/holidays due to heavy crowds. Morning & weekdays are much better to visit. Avoid "Free Sundays" for locals as crowds are heavy.
• TAP WATER NOT SERVED IN RESTAURANTS. FILL UP BOTTLE BEFOREHAND IN PUBLIC WATER FOUNTAINS OR BUY BOTTLED WATER
• Bring 1€ coins & your own  toilet paper for the restrooms
• *Note: In restaurants in Italy, they have a "coperto" cost which covers cost of the utensils, tablecloth etc. that you will see on the menu & being added to your meal. This is non-negotiable.
• *Do not tip unless it is excellent or above & beyond

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FOOD: If you sit down at any restaurant, cafe, bar etc. You will be required to pay an additional fee called a "Coperto" per person. This covers the cost of the table/tablecloth/silverware etc. If you stand at the bar to drink your coffee - no additional charge will be present. 

• Vegetarian/vegan:
• Coffee: 

NAPLES RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• 1. Florence Free Walking Tour (Pay-as-you-wish)
• 2. Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class ($66/usd/pp)
• 3. Academia Skip-the-line Tour ($29/usd/pp)
• 4. Uffizi Gallery - We didn't have much of an interest in seeing another art museum
• 5. Day trips:
• Tuscany day trip (Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Chianti Region)with Ciao Florence Tours (~$80/usd/pp)
• Cinque Terre with Walkabout Tours (~$150/usd/pp)