Arriving from FLORENCE

(FLR) Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola airport

closest to the venue but no direct flights
90 minute drive by car to the lazy olive

Arriving from ROME

(FCO) Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

direct flights but longer drivE
2.5 hr drive by car to the lazy olive

Another option is taking the train in Rome , from Roma Termini :

90-minute train ride to Firenze S.M. Novella train station

then 90 minute drive by car to The Lazy Olive.

Follow The Flight Deal on Facebook to keep an eye on flash sales

set up google flight alert that will automatically email changes in flight prices

CHECK WITH HOPPER to predict when to buy airfare

Do i really need to rent a car?

You do not have to, BUT having one is the most convenient option. Public transportation/Ride sharing options are not readily available in Asciano or in many of the Tuscan cities really. Having a rental car will allow you to explore the countryside at your own pace.
Italians drive on the right hand side & you can choose automatic or manual transmission when you book.
The roads in Tuscany can be rugged & narrow terrain, while the streets of Florence & Rome are cramped with lots of pedestrian traffic.
We suggest picking up your rental after you land at the airport then return it in Florence / Rome after your time in Tuscany. From there, utilize the trains! Parking in the cities have zone restrictions but street parking & garages are available.
Google Maps Navigation works just fine, just check your data plan. Bring cash & coins for the tolls. Don’t worry, the signs are in English. If you have a toll violation, you will be notified by US mail when you return—we speak from experience!
Hiring a Private Driver/Van is an option as well but can range from $600+/day. However, you can carpool and split costs to make this work. Please let us know if this option is for you so we can give you the contact info.

Other Train Stations

Rome – ROMA TERMINI
Florence – FIRENZE SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Venice – STAZIONE di VENEZIA SANTA LUCIA
Milan – MILANO CENTRALE
Naples – NAPOLI CENTRALE
Choose the EXPRESS trains by selecting TRENITALIA “FRECCE”
Pack Light!

The train is the most effective way to travel in Italy (or even to other EU countries). Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or as late as the day of—even a few hours before (what we usually ended up doing).

When you arrive at the station, you can purchase your tickets at the kiosk or at the counter with credit card. On your ticket, you will find the date (data) & time (ora) of departure as well as your **train number (TRENO ###)** and your train car number (carrozza). You will refer to the TRENO number and the departure time/destination to find your train’s platform number. This will be displayed at the large monitors. The platform numbers update every few minutes and finalizes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes before departure time, so don’t panic if you don’t see your train details right away. The trains are very efficient and leave on time! So make sure you get to your platform and find your carroza (train car).

Once you find your carroza (train car), larger luggage can be stored at both ends of the train or smaller carry on sized luggage can fit between the seats. There is also overhead storage as well.

Beware of pick pocketers, especially on the Regional (local) train routes! Keep an eye on your belongings on you and near you. They are savage so stay aware of your surroundings. It usually happens when getting on/off when people are huddled together to exit/enter.

internet access

Verizon Wireless TravelPass - gives you high-speed data for the first 0.5 GB/day. After that, you'll have 2G reduced speeds data. Cost is $10/day only on the days you use it. (This is what we used.)
AT&T - International Day Pass
Sprint - text and basic data are already included at no additional cost with calls only $0.25/minute
Mobile Hotspot Wifi Rentals - allows multiple devices, usually unlimited data plans.
WIFI is usually available in hotels/restaurants. Connection in the tuscan countryside is not strong.

MISC REMINDERS

Thankfully most places take credit card so set up travel alert on your credit card,
Compatibility of your devices with European voltage 220V- Travel Adaptors & Converters needed.
Packing light helps with traveling around on the trains

Arriving from FLORENCE

(FLR) Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola airport

closest to the venue but no direct flights

90 minute drive by car to the lazy olive

Arriving from ROME

(FCO) Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport

direct flights but longer drivE

2.5 hr drive by car to the lazy olive

Another option is taking the train in Rome , from Roma Termini :

90-minute train ride to Firenze S.M. Novella train station

then 90 minute drive by car to The Lazy Olive.

Follow The Flight Deal on Facebook to keep an eye on flash sales

set up google flight alert that will automatically email changes in flight prices

CHECK WITH HOPPER to predict when to buy airfare

Do i really need to rent a car?

You do not have to, BUT having one is the most convenient option. Public transportation/Ride sharing options are not readily available in Asciano or in many of the Tuscan cities really. Having a rental car will allow you to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Italians drive on the right hand side & you can choose automatic or manual transmission when you book.

The roads in Tuscany can be rugged & narrow terrain, while the streets of Florence & Rome are cramped with lots of pedestrian traffic.

We suggest picking up your rental after you land at the airport then return it in Florence / Rome after your time in Tuscany. From there, utilize the trains! Parking in the cities have zone restrictions but street parking & garages are available.

Google Maps Navigation works just fine, just check your data plan. Bring cash & coins for the tolls. Don’t worry, the signs are in English. If you have a toll violation, you will be notified by US mail when you return—we speak from experience!

Hiring a Private Driver/Van is an option as well but can range from $600+/day. However, you can carpool and split costs to make this work. Please let us know if this option is for you so we can give you the contact info.

Other Train Stations

Rome – ROMA TERMINI

Florence – FIRENZE SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Venice – STAZIONE di VENEZIA SANTA LUCIA

Milan – MILANO CENTRALE

Naples – NAPOLI CENTRALE

Choose the EXPRESS trains by selecting TRENITALIA “FRECCE”

Pack Light!

Once you find your carroza (train car), larger luggage can be stored at both ends of the train or smaller carry on sized luggage can fit between the seats. There is also overhead storage as well.

Beware of pick pocketers, especially on the Regional (local) train routes! Keep an eye on your belongings on you and near you. They are savage so stay aware of your surroundings. It usually happens when getting on/off when people are huddled together to exit/enter.

internet access

Verizon Wireless TravelPass - gives you high-speed data for the first 0.5 GB/day. After that, you'll have 2G reduced speeds data. Cost is $10/day only on the days you use it. (This is what we used.)

AT&T - International Day Pass

Sprint - text and basic data are already included at no additional cost with calls only $0.25/minute

Mobile Hotspot Wifi Rentals - allows multiple devices, usually unlimited data plans.

WIFI is usually available in hotels/restaurants. Connection in the tuscan countryside is not strong.

MISC REMINDERS

Thankfully most places take credit card so set up travel alert on your credit card,

Compatibility of your devices with European voltage 220V- Travel Adaptors & Converters needed.

Packing light helps with traveling around on the trains