Welcome to Florence Benvenuti a Firenze

Welcome to Florence
Benvenuti a Firenze
2013 International Emergency Department
Leadership Institute
Hotel Baglioni, Florence, Italy
October 21-25, 2012
A Guide to Florence
INFORMATION GUIDE
Conference Hotel
Grand Hotel Baglioni
Piazza Unità Italiana 6, Firenze Italia
Tel: +39.055.23580 Fax: +39.055.23588895
[email protected]
* Remember to email them and request the IEDLI discount
Directions to Hotel
A taxi from the Airport to the Hotel Baglioni will run about Euro 25.
The Hotel Baglioni is a one minute walk from the main Florence train station, Santa Maria Novella.
Detailed directions here: http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/eng/position.htm
Conference on-site contacts
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Meaghan Cussen: [email protected] AND Aimee Fairclough: [email protected]
Hotel phone number: Tel: +39.055.23580
Useful numbers
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Taxi 1: +39 055 4242
Taxi 2: +39 055 4390
Emergencies (ambulance, etc) Dial: 118
Travel Within and Around Florence
City Buses
The city bus company is called ATAF. You’ll see the large orange buses all around the city. You can purchase bus passes
ranging from one hour tickets to one month tickets. Tickets can be purchased at major bus stops, most newsstands, some
coffee bars, and most Tabacchi stores (indicated by a large “T” outside the store).
Bus tickets: A single ticket costs € 1.20 and lasts one hour from the time it is validated. At night, they can be bought
from the bus driver (you must have exact change).
Validating Tickets: Single tickets must be validated immediately in the yellow machines located on the bus. Bus
passes must be validated the first time you use them and must always be carried with you, along with a form of ID
(copy of passport). You can face very expensive fines if you are caught without a ticket or without having validated it.
Bus passes: You can buy a monthly bus pass at authorized ATAF vendors, or at the ATAF office (Mon – Fri 7:15am1:15pm & 1:45 –7:30pm) located to the left as you exit the train station. Ask for the monthly pass (abbonamento
mensile) which costs 34 euro.
Bus schedules and routes: These are available at the ATAF office or by visiting www.ataf.net (also in English). The
bus service for most routes starts at 5:30 am and ends at 12:30am. A few buses run all night but they make very
general routes.
Regional Buses
SITA and Lazzi are two bus companies with routes that travel outside of Florence. Both bus terminals are located near the train
station.
SITA is located in Via Santa Caterina da Siena (just south of train station) and has buses that depart for Siena, San
Gimignano, Pisa, the Chianti wine country, the designer fashion outlet called “The Mall,” etc. www.sitabus.it
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Lazzi is located in just north of the train station in Piazza Stazione 3r and has routes going to Lucca, Viareggio, and
other popular destinations in Tuscany. www.lazzi.it
Taxis
Generally taxis cannot be hailed; you must either go to the taxi stands in the main squares (Duomo, San Marco, Santa Croce
and Repubblica) or to the train station. You can also call a taxi to pick you up at the following numbers: 055/4390 or 055/4242.
Taxis generally arrive within 5 minutes of the call.
Train
The website of the national Italian railway company is www.trenitalia.it (also in English). On the site, you can purchase tickets
or consult the train schedule. Note that the most reliable, convenient, and comfortable trains are the Freccia Rossa, Eurostar
or AltaVelocità (AV) trains, but they are also the most expensive. You can purchase tickets online by creating a username
and password (can be a difficult process), or you can go directly to the train station where tickets can be purchased either at
yellow automated machines located throughout the station or from ticket agents.
Financial Info & Banking
Italian Banks
Bank Hours: M-F 8:20am - 1:20 pm, 2:45- 3:45pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
ATM cards
You can withdraw money from your home bank using your ATM card if you have the Cirrus or Plus symbols on the back of
your card. Most of the machines have instructions in English. You can find ATM machines (bancomat) at almost any bank.
*Be sure your bank has provided you with a FOUR digit PIN number before leaving.
**Be sure to contact your bank prior to departure to let them know you will be abroad. Many banks block service thinking the
cards have been stolen.
Communication – Telephone and Mail
Phone Calls
To call outside of Italy, dial 00 then the country code.
The country code for the USA is 1.
Therefore, to call the US direct, dial: 001+ area code + number
People in the USA dialing Italy must dial 011/39 + your Italian number
Calling with an Italian Calling Card
For 5 euro you can call your home country usually for around 250 minutes from a public or landline telephone. If you use your
cell phone, 5 euro only buys you 12 minutes, so we recommend not using phone cards from your cell. There are several
brands of phone cards, all with similar rates. You can purchase these cards at Tabacchi stores around Florence.
Post Offices
Main Post Office: Via Pellicceria (off of Piazza della Repubblica); Mon-Fri: 8:30am-7pm, Sat: 8:30am-12pm
Stamps (francobolli) can be purchased at the post office OR at local Tabacchi stores (to avoid the lines).
Express Mail/Shipping: DHL, FedEx and UPS services
• Mail Boxes Etc., Via della Scala 13r (near train station)
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Markets and Grocery Stores Near Hotel
Markets
The Mercato Centrale in Piazza del Mercato Centrale (large green building) is where you can find the freshest meats, cheese
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and produce in all of Florence. Produce is located on 2 floor. This market is the largest covered food hall in Europe and first
opened in 1874. Hours: Mon - Sat 7:30am - 2pm
Grocery Stores
There are a few grocery stores in the historic center and near your hotel
Conad
Via del Melarancio (closest to the hotel)
Il Centro
Via dei Ginori 39r
Pegna (high end products)
Via dello Studio, 8 (behind the Duomo)
De Spar*
Piazza San Lorenzo (corner of Via dei Ginori)
*Not a great selection, and overpriced, but it’s open until 11pm every day.
Alimentari
Smaller food stores called Alimentari can be found all around the city. They usually carry dry and canned goods and often have
a deli counter or a dairy case. Most Florentines in the historic center shop in the smaller specialty stores like these:
• Forno -- bread and baked goods
• Macelleria -- Butcher shop
• Pasticceria -- bakery and pastry shop
• Ortofrutta-- fruit and vegetables
• Salumeria/Pizzicheria/Gastronomia – delicatessen
• Latteria: milk, yogurt, ice cream, cream
• Panificio: bread
International food
There are several international food stores in Florence:
Asia Market
Via S. Egidio 3r
Vivi Market
Via del Giglio 20-22r (near hotel)
Other Stores in Florence
Department Stores
COIN
La Rinascente
Oviesse
Via Calzaiuoli 56r (near Duomo)
Piazza della Repubblica 1
Via Nazionale 29 (near hotel, limited selection, low end products)
Newspapers and Magazines
There are many newspaper/magazine shops called giornalaio that carry English and Italian magazines and newspapers. The
International Herald Tribune and USA Today are the most commonly found English newspapers. The Florentine
Magazine is an excellent bimonthly paper for English-speakers in Florence. Check this out for event listings and city news.
Available in many local spots.
Photography Supplies and Film Developing
Bongi Foto Ottica, Via por Santa Maria 82r
Fontani, Viale Strozzi 18r (near hotel)
Foto Locchi, Via del Corso 21r
Bookstores with English titles:
Paperback Exchange
Mel Bookstore (near hotel)
Feltrinelli International
BM Bookshop
Via delle Oche (near duomo)
via de' Cerretani, 16r
Via Cavour 12/20
Borgo Ognissanti 4r
Pharmacies Open 24 hrs (indicated by a green florescent cross.)
Farmacia (inside SMN train station)
Farmacia All'Insegna Del Moro - Pza. San Giovanni (across from Duomo)
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055/216761
055/211343
Personal Services
Haircuts (men and women)
Jean Louis David
Via Zannetti 6r (near hotel); Tel: 055/284567. Walk-in service available.
Aveda Salon
Via dei Neri 49r; Tel: 055 282841. Walk-in service available
Laundry Service
Wash and Dry (drop off/pick-up). Cost: @7 Euro per large load.
Piazza del Mercato Centrale (corner of Borgo la Noce)
Laundromat Self-Service
Via Guelfa 55r
Via Faenza 26r
Drycleaners
Piazza del Mercato Centrale (corner of Borgo la Noce)
Free Time Activities
Bicycle and Scooter Rental
Florence By Bike: Via San Zanobi 120-122r
I Bike Italy: Via Dei Pilastri 18r
Happy Rent: Borgo Ognissanti 153r
055/480814
055/2342371
055/2399696
Gyms
Klab, Via dei Conti (near Hotel)
www.klab.it
Cascine Park
Florence’s “Central Park” is a great place to take walks or jog, rollerblade, play soccer, etc. in the daytime (not advisable at
night). Located in south west corner of most city center maps.
Movie Theaters with Films in English
Odeon CineHall, Piazza Strozzi 18r, www.cinehall.it, English films Mon, Tue, Thurs
Other Helpful Information
Carrying your passport
When you are around Florence, always carry a copy of your passport with you. Carrying a personal document is mandatory by
law, but it is always safer to carry the copy rather than the original. Note that if you will be traveling outside of Florence (and
checking into a hotel), or going to the bank to cash travelers’ checks, you’ll need your original passport and not a copy.
Receipts
It is important to always get your receipt when eating out, getting a coffee, or making any purchases in Italy. Though it happens
infrequently, you can potentially be stopped by the local police and asked to display your receipt. If you do not have a receipt
both you and the establishment can be fined.
Tipping
In most restaurants you will be charged a coperto (cover charge) equal to two or three dollars for each person seated. You may
also be charged between 5-12% for servizio, a tip for service. If you are not charged a servizio, and are inclined to tip, you can
leave up to 10%.
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Florence Restaurant Recommendations
Traditional Florentine Cuisine:
Florentine cooking is known for its high-quality, fresh ingredients prepared simply and slowly. There are many Slow Foodrecommended restaurants in Florence that serve the Florentine favorites such as Ribolitta, Pappa al Pomodoro, Bistecca
Fiorentina, Trippa, Bollito. Here are a few recommendations:
Trattoria Mario
One of the most famous restaurants in Florence. Fresh ingredients will be found here – they don’t even own a freezer! Family
style seating, low prices (pastas 5 Euro). Open only for lunch M-Sat 12pm-3pm. Fridays they do a great fish lunch. Via
Rosina (corner of Piazza del Mercato Centrale)
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Traditional Florentine food, great atmosphere. MUST make reservations. 5 tables and always booked.
Via dei Magazzini, 3 Florence, Tel:055 293045
Ristorante del Fagioli
Very popular with Florentines. Reasonably-priced, simple, high-quality Tuscan fare. Open for lunch and dinner M-F only.
Corso dei Tintori 47r, Tel. 055 244 285. No credit cards. Famous for bollito and tripe. Steak is renowned, as well.
Perseus
Most famous restaurant (besides Mario, listed above) for traditional Florentine Steak. Open lunch and dinner. 25 min walk
from hotel, just outside of city center, or short taxi ride. Viale Don Giovanni Minzoni, 10, 50129 Florence
Phone:055 588226
Da Ruggiero
A favorite among Florentines. High-quality, traditional food, prepared simply. Just outside of city center.
Via Senese, 89r (outside of Porta Romana), Tel: 055-220-542 Closed Tuesdays.
Trattoria Fratelli Briganti
Traditional Italian food. Fresh pasta. Hearty second courses. No tourists here – very popular with locals. Open late (until
2am). Outside of city center. Piazza Giorgini 12r. Tel: 055 475 255
Modern Italian Food
Il Santo Bevitore
Wine bar. Traditional food with modern flair. Great wine list. Cheese plate and pasta dishes are the highlights. Via di Santo
Spirito 64r (near Ponte alla Carraia) Tel: 055/211264 http://www.ilsantobevitore.com/home.htm 15 min walk from hotel
Coquinarius
Via delle Oche 15r. Call ahead for reservations: 05572302153. 5 min walk from hotel.
Classic, deliciously prepared Italian food with a twist. The antipasto platter for and the pasta dishes are the highlights. They
also have a fantastic wine list—if you’re unsure, ask the wait staff for suggestions because they’re extremely well-versed
when it comes to vino. http://www.muledei.it/coquinarius.html
Pepò
Good food, quiet environment with good wine selection. 5 min walk from hotel
Via Rosina (near Mercato Centrale) http://www.pepo.it/
Garga
Creative dishes, excellent wines, good service. 10 min walk from hotel.
Via San Zanobi, 33 50129 Florence 055 475286 http://www.garga.it/english.html
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Great places for quick snacks, lunches and
sandwiches
I Fratellini
I Fratellini (the little brothers) is a small wine and sandwich bar where locals working in the city centre like to go for lunch.
Excellent sandwiches for 2.50. No seating (gather on the street with the locals to eat)Via dei Cimatori 38r (near Piazza
Signoria).
Nerbone
This trattoria/sandwich shop is for meat lovers. It’s located in the middle of the bustling farmers’ market (Mercato Centrale).
Since 1872 Nerbone has been serving Florentine favorites like bollito, lampredotto, and trippa and is popular with market
workers and locals. Get the bollito sandwich with salsa verde. Be prepared to stand in line and fight for a table.
Bondi (open late)
5 minute walk from hotel. Excellent pizza by the slice or focaccia sandwiches made to order. Beer and wine served and
casual seating. Open 11am - midnight (closed Mondays) Via dell'Ariento, 85 (in leather market)
Procacci (5 minutes from hotel) Elegant Snacks!!
Historical locale where you can get a glass of prosecco with a few small truffle or foie gras sandwiches. Perfect aperitivo or
light lunch. Excellent wines and small dishes served as well. Stand at the bar and eat for quick service. They also have a few
tables. http://www.procacci1885.it/en/florence Via de' Tornabuoni, 64R
Sandwich Cart near Piazza Signoria at top of Via Dante Alighieri
This cart has been serving sandwiches to Florentines for years and is very popular with locals, especially the employees of a
nearby courthouse. Bollito with salsa verde sandwich is the most popular. Via Dante Alighieri.
Roberto Cavalli's Giacosa Bar
Quick stand-up lunches at reasonable prices (seated lunches cost more). Hobnob with local fashion execs on their lunch
breaks at this café behind Roberto Cavalli’s store. Excellent pastries and coffee. Torta della Nonna is amazing. Corner of Via
della Spada and Via Tornabuoni
Restaurants for Special Occasions
Cenacolo del Pescatore – 10 min walk from hotel
Beautiful restaurant. Amazing and creative fish dishes. Expensive. www.cenacolodelpescatore.it/
Ora d’Aria – 10 min walk from hotel
Recently received one Michelin star, and so feel obligated to list this restaurant. The jury is still out on food quality. Service
and wine are very good. Nice atmosphere. Tasting menus from 65 Euro pp. http://www.oradariaristorante.com/
Il Palagio – 15-20 min walk from hotel
Second restaurant in Florence with one Michelin star. Inside Four Seasons Hotel.
http://www.fourseasons.com/florence/dining/restaurants/il_palagio/
Alle Murate – 10 min walk from hotel
The restaurant is also a small museum featuring a famous, recently restored fresco of Dante. Located near the Bargello.
5 course tasting menu for special occasions (90 Euro pp). http://www.allemurate.it/
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Pizza
Ciro & Sons – 5 min walk from hotel
Beautiful, historic restaurant with delicious pizza, including a “Pizza DOC” The restaurant is “touristy” and a tad overpriced
but pizza quality remains excellent. Via del Giglio 28r, Tel. 055/289694 (near hotel)
La Pizzeria del Caffè Italiano - 15 min walk from hotel
All pizza is “cotta al legno” (cooked in wood fire in brick oven). There is a choice of only three pizzas, and they are all fired to
perfection: margherita, marinara, and Sicilian. No reservations needed. Via dell'Isola delle Stinche 11/13r (near Santa Croce
and Via Torta)
Il Pizzaiuolo - 20 min walk from hotel
Excellent pizza, Naples-style. Great prices. Reservation recommended.
Via dei Macci 113r, Tel: 055/241171 (near Santa Croce)
Antica Porta - 30 min walk or short taxi ride
Excellent pizza and appetizers cooked Campania-style (southern Italy)
Their specialty is pizza with truffle and burrata. Via Senese 23 (outside Porta Romana), Tel. 055/22052
Best Cappuccino in Town
Roberto Cavalli's Giacosa Bar
Best cappuccino in town. Excellent pastries, fast but delicious “stand up” lunches. Corner of Via della Spada and Via
Tornabuoni
Bar Gilli
One of the oldest and most famous Florentine bars. Delicious cappuccini. Renowned pastries and chocolate. Piazza della
Repubblica
Aperitivo
Many Italian bars and pubs offer aperitivo, pre-dinner drinks with complementary appetizer buffet. Aperitivo hour usually
starts at 7pm.
Le volpi e l’uva: Without a doubt the best wine bar in Florence. Wines by the glass, cheese and meat plates, and other
delicious small dishes. Ciro, Emilio, and Riccardo, the owners, are amazingly knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Piazza dei
Rossi 1 (Cross Ponte Vecchio and make the second left into Piazza Santa Felicità. Continue straight and the wine bar will be
on the left.) 15 min walk from hotel
Il Continentale: The most fabulous (and undiscovered) bar in Florence. Frequented mainly by hotel guests. This bar is on
the top of the Continentale Hotel and has one of the best views in Florence. Before crossing the Ponte Vecchio (duomo
behind you) turn right and the hotel entrance is immediately to your right. Take elevator to top floor and walk up one more
flight to the roof. Open after 6:30pm May-October. Reservations suggested if coming after 730pm. Call to see if they are open
in October. 10 min walk from hotel
Gucci Bar: Surprisingly inexpensive yet elegant place for aperitivo or coffee. Excellent wine selection and outdoor seating.
Glasses of wine for 5 Euro – quite the find considering its location in the famous Piazza della Signoria, next to the Gucci
Museum. 10 min walk from hotel
Fusion: If you like delicious cocktails (10 Euro+) with creative aperitivo snacks in a chic environment, this hotel lounge bar is
the place for you. Vicolo dell’Oro 3 (right near Ponte Vecchio) 10 min walk from hotel
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Gelato
Carapina – 10 min from hotel (near Ponte Vecchio)
A foodie’s gelato haven with interesting and seasonal flavors made fresh daily. Via Lambertesca, 18 (near Ponte Vecchio)
Carabè -10 min from hotel – near Accademia
Sicilian gelateria with an amazing variety of flavors, especially during the summer. Made fresh several times daily. You’ll find
everything from chocolate and hazelnut to fig, prickly pear, and almond. Via Ricasoli 60r
Perché no?
Impressive variety of delicious flavors. Via dei Tavolini 19r (near Piazza della Signoria) – 10 min from hotel
Tips for Touring and Enjoying Florence
Florence sites not to be missed
The Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi 6
The Academy (Michelangelo’s David), Via Ricasoli 60
Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, Piazza dei Pitti
Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Piazza Santa Maria Novella
San Lorenzo Basilica, Piazza San Lorenzo
The Medici Chapel
Ponte Vecchio
The Bargello Museum, Via del Proconsolo
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza Santa Croce
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza Santo Spirito
Walking Tours of Florence
Private tours: Freya’s Florence. Freya Middleton, licensed guide, Native English speaker. Contact for rates and itinerary
proposals: www.freyasflorence.com/ Cell: 349-074-8907
Group: Excellent tours of Florence given by highly-trained native English speakers. Tours of city or of local museums. Book
online at http://www.italy.artviva.com/
Florence Museums
The most famous museums are: Accademia (where Michelangelo's David is), The Uffizi Gallery (give yourself 3 hours for this
at least), Boboli Gardens, Bargello, Medici Chapel. The first two are the most popular. The latter three generally don't have
long lines, but you might want to reserve to be safe. To decide which you'd like to see you can visit:
http://www.firenzemusei.it/ . Reservations can be made by calling +39 055 294883 (also in English). New online reservation
system recently activated (some difficulties)
Tickets for local theatre, concerts, operas, ballets
Box Office -- Via Alamanni 39; Tel: 055/210804; www.boxoffice.it (just south of train station)
Opera in Florence:
Maggio Musical Fiorentino (Florence’s main opera company) www.maggiofiorentino.com
Opera Festival: Summer performances in Boboli Gardens and other outdoor locations http://www.festivalopera.it/
International Puccini Festival (summers) in Torre del Lago near Lucca (1.5 hours from Florence)
http://www.puccinifestival.it/
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International Opera Festival in Verona (2 hrs from Florence): www.arena.it
Opera with Piano (not full orchestra), St. Mark’s Church, Florence: http://www.concertoclassico.info/
Opera with Piano (not full orchestra), Musica in Maschera http://www.musicainmaschera.it/
Soccer Tickets:
The local team is Fiorentina and they play in Series A. You can buys tickets at the kiosk that is located next to the BNL bank
on Via Pellicceria (near Piazza della Repubblica) under the arches. You need a passport copy to buy tickets.
www.acffiorentina.com. The stadium is located north east of the city center and can be reached by the 20, 34, 12 or 13 bus
lines (if you take the 12 or 13 you’ll have to overpass the train station to reach the stadium).
Fiesole
Hilltop village above Florence. Take the number 7 bus from the Florence Duomo (Via Martelli heading north). 15 minute bus
ride to the main Fiesole piazza. Walk up steep hill to Monastery and great view of Florence.
Day and Weekend Trip Ideas
Chianti Wine Tasting
Visit Castello di Verrazzano in Greve in Chianti. Tours available M-F 12pm and include:
Guided visit of the Castle gardens and historic ageing cellars followed by a guided wine tasting of a selection of their best
wines and a four course lunch of local gastronomic specialties. 50 Euro pp. 3-4 hour tour. Reserve by visiting the site
www.verrazzano.com. Transport: 30 minutes by car or Sita Bus to Greti. Note that the vineyard is a LONG UPHILL walk from
the bus stop, so you might call vineyard and ask for a ride.
The Butcher of Panzano
The famous Dante-quoting butcher of Chianti, Dario Cecchini, has his shop and restaurant in this small Chianti town of
Panzano. Spend the afternoon eating his famous meats. The SITA bus goes to Panzano center (30 minutes) or rent a car for
the day (30 min drive through Chianti). http://www.dariocecchini.com/
Pisa and The Leaning Tower
This city is easiest to get to by train. Several trains depart every hour for Pisa from Florence SMN train station. The trip takes
1 hour.
The best way to see Pisa in a day is to walk the city:
The must-see attraction is "Piazza dei Miracoli" with the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, Museum and cemetery. From
the train station, walk down Corso Italia, the main shopping street, then over Ponte di Mezzo, the central bridge of Pisa which
has a beautiful view of the Arno river. Continue straight, through Piazza Garibaldi (stop at La Bottega del Gelato for great ice
cream) and down Borgo Stretto. Take a left at via Dini (in front of Salza Bar – stopping here for pastry and coffee as needed)
and continue until the beautiful Piazza Cavalieri. From here, follow the signs for the tower "torre"...heading down via Corsica
and taking a right on via Santa Maria. Via Santa Maria ends in Piazza dei Miracoli. You'll see the leaning tower ahead of you.
You can enter the tower, cathedral, baptistery and museum here before heading back the same way you came. Here are
some tips for drinks and dinner:
Almatea Opens at 7:30 pm for open air drinks and hors d'oevres. Piazza Cairoli (near Ponte di Mezzo)
Alle Bandierine Home-made spaghetti and pasta, via Mercante (near Almatea Bar)
Osteria Bernardo: creative Italian cuisine: http://www.osteriabernardo.it/
Siena and San Gimignano
While heavily visited by tourists, these towns have not outgrown their charm and authenticity. These two medieval hilltop
towns boast distinctive architectural style, food and cultural traditions. Siena is the bigger of the two towns and is famous for
its beautiful Piazza del Campo and bell tower. Twice a year, July 2nd & August 16th, Siena draws thousands of international
visitors to watch the Palio, a medieval, costumed horse race through the main city square. San Gimignano is located west of
Siena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. It is famous for its high city walls, narrow streets and its 14 medieval towers.
Explore the Duomo, museums and city towers before enjoying the various wine and oil tastings available at local shops.
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Both towns are accessible by bus (Siena 1 hour, San Gimignano additional 30 min.) Siena is also accessible by train.
However, the train (1.5-2 hours) leaves you at the bottom of the city, while the bus brings you into the city center. SITA bus
company (located across from the Florence train station on via S. Caterina da Siena) has bus service to both of these cities.
Go to the bus station for schedule and tickets.
Arezzo
Arezzo is a small Tuscan city, 65km southeast of Florence. The hilltop historical center is quite charming. The first half of
Roberto Benigni's film Life Is Beautiful was filmed here. Arezzo is famous for its many gold manufacturers and its antique
shops. There is a major antique fair the first Sunday of every month (and the Saturday preceding it) that attracts thousands of
international visitors. The famous Piero della Francesca fresco Legends of the True Cross is located in Arezzo.
Getting there: Arezzo is on the Florence-Rome line. The Intercity and Eurostar trains take 30 minutes (Intercity is cheaper).
The normal trains take 1-1.5 hours.
Tourist Info: There is a tourist info office outside of the train station. Get a map here and a list of must-sees. From the train
station, walk straight ahead, through the piazza and up the hill to arrive in the beautiful historical center. Visit
www.apt.arezzo.it for more info on Arezzo and its offerings.
Lucca
Popular Tuscan town, 1.5 hours by train, easy day trip. No need for guided tour. Walk the city walls for a great view and
wander around the city center. See schedules online at www.trenitalia.com
Rome – Overnight trip
Rome is located in the region of Italy called Lazio. To truly enjoy Rome, you should take at least the weekend to explore the
city. Rome is a 1.5 hour train ride from Florence (main station in Rome is called Roma Termini). Visit www.trenitalia.com.
Sites not to miss: The Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel), St. Peter's Basilica, The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, The
Pantheon, The Forum, The Coliseum
How to see Rome: The 110 bus is a double-decker bus that makes stops at all of the tourist sites. Buy a “hop on-hop off”
ticket for 13 Euro and travel all day, getting off and on the tour bus when you’d like. Busses pass all stops every 15 minutes
and leave from the Termini station. Info at:
http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/romatiaccoglie/en/tourtematici.html
Avoid the Coliseum Lines: To skip these long lines, first visit the nearby Roman Forum (free entrance). At the back of the
Forum is Palatine Hill for which you need a ticket. You can buy a combo ticket for Palatine Hill and the Coliseum here. When
you get back to the Coliseum, jump to the front of the line.
Cinque Terre – Overnight trip
Cinque Terre (five lands) is located in the Liguria Region of Italy, on the Liguria Sea, along the north- west coast of Italy. It is
part of the area known as the "Italian Riviera." Cinque Terre is made up of 5 hilltop villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia,
Manarola and Riomaggiore). These villages are most famous for their beautiful view of the sea, for the multicolored houses
built on the hills facing the sea, and for their gorgeous hiking trails. Cinque Terre is beautiful any time of the year for hiking,
shopping and visiting. It is most popular in the summer, being a seaside area. The beaches are small and rocky, so get there
early to grab a spot.
The best way to go to Cinque Terre is by train to any of the 5 villages. Go to www.trenitalia.it and enter one of the village
names from above to see schedule times. The trip takes about 3 hours from Florence. Once in Cinque Terre, the villages
are 3-5 minutes apart by local trains
The Cinque Terre Card gives unlimited access to the trains and hiking trails and can be bought at any local Cinque Terre train
station. Hotel ideas on www.venere.com
Venice – Overnight trip
Venice is 2 hours and 40 minutes by train from Florence. The main train station is Venezia Santa Lucia (SL). Once you
come out of the train station, you’ll see the Grand Canal and a ticket booth selling daily and weekend passes for the vaporetti
(public boats). A day pass costs around 25 Euro but is essential for traveling around. Stay in the city center, near the Grand
Canal. Hotels can be found: www.venere.it.
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