travel tips - tuscan women cook
TRANSCRIPT
TRAVEL TIPS from your host
Coleen Kirnan
Transportation SuggestionsTRAIN in from Rome or Florence Take the train to Chiusi the closest train station to usComplete information on the train system in Italy can be found at wwwtrenitaliacomOutside the Chiusi station you will find taxis to bring you to our village of Montefollonico Taxi rates to will run about euro70 one way and may be more on Sundays Be sure to ask you driver about fares before your depart and be prepared to pay your fare in cash Not all drivers take credit cards
PRIVATE CAR You can also arrange for a private car and driver to pick you up atthe airport or your hotel at an additional cost Our bus driver during the week is potentially available for hire His name is Fabio and his contact information is fabiotuscanycountrytravelitPlease contact Fabio directly as we do not know his daily schedule Our other driver contacts are Ilario email postalinohotmailcom and Paolo email infoget-italycom
RENTAL CAR While it is not necessary to have a rental car during the week here inTuscany it does make arrival and departure very easy For those who choose to have a rental car we usually recommend Auto Europe ndash a large USA-based consolidator which offers excellent pricing and selection - wwwautoeuropecom
We hope this information will help answer any questions you may have If not feel free to email me anytime
infotuscanwomencookcom
Coleens personal cell phone number 1 (310) 613-1477
Itrsquos always a good idea to print and carry your complete itinerary with the destina-tion being I Castagni with the address below Keep a copy in your suitcase as well
I CastagniVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyTelephone numbers +44 77 92 59 90 08 +39 33 32 26 45 29Email icastagniicloudcom
Take a tour of I Castagni httpwwwtuscanwomencookcom the-setting-2
Packing TipsThe most important thing to remember is that we are a hilltop village Please pack good comfortable walking shoes as we will often be walking on cobblestones in Tuscan villages (and you may have enjoyed a glass of wine or three with your meal) On our day trip to Siena there are beautiful sights to see and you will not want to be hindered by uncomfortable shoes Many of the beautiful buildings are quite old with poorly lit thresholdsHaving a small umbrella is helpful Rain is generally imminent but does pass through quickly Having a small flashlight is helpful too Please bring bug spray if you are prone to getting bitten
You can buy it here but itrsquos quite expensiveAnd of course a camera or phone for pictures If you wear prescription glasses please bring an extra pair A small roll of duct tape comes in very handy Itrsquos every travelerrsquos best friend to repair a broken suitcase a shoe or use as an emergency giant band aid Clothespins come in handy to hang hand-washables and to clamp hotel curtains shut Plastic straws are a great way to keep your packed necklaces from tangling Unclasp each necklace slip one end through a straw and resecure the clasp through the other end TSA wonrsquot permit pointy scissors but small blunt-nosed scissors like the ones designed for preschoolers will come in handy for quick snips
Other miscellaneous things you may want to pack in your carry-on for your flight per our TWC
guests who work for The Travel Channel eye mask ear plugs Ziploc baggies pen and paper
envelope (for receipts) antibacterial wipes sewing kit nail file and diarrhea medicine
COUNTDOWN TO PARADISE - Check out this invaluable travel planning linkhttpswwwbusinessinsidercomsummer-travel-checklist-2018-7
Welcome to Paradise Check-in to I Castagni is on Sunday ndash if you need early check-in you can contact the hotel icastagniicloudcom Check-out is Saturday ndash again if you need extra time that day the hotel always does their best to accommodate our guests Should you desire extra nights before or after the class week just contact the hotel We will be at the hotel around 630 pm Sunday to check on everyone and have a quick meet and greet (with Prosecco of course) Our dinner is scheduled at a delightful restaurant in our village at 800 pm For an idea of the weekrsquos activities please view this page of our website ndash wwwtuscanwomencookcomweekly-culinary-programsBeing Italy things can change from time to time because of holidays festivals availability of seasonal products etc but we try and stay as close to the schedule as possible Friday eveningrsquos seven course celebratory dinner is the last actual event of the week Saturday morning you can sleep in and depart at your leisure
Money Cash Credit Cards - Get cash in Montepulciano or Pienza for the outdoor market in Siena on Wednesday ATM machines are your best source of Euros and normally give a very good rate of exchange Credit cards are readily acceptable in most all shops and restaurants It is a good idea to telephone your bank andor credit card company and inform them that you will be in Italy US dollars and other foreign currencies are rarely accepted by any merchants here and even banks do not like to make exchanges Travelerrsquos checks are very difficult and expensive to cash ndash even banks do not like to handle them We do NOT recommend travelerrsquos checks And no one seems to want American dollars so keep your cash to a minimum
Tuscan WeatherPlan to dress in layers Montefollonico is typically mid 70s to mid 80s (21C to 26C) during the days in spring The evenings have an average temperature of mid 50s to mid 60s (13C to 17C) During the fall the average daily temperatures are mid 60s to mid 70s (17C to 22C) during the day and low 50s to high 50s (11C to 14C) at night
Your Wardrobe Dress for the week is casual We do not have a dress code per se but you will want a sweater wrap or jacket for the evenings as the weather cools down Your own personal style is fine by us and good comfortable shoes are really the most important item in your suitcase Many seasoned travelers will bring clothes that they are about to discard leave the clothes behind (which we donate) replacing them with clothing purchased on the trip Once yoursquove packed your suitcase remove 50 of what you have packed (aside from our recommendations) You will never use it all and you will want the extra space for the things you buy in your travels We all know Italian clothing shoes handbags reign among the best in the world Happy shopping
We are absolutely delighted to spend this week in paradise with you We want your trip like the trips of so many before you to be the trip of a lifetime these memories are priceless and will be shared for years to come We truly admire your adventurous spirit love of gastronomy and willingness to immerse yourself in the authentic Tuscan lifestyle with its rich and timeless treasures
Thank you for saying YES
Travel Suggestions Put a copy of your itinerary in every piece of luggage you check and be sure to carry on a simple change of clothes ALL medications and whatever jewelry you choose to bringDo the same thing for your return flight to the US as luggage gets lost going home too The airlines tell us if the ownerrsquos information is readily available when they open the bag it has a far better chance of finding its owner
We always recommend travel insurance itrsquos just a good idea
Put your cell phone number on your luggage tag for the airlines to easily communicate with you
Bring color copies of your passport and pack it in a different location than your actual passport
Please bring us a copy of two emergency contacts and your doctorrsquos information especially if you see one regularly
Another good idea is to put your credit card numbers and the issuers number in your phone dis-guised as a contact ndash ie ldquoAunt Susierdquo and put the number in as a phone number or address In case it gets lost you have it with you
At the airport home from Italy do not say you were at a ldquofarmrdquo if asked The airport officials will send you to a separate area in the airport checking shoes and clothing for soilamp insects
Herersquos an invaluable link for travelers wwwtravelandleisurecomarticlestravel-tips-preflight-checklist
Laundry amp Personal Services Wash cloths are not really used in parts of Italy Please bring one or two washcloths or facial wipes if you need them Regarding laundry If you are on an extended trip it is best to have your laundry needs addressed in one of the metropolitan cities you may be visiting You can also pack a small liquid laundry soap and a portable hanging line that attaches to the bathroom wall via a suction cup
Haircut wash or a blow dry are available in a local residentrsquos home in the neighborhood on Rotelli Street near our hotel
Driving InstructionsDirections to Montefollonico from the Rome AirportAs you leave the airport you will see signs for Roma in green Take this road in the direc-tion of Roma After about 10 minutes you will see a green sign to Firenze (Florence) ndash take this turn Yoursquoll then be on a loop that circles Roma and at this point yoursquoll be going in a Northerly direction Continue on this loop for about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
The exit for Firenze is Exit 10 As you pass Exit 7 stay in the right hand lane as Exits 8 9 and 10 all exit this highway at exactly the same place and you donrsquot want to miss Exit 10
At this point you will be going due North in the Direction of Firenze In about 10-15 minutes you will enter the Autostrade A-1 ndash all Autostrade signs are Dark Green
Exit at the Valdichiana Bettolle exit ndash its about 200-km from where you started at the Roma Airport - about 2 hours or a little less
When you leave the toll both at the Valdichiana exit continue 34 around the traffic circle and immediately you will be in the town of Bettolle Continue through Bettolle in the direc-tion of Torrita di Siena Instead of looking for highway signs with numbers simply follow the signs that give you the names of the towns in the direction you want to go Torrita di Siena will be about 5-6 kilometers ahead - yoursquoll see some open country and some businesses along this road
As you go through Torrita di Siena you will come to the ldquotraffic lightrdquo (itrsquos the only one in this part of Tuscany ndash and itrsquos usually not turned on) ldquoVeerrdquo to the right at the traffic light ndash DONrsquoT go left to Montepulciano About 2 km beyond the traffic light yoursquoll see the signs bearing left to Pienza and or Montefollonico If you miss this turn yoursquoll wind up in Sinalun-ga and thatrsquos the wrong direction
If you are going in the correct direction you will be going South The next 8-10 kilometers yoursquoll be in the open country Itrsquos absolutely spectacular here Yoursquoll be on a winding switch back road going up a high hill with beautiful scenery and (often) sheep in the pastures
Tuscan Women Cook guests stay in the heart of Montefollonico at I CastagniI Castagnirsquos addressVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyIf you need assistance please call Coleen (310-613-1477) or Rhonda (818-438-2346) and we will guide you to the propertry
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Packing TipsThe most important thing to remember is that we are a hilltop village Please pack good comfortable walking shoes as we will often be walking on cobblestones in Tuscan villages (and you may have enjoyed a glass of wine or three with your meal) On our day trip to Siena there are beautiful sights to see and you will not want to be hindered by uncomfortable shoes Many of the beautiful buildings are quite old with poorly lit thresholdsHaving a small umbrella is helpful Rain is generally imminent but does pass through quickly Having a small flashlight is helpful too Please bring bug spray if you are prone to getting bitten
You can buy it here but itrsquos quite expensiveAnd of course a camera or phone for pictures If you wear prescription glasses please bring an extra pair A small roll of duct tape comes in very handy Itrsquos every travelerrsquos best friend to repair a broken suitcase a shoe or use as an emergency giant band aid Clothespins come in handy to hang hand-washables and to clamp hotel curtains shut Plastic straws are a great way to keep your packed necklaces from tangling Unclasp each necklace slip one end through a straw and resecure the clasp through the other end TSA wonrsquot permit pointy scissors but small blunt-nosed scissors like the ones designed for preschoolers will come in handy for quick snips
Other miscellaneous things you may want to pack in your carry-on for your flight per our TWC
guests who work for The Travel Channel eye mask ear plugs Ziploc baggies pen and paper
envelope (for receipts) antibacterial wipes sewing kit nail file and diarrhea medicine
COUNTDOWN TO PARADISE - Check out this invaluable travel planning linkhttpswwwbusinessinsidercomsummer-travel-checklist-2018-7
Welcome to Paradise Check-in to I Castagni is on Sunday ndash if you need early check-in you can contact the hotel icastagniicloudcom Check-out is Saturday ndash again if you need extra time that day the hotel always does their best to accommodate our guests Should you desire extra nights before or after the class week just contact the hotel We will be at the hotel around 630 pm Sunday to check on everyone and have a quick meet and greet (with Prosecco of course) Our dinner is scheduled at a delightful restaurant in our village at 800 pm For an idea of the weekrsquos activities please view this page of our website ndash wwwtuscanwomencookcomweekly-culinary-programsBeing Italy things can change from time to time because of holidays festivals availability of seasonal products etc but we try and stay as close to the schedule as possible Friday eveningrsquos seven course celebratory dinner is the last actual event of the week Saturday morning you can sleep in and depart at your leisure
Money Cash Credit Cards - Get cash in Montepulciano or Pienza for the outdoor market in Siena on Wednesday ATM machines are your best source of Euros and normally give a very good rate of exchange Credit cards are readily acceptable in most all shops and restaurants It is a good idea to telephone your bank andor credit card company and inform them that you will be in Italy US dollars and other foreign currencies are rarely accepted by any merchants here and even banks do not like to make exchanges Travelerrsquos checks are very difficult and expensive to cash ndash even banks do not like to handle them We do NOT recommend travelerrsquos checks And no one seems to want American dollars so keep your cash to a minimum
Tuscan WeatherPlan to dress in layers Montefollonico is typically mid 70s to mid 80s (21C to 26C) during the days in spring The evenings have an average temperature of mid 50s to mid 60s (13C to 17C) During the fall the average daily temperatures are mid 60s to mid 70s (17C to 22C) during the day and low 50s to high 50s (11C to 14C) at night
Your Wardrobe Dress for the week is casual We do not have a dress code per se but you will want a sweater wrap or jacket for the evenings as the weather cools down Your own personal style is fine by us and good comfortable shoes are really the most important item in your suitcase Many seasoned travelers will bring clothes that they are about to discard leave the clothes behind (which we donate) replacing them with clothing purchased on the trip Once yoursquove packed your suitcase remove 50 of what you have packed (aside from our recommendations) You will never use it all and you will want the extra space for the things you buy in your travels We all know Italian clothing shoes handbags reign among the best in the world Happy shopping
We are absolutely delighted to spend this week in paradise with you We want your trip like the trips of so many before you to be the trip of a lifetime these memories are priceless and will be shared for years to come We truly admire your adventurous spirit love of gastronomy and willingness to immerse yourself in the authentic Tuscan lifestyle with its rich and timeless treasures
Thank you for saying YES
Travel Suggestions Put a copy of your itinerary in every piece of luggage you check and be sure to carry on a simple change of clothes ALL medications and whatever jewelry you choose to bringDo the same thing for your return flight to the US as luggage gets lost going home too The airlines tell us if the ownerrsquos information is readily available when they open the bag it has a far better chance of finding its owner
We always recommend travel insurance itrsquos just a good idea
Put your cell phone number on your luggage tag for the airlines to easily communicate with you
Bring color copies of your passport and pack it in a different location than your actual passport
Please bring us a copy of two emergency contacts and your doctorrsquos information especially if you see one regularly
Another good idea is to put your credit card numbers and the issuers number in your phone dis-guised as a contact ndash ie ldquoAunt Susierdquo and put the number in as a phone number or address In case it gets lost you have it with you
At the airport home from Italy do not say you were at a ldquofarmrdquo if asked The airport officials will send you to a separate area in the airport checking shoes and clothing for soilamp insects
Herersquos an invaluable link for travelers wwwtravelandleisurecomarticlestravel-tips-preflight-checklist
Laundry amp Personal Services Wash cloths are not really used in parts of Italy Please bring one or two washcloths or facial wipes if you need them Regarding laundry If you are on an extended trip it is best to have your laundry needs addressed in one of the metropolitan cities you may be visiting You can also pack a small liquid laundry soap and a portable hanging line that attaches to the bathroom wall via a suction cup
Haircut wash or a blow dry are available in a local residentrsquos home in the neighborhood on Rotelli Street near our hotel
Driving InstructionsDirections to Montefollonico from the Rome AirportAs you leave the airport you will see signs for Roma in green Take this road in the direc-tion of Roma After about 10 minutes you will see a green sign to Firenze (Florence) ndash take this turn Yoursquoll then be on a loop that circles Roma and at this point yoursquoll be going in a Northerly direction Continue on this loop for about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
The exit for Firenze is Exit 10 As you pass Exit 7 stay in the right hand lane as Exits 8 9 and 10 all exit this highway at exactly the same place and you donrsquot want to miss Exit 10
At this point you will be going due North in the Direction of Firenze In about 10-15 minutes you will enter the Autostrade A-1 ndash all Autostrade signs are Dark Green
Exit at the Valdichiana Bettolle exit ndash its about 200-km from where you started at the Roma Airport - about 2 hours or a little less
When you leave the toll both at the Valdichiana exit continue 34 around the traffic circle and immediately you will be in the town of Bettolle Continue through Bettolle in the direc-tion of Torrita di Siena Instead of looking for highway signs with numbers simply follow the signs that give you the names of the towns in the direction you want to go Torrita di Siena will be about 5-6 kilometers ahead - yoursquoll see some open country and some businesses along this road
As you go through Torrita di Siena you will come to the ldquotraffic lightrdquo (itrsquos the only one in this part of Tuscany ndash and itrsquos usually not turned on) ldquoVeerrdquo to the right at the traffic light ndash DONrsquoT go left to Montepulciano About 2 km beyond the traffic light yoursquoll see the signs bearing left to Pienza and or Montefollonico If you miss this turn yoursquoll wind up in Sinalun-ga and thatrsquos the wrong direction
If you are going in the correct direction you will be going South The next 8-10 kilometers yoursquoll be in the open country Itrsquos absolutely spectacular here Yoursquoll be on a winding switch back road going up a high hill with beautiful scenery and (often) sheep in the pastures
Tuscan Women Cook guests stay in the heart of Montefollonico at I CastagniI Castagnirsquos addressVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyIf you need assistance please call Coleen (310-613-1477) or Rhonda (818-438-2346) and we will guide you to the propertry
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Money Cash Credit Cards - Get cash in Montepulciano or Pienza for the outdoor market in Siena on Wednesday ATM machines are your best source of Euros and normally give a very good rate of exchange Credit cards are readily acceptable in most all shops and restaurants It is a good idea to telephone your bank andor credit card company and inform them that you will be in Italy US dollars and other foreign currencies are rarely accepted by any merchants here and even banks do not like to make exchanges Travelerrsquos checks are very difficult and expensive to cash ndash even banks do not like to handle them We do NOT recommend travelerrsquos checks And no one seems to want American dollars so keep your cash to a minimum
Tuscan WeatherPlan to dress in layers Montefollonico is typically mid 70s to mid 80s (21C to 26C) during the days in spring The evenings have an average temperature of mid 50s to mid 60s (13C to 17C) During the fall the average daily temperatures are mid 60s to mid 70s (17C to 22C) during the day and low 50s to high 50s (11C to 14C) at night
Your Wardrobe Dress for the week is casual We do not have a dress code per se but you will want a sweater wrap or jacket for the evenings as the weather cools down Your own personal style is fine by us and good comfortable shoes are really the most important item in your suitcase Many seasoned travelers will bring clothes that they are about to discard leave the clothes behind (which we donate) replacing them with clothing purchased on the trip Once yoursquove packed your suitcase remove 50 of what you have packed (aside from our recommendations) You will never use it all and you will want the extra space for the things you buy in your travels We all know Italian clothing shoes handbags reign among the best in the world Happy shopping
We are absolutely delighted to spend this week in paradise with you We want your trip like the trips of so many before you to be the trip of a lifetime these memories are priceless and will be shared for years to come We truly admire your adventurous spirit love of gastronomy and willingness to immerse yourself in the authentic Tuscan lifestyle with its rich and timeless treasures
Thank you for saying YES
Travel Suggestions Put a copy of your itinerary in every piece of luggage you check and be sure to carry on a simple change of clothes ALL medications and whatever jewelry you choose to bringDo the same thing for your return flight to the US as luggage gets lost going home too The airlines tell us if the ownerrsquos information is readily available when they open the bag it has a far better chance of finding its owner
We always recommend travel insurance itrsquos just a good idea
Put your cell phone number on your luggage tag for the airlines to easily communicate with you
Bring color copies of your passport and pack it in a different location than your actual passport
Please bring us a copy of two emergency contacts and your doctorrsquos information especially if you see one regularly
Another good idea is to put your credit card numbers and the issuers number in your phone dis-guised as a contact ndash ie ldquoAunt Susierdquo and put the number in as a phone number or address In case it gets lost you have it with you
At the airport home from Italy do not say you were at a ldquofarmrdquo if asked The airport officials will send you to a separate area in the airport checking shoes and clothing for soilamp insects
Herersquos an invaluable link for travelers wwwtravelandleisurecomarticlestravel-tips-preflight-checklist
Laundry amp Personal Services Wash cloths are not really used in parts of Italy Please bring one or two washcloths or facial wipes if you need them Regarding laundry If you are on an extended trip it is best to have your laundry needs addressed in one of the metropolitan cities you may be visiting You can also pack a small liquid laundry soap and a portable hanging line that attaches to the bathroom wall via a suction cup
Haircut wash or a blow dry are available in a local residentrsquos home in the neighborhood on Rotelli Street near our hotel
Driving InstructionsDirections to Montefollonico from the Rome AirportAs you leave the airport you will see signs for Roma in green Take this road in the direc-tion of Roma After about 10 minutes you will see a green sign to Firenze (Florence) ndash take this turn Yoursquoll then be on a loop that circles Roma and at this point yoursquoll be going in a Northerly direction Continue on this loop for about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
The exit for Firenze is Exit 10 As you pass Exit 7 stay in the right hand lane as Exits 8 9 and 10 all exit this highway at exactly the same place and you donrsquot want to miss Exit 10
At this point you will be going due North in the Direction of Firenze In about 10-15 minutes you will enter the Autostrade A-1 ndash all Autostrade signs are Dark Green
Exit at the Valdichiana Bettolle exit ndash its about 200-km from where you started at the Roma Airport - about 2 hours or a little less
When you leave the toll both at the Valdichiana exit continue 34 around the traffic circle and immediately you will be in the town of Bettolle Continue through Bettolle in the direc-tion of Torrita di Siena Instead of looking for highway signs with numbers simply follow the signs that give you the names of the towns in the direction you want to go Torrita di Siena will be about 5-6 kilometers ahead - yoursquoll see some open country and some businesses along this road
As you go through Torrita di Siena you will come to the ldquotraffic lightrdquo (itrsquos the only one in this part of Tuscany ndash and itrsquos usually not turned on) ldquoVeerrdquo to the right at the traffic light ndash DONrsquoT go left to Montepulciano About 2 km beyond the traffic light yoursquoll see the signs bearing left to Pienza and or Montefollonico If you miss this turn yoursquoll wind up in Sinalun-ga and thatrsquos the wrong direction
If you are going in the correct direction you will be going South The next 8-10 kilometers yoursquoll be in the open country Itrsquos absolutely spectacular here Yoursquoll be on a winding switch back road going up a high hill with beautiful scenery and (often) sheep in the pastures
Tuscan Women Cook guests stay in the heart of Montefollonico at I CastagniI Castagnirsquos addressVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyIf you need assistance please call Coleen (310-613-1477) or Rhonda (818-438-2346) and we will guide you to the propertry
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Travel Suggestions Put a copy of your itinerary in every piece of luggage you check and be sure to carry on a simple change of clothes ALL medications and whatever jewelry you choose to bringDo the same thing for your return flight to the US as luggage gets lost going home too The airlines tell us if the ownerrsquos information is readily available when they open the bag it has a far better chance of finding its owner
We always recommend travel insurance itrsquos just a good idea
Put your cell phone number on your luggage tag for the airlines to easily communicate with you
Bring color copies of your passport and pack it in a different location than your actual passport
Please bring us a copy of two emergency contacts and your doctorrsquos information especially if you see one regularly
Another good idea is to put your credit card numbers and the issuers number in your phone dis-guised as a contact ndash ie ldquoAunt Susierdquo and put the number in as a phone number or address In case it gets lost you have it with you
At the airport home from Italy do not say you were at a ldquofarmrdquo if asked The airport officials will send you to a separate area in the airport checking shoes and clothing for soilamp insects
Herersquos an invaluable link for travelers wwwtravelandleisurecomarticlestravel-tips-preflight-checklist
Laundry amp Personal Services Wash cloths are not really used in parts of Italy Please bring one or two washcloths or facial wipes if you need them Regarding laundry If you are on an extended trip it is best to have your laundry needs addressed in one of the metropolitan cities you may be visiting You can also pack a small liquid laundry soap and a portable hanging line that attaches to the bathroom wall via a suction cup
Haircut wash or a blow dry are available in a local residentrsquos home in the neighborhood on Rotelli Street near our hotel
Driving InstructionsDirections to Montefollonico from the Rome AirportAs you leave the airport you will see signs for Roma in green Take this road in the direc-tion of Roma After about 10 minutes you will see a green sign to Firenze (Florence) ndash take this turn Yoursquoll then be on a loop that circles Roma and at this point yoursquoll be going in a Northerly direction Continue on this loop for about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
The exit for Firenze is Exit 10 As you pass Exit 7 stay in the right hand lane as Exits 8 9 and 10 all exit this highway at exactly the same place and you donrsquot want to miss Exit 10
At this point you will be going due North in the Direction of Firenze In about 10-15 minutes you will enter the Autostrade A-1 ndash all Autostrade signs are Dark Green
Exit at the Valdichiana Bettolle exit ndash its about 200-km from where you started at the Roma Airport - about 2 hours or a little less
When you leave the toll both at the Valdichiana exit continue 34 around the traffic circle and immediately you will be in the town of Bettolle Continue through Bettolle in the direc-tion of Torrita di Siena Instead of looking for highway signs with numbers simply follow the signs that give you the names of the towns in the direction you want to go Torrita di Siena will be about 5-6 kilometers ahead - yoursquoll see some open country and some businesses along this road
As you go through Torrita di Siena you will come to the ldquotraffic lightrdquo (itrsquos the only one in this part of Tuscany ndash and itrsquos usually not turned on) ldquoVeerrdquo to the right at the traffic light ndash DONrsquoT go left to Montepulciano About 2 km beyond the traffic light yoursquoll see the signs bearing left to Pienza and or Montefollonico If you miss this turn yoursquoll wind up in Sinalun-ga and thatrsquos the wrong direction
If you are going in the correct direction you will be going South The next 8-10 kilometers yoursquoll be in the open country Itrsquos absolutely spectacular here Yoursquoll be on a winding switch back road going up a high hill with beautiful scenery and (often) sheep in the pastures
Tuscan Women Cook guests stay in the heart of Montefollonico at I CastagniI Castagnirsquos addressVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyIf you need assistance please call Coleen (310-613-1477) or Rhonda (818-438-2346) and we will guide you to the propertry
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Driving InstructionsDirections to Montefollonico from the Rome AirportAs you leave the airport you will see signs for Roma in green Take this road in the direc-tion of Roma After about 10 minutes you will see a green sign to Firenze (Florence) ndash take this turn Yoursquoll then be on a loop that circles Roma and at this point yoursquoll be going in a Northerly direction Continue on this loop for about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
The exit for Firenze is Exit 10 As you pass Exit 7 stay in the right hand lane as Exits 8 9 and 10 all exit this highway at exactly the same place and you donrsquot want to miss Exit 10
At this point you will be going due North in the Direction of Firenze In about 10-15 minutes you will enter the Autostrade A-1 ndash all Autostrade signs are Dark Green
Exit at the Valdichiana Bettolle exit ndash its about 200-km from where you started at the Roma Airport - about 2 hours or a little less
When you leave the toll both at the Valdichiana exit continue 34 around the traffic circle and immediately you will be in the town of Bettolle Continue through Bettolle in the direc-tion of Torrita di Siena Instead of looking for highway signs with numbers simply follow the signs that give you the names of the towns in the direction you want to go Torrita di Siena will be about 5-6 kilometers ahead - yoursquoll see some open country and some businesses along this road
As you go through Torrita di Siena you will come to the ldquotraffic lightrdquo (itrsquos the only one in this part of Tuscany ndash and itrsquos usually not turned on) ldquoVeerrdquo to the right at the traffic light ndash DONrsquoT go left to Montepulciano About 2 km beyond the traffic light yoursquoll see the signs bearing left to Pienza and or Montefollonico If you miss this turn yoursquoll wind up in Sinalun-ga and thatrsquos the wrong direction
If you are going in the correct direction you will be going South The next 8-10 kilometers yoursquoll be in the open country Itrsquos absolutely spectacular here Yoursquoll be on a winding switch back road going up a high hill with beautiful scenery and (often) sheep in the pastures
Tuscan Women Cook guests stay in the heart of Montefollonico at I CastagniI Castagnirsquos addressVia Coppoli 111315 Montefollonico54049 Torrita di Siena (SI) ItalyIf you need assistance please call Coleen (310-613-1477) or Rhonda (818-438-2346) and we will guide you to the propertry
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Food amp Wine This is Tuscany and there are a few things to remember The food is scrumptious and extremely plentiful Breakfast is not a highlight very European If you need some eggs and bacon we can arrange it for you Both lunch and dinner consist offour courses appetizers pasta (sometimes 2) meat (sometimes 2) vegetables and dessert Our hosts are not offended if you cannot eat it all but do sample it all Vegetarians and vegans we will take care of you too
General Suggestions
If you are a lover of the grape buy and send some home Not only will the local wineries be grate-ful (grapeful) but upon returning home from Paradise you will likely want to host a dinner prepar-ing the delicious food you have learned to make Serving wines from your trip is a truly exceptional gift from you as the host especially the Super Tuscans and the Vin Santo dessert wines Both are award-winning wines
Please be prompt We want everyone to enjoy the daily schedule and waiting for guests throws off the day If you choose not to join us one morning just let us know as soon as possible This is your vacation and if you want to skip a planned event we understand just let us know
Please remember to take notes in the recipe books we will provide you As much as you think you may remember we are packing a lot of information in a relatively small amount of time You will be happy to look back at your notes when you have returned home from Paradise Some great historical and historical fiction reads are ldquoWar in the Val drsquo Orcia An Italian War Diary 1943-1944rdquo and ldquoA Chill in the Airrdquo by Iris Origo ldquoShepherdess of Siena A Novel of Renaissance Tuscanyrdquo by Linda Lafferty and ldquoBeneath a Scarlet Sky A Novelrdquo by Mark Sullivan
If you need to mail something the staff at I Castagni are happy to provide packing and postage
If you have motion sickness make sure to sit at the front of the bus The roads can be a little winding so if you suffer from motion sickness please bring your Dramamine or your preferred medication Our drives are not long but we do not want you to suffer
Adaptors ndash Itrsquos best to just buy a cheap one in Montefollonico Some that work in Florence or Rome may not work in Paradise
We both love to walk hike and run so feel free to come along anytime We donrsquot keep it on the schedule but if yoursquod like some exercise we would love you to join us
We canrsquot wait to share our favorite Tuscan sights tastes and memory-making moments with you
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable
Communications
Keep expectations low on internet connections and enjoy your unplugged self You can definitely get logged in at I Castagni and get your work done Keep in mind the thick stone walls used to keep enemies out now keep internet spotty A true vacation indeedRemember to call your cell carrier to get on an international plan for the duration of your stay WhatsApp and Viber are great apps to have to communicate with people at home WhatsApp is the more widely used cell app
Before andor After TWC Should you be arriving at the Rome FCO airport here is a helpful website It offers detailed information and maps including how to find the car rental desks and how to take the trains from the airport - wwwslowtravcomitalyplanningrome_airporthtmWe hope yoursquoll have time for more Italian adventures either before or after your week with Tuscan Women Cook If you are headed to Rome or Florence we have found wwwthrougheternitycom and wwwDetourcom have fantastic guided walking toursThere is so much to see (and taste) in both cities Here are a few more links to help you make the most of every minute
Headed to Rome Should your day begin at the Vatican or with a coin toss into the Trevi Fountain Herersquos a helpful guide to help you decide wwwcntravelercomgallerybest-things-to-do-in-rome
Headed to FlorenceAnxious to see Michelangelorsquos David nab tickets for the Uffizi or purchase a precious gem on the Ponte Vecchio Read this first wwwtimeoutcomlondontravel20-amazing-things-to-do-in-florence
Please let us know if you need any additional suggestions for Italian travel Our guests often share favorite hotels restaurants and guides that enhanced their travels through Italy We are happy to help in every way to make your Italian adventures truly memorable