Welcome to the 2026 Secrets of Florence and Tuscany
Guest Portal!
Here you'll find all the info you need about our seven nights in Italy! Please read through it all, even if it's a topic you're already familiar with--and of course, let us know if you have any questions!
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Health-related travel policies: We will keep you up to date (both here and via email) on the policies and procedures regarding health-related travel policies in Italy at the time of our trip. Currently (as of March 2026), there are no testing or vaccination requirements for entry. Regardless, we strongly recommend being up to date on all your vaccinations, including Covid, before international travel. When in doubt, ask your doctor what they advise.
Where and When:
Florence, Italy
with day trips to Arezzo, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Siena
May 31 - June 7, 2026
with day trips to Arezzo, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Siena
May 31 - June 7, 2026
7 nights at Hotel Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1
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Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1
Address: Via de' Tornabuoni 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Phone: +39 055 265 8161 Website Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni is the perfect hotel for a trip themed around the best-kept secrets of Tuscany. This four-star hotel in the heart of Florence is a family-run property with only 24 rooms... in a medieval tower and connected historic palazzo! Sleep somewhere steeped in Florentine history, yet with all the modern comforts you need.
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Schedule
Your detailed daily itinerary will be posted here approximately 4 weeks before departure.
Activities include...
Activities include...
- A walking tour of Florence to learn about its historic sights
- A day trip to Lucca, which will include a guided tour of the historic city center, free time to explore, and a wine tasting
- Excursions around Florence for incredible gelato, Italian wines, and the best coffee in Italy
- A day trip to Siena and San Gimignano, which will include a guided tour of Siena's historic center, entrance to the Siena Cathedral, lunch and a wine tasing at a local winery, and free time in both towns
- A visit to the only-recently-opened-to-guests Vasari Corridor
- A day trip to Arezzo, including a chance to browse and shop at the incredible monthly outdoor Antiques Market, the largest in Italy
- And although they are not really secrets, but rather the most-visited art museums in Florence, we'll also spend time exploring the Uffizi and Accademia galleries
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling to Italy
Must-do items before you go!
- Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of three months beyond the last day of your stay in Europe.
- Send Liz and Adam your flight itinerary, so they can arrange your private transfers.
Important flight scheduling notes
- Our activities begin at 5 p.m. on May 31, 2026. Most of you will be arriving by mid-afternoon, so unless your flight is delayed, you shouldn't miss anything!
- If there are any changes made to your flight itinerary, please share them with us so we can keep track of everyone's arrival.
What should I expect on my flight?
- Arrive at the airport early! Plan to get to the airport a minimum of 2 hours before scheduled take-off, though arriving even 3 hours prior to an international departure is a good idea.
- Most transatlantic flights from the U.S. to Europe will be slated to depart in late afternoon or early evening (U.S. time), with arrival in Europe the following morning (European time).
- Since transatlantic flights are lengthy, most will have comforts and amenities including:
- An entertainment screen is on the back of every seat, from which you can watch a selection of TV shows and movies, play video games, and engage in similar activities.
- Dinner is provided on the flight, typically not long after take-off; after dinner, the cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to get some sleep.
- Blankets, pillows, and sleep masks are available.
- Toward the end of the flight, as you are approaching your destination and it is morning in Europe, a light breakfast is served.
- Be sure to get up and move around at least a couple of times during the flight.
- Throughout the flight, if you need a glass of water or something similar, just ask! One of the keys to long-distance travel is to avoid dehydration.
- You will have a layover at a European airport, and then catch a connecting flight to Florence, Italy, from there. Some points and tips to keep in mind for your layover:
- You will go through Passport Control as part of your layover (depending on where your layover is, you may have to do so again upon arrival in Italy). You'll likely be asked why you're traveling to Europe, how long you're staying, and perhaps a few other questions about your travels, then they'll stamp your passport and you'll be on your way!
- Keep your return flight info handy when you head through Passport Control, as it's possible the passport control agents may ask to see proof of your return flight to the U.S.
- Get a sense of how far it is to the gate for your connecting flight. Depending on the airport’s layout, you might need to go through a Passport Control check to get to your connecting flight’s gate, for example; be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there for boarding. (If you have a long layover, the gate for your connecting flight may not be assigned right away, so check back every half hour or so on the Departures screens located around the terminal.)
- You’ll feel strange as a result of jet lag, but if you have a layover of a few hours or more, having something to eat and drink (stay hydrated!) can help.
I have a disability or condition that may make getting through airport security more difficult. What should I do?
- Consider reaching out in advance to TSA Cares. TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. You can call (855) 787-2227 when you are 72 hours from your flight, or fill out this form in advance. Read more about it here.
- For help at Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence, you can read more about the services they offer here.
Once my flight arrives in Florence, what are my next steps?
- Once you de-plane, follow the signs to the Baggage Claim.
- As you reach the Baggage Claim area, you should see signs or screens at each carousel announcing which flight’s checked baggage will be arriving at that carousel.
- There is an ATM if you'd like to get some euros. (More details on money are in a later section.)
- Once you have picked up your checked baggage, proceed to the exit toward the “unsecured” area of the airport. You may find separate doors or lanes for those who do or don’t have items to declare. You won’t have anything to declare upon arrival, so feel free to exit through the “nothing to declare” lane/door (past any security officers -- you’re not required to stop to check in with them, but they can stop folks for spot checks).
How do I find my driver and get to our hotel?
- Once you proceed out of the secured baggage area, look for a person holding a sign with your name. This is your driver! You can verify your name, and follow them to their car for your drive to Hotel Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1.
- Your driver will have your phone number, so they may call or text you once they arrive at the airport, to let you know they're there. Don't worry if you are still waiting for your bags or not off the plane yet; the driver will give you time to go through those steps.
- If you are delayed an unusual amount for some reason, however, follow the instructions on your personal transfer documents (which Liz and Adam will email to you directly) to contact the driver. Also feel free to let Liz and Adam know, if you'd like.
- The ride from Amerigo Vespucci Airport to Hotel Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 typically takes about 25 minutes.
Getting Acclimated
What's happening on Day 1? The Welcome Reception!
- If you’ve gotten checked into the hotel by early evening, join us for the Welcome Reception at our hotel's rooftop bar, taking place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Have a glass of Prosecco, a cocktail, or a fun and refreshing nonalcoholic drink--and of course, enjoy some delicious local bread, cheese, and other small bites as well—and begin getting to know your fellow travelers. We’d love to see you there!
- If a flight delay prevents you from getting to the hotel before 7 p.m., not to worry -- we’ll save your welcome gift bag for you! More vitally, since you’ll have given us your flight information, we’ll keep track of your flight’s updated status, and will be able to touch base with you upon your arrival.
What's the best way to deal with jet lag?
Italy operates on Central European Time, which in the summer is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern time, 7 hours ahead of US Central time, and so on. (For example, if it’s 8:00 a.m. in New York and 7:00 a.m. in Chicago, then it’s 2:00 p.m. in Italy.) That time-zone difference brings with it considerable jet lag upon arrival. Consider the following tips to help yourself adjust as smoothly and quickly as possible to the time change:
- Try to sleep on your transatlantic flight; this can be easier said than done, but the more rest you get on your flight, the more your body will already be partially adjusted to your new time zone when you arrive.
- Upon arrival, avoid the temptation to compare the current time in Europe to the time “back home.” Embrace your new European time zone to help your mind and body acclimate to it!
- Perhaps most important, once you arrive in Florence and check into the hotel, stay awake! Avoid the siren song of your hotel bed! If you attempt to take a “short” nap, the next thing you know, you will likely have slept for several hours, throwing your sleep cycle out of sync with European time. On the day of arrival, once you’ve reached the hotel, stay awake until at least the evening hours (aim for 8:00 p.m. or later before retiring), when you can sleep overnight, rather than attempting an afternoon nap.
What should I be prepared for, in terms of a language barrier?
Nearly everyone you’ll meet will speak at least some English, but to stand out as a polite and thoughtful visitor, we suggest trying to use at least a few words of Italian.
What basic Italian words should I know?
English |
Italy |
Hello |
Buongiorno or Ciao! |
Thank you |
Grazie |
Yes |
Sì |
No |
No |
Please |
Per favore |
Do you speak English? |
Parla inglese? |
Packing Advice
What are typical airline luggage rules?
- Airlines typically allow one checked bag of up to 50 lbs.
- Additionally, airlines typically allow one small carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or backpack (these have their own weight and size limits, depending on the airline).
- Keep in mind that these are general guidelines; please check the specific rules for your airline.
- The 3-1-1 liquid rule: in your carry-on, you will only be allowed to bring ONE baggie that is ONE quart (or liter) or smaller in size, containing liquid containers each no bigger than THREE ounces. (There is no liquid restriction for your checked bag.)
I take medication. How should I pack it?
- We recommend keeping your medications in your carry-on bag, in their original bottles. Be sure to know the generic name of your medications, in case you were to lose your medication and need to get more in Italy, where the brand names might differ.
- If you take medication that is a liquid in a container larger than three ounces, you must declare it to TSA at the security checkpoint. Read more about that process here.
What is the typical weather?
- The average high temperature in Tuscany in early June is around 80 degrees, with average lows in the upper 50s.
- Though Tuscany is not known for extensive rain during this time, rain is always a possibility, so it's a good idea to be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella.
What should I consider when packing clothing?
- Think comfort, and think layers, so you can adapt to whatever the weather and temperature may be.
- You may want to pack a sweater or jacket in case of a cool evening.
- For entrance to any cathedrals or other religious sites, your shoulders should be covered (no sleeveless shirts) and skirts or shorts must be long enough to cover your knees.
Is there anything else I should know about packing?
- As always, the advice in travel is to pack light, pack light, pack light.
Electronics
Will I be able to use my cell phone while abroad?
- Check with your cell phone provider in advance about their international use. It is likely that your cell phone will not simply work as normal upon your arrival in Europe; it will depend on your provider and your specific plan. Cost and the amount of data provided for international usage vary considerably between providers.
- If your provider makes it prohibitively expensive to use your phone abroad, an increasingly popular option is purchasing an e-SIM such as Airalo. Though we haven't personally used them, we have heard good things about their services.
- Another option is to buy a European SIM card to use in your phone when you arrive. These can be bought when you arrive, but we find it’s easier to purchase them in advance. You can find them for purchase on sites such as Amazon—just search “European SIM.” In order to use a European SIM, your phone must be unlocked. (Not sure? Ask your provider.)
- Do you even want data? It may not be necessary. Wi-fi will be available in the hotel. You could put your phone in airplane mode and use wi-fi for the duration of the trip. With services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you can make calls easily.
What sort of electrical outlets are used in Italy?
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Type C plug and outlet. Image credit to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.
Type F plug and outlet. Image credit to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.
Type L plug and outlet. Image credit to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.
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Money
What currency is used in Italy?
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What's the best way to get my money exchanged?
- Generally, a better exchange rate is obtained through bank-owned ATMs in Europe rather than a currency-exchange office. While it’s reasonable to bring a modest quantity of US currency with you (to exchange in the event of a bank card problem that requires a day or two to resolve), we do NOT recommend carrying large amounts of US cash in Europe.
- Many businesses in Florence and the surrounding towns take credit cards, but not all, so it may be advisable to obtain at least a small amount of euros in cash to have on hand once you've arrived. (At businesses that do accept credit cards, Visa and Mastercard are reliable forms of payment; fewer places accept American Express or Discover.)
What else should I know about getting and spending money?
- Before departure, notify your bank(s) that you may be using their debit/credit cards in Italy (and any other countries you're planning to visit, including the location of your layover) in order to minimize the chances of a fraud alert being issued by your bank. Nowadays some major banks do not ask you to notify them of travel plans, but many still do.
- Your debit and/or credit cards may charge a Foreign Transaction Fee; check with your bank(s) before departure to learn of their policies and fees for foreign transactions.
- ATMs can be found in airport terminals upon arrival in Florence, and are plentiful in town.
- In almost all cases, the price you see listed for purchase (clothes in shops, food in restaurants, etc) includes all taxes; the price listed will be exactly the price you pay!
- On the day of our visit to the antiques market in Arezzo, you will likely need cash to make any purchases at the market, as most vendors do not take credit cards.
Health & Safety
How safe is Italy?
- While nowhere in the world can promise complete safety, the country of Italy has a "Level Two" travel advisory from the US State Department, the second-most safe rating, and the same rating as the Netherlands, Germany, France, England, and many other Western European countries.
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower in Europe, even in big cities, than they are in the U.S. While it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings when traveling in a territory that is foreign to you, typically the main concerns for a traveler will be petty crimes—namely, pickpocketing and scams.
- Street vendors may apply high-pressure tactics (especially in crowded and heavily touristed spots), but remember: you are always in control of whether, or what, to buy from them. If, for example, a vendor approaches you, hands you something, and says you now owe him for it and he will not take it back, simply put the item on the ground and walk away.
What security measures should I take before leaving the U.S.?
- Before departure, duplicate important documents--such as all bank cards you are bringing and your passport photo page--by emailing yourself photos of these items or by making photocopies to bring with you (to make it easier to cancel or replace items if any are lost).
- You may also enroll in the STEP Program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What can I do to stay safe while traveling?
- Be aware of your belongings: wear purses crossbody-style, closed and zippered or latched; never keep wallets, phones, or any other important or valuable items in a back pocket; do not leave items unattended or out of sight in public places.
- Do what you can to avoid making yourself a target for a pickpocket or scammer. Petty criminals look for people who stand out as inattentive to or overwhelmed by their surroundings or situation. Maintaining an outward appearance of calm and confidence can help you evade the notice of anyone with dishonest intentions.
- Be particularly vigilant in locations that are crowded and busy, where petty criminals are apt to operate. (Pickpocketing, for example, more frequently occurs in crowded public squares and large train stations.)
- Monitor your open drinks in bars/restaurants, and do not accept open drinks from strangers. For your safety and security, it is advisable to avoid becoming overly intoxicated.
- We recommend not carrying all of your cash and cards in one place while you’re out and about; you may choose to leave a debit or credit card secured in your hotel room, for example, in case your wallet or purse is lost.
