TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS TO FLORENCE
AREA: 400 km²
Florence is in the center of a wide valley, surrounded on three sides by the beautiful clayey hills of Cercina, (at north), by the hills of Fiesole (northeast) Settignano (at east) and Arcetri , Poggio Imperiale and Bellosguardo (at south). The plain, where the city arises, is crossed by the Arno River (the city itself divides its course between Superior Valdarno and Lower Valdarno) and by small waterways such as Mugnone, Terzolle and Greve.
Florence has a temperate continental climate with very hot summers and cold winters. The temperature can drop below zero, although snowfalls are few and infrequent, while in summer it can exceed 35 ° C and sometimes even touch 40 ° C.
For the poor ventilation due to the sheltered position of the city, the summer temperatures are significantly higher than those that occur along the Tuscan coast, especially in the maximum values that can reach 40 ° C in the presence of the African subtropical anticyclone. On the contrary, in winter, minimum temperatures can drop a few degrees below zero.
JANUARY 1 New year's Day
A VISA IS NOT REQUIRED for a U.S. or Canadian citizen holding a valid passport unless he/she expects to stay in Italy more than 90 days and/or study or seek employment. If after entering Italy the tourist decides he would like to stay more than 90 days, he can apply to obtain a “permesso di soggiorno” (permit to stay), once only, at any police station (Questura) for an extension of an additional 90 days. He will be asked to prove that he is a bona fide tourist with adequate means of support and that he does not request the extension for study or employment. As a rule, permission is granted immediately. It is suggested that non-American citizens check current visa requirements with the nearest Italian Consulate before departure. For information on Italian corporations please visit: www.italtrade.com
NO VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO enter Italy or to re-enter the U.S.
The new monetary currency is the Euro which is divided as follows: bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 , 20 and 50 cents, 1,2 Euro. Tourists reaching Italy without foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM machines, or exchange office (Ufficio di Cambio) at airports, seaports and railway stations in the main cities. Foreign notes, travelers'checks and letters of credit are purchased by Italian banks at the current rate of exchange less a small commission.
BANKS IN ITALY ARE OPEN Monday to Friday from 8:35 am to 1:35 pm and from 3 pm to 4pm and close all day on Sat. and Sun. and on national holidays. Afternoon hours may vary from city to city. Travelers'checks can be exchanged for Italian currency at most hotels and shops and foreign exchange offices in main railway stations and airports.
POST OFFICES ARE GENERALLY OPEN from 8 am –1:30 or 2 pm from Monday to Friday, Saturday 8 – 11:45 am. Some counters (e.g. registered mail, telegrams, etc.) have different hours and in the main cities they may also open in the afternoon.
ITALY HAS NO MEDICAL PROGRAM covering U.S. tourists are advised to buy insurance before traveling. First Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) is found at airports, ports, railway stations and hospitals.
A TRAVELER ENTERING ITALY with a dog or cat must have a veterinarian's certificate stating that the animal is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies between 20 days and 11 months before entry into Italy. The certificate is valid for 30 days. The forms (from Ministero della Sanita’Mod. U) are available from all Italian diplomatic and consular representatives. A dog must be on a leash and muzzled when in public.
THE ELETTRICAL CURRENT IN ITALY IS AC, the cycle is 50 and the voltage is 220. A tourist carrying electrical appliances to Italy should have a transformer, either obtained before leaving the U.S. or bought at an electrical appliance shop in Italy. Check the local voltage with the hotel before using electrical appliances. Plugs have two round-pronged plugs, making an adapter plug necessary. Many electrical appliances such as pressing steam irons, hair dryers and water heaters ate available in the U.S. for use abroad without the need of separate transformers or adapters.
PUBLIC TELEPHONES ARE AVAILABLE throughout Florence. Either local or international calls require the use of a phone card (Carta Telefonica) which may be purchased at any newsstand, tobacco shop or "BAR"(coffee shop). Both local and long distance call require the proper area code before dialing the number. Useful Phone Numbers
The American driving licence is recognized in Italy and you must be 25 years old to be able to rent a car. Traffic rules are the same as in USA, distances are indicated in kilometers (1km = 0.621 miles). The wearing of the seat belt in front and rear seats is obligatory, children up to 5 years of age should be seated in a car seat. Cellular phones can be used while driving if operated with head set. The wearing of a helmet is obligatory on two wheeled vehicles.
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SHOPS ARE OPEN FROM 9 am to 1 pm and from 3:30/4 pm to 7:30/8 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and Monday afternoon. From the middle of June to the middle of September, the shops are closed on Saturday afternoon but would be open on Monday morning. Suggestions: Clothes for men and women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, skirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cars are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept.
THE IVA TAX IS 16.67% of the purchase price of nearly everything sold in Italy. There are no rebates of the IVA tax on hotels, restaurants or tourist services. 1. Upon making a purchase, the buyer must ask for an IVA refund. This form itemizes what has purchased and stares the refundable IVA amount. Stores that display a Global Refund “Tax Free Shopping” sign offer IVA refunds in cash upon departure from Italy, otherwise the only refund options are by credit card or by bank check. Bank check refunds should be avoided, as fees to cash them in the USA can be very expensive. 2. As with all exports, purchases must be declared at the Custom Office upon departure from Italy or the European Union (EU) and a validation stamp must be obtained. Validation stamps can be obtained at the Customs Office of an Italian airport only if purchased goods are shown first to the Custom Officer and then inserted immediately into the luggage to be checked in for final destination outside of the EU. If the purchases will remain the traveler's carry-on luggage, the customs stamp can only be obtained at the Custom Office of the EU airport where the travel will be in transit for final destination outside of the EU. If the traveler is departing the EU by train or car, the customs stamp for Italian IVA refund form must obtained at the border (travelers are departing the EU when they cross from Italy to Switzerland). 3. Stamped Global Refund Checks can be exchanged immediately for cash or credit card refund at the nearby Cash Refund Office. Allow two to three billing cycles for a credit card refund. All other IVA refund forms should be sent to their respective stores within 90 days of the date of the receipt. On receipt of this stamped form the vendor can then forward the IVA rebate to the tourist who made the purchase. Global Refund at 800-566-9828 or visit their web site at www.globalrefund.com
FIRENZE Piazza dei Ciompi.Opening hours are like the shops. Open all day on the last Sunday of every month. - San Lorenzo (Piazza San Lorenzo) open 365 days a year.
All major credit cards are honored in Florence such as in all Italy.
Although everyone loves Italian food, figuring out where and what to eat in Italy can pose problems for the traveler. Knowing what type of meal or snack you wish to have and considering time limitations, you may wish to consider one of the following choices: Bar: The place to have espresso and all its variations, rolls and small sandwiches, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Pay first and give the receipt to barman with order. It is usual to stand at the bar, as there is a service charge for sitting at a table. Bars in Italy are open from early morning to late night. Panineria: A sandwich bar, where a quick meal can be had. Trattoria: Less formal than a ristorante, where local specialties are served. Ristorante: The most formal type of place to eat when one is not in a hurry. The order of courses is antipasto, pasta or soup, main course, salad, and dessert, all accompanied by good wine.
Taxi service is readily available throughout the country and rates are comparable to those charged in average U.S. and Canadian cities. Meters are provided and fares are displayed. It is recommended that only yellow, medallion metered cabs be used. Extra charges: Night service supplement between 10 pm and 6 am; Sundays and holiday supplement; luggage (per item). For taxi trips outside the city boundaries, fares will be based on distance.
Churches are open early morning until 12:00 pm when many churches are closed for two hours and then re-open until the evening. Major cathedrals and basilicas are open all day.
American Episcopal Church, St. James. Tel: 055 294417 – Via B. Rucellai, 9 Church of England. Tel: 055 295764 – Via Maggio, 16.
To visit Boboli gardens: Opening hours Entry is permitted up to an hour before closing time. Booking and Information
To visit Uffizi Museums: Opening hours Booking and Information
Motorways Information from the official site of Italy's motorway-management company http://www.autostrade.it/
The following is a listing of various airlines service from Key portal cities in the United States and Canada to Italy. Check with your airline to confirm service availability. Non-stop service from the US and Canada operated by scheduled national carriers (note: Customs is usually at final destination) www.alitalia.it In addition to the above, allEuropean airlines offer connecting lights to major Italian cities. We suggest that you contact your travel agent or the individual airline for rates, schedules and special discounts. Florence Airport-Florence Connections
The Ferrovie dello Stato is the state owned railway. There are also a few private railway companies. The rail network is adequately developed and widespread, especially between major urban centers and tourist areas, included Florence where operate the fastest trains, too. The regional trains tend to be slower. Train service is reasonably priced and efficient. For information , schedules and rates call CIT 847 318 7101 or Fax 847 318 8894 or the tollfree number 800 CIT Rail (800 248 7245). Schedules and prices can be found at the Italian State Railway website : http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/ Refund of Rail Passes
There is good motorcoach service between cities and towns and also a good local bus service. A major Italian Company that operates throughout the country is called SITA, S.p.a. sitabus.it.
Motorways are indicated by the letter "A" followed by a number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject to toll, except for some brief stretches , especially approaching urban areas. The speed limit is 130 km/h , with penalties for violation in proportion to the amount of the excess. A breakdown service (telephone number 116) is available from the Automobile Club Italiano (ACI) throughout the country. Calls for help on the motorways can be made from the emergency position, located every 2 km , 24 hours a day. Emergency positions contain a button with the symbol of a spanner for use in case of a breakdown and one with the Red Cross symbol if first aid is required. Tolls are paid in cash or by "Viacard"at motorway exit points. There is an extensive and well-maintained road network. As in the rest of continental Europe , vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for front and back seat passengers as well for the driver. The use of portable telephones is prohibited if they require intervention by hand to function. Speed limits are fixed at 50 km/h (31MPH) in urban areas , 90km/h (56 MPH) on main roads outside urban areas and 130km/h (80MPH) on motorways. Automobile Club Italia has its own offices in each prtovince, the head office is in Via Marsala 8- 00185 Roma- tel 06 49981 fax 06 499 82469. For more information please visit www.autostrade.it
Also called benzina unleaded petrol is "benzina senza piombo" and diesel is "gasolio" . Almost all service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free petrol (95 octane) and diesel fuel
Italy recognizes driving license and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries
Italy is an art lover’s paradise. It has been likened to one vast museum. No other country in the world has such a long and rich history of artistic creativity. A UNESCO study placed 40% of the art of the world in Italy. THE ETRUSCANS (8th to 2nd Century BC) ROMAN PERIOD (8th Century BC to 5th Century AD) EARLY CHRISTIAN AND LATE MEDIEVAL ART (4TH to 11th Centuries) ROMANESQUE GOTHIC (12th to 14th century) RENAISSANCE (15th to 16th century) LATE RENAISSANCE AND MANIERISM (16th to 17th century) NEO-CLASSICISM AND ROMANTICISM (18th to 20th century)
Opening hours vary according to place and season. There are 3,642 museum, art galleries and archeological sites in Italy, some state-owned and some are privately-owned, so opening hours may differ. Majority of the museums are closed on Mondays. Some museums required advanced booking, here is a list of the more popular museums of Florence: Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia, Palazzo Pitti with the Galleria Palatina.
Major symphonic series and recitals are organized at all times during the year by music conservatories; associations and clubs with the participation of world famous artists.
For opera and concert tickets you can either write directly to the Theater, ask your travel agent or visit the websites. Hotel managements will also assist their guests in obtaining tickets for performances in their cities. Tickets are not generally mailed from Italy but are held at the box office. For opera information all over the world please visit: www.operabase.org
Italy, opera’s ancestral home, offers visitors a wide selection of opera season throughout the year. In Florence the principal Opera Theatre is the Teatro Comunale, where opera season occurs from December to June. MAJOR OPERA HOUSES
Firenze SCOPPIO DEL CARRO (EXPLOSION OF THE CART) Easter Sunday. A pyramid of fireworks in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the Altar during High Mass. GIOCO DEL CALCIO (SOCCER MATCH) June 24th to the 28th. Revival of a 16th-century football match in medieval costumes. Fireworks display from the terraced gardens overlooking the city, June 24th.
Toscana Via di Novoli, 26 50127 Firenze 055/4382111 055/4383064 www.regione.toscana.it |
