Italy, Here We Come!
ITINERARY

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Before You Go – What to Know

🇮🇹 Entering Italy and the E.U.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
🇺🇸 Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

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🌤️ Weather

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Day 1 🛫 Fri. 04/10/26 CVG → LHR

Cincinnati, OH (CVG) → London Heathrow (LHR)
BA0120 9:05 pm – 10:05 am

London Heathrow (LHR) → Naples (NAP)
BA0121 6:15 pm – 10:00 pm +1 day

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Day 2 🛫 Sat. 04/11/26 10 pm Arrive Naples Airport

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🚕Transfer from Naples Airport to Hotel 10:30 pm

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🏨 Sorrento – Grand Hotel Capodimonte (Booked)

Set above Marina Grande on Via Capo, Grand Hotel Capodimonte blends resort-style amenities with true walkability. Guests enter through a dramatic rock-cut passage before stepping into bright terraces, Mediterranean tilework, and iconic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Five cascading pools flow down the hillside, creating a signature multi-level sun deck. Rooms are spacious and traditionally styled, many with sea-view balconies. Breakfast and aperitivo on panoramic terraces. The hotel’s restaurants and bars offer classic Neapolitan flavors with unforgettable views. Despite its elevated position, it’s just a 5–10 minute walk from Corso Italia and Piazza Tasso.

Sorrento Daily Weather

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🚕 Using a Taxi in Sorrento

If you call a taxi (instead of walking to a taxi stand), there is a minimum €12 charge.

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Sorrento Lift

Things to Do in Sorrento

A Complete Guide to Visiting Sorrento and the Sorrentine Peninsula

Visit Sorrento: 2026 Travel Guide for Sorrento, Campania | Expedia

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Read more about – Pompeii and Herculaneum Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist Video

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Option: Ferry to Amalfi and Visit to Ravello

Avoid the hassle of local trains and crowded Pompeii lines with this fast-track tour. Meet your assistant at Sorrento train station, board, and disembark just outside Pompeii. Skip the long line and enter directly with your guide for a two-hour visit to top villas, temples, and more before returning to Sorrento.

• Assistant provides train tickets and helps you board in Sorrento
• Priority admission to Pompeii with guide
• Focus on the most important ruins in the vast site
• Headsets provided for clear commentary

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Option: Capri Boat Daily Tours

Skip crowded ferries with this boat tour to Capri departing directly from Sorrento. Skirt the Sorrentine Peninsula coastline, sail around Capri to see caves and rock formations, relax over lunch on the waterfront, and stop to swim/snorkel in clear waters.

Read more about – Capri Boat Daily Tours

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To reach Capri town center from Marina Grande, the fastest way is the funicular (map), which climbs through lemon groves to the Piazzetta.

Walking Times on Capri

• Capri – Marina Grande: 15 min or less. Start at Piazzetta behind clock tower, follow port signage.
• Marina Grande – Capri: 30 min – steep uphill with steps (avoid with luggage).
• Capri – Marina Piccola: Not worth the bus – walk via Via Mulo stairs from Due Golfi.
• Anacapri – Marina Grande: 20 min via spectacular Scala Fenicia stairway from Axel Munthe’s Villa gardens (1,000 high steps – good fitness required).
• Capri – Anacapri: 1 hour – all uphill!
• Anacapri – Capri: 30 min – watch for shortcut staircases.

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Need a Taxi on Capri?

• Taxi Anacapri, Piazza Vittoria – 081 8371175
• Taxi Capri, Piazza Martiri D’Ungheria – 081 8371175
• Radio Taxi Capri (24h) – 081 8370543

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Day 3 🌅 Sun. 04/12/26
🏨 Grand Hotel Capodimonte (2 of 3)

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Day 4 🌅 Mon. 04/13/26
🏨 Grand Hotel Capodimonte (3 of 3)

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Day 5 🌅 Tue. 04/14/26 Ferry Amalfi Coast → Ischia
🏨 Hotel Terme Tritone Resort & Spa (1 of 2)

⛴️Ferry from Sorrento to Ischia Departing at 9:30 am

• Route: Sorrento → Ischia Porto
• Duration: ~1 hour
• Operators: Alilauro
• Departure point: Marina Piccola, Sorrento
  • Arrive at the port AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE
• Arrival: Ischia Porto (main port of the island)
• From Ischia Porto to Hotel Terme Tritone:
  • 🚕 Taxi (recommended) – Time: ~15 minutes | Approx. Cost: €30
  • Tell the driver: “Hotel Terme Tritone, Forio, San Francesco Beach area”

🚕Taxi Fixed Rates – Tariffs 💶

Like most cities in Italy, Ischia uses an official system of fixed‑rate taxi tariffs, which means the price for common routes—such as Ischia Porto to Forio San Francesco — is predetermined and published by the municipality. These fixed fares ensure that travelers always know the correct price before starting the ride, with no surprises or negotiation required. Each fare corresponds to a specific point‑to‑point route, and drivers are required to follow the official tariff card. Supplements may apply for late‑night travel, oversized luggage, pets, or additional passengers. To verify you’re being charged correctly, simply check the official rate card displayed inside the taxi or compare your route with the published fare list on the island’s taxi‑fare website.

Taxi Ischia is the best tool on the web, allowing you to book and receive information on 
the island’s taxi service in just 2 clicks. Ischia also has

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🏨 Hotel Terme Tritone Resort & Spa

Known for extensive thermal facilities, multiple heated mineral pools, full spa, elegant rooms (many with balconies), and refined dining with fresh island cuisine.

The resort has 2 outdoor areas equipped with swimming pools of different sizes and temperatures for a total of 6 pools**. Overlooking the sea, well-kept, with hot or room temperature water, sweet or salted. Fun and relaxation are at your fingertips!

In each pool a different water feature, hydromassage, massage beds or hydro-byke. We also organize free fitness activities exclusively for Resort guests: Aqua Gym, Pilates, Yoga, Stretching.

Ischia Daily Weather

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Top 2 attractions in Isola d’Ischia

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Day 6 🌅 Wed. 04/15/26
🏨 Hotel Terme Tritone Resort & Spa (2 of 2)

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Day 7 🌅 Thu. 04/16/26 Rome
🏨 Flower Garden Hotel (1/4)

⛴️ Ferry Ischia → Naples

• Route: Porto Forio, Ischia → Beverello, Naples
• Duration: 1h 15m
• Operator: Alilauro
• Departure point: Forio
  • Arrive at the port AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE
• Arrival: Forio (secondary port of the island)
• From Hotel Terme Tritone: Tell the hotel desk agent the evening before that you will need a taxi to Forio in the morning and show your tickets.
• 🚕 Taxi (recommended) – Time: ~15 minutes | Cost: Usually €15. Show the driver your ticket to make sure you are taken to the correct port.

🚅 Train Napoli Centrale → Roma Termini

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🚕 Using Taxis in Rome

If the weather is bad and you don’t wish to walk, there is a taxi stand just outside Roma Termini station. Use the official taxi queue at the end of the station. Make sure they use the meter and accept credit cards. If someone approaches you asking if you need a taxi, it is likely a scam! Wait at the official stands. 🔗 Official Rates

Rome Metro (Subway) Map

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🎟️ Hotel Flower Garden (booked)

The Flower Garden hotel is about a five-minute walk from the Termini Station. With the tracks at your back, exit the left side of the station.

Rome Daily Weather

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Rome Attractions

• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, The National Opera House and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli – 5 mins on foot
• Trendy district of Monti full of galleries, restaurants, bars and chic boutiques – 10 mins on foot
• The Trevi Fountain – 10/15 mins on foot or 1 stops on Metro Line A to “Barberini” from “Repubblica”
• The Spanish Steps and the designer shopping district – 2 stops on Metro Line A to “Spagna”
• The Coliseum & Imperial Roman Forum – 15 mins on foot or 2 stops on Metro Line B to “Colosseo” from Termini
• Basilica of St John Lateran & the Holy Stairs – 15 mins on foot or 3 stops on Metro Line A to “San Giovanni” from Termini
• Circus Maximus and the Bocca della Verita – 3 stops on Metro Line B to “Circo Massimo” from Termini
• The nightclubs of Testaccio – 4 stops on Metro Line B to “Piramide” from Termini
• Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, the Borghese Gallery and shopping – 3 stops on Metro Line A to “Flaminio” from Repubblica
• The Basilica of St Peter, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel – 5 stops on Metro Line A to “Ottaviano” from Repubblica
• The Basilica of St Paul – 6 stops on Metro Line B to “San Paulo” from Termini

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OPTION: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

Discover the priceless treasures in the Vatican’s art collection—and visit Vatican City’s most important landmarks—on this introductory tour. Upon arrival, skip the long lines and head right inside the Vatican Museums. See Michelangelo’s world-famous Sistine Chapel, venture to the Tapestries Gallery and other museum highlights, and then transfer to neighboring St. Peter’s Basilica. Headsets are included so you can hear your guide’s commentary clearly as you explore.

• Enjoy an introduction to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Save time when you skip the long lines and head right inside
• Discover Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel
• Small group ensures personalized attention from your guide

Read more about – Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

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MEETING POINT: Accessible exclusively through the entrance on Via Paolo VI (left side of the colonnade when facing St Peter’s Basilica), after passing the Italian State Police security checks and proceeding toward the Vatican entry gate guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

ID Required. Italian law requires you to carry your passport which must be produced during routing checks by police. Appropriate attire for a sacred place is required. For men: long trousers or knee-length trousers; for women: trousers or skirts below the knee; shoulders must be covered for all visitors.

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Visiting the Trevi Fountain

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Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Tour

The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are three of Rome’s most visited attractions, and this guided tour brings the ancient wonders to life. See where gladiators battled in the iconic Colosseum; discover ancient ruins in the Roman Forum and ascend to Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the Eternal City.

• Take in the views from Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome
• Explore inside the ancient Colosseum, where gladiator battles once took place
• Admire the UNESCO-listed ruins of the Roman Forum

🎟️ Castel Sant’Angelo with Reserved Tickets 9:00 am
Meeting Time: by 8:45 am (map)

Meeting Point: The exact meeting point is at the entrance of Castel Sant’Angelo. Their friendly staff will be easy to spot wearing purple “Crown Tours” shirts and waiting just under the angel statue at the castle entrance. Late arrivals may not be admitted.

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Day 8 🌅 Fri. 04/17/26 Rome
🏨 Flower Garden Hotel (2/4)

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Day 9 🌅 Sat. 04/18/26 Rome
🏨 Flower Garden Hotel (3/4)

Semi-Private Colosseum Arena Full Experience 10:00 am

Meeting point: Arrive 15 min. prior in the square outside the Church.

ID Required for Entry

Santi Cosma e Damiano, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

The meeting point is in the square in front of the Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica, in Via dei Fori Imperiali 1 (halfway, near the Roman Forum entrance). Staff will be wearing a light blue vest with logos on. Problem? Contact Journey Tours: +39 320 1376113

Start your experience in the Roman Forum, the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. Walk among temples, arches, and ruins where emperors and citizens once gathered. Continue up to Palatine Hill, home to imperial palaces and offering panoramic views over the Forum and Circus Maximus. Your tour finishes at the Colosseum, entering through a special priority access point to explore the Arena Floor along with the 1st and 2nd levels for an unforgettable look inside Rome’s most iconic monument. Underground and 3rd level access not included.

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Day 10 🌅 Sun. 04/19/26 Rome
🏨 Flower Garden Hotel (4/4)

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Day 11 🌅 Mon. 04/20/26

🚗 Driving from Rome to Monteriggioni

⭐ Best ZTL‑Safe Plan (Highly Recommended)

✔️ Pick up 2 pm: Sixt, Rome Termini slight ZTL risk.
🗺️ Via Giovanni Giolitti 34

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Cities along the way to Monteriggioni

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Rome → Civita di Bagnoregio → Orvieto → Lake Bolsena → Montepulciano → Monteriggioni

• ⏱️ Driving Time
  • ≈ 2 hours 32 minutes – 2 hours 55 minutes depending on route and traffic
    • (A1 → SS715 is the primary route)
    • 📏 Distance ~244 km / 159 miles
• 🛣️ Route Overview
  • Depart Rome heading north on the A1 Autostrada
  • Continue toward Siena
  • Connect to SS715 toward Monteriggioni
  • Roads are modern, well‑marked, and easy to navigate
• 🅿️ Parking
  • Monteriggioni is a walled medieval village with no internal car access. You’ll park at one of the designated lots just outside the walls and walk in (2–5 minutes).
• 🧭 Is Driving the Best Option?
  • Driving is the fastest way to reach Monteriggioni from Rome, beating both bus and train options by a wide margin.
  • Drive: ~2h 37m
  • Bus: ~3h 46m with transfers
  • Train: ~4h 39m with transfers

🌄 Optional Scenic Stops Along the Way

If you want to turn the drive into a mini‑road‑trip, the route passes near:

• Siena
• Orvieto (hill town, Duomo)
• Civita di Bagnoregio (detour)
• Arezzo
• Montepulciano

Click here for my page on your route for Monteriggioni

Classic Double Room ~$1136 (Booked)

With just 11 romantic rooms, the hotel offers an intimate retreat immersed in charm, only a short drive from Siena and Florence. Each Classic Double/Twin room has its own unique character and is situated on either the ground, first, or second floor. Antique furnishings, refined fabrics, exposed wooden beams, and traditional Tuscan terracotta floors enhance the atmosphere of this historic residence nestled among the rolling Sienese hills.

Cities to visit from Monteriggioni

• Siena
• San Gimignano
• Volterra
• Chianti wine road
• Colle di Val d’Elsa

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Day 12 🌅 Tue. 04/21/26 Monteriggioni

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Day 13 🌅 Wed. 04/22/26 Florence
Return Rental Car
✔️ Drop off 4/22/26 2 pm: Florence Airport (FLR) Zero ZT risk.
🗺️ Via del Palagio degli Spini

🏨 Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti (1/4) FAQ
You have a room change after the first night.

Florence Daily Weather

Cities along the way to Florence

Monteriggioni → San Gimignano → Greve in Chianti → Florence Airport

The elegant rooms offer period furniture, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and desks. They also come with minibars. Need a taxi? Call 9 from your room for the desk.

A rich buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am both in the indoor breakfast room and the charming outdoor patio. Other amenities include a low-key bar, a TV room and a lobby lounge.

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Day 14 🌅 Thu. 04/23/26 Florence (Night 2 of 4)

🏨 Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti

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The Duomo Complex

Timed Entry Dome Climb 12:45 pm (map)

Your Brunelleschi Passes included timed entry (12:45 pm) to climb the dome.

Visitors are required to climb 463 steps. No elevator is available. Ticket’s validity starts
from the date selected for the visit to the Dome. Climb is strongly NOT
recommended for people with cardiovascular & respiratory diseases, vertigo,
claustrophobia, pregnant women. The entry time to the Dome is the start time
of the booked timeslot (not modifiable). At the entrance to the Dome the
names will be checked by Opera staff (an ID is requested).

Mandatory: Visitors, before entering the monuments, must leave suitcases, backpacks and large & medium-sized bags inside the Luggage Storage (Piazza Duomo n. 38/r) (map)

Download the free official OperaGuide App and use it inside the Museum to
visit it with an audio guide available in Italian and English: Apple Store ||| Google
Play Store

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Day 15 🌅 Fri. 04/24/26 Florence (3/4)
🏨 Loggiato dei Serviti (3/4)

🎟️ Your Uffizi Passeepartout
Enter Uffizi at 9:00 am

Your combined ticket is for 5 consecutive days for Uffizi, Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens (For details, click here PassePartout.

🧭 How to find it easily

When you walk into the famous Uffizi courtyard (the long rectangular space with statues in niches):

1. Walk all the way to the river end of the courtyard.
2. Look to your left — that’s Door 1.
3. You’ll see signs for “Ingresso 1 – Ticket Holders”.
4. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to clear security.

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Vasari Corridor Immediately after Uffizi Tour 11:15 pm Timed Entry

Access to the Vasari Corridor at 11:15 am (map & rules)
Visits to the Gallery of Statues and Paintings must be made 2 hours before entry to the Vasari Corridor. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Corridor entrance from the Gallery.

PLEASE NOTE
For the Vasari Corridor, please ensure you are on time at Meeting Point D19.
Once the visit has started, latecomers will no longer be allowed to join the group.

The Vasari Corridor offers a rare walk through Florence’s hidden history—a raised passageway built in 1565 to let the Medici move unseen between the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti. Reopened after decades, it now leads visitors along a quiet, elevated route over the Ponte Vecchio and through centuries of art and power. The visit moves in a single direction and typically lasts about an hour, giving you a striking, behind‑the‑scenes view of the city that once belonged to the Medici alone.

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Other Sites Included with Passeepartout Combined Ticket

Your combined ticket includes entry to Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens which are near the exit from the Vasari Corridor, just across the river. (map)

🟦 Vasari Corridor → Palazzo Pitti → Boboli Gardens (Perfect Sequence)

1️⃣ After the Vasari Corridor

Begin your morning with your timed Vasari Corridor tour. The tour ends inside the Pitti Palace complex, placing you exactly where you need to be for the next stop.

2️⃣ Palazzo Pitti (Passepartout Ticket)

3️⃣ Boboli Gardens (Passepartout Ticket)

After exiting the Corridor, you’ll be guided into the Pitti Palace courtyard. From here, simply walk to the main entrance of Palazzo Pitti.

Show your Passepartout ticket — no reservation required — and explore:

You may visit any or all of these at your own pace.

When you’re ready, exit into the courtyard again and follow the signs for:

“Giardino di Boboli / Boboli Gardens”

The Boboli entrance is on the left side of the courtyard when facing the palace.

Show your Passepartout ticket and walk right in.

Enjoy:

• Cypress avenues
• Sculptures and fountains
• The Amphitheater
• The Knight’s Garden
• Panoramic views over Florence

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Day 16 🌅 Sat. 04/25/26 Florence

🏨 Loggiato dei Serviti (4/4)

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Meeting Point: TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for our staff wearing a FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and holding a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD! (MAP)

Discover the best of Tuscany in one effortless day as you travel from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, enjoying medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and sweeping countryside views. With optional upgrades like a guided Siena tour or a traditional Tuscan lunch with wine, this experience blends culture, scenery, and flexibility—making it an easy, memorable way to explore three of Italy’s most beloved destinations.

Read more about – Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Pairing

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Day 17 🌅 Sun. 04/26/26 Florence 🛫 Cincinnati

🚘 International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a one‑year document that translates your U.S. driver’s license into multiple languages, making it easier—and in some countries legally required—to drive abroad or rent a car. It does not replace your U.S. license; you must carry both together.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is authorized to issue IDPs, and the process is simple: complete a short application, provide two passport‑style photos, show your valid U.S. license, and pay a small fee. Most AAA branches issue the permit on the spot, and mail‑in applications are also available. Because many European countries either require or strongly recommend an IDP, travelers often obtain one even when enforcement varies, helping avoid complications with police checks or rental agencies.

Rental Car Return in Florence – Getting to Your Hotel

✈️ Dropping Off Your Rental Car at Florence Airport & Getting to Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti

Here’s the smoothest, most stress‑free way to return your rental car at Florence Airport (FLR) and get to your hotel in Florence’s historic center.

🚗 Step 1 — Drop Off the Rental Car at Florence Airport (FLR)

Florence Airport uses a separate rental car center, located a short distance from the terminal.

• Navigate to: “Palagio degli Spini Car Rental Center”
• All rental companies return here: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, etc.
• Process time: 10–15 minutes

Follow signs for Autonoleggi / Car Rental Return. You’ll enter a multi‑level garage and return the keys at your company’s desk.

🚊 Step 2 — Take the T2 Tram Into Florence

This is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to reach the city center.

• Tram Line: T2 “Vespucci”
• Board at: “Peretola Aeroporto” (right outside the terminal)
• Get off at: “Unità” (final stop)
• Travel time: 20 minutes
• Cost: €1.70 per person
• Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes

The tram is modern, clean, and luggage‑friendly.

🚶 Step 3 — Walk to Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti

• Walk time from Unità stop: 10–12 minutes
• Hotel address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 3, Florence

You’ll pass Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, and the Accademia area as you approach the hotel.

🕒 Total Travel Time

• Rental return: 10–15 minutes
• Tram ride: 20 minutes
• Walk to hotel: 10–12 minutes

Total: ~40–45 minutes

🏨 Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti — Check‑In

• Check‑in: 2:00 PM
• Check‑out: 11:00 AM
• Luggage storage: Available if you arrive early

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City by City Weather

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency exchange is the act of exchanging one type of currency for another. For example, if you’re planning an international trip to Europe, you may want to plan ahead and exchange U.S. dollars for Euros so that you are prepared to cover cash expenses as soon as you arrive without having to stop at an exchange office at your destination. Two hundred euros should get you through until you get to an ATM.

Making ATM Withdrawals – USE A BANK ATM!

The best way to get cash in Italy is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies and is better than any rate you’re likely to get exchanging currency at an exchange office or a bank.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to select the option for conversion by your bank. It’s a good idea to check with your bank for specific details about their foreign ATM conversion fees and any other charges that might apply.

Italian bank ATMs are called bancomats and some don’t charge a local ATM operator fee — but avoid using independent ATMs. These third-party ATMs charge like a wounded bull, and it’ll be obvious which ATMs are affiliated with a bank and which aren’t.

Cash and Currency Tips for Europe by Rick Steves

Foreign Currency Exchange Services (pnc.com)

How long does it take to receive foreign currency bank notes that are ordered at a PNC branch?

Standard foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by the end of the next business day. (during business travel season please allow 1 – 2 additional business days)

Customers may request overnight delivery for a $15 charge. Overnight delivery foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by noon the next business day. Overnight delivery is only available Monday through Friday and isn’t available on bank holidays.

Foreign Currency Exchange | Fifth Third Bank (53.com)

Fifth Third customers can buy and sell foreign currency at their local branch with competitive exchange rates. And when you return from your trip, Fifth Third can buy back any unused foreign currency, exchanging it back into U.S. dollars.  Contact your local branch if you have questions about a particular currency carried.