Accommodations
What are the accommodations like at the Villa?
Cost for the tours is based on double occupancy at the Villa, except for one triple room which may be requested, or which will be used to accommodate as many requests for space on the tour as possible. Since the Villa was originally designed as a private residence, room accommodations vary in style; all are comfortable and well-appointed. No single rooms are available at the Villa, and most rooms have a private bath. Room assignments are made by the Villa programs coordinator so as best to accommodate the needs and comfort of the group.
Will I have my own bathroom or will I be sharing a bathroom?
Most rooms at the Villa have their own bathrooms. Some share bathrooms. Private baths are assigned based on when participants signed up for the tour.
Do I need to bring a towel or sheets?
The Villa provides towels and sheets.
Can you buy American toiletries in Italy?
Most toiletries available in the U.S. are available in Italy.
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Weather
What is the weather like in Italy?
The weather in Florence varies from year to year and season to season. Generally, the weather is mild, although occasionally it can be quite hot or quite cool. For the "New Year in Florence" Tour, you can anticipate temperatures in the low 40's. It can also sometimes be damp and cool in December and January. Temperatures in Florence in May and June can be in the high 50's to the high 80's. As the weather fluctuates considerably, however, it is a good idea to check www.weather.com for international weather updates while preparing for your trip.
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Clothing
What clothing should I bring with me?
The weather varies widely in Florence (and most of Italy for that matter) so it is best to come well prepared for any sort of weather. It is important to bring layers of functional clothing as well as comfortable walking shoes.
For the "New Year's in Florence" Tour: The Villa itself can sometimes get chilly during the winter so layers and sweaters are always good to have on hand. You will definitely want to bring a warm jacket and a hat, gloves, and a scarf for cold days outside. Bring warm socks, for churches are unheated, and your feet will feel the cold from the stone floors even before your body does! For special events (such as the New Year's Eve celebration), you will want to bring semi-formal attire.
For the "Springtime in Florence and Assisi" Tour: Italians in general do not wear shorts. Many churches will not allow admission to visitors wearing shorts and/or sleeveless tops (skirts that hit above the knee are also generally not acceptable). The air during this season is dry and can turn quite cool in the evening. Temperatures in May and June can range between the high 50's to the high 80's.
For Both Tours:In addition, you will want to pack a collapsible umbrella and a rain jacket.
Are there laundry facilities at the Villa?
There is one washing machine, one dryer, and numerous drying racks at the Villa. Detergent is provided. Tokens for the machines can be purchased from Simona Mocali.
Are there dry cleaning facilities near the Villa?
A drycleaner is conveniently located in Fiesole.
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Currency and Finances
What is the currency used in Italy?
As of January 2002, the euro is being used in Italy and most other Western European countries that are members of the European Union (England and Switzerland still retain their own currency).
As the value of the U.S. dollar and the Euro fluctuate quite often, however, it is a good idea to check the currency conversions. Yahoo has a reliable currency converter on its website.
You may also wish to bring an inexpensive pocket calculator with you in order to compute the exchange rate on purchases you make in Italy
What is the easiest way to pay for purchases in Italy - travelers' checks, ATMs, credit cards?
The simplest way to get money anywhere in Europe, (at the best exchange rates), is by using your ATM card at the European bank ATM machines. Many ATM machines in Italy, (including Florence and Fiesole), and Europe accept Cirrus and Plus cards. You can use your regular American PIN number for any of these machines. There is a small service charge, however, for each withdrawal, so check with your bank first to see what these service charges may be.
In the past, many have chosen to carry traveler's checks instead of lots of cash. Traveler's checks can be cashed in all banks, most restaurants, hotels and stores, as long as you present your passport for identification. It is a very good idea to keep a list of your travelers check numbers and amounts, (separate from the checks), as you will need this information in case the checks are lost or stolen. We do not recommend you bring more than $200 in traveler's checks, (for emergencies), as they are not as convenient or economical as ATM/credit card.
American Express offers a service called Express Cash that will allow you to take money from your regular checking account with your American Express Card. You need only call and sign up for the program, and you will receive a PIN number. This option will work at any Express Cash machine, located at an American Express office (there is one in Florence) and at almost all regular ATMs where Plus and Cirrus are accepted. The fees for using these machines are slightly higher than in America, but it is very convenient. If you would like to know more about this program, you can look at the American Express website.
There are several American Express offices throughout Europe, including one in Florence, which will cash personal checks, provided you have an American Express card. Also, many European banks will issue cash advances on Visa and MasterCard cards. By using credit cards you enjoy a good exchange rate, but the credit card companies will usually charge interest immediately from the time of the withdrawal as opposed to the regular end of the month interest charges.
Visa Check Cards, (issued at the Georgetown Credit Union), are also accepted in Europe. You can use these cards to withdrawal cash from ATM machines, (Note: your balance will not appear on the receipt). You can also use them wherever Visa is accepted.
Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express cards are readily accepted in Europe. If you bring credit cards with you, you should write down the number of the cards, the date of expiration, the bank, etc., and keep this information separate from your credit cards. Along with this information, you should also have the US and local telephone number (in Italy, or wherever you plan to travel) for where you report a lost or stolen credit card. Another suggestion is to give copies of all this information to your parents or someone else at home who could help you facilitate replacement if your card is stolen.
Should I bring Euros with me?
Before departing from the United States, you should purchase approximately 100 Euro so that you have money for taxis, trains, and buses. Once you have arrived in Italy, it is easy to access more cash if you need to.
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Safety
Is the Villa Safe?
The Villa is quite safe (bordered on all sides by high walls and locked entrances). However, there have been some break-ins in the neighborhood in the past. All tour participants will be issued the keys necessary for entering and exiting the Villa property. For the safety and security of all who are in the Villa, please comply with all safety guidelines that will be presented to you once your arrive at the Villa.
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Technology
What is the computer situation like at the Villa and throughout Italy?
The computer room at the Villa is equipped with four computers. All have internet access. Tour participants are welcome to use these computers. In addition to the computers at the Villa, internet cafes may be found throughout Italy. If you would like to bring your own laptop,
What is the voltage at the Villa?
The voltage in Italy is 220 volts. Hairdryers are provided at the Villa for tour participants and are found in most hotel rooms in Italy.
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Transportation
How far is the Villa from downtown Florence?
The Villa is located in the hills of Fiesole, approximately a 20 minute bus ride from downtown Florence.
How easy it is to travel from Florence to the Villa?
One can travel by either bus or cab from Florence. The bus runs from 5 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition, cabs are readily available throughout Florence at any time. Cab stands are located throughout Florence and in Fiesole.
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Travel
How do trains run in Italy?
Trains in Italy are inexpensive and generally reliable. In Italy, passengers must validate (stamp) train tickets at the train station before boarding a train. You risk a hefty fine if you neglect to stamp your ticket before boarding a train.
The same applies for buses in Italy. When you board the bus, you must stamp your bus ticket. It is then valid for one hour. Occasionally, you will be asked for your valid ticket by an undercover employee of the bus company. If you are unable to produce a stamped ticket, you will receive a fine of at least 50 euro.
May I arrive at the Villa before the start of the tour or stay later than the departure day?
The Villa hosts other programs and conferences throughout the year and cannot accommodate guests before or after each tour. We can, however, recommend places to stay in both Fiesole and Florence. Please see the links page for more information.
May I store boxes and/or luggage at the Villa before or after the tour?
The limited space at the Villa makes it impossible to deposit luggage before the program begins or store luggage after the program has ended. However, you can store your luggage in very safe, affordable lockers located at the train station in Florence or through the company PLATFORM 3000. Click here for more information.
What are the best travel guides for Italy and/or Europe?
There are countless travel guides available for Florence, Italy and all of Europe. The Blue Guide to Florence or The Blue Guide to Northern Italy both combine practical and historical information. Insight Guides, Fodor's, Rick Steve's, and Lonely Planet are also very informative and useful. The Villa has a subscription to a monthly travel magazine, which highlights various areas of Italy, and gives a calendar of events, art exhibitions and festivals held throughout the country.
Air Travel
Travelers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Italy. If you would like to make your flight arrangements through a travel agent who is familiar with our itinerary, you may contact Vivianne Pommier at Westend Travel at vp@westend.us. You can also search for tickets on sidestep.com, kayak.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, priceline.com, or cheaptickets.com, or other like sites. You can fly via Paris or other major European cities, such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich (on several airlines), and then get a connecting flight into Florence.
If you fly directly to Rome: Take the train that leaves from Rome's airport and goes to Rome's train station, Roma Termini. Once you are at Roma Termini, you can catch a train directly to Florence's train station: FIRENZE: Santa Maria Novella (SMN). More info.
If you fly into Pisa: Catch a train from the airport in Pisa that goes directly to the train station in Florence. More info.
If you fly into Milan:Take a city bus from Milan's airport to Milan's train station, Milano Centrale (which is about an hour’s drive), and then take a train from Milan's train station to Florence's train station, Santa Maria Novella (Firenze – SMN). More info.
Once you are at the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence: Take a cab to the Villa Le Balze (specific directions to the Villa are here, as well as in all tour participants' packets). Please note that flying into Florence makes the entire trip much easier, especially for non-Italian speakers or travelers with a lot of luggage.
Also, be sure to label all of your luggage with your full name and the full address and phone of the Villa in case your luggage is lost.
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Dietary Considerations
If you are a vegetarian, please be assured that we have had many vegetarians on the study tours at the Villa in the past who have found the meals entirely satsifactory. Every lunch and dinner begins with a pasta dish that is often without meat, and the second courses are served with plenty of vegetables. There is always also plenty of fruit and cheese. Once you apply for a tour, you will receive a form to indicate any dietary restrictions you might have
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