Textile Center of Minnesota
Travel planning
If you're flying from outside Europe, I suggest you arrive a couple of days early to recover from jet lag so you can fully enjoy your time with us. If you want to arrive in Pistoia a day or two early, I can ask the hotel whether you can have your room before the tour starts (at your own expense).
If you're flying from outside Europe, I suggest you arrive a couple of days early to recover from jet lag so you can fully enjoy your time with us. If you want to arrive in Pistoia a day or two early, I can ask the hotel whether you can have your room before the tour starts (at your own expense).
Travel: meeting point on first day of tour at 3 pm
The official meeting point is Amerigo Vespucci (Florence-Peretola) Airport.
Minneapolis to Italy
I can't find any direct flights from Minneapolis to Florence Airport (or any airport in Italy). You will have to fly to another airport in Europe and change for a flight to Florence or Rome or Milan. Which one you choose depends on how long before the tour you want to arrive and where you'd like to explore.
Right now these are the cities outside Italy with flights to Florence (this might change by September):
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Frankfurt
London City
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
Madrid
Munich
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris Orly
Vienna
Zurich
OR
You could fly to Rome and take the express train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. You could spend a day or two in Rome or Florence or both.
OR
You could fly to Bologna and take the train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. You could spend a day or two in Bologna (and hire a car or driver (I can recommend one) to go to Modena for my favourite producers of Balsamic Vinegar Tradizionale DOP and Lambrusco wine) or Florence or both.
OR
You could fly to Milan and take the train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, but the journey is 30 minutes longer, and you'll be going to Milan during the tour.
Trains in Italy are usually a pleasure to travel on and you get to see the scenery as you go.
I highly recommend the train timetable app: Trenit!
I find it easier to use than the Trenitalia app.
The official meeting point is Amerigo Vespucci (Florence-Peretola) Airport.
Minneapolis to Italy
I can't find any direct flights from Minneapolis to Florence Airport (or any airport in Italy). You will have to fly to another airport in Europe and change for a flight to Florence or Rome or Milan. Which one you choose depends on how long before the tour you want to arrive and where you'd like to explore.
Right now these are the cities outside Italy with flights to Florence (this might change by September):
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Frankfurt
London City
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
Madrid
Munich
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris Orly
Vienna
Zurich
OR
You could fly to Rome and take the express train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. You could spend a day or two in Rome or Florence or both.
OR
You could fly to Bologna and take the train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station. You could spend a day or two in Bologna (and hire a car or driver (I can recommend one) to go to Modena for my favourite producers of Balsamic Vinegar Tradizionale DOP and Lambrusco wine) or Florence or both.
OR
You could fly to Milan and take the train to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, but the journey is 30 minutes longer, and you'll be going to Milan during the tour.
Trains in Italy are usually a pleasure to travel on and you get to see the scenery as you go.
I highly recommend the train timetable app: Trenit!
I find it easier to use than the Trenitalia app.
How to get to Florence Airport from Santa Maria Novella train station
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Most economical
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Least hassle
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Travel: departure on last day of tour
We're ending the tour at Hotel Continental in Venice. Check-out time is 11.00 am.
This is to give you the opportunity to continue your stay in Venice or to travel elsewhere in Europe.
Venice Marco Polo airport is 40 minutes from the centre of Venice. You can take a land or water taxi or bus from Piazzale Roma or the Santa Lucia train station (very near our hotel).
Trains from Santa Lucia station connect you to other main cities in Italy.
We're ending the tour at Hotel Continental in Venice. Check-out time is 11.00 am.
This is to give you the opportunity to continue your stay in Venice or to travel elsewhere in Europe.
Venice Marco Polo airport is 40 minutes from the centre of Venice. You can take a land or water taxi or bus from Piazzale Roma or the Santa Lucia train station (very near our hotel).
Trains from Santa Lucia station connect you to other main cities in Italy.
Weather & clothing
You’re probably wondering about the weather and what you should pack. It’s really difficult to advise, because the usual weather patterns have changed so much. In general, I expect it to be warm or hot during the day (in the 70s–80s, probably higher) and cool at night (in the 50s–60s). I generally advise people to bring layers and comfortable shoes (sturdier than sandals, unless they’re sandals for hiking). Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
Essential: mosquito repellent
Hints for keeping cool
If you suffer a lot from heat, for example, because you always have air conditioning in summer, think about bringing a portable neck cooler, or less expensive, a cotton scarf you can wet and tie around your neck to cool your body when in places without air conditioning. Our accommodation has air conditioning, but you're only there at night. One of our guests found these neck coolers online: Kool Tie (for purchase in the States).
You’re probably wondering about the weather and what you should pack. It’s really difficult to advise, because the usual weather patterns have changed so much. In general, I expect it to be warm or hot during the day (in the 70s–80s, probably higher) and cool at night (in the 50s–60s). I generally advise people to bring layers and comfortable shoes (sturdier than sandals, unless they’re sandals for hiking). Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
Essential: mosquito repellent
Hints for keeping cool
If you suffer a lot from heat, for example, because you always have air conditioning in summer, think about bringing a portable neck cooler, or less expensive, a cotton scarf you can wet and tie around your neck to cool your body when in places without air conditioning. Our accommodation has air conditioning, but you're only there at night. One of our guests found these neck coolers online: Kool Tie (for purchase in the States).
Cash
A few places don't take credit cards. There are ATMs everywhere. The safest way to travel is to bring a direct debit card with a PIN and to draw out small amounts at a time.
A few places don't take credit cards. There are ATMs everywhere. The safest way to travel is to bring a direct debit card with a PIN and to draw out small amounts at a time.
