next stop,
TOSCANA
You have received your invitation. You have googled the venues. You have ogled at the views. Gawked at the travel time. Re-ogled at the potential for Instagram posts. Sold! You're in.
Now, how do you get here?
STEP TWO:DRIVE (OR NOT)
Tuscany is the California of Italy. You don't need a car any more than you need to let everyone know you've been to In-N-Out, but it is advised.
Those wanting to live out their Roman Holiday dreams (sans cute Vespa, avec eyesore sedan) can rent a car at the airport.
Once seated and belted, set your GPS to the commune of Chianciano Terme, which is a roughly two-hour drive from the Rome, Pisa, and Florence International Airports.
For the Passenger Princesses among us (cc: the bride) who would rather eat Coglioni di Mulo than touch a steering wheel, there is also the option of a private transfer.
Private transfers can be arranged for groups of 2, 7, 20, or 50. Please email Gianni using the subject line "Wedding Jamie and Tanika" to book your transfer and avail of a discounted rate.
Lastly, there is also the option of public transport which combines the use of train with taxi. Please note that while this option is viable, it is advised against due to the unreliable nature of public transport in the region. The best public transport routes depending on your port of arrival are listed below.
If you are arriving at Rome International Airport...
i. Take the Leonardo Express to the main train station in Rome, The Termini. The Express leaves the airport every half-hour and has a journey time of roughly 30 minutes.
ii. Upon arriving at Roma Termini, take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
The journey will last roughly two and a half hours.
iii. Contact one of the following taxi companies to organize a transfer from the station to your hotel (reservations must be made in advance):
1. Taxi di Poggiani Leonardo
Number: +39 392 226 3679
Point of contact: Leonardo
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
2. Chianciano Terme Taxi Service
Number: +39 348 762 3436
Point of contact: Pasquale
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
3. Taxi Chianciano Terme
Number: +39 348 760 2618
Point of contact: Moreno
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
If you are arriving at Pisa International Airport...
i. Take the PisaMover to the main train station in Pisa, The Centrale. The PisaMover leaves the airport every five to eight minutes and has a journey time of ten minutes.
ii. Upon arriving at Pisa Centrale, take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
The journey will last roughly three and a half hours.
iii. Contact one of the following taxi companies to organize a transfer from the station to your hotel (reservations must be made in advance):
1. Taxi di Poggiani Leonardo
Number: +39 392 226 3679
Point of contact: Leonardo
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
2. Chianciano Terme Taxi Service
Number: +39 348 762 3436
Point of contact: Pasquale
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
3. Taxi Chianciano Terme
Number: +39 348 760 2618
Point of contact: Moreno
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
If you are arriving at Florence International Airport...
i. Take Line T2 of the Florence tram service to the Santa Maria Novella railway station.
The ride is about 20 minutes long.
ii. Upon arriving at the Santa Maria Novella railway station, take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. The journey will last roughly three hours.
iii. Contact one of the following taxi companies to organize a transfer from the station to your hotel (reservations must be made in advance):
1. Taxi di Poggiani Leonardo
Number: +39 392 226 3679
Point of contact: Leonardo
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
2. Chianciano Terme Taxi Service
Number: +39 348 762 3436
Point of contact: Pasquale
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
3. Taxi Chianciano Terme
Number: +39 348 760 2618
Point of contact: Moreno
Preferred method of contact: WhatsApp/Phone call
STEP THREE: CHECK-IN
You made it! Welcome to Chianciano Terme, a comune that boasts delicious food, breathtaking views, and - the real reason Jamie agreed to get married here - the filming site of Gladiator.
During your stay, you are welcome to lodge at one of the following hotels, where you can avail of a pre-arranged preferential rate.
To book a room, please email Giorgio (who manages both hotels), and let him know the type of room (double/triple/suite) you require and the dates of your stay.
Please include "Wedding Jamie and Tanika" in the subject line.
While you are welcome to stay wherever you like ("including Hotel San Gregorio which offers excursions to the locations in Gladiator!!!" - Jamie), please note that transfers to and from the various wedding venues will only be provided for guests residing at one of the hotels listed above.