HOW TO GET HERE AND WHERE TO STAY
Where should I fly?
Pisa Airport is 1.5 hrs from Siena by car. There are also trains and buses from Pisa to Siena. Ryanair flies to Pisa – great option for those coming from the UK and EU. It’s a cutie little airport and we like it.
Florence Airport is 1 hr from Siena by car. There are also trains and buses from Florence to Siena. There are direct flights from major US cities to Florence.
Rome Airport is 2.5 hrs from Siena by car. There are also trains and buses from Rome to Siena. Rome has the most options for direct international flights. Be aware that it is a Jubilee Year, meaning there will be larger than normal numbers of religious travellers in Rome all year – book your flights early if you plan to fly through Rome.
Should I rent a car? How will I get around?
Siena is a restricted driving zone, so you cannot drive around within the city walls unless you are staying in a hotel inside the walls that has parking permits for guests. It is extremely compact and walkable. It is possible to park outside the city walls.
However, having a car is key if you want to go anywhere outside the city! The Tuscan countryside is not accessible by public transportation.
We will be providing transport from Siena (departing from Porto San Marco) to the wedding venue and back for whoever would like to use it! No need to get yourself there. If you are staying outside Siena, you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the wedding.
Where should I stay?
We recommend staying in the city of Siena itself – it’s a special place and there are many options for lodging.
Transportation to and from the wedding venue will leave from Porto San Marco. Because of driving restrictions within the historic city, this is the only pick-up location. When choosing a place to stay, think about how you will get to this spot – either by foot or by taxi.
Our welcome party will be in the central square of Siena, the Piazza del Campo, which is accessible by foot (or taxi) from anywhere within the city.
We will be staying at the Palazzo Ravizza. Feel free to join us! First come first served – they do not accept block bookings and we have not reserved extra rooms, so you can book a room directly.
We cannot vouch for these hotels, never having stayed in them ourselves, but a few recommendations:
If you’re looking for charming, historic B&Bs steps from the Piazza del Campo, Antica Residenza Cicogna or Il Corso are a good options.
For something ritzy and dead-central, try the Palazzo Borghesi.
If you prefer a more contemporary feel, Il Battistero is a boutique hotel in central Siena with a modern aesthetic.
If you’re looking for something more upmarket, La Certosa di Maggiano is 7 minutes by car outside of Siena’s city walls and has a pool.
The city is also full of various AirBnB options to suit different group sizes and needs.
Are there passport and visa requirements?
YES!
Passport: You will need a valid passport from your country of citizenship to travel to Italy; Italy (and other Schengen area (“SA”) countries) requires that your passport be valid (not expire) for three months following your date of exit from Italy/SA, but the US Department of State recommends six months post exit from Italy/SA; we similarly recommend six months. Also, travelers cannot have passports issued more than ten years in advance of arrival (not an issue for US citizens, may be relevant for UK citizens). Here are government resources for more information:
UK citizens: Entry requirements - Italy travel advice (GOV.UK)
US citizens: Italy International Travel Information (state.gov)
Schengen area requirements: Travel documents for non-EU nationals - Your Europe (europa.eu)
If you are an EU passport holder, LUCKY YOU! You should still have a valid passport or ID card.