Jabado Salwa - Fodors Florence and Central Italy

Most flights to Tuscany originating in the United States stop either in Rome, London, Paris, or Frankfurt, and then connect to Florences small Aeroporto A. Vespucci (commonly called Peretola) , or to Pisas Aeroporto Galileo Galilei The only exception at this writing is Deltas seasonal New York/JFK direct flight to Pisa.

There are several other alternatives for getting to the region. If you want to start your trip in Umbria, it makes sense to fly into Romes Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci (commonly called Fiumicino) and rent a car or take the train from Romes Termini station. The drive to the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto takes an hour and a half, and the train ride is an hour. Another option is to fly to Milan and pick up a connecting Alitalia flight to Pisa, Florence, or Perugia.

In summer, stick with light clothing, as things get steamy in June, July and August, but throw in a sweater in case of cool evenings, especially if youre headed for the mountains and/or islands. Sunglasses, a hat, and sun block are essential. Brief summer afternoon thunderstorms are common in inland cities, so an umbrella comes in handy. In winter, bring a coat, gloves, hats, scarves, and boots. Winter weather is generally milder than in the northern and central United States, but central heating may not be up to your standards, and interiors can be cold and damp; take wools or flannel rather than sheer fabrics. Bring sturdy shoes for winter and comfortable walking shoes in any season.

As a rule, Italians are more particular about dress than Americans are. To their minds, shorts are for the beach or for hiking, not for urban settings. Men arent required to wear ties or jackets in most places other than some of the grander hotel dining rooms and top-level restaurants, but they are expected to look reasonably sharpand they do. Formal wear is the exception rather than the rule at the opera nowadays, though people in expensive seats usually do get dressed up.

Modesty of dress (no bare shoulders or knees) is expected of both men and women in all churches, and is strictly enforced in many.

For sightseeing, pack a pair of binoculars ; they will help you get a good look at poorly lit ceilings and domes. Best to bring your own soap if you plan to stay in budget hotels.