Travel
Florence
Florence airport to Panzano: 1 hour drive approx
Uk airports to Florence:
London Gatwick
London City Airport
Manchester Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Pisa
Pisa Airport to Panzano: 1hr 30 mins approx
London Heathrow (BA)
London City Airport (BA)
London Gatwick (EasyJet)
Luton Airport (EasyJet)
Bristol Airport (EasyJet)
London Stansted (Ryanair)
Edinburgh Airport (Ryanair)
Glasgow Airport (Ryanair)
Bologna
Bologna Airport to Panzano: 1Hr 45 mins drive approx
UK Flights to Bologna:
London Heathrow (BA)
London Gatwick (BA)
Bristol Airport (Ryanair)
EdinburghAirport (Ryanair)
Stansted Airport (Ryanair)
Manchester Airport(Ryanair)
Bike Rental
As a family we have enjoyed cycling the Tuscan hills for many years, so we would love you to join us!
You can transport your own bikes out there or book a road bike from the bike rental company in Greve. The guys in the bike shop know us well.
They also do Vesper rentals for anyone wanting a more relaxing experience!
Cycling Routes
MC Pantani (aka Greg) will be our route planner for the group. He has cycled these hills for many years and knows the local cycles routes if you need any advice
Recommended Routes:
Greve to Panzano - gradual incline, nice ride, great views and gelato at the top!
Greve to Lamole - steep incline With a morning coffee at Restaurant Di Lamole
Plenty more - watch this space!
Car Rental
We would recommend renting a car at the airport as there are limited alternatives of transport in the area. As there is a sparse taxi service we tend to drive to restaurants swapping our designated driver each night. So if you are coming in a group, sharing a larger car would be the better option!
Driving to Tuscany
We would encourage anyone to consider driving from UK to Tuscany as an environmentally friendly option. It is a short 17 hours trip, with lots of beautiful European towns to visit along the way.
Trains and Buses
At the time of writing, Tuscany has an excellent, COVID-wary network of train and bus services. They are hot on masks and hand-sanitiser, both of which were given out on the train, and social distancing is strongly promoted. Masks must be FFP2 grade on all public transport.
The train from Bologna to Florence is relatively easy. The train station in Bologna (Stazione Bologna Centrale) is a short taxi ride from the airport and should cost under €15. From there, trains depart frequently with a range of ticketing options starting at around €21. The main train station in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella (SMN), which has a large and pretty concourse and feels fantastically European.
Trains also run to SMN in Florence from Pisa Central Station, which you can get to either in a taxi or with the PisaMover train.
From Florence there is a public bus which goes directly to both Greve and Panzano in roughly an hour. The bus station is about a 5 minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella.
Places to see
Small towns to visit
Panzano
Panzano Is a small village at the top of the hill with stunning views. Most of the wedding party are staying in this village so you may recognise a few faces at the wedding.
It has an iconic church, a barber, florist hairdresser and a coffee shop/Gelateria
Access to a small COOP (closed1-4pm) and the pharmacy is down the steps by the restaurant Oltre il Giardino. Worth a walk around the narrow streets with views of the Chianti hills.
It does not have a piazza but the roundabout is the focal point for a sundowner !
Market day Sunday (8am-1pm)
Greve
Our usual town over the years, enroute to Panzano.It has a few shops including a well known charcuterie in the piazza. It has a COOP (closed1-4pm) for groceries and a Gelateria. The Saturday market (8am-1pm) does amazing pork rolls.
-Castellina - town in a fort in surrounding hills, nice restaurants
-Radda - smaller town nearby but lovely restaurants too
-Montepulciano -Gaoile
Bigger towns Arezzo, San Gimingiano Sienna Florence (don’t go to Pisa. It’s not worth it!)
Recommended restaurants
Panzano
Oltre il Giardino (beautiful views)
Dario Cecchini - steak is the game, as seen on Netflix Chefs Table
Montefiorralle
La Castellana, - amazing truffle pasta, lovely terrace overlooking the valley
Greve
Lamole di Lamole - twice is never enough, our favourite restaurant with beautiful sunsets. They sell the best olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
La Cantina - ‘Rustic’ family owned pizzeria. Grade A for effort, but unfortunately the service isn’t always consistent ... but we still go back! Tell Alessandro you are part of our wedding party!!
Wine tastings
-Castello Verrazzano, Greve 10 min drive castle & vineyard
-Castello Vignamaggio greve 10 min drive castle & vineyard
-Castello Vicchiomaggio greve 10 mine drive castle & vineyard
-Fattoria Viticcio vineyard, Greve, 10 mins
-Casa Del Chianti Classico, Vineyard Radda in Chianti 10 min drive
-Poggio Amorelli. - Castellina in Chianti 23 min drive
wine tasting in Chianti on a family run vineyard. 50 euro for 5 bottles to taste, meats and cheese, pasta dish and a dessert. Value for money!
-Antinori, Vineyard in modern architectural building, tastings, 30 min drive www.antinori.it/en/tenuta/estates-antinori/antinori-nel-chianti-classico-estate/
-castello Di ama, Lecche in Chianti, 33m drive
Vineyard and artwork, walking tour and tastingwww.castellodiama.com/en/tours-and-tastings
-Rocca Di Castagnoli, Gaoile 39min drive
-Il pievano 36 min drive
- Michelin star in the region, medieval rooms
-Dievole 44min drive
-Castello Di Brolio, Medieval castle and vineyard, 45 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Pre-Arrival
What are the Covid rules in Italy?
From 1 May travellers will no longer be required to complete a passenger locator form (EU PLF) to enter or travel through Italy as a visitor.
As of 1 June, COVID-19 restrictions on entering Italy have been lifted. Italy does not require any proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country, regardless of your vaccination status.
All passengers entering Italy by plane, ferry, train or coach must wear an FFP2 mask in order to enter the country. FFP2 masks are still required indoors and on all public transport and taxis. This rule is to be upheld until at least 15th June.
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
Arrival day
Where is the car rental section in Pisa airport?
The car rental building is a 5-7 min walk away. Come out of Arrivals and turn right. Don’t wait for the courtesy bus to take you there it is an infrequent service.
The drivers in our party usually head off there while the others collect the baggage.
Where can I get supplies for my villa?
En route to Panzano you will drive through a town called Greve in Chianti. There is a COOP supermarket (open 8-1pm and 4-7pm) on the left with an underground car park as you enter the town. This would be the easiest place to stock up on groceries before heading up the hill to Panzano. There are also a number of wine shops, a Gelateria and a charcuterie in the piazza. A great place to chill!!
In Panzano there is a smaller COOP. Access to this COOP (open 8-1 and 4-7pm) and the pharmacy is down the steps by the restaurant Oltre il Giardino.
There is also a good butcher in Panzano. Macelleria Checcecci onVia Giovanni Daverrazzano, who makes his own burgers and has a selection of meats and wild boar sausages!
Where can I park in Panzano?
There is a small free car park on the left, just before you enter the main Street on SR222 Panzano.Alternatively you can park on the grass verges along the main road.
Where can I eat in Panzano?
-The Coffee shop / Gelateria on high street. -Oltre il Giardino.
-Dario Cecchini -meat feast as featured on Netflix on Chefs Table. (advance booking required),
-Enoteca Baldi wine bar and
-Pasta & Pizza.
Sunday 12th wine tasting and Lamole dinner.
What is the dress code for Sunday 12th wine tasting?
Sun hats and comfy shoes are recommended and plenty of suncream for the vineyard and for the short walk up to the restaurant.
Where do I buy the best balsamic vinegar and Olive oil?
Lamole the restaurant where we are dining on Sunday is our favourite for olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.
Where can I watch the best sunsets?
On the terrace of Lamole (the restaurant)
Tuesday 14th wedding day
Is there a local hairdresser available?
In Panzano -Paola hair
In Greve -Sabrina (next to the wine museum)
Please contact Colette +44 7778031644 or Colette@foxleygate.co.uk if you need help making advance appointments.
There is also a barber in Panzano
Aren’t the road signposts confusing for the wedding venue?
You will see lots of road signs for Il Pallagio. Please be aware that this is just a local vineyard and should not be confused with the wedding venue Castello il Palagio Castello il Palagio Ricevimenti
Via Campoli, 96-98, 50020 Mercatale In Val di Pesa FI, Italy
How long does it take to get to the wedding venue?
From Panzano it takes about 25 mins along winding roads
What time should we arrive at The wedding venue?
The venue only allows guests in at 3pm. Please plan to arrive close to that time as we don’t want our guests waiting too long in the heat or missing the commencement of the wedding. The bride will be walking down the aisle at 3:20pm. She is never late for anything!!
Where do I park at the wedding venue?
You can park in the field directly opposite the main entrance gate and leave your car there overnight if you are using the wedding bus service after the wedding.
Is there Wi-Fi at the wedding venue?
No, sorry there isn’t any Wi-Fi on site.
Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
Charlie says No phones please during the ceremony. He has sold the rights to Vogue!!
Please send in any other queries to Colette
Colette@foxleygate.co.uk and I will add them to this list of FAQs