Toscana Americana Workshops FAQs

Toscana Americana Workshops

"Answers to Frequently Asked Questions"

Why choose Toscana Americana Workshops?

We at Toscana Americana Workshops have one objective...to create wonderful opportunities for people from around the world to engage in their passion with fellow artists, crafters and creators in inspiring locations and cultures. Enthusiasm, caring faculty, guest service, attention to detail and overall value are our strengths. Add to that over 30 years in arts and entertainment and special event planning, love of travel and our familiarity with Cortona and its community. Talk is easy...we stand and deliver! Read testimonials from past participants and faculty about their experiences with Toscana Americana Workshops.

Why enroll early?

Early enrollment can ensure your participation in our small group programs. With group sizes usually limited from 8 to16 participants space can fill fast. Additionally, we are more likely able to fulfill your preferred Enrollment Plan choice. And though we have options for guest rooms with our hotel and accommodation partners we can actually reserve and secure needed rooms early with confirmed enrollment. Early enrollment can aslo be helpful regarding planning flight reservations...which may be made at cost savings when reserved early. We also create an email group among early enrollees which serves as a forum for introductions, finding travel partners and making travel plans.

Your accommodations are provided as part of your chosen Hotel Plan. Most Hotel Plans offer three-star hotel options. Four-star hotel options are quoted upon request. If your preferred hotel or Hotel Plan is not available at the time we receive your enrollment form we will notify you and offer you a comparable alternate choice. Participants are responsible for all room service, in-room telephone and other personal charges incurred as part of their stay. You will be asked to present your passport upon check-in as well as a credit card to cover additional charges, if any. Your passport may be held for a few hours and will be returned. Not all hotels offer air conditioning.

Escorted Group Travel

Escorted group travel from Rome or Florence may be included as part of your selected workshop. Note that when escorted group travel is offered it is offered as one-way from either Rome or Florence to Cortona only on the date specified for your selected workshop. Meeting points include: Fiumicino Airport and/or Termini train station in Rome. Amerigo Vespucci Airport and/or Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. We do not include return travel from Cortona to Rome or Florence, however, escorted travel service may be arranged for additional fees. See Cortona Travel for escorted travel details as well as info about travel from Rome and Florence to Cortona. Esccorted trael from Cortona to Rome or Florence is available at additional cost.

Rome Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini station via the "Leonardo

Express" (and return to airport)

Starting in 2007 the Leonardo Express connection will be even more convenient: at

Rome Termini all the trains will arrive and depart from platform 24, which is in the

main area of the station and therefore closer to taxis, underground/subway, buses

and other services. The Leonardo Express operates every day even in the event of

a rail strike, from 6 am to 11 pm approx., every half-hour guaranteeing

coordinated departures in both directions, with journeys lasting 31 minutes. The

fare is 11 euro per person, a highly competitive rate compared to the alternative

travel options (taxi, private car etc.). Customers can also use the car park

�EuroStar - Giolitti� at the special price of 5 euro (instead of 12 euro) for the whole

The Group Meal Plan (GMP) is included with all �All-inclusive� hotel Plans or

when the Group Meal Plan has been chosen and indicated on the enrollment form

or if included at a later date. This plan provides Italian breakfasts (generally offered

at your hotel), lunches, evening dinners, as well as daily wine tasting. Lunches and

dinners are group style at restaurants in Cortona or at our day trip destinations (ie:

Florence and Siena). Participants may order food from the food menu unless a

prefix menu has been chosen by Toscana Americana Workshops. Local wine

pre-selected by Toscana Americana Workshops is served with the meal as part of

the meals. Individuals may choose to order other wines and they will be responsible

for those additional costs. Catered lunches may be served at other than restaurants

during certain workshops.

Dining, Drinking & Tipping

Cortona offers many cafes, bars and restaurants, several with outside table service.

Try something new as you relax between workshop sessions. Coffees, wines,

juices and other drinks and light fare are available. Unlike in Rome and the larger

cities you may pay after your service by paying your server or bring your bill (il

conto) to the register. When leaving tips, tip the wait person directly. The coperto,

or cover charge, at restaurants generally contributes little to the wait staff. Though

tips are not required, they are appreciated and demonstrate your level of

satisfaction with the service provided. MYTH BUSTER: It is OK to tip!

Here are a few nice locations: The terrace at Hotel San Luca; under the loggia at

Teatro Signorelli; Bar Sport at piazza Signorelli; cafes at Piazza della Republicca;

and on Via Nazionale. MYTH BUSTER: Not all, but many Italians drink

cappuccino after noon and in the evening! So go ahead...enjoy a

cappuccino anytime!

Non-Participating Guests

Non-Participating guests are included on the opening reception at La Saletta and

on the day trips to Florence and Siena. Non-Participating guests who have chosen

an �all-inclusive� plan or the Group Meal Plan (GMP)are also included in the wine

tastings and meals. With advance notice and based upon availability other

excursions and tours may also be arranged at additional cost.

Shipping Workshop Supplies and Materials to Cortona

Due to delays in arrival of some shipments due to Italian Customs concerns we do

not recommend shipping your art supplies. If you do choose to ship Cortona is

served by FedEx, DHL and other shippers. Non-commercial items may be

shipped to your hotel address. We will gladly provide addresses to fully enrolled

Participants. Be sure to note the contents as "personal effects/personal items for art

vacation". You may be responsible for import duties assessed by Italian customs.

Plan on at least 21 days for your shipment to arrive in Cortona.

Also add "Hold for "Your Name Here"" on the shipping carton.

Telephone and Internet

Public telephones are found near Hotel San Luca (behind Route 66) and outside

Porta Colonia. It is best to purchase a phone card for the appropriate destination at

any of the Tabacchi shops. Phone service and Internet are available on Via

Guelpha, hours limited. Your hotel may also offer Internet services at additional

charges. Participants are responsible for all use of the phones in their respective

rooms. Using a fixed landline allows more actual minutes of talk time. Cell phones

tick away minutes about twice as fast.

Electric converters

If you intend to use electrical items be sure to purchase an adapter for Italy before you leave. If you forget they may be purchased in Cortona. See the grounded and non-grounded samples at: http://www.globalconnections-int.com/lewis_n__clark_adapters.htm

Spring and Autumn weather is generally warm during the day and cool at night with chance of some precipitation. Summer months can have extended periods of very warm to hot days with comfotable nights. The sunlight can be brilliant and clear days will provide views across the valley toward Montepulciano and Mt Amiata.

If you need travel assistance we can help arrange day trips, excursions & extended travel as well as ticketing and accommodations.

Florence & Siena

Florence and Siena are two wonderful cities in Tuscany, historically related yet with unique qualities and assets.

In Florence we will have the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Gallery, including works by Botticcelli & Michaelangelo. The Uffizi Gallery covers an area of about 8.000 sq.m.. and contains one of the most important collections of art of all times, including classical sculpture and paintings on canvas and wood by 13th to 18th century Italian and foreign schools. The Gallery of the Uffizi was also the first museum ever to be opened to the public. Its four centuries of history make the Uffizi Gallery the oldest museum in the world. And there is much more to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, than can be taken in in a single day, so we will also have plenty of time to wander about the historic center to enjoy shopping, sightseeing, people-watching, and of course, enjoying a break at one of the many outdoor cafes! The Central Market and the outdoor market at San Lorenzo; the Duomo; Ponte Vecchio; Piazza della Signoria and more, For much more detailed info about Florence and to view images visit Florence info online at http://www.florenceitaly.net/

Walking the streets of the old quarter in Siena is like taking a step into the past. A walled city situated on three hills in the centre of the Tuscany region, Siena is an almost intact medieval city with its narrow streets and the unique, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Outside the old quarter, you will find everything from lush green vineyards, valleys and wooded countryside to fumaroles and barren areas. In a city known for its art, you may wish to visit the National Gallery, the Town Hall, the Cathedral and Cathedral Museum. It is also worth visiting the smaller galleries, museums, libraries and churches in the towns and villages scattered throughout Tuscany. The medieval and renaissance elements of the region have been preserved throughout the centuries by the citizens of Tuscany, and are beyond compare. The centerpiece of Siena is Il Campo, one of Europe�s most wonderful piazzas. We will have plenty of time to wander and shop or just relax and sip a cappuccino! Siena info online: http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/bls_siena_info_intro.htm

What to bring/packing

Note: Do not pack prohibited items in carry-on luggage! They may be confiscated.

See http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpacking.htm for packing ideas, tailor them to your style and intentions.

Money and Security

Moneybelt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, traveler's checks, railpass, international driver's license (if you're renting a car, may be obtained at AAA offices in USA)

Security: Bury copies of your passport, plane ticket, and prescriptions in the bottom of your luggage

Inform your credit and debit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid problems

� Pack light, buy it if you need it. The basics are available in Cortona.

� Preferably your pack should no more than 20 pounds.

� Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13".

� Pack your bag as a trial run before your trip with everything you think you want to take to be sure it is not too heavy or unmanageable!

Currency � the Euro

Euros may be obtained at self-service ATMs at the airports and in Cortona using a bank or debit card. You may also purchase euros from your bank or financial institution before departure.

For ease of use think of Euros as dollars (euros) and cents (centissimi). Italy, as part of the European Union, uses the Euro. Coins include 1, 2, 5, 20, and 50 centissimi (cents)and one and two euro values. To see examples of the coins see: http://www.euro.ecb.int/en/section/euro0/coins.html

Paper currency includes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500 notes. For more info see: http://europa.eu.int/euro/entry.html

Be sure to inform us of your travel itinerary. Also, be sure to keep the address and phone number of your hotel in Cortona in the event you are separated from your luggage. Also, it is a good idea to bring a carry-on with essentials you would like to have should your luggage be separated from you. Also note the Toscana Americana Workshops number in Italy: Patrick at 329-07-77-215.

Hotel Oasi, Via delle Contesse, 1- 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel. 0575 630354

Hotel Italia Via Ghibellina, 5/7 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630254

Hotel Sabrina Via Roma, 37 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630397

Hotel San Luca Piazza garibaldi, 1 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630460

Villa Marsili Viale C.Battisti, 13 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 605252

Hotel San Michele Via Guelfa, 15 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 604348

If possible, plan to arrive in Italy at least one day before the workshop and depart from Italy at least one day after the workshop to provide a comfortable travel experience. Expect a full day of travel from either west coast or east coast of the USA to Italy. Most cheaper flights make one to two stops (London, Paris, Zurich, Amsterdam) while there are some non-stops from certain US points of departure. Flight times vary, here are some samples: Boston-London (7 hours), London-Paris (1 hour), Paris-Florence/Rome (2 hours). Then Florence-Cortona 1.5 hours by train. Rome is 2.5 hours to Cortona. If traveling to Cortona by train the station is Cortona/Camucia on the Florence-Rome line. From the train station in Camucia blue buses make the uphill trip to Cortona. Purchase tickets at the shop outside the station to the right. Board buses marked �CORTONA� outside the station to the left. Taxis are also available.

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport

Florence/Firenze Arrivals & Departures

Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearest to Cortona. Carriers serving this airport include: Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and Sabena. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is only 4 km or about 2-1/2 miles from the city center. The "Volainbus" (see timetable) connects the airport with the SITA terminal next to Florence's main railroad station throughout the day. Allow 25 minutes for the bus ride, or 15 minutes if you travel by taxi. Because the Florence airport is so close to the city, there's no need to stay at an airport hotel. Instead, you can book a room at any hotel in the city center, many of which are within walking distance to the SITA bus and the Santa Maria Novella train stations.

Bus to Florence city center: From the Florence Airport you should take the 'SITA' shuttle to the Florence down-town terminal SITA Bus Station at 17 Via S. Caterina da Siena, (across the street from the Santa Maria Novella train station). Departures from the airport every 30 minutes in connection with flights. Find the buses ahead and to the right after leaving the arrival area, tickets are available on board the bus.

Travel time: approximately 25 minutes. Ticket price: � 4.00.

Florence Taxi service:

RADIO TAXI - 0577 49222

TAXI VAN - 0577 289044

By train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station to Cortona is about one and one-half hours. Purchase your tickets at the agent windows or use the interactive ticketing kiosks �Bigllietti Veloce�. Be sure to validate your tickets before boarding the trains. As always, keep personal belongings close and stay aware. Stops are not announced. From Florence, Cortona is usually one or two stops after Arezzo. The stop is "Cortona/Camucia", after Castiglion Fiorentino. The next stop, Terontola, also serves Cortona.

Enzo Adreani Cell: 3358196313 or 0575604245. Approx � 10,00.

Francesco Orvillo Cell: 338 837 1243. Approx � 10,00.

Fiumicino Airport to Rome/Cortona

Purchase ticket for Rome Termini at station located across from international arrivals terminal (Approx. a 30 minute trip.). Choose Termini if you are staying in or visiting the historic center of Rome or if you are traveling north to Cortona/Camucia immediately, about a 2.5 hour trip to Cortona/Camucia. You may purchase your ticket to Cortona at Termini at the agent windows or use the interactive ticketing kiosks). Validate ticket before boarding in yellow ticket machines near trains.

Train Travel to Cortona/Camucia

For train schedules from Rome Fiumicino Airport, Rome Termini Station, Pisa and Florence see the easy-to-use Trenitalia website, with an English language option! http://www.trenitalia.it

Tickets: To Cortona From are approximately: Florence �6,40; Rome �8,99

Travel from Camucia/Cortona Station to Cortona

Bus and Taxi service is available to and from Cortona from both train stations in Camucia (closest, 10 minutes) and Terontola (15 minutes).

Taxi: Enzo Adreani Cell: 3358196313 Land line: 0575 604 245

Taxi: Francesco Cell: 338 837 1243

For travel and escorted travel in Italy and taxi info from Camucia to Cortona see: http://hometown.aol.com/cardinal0357/cortonatravel.html

For may helpful ideas regarding travel, packing, safety, health, guidebooks visit: http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm

Prohibited items

The list of prohibited items on airlines changes. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf

Valid passports are for entry to Italy by any non-EU person. Many US Post Offices now handle passport applications and photos.

For more info about US passports visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html