Getting In:

The closest airport is Florence Airport/Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (Airport code: FLR). However, there are no direct flights from the US to Florence. Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and United all fly from certain US airports to FLR with one stop. ITA Airways and TAP Air Portugal are two low-cost airlines that fly from the East Coast to FLR with one stop. Although it may be cheaper to book your flight to Europe and then separately book your connecting flight to Florence. Once in Florence, transport to the venue will be provided (see timeline page for more info). If you prefer to fly direct to Europe, please see the options below. 

 

Through Rome:

Many airports, including DFW, MIA, LAX, ORD, DTW, and JFK offer nonstop flights to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Airport code: FCO). These flights are operated by American Airlines, Delta, and United. American Airlines flights start at 103,000 miles roundtrip (can transfer from Bilt). United flights start at 140,000 miles roundtrip (can transfer from Chase and Marriott). 

Once you arrive in Rome, you can hop on a train from FCO’s station to Florence (with a transfer in central Rome), which takes around 2.5 hours. Trains can be booked ahead of time through Italia Rail. or can be booked same day, at station. 

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Through Milan:

Many airports, including ORD, ATL, and JFK offer nonstop flights to Milan’s Malpensa Airport (Airport code: MXP). These flights are operated by American Airlines, Delta, and United, Emirates, and ITA Airways. Emirates flights start at 77,500 miles roundtrip (can transfer from AmEx, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and Marriott). American Airlines flights start at 121,000 miles roundtrip (can transfer from Bilt). United flights start at 140,000 miles roundtrip (can transfer from Chase and Marriott). For those interested in more leg room, the all-business class airline La Compagnie operates a direct flight from Newark (EWR) that starts at $2,600 roundtrip.

Once you arrive in Milan, you can catch a train from MXP’s station to Florence (with a transfer in central Milan), which takes around 2.5 hours. Or you can choose to stay a night in Milan, see the city, and give your body time to recover from the long flight. There are two different train stations in Milan. If you plan to spend the night in Milan, we suggest purchasing a train ticket through Milano Centrale.  Tickets can be purchased same day or prior.

HELPFUL TIPS : We suggest confirming with your Uber driver that the train station you input is correct.

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Connecting Through the Rest of Europe:

There are lots of easy and affordable direct flights to Florence from all over Europe, including London, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. It may be cheaper to book your flight to Europe, and then separately book your connecting flight to Florence. British Airways flights start at 60,000 Avios roundtrip to London (can transfer from AmEx, Chase, Capital One, Bilt, and Marriott). American Airlines flights start at 90,000 miles roundtrip (can transfer from Bilt).

*When scheduling connecting flights please remember that when your plane lands, you will need to go through Immigration and Customs before your connecting flight. We suggest scheduling at least 3 hours between flights for customs and any potential delays. HELPFUL TIPS : We suggest filling out the form on the plane prior to landing. Don’t forget to pack a pen!

 

Earn Points for Flights:

Chase Sapphire Preferred - earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Capital One Venture - earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. This card also reimburses you if you apply for Global Entry.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy AmEx - earn 125,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first 6 months.

AmEx Gold - earn 90,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months.

AmEx Platinum - earn 80,000 bonus points when you spend $8,000 in the first 6 months. This card has a $695 annual fee, but the numerous benefits more than cover the annual cost if you use them.

 

Exploring Florence:

Where to Stay

• Portrait Firenze

  • Overlooking the iconic Ponte Vecchio on the Arno River, Portrait Firenze provides a fashionable home away from home in this timeless city. The hotel is owned by the Ferragamo family, so you can expect haute couture touches around every corner; the 37 suites are warm and inviting, with kitchenettes, handcrafted furnishings, and lavish fabrics. Rooms are stocked with gourmet goodies, and private balconies reveal mesmerizing views of the river, city rooftops, and Florentine countryside. You’re mere steps from the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria.

• Continentale

  • Perfectly poised above the Ponte Vecchio, Continentale displays all the elegance of a Ferragamo shoe. Inspired by the glamorous, carefree fashion of 1950s Italy, the boutique hotel showcases a dynamic mix of soothing whites, soft leathers, and minimal design.

• Brunelleschi Hotel

  • A few steps from the Duomo, the Brunelleschi Hotel is housed in the iconic Byzantine Pagliazza Tower and the adjacent medieval church. Featuring a unique combination of classic and contemporary design, some of its 96 elegant rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Duomo – some even have interconnecting family accommodations. You'll also find a private museum, a stylish cocktail bar, and two restaurants. The two Michelin-starred Restaurant Santa Elisabetta, seven tables in the Pagliazza Tower, offers al fresco dining in the summer. Or try Osteria Pagliazza for more traditional Tuscan fare.

 

What to Do :

• Uffizi Gallery

  • The most famous art museum in Italy and a treasure trove of Renaissance art. It has famous pieces

                        like Botticelli's Birth of Venus.

• The Boboli Gardens

  • A beautiful Italian-style garden with ancient and Renaissance statues and a gorgeous view of the city.

• Mercato Centrale

  • This two-story market has local vendors selling wine, fruit, meat, fish, olive oil, and most importantly cheese and truffles.

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

  • Part of the UNESCO World heritage site covering the city center of Florence, this cathedral was completed in 1436 and was 140 years in the making! Climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome for a beautiful view of the city.

• Ponte Vecchio

  • Have a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio or "Old Bridge", home to numerous jewelry shops and take in views of the Arno River.