***Official FIORENTINA Travel Thread - Meet up arrangements ***

[Sooperstar]

14 minutes ago, stirlo said:

 

For the Frecciarossa from Rome to Florence or Milan to Florence you're better booking in advance to get the cheaper tickets.

 

Also the station you want is Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

 

 

Cheers, Stirlo, will take a look.

[Rudi cant fail]

1 hour ago, mellors1874 said:

Sky scanner doing flights to Rome from Liverpool for £92 return leaving the Thursday early morning and back Friday evening we done that the train and hotel for about £130 per person.

Best of luck.

Cheers mate, we ended up just booking Edin to Florence via Frankfurt going and Munich coming back. Pricey but at least it’s all with the same airline and no trains 

[hmfc_liam06]

On 27/08/2022 at 09:03, Sertse said:

Hotels don't come cheap in Florence do they!

 

Ours was £70 each for 2 nights for 3 of us. 

 

Staying in Hotel Bodoni.

[kelosom]

Thanks Stirlo, I’ll have a look

[Rabgee]

Booked last night

 

Edinburgh Wav  to London KX 12th

LGW to Florence 

hotel California 

fly back to LGW 14th

LKX to Waverley 15th

[kelosom]

Grand Hotel Adriatico booked!

 

just need match tickets now

[Mr Sifter]

Any (early) plans for where the Hearts support will congregate before the game? 

[graygo]

3 hours ago, Jambomuzz said:

Booked similar, drive to Manchester from glasgow will be fun, but needs must!

 

Aye, it'll be a 3am start, it'll be worth it though. 👍

[graygo]

3 hours ago, Fire_At_The_Disco said:

Looks decent mate, did you get digs in Pisa or Florence alright? 

 

Booked an Airbnb in Florence. 🇮🇹🇵🇪

[periodictabledancer]

3 hours ago, Sooperstar said:

Are folk booking their Italian trains in advance?

There's no need - Florence is on the main tgv route Naples to Venice and there's three trains an hour, prices vary a bit depending on time. Trenitalia says 76 trains a day Milan-Florence. 

 

It's easy enough to do if you want to but I've travelled Bologna -Rome 4 times and only done it once . First time,  we got to the station way too early and had to faff about getting the tickets transferred to an earlier train (you have to book a seat and there is no standing).

If you want piece of mind (and you're confident you'll get no airport delays) go for it, but like I say , I haven't bothered the last three times. 

Every station I've been in has loads of ticket machines - in English. 

 

 

[hmfc_liam06]

14 minutes ago, Mr Sifter said:

Any (early) plans for where the Hearts support will congregate before the game? 

 

Looks like a few squares that could be decent options - Duomo, Republica, Santa Croce & Signoria.

 

Anyone know what the laws are for drinking in public squares?

Edited August 28, 2022 by hmfc_liam06

[The Merse]

So I’ve just booked flights and now panicking that they aren’t well thought through.

 

Anyone else’s flights say ‘self transfer’?

 

I have a two hour space on my connecting on way out but only 50 mins on return and now freaking out a bit 🙈

[ayeken]

Packages if anyone interested. Midlothian based travel agent:

 

⚽️ ♥️ 🤍 🇮🇹 

      Heart of Midlothian v Fiorentina
           Europa Conference League
                    Limited Availability
                Due to popular demand!

♥️ Flying from GLASGOW!
♥️ 23 kgs luggage included
♥️ 11 October 2022 
♥️ Best Western CHC Florence
♥️ 3 nights
♥️ Bed & Breakfast
♥️ Only 5 miles from stadium
♥️ 9 mins walk for tram to city centre
♥️ ATOL PROTECTED PACKAGE

⚽️ £525pp (based on 4 sharing) 
⚽️ £557pp (based on 3 sharing)
⚽️ £599pp (based on 2 sharing)

🌟☎ CALL or MESSAGE US NOW TO BOOK!! 📞 01875 823140 🌟

#hmfc #heartofmidlothian #europaconferenceleague #florence #jambos #jamboskickback

[The Gorgie]

1 minute ago, ayeken said:

Packages if anyone interested. Midlothian based travel agent:

 

⚽️ ♥️ 🤍 🇮🇹 

      Heart of Midlothian v Fiorentina
           Europa Conference League
                    Limited Availability
                Due to popular demand!

♥️ Flying from GLASGOW!
♥️ 23 kgs luggage included
♥️ 11 October 2022 
♥️ Best Western CHC Florence
♥️ 3 nights
♥️ Bed & Breakfast
♥️ Only 5 miles from stadium
♥️ 9 mins walk for tram to city centre
♥️ ATOL PROTECTED PACKAGE

⚽️ £525pp (based on 4 sharing) 
⚽️ £557pp (based on 3 sharing)
⚽️ £599pp (based on 2 sharing)

🌟☎ CALL or MESSAGE US NOW TO BOOK!! 📞 01875 823140 🌟

#hmfc #heartofmidlothian #europaconferenceleague #florence #jambos #jamboskickback

That Joels mum?

[ayeken]

Just now, Sir Craig Gordon said:

That Joels mum?

That’s the one 👍🏻

[The Gorgie]

3 minutes ago, ayeken said:

That’s the one 👍🏻

A few mates had sent me it but I had already booked up. Seems a pretty good deal too.

[The Real Maroonblood]

9 minutes ago, ayeken said:

Packages if anyone interested. Midlothian based travel agent:

 

⚽️ ♥️ 🤍 🇮🇹 

      Heart of Midlothian v Fiorentina
           Europa Conference League
                    Limited Availability
                Due to popular demand!

♥️ Flying from GLASGOW!
♥️ 23 kgs luggage included
♥️ 11 October 2022 
♥️ Best Western CHC Florence
♥️ 3 nights
♥️ Bed & Breakfast
♥️ Only 5 miles from stadium
♥️ 9 mins walk for tram to city centre
♥️ ATOL PROTECTED PACKAGE

⚽️ £525pp (based on 4 sharing) 
⚽️ £557pp (based on 3 sharing)
⚽️ £599pp (based on 2 sharing)

🌟☎ CALL or MESSAGE US NOW TO BOOK!! 📞 01875 823140 🌟

#hmfc #heartofmidlothian #europaconferenceleague #florence #jambos #jamboskickback

Is there a reason it’s from Glasgow and not Edinburgh?

[stirlo]

16 minutes ago, periodictabledancer said:

There's no need - Florence is on the main tgv route Naples to Venice and there's three trains an hour, prices vary a bit depending on time. Trenitalia says 76 trains a day Milan-Florence. 

 

It's easy enough to do if you want to but I've travelled Bologna -Rome 4 times and only done it once . First time,  we got to the station way too early and had to faff about getting the tickets transferred to an earlier train (you have to book a seat and there is no standing).

If you want piece of mind (and you're confident you'll get no airport delays) go for it, but like I say , I haven't bothered the last three times. 

Every station I've been in has loads of ticket machines - in English. 

 

 

 

The tickets are generally cheaper when you book earlier. To take an example, tickets from Rome to Florence tomorrow on most of the Frecciarossa trains are currently available at 44.90 Euros (some are more expensive). For 13th October there are plenty of tickets available for 19.90 Euros.

[IanV]

15 minutes ago, The Merse said:

So I’ve just booked flights and now panicking that they aren’t well thought through.

 

Anyone else’s flights say ‘self transfer’?

 

I have a two hour space on my connecting on way out but only 50 mins on return and now freaking out a bit 🙈

Done these a few times - and not too bad unless you have checked baggage (which you need to collect and check in again, go through security etc.). If you do miss connection the airline will be no help and you have to phone whoever put together the package and they’ll get you home. 50 mins looks tight - but guess this depends on the airport your connecting through.

[ayeken]

3 minutes ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

Is there a reason it’s from Glasgow and not Edinburgh?

Just down to availability of flights I think.

[hmfc_liam06]

20 minutes ago, The Merse said:

So I’ve just booked flights and now panicking that they aren’t well thought through.

 

Anyone else’s flights say ‘self transfer’?

 

I have a two hour space on my connecting on way out but only 50 mins on return and now freaking out a bit 🙈

It might just mean transfer between terminals.

 

But if it’s between airports then yeah you need to get yourself to the other airport.

Edited August 28, 2022 by hmfc_liam06

[The Real Maroonblood]

1 minute ago, ayeken said:

Just down to availability of flights I think.

Probably.

i live in hope that Hearts put on a charter.

[The Merse]

7 minutes ago, IanV said:

Done these a few times - and not too bad unless you have checked baggage (which you need to collect and check in again, go through security etc.). If you do miss connection the airline will be no help and you have to phone whoever put together the package and they’ll get you home. 50 mins looks tight - but guess this depends on the airport your connecting through.

I’ve no checked baggage which helps.

 

It’s Palma on the way out where I have two hours and Cologne on way back.

 

My understanding is that I would have to go through security and re-enter due to this. Is that right!? If so, I’ve ****ed it!

[Sooperstar]

3 minutes ago, The Merse said:

I’ve no checked baggage which helps.

 

It’s Palma on the way out where I have two hours and Cologne on way back.

 

My understanding is that I would have to go through security and re-enter due to this. Is that right!? If so, I’ve ****ed it!

Don't think there will be any need to go out and back in again as I assume you will only have carry on baggage.

[Elljay]

31 minutes ago, ayeken said:

Packages if anyone interested. Midlothian based travel agent:

 

⚽️ ♥️ 🤍 🇮🇹 

      Heart of Midlothian v Fiorentina
           Europa Conference League
                    Limited Availability
                Due to popular demand!

♥️ Flying from GLASGOW!
♥️ 23 kgs luggage included
♥️ 11 October 2022 
♥️ Best Western CHC Florence
♥️ 3 nights
♥️ Bed & Breakfast
♥️ Only 5 miles from stadium
♥️ 9 mins walk for tram to city centre
♥️ ATOL PROTECTED PACKAGE

⚽️ £525pp (based on 4 sharing) 
⚽️ £557pp (based on 3 sharing)
⚽️ £599pp (based on 2 sharing)

🌟☎ CALL or MESSAGE US NOW TO BOOK!! 📞 01875 823140 🌟

#hmfc #heartofmidlothian #europaconferenceleague #florence #jambos #jamboskickback

That makes my £800 for a whole week(from Manchester) with a room to myself, look pretty reasonable😄 Planning on visiting Lucca and Siena as well. Going to be a cracking break!

Edited August 28, 2022 by Elljay

[IanV]

1 minute ago, The Merse said:

I’ve no checked baggage which helps.

 

It’s Palma on the way out where I have two hours and Cologne on way back.

 

My understanding is that I would have to go through security and re-enter due to this. Is that right!? If so, I’ve ****ed it!

 

1 minute ago, The Merse said:

I’ve no checked baggage which helps.

 

It’s Palma on the way out where I have two hours and Cologne on way back.

 

My understanding is that I would have to go through security and re-enter due to this. Is that right!? If so, I’ve ****ed it!

Connected through Cologne a few times - but was a couple of years ago. It was possible to connect from Schengen gates to non-Shengen gates without going out through security/leaving airside  (but I recall it was not well signposted). You just went through a passport control booth and walked between the two sets of gates. It’s a small-ish airport compared to others so 50 minutes sounds very doable if no delays.

These ‘self transfer, connections tend to be put together by the online travel agent (Skycanner etc) rather than being official airline connections. Means if something goes wrong it falls to the agent and not airline to get you home. The call centres tend to be ok and helpful - but make sure you note the telephone number down.

 

[The Merse]

15 minutes ago, IanV said:

 

Connected through Cologne a few times - but was a couple of years ago. It was possible to connect from Schengen gates to non-Shengen gates without going out through security/leaving airside  (but I recall it was not well signposted). You just went through a passport control booth and walked between the two sets of gates. It’s a small-ish airport compared to others so 50 minutes sounds very doable if no delays.

These ‘self transfer, connections tend to be put together by the online travel agent (Skycanner etc) rather than being official airline connections. Means if something goes wrong it falls to the agent and not airline to get you home. The call centres tend to be ok and helpful - but make sure you note the telephone number down.

 

Good info, thanks for that. It was Skyscanner I did it through and then some random travel agent called My Trip.

 

Am I being naive in thinking they wouldn’t actually put this as an option if it wasn’t viable?

[periodictabledancer]

34 minutes ago, stirlo said:

 

The tickets are generally cheaper when you book earlier. To take an example, tickets from Rome to Florence tomorrow on most of the Frecciarossa trains are currently available at 44.90 Euros (some are more expensive). For 13th October there are plenty of tickets available for 19.90 Euros.

I know, I've experienced it myself.

I'm just making the point  guys can book a train slot in advance but would have to allow sufficient time for any possible airport/transfer delays or face having to get tickets transferred at the station to another train if they missed their train.

Equally, not booking in advance need be a concern, was my main point. 

 

PS That E44.90 price is a rip off - I've travelled Rome-Bologna (twice the distance IIRC) for less.  

[jvm32]

9 minutes ago, The Merse said:

Good info, thanks for that. It was Skyscanner I did it through and then some random travel agent called My Trip.

 

Am I being naive in thinking they wouldn’t actually put this as an option if it wasn’t viable?

It's within the miniumum connection time, so that's why they can offer it.

[stirlo]

6 minutes ago, periodictabledancer said:

I know, I've experienced it myself.

I'm just making the point  guys can book a train slot in advance but would have to allow sufficient time for any possible airport/transfer delays or face having to get tickets transferred at the station to another train if they missed their train.

Equally, not booking in advance need be a concern, was my main point. 

 

PS That E44.90 price is a rip off - I've travelled Rome-Bologna (twice the distance IIRC) for less.  

 

If you turned up at Roma Termini this afternoon the cheapest ticket on a fast train would be 50 euros one way - so on a return trip you could potentially be looking at a saving of up to 60 Euros from booking in advance. Best advice for the fast trains is probably to book in advance but just build in plenty time for potential delays.  

[periodictabledancer]

1 minute ago, stirlo said:

 

If you turned up at Roma Termini this afternoon the cheapest ticket on a fast train would be 50 euros one way - so on a return trip you could potentially be looking at a saving of up to 60 Euros from booking in advance. Best advice for the fast trains is probably to book in advance but just build in plenty time for potential delays.  

Which is what I pointed out.

[IanV]

3 hours ago, The Merse said:

Good info, thanks for that. It was Skyscanner I did it through and then some random travel agent called My Trip.

 

Am I being naive in thinking they wouldn’t actually put this as an option if it wasn’t viable?

I worked in travel insurance for a few years - and MyTrip were part of one of the largest European online travel agents. So they should know what works - and they should have the people to fix things if there’s a problem. Reckon you’ll be ok so no need to stress.

[Morgan]

I know there’s an official thread for this, but..

 

Edinburgh to Nice on EasyJet.  A 50 minute train journey from Nice to Ventimiglia (the first Italian town over the border).

 

A two hour (roughly) train journey to Genoa, then a train to Florence.

 

Just a thought/suggestion for anyone struggling to find a route.

 

Quite easy and relatively inexpensive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[graygo]

Aye that sounds really easy. 😄

[Morgan]

Just now, graygo said:

Aye that sounds really easy. 😄

You know what I mean!

 

 

[Bungalow Bill]

1 minute ago, graygo said:

Aye that sounds really easy. 😄

🤣

[Rudi Hates Hibees]

4 hours ago, The Merse said:

So I’ve just booked flights and now panicking that they aren’t well thought through.

 

Anyone else’s flights say ‘self transfer’?

 

I have a two hour space on my connecting on way out but only 50 mins on return and now freaking out a bit 🙈

I’ve got 40 mins at Amsterdam on way out. Booked Edinburgh to Bologna with KLM and  just took shortest travel time fight. Only realised after I’d got booking confirmation email it was a 40 minute connection. 
 

According to KLM it’s sufficient for a European connection. 

[graygo]

I get the booking train early but does that also apply Pisa to Florence or is that line ok due to different trains?

[PTBCAL]

Always good to get localish knowledge so cheers Morgan.

 

im booked but I know plenty looking at their options and this seems a decent one. 

[BelgeJambo]

140 quid Manchester to Bologna but it’s a late arrival back in Manchester

14th out

16th back

[.hmfc.]

8 minutes ago, BelgeJambo said:

140 quid Manchester to Bologna but it’s a late arrival back in Manchester

14th out

16th back

So miss the game then?

[stirlo]

14 minutes ago, graygo said:

I get the booking train early but does that also apply Pisa to Florence or is that line ok due to different trains?

 

No - Pisa to Florence trains are just regional trains so you can just buy a ticket at the station - around 9 euros each way. Just remember to validate your ticket in one of the machines at the station before you get on the train.

 

There is a light railway from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale station - which just takes a few minutes - and then you'll need to change platforms at Pisa Centrale.

[graygo]

Just now, stirlo said:

 

No - Pisa to Florence trains are just regional trains so you can just buy a ticket at the station - around 9 euros each way. Just remember to validate your ticket in one of the machines at the station before you get on the train.

 

There is a light railway from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale station - which just takes a few minutes - and then you'll need to change platforms at Pisa Centrale.

 

Perfect, thanks. 👍

[BelgeJambo]

2 minutes ago, .hmfc. said:

So miss the game then?

Apologies. I was looking at September instead of October 

[SeanInRome]

Hi Everyone,

I’m new here and just wanted to point out the trains can be a great way to get around Italy albeit no away fans ever make the last high speed trains after games on the night.

The police can keep fans inside for up to 2 hours after a game but always a minimum of 45 minutes, then you are escorted to the fans/safe zone.

I live and work in tourism in Italy so if anyone need some info they can’t find on the web they can PM me.

 

[Back to 2005]

Booked up. Train to London KX and then flight to Bologna from  London Stansted. 

[Jambomuzz]

8 hours ago, graygo said:

 

Aye, it'll be a 3am start, it'll be worth it though. 👍

100%. I’m guessing your on those flights? We have a slightly earlier return flight from Pisa to Brussels. But the same outbound. £115 return all in, tank of petrol and £50 or so airport parking isn’t too bad. Booked sorriso hotel in Florence for 2 nights.

 

No guarantee we will get tickets for the game mind you 😂😂

Edited August 28, 2022 by Jambomuzz

[Chuck Berry]

36 minutes ago, SeanInRome said:

Hi Everyone,

I’m new here and just wanted to point out the trains can be a great way to get around Italy albeit no away fans ever make the last high speed trains after games on the night.

The police can keep fans inside for up to 2 hours after a game but always a minimum of 45 minutes, then you are escorted to the fans/safe zone.

I live and work in tourism in Italy so if anyone need some info they can’t find on the web they can PM me.

 

 

Where/what is the fans/safe zone?

[JamboCampbell]

Anyone book via lastminute.com? Says pending to be confirmed. Annoying would have done it via the actual airlines if I could go back! No confirmation we are even on the fecking flight!

[Rudi cant fail]

4 minutes ago, JamboCampbell said:

Anyone book via lastminute.com? Says pending to be confirmed. Annoying would have done it via the actual airlines if I could go back! No confirmation we are even on the fecking flight!

Seems to be a common trend. I was the same with travelup(via sky scanner) and got an email 16 hours later at 1am saying that they couldn’t book the flight and that they would refund my money. This was despite me calling them straight after the message came up asking them them to cancel as I needed to rebook elsewhere. The idiot on the phone said that my booking would be fine and it was just payment authorisation. Good job I never took his word for it and booked flights to London. 
 

another poster had a similar issue with kiwi.com or something like that