Frequently Asked Questions

(Ask me and find your answers here! email info@arttrav.com)

Q: What is the weather in Italy right now?
A: Here is a link to the weather network's list of European cities; Here is a reliable italian weather website. These sites give a week's weather in advance.

Q: What is the weather like in December in Florence?
A: Like winter. Cold. Wear a down filled coat! Umbrella also handy.

Q: When is the best time to visit Italy?
A: Any time is a good time in Italy!! But weather wise, you might enjoy spring (April/ May) and Fall (September and early October) the most. Cities are fine in any weather. The coasts and areas like Cinque Terre are not particularly pleasant in winter. Tuscany and other areas of the countryside can be very pretty in winter - there are some sunny days - but it's prone to snowstorms, especially in February.

Q: should I stay in an apartment or a hotel?
A: Arttrav backs "slowtrav" principles, so we like staying in apartments in town, or villas/country houses outside of the city. Apartments feel more like home, and a major advantage is that you can cook your own meals. Then again for some people, this is a disadvantage as they'd rather eat out! Apartments are useful for families are larger groups of people, as they are usually economical and flexible.

Q: What is the best area of Florence in which to stay?
A: This is a matter of personal opinion. It also depends how long you're staying. For shorter periods, try to remain central so you can visit a ton of sites, but stop back at the hotel to rest your feet. Downtown Florence is small so any area is OK, though Santo Spirito is a bit further from the major sites. For longer stays, consider the peripheries to the north and south of the city, outside the ring roads, where you will experience Florence more as the Florentines do. These residential areas offer local markets, supermarkets for food, and bus service to the center.

Q: Can I use my American flat-iron/ hairdryer in Italy?
A: You need a travel or dual voltage appliance to make it work here. Italy runs on 240 volts. You can get a voltage and plug converter and bring along your appliance. If you're staying a longer time, consider picking up a cheap european one.

Q: Can I drink cappucino at any time of day?
A: You CAN, but you might get a funny look. For Italians, cappuccino is a good breakfast, but is considered too filling to order right after lunch - they drink expresso. Similarly, it's an OK afternoon "snack".

Q: That expresso gives me jitters. Can I get american coffee?
A: Yes, order a "cafe americano" or "cafe lungo"

Q: Do I have to eat everything on the menu?
A: NO. Italian menus are divided into appetizer (antipasto), primo (rice or pasta) and secondo (meat or fish), plus dessert and coffee of course. By no means do you have to eat all of these in sequence, and any decent restaurant should not frown upon your choice to limit yourself to just a primo. To the greatest possible extent, I suggest you eat like you would at home, only better! Only in very fancy restaurants or special occasions to Italians eat one of each things - and after playing team sports of course.