Top Travel Tips
We have decades of experience ensuring that all guests at our villas are well looked after, and we’re well accustomed to the apprehensions of pre-trip planning. For this reason, we’d like to share some recommendations for making your trip easy to manage and, above all, unforgettable.
"Prompt Response to All Questions
In preparing for our trip to Tuscany, we have had some questions about the details and have always received a prompt and courteous response. More than meets our expectations. Great experience.”
We made these pages for you, and we hope you find the ideas within them useful, clear and relevant. Our information is constantly being updated to match your requests and queries, so let us know if you have any questions or suggestions that we can add to our guides.
Thank you very much,
Your To Tuscany Specialists
Click here to Contact us
Top Travel Tips
Keep Your Villa Secure
We advise that you keep your villa as secure as you would your own home. Vigilance doesn’t have to get in the way of a great time, so we’ve compiled some easy ideas for keeping your villa safe.
Precautions
● Ensure all windows, shutters and doors are locked. This applies at night, when you’re out during the day, and even when you’re at the pool.
● If your villa has an alarm, make use of it. You can usually set alarms for when you are not at the villa, and during sleeping hours.
● We recommend that you do not bring expensive items of jewellery with you when you travel. However, any valuable items you do bring should be kept out of sight in order to discourage opportunists. Otherwise, they should be kept in the villa’s safe.
● If you are not satisfied with the current security arrangements at your villa, please contact us as soon as possible.
Contents insurance
Please check that you have sufficient contents insurance cover for any valuables and cash you may have with you. It is advisable that you have access to duplicate copies of your personal documents, including your passport and driving license. This will be extremely useful if the original documents are lost or stolen.
Contact us
In the unlikely event of a robbery at your villa, please contact us immediately and we will do our best to help you with the necessary procedures. This security guide is to enable you to safeguard yourself and your property in the event of unlikely misfortune. In other words, its purpose is not to worry you, but to help you enjoy your holiday without fear.
Be safe, don’t be scared - and most importantly, enjoy yourself in Tuscany!
Guest etiquette
How to be an exemplary guest in your Tuscany Villa. Whether you're a seasoned Italophile or a first-time visitor, you may find a difference in cultural practices at your villa. Your To Tuscany villa owner wants you to have a great time and feel at home during your stay. Together with the To Tuscany villa owners, we’ve compiled some tips regarding common courtesies to practice during your stay.
Communication
The amount of communication you have with your villa owner largely depends on you and your needs. Inevitability some owners will want to communicate more than others. Some owners tell us that they don't want to annoy guests so they try to be brief. However if you want to ask questions and learn more about the surrounding area, owners are keen to engage with whatever level of contact is best for you while you stay in their villa. Should you communicate with your villa owner by text message, try to be responsive and timely.
Group size
Owners will be expecting the group size you have booked. Do not arrive with a larger group size. Check that the owner is okay about any plans you may have for occasional daytime visitors. Provided the request is within reason, the owners will be accomodating and may wish to register guests. Owners will be wary of letting unregistered guests into their villa due to liability reasons. The owners’ insurance might not cover unregistered guests.
Punctuality
Be punctual for the fixed meeting times with your villa owner, such as check-in and check-out. We'll pass on your expected arrival time to your villa owner. However, sometimes your villa owner will want to confirm your expected arrival time with you directly on arrival day by text message. Please ensure you reply promptly. If your expected arrival time changes due to flight delays, traffic queues or any change of plans, please let the owner know to keep them from waiting. Similarly, be sure to have packed up and tidied the villa before your official check-out time.
House rules
Most owners will outline a set of rules that they expect you to follow during your stay. Most rules will be designed with your safety in mind or will cover use of amenities. Should any rules be unclear, or if you do not understand their purpose, feel free to communicate your concerns to the owner. They would prefer to offer you clarity from the outset.
Damage
If damage occurs during your stay at the villa, tell the owner straight away. Always be upfront about any damage. Owners tell us that their normal reaction to minor damage is to waive any fees as a matter of goodwill. However, on more substantial incidents, informing the owner when it happens means repairs can be carried out immediately, which eventually lowers repair fees.
Your health and safety
Your health and your safety are our paramount concerns. Together with the To Tuscany villa owners, we have put together some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during your stay.
Swimming Pool Safety and Hygiene Tips
The swimming pools at our Tuscany villas do not have lifeguards, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the design and the layout of the pool area prior to use. Take into account any depth changes or unusual features. Accidents at the swimming pool can happen when children are exploring soon after arrival. Make sure you know where your children are at all times.
● Observe the swimming pool rules displayed on any notices around the pool area.
● Swimming pools at your villa will not be suitable for diving unless otherwise stated.
● Observe pool opening hours and do not use the pool after dark.
● Do not swim immediately after eating a meal.
● Do not swim after drinking alcohol.
● Do not use the pool if you are suffering from an upset stomach or are feeling unwell.
● Take a shower before entering the pool.
● Ensure children use the toilet before using the pool.
● Young children and babies should wear appropriate swimwear (i.e. pool nappies).
● Before using the pool, ensure you know how to get help in the event of an emergency.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors are not common in Tuscany. We suggest purchasing one to bring with you when you travel, just in case your villa doesn’t have one. To view an example of a portable carbon monoxide detector click here
Review the Safety Features
After you have met your villa’s owner, you are invited to review the safety features at your villa so you know where to find the emergency equipment and safety information relevant to you. If you are unsure how to locate the first aid kit or the fire extinguisher are, ask the villa owner. They will want to make sure you are clear on all safety precautions.
Italian Universal Health Care
Italy benefits from a universal health care Nation Health Service (NHS) system known as the Italian NHS. It's healthcare system is regarded, by World Health Organization's (WHO) ranking, as the 2nd best in the world behind France and according to the WHO Italians have the world's 6th highest life expectancy!
Health Advice European Citizens
Italy is a member of the European Union (EU) as such all EU citizens are entitled to receive medical care from Italian NHS. The Italian NHS staff might ask you for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is issued by EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the UK. An EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel.
Health Advice for Non EU Citizens
If you are not resident in the EU, you are recommended to get private travel insurance. Check the latest Health Advice on Tuscany at your own government's website which should provide regularly updated information on how to stay healthy while traveling abroad, including advice on preventative measures and recommended vaccinations.
Emergency numbers
112 is the general emergency number in Italy for ambulance police & fire.
Direct Connection Numbers:
112 - Carabinieri (Federal police)
113 - Local police (plus ambulance and fire)
115 - Fire department
116 - Roadside assistance A.C.I.
117 - Finance police
118 - Medical emergencies
1515 - Forest fires
Dietary advice in Italy
Travelling abroad or even dining out in your home town is never easy if you have food allergies or if you have opted for a vegetarian diet. Here To Tuscany provides some tips that you may find helpful during your holiday in Tuscany and while travelling in Italy.
Read moreYour Heating and Air Conditioning
No need for confusion. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about your heating and air conditioning into one concise guide. There are three ways in which usage is charged:
1. Included
This means that all heating and air conditioning charges are included in the weekly rental price. There are no extra fees to pay for these services. Sometimes fuel, electricity and/or air conditioning are included in the price if the usage of said facilities is under a certain allowance. After exceeding said allowance, usage will be charged according to consumption.
2. Fixed Fee
Otherwise known as Forfait, this means that there is a fee which does not vary depending on usage.
3. By consumption
This means that the fees will be calculated according to how much the service is used. This is determined by meter readings and charged at a rate specified by the villa’s owners or caretakers. Please note that the prices are not always known to To Tuscany staff.
How to stay cool:
• Close external doors, windows and shutters on the South side or where the sun comes in. This will prevent warm air and direct sunlight from entering the house.
• Open doors and windows in the night and early morning to let the cool air in.
• Switch the ceiling fans to anti-clockwise to draw the hot air upwards.
• Make sure your sheets are changed during your stay. This will help keep them fresh and cool. [Please note that a change in bed linen may incur an extra charge.]
Useful Italian Phrases
Italians are very proud of their country and welcome tourists willingly to try their wonderful food and wine, to experience their culture and to speak a bit of their language… They just love it. The fathers of modern Italian were Dante, Manzoni and television. Each did his part in creating a national language putting together an infinity of regional and local dialects.
Thank you..............................Grazie
Do you speak English?...........Parla inglese?
You are welcome....................Prego
I don’t understand..................Non capisco
Excuse me?...........................Mi scusi
I am English...........................Io sono inglese
Excuse me (may i pass).........Permesso
Yes / No / Please...................Si / No / per favore
Yesterday..............................Ieri
Today....................................Oggi
How are you?........................Come sta?
Fine, thank you......................Bene grazie
Tomorrow..............................Domani
Good morning.......................Buon giorno
Morning.................................Mattina
Good evening........................Buona sera
Noon.....................................Mezzogiorno
Good night............................Buona notte
Afternoon..............................Pomeriggio
Good bye..............................Arrivederci
Evening.................................Sera
Hello.....................................Ciao
When?..................................Quando?
What time is it?.....................Che ora è?
How much does it cost?.........Quanto costa?
Where is it?...........................Dove è?
Could you assist me?..............Potrebbe aiutarmi?
I don’t know...........................Non lo so
All right..................................Va bene
It doesn’t matter.....................Non importa
I am lost ................................Mi sono perso
Nothing...................................Niente
I am tired ..............................Sono stanco
I am hungry............................Ho fame
I am sleepy.............................Ho sonno
I am thirsty.............................Ho sete
I am ill....................................Mi sento male
I am sorry...............................Mi dispiace
Breakfast................................Colazione
Leave me alone.......................Lasciami in pace
Lunch.....................................Pranzo
Dinner....................................Cena
Big.........................................Grande
Small......................................Piccolo
Why.......................................Perché
where.....................................Dove
I would like............................Vorrei
I want....................................Voglio
please....................................Per favore
right.......................................Destra
left.........................................Sinistra
hotel......................................Albergo
bank......................................Banca
market...................................Mercato
shop......................................Negozio
beach....................................Spiaggia
hospital.................................Ospedale
chemist.................................Farmacia
station..................................Stazione
train.....................................Treno
platform...............................Binario
ticket...................................Biglietto
one way (ticket)………..........Andata
return ticket..........................Andata e ritorno
bus.......................................Autobus
bus stop................................Fermata
one way (street)....................Senso unico
hot........................................Caldo
cold......................................Freddo
too much..............................Troppo
well......................................Bene
good luck.............................Buona fortuna
parla lentamente....................Speak slowly
What is your name?..............Come si chiama?
PUBLIC NOTICES
Open................................Aperto
No smoking......................Vietato fumare
Closed..............................Chiuso
Lift....................................Ascensore
Entrance...........................Entrata / Ingresso
Vacant..............................Libero
Exit...................................Uscita
Occupied..........................Occupato
Entrance (trains /buses)...Salita
Stairs................................Scale
Exit (trains / buses)...........Uscita
Forbidden.........................Vietato
Push.................................Spingere
Do not touch....................Non toccare
Pull..................................Tirare
Toilet...............................W.C / Bagno
Ladies..............................Donne / Signore
Gents...............................Uomini / Signori
Not drinkable water.........Acqua non portabile
PRONOUNCIATION
CH is pronounced K
CI is pronounced CH
C + Vowel is pronounced CHI / CHE
CA is pronounced as in English
NUMBERS
Uno - one
Due - two
Tre - three
Quattro - four
Cinque - five
Sei - six
Sette - seven
Otto - eight
Nove - nine
Dieci - ten
venti - twenty
trenta - thirty
quaranta - forty
cinquanta - fifty
sessanta - sixty
settanta - seventy
ottanta - eighty
novanta - ninety
cento - hundred
milione - million
Local Customs Tuscany
While travelling in Italy you’ll be able to tell that habits, landscape, cooking and even language change considerably from north to south. Italy is a very young nation compared to other European countries and it’s been divided in several lordships and under foreigner kingdom, not to mention the Papal States, until 1861.
However there are some common habits and customs found throughout Italy and you might find that they are quite different from the ones in your home country. Here are some of the most common to help you understand the locals.
Power Adapters
Modern day technology devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and more need regular electric charging so it's essential to take the right charging equipment on your trip. Most of the gadgets guests take to Italy are dual voltage which means they only need a power adapter as the wall sockets may be different from what you are used to.
Power adapters tend to be inexpensive, you'll need the right one for Italy. The most common wall sockets in Italy are the EU standard plug type C, F but you may also find type L. Frequent travellers often have an all-in-one adapter that works all around the world, this would be suitable for all Italian wall socket types.
Electricity in Italy complies to the European standard rules, so wall sockets have 220 to 240 volts alternating at 50 cycles per second output. If your gadget or appliance is not dual voltage and requires a different voltage then you’ll need a power converter (or transformer) to convert to 220 to 240 volts.
Special attention should be given to high power appliances such as hair dryers or styling appliances. Read the manufacturers recommendations before you travel to avoid causing harm to yourself or others.
Taking your Dog on holiday
Is a holiday without your beloved four-legged friend out of the question? With To Tuscany, holidaying with your dog becomes a breeze. We offer an extensive selection of dog-friendly holiday homes and apartments throughout Tuscany. https://www.to-tuscany.com/dog-friendly-villas/
Tuscany is the ideal holiday destination for dog owners and their faithful companions. With the long beaches and vast landscapes there is plenty of space to have amazing walks and explore the beautiful region.
There are a few things to consider to making a holiday with your dog become an unforgettable experience. Our To Tuscany team can tell you what these are and we are here for you with info and tips!
General Rules for Dogs in Italy
Before you start – Entry Requirements
For travel to Italy, EU regulations for pets apply. In any case your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and will need an EU pet passport with a veterinary certificate with regard to the vaccination and a microchip. In addition, taking out a dog liability insurance is advisable and necessary. We would also like to point out that in Italy a lead and muzzle are compulsory.
The Journey
Depending on how you plan to reach your holiday destination, there are a few things to consider when you travel with a four-legged friend.
By Car
Travelling by car with a dog is possibly the most pleasant way to reach your holiday destination, as in most cases the animal will be familiar with the car and individual breaks can be taken.
Take care and make sure your dog doesn’t over-heat (never leave your dog in the car alone). It is best to only feed small snacks during the journey, to prevent vomiting. Make sure to take sufficient water with you too!
By Train
Dogs up to a certain size are often allowed to travel free of charge in a carrier box, but you might need to buy a ticket for larger dogs. All dogs that are not in a carrier box need to be on a lead and wear a muzzle. Similar rules apply for Italian public transport. Check with your train provider before travelling.
TrenItalia: https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/travelling_with_yourpets.html
By Plane
Most dogs need to spend the flight in a suitable transport box (kennel) in the luggage area. Check the conditions of your airline before booking.
Out and about – successful outings with your dog
To avoid nasty surprises, you should familiarise yourself with the local regulations concerning accompanying animals. Leads are compulsory in all of Italy, including, for example, parks. You should always have a muzzle with you, but the dog will only have to wear it upon request. In some places, such as churches and museums, dogs are not permitted at all.
Beaches
Dogs are allowed on specific dog beaches. Over recent years the number of dog beaches in Tuscany has increased steadily. These are mainly the Spiagge Libre, i.e. public beaches, which are not leased out and there, the dogs can enter the water to cool down. These beaches are identified by signs.
Museums and attractions
In most museums and attractions dogs are not permitted. But this prohibition may vary. Please check the local regulations.
Restaurants
Taking your dog with you to a restaurant after a day trip? No problem! Since 2013 dogs can be taken into specifically identified restaurants in Tuscany. In many bars, restaurants and cafés it now says “Dogs welcome”! Keep your eyes peeled for a sign with a dog and the phrase "io posso entrare". If dogs are not allowed, it will commonly say "io non posso entrare".
Trips without your dog
Your dog is part of the family, but sometimes they just can’t come along? No Problem! Valentina of the To Tuscany Experiences service can help you find a suitable dog sitter or day care in your surroundings. That way, you can spend a carefree day out, knowing your furry friend will spend relaxing hours in professional care.
Ask us about Valentina’s service or contact her directly:
https://www.to-tuscany.com/travel-guide/things-to-do/to-tuscany-experiences/
Vet
You might need a vet due to unfamiliar food, heat and travel sickness or in case of unexpected injuries – even if your pet is healthy. With the following link you will find a vet’s surgery nearby anywhere in Tuscany or Italy generally. If in doubt, ask your local vet for advice before travelling with your pet. www.vetfinder.mobi/
What should I consider when at a villa with my pet?
Many of our villas are happy to welcome your four-legged friend. However, there are still some rules and guidelines, to guarantee friendly interactions and prevent misunderstandings from the start. All of the rules and guidance below may have house rules on site added.
At the Villa
We want you to feel fully at home at your villa, while also looking after the owners wishes and the comfort of other guests. The following guidelines should help you to prepare.
Bring a dog bed/ blankets/ pillows/ bowls/toys etc. from home
By bringing equipment with a familiar smell, you can help your dog to feel comfortable in an unknown environment. A comfortable dog bed and bowls for food and water are among the absolutely necessary items. And maybe pack some favourite treats to compensate for the long journey.
Ask the manager/care taker on site
It can always happen that you forget something when packing for a holiday. Whether it’s the favourite fluffy blanket or the oh-so-important food bowl – speak to the management on site. Many of our caretakers are dog fans themselves and more than happy to help you find a replacement. Please do not use blankets/pillows or dishes at the villa without asking, after all, these have to be used by other guests in the future.
No dogs on the furniture
Who doesn’t know those puppy dog eyes? Unfortunately, you will have to resist them for the duration of your holiday. In all To Tuscany rental villas, pets are not allowed on the furniture, especially not armchairs, sofas and beds. They are very difficult to clean and pet hair removal my lead to additional costs. But looking at the bright side – you will have all the space for yourself for once!
In the garden/grounds
What better thing to do than relax in the garden together? But still, there are a few things to consider.
In all villas with shared grounds, dogs need to be on a leash in all shared spaces. Additionally, the following rules apply to all villas.
Keep the garden clean
Common habits in public spaces are also valid for your villa’s garden. Make sure you bring enough poop bags to dispose of your dog’s droppings appropriately.
No dogs in the pool
Everyone loves a quick cool-down, but dogs are not allowed in any of our villa’s pools. The pumps and filters that keep the water clean are very sensitive to fur, and a repair can incur high costs.
If you like, ask the site manager for a tub or a garden hose, so your furry friend can enjoy a cool-down of its own.
Clean your feet
Tuscany is a wonderful area for extended walks or hikes. Just like you would take off muddy shoes before coming in, we ask you to clean or dry your dog when transitioning from outside to inside, to prevent dirt being carried into the villa.
Keep an eye on your pet
To Tuscany offers many stunning villas with a fully or partially fenced garden – ideal for your pet to enjoy care-free playtime. Please still keep an eye on them, and never leave a pet alone in the garden. A new environment offers so many exciting smells to explore, and adventurous dogs can easily find a gap that humans would never notice.
You can discover our pet-friendly fenced villas here:
https://www.to-tuscany.com/tuscany-villa-search/dog-friendly-villas/fenced-property/
Strade Bianche
Strade Bianche or white roads are unpaved gravel roads that reach across the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria, weaving their way through oak forests, olive groves, vines, meadows and fields of grain. The white colour that gives these roads their unique character comes from the compacted local limestone gravel that forms them.
Today the Strade Bianche are preserved as a national treasure. In 1997 the L'Eroica, a trend setting, non competitive cycling event that now attracts around 8,000 riders per year for the ultimate vintage bike challenge, was originally created to help preserve the Strade Bianche. Following the success of L'Eroica in 2017 a new Strade Bianche bike race was installed onto the professional cycling world tour calendar to kick off the in European season offering the juxtaposition of the modern, high-tech cycling circus with the ancient Tuscan trails.
In the summer months most Strade Bianche traffic is peaceful and recreational whether by foot, on two wheels or fours wheels. Other road users include wildlife and farmers traversing from one crop to another and tourists looking out for the turn off indication to their villa.
For the purpose of our guests we have divided the Strade Bianche into 4 categories:
1. Unpaved, even: Standard road clearance vehicle recommended
2. Unpaved, uneven: High clearance vehicle recommended
3. Unpaved, uneven, uphill segments: High clearance vehicle and experienced driver recommended
4. Unpaved, uneven, steep uphill segments: High clearance vehicle, experienced driver and minimum weight to power ratio of 20kg/KW recommended)
Click on the link to check your vehicle’s weight to power ratio ratio: http://www.carfolio.com/
Tuscany Trains
An alternative way of travelling to and around Italy is by train. There are good international connections from mainland Europe to most of the major Italian cities, as well as an extensive network of local trains serving the smaller towns and villages.
Tickets are generally not too expensive, and you can use your Credit/Debit Cards for payment.
Omio
Omio is a great website easily allowing you to search for various transport options all on one page. You can also book Trenitalia tickets directly on their website and app as well, making search and booking a breeze.
www.omio.com
For motorail
A good site for motorail service in Europe is
www.railchoice.co.uk
For the Italian State Railway, including international trains to and from Italy.
www.trenitalia.it
Another excellent website that provides information about travelling to Italy by train is Seat61, this website provides information about fares and timetables based on travel from the UK
Trainseurope
Trainseurope have over 10 years experience in booking European rail tickets for individuals as well as tour operator groups, and they will be happy to discuss any requirements you may have. In addition to arranging tickets from the UK to most destinations in Europe, they can also arrange tickets for travel between many European cities, making twin-centre city breaks a real possibility. For all point to point tickets as well as Eurostar connections, contact them and an experienced consultant will be happy to help you.
Using the trains to travel around Italy is an excellent way of taking a day trip to visit the many historical towns and cities. The rail network in Italy is quite extensive and travelling between cities and towns by rail is an ideal way to travel. Once on board you can sit back and relax and take in the ever changing view from the window. Forget the hassle of driving…take the train and enjoy the journey.
There are a number of ways to purchase tickets; at the station, certain local travel agents and it is now possible to prebook tickets via the internet before you leave home. Visit the Italian State Railway website www.trenitalia.com for up to date information on how to purchase tickets and consult timetables.
There are various different types of train that run on the Italian rail network. The types of train and their symbols are listed below.
Eurocity (EC) and EuroNight (EN). These trains offer fast intercontinental journey times throughout Europe both day and overnight to Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Prague and Budapest.
Eurostar (ES) and Intercity (IC). These are fast trains operating between the major Italian cities. Eurostar trains are all high speed trains, very comfortable but more expensive, you do not need to book a seat as this is automatically done when you buy your ticket. Seat reservation on Intercity trains is optional and costs €3; however during peak periods it is advisable to prebook seats.
Rapido (R) - a long distance express train, stops at many of the stations.
Espresso (E) - stops at all the major stations, so it is slower than the Rapido!
Inter-Regionale (IR) - travels between regions and sometimes is in service only on weekends and holiday periods.
Regionale Diretto (D) - travels at faster speeds than the Locale and stops at fewer stations; this train travels within a region and bordering regions e.g. In Tuscany or between Tuscany and Umbria
Regionale Locale (L) - slow train which stops at every station within a region e.g. from Florence to Siena, it stops at all stations in between, even the tiniest towns.
You may find the following terms useful when at the train station.
treni in arrivo - arrivals
treni in partenza - departures
binario - platform
in orario - on time
in ritardo - delayed
Before boarding a train make sure you validate your ticket at one of the machines (“obliteratrici”)on the platform. Please note that it is no longer possible to purchase or validate tickets on board trains. Failure to validate your ticket before travel or travelling without a valid ticket could result in a fine. In the larger cities, e.g. Rome and Milan, bus, metro and tram tickets are valid for a certain period of time normally 75 minutes, so you can get on and off as many times as you wish within the period indicated on the ticket. The same ticket will allow you to use all public transport within the one city, however only one metro ride is allowed. When in Rome and Milan, you can buy a special 24hour ticket which offers a full day’s travel on buses, metro and trams.
Below is an alphabetical list of all the stations in Tuscany with their addresses and province. To check routes, timetables and ticket prices go to www.trenitalia.com website
Public transport Tuscany
The Italian rail network is reasonable and train travel between cities is definitely possible. Visit the website www.trenitalia.com to purchase tickets and consult the timetables. The best trains to take, even if a little more costly are Le Frecce, highspeed trains between the major cities. The type of train is indicated by the following symbols:
Eurocity (ETR) and EuroNight (EN) – international connection with Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany.
Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca and Frecciargento (Le Frecce) - fast train between Italy's major cities. These cost extra and seats must be reserved. High speed trains, very comfortable but more expensive.
Intercity (IC) and Intercity Notte (ICN)– train between Italy’s medium and major cities. They connect about 200 train stations (leaving from Roma, Ancona, Reggio Calabria/Sicilia, Lecce, Taranto, Torino, Genova, Milano and Napoli). If you want to travel for a lower cost but slower than Le Frecce, these trains run a few times per day but do long trips and take you to almost any town. Reservation are needed.
Regionale (R) and Regionale Veloce (RV) - travel within and between regions. Slow trains which stop at every station within a region e.g. from Florence to Siena, it stops at all stations in between, even the tiniest towns.
The following expressions are useful to understand what is happening in the station:
treni in arrivo - arrivals
treni in partenza - departures
binario - platform
in orario - on time
in ritardo - delayed
If you are travelling with a Regional Train ticket (without reservation), please make sure you stamp your ticket at one of the machines on the platform before boarding.
