ACCOMMODATIONS
& TRAVEL
Savoy hotel & spa
We’re happy to share that guests attending our wedding can enjoy a 15% discount on their stay at Savoy Hotel & Spa and Boutique Hotel Esplanade. Boutique Hotel Esplanade is right next door, just a short walk away, and is also owned by the Savoy, offering another great accommodation option.
To book, please send an email with the following details:
Wedding Reference - Varuolo & Vitale Wedding on October 11, 2025
Name & Phone Number
Check-in & Check-out Dates
Number of Guests & Any Children (with ages)
The hotel will respond with the best available rates at the time of booking, as pricing is dynamic. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend booking early!
OTHER RECOMMENDED HOTELS
If you prefer to stay nearby, here are some additional options that we recommend:
OLEANDRI RESORT PAESTUM
4.5 ⭑
Via Poseidonia, 177,
84047 Paestum SA
HOTEL CERERE
4.4 ⭑
Via Laura Mare, 15,
84047 Capaccio Paestum SA
HOTEL ROYAL PAESTUM
4.4 ⭑
Via Francesco Gregorio, 40,
84047 Capaccio Paestum SA
HOTEL MINERVA
4.3 ⭑
Via Poseidonia, 255,
84047 Capaccio Paestum SA
HOTEL ARISTON PAESTUM
4.4 ⭑
Via Laura, 13,
84047 Paestum SA
GRAND HOTEL PAESTUM
4.1 ⭑
4.1 ⭑
Via Laura, 201,
84063 Paestum SA
Airports & Travel Information
For guests traveling from the United States, there are two primary airport options:
ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT (FCO)
Distance to Venue: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
Travel Time:
By Train: Average journey time is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
By Car: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
NAPLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAP)
Distance to Venue: Approximately 96.2 km (59.8 miles)
Travel Time:
By Train: Average journey time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Car: Approximately 1.5 hours
Everything You Need to Know
for Your Trip to Italy!
Your ultimate guide for a smooth and stress-free trip to Italy! From travel tips to local customs, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before you go:
Travel & Logistics
• Passport Validity Rule – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date to enter Italy. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport expires sooner, so check your expiration date well in advance and renew if needed.
• Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens – As of now, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Italy (or anywhere in the Schengen Area). A new ETIAS travel authorization was originally planned for 2024 but has been postponed to 2025, so no extra paperwork is required at this time.
• Renting a Car in Italy – IDP & Credit Card Required – To rent a car in Italy, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your U.S. driver’s license into Italian. This permit is required by law, and rental agencies may refuse to rent a car without one. You can purchase an IDP from AAA before your trip. Apply for an IDP here. Additionally, most rental companies do not accept debit cards for the security deposit—you’ll need a major credit card(Visa, Mastercard, or Amex). If you only have a debit card, check with the rental company in advance to avoid issues at pickup.
• Electrical Outlets & Adapters – Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs (220V). Adapters allow you to plug in your devices, but they don’t change the voltage. If you're bringing a curling iron, flat iron, or any device with a motor, you'll need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your equipment, as Italy uses 220V and the U.S. uses 110V.
• Dining & Meal Times – Restaurants in Italy open later than in the U.S., with most places serving dinner starting at 7:30 PM or later. If you're hungry before then, try aperitivo, a pre-dinner tradition where you order a drink and get complimentary snacks at bars and cafes. Also, don’t expect fast service, you’ll likely have to ask for the check (“il conto”) when you're ready to leave.
• Tipping Culture in Italy – Unlike in the U.S., tipping is not expected in Italy. Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge). If you want to tip, rounding up the bill or leaving €1-2 per person is plenty.
• Ordering Coffee Like an Italian – If you order a “latte,” you’ll get a glass of milk—ask for a “caffè latte” instead. If you just want a regular coffee, order “un caffè” (which is an espresso). If you prefer something milder, try a “caffè lungo” (longer espresso) or a “caffè americano” (espresso with extra hot water).
• Shopping & Store Hours – Many small shops and family-run businesses close in the afternoon for riposo (Italy’s version of a siesta), usually between 1 PM and 4 PM. This applies to boutiques, bakeries, and local stores, but larger supermarkets and chain stores tend to stay open all day.
• Where to Buy Medicine in Italy – Medication (even basic painkillers like ibuprofen) is only sold in pharmacies (farmacia), which are marked by a green cross. Supermarkets do not sell medicine. Many pharmacies close during riposo.
Getting Around & Sightseeing
• Validating Tickets: For regional trains, buses, and trams, you must validate your paper ticket at yellow machines before boarding. Metro tickets are validated automatically at turnstiles. High-speed train tickets (Frecciarossa, Italo) don’t need validation. Digital tickets (app-based) are electronically validated. Fines for not validating can be up to €100.
• Vatican & Church Etiquette – When visiting churches shoulders and knees must be covered. This applies to both men and women. It’s a good idea to carry a scarf or shawl to cover up when needed. Some churches may deny entry if you are dressed inappropriately.
• 2025 Jubilee Year in Italy – The Vatican is hosting a Jubilee Year, a significant Catholic event that happens every 25 years. This means Rome will be especially crowded, with millions of pilgrims visiting for special masses, events, and to pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Expect longer wait times at Vatican attractions and book accommodations early if staying in Rome!
• Museum & Tour Reservations – Popular attractions like the Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery, Vatican Museums, and Last Supper in Milan require advance booking to avoid long lines. Some sites, like the Borghese Gallery, have timed entry, so plan accordingly. It’s best to book tickets online weeks ahead!
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing – Uber is limited in Italy and mostly operates as Uber Black, which is more expensive than standard Uber. To get a taxi, go to official taxi stands or call a licensed taxi service (you can’t hail taxis on the street like in the U.S.). Apps like Free Now allow you to book official taxis through your phone.
• Avoiding Tourist Scams – In tourist areas, be cautious of street scammers. People may approach you offering “free” bracelets, roses, or souvenirs, but if you accept, they will demand payment or a donation. The best approach? Ignore them, avoid eye contact, and keep walking.