Walking along the cliffs overlooking
the Mediterranean (Cinque Terre)
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As
you may have already discovered Florence is not the easiest town to fly
to direct. Most international flights are routed to either Pisa or Bologna.
You should have no problem getting a flight to either of these airports,
both of which have good rail links with Florence.
From Pisa to Firenze Santa Maria Novella On entering the air terminal building
turn right and head towards the information desk, where you can purchases
train tickets to Florence (approximately Lire 8.000). Once you have purchased
the ticket, head towards the platforms which are at the opposite end of
the air terminal (follow signs for departures); you will pass the toilets
and the bar, both on your right. When you arrive at the platforms
check the television monitor to make sure you get the correct train (you
want Firenze Santa Maria Novella), don’t forget to validate your ticket
(this appplies to all trains and buses).
From
Bologna Airport to Firenze Santa Maria Novella
On
entering the air terminal you should head towards the main exit and the
bus stop is just to your right. It is easiest to buy your ticket from the
bus driver, [cost: Lire. 7.000]. The bus takes you directly to the main
station in Bologna from where you can get a direct train to Florence. The
buses run regularly, at 15 minute intervals, throughout the day until around
midnight. The journey from the airport to the station takes approximately
25 minutes, depending on traffic. The most frequent trains to Florence
are the Eurostar trains, a supplement must be paid and all seats must be
reserved. If you wish to take the Eurostar make sure you go to the correct
booking counter to avoid queuing up a second time to book the seat. [Cost:
22.700]. Other trains are Intercity (red on the timetable) these
cost slightly more than the normal trains (green on the timetable) but
are cheaper than the Eurostar. Your seat does not need to be reserved and
you can purchase these from the automatic ticket machines. [Intercity:
Lire 13.700 – normal trains: Lire 8.200].
Florence Airport to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station If you fly directly into Florence, either take a taxi from the airport (approximate cost: 30.000) or take bus no. 62 which will take you to the main station where you can get a taxi. Bus tickets cost Lire.1.500, and are available from the “Tabaccheria” don’t forget to validate your ticket when you get on the bus. Taxis. The taxi rank can be found to your left as you come out of the main entrance, you should queue by the barrier as the taxi driver usually comes to you not the other way around. Taxi are expensive and there will be an extra charge for: luggage (Lire 1.000 per piece), Sunday or Public Holiday (Lire 3.000), after 22:00 until 06:00 (Lire 5.000). NB. Please note that all prices and train times are subject to change and we can only give information correct at time of going to press. They have been included in order to give you some idea of what to expect on arrival. If you have any further enquiries regarding your travel arrangements/accommodation or courses please do not hesitate to phone or fax to the Admissions secretary (Chiara/Carolina) from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Telephone: 00 39 055 26778200 Fax: 00 39 055 26778222 E-mail: info@britishinstitute.it) or the Accommodation Office from Monday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m (Telephone: 00 39 055 26778200 Fax: 00 39 055 26778222 E-mail: accommodation@britishinstitute.it) Arriving in Florence … You will arrive at the main station in Florence, be wary of pickpockets as you should in any place which is crowded or busy. The toilets can be found part way down platform 5 but you have to pay. Left Luggage is next to the last platform N. 16 and costs Lire 5.000 per bag which can be left for up to 12 hours. Train
tickets are valid for two months. However, before you use them, you must
remember to stamp them using the small yellow “convalida”
boxes
which can be found at the beginning of the platform. When you insert the
ticket, it will be dated and the time printed. After being stamped
you
must use the ticket within six hours.
Buying Phone Cards: Phone
cards (‘schede’) can be bought from a ‘Tabaccheria’ (look for the black
sign with a white ‘T’) in the following denominations: Lire
5.000; Lire 10.000; Lire 15.000. To use them break off
the perforated corner and insert in slot pushing the card in as far as
possible.
FACILITIES AT THE INSTITUTE
The Institute can offer Fax and photocopying facilities at the following prices: Photocopy A4 - Lire 200
Photocopy A3 - Lire 300
Fax (Italy) - Lire 1.500
(Europe) - Lire 3.500
(Other) - Lire 5.500
Students
have free e-mail and Internet services.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE!
Addresses
to Leave Behind!
E-mail:
students@britishinstitute.it
There
is only one e-mail address for all our students so we suggest sender puts
your name under subject.
Fax:
00 39 055 26 77 8222
Please
make sure you leave the telephone number of where you will be staying.
However, the reception telephone number is 00 39 055 26778200 which should
be used only in case of emergency from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Doctors
and Dentists: The Institute can recommend English speaking doctors and
dentists but costs vary and you may need a private medical insurance policy,
instead of the E111 [E128 for students], in order to claim back the fee.
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