Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is included in the price?
Price is intended as the Grand Total. It is inclusive of VAT and covers all the transportation related expenses (fuel, taxes, tolls, parking fees) incurred by our vehicle(s) for the agreed duration of the service. Price does NOT include non-transportation related costs such as: official city tour guides, wine tours/tastings, meals, admissions, purchases, or any other expense passengers might incur during the service.
Are gratuities included in the price?
In Italy tips are not part of the price as there isn't any legal or moral obligation to leave a gratuity. Tips are nevertheless welcome and appreciated as a sign that the service was of your liking. A gratuity in the 5%-10% range will certainly make the driver happy!
Do you have stretch limos?
No, stretch limos would be impossible to maneuver in many of the narrow streets that are so typical of historic city centers like Downtown Florence.
Can you provide Child Seats?
Yes. Using child or booster seats when transporting children is always preferable and we can normally provide these free of charge if notified in advance. So please let us know if you need any for your kids specifying age and weight.
Do museums, wineries, restaurants and stores close on certain days of the week?
Yes. The Uffizi and the Galleria dell' Accademia (David) museums are closed on Mondays. While many wineries are open all week, some wineries are open only on week days (Mon-Fri). Restaurants often have a closing day during the week. On the other hand, stores in Downtown Florence and the shopping outlets will normally stay open 7 days a week including lunch hours.
Is it OK to consume food & drinks on board?
No. Unlike a plane which is very stable once at cruising altitude, a car is constantly moving, making it virtually impossible to keep coffee, wine, ice cream and other messy foods off the interiors of the vehicle. So you should consume your food and beverages outside of the vehicle. With one exception: Water. Drinking water on board is always permitted. If it spills, no big deal, it will dry out without causing damage.
How do winery visits work?
Most winery visits will be in the form of a guided tour & tasting (in small groups) and typically last about 1-1,5 hrs. The winery will charge anywhere from €15 to €30 per person (upscale/private visits can cost more). Minors will not be served wine but can attend with their parents. Reservations are required. Some wineries offer the option of having lunch at the winery (for a fixed price or à la carte).
Do you provide guides?
No. Only licensed city guides are authorized to guide visitors through churches and museums (ie Leaning Tower, Accademia, Uffizi, etc). Official guides can be hired online (we can help you find one). Our drivers are nevertheless English-speaking and knowledgeable about the areas traveled and will be glad to come forward with general insights about the local history, landmarks, works of art, restaurants, things to see & do during the drive. Most of our customers in fact don't feel the need to hire an official guide and are happy exploring the towns on their own!
How many passengers & how much luggage can your vehicles carry?
Our largest Vehicle (the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) can carry up to 8 passengers with a Total Luggage Allowance of 8 Large + 8 carry-on size suitcases . Larger groups or more luggage will require multiple vehicles.
Do you offer discounted "cash rates"?
No. Rather, those discounted "cash rates" that some companies offer should raise a red flag as they are most often the telltale sign of a company deliberately engaging in tax fraud. This type of fraud not only relies on the customer (unknowingly) becoming an accomplice who could be held accountable by the Italian judiciary system, but creates a non-level playing field for those who do pay their taxes and -more generally- follow the law (including travel safety requirements).
Do yourself (and the world) a favor and steer clear of those offering a discount in exchange for a cash payment!
Do yourself (and the world) a favor and steer clear of those offering a discount in exchange for a cash payment!
Are you a legitimate limo service?
Yes. You should always use a legitimate limo service. It is illegal to operate a limo vehicle in Italy without a township-issued medallion. There are individuals who think they are above the law and operate completely illegal limo rides with random cars/vans counting on the fact that foreign tourists are often unaware. They require cash payment (and pay no taxes whatsoever at the end of the year). If you use these illegal services, you are in the hands of improvised non-professional drivers whose vehicles are uninsured. If and when the police stop your illegal limo driver while you are on board, the vehicle will be immediately seized and you will be stuck on the side of the road trying to figure out what to do.
How can I recognize a legitimate limo vehicle?
A legitimate limo vehicle will have a metal plate on the rear of the vehicle (usually next to the licence plate) detailing the township of issuance and number of the medallion associated to that vehicle. The vehicle will also bear the he terms "Noleggio", "Noleggio Con Conducente" or "NCC" -which stand for Private Hire Vehicle- clearly displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
