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.
Are child seats or booster seats required and do you provide them?
Unlike regular private vehicles, limo service vehicles like ours are NOT required by law to have child or booster seats when transporting children. However, we can provide these. So please let us know if you need any for your kids specifying age and approximate height/weight. We will be happy to provide child or booster seats free of charge!
Are museums, wineries, restaurants and stores always open?
No. The Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia (David) are closed on Mondays. Many wineries are closed on weekends. 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 and 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.
About "cash rates"
Sometimes customers ask us if we can match a “cash rate” price offered by another company. "Cash rates" are often the telltale sign of a company which is deliberately cheating on their taxes, creating a non-level playing field for those who do pay their taxes and -more generally- follow the law. As a customer you might not care if the limo service pays their taxes. After all, you are just trying to get from A to B and might not mind going to an ATM to have the cash ready for the transaction. And yet you are trusting your life to them. What other laws are they breaking? Who are these people? Law-abiding business owners - or money-laundering racketeers?
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!
