 |
Hotels in Italy are classified
by ‘stars’, as in the rest of Europe. There are five
official categories
of hotels, from the most expensive luxury 5-star hotels to the
cheapest and simplest 1-star hotels.
Charges vary according to class, season, services available, and
locality. In all hotels the service charges are included in the
rates.
The rates, in Euro, are valid for the year 2004 and include: one
overnight stay, continental
breakfast, taxes and V.A.T. Breakfast is not included for * star
and low-cost accommodation. The deposit must be paid within March
31st, 2004, and the balance will be paid directly to the hotel.
The hotel will issue receipt of payment (inclusive of deposit).
Single rooms are available in a very limited number and will be
assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If not available,
the Secretariat will assign double room for single use. Please
be aware that only 2 persons can stay in a double room. If you
need to accommodate 3 persons you will need to require a triple
room and if more a family room. Air conditioning is not always
provided in ** and * star hotels. Before booking be sure to check
if available. Many buildings in the historic center of Florence
have been converted into comfortable hotels and you will have
the opportunity to enjoy all the modern facilities living in a
very ancient building. The hotels are relatively small. |
| |
|
Agritourism:
has recently been developed throughout Italy. It provides
accommodation in farmhouses in the
countryside. You will have the opportunity to choose a bed-and-breakfast
accommodation or a furnished flat.
This is an excellent way of visiting Tuscany. Some farms require
that you stay of a minimum number of days. Cultural
or recreational activities, such as horseback riding are also
provided.
As August will be peak season, you are strongly invited to book
your accommodation as soon as possible.
Religious organizations: are
also ready to offer accommodation in their buildings. They offer
very simple but
clean and quiet rooms. In most cases breakfast is included; in
a few cases dinner is also included.
Each religious institute has its own rules and all the guests
are required to accept and follow them (for example they
can fix a closing time at night). Youth hostels: there will be
the possibility to stay in one of the hostels available in Florence.
Depending on the organization, they may offer single or double
room or rooms with bunk beds, male and female rooms may be separated.
Bathrooms can be inside each room or located on every floor. The
sheets may be supplied by the hostel. The hostels
may not have a meal service, however usually they have an agreement
with near by bars and restaurants,
which offer breakfast, lunch and dinner to the hostel’s guests
at a reduced price. In case you wish to book a place
in a youth hostel, be aware that only a limited number of places
is available.
Should you prefer to book a different kind of accommodation, please
do not hesitate to contact us at:
secretariat.housing@32igc.org
Please fill in correctly the "Hotel Accommodation" section
of the Registration Form to book your room.
Any cancellation or modification must be notified in writing to
the Secretariat. In case of partial reduction of room nights received
after July 1, 2004, the hotel will decide if a penalty will be
applied.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL CARE
The 32nd International Geological Congress, Newtours and Firenze
Expo cannot be held responsible for any personal
injury, loss, damage, accident to private property or additional
expenses incurred as a result of delays or changes in air, rail,
sea, road or other services, weather, war or any other cause.
Congress participants are advised to take out their own insurance.
At the Congress Centre an ambulance with medical staff on board
for first aid assistance will be available.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visitors are advised to check with the Italian Embassy in their
country, if a Visa is required for Italy, before traveling.
Those requiring an official invitation letter are kindly invited
to contact the Secretariat at: secretariat@32igc.org
TUSCAN AND FLORENTINE COOKING
Tuscan and Florentine cooking is world famous for its delicious
taste natural ingredients. Its traditional recipes
are tasty, yet of great simplicity. Certain basic commodities
are essential in the preparation: whole-wheat bread,
dried white beans, plum tomatoes, pasta, extra vergin olive oil
and fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, basil,
parsley, wild fennel seeds, chicken livers, and tripe. Until recently,
these staple ingredients have often been hard to
find; but now, in most cities around the world, specialized food
stores and groceries offer most of them, making it
possible to reproduce the authentic taste of Tuscan and Florentine
cuisine in your home! |
|
|
