Sunday Get-Together

We will be hosting a casual get-together at the castle on Sunday, September 20th from 1:00-6:00 pm. Food and drinks will be provided and folks are welcome to come and go as one needs. We are incredibly grateful that all of you have decided to take the time and spend the money to celebrate our marriage with us, and we are looking forward to spending some extra quality time together. If you know for a fact that you will not be able to attend on Sunday, we ask that you please let us know in advance.

Activities

A Tour of Florence

Ever seen Midnight in Paris with Owen Wilson? Yeah, something like that, but Italian. And uh, with my sister I guess.

- Graham Sider (2026)

Join Ariana Sider for a tour of a lifetime (no pressure Arie). This excursion through the heart of Florence will have it all: sights, lights, heights, oh my! This tour will focus on a hand-selected set of landmarks across Florence. Skip the big lines and ticket booths and tag along for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

• Expected length: 3 hours

• Date and time: Friday, September 18th; meeting time and place to be determined

Landmarks & Attractions

If riding solo is more your style, this list is for you. Many of the museums require purchasing tickets in advance, so we encourage you to look into available ticket times as you plan your trip.

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

  • Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but a paid pass is required to climb Brunelleschi’s dome, visit the bell tower, and crypt. You can find more ticket information here.

• Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens

  • You can purchase tickets to each of these attractions individually or together in a five-day pass, which costs 40 €. For more information about individual or group tickets, click here.

• Galleria dell’Accademia 

  • This museum houses Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Cost of regular admission is 20 €. Visit the official website for more information.

• Palazzo Vecchio 

  • The Palazzo Vecchio, located in the heart of Florence off of the Piazza della Signoria, was built to house the republic’s government in 1314. Later, the building served as the powerful Medici family’s residence. Tickets for the museum can be purchased here.

• San Miniato al Monte  

  • The abbey of San Miniato al Monte is perched on top of a hill and offers an incredible view of Florence. Admission is free, though the hours to visit vary throughout the week. In addition to gorgeous views, monks at the abbey make their own honey and natural beauty products, which you can purchase.

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum & Galileo Museum

  • Both museums offer interactive, informative exhibits, and are a great way to spend an afternoon. While you can buy tickets for both museums in advance, purchasing them the day of should be no problem.

Food & Drinks

Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

- Peter Clemenza (1972)

It goes without saying, there is no shortage of delicious food, comforting cafes, and romantic wineries throughout Florence and across Tuscany. During your stay, we highly recommend exploring the region for its rich and long-standing culinary traditions. Some key Tuscan dishes and ingredients to keep an eye out for as you wine and dine:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina (rare grilled steak)

• Cinghiale in Umido (wild boar stew)

• Ribollita (bread and vegetable soup)

• Lampredotto (tripe sandwich)

• Lardo di Colonnata (cured pork fatback)

• Schiacciata (traditional Tuscan flatbread - highly recommend La Fettunta)

• Truffles (on everything!)

• Cantuccini (almond biscotti)

• Castagnaccio (chestnut cake)

• Chianti Classico (the region’s most famous type of wine)

Day Trips

Whether you’re renting a car or want to navigate Tuscany by train, Florence is the perfect home base for many day trips. While there are many smaller towns to explore, the following cities are close enough to visit if you have a day or two to spare.

• Siena (1h 10m hour drive; 1h 30m train)

• Pisa (1h 30m drive; 1h 30m train)

• Bologna (1h 30m drive; 40m train)

• Cinque Terre (2h 30m drive)

A Bike Ride Through Tuscany

When we visited Florence in 2021, one of our favourite experiences was renting bikes and exploring the Tuscan countryside. Imagine cobblestone lined streets through small villages, olive trees, and vineyards—what could be better? There are many bike rental shops in Florence, where the average day rental cost is 15 €. If you’re curious about the route we took back in 2021, download this map. If you click on the markers, you’ll also be able to see some pictures from our trip.