FAQs

Question

How does a castle stay work?

Answer

We’re excited to be able to subsidize the cost of housing and offer our guests a flat rate for the duration of your stay at Ristonchi. All events listed on the “Schedule” page are what we cover as part of your stay. The cost of a three night stay (all meals + the extra activities we will be covering in addition to the wedding) is $600.00 per person. We have a master list of all available rooms and as families RSVP, we will be assigning rooms. Some of our friends may be asked to stay together in apartments if flexible. We ask that you let us know your preference when you RSVP. Castello di Ristonchi consists of 30 apartments from studios to 2-bedrooms. Each apartment has it's own private bathroom and kitchen. Some apartments in the tower have lots of stairs but the best views. We look forward to acting as a middle man and working with each of you to be sure that you are fully accommodated during your stay.

Question

How do we get to Castello di Ristonchi?

Answer

There are a few options. For self-directed travel, you should take the train to the station "Pontassieve" and from there, either take the bus or work with us for a shuttle pick up. You may also drive directly to the location if you're already renting a car in Italy.

Question

What do I need to bring?

Answer

You'll need clothing appropriate for the activities you'll be participating in (wedding, pool, hiking, wine drinking, etc). The wedding will be outside on grass and that may be something worth considering for shoe options. We are planning to have activities but please feel free to bring any books, board games, or shared fun options that you'd like! The rooms will have bed linens, a towel per guest, hand soap, and shampoo packet(s). Please bring any additional toiletries you may want and a pool towel if you plan on swimming. A more detailed list will be sent once you RSVP.

Question

When do we need to RSVP and pay by?

Answer

The final date to RSVP and pay for your accommodations will be January 15th 2024. Please note- Ristonchi does not offer refunds once payment is made so we ask that you are 100% sure you will be attending before RSVPing "yes". Once you RSVP on this website- you will be sent a payment link. We will also be sending along a Google Form to fill out requesting all of your housing preferences, dietary restrictions, etc.

Question

Are Kids Welcomed?

Answer

Absolutely. There are many apartments at the castle that are built for families with multiple beds.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Your presence is our greatest gift. We absolutely do NOT want wedding gifts.

Question

Can I stay longer after the wedding is over?

Answer

The most difficult part is getting there - once you’re there, Europe is rather affordable! Make sure you book your flights in advance. Unfortunately, you are not able to stay at the castle once the wedding is over, however, there are other villas within only a few minutes drive if you wish to stay in Tuscany. If you'd like to vacation past the 3-day wedding, the castle is conveniently located by train to major cities as well as Florence airport with low cost airlines that connect you across Europe. The low cost airlines can be tricksters so make sure you read the fine print! Other tips: familiarize yourself with AirBnB, Europe is full of options with private or shared apartment rentals that fit any price point - tiny studio in Paris or a lavish penthouse with a view of the Eiffel Tower. If you have more than 2 in your group, consider driving rather than flying. Car rentals can run super cheap (be careful to book an automatic if you don’t know manual!) and with a few google searches, you may even be able to avoid a one way drop off fee. Avoid major tourist locations to save extra dollars.

Question

Is There WIFI at the castle?

Answer

YES! The Castle's updated network consist of 6 ubiquity AP and delivers speed of 30/3Mb. There is wifi in the common areas and outside as well as in the Castello/Tower apartments. The Fattoria and Borghetto apartments have very thick stone walls and do not reach the wifi.

Question

Will There Be Alcohol?

Answer

Well....it wouldn't be a Tuscan wedding without wine! We will be providing alcohol during most events. Check out the schedule- any time alcohol is mentioned - we will be providing it. We also will be ordering cases of wine, beer, and liquor to all enjoy together - requests are welcome. That being said, speciality cocktails, beer, or additional bottles (or cases) of wine that you wish to consume will be available to purchase once you arrive. These items will be charged to your room - and must be paid in full upon check out.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yeah! The castle! With us! Your favorite people! Please take note: The castle is over 1,000 years old, that being said, please do not think you are arriving at a brand new Hilton Hotel. The castle is rustic and charming. The floors are worn and the bathrooms are small and quirky (hey it happens when a building is built 800 years before plumbing was common). Keep your eye out because some of the stones in the walls have medieval markings engraved in them. The castle is surrounded by an ancient forest - they live in harmony with nature and don't use harmful chemicals - so there may be a bug, a bee, or a spiderweb around along with the beautiful serene nature. There is heating, but no air conditioning. Luckily, we should have perfect weather and should not need either of those things. If this sounds like a nightmare to you - there are some villas you can book about 15 minute drive from the castle. But we REALLY hope you'll stay on site with everyone else and live out a once in a lifetime chance to stay in a Tuscan Castle.

Question

Will I be receiving a physical invitation?

Answer

There was a lot of information we wanted to share with our guests and all of it wouldn’t fit on an invite! We decided that we would instead overload you with info via our website :)

Question

How do I RSVP?

Answer

Please click the "RSVP" at the top of this website where you will select "WILL ATTEND" or "WILL NOT ATTEND" . Once you RSVP "WILL ATTEND" - we will reach out with a Google Form to collect some additional information and a payment link to reserve your stay with Ristonchi. We know this is a big decision - please take all the time you need to think it over and get back to us. Note: You may RSVP "YES" now and pay for your reservation at a later date. In fact, we would prefer you let us know your intentions sooner rather than later. The final date to RSVP and pay for your accommodations will be January 15th 2024. Please note- Ristonchi does not offer refunds once payment is made so we ask that you are 100% sure you will be attending before RSVPing "yes".