For starters, print this page and bring it with you.
This is easier than it sounds. Actually, if you follow our advice, it’s very, very easy. We’ve been doing this for 20 years now and we’ve figured out a few things along the way.
If you miss any of the meeting points it’ s up to you to join the group at the castle (at your own expense).
Arrive in Lecce on Saturday or Sunday, having booked a place to stay nline in advance. Consider booking near Porta Napoli. Check out Monday morning and bring your luggage to Porta Napoli. (9 am Monday morning).
The two key elements for a course at il castello are:-
- Arrive in Lecce on Saturday or Sunday, whenever you like. Stay the night anywhere you like (See Arrival to Lecce information for details on how to arrive!)
- The next morning- Monday 9 am – be at Porta Napoli, with your luggage, ready to leave the city. (Have your hotel or B & B call a cab for you if you have a lot of luggage, or else just walk).
We’ll meet under the arch. Once at Porta Napoli, you’ll see the arch.
We’ve arranged all your transportation down to the castle.
If you miss this, you’ll need to take a cab to il Castello yourself. (At your own expense, around 90 euro.) Tell the driver, Spongano, Palazzo Bacile di Castiglione, Via Emilio Stasi 2.
If you arrive in Lecce by car and WANT to keep it for the week (you don’t need one, but you could use it during the breaks, if desired), drive yourself to il Castello in Spongano. Meet us there at 10 am.
We don’t suggest that you try to follow the bus. This has been a problem in the past.
Here is a break down of your Castle week Arrival and Departure.
IMPORTANT ARRIVAL INFORMATION
(Print separately and cut this out, keep with passport)
To talk with us, email is by far the best.
Should you miss your train, decide to run away with an Arab prince or get hired as an underwear model after your arrival in Italy,you can also give us a call. Please, these numbers are only for when you are in Italy and it’s imperative that you speak with us. Otherwise, email is really the best way to reach us. When in country, the school’s cell is (39) 334 767 6970.
Download Whatsapp, if you don’t already have it. If you come from a country that doesn’t use it, download it the same. The rest of the world uses it and it’s WIFI-based.
School’s email is info@awaitingtable.com
Planning Departure
On Wednesday, we will discuss your departure with you. Most go with us back to the Lecce train station to either return for a longer stay in Lecce. Or take the train on from there. This is what we would do.
Il Castello has free wireless connections on most of the grounds, even if ‘cold’ spots happen due to the thick, stone walls. At the castle, you’ll be as connected as you care to be.
Actual Departure
Your class ends on Saturday morning, and we’ll have arranged your departure. Most aim to take the late morning train to Roma Termini or Sorrento through Napoli.
You can book your train online and they will send you a QR code on your phone.
If you are one to worry, consider buying all train tickets online in advance. Tickets are for specific trains and not transferable, nor refundable. On your ticket, look for a car number (‘carozza 7’) and a two-digit seat number (17d).
All non-Freccia train tickets need to be validated in the yellow boxes. When in doubt, validate all tickets before boarding.
Our transportation will leave Il Castello at 9:30 am on the morning of departure, dropping everyone at the Lecce train station. Should you miss this, you can take a cab or the train to Lecce at your own expense. If you need an earlier ride to the airport, speak with our staff on Wednesday. Or take a cab at your own expense (around 70 Euro) from the Lecce train station.
Should you need to pick up a rental car on Saturday morning, take a cab from the train station to the car hire/ rental car.
For further information, refer to our website. We have also answered our most common questions on our FAQ page, which covers 95% of the questions we are still asked all the time.
Wise travelers save themselves time by thoroughly reading the info provided, rather than trying to seek information through email, question by question. If after reading through the site and Student Services you still have questions, shoot us an email. We have been doing this a while now and we are eager to make this the trip of a lifetime.
