Italy is probably the most interesting "boot" in the world. Ancient Roman ruins, beautiful architecture, and the many famous pieces of art - all are certain to satisfy any tourist interested in culture. Those who are not concerned with such attractions could indulge themselves in fashion (and models) instead. Italy has the perfect conditions for hiking, skiing, and cycling - so this might interest the energetic traveler. It is also here that you can have the opportunity to watch some of the best European football played. If ever fed up with these many sights and attractions, you can always relax in one of the many restaurants where some of the food and the wine are without peer.
Find your travel arrangement to Italy here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Repubblica Italiana
Capital
Rome (2.6 million)
Size
301,320 km2
Principal Languages
Italian, German, and a great number of different dialects.
Principal Religion
Roman-Catholic
Inhabitants
57.6 million
Government
Republic
Geography
The Southern European country of Italy is shaped like a gigantic boot. The Alps separate the country from France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia in the north. Italy is generally rather mountainous - which makes the country the perfect place to go if you are planning on a holiday on skis. Apart from this - lowlands rich in vegetation dominate large parts of the country. There are also myriad islands scattered in the sea surrounding Italy - among these the famous island of Sicily off the southern coast of the country.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Italy can be visited all year around. During summer the beaches are crowded - and during winter the ski resorts are the most popular attraction. If you want to enjoy both the sunny beach and the snow capped mountains, then Italy can offer both during the summer months as the highest mountains in the country are dressed in perennial sparkling snow.
Literature
Lonely Planet Italy
Fodor's 2001 Italy
Fodor's 2001 Italy
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Italy, the following weight and measure units are used.
Weight: Kilos
Length: metres
Cubic content: litres
Weight: Kilos
Length: metres
Cubic content: litres
Photography
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in the southern part of the country where the locals haven't yet got used to the influx of tourism. Furthermore, you should be careful when taking pictures in religious buildings.
Drinking water
In the main it is fine to drink the tapwater in Italy. If the water is not drinkable you will see a sign saying 'acqua non potable' - which means that the water is not safe to drink. The Italians themselves prefer bottled water - it is available almost everywhere.
Electricity
In Italy, the following power sources are used:
220V AC, 50Hz
220V AC, 50Hz
Behaviour
When visiting Saint Peter's Church in Rome, your legs have to be covered from the waist to the feet. If they are not, you won't be permitted admission to the church. This rule is common in most of the churches and other sacred places in Italy.
Business Hours
The offices are open between 08:00/09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. and again between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00/07:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday). Some companies have adopted the model of northern Europe with business hours between 09:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. without Siesta.
The shops are open between 08:30/09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. and again between 03:30 p.m. and 07:00/08:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday). Some of the bigger supermarkets are open all day, and several shops and stores are open on Saturdays.
The shops are open between 08:30/09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. and again between 03:30 p.m. and 07:00/08:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday). Some of the bigger supermarkets are open all day, and several shops and stores are open on Saturdays.
Food and drink
It has often been said about Italian cuisine that it is among the best in the world. A Frenchman may dispute such a statement, but Italian cuisine is certainly of a high standard. However Italian wine is very largely overshadowed by French, which is perhaps a little unfair as much wine from the various Italian regions is of an outstanding quality. Also of note is the sparkling wine called Lambrusco that is produced in the country.
Disabled travellers
The facilities for the disabled are not of a high standard in Italy. However, during the last couple of years several hotels and museums have upgraded their standards so that it is now possible for them to accommodate disabled guests and visitors. At the same time more and more travel agencies are arranging trips to Italy for the disabled.
Holidays
New Years day, 1st January
Twelfth Night, 6th January
The liberation of Italy, 25th April
Labor Day, 1st May
The Assumption, 15th August
All Saints, 1st November
Feast of the Assumption Conception, 8th December
Christmas Day, 25th December
Feast of Santo Stefano, 26th December
Twelfth Night, 6th January
The liberation of Italy, 25th April
Labor Day, 1st May
The Assumption, 15th August
All Saints, 1st November
Feast of the Assumption Conception, 8th December
Christmas Day, 25th December
Feast of Santo Stefano, 26th December
Accommodation / Hotel
There are many different accommodation possibilities in Italy, and the hotels are rated by between one and five stars. Moreover there are several hostels, motels, lodges and camping sites offering accommodation at fair prices. In most cases it is a good idea to book in advance due to the high demand.
Book your Hotel in Italy here
Book your Hotel in Italy here
Camping
Camping is very popular in Italy, and there are countless camping sites throughout the entire country. At the bigger camping sites, it is possible to rent tents and caravans.
There are a great deal of hotels in Italy, and almost every town has more than one. The hotels are rated between one and five stars, which makes it possible to find everything from luxury hotels to small cheap rooms with a shower. Often it is a good idea to book a room in advance because of the high demand.
Hostels
There are quite a few hostels in Italy. They can be found pretty much everywhere, and are a fine and inexpensive type of accommodation.
Other Accommodation
Along the motorways and the other major roads you can find a number of motels with fairly inexpensive rooms . You can also find so-called "tourist villages" (often in connection with the different tourist resorts) where rooms are available. Rented villas and apartments are popular types of accommodation as they provide you with a certain degree of freedom and flexibility.
Local transport
Italy is connected by an extensive railway system and wide-ranging bus routes. Both means of transportation are inexpensive, but not always the fastest available. The trains, which the Italians are very proud of, are of high standard both quality and safety-wise. Many domestic Flights depart every day in Italy, but they are rather expensive. Obviously the most flexible mode of transport is to get around by car, but the traffic in Italian cities is a nightmare!
Planes
Domestic Flights are available between all the major cities of Italy - but they are relatively expensive.
Bus
There is an extensive bus route-system connecting the different cities and major towns in Italy. It is inexpensive to go by bus, but not always very efficient.
Trains
Italy has an extensive railway network which connects up the entire country. It is cheap to go by train, and you can buy a ticket which allows you to use the trains as much as you like over a certain period of time.
Taxi
There are taxis in all of the cities and towns of Italy.
car rental
There are car rental companies in almost all of the cities in Italy. Both the bigger international companies and the smaller local ones are represented. You should be aware however that Italians are not the sanest drivers in the world.
