Italy
Popular known as the world's "living art gallery", Italy is an exotic place of both art and architectural masterpieces that will surely satisfy a tourist's craving for the arts. No visit to Italy is complete without a trip to see the most remarkable cathedral in Europe, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can visit Rome to look for antique treasures from several of the world's famous painters. Florence is awash in history with it's ancient churches, villas and palazzos. Every turn in Venice is a piece of history, whether it's a 13th century church, renaissance piazza or monument. The Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs are just a couple landmarks worth mentioning. And a good look at the future is Milan, a city of industry, business and fashion.
Aside from it's remarkable landscapes, there's a lot more to do for the casual tourist. You can go skiing in the Alps, visit Roman ruins and Greek temples, explore the Grand Canal in Venice, and simply enjoy the high-end fashion in Milan. For those who love the nightlife, there is plenty to check out as far as clubs go and the party doesn't start until the wee hours of the morning. There's everything from disco to ballroom dancing to live music. For shop addicts, Italy is well known for its fashion industry and is famous worldwide for its high-end fashion and style. Italy is also a country full of happenings so don't let the language barrier get in the way. Learn a few Italian words from "Pronto" or "Ciao" or keep a pocketbook in handy.
Being one of the world's best-loved destinations, Italy is also the land of la dolce vita meaning "the sweet life". After the adventure, a tourist can unwind, relax and be pampered by staying at one among many Italian spas. At the same time enjoy the pleasure of Italian's sophisticated dining pleasure or family-owned places where you can experience real Italian cooking.
The artistic treasures that this magical country offers can be intimidated but most or all of Italy is a country of clean beaches, good food, natural beauty and welcoming people that is almost enough for a traveler to experience a truly Italian atmosphere. Buon viaggio, amico!
Country Description
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Country Description
Italy is popularly known to be one of Europes most sophisticated destinations. It covers a surface area of 301,230 square km and includes the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. It consists of a mountainous peninsula in southern Europe extending in...
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Passport and Visa
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Passport and Visa
A valid passport for at least three months is required to all travelers entering Italy. However, a visa is also required for tourists who intend to work, study, etc. or who wish to stay for more than 90 days. All tourits are also legally require...
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Geography and Climate
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Geography and Climate
Italy is a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. To the north is a mountainous area known as the Alps, that separates Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. At the south of Italy is the Po Valley, a fertile farm land and the basin of ...
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Health and Safety
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Insurance
There are no specific health risks when traveling to Italy. EU visitors are privileged to get a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers state-provided medical treatment. You will need an individual E111 form available at the mai...
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Vaccinations
There are no special immunizations necessary for travel to Italy. Among a few of the recommended vaccinations travelers need to get prior to international travel are the following: 1. Measles-mumps-rubella two doses for all travelers born after 1...
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Crime
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and stealing cars are serious crimes among major cities in Naples and Rome. Pickpockets disguise and dress up like businessmen to decieve tourists in believing they're not capable of stealing. Othe...
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Medical Facilities
Medical facilities can sometimes be limited within the major cities located in the country. Most American tourists are advised to obtain a medical insurance before traveling to Italy to insure coverage of medical bills from their respective insura...
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Studying
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Studying in Italy
All foreigners intending to study in Italy should have a visa. This document can be requested at the Italian Diplomatic and Consular branches in your country of residence. Upon arrival, expect authorities to check your documents required for obt...
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Interning
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Interning
Applying for a stage (Italian word for internship) in Italy can be a very challenging and competitive task. Most of the internship opportunities are usually common in major big cities in Italy. being offered to just about anyone in Italy. Yet ther...
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Volunteering
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Volunteering
Working as a volunteer gives you the opportunity to learn a new culture, meet new friends, travel and to contribute to the international community. You also gain a lot of experience by helping others and by sharing what you have. There are diffe...
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Learning a Language
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Learning a Language
Learning to speak Italian is as challenging as with any other foreign language we come to terms with. If you want to make most of the time in visitng Italy, you have to learn Italian as soon as possible. There are several language schools (scuo...
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Teaching or Working
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Teaching and Working in Italy
The unemployment rate is relatively high in Italy particularly in the southern regions making it difficult for foreigners to get a job. Many young people migrate to the north or abroad to find greener pastures. Despite this dilemma, there's a hig...
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Culture Shock
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Culture Shock
Moving to a new country means adjusting to the norms. Traveling to Italy is no different. Below is a list of information that may be useful for anyone traveling to Italy: 1. Picture-taking are restricted in some museums. Ask permission to allow ...
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People and Culture
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People
Italy's population is nearly 58 million as of year 2006 with 3 million living in Rome. Italians include small groups of German, French and Slovene minorities.
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Language
The official spoken language is Italian. There are also other spoken dialects used by around 5% of the population such as French, German and Slovene.
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Religion
A large majority of Italians are Roman Catholics. A small minority include Jews, Protestants and Muslims.
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Holidays and Festivals
List of National Holidays January 1 - New Year's Day January 6 - Epiphany April 9 - Easter Monday April 25 - Liberation Day May 1 - May day June 2 - Anniversary of the Republic August 15 - Assumption Day November 1 - All Saint's Day November 2 - W...
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Food
An Italian meal starts with a prima colazione (breakfast) usually with light capuccino and a brioche (sweet pastry) and sometimes an espresso (a strong coffee). Lunch or pranzo is the big meal which consists of a starter (antipasto), pasta, rice o...
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Tipping
The people of Italy are not used to big tipping but sometimes it's just a matter of personal discretion. In major cities, restaurants add a 15% service charge and a separate tip for waiters at approximately 5%-10%. A fixed rate is charged per suit...
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Music
Italian music is generally eclectic. A wide range of opera and classical music are the traditional styles known from many different regions. Opera is an essential part of Italian musical culture and a part of popular music known to many along wit...
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Dance
Some of the dances in Italy are ancient, and to some extent, even exists today. Popular dances include tarantella, a dialect form used to describe a common kind of spider, which is part of a folk ritual intended to cure the poison caused by the...
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Gestures
Here are some gestures used in Italy which have specific meanings: 1. People shake hands when arriving and leaving. 2. Women kiss cheek to cheek. 3. Men slap each other on the back and may as well embrace if they know each other. 4. A flick of the...
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Etiquette
In meeting people, the proper etiquette practiced by Italians are rather formal. A simple handshake with eye contact and a smile is made between strangers. It is improper to call someone by their first names unless invited to do so. Men and women...
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Sports
The most popular sport in Italy is soccer or calcio, cycling, bowls or bocce which is a kind of bowling and horse racing. The Italian national soccer team has won the World Cup three times in the past and everyone looks forward to the most antic...
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Where to Go and What to See
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Museums
Italy is considered to be the second country, next to Spain, that possesses historical artistic heritage in the world. Florence is known for it's valuable treasure of marbles, frescos and oil paintings. It is well known to many as the capital of ...
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National Parks
There are currently 21 national parks in Italy and new parks are waiting to be established. Some of the famous parks are the following: 1. Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise 2. Alta Murgia 3. Appennino Tosco-Emiliano 4. Arcipelago di La Maddalena 5. Arcipela...
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Tourist Offices
Central Office Ente nazionale italiano per il turismo via Marghera no. 2/6 00185 ROMA Telephone: +39 6 49711 Fax: +39 6 4463379 Email: sedecentrale@enit.it Italian Government Travel Office (ENIT) 175 Bloor Street East Suite 907 - South Tower Tor...
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Night Life
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Nightlife
There are several options for you to enjoy the nightlife in Italy from a moonlit stroll to a discobar full of vigorous international crowd. A number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be found in major cities
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Transportation
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Bus
Bus terminals can be found anywhere in larger towns from small local services connecting the rural communities to expensive bus services between big cities. Tickets are available in supermarkets, newsstands, tobacconists and at the vending machine...
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International airports (how to get to and from there)
You can find the major airports in Italy below: 1. Milan Linate International Airport (LIN) This airport is located 7 km east of Milan. Taxis can be used to get to and from the city centre. When getting to the airport, take the Via XXII Marzo and ...
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Communication and Technology
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Postal Services
Post offices situated in large cities generally open from 8am to 2pm on Mondays and Fridays and 8am-11:45am on Saturdays. On special occasions and during the last days of the months there may be shorter hours. It also provides telegram services ...
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Telephone Services
Telecom Italia is the national telephone company in Italy which provides the land line telephone services. Other telephone service providers include Infrostada, BTItaly, Tele2 and Tiscali. The international country calling code of Italy is 39. ...
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Electricity
Italy's 220V 50Hz. Italian sockets accept round prongs so you will need a plug adapter for appliances with flat prongs. You might also need a voltage converter for appliances that are not designed to work on 220 volts. Voltage converters are hard ...
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Internet Availability
Like the rest of the world, Internet has become popular in Italy as in any other countries particularly in Europe. Big cities or urban areas use broadband to connect to the Internet whereas Teleconomy Internet is used in rural areas without acc...
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Money Issues
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Currency Exchange Information
The currency rate exchange of euro to other currencies are as follows: US 1 dollar = 0.80 euro Canadian 1 dollar = 0.60 euro Australian 1 dollar = 0.58 euro NZ dollar = 0.55 euro Converting dollars to euros can be obtained through any bank, ATM ...
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Local Currency
The currency in Italy is Euro.
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Women and Travel
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Women and Travel
Below are guides for women to consider when traveling to Italy: 1. Avoid wearing skimpy clothes. Stick to jeans and t-shirts. 2. Avoid carrying purses and passports when walking in crowded streets such as the supermarkets, etc. and avoid walking ...
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Traveling with Disabilities
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Travelling with Disabilities
Facilities and accommodation are being provided exclusively by the Italian State Tourist Office for those travelers with disabilities particularly in Rome and Florence. Several travel agencies also offer customized tours, advices and extensive ac...
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Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual
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Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual
Homosexuality is considered legal in Italy since 1861. The legal age of consent starts from age 16 and the leading gay capital in Italy comes from the cities of Milan, Bologna and Rome. Gay and lesbian organizations offer an online directory of ga...
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