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It was once said of Italy that it makes you cry twice: once
when you see it and once when you leave. Its boot shaped peninsula
dangles from the heart of Western Europe, and it's a country
full of surprises and contradictions with more than enough
to keep the average traveller entertained. From ancient splendours,
exquisite art and quiet rustic charm, to the frantic bustle
of its thriving cities like Rome and Milan
with their trend setting fashions and gourmet treats, Italy
has something for everyone.
Although a relatively young nation, each region has own distinct
flavour, culture and cuisine that serves to make travelling
through the country a delight. Whether it's skiing in the
breathtaking Dolomites, partying or romancing in Venice,
shopping till you drop in Milan or Rome, or
relaxing on the breathtaking Amalfi and Riviera
coasts, Italy is sure to win your heart.
Cash
The unit of currency in Italy is the Euro.
Approximate conversion rates are:
$1 USD = 1.13 Euro
£1 GBP = 1.6 Euro
Check with your local foreign exchange bureau for up to date
currency information.
Although prices have risen in recent years, Italy is comparable
to most of Europe. Expect to pay more in the North. For those
with shoestring finances, it is possible to live on $35 a
day if you stay in a hostel, make your own sandwiches and
avoid too many museums and nights out. Another alternative
is a pensioni - one and two star hotels run by families.
Since the country is popular with tourists year-round, it
is advisable to book well in advance. Be warned though, that
some pensionis lack heating and since many are located in
central historic buildings, the noise can be considerable.
For those with more money to blow looking for the good life,
Italy can easily set you back $100 a day.
People
The population of Italy is 57 million with a population density
of 197 inhabitants per km sq. The population growth is practically
zero, and babies are treated as angels because of their rarity,
despite the fact that the large majority of Italians are Roman
Catholic.
Traditionally, Italy has been a land of emigration as witnessed
by the massive flows of Italians to North and South America
during the last and early part of this century and to Australia
and to Belgium, Germany and Switzerland since World War Two.
In recent years, however, Italy's rapid economic growth has
attracted many immigrants to the country, mainly from North
and Sub-Saharan Africa, but also the Philippines, China, South
America and most recently from Albania and the former Yugoslavia.
Travel
Italians pride themselves on having the world's first motorway,
built by Mussolini. Today the 'Autostada' covers almost 6,000
kms of road. City locals find the best way to get around Italy's
narrow and hectic streets is by moped. In fact, over 2/3 of
the country drives them.
For those who prefer a faster and more relaxing mode of travel,
Italy boasts one of the most extensive and cheapest railroads
in Europe. A basic FS (Italian State Railway pass) costs about
£249 for a month. Beware of frequent strikes and pickpockets!
Trains are categorized according to their speed, and the newest
addition, the Pendolino, is modeled on the comfort of air
travel. Complete with hostess service, video screens, dining
cars, faxes and telephones, it currently runs between Milan
and Rome with additional lines planned for the future.
Air travel is frequent and easy in Italy, particularly the
North, with two main airports in Milan and Rome having connections
to several smaller ones. Islands such as Sardinia and Sicily
are easily accessible by Ferry or Hydrofoil depending on the
season.
Food
Italy is a foodie's heaven, and visitors are spoilt for choice.
Try the white truffles, delicious seafood and
pesto dishes of Northern Italy, or sample the delights
of Emilia-Romagna - home to parmesan cheese and parma
ham. In Modena you can enjoy a fizzy glass of Lambrusco
wine, sip some chianti, get to grips with grappa,
or stop in Naples - the birthplace of pizza. Or for
a light snack just sit in a piazza people watching with a
cappuccino and some antipasti.
Language
Despite Italy's past political divisions, there is a basic
ethnic and linguistic unity to the country, although there
are small minorities of German speakers in the Alto Adige,
French speakers in the Valle d'Aosta and Slovene speakers
in Friuli. Expect to hear very little English spoken
outside of the larger towns and cities.
Climate
Sandwiched between the warm waters of the Mediterranean
and the majestic peaks of the Alps, Italy enjoys a
relatively mild climate, with the South being hotter and drier.
The seaside resorts fill up during the humid summer months,
while winter sees skiing in the mountains. During the cool
autumn season, the art galleries and museums of the cities
become a favourite past time. The hottest month is July and
the coldest January. The wettest month is November, whilst
the driest month is July.
When to Visit
Spring and Autumn are the best months to travel for the mild
climate, though this is when the cities are at their most
crowded. Easter sees Rome overrun by pilgrims and tourists,
while the Carnival in Venice triples the citiy's population
in February. December to March is perfect for skiers and art
lovers as museums are fairly empty. Avoid August for the sweltering
temperatures and the fact that the locals evacuate the cities
in droves. You may even find getting a meal difficult!
Dress
Light jackets for the autumn drizzle, whilst shorts and t-
shirts are fine for summer heat. Winter clothing for the ski
slopes. Appropriate dress should be worn by both men and women
when entering one of the country's many churches.
Visas
EU nationals with a valid passport can enter and stay in Italy
for an indefinite period. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia
and New Zealand need only a valid passport to stay up to 3
months. Once there, you must declare yourself to the police
within 8 days.
Working permits can be obtained by submitting an application
form, pictures, photocopies of your passport and proof of
future employment. |
