Italy - Italia (ENIT guide)

36 Pages·2006·4.78 MB·English

Italian State Tourist Board (E.N.I.T.)
1 Princes Street · London W1B 2AY · Tel. [phone] · Fax [phone] · E-mail: [email protected]
www.italiantouristboard.co.uk · Call Centre: Freephone 008 00 00 482 542 (brochure request line)

ITALIAN STATE
TOURIST BOARD - ENIT
1 Princes Street, London W1B 2AY
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
www.enit.it
www.italiantouristboard.co.uk
(Opening times to the public:
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)
Call Centre:
Tel: [phone]
(free brochure request line)
REGION CAPITAL CITY INTERNET SITE
1 ABRUZZO L’AQUILA www.abruzzoturismo.it
Contents
2 ALTO ADIGE* BOLZANO/BOZEN www.suedtirol.info
3 BASILICATA POTENZA www.aptbasilicata.it
4 CALABRIA CATANZARO www.turismo.regione.calabria.it General Information 4
5 CAMPANIA NAPOLI www.turismoregionecampania.it
Transportation 16
6 EMILIA ROMAGNA BOLOGNA www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it
7 FRIULI VENEZIA -GIULIA TRIESTE www.turismo.fvg.it Accommodation 24
8 LAZIO ROMA www.turislazio.it
9 LIGURIA GENOVA www.turismoinliguria.it Art In Italy 26
10 LOMBARDIA MILANO www.regione.lombardia.it
Performing Arts and
11 MARCHE ANCONA www.le-marche.com
other events 29
12 MOLISE CAMPOBASSO www.regione.molise.it
13 PIEMONTE TORINO www.regione.piemonte.it
Tourist Offices in the
14 PUGLIA BARI www.pugliaturismo.com
principal Italian
15 SARDEGNA CAGLIARI www.regione.sardegna.it
destinations 35
16 SICILIA PALERMO www.regione.sicilia.it/turismo
17 TRENTINO* TRENTO www.trentino.to
Note: The information contained in this
18 TOSCANA FIRENZE www.turismo.toscana.it booklet is as current as possible at time of
going to press (May ‘06). The Italian State
19 UMBRIA PERUGIA www.umbria2000.it Tourist Board is not responsible for changes to
20 VALLE D’AOSTA AOSTA www.regione.vda.it/turismo schedules of services, rates and dates of events.
It is always advisable to confirm this type of
21 VENETO VENEZIA www.regione.veneto.it information before departure.
* Provincie autonome
Produced in conjunction with the Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes Street, London W1B 2AY
Telephone: [phone] · Fax: [phone]
All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other means, electronic, mechanical,
photographic, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Advertising Sales – GST & Associates, Telephone: [phone] · Photography courtesy of Italian State Tourist Board.
PRODUCED BY WORLD TRAVEL GUIDES Graphic Design – GreenApple Graphics.
A DIVISION OF GST & ASSOCIATES
83 RICHMOND AVENUE, SHOEBURYNESS, ESSEX SS3 9LE Although every effort is made to ensure that the content, both editorial and advertising are true and accurate at time of going to press neither the publisher
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
E-MAIL: [email protected] nor the Italian State Tourist Board can be held responsible for any claims made within this publication.
Front Cover: Detail of Andrea Mantegna’s (c1431-1506) frescoe ‘Scena Cavallo,’ Camera degli Sposi, Palazzo Ducale, Mantova, 3
and other Mantegna’s images shown in the brochure courtesy of“ARCHIVIO PROVINCIA DI MANTOVA-TONI LODIGIANI”
Planning your
trip to Italy
Gargano promontory and, sloping down further
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET:
south, the Salentine peninsula. It then proceeds
1 Validate your tickets before travelling to the west with the Calabrian and Peloritano
(see pull out section) massif stretching across the Strait of Messina into
2 The EURO (€) is now the only legal Sicily.
currency (see page 9)
VOLCANOES:Mount Etna - active (in Sicily
3 Smoking and non smoking (see page 10) between Catania and Messina, altitude 3323
4 Passport (see page 8) metres); Vesuvio (in Campania near Naples,
5 Taxis (see pull out section) 1281 metres); Stromboli – active (Aeolian
Islands, 924 metres); Vulcano (Aeolian Islands,
391 metres).
A few facts and
The Cities
figures about Italy
After Rome, the other regional capitals of Italy
Area: 301,337 square kilometres are Bolzano/Bozen, Trento, Trieste, Aosta, Milan
Population:58.5 milion (Milano), Venice (Venezia), Turin (Torino),
Bologna, Genoa (Genova), Florence (Firenze),
Population density:194/sq.k.
Ancona, Perugia, L’Aquila, Campobasso, Naples
Capital: Roma (Rome) (2,553,873 inhabitants) (Napoli), Potenza, Bari, Catanzaro, Palermo and
Cagliari. These cities are important not only for
Other important cities:
their size and population, but also for their
Milano (Milan) (1,299,439)
history, the fame and wealth of their monuments
Napoli (Naples) (995,171)
and museums, and the natural beauties of which
Torino (Turin) (902,255) - Palermo (675,084)
almost all of them can boast, as well as the
Genova (Genoa) (605,084) - Bologna (374,425),
intensity of their social and economic life.
Firenze (Florence) (368,059) - Bari (328,458),
Porta in “Milanese”; today the best follower of
Catania (305,773) - Venezia (Venice) (271,251) Each of Italy’s main cities jealously guards its own
this tradition is arguably the Sicilian Andrea
Verona (259,068) character, its citizens taking special pride in their
Camilleri.
history, art, food and commerce. Sprawling Milan
Other important statistics:
is the industrial, banking and fashion capital of
Provinces: 103
Geographical Profile Italy and an art and culture centre. Turin
Woodland: 65,538 sq.k
(Torino), at the foot of the Alps, is well known
Coastline: 7,375 km
There is a great deal of variety in the landscape for the manufacture of cars and its baroque
Protected areas: 57,320 sq.k
of Italy, although it is characterised architecture. Genoa (Genova), birthplace of
Highest peak: Monte Bianco (4,810 m)
predominantly by two mountain chains: the Alps Columbus, has been Italy’s most important port
Longest river: Po (652 km)
and the Apennines. The former extends over 600 since Roman times. Venice (Venezia) floats
Source: ISTAT (www.istat.it) miles from east to west. It consists of great massifs dream-like on canals and lagoons. Trieste is a
Currency:Euro € (see page 9) in the western sector, with peaks rising to over bustling and attractive port. Trento is an historic
14,000 feet, including Monte Bianco (Mont old city that has had many battles fought for it.
LANGUAGE: ITALIAN IS THE OFFICIAL Blanc), Monte Rosa and Cervino (the Bologna is famous for its University and
LANGUAGE OF THE COUNTRY. Matterhorn). The height of the chain is lower in gastronomy. Florence (Firenze), “the cradle of the
Both Italian and German are official in the the eastern sector, although the mountains are Renaissance” is an Art City to rival any in the
South Tyrol Province; both Italian and French still of an extraordinary beauty (the Dolomites). world. Ancona, the main town (of the Adriatic
are official in the Aosta Valley region. Other At the foot of the Alpine arc stretches the vast region) of the Marche, is a beautifully situated
languages, though not really official, are spoken Po Valley plain, cut down the middle by the seaside city. Perugia, the hilltop queen of the
by some small local communities: e.g. Albanian course of the river Po, the longest in Italy (390 Tiber plain, is the seat of the University for
in some parts of Sicily, Apulia and Calabria; miles), which has its source in the Pian de Re Foreigners. L’Aquila, crisscrossed by steep streets,
Catalan in Sardinia (area of Alghero). Owing to (Monviso) and flows into the Adriatic through a is a mountain centre in the Apennines. Naples
the extreme complexity of Italian history every magnificent delta. The Alpine foothills are (Napoli), on its famous blue bay, is the great city
region has one or even more dialects. In some characterised by large lakes: Lake Maggiore and of the South. Bari, where the bones of St.
cases great writers and poets have written in their the lakes of Como, Iseo and Garda. Nicholas lie, is a modem city surrounding a tiny
dialects, exceptional works which can be medieval town. Palermo, major town of Sicily,
The Apennines form the backbone of the
compared to the very best literature in Italian. merges Norman and Arab history and culture.
peninsula, stretching in a wide arc concave to
Cagliari, the chief town of Sardinia, bears the
Carlo Goldoni wrote his plays in Venetian; the the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Corno Grande (Gran
stamp of a long and varied history.
celebrated trio of Roman poets, Pascarella, Sasso d’Italia) is the highest peak. A large part of
Trilussa and Belli used, of course, the central Italy is characterised by a green hilly
“Romanesco”; Pier Paolo Pasolini mastered both landscape, through which the rivers Arno and Seas
his native “Friulano” and the “Romanesco”; Tiber run and some lakes such as Trasimeno,
Eduardo de Filippo, Salvatore di Giacomo and Bolsena and Bracciano. The southern section of Italy is a peninsular in the Mediterranean Sea,
many song lyricists wrote in “Neapolitan”; Carlo the chain pushes out to the east forming the with a coastline of more than 5,310 miles. Rocky,
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wooded cliffs are indented by an infinite variety of Apulia, one finds the Lido of Siponto on the the most fantastic and spectacular mountains of
of beaches and bays. Along the full length of Gulf of Manfredonia, the Gargano peninsula and the entire alpine range. A happy combination of
Liguria extend the two Italian Rivieras with the Tremiti Islands. factors has made the whole region – Trentino,
Genoa (Genova) in the middle. To the west, Alto Adige, an immense park of natural beauty.
almost an extension of the French Côte d’ Azur, And although it’s the northernmost zone of Italy,
Mountains
is the Ponente including such famous seaside it is one of the most favoured for its constant
resorts as San Remo, Alassio and Varazze. The good weather and the frequency of its warm and
eastern (Levante) Riviera boasts Nervi, The Alps: The highest and the most fascinating sunny days. As a consequence, the fame of the
Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Sestri mountains in Europe, the Alps separate Italy Dolomites is worldwide. Around such centres of
Levante. from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. international renown such as Merano, Madonna
Almost all of the sunny southern slopes are in di Campiglio, Canazei, Ortisei and Cortina
Other beaches popular with foreign visitors are
Italian territory. The highest peaks include Mont d’Ampezzo have sprung up a host of smaller
Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Castiglioncello,
Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Cervino and the Gran summer holiday and winter sports centres, health
Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole and the Island
Paradiso. These giants are all found in the Valle resorts and spas. These resorts can be found in
of Elba in Tuscany; Ostia - Lido of Rome
d’Aosta, which is not only unique, but perhaps the valleys, on the gentle uplands and beside the
(Roma), Fregene, Anzio, Nettuno in Lazio;
the most beautiful in the whole Alpine range. It famous Alpine Lakes. Thanks to up-to-date
Capri, Sorrento and the Island of Ischia,
is a magic realm for the tourist with mountain transport facilities, cable cars and chair lifts,
Positano, Amalfi and Maiori on the Gulf of
climbing, holiday and winter sports centres. tourists can reach the highest and most
Naples (Napoli) and Salerno; Sardinia; and from
North to South along the Adriatic Coast: Grado, Among the most famous of which are Cervinia celebrated viewpoints with ease.
and Courmayeur. The Valle d’Aosta is rich in
the Lido of Venice (Venezia), the Lido of Jesolo, The Apennines: “The backbone of Italy” runs
magnificent natural scenery, monuments and
Lignano Sabbiadoro and then the enchanting the full length of the peninsula, from the hills of
castles.
string of towns along the Coast of Romagna, Cadibona (near Savona) down into Calabria.
among which Milano Maritima, Cervia, Rimini, The Dolomites: To the east between the valleys The Apennines reach their highest point in the
Riccione and Cattolica stand out. On the coast of the Adige and Piave rivers lie the Dolomites – Gran Sasso (9,558 feet) which, along with the
5
Maiella (9,151 feet), forms a magnificent winter Food & Wine The best time
sports area. Variously named from north to south
– the Apennines in Emilia and Tuscany, the It is estimated that every year more than two to go to Italy
Apuan Alps north of Lucca, the Lattari million tourists visit the Italian countryside and
Mountains between the Gulf of Naples and its famous wine cellars.
Salerno, the Matese Mountains also in CLIMATE
The gastronomy, which is extremely popular in
Campania, the Sila in Calabria and Aspromonte,
its simple and genuine tastes, takes its origin from The moderating influence of the sea and the
the southern tip of the Apennines. The
a large range of products offered in great quantity protection given by the Alpine barrier from the
mountains of Sicily and Sardinia repeat the
from nature reflecting the warm climate of our cold north winds join to bless Italy with a
natural beauties of the Alps and the Apennines,
land. temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather
Etna, an active volcano on Sicily’s eastern coast
and snow-capped most of the year, epitomises the Autumn is the favoured season for enoturismo, varies considerably according to how far one is
incomparable contrast of nature, which is the which has become very popular owing to the from the sea or the mountains. The winter is very
miracle of Italy. growth of wine routes. There are itineraries cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain
which include visits to wine cellars with their and the central Apennines; mild and even warm
own vineyards opened to the public. There are on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and
Lakes also historical buildings and museums where the in Sicily. The summer is hot and dry, but the
tourist can taste various home-made products. temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea
Mirroring the snow-covered Alps that surround breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is
However, as well as the official wine routes, the
them, the lakes of Lombardy are the first magic pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal
visitor also has an opportunity to make his or her
wonder welcoming to Italy the tourist who enters for skiing, and summer for excursions. Seaside
own wine route discovery on the basis of
from the Simplon, St. Gothard or Spluga Passes and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel
individual taste and preference. The wine regions
through the mountains. The three largest lakes facilities, have a busy tourist season in the
provide an enormous wealth for Italy and they
are Maggiore (82 sq. miles.), Como (56 sq. summer, while the cities that are rich in art
should be explored.
miles), and Garda (143 sq. miles). These, along treasures are ideal in spring and autumn.
with the smaller lakes, Orta, Iseo and Idro www.foodland.it · www.wineshop.it
constitute a second Riviera of resorts with fine www.toscana.net · www.piemondo.it TIME
hotels and villas on their shores that provide a FAI - FONDO PER L’AMBIENTE ITALIANO In terms of standard time zones, Italy is one hour
busy season of swimming, sailing, golf and tennis (Foundation for the protection of the Italian ahead of UK time. Summer time in Italy comes
from early spring to the late mild autumn. natural environment and treasures) into effect each year from the last Sunday of
Jewel-like smaller lakes scattered among the www.fondoambiente.it March to the last Sunday of October.
valleys of the Alps include Caldonazzo, Molveno,
HEALTH SERVICE AND
Levico, Carezza, Misurina and Santa Croce.
MEDICAL COVER
Boating, bathing and fishing are specialities of
Private hospitals and clinics in Italy are very
lakes in central and southern Italy: Trasimeno in
good, but are expensive if you do not have
Umbria, Bolsena, Bracciano, Nemi, Albano in
medical insurance. The public health system is
Lazio; Lucrino and Fusaro near Naples; and
instead managed provincially by ASL (Azienda
Varano and Lesina in Apulia.
Sanitaria Locale) and can provide information
on how to find the nearest hospital, clinic or any
Spas other medical service you might require. First
Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) with a doctor on
The restorative powers of the mineral waters and hand is found at airports, ports, railway stations
mud baths that bubble up from Italian springs – and hospitals. If you need an ambulance, you can
many of volcanic origin – have been renowned call 118 from anywhere in Italy.
since Roman times, and the remains of Roman
Citizens of EU countries are covered for
baths are still to be seen in a number of watering
emergency medical treatment in Italy on
places. The accent on rest and recreation has
presentation of a European Health Insurance
made many spas into fashionable resort centres
Card (EHIC) which replaced the E111 from 1
with excellent hotels, golf courses and theatres.
January 2006. Treatment in private hospitals or
The best known spas are Acqui, St.Vincent and clinics is not covered. You can inquire about the
Lurisia in Piedmont; San Pellegrino, Salice European Health Insurance Card from your local
Terme, Bagni di Bormio and Sirmione in health service. Most travel insurance includes
Lombardy; Abano and Montegrotto in Veneto; medical cover. Check with your travel agency
Merano in Alto Adige; Roncegno and Levico in when booking the travel insurance for your
Trentino; Salsomaggiore in Emilia; Montecatini holiday.
and Chianciano in Tuscany; Fiuggi, close to
VACCINATION
Rome; Agnano, Castellammare di Stabia, near
Naples, Ischia Porto on the island of Ischia and CERTIFICATE & WATER
Sciacca in Sicily. No vaccinations are required to enter Italy or to
re-enter the UK. Tap water is drinkable in Italy.
6
MONTHLY AVERAGE 24 HOUR TEMPERATURES (FAHRENHEIT)
FOR PRINCIPAL CITIES AND RESORTS IN ITALY
CITY J F M A M J J A S O N D CITY J F M A M J J A S O N D
Alassio 48 50 54 59 66 70 75 70 61 56 49 48 Palermo 52 56 60 64 72 79 64 80 75 68 60 43
Alghero 50 51 53 59 70 74 77 77 70 66 61 50 Perugia 36 37 45 54 60 68 73 71 67 57 53 41
Amalfi 55 52 53 57 64 78 77 75 71 70 55 56 Pesaro 37 40 42 54 60 68 72 66 63 59 50 42
Bari 50 52 57 60 64 73 77 78 71 68 55 50 R. Calabria 50 53 56 59 66 73 78 78 74 65 63 58
Bellagio 38 42 50 58 64 72 79 75 67 59 48 40 Stresa 39 42 50 59 64 72 60 75 67 59 50 40
Bologna 33 36 48 56 68 71 76 75 69 57 47 38 Rapallo 50 54 58 62 69 74 80 78 72 64 58 50
Bolzano 22 28 46 55 60 68 72 70 65 53 42 29 Rimini 35 46 50 58 64 74 60 73 70 60 53 42
Cagliari 46 50 54 60 66 77 80 80 75 64 55 48 Rome 49 52 57 62 70 77 62 78 73 65 66 47
Capri 50 50 53 57 66 74 77 76 73 65 60 54 Salerno 59 52 53 57 64 78 77 75 71 70 55 56
Catanzaro 45 44 45 50 57 66 67 73 74 61 60 48 San Remo 49 52 57 65 70 76 81 77 70 64 56 53
Cortina 29 36 41 49 58 64 72 70 64 55 47 40 Sorrento 51 51 52 55 64 71 75 73 70 65 54 55
Elba 51 53 53 56 64 70 75 73 67 64 55 53 Taormina 56 60 64 70 75 60 86 83 80 73 65 57
Florence 45 47 50 60 67 75 77 70 64 63 55 46 Turin 31 38 48 55 61 70 74 72 66 56 45 35
Gardone 40 44 52 59 66 74 80 76 68 60 53 42 Trieste 37 47 51 59 64 71 74 71 68 62 46 44
Genoa 48 50 55 61 68 73 78 75 70 62 54 45 Venice 43 48 53 60 67 72 77 74 68 60 54 44
Merano 40 42 45 55 63 70 75 74 66 57 50 42 Verona 37 40 47 54 62 69 74 72 67 55 45 36
Milan 36 40 50 58 66 72 75 74 67 56 45 39 Viareggio 48 51 52 55 68 70 74 70 65 64 58 46
Naples 50 54 58 63 70 75 83 79 74 66 60 52
Italian Breaks
❖ Long established leading agent
for villas and apartments in
Italy
❖ Central apartments in Rome,
Florence, Venice
❖ Apartments and villas in
Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Southern
Italy, Umbria, Marche, The
Lakes, Tuscany and Sardinia
❖ Fast friendly service with
apartments and villas
suitable from 2 to 20 people
❖ Competitive prices
❖ All properties viewed
personally and highly
recommended by “Italian
Breaks” proprietor, who is
Italian and has extensive
knowledge of all locations
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] · www.italianbreaks.com
7
Water from drinking fountains is safe unless there ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CUSTOM REGULATIONS
is a sign “Acqua non potabile”. You might see London: 1 Princes Street, London W1B 2AY
From 1 July 1999, duty-free sales within the EU
this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc. Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
were partly abolished. Under the rules of the
e-mail: [email protected] ·
single market, goods bought in and exported
www.italchamind.co.uk
Passport, Visa & within the EU incur no additional taxes,
Edinburgh: 32a Melville Street, provided duty has been paid somewhere within
Custom Regulations Edinburgh EH3 7HA the EU and the goods are for personal
Tel/Fax [phone] consumption.
Holders of a valid British passport do not need e-mail: [email protected]
a visa to enter Italy, however, the passport must www.italchamind.co.uk
be valid when returning from Italy. Getting Married
Manchester:111 Piccadilly,
For detailed information concerning visa in Italy
Manchester M1 2HY
requirements, please contact the Italian
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
Consulate or visit the website
e-mail: [email protected] If you would like to get married in Italy, here are
www.embitaly.org.uk under the visa
www.italchamind.co.uk a few tips to make things easier:
information section.
ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE 1. Allow plenty of time to organise your
ITALIAN CONSULATE London: 39 Belgrave Square, wedding, as bureaucracy can be fairly
GENERAL - LONDON London SW1X 8NX complex.
38 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AN Tel. 020 Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
7235 9371 Fax [phone] e-mail: [email protected] 2. If both of you are resident in Ireland, please
e-mail: [email protected] www.italcultur.org.uk contact the Department of Foreign Affairs
in Dublin (Department of Foreign Affairs,
www.embitaly.org.uk Dublin: 11 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
Consular Section, 80 St. Stephen’s Green,
YOU CAN CONTACT THE FOLLOWING Tel. [phone] 3268 Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland Tel: [phone]
CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES Fax [phone] e-mail: 2568 from 09.30–12.30 to obtain an
ACCORDING TO YOUR RESIDENCE [email protected]
application form. You should request the
WITHIN THE UK OR THE REPUBLIC www.iicdublino.esteri.it
application form four months before the date
OF IRELAND
ITALIAN EMBASSY on which you intend to marry. Italy will then
BEDFORD: Italian Consulate, 7-9 Greyfriars, London:14 Three Kings Yard, issue a Nulla Osta, which you take to the
Bedford MK40 1HJ Tel. [phone]/326648 London W1K 4EH Town Hall or Council (known as Comune)
Fax [phone] Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] upon arrival.
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] You will need two witnesses and a translator.
[email protected] www.embitaly.org
3. If one or both of you are Irish Nationals
[email protected] / www.embitaly.org.uk
Dublin: 63-65 Northumberland Road, resident in the UK, please contact the Irish
BRISTOL: Italian Consulate Agency Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland Embassy in London (Irish Embassy, 17
Church Hall, 4 Northview, Westbury Park, Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR. Tel.
Bristol BS6 7QB e-mail: [email protected] 020 7235 2171). The direct line for
Tel. [phone] www.italianembassy.ie information on marriages in Italy is Tel. 020
7201 2506. The Embassy will then forward
CARDIFF: Italian Consulate, 1st Floor, BRITISH EMBASSY
your details to Italy to obtain the Nulla Osta
14 Museum Place, Cardiff CF10 3BH Rome: Via XX Settembre 80/A,
in exactly the same way as the Dublin
Tel/Fax [phone] 00187 Rome, Italy
Office.
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
DUBLIN: Italian Embassy, 63-65
e-mail: [email protected] 4. If one or both of you are British nationals
Northumberland Road, Dublin 4
www.britain.it you will need to contact the Foreign and
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
e-mail : [email protected] IRISH EMBASSY Commonwealth Office in London to obtain
www.italianembassy.ie Rome: Piazza di Campitelli 3, 00186 Rome, Italy the British equivalent: Tel. [phone]
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] www.fco.gov.uk
EDINBURGH: Italian Consulate,
www.ambasciata-irlanda.it
32, Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HA 5. If one or both of you are Italian Nationals,
Tel. [phone] 2203695 ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION please contact the Italian Consulate General
Fax [phone] London: 37 Sackville Street, London W1S 3DQ in London for the UK on Tel. [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] Fax [phone], and the Italian Embassy
www.consedimb.demon.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] www.ice.it in Dublin for the Republic
of Ireland on Tel. [phone] Fax 00
MANCHESTER: Italian Consulate, 111 Dublin: 16 St. Stephen’s Green,
353 1 6682759.
Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2HY Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] For a list of tour operators specialised in
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.ice.it Weddings in Italy, please contact the Italian
www.italianconsulate.co.uk For all information: www.esteri.it State Tourist Board.
8
BANKING HOURS of regional and national passes are available, including the Trenitalia Flexi
Pass costing as little as £29.00 per day for unlimited travel.
Banks in Italy are open Monday to Friday from 8.35 am to 13.35 pm and from
15.00 pm to 16.00 pm. Some banks are also open on Saturday morning until Travellers under the age of 26 should consider the InterRail Pass. Italy is in
13.30 pm. In some tourist areas they are open non-stop from 8.30 am to zone G of Inter-Rail Pass
16.00 pm. Banks are closed on Sundays and national holidays and also on
Point to point tickets on the high speed long distance trains are often less
the town’s patron Saint’s day. The afternoon hour may vary from city to city.
expensive than in the United Kingdom. Example of approximate journey
Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at most hotels and shops and at the
times and prices on the high speed network for some of the popular routes is
foreign exchange offices in main railway stations and at the airports.
highlighted below:
CREDIT CARDS Route Approx 1st & 2nd Prices for one Prices for one
Journey time Class way ticket (£) way ticket (Euro)
All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy (Visa, Mastercard,
American Express, etc.). Rome to Florence
ES (Eurostar Italia) 1.30h 1 31.00 42.35
EURO 2 22.00 29.44
Italy is one of the 12 EU countries that joined the EMU, Economic and INTERCITY 2.00/2.30h 1 23.00 29.80
Monetary Union, which introduced the single currency: EURO with the 2 18.00 21.95
symbol €. Rome to Milan
From 1 January 2002 the Euro is effectively circulating in Italy and is now ES 4.30h 1 49.00 67.14
the only currency. For ten years (up to 1st March 2012) only branches of the 2 34.00 46.48
Banca d’Italia will change Italian Lire into Euros. INTERCITY 5.30/6.30h 1 41.00 53.87
2 30.00 38.17
Because the UK did not join the Monetary Union, the British pound will
vary according to the fluctuating market. Generally, as a guideline – €1 Milan to Rome
corresponds to £0.70 pence, and 1 UK pound is worth €1.41. ES 2.45h 1 21.00 28.92
2 15.00 20.66
Notes are issued for €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. Coins are divided
in Eurocents as follows: €0.1, €0.2, €0.5, €0.10, €0.20, €0.50, €1 and €2. INTERCITY 3.00/3.30h 1 21.00 26.08
2 16.00 19.16
The EURO is now the only legal tender in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France,
Rome to Naples
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and
ES 1.45h 1 24.00 32.54
Spain.
2 16.00 22.21
One of the advantages of the new currency is that it can be freely used
INTERCITY 2.00/2.30h 1 17.00 25.21
without any restrictions in all 12 participating countries. In other words there
2 13.00 19.53
is no such thing as a “Spanish” Euro or an “Italian” Euro, but only the Euro.
Rome to Venice
At the moment the only countries belonging to the European Union, which
ES 4.30/5.00h 1 49.00 67.14
have not adopted the new currency are the United Kingdom, Denmark and 2 33.00 44.93
Sweden.
INTERCITY 4.30/6.00h 1 38.00 54.63
2 28.00 38.89
Typical purchases in Euro
Note: Rates correct as at May 2006 and are subject to change without notice.
(Please note that most prices vary considerably from city to city and shop to shop Bookings can only be made up to a maximum of 60 days before travel.
according to the brand of goods)
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1) TRANSPORT BY RAIL PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ONCE YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE
TICKET, YOU MUST VALIDATE IT BEFORE BOARDING THE
There is no better way to see Italy than by train on the Italian High Speed
TRAIN AT THE SPECIAL YELLOW MACHINES THAT CAN BE
rail network operated by the Italian Railways (in Italy there is one major
FOUND ALL ALONG THE PLATFORMS. FAILURE TO DO SO
company managing the railway system - Trenitalia, that used to be State
WILL RESULT IN A FINE.
owned - and a few other regional companies) just sit back and relax as
majestic landscapes and beautiful cities pass by your window. The rail service NO SMOKING POLICY ON ALL TRAINS IN ITALY
in Italy is renowned for being inexpensive, offering exceptional value for
money and of a really high service. Train Classification
ES: (also known as Eurostar Italia) - Fastest trains connecting all major cities
Trenitalia offers a range of affordable and flexible travel options to help you
on the high speed network with 1st and 2nd class accommodation and
make the most of your trip to Italy. For further information and tickets you
compulsory reservation. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE ONE
can visit the following websites:
THAT WHISKS YOU UNDER THE SEA THROUGH THE FAMOUS
www.italiarail.co.uk (you can also check their other websites: CHANNEL TUNNEL.
www.internationalrail.com and www.simplyrail.com) · www.europeanrail.com
· www.festtravel.co.uk · www.inntravel.co.uk · www.railchoice.co.uk · INTERCITY: High speed trains connecting all major cities with 1st and 2nd
www.railsavers.com · www.railbookers.com · www.railwise.com · class accommodation; reservation is recommended
www.trainseurope.co.uk
INTER-REGIONALI: Regional train services connection most cities in
If you are planning to use the rail network on a more regular basis, a selection Italy with 1st and 2nd accommodation
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EXCHANGE RATES 4) ACCOMMODATION
£ Sterling € Euro £ Sterling € Euro £ Sterling € Euro 4-star double bedroom in a city hotel from €160 to €240
(variable) (variable) (variable)
3-star double bedroom in a city hotel from €115 to €180
0.50 € 0.74 10 € 14.70 200 € 294.00
1 € 1.47 20 € 29.40 300 € 441.00 2-star double bedroom in a city hotel from €70 to €100
2 € 2.94 30 €44.10 400 € 588.00
3 € 4.41 40 € 58.80 500 € 705.00 1-star double bedroom in a city hotel from €30 to €80
4 € 5.88 50 € 73.50 1,000 € 1,410.00
5 € 7.35 60 € 88.20 2,000 € 2,820.00 5) GENERAL SHOPPING
6 € 8.82 70 € 102.90 3,000 € 4,230.00
7 € 10.29 80 € 117.60 5,000 € 7,050.00 A book €7.75 (paperback) €25.00 (hardback) · A compact disc €18.50
8 € 11.76 90 € 132.30 10,000 € 14,100.00
A man’s suit from €100.00 · A tie from €12.90
9 € 13.23 100 € 147.00
A shirt from €30.00 · Shoes from €50.00
REGIONALI: Local trains stopping virtually at every local station offering Men’s hairdresser from €12 · Ladies’ hairdresser (cut and blow dry) from €30
2nd class accommodation
Photos developed (24) from €8
SLEEPER trains operate between major Italian cities and to foreign
countries. The “Michelin” Italian Hotels and Restaurants guide €18
Video cassettes (recent release) €15
OTHER TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Fully illustrated catalogues of major exhibitions from €40
Shuttle train from Rome Airport (Leonardo Express) to Termini Station
€9.50 (www.adr.it) Tickets to major exhibitions €7.50
Shuttle train from Milan Malpensa Airport to city centre €5.00 Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides in English from €20
(www.malpensashuttle.it)
Rome Bus/Metro Ticket BIT €1 - Daily travel card BIG €4.00 - Weekly ticket 6) SHOPPING IN A SUPERMARKET
CIS €16.00 (www.atac.roma.it) 1 kg of bread €3
Milan Bus/Metro ticket €1 - Book of 10 tkts €9.20 - 1 day travelcard €3.00 - 2
1 litre of milk €0.70
day travelcard €5.00 (www.atm-mi.it/eng)
Bottle of a good quality local wine from €2.50
1 Litre of petrol €1.35 · One day's typical car hire €80.00
Bottle of Scottish whiskey (non vintage) €9.80
2) RESTAURANTS & BARS
1 litre bottle of extra-virgin olive oil from €3.00
An evening meal in a restaurant from €30.00 to €60.00
Mineral water (1.5 litre bottle) €0.29
Dinner in a pizzeria (pizza and beer) €15 · A slice of pizza to take away €1.70
Coca Cola (2 litre bottle) €1.50
Sandwich from €2 to €3 Coffee €0.80 · Soft Drink €1.50
Beer (1 can of foreign) €0.39
A pint of beer in a bar €3.15 · A glass of whiskey or other spirit €3.50
Beer (66 cl bottle Italian) €1.09
SMOKING
1 packet of biscuits €2.00
NEW RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF HEALTH NOW
1kg of Apples €1.89
APPLY - SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN PLACES THAT CAN
GENERALLY BE DEFINED AS “PUBLIC”. AIRPORTS, POST OFFICES, Shampoo €1.49
BANKS, HOSPITALS, CINEMAS, THEATRES, SHOPS, MUSEUMS,
A bar of soap €0.70
ETC. SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN RESTAURANTS AND BARS
UNLESS THEY HAVE SEPARATE AIR-CONDITIONED AREAS FOR Suntan lotion €6.50
SMOKERS. ANYONE SMOKING IN THE PROHIBITED ZONE RISKS
24-exposure film €4.20
A FINE OF BETWEEN €25 AND €250.
Mozzarella €1.54
3) SUNDRIES
Baby food €3.50 (2 jars)
Stamp for Europe €0.62 · Postcard €0.50 · Phone cards from €5 to €10
A packet of disposable nappies €5.99
Museum entry ticket from €10 to €15 · Cinema Ticket €7
Shaving foam €2.00
An Italian newspaper €0.90 · A copy of “The Times” €2.00
An English magazine €2.50 - 7.50 · 20 cigarette packet from €3.30 4 Gillette razor blades €4.50
A top rate ticket at La Scala Opera House from €85 to €105 1kg sugar €0.95
www.teatroallascala.org
25 teabags €1.70
First night opera tickets from €700 – €2,000
250g coffee €2.00
Arena di Verona Opera performances from €13.00 on the unnumbered stone
steps to €157.00 for a seat in the stalls. 500g pasta €0.50
Football matches €11.85 €34.00 €69.60 1kg parmesan €18.00
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