Overview

'Sunshine, wine and smart design'


What would it be like to wake in the heart of the Roman Empire, lunch in a sumptuous sixteenth-century Renaissance villa, and go to bed in the capital of twenty-first century designer chic? Visit Italy, taking in Rome, Florence and Milan, and the experience is yours.

But that’s not all. Italy combines art history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smerelda offer one of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

Besides the renowned cities of Venice, Genoa and Naples (each with its own unique identity – Italy was only unified in 1870), there are romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoilt fishing villages, like the unforgettable Positano on the Amalfi coast. Visit vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wines: The Veneto, famed for the sparkling white prosecco, and Tuscany, home of the highly acclaimed robust red, Brunello di Montalcino. And to really get away from it all, take a boat to the islands of Sicily or Sardinia to experience rural hospitality in the blissful Mediterranean. Italy: still so much more to discover.

Jane Foster


General

Area: 301,323 sq km (116,341 sq miles).
Population: 57,587,985 (1998)
Population Density: 191.1 per sq km.
Capital: Rome. Population: 2,645,322 (1996).

Geography: Italy is situated in Europe and attached in the north to the European mainland. To the north the Alps separate Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Northern Italy: The Alpine regions, the Po Plain and the Ligurian-Etruscan Appennines. Piedmont and Val d’Aosta contain some of the highest mountains in Europe and are good areas for winter sports. Many rivers flow down from the mountains towards the Po Basin, passing through the beautiful Italian Lake District (Maggiore, Como, Garda). The Po Basin, which extends as far south as the bare slopes of the Appennines, is covered with gravel terraces and rich alluvial soil and has long been one of Italy’s most prosperous regions. To the east, where the River Po flows into the Adriatic Sea, the plains are little higher than the river itself; artificial (and occasionally natural) embankments prevent flooding.

Central Italy: The northern part of the Italian peninsula. Tuscany (Toscana) has a diverse landscape with snow-capped mountains (the Tuscan Appennines), lush countryside, hills and a long sandy coastline with offshore islands. Le Marche, lying between the Appennines and the Adriatic coast, is a region of mountains, rivers and small fertile plains. The even more mountainous regioni (administrative districts) of Abruzzo and Molise are bordered by Marche to the north and Puglia to the south, and are separated from the Tyrrhenian Sea and to the west by Lazio and Campania. Umbria is known as the ‘green heart of Italy’, hilly with broad plains, olive groves and pines. Further south lies Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city. Within its precincts is the Vatican City.

Southern Italy: Campania consists of flat coastal plains and low mountains, stretching from Baia Domizia to the Bay of Naples and along a rocky coast to the Calabria border. Inland, the Appennines are lower, mellowing into the rolling countryside around Sorrento. The islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida in the Tyrrhenian Sea are also part of Campania. The south is wilder than the north, with mile upon mile of olive trees, cool forests and rolling hills. Puglia, the ‘heel of the boot’, is a landscape of volcanic hills and isolated marshes. Calabria, the ‘toe’, is heavily forested and thinly populated. The Calabrian hills are home to bears and wolves.

The Islands: Sicily (Sicilia), visible across a 3km (2-mile) strait from mainland Italy, is fertile but mountainous with volcanoes (including the famous landmark of Mount Etna) and lava fields, and several offshore islands. Sardinia (Sardegna) has a mountainous landscape, fine sandy beaches and rocky offshore islands.
For more information on each region, see the Resorts & Excursions section below.

Government: Unification in 1861. Republic since 1946. Head of State: President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Giuliano Amato since 2000.

Language: Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German and Ladin are spoken in the South Tyrol region (bordering Austria). French is spoken in all the border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan (border with France and Switzerland). German is spoken around the Austrian border. English, German and French are also spoken in the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles.

Religion: Roman Catholic with Protestant minorities.

Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in September).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Communications:  

Telephone: Full IDD service available. Country code: 390 (followed by 6 for Rome, 2 for Milan, 11 for Turin, 81 for Naples, 41 for Venice and 55 for Florence). Outgoing international code: 00. Telephone kiosks now only accept phonecards, which can be purchased at post offices, tobacconists and certain newsagents.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks.

Fax: Some hotels have facilities.

Internet/E-mail: ISPs include Telecom Italia Net (http://www.tin.it). Public access is available in Internet Corner Kiosks operated by Telecom Italia. Kiosks have been installed at airports, major hotels and in other public places. Access costs L200 per minute, and phonecards can be used. There are also cybercafés in all main towns.

Telegram: Both internal and overseas telegrams may be dictated over the telephone.

Post: The Italian postal system tends to be subject to delays. Letters between Italy and other European countries usually take a week to ten days to arrive. Letters intended for Poste Restante collection should be addressed to Fermo Posta and the town. Stamps are sold in post offices and tobacconists. Post office hours: 0800/0830-1200/1230 and 1400/1430-1730/1800 Monday to Friday; Saturday mornings only.

Press: The main towns publish a weekly booklet with entertainment programmes, sports events, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. There are several English-language publications: monthly magazines Italy-Italy (Rome), Grapevine (on the Lucca area) and The Informer (Milan), as well as Wanted In Rome, published twice monthly, and the English-language newspaper, Daily American (Rome). Among the most important Italian dailies are La Stampa (Turin), Corriere della Sera (Milan), La Repubblica (Rome), Il Messaggero (Rome), Il Giorno (Milan) and Il Giornale (Milan).

 
Passport/Visa

Note: (a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 6 months required by all except: 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain and Switzerland with a valid national ID card.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or connecting aircraft within 48 hours, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and valid documents for onward travel (except nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia and Sri Lanka, who always require a visa). As the preceding list is liable to change at short notice, visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay: £17.10 (for up to 30 days); £20.50 (for up to 90 days). Transit: £7. Airport Transit: Free.

Note: Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity: Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry): valid for 6 months from date of issue for stays of maximum 90 days per entry. Transit (single- and multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended and a new application must be made each time.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section. Postal applications are not acceptable. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements: Tourism: (a) Passport valid for at least 3 months longer than validity of requested visa with 1 blank page to affix the visa. (b) Completed application form. (c) UK residence permit valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date for UK applicants. (d) 1 passport-size photograph. (e) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay (credit cards and cash are not accepted as proof of financial means). (f) Where applicable, marriage certificate showing proof of marriage to an EU national. (g) In some cases evidence of medical insurance required. (h) Proof of travel arrangements. (i) Letter from employer or school.
Transit: (a)-(e) and (f) Visa for the onward destination country if required and an airline ticket. If driving, driving licence, registration document and proof of ownership of the vehicle is required.
Business: (a)-(d) and, (e) Letter from employer addressed to the Italian Consulate General explaining the purpose and duration of the visit. If self-employed, a letter from an accountant, company secretary, solicitor or local Chamber of Commerce. Applicants should also arrange for an invitation from the host Italian company or firm to be faxed directly to the Italian Consulate General in London on (fax: (020) 7823 1609) at least 48 hours before submitting an application.

Working days required: Approximately 2 days, but varies according to nationality. No visas are issued within 24 hours. Check with Consular section at Embassy for details.

Temporary residence: Enquire at Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).


Money

Currency:  EURO
Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Italy), although it is currently only used as ‘written money’ (cheques, bank transactions, credit cards, etc). The first Euro coins and notes will be introduced in January 2002; the Italian Lira will still be in circulation until February 28 2002, when it will be completely replaced by the Euro. 1 Euro = L1936.27.

Currency exchange: Travellers cheques, cheques and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports, and very often at main hotels (generally at a less convenient rate). Many UK banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of Italian currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit card company for merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.


Currency restrictions: Check with the embassy before departure. Import and export of both foreign and local currency is limited to L20,000,000. If it is intended to import or export amounts greater than this, the amount should be declared and validated in Italy on form V2.

Banking hours: These vary from city to city but, in general, Mon-Fri 0830-1330 and 1500-1600.


Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Italy without incurring customs duty by passengers over 17 years of age arriving from countries outside the EU with goods bought duty free:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 750ml of spirits (over 22%) or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract.

Abolition of Duty-free goods within the EU: On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another, (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed), travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.

Health

1: Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile’ means water is not drinkable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For further information, see the Health appendix.

Health care: A reciprocal health agreement with the rest of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway allows reduced cost dental and medical (including hospital) treatment on presentation of form E111; a fee must be paid, plus part of the cost of any prescribed medicines. Insurance is advised for specialist treatment. Italy is well endowed with health spas, some famous since the Roman era. The most important and best-equipped health resorts in Italy are Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Veneto), Acqui Terme (Piedmont), Chianciano and Montecatini Terme (Tuscany), Fiuggi (Lazio), Porretta Terme and Salsomaggiore Terme (Emilia-Romagna), Sciacca (Sicily) and Sirmione (Lombardy). At Merano (Alto Adige) it is possible to have a special grape-diet treatment.

 

Travel - International

AIR: Italy’s national airline is Alitalia (AZ). A great number of major international airlines operate direct flights to various destinations in Italy from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. Owing to the number of flights available, ticket prices vary greatly and there is a wide range of discount fares and special tickets available. Further information can be obtained from the airline or a travel agent.

APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES: From Rome to London is 2 hours 30 minutes, to Los Angeles is 15 hours 35 minutes, to New York is 9 hours 45 minutes, to Singapore is 13 hours 55 minutes and to Sydney is 24 hours 50 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: Rome (FCO) (Fiumicino) (web site: http://www.adr.it/it), 26km (16 miles) southwest of the city (travel time – 30-55 minutes). A new terminal B was recently opened to cater primarily for flights to other European destinations. Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop (0800-2330), car hire, bank and 24-hour bureau de change and 24-hour bar/restaurant. There is a direct rail link to Termini Station in central Rome and a bus service every 15 minutes. Taxis are also available to the city.
Rome (CIA) (Ciampino) (web site: http://www.adr.it/it), 32km (15 miles) from the city (travel time – 60 minutes). Airport facilities include a bank/bureau de change, duty-free shop and souvenir shop and café. Buses are available to the underground station Anagnina. Taxis are also available. Bologna (BLQ) (G Marconi), 6km (4 miles) northwest of the city (travel time – 20 minutes) has good airport facilities. Buses and taxis are available to the city.
Genoa (GOA) (Cristoforo Colombo, Sestri) (web site: http://www.airport.genova.it), 6km (4 miles) west of the city (travel time – 20 minutes) has duty-free facilities. Buses are available to the city.
Milan (MXP) (Malpensa) (web site: http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it), is 45km (29 miles) northwest of the city (travel time – 30 minutes) and has duty-free facilities.
Milan (LIN) (Linate) (web site: http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it), is 10km (6 miles) east of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free facilities, car hire, bank/bureau de change and bar/restaurant. Taxis and buses are available to the city.
Bergamo (BGY) (Milano Orio al Serio) is 45km (28 miles) east of Milan. Taxis and buses are available to both Milan and Bergamo.
Naples (NAP) (Capodichino) is 7km (4.5 miles) north of the city (travel time – 20-30 minutes) and has duty-free facilities.
Pisa (PSA) (Galileo Galilei), is 2km (1.5 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 10 minutes) and has duty-free facilities.

NOTE: People travelling to Florence can fly to Pisa and then take the new train service directly from Pisa Airport to Florence, which takes one hour. The railway station in Pisa is practically inside the airport. Rail services connect with arrivals and departures of all international flights and major domestic services.
Palermo (PMO) (Punta Raisi), is 30km (19 miles) west of the city (travel time – 40 minutes).
Turin (TRN) (Citta di Torino) (web site: http://www.airport.turin.it) is 16km (10 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 35 minutes).
Venice (VCE) (Marco Polo) (web site: http://www.veniceairport.it) is 10km (6 miles) northwest of the city (travel time – 20 minutes).

SEA: International sailings to Italy run from Croatia, Greece, Libya, South America, the Far East, Malta, Spain, France, Tunisia and Turkey. For details, contact shipping agents direct. The quickest route from the UK is via France. The following companies run regular cross-channel ferries from the UK to France: Brittany Ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff, from Portsmouth to St Malo and from Poole to Cherbourg; Condor Ferries from Jersey, Guernsey, Poole and Weymouth to St Malo; Hoverspeed from Dover to Calais; and Folkstone to Boulogne; Seafrance from Dover to Calais. P& O Stena Line from Dover to Calais; and P&O European Ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and Le Havre. These companies offer a variety of promotional fares and inclusive holidays for short breaks and shopping trips.

RAIL: Travelling from the UK, the quickest way is to travel by Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Paris (travel time – 3 hours) and, from there, to Italy. For further information and reservations contact Eurostar (tel: (01233) 617 599 (travel agents) or (08705) 186 186 (public; within the UK) or (01233) 617 575 (public; outside the UK only); website: www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848). Travel agents can obtain refunds for unused tickets from Eurostar Trade Refunds, 2nd Floor, Kent House, 81 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD. Complaints and comments may be sent to Eurostar Customer Relations, Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London SE1 8SE (tel: (020) 7928 5163). General enquiries and information requests must be made by telephone. Rail travellers not using the Channel Tunnel link need to make some form of sea crossing, usually by ferry or catamaran; for details on sea crossings see also under Sea above. The cost of the crossing is usually included in the price of the rail ticket. For information and reservations contact Rail Europe (see contact details above). The main rail connections from London (Victoria) and Paris to Italy are: Palatino (Paris–Rome; couchettes and sleeping cars only); Naples Express (Paris, Turin, Genoa, Pisa, Rome, Naples); and Simplon Express (Paris, Lausanne, Brigue, Domodossola, Milan, Venice, Trieste).

ROAD: Travelling by car from the UK, the quickest way is via Le Shuttle trains which carry all types of vehicles through the channel tunnel (journey time – 35 minutes). For further details, see also Travel - International in the France section. For information and reservations contact Eurotunnel in the UK (tel: (08705) 353 535; or (08000) 969 992 (24-hour recorded timetable information); fax (01303) 288 784 (reservations); web site: http://www.eurotunnel.com). Routes from the UK to Italy run through France, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia and most routes use the tunnels under the Alps and Apennines. Italian Railways run regular daily services called autotreno (trains carrying cars), especially during the summer holiday season. The main routes covered are: Milan–Genoa–Naples–Villa San Giovanni; Bologna–Naples–Villa San Giovanni. These services operate from special railway stations and are generally bookable at the departure station. Owners must travel on the same train. The documents required are the log-book, valid driving licence with Italian translation, Green Card insurance and national identity plate fixed to the rear of the vehicle. For more information on routes, contact the Italian State Tourist Office (see address section). For more information on required documentation and traffic regulations in Italy, see Travel - Internal section. Coach: Eurolines run coach services from the UK to the following destinations: Bologna, Florence, Milan, Padua, Rome, Turin, Venice and Verona. For information on timetables and fares, call Eurolines in the UK (tel: (08705) 143219; web site: http://www.eurolines.co.uk).


Travel - Internal

AIR: Alitalia (AZ) and other airlines run services to all the major cities. There are over 30 airports. For details, contact the airlines direct or ENIT, the Italian State Tourist Office (see address section).

SEA: Italy’s principal ports are Venice, Genoa, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina, Cagliari, Bari, Pescara, Ancona, Trieste, Palermo, Catania, Livorno and Brindisi. A number of car and passenger ferries operate throughout the year linking Italian ports. Ferries: Regular boat and hydrofoil services run to the islands of Capri, Elba, Giglio, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. There are also some links along the coast.

RAIL: There are nearly 16,000km (9400 miles) of track in the country, of which over half is electrified. The Italian State Railways (FS) (web site: http://www.fs-on-line.com ) runs a nationwide network at very reasonable fares, calculated on the distance travelled, and there are a number of excellent reductions.

Arrving in Rome:  There is a good train connections between the International Airport Fumicini and the train station “Roma Termini”.

A variety of tickets offering travel at a reduced rate are available:
Italy Railcard: Tickets offer either 8, 15, 21 or 30 days unlimited travel over the entire network of the Italian State Railways. Holders are entitled to unlimited travel on any Intercity or Eurocity train and on any ‘Eurostar Italia’ train upon payment of a small supplement. Only people not normally resident in Italy are eligible to buy this ticket; passports are required for ticket bookings. Prices vary from £128 (8 days 2nd class) to £328 (30 days 1st class).
Italy Flexicard: Valid for either 4, 8 or 12 days travel within a period of one month. Conditions are the same as for the Italy Railcard (see above). Prices range from £96 (4 days 2nd class) to £262 (12 days 1st class).
Kilometric Card: Valid for five people travelling together as a group or individually over a distance of maximum 3000km (1875 miles) or 20 separate journeys, whichever comes first. For children aged 4-14, half the kilometres are counted. The pass is valid for 2 months from the date of the first journey; tickets must be validated before boarding the train. Prices vary from £88 (2nd class) to £150 (1st class).
There are also reductions for larger parties: 20% off for 6-24 persons, 30% off for 25 persons or more. There are also several local railway companies, most of whom run short-distance trains on narrow-gauge track. On Sicily, frequent services run from Palermo and Catania/Siracusa to mainland destinations via the Messina train ferries. Local trains also run from Palermo to Agrigento and Catania. On Sardinia, several daily trains run from Cagliari to Porto Torres and Olbia. For further information, contact Railchoice (tel: (020) 7939 9915; fax: (020) 7939 9916; e-mail: sales@railchoice.co.uk; web site: http://www.railchoice.co.uk).

ROAD: There are more than 300,000km (185,500 miles) of roads in Italy, including over 6000km (3700 miles) of motorway which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the Salerno–Reggio Calabria, Palermo–Catania and Palermo–Mazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 1200-1500. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times.

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, 90/110kph (55/65mph) on country roads, 130kph (80mph) on motorways. Undipped headlights are prohibited in towns and cities, but are compulsory when passing through tunnels. All vehicles must carry a red warning triangle, available at border posts. Note: Fines for speeding and other driving offences are on-the-spot and particularly heavy. Breakdown service: In case of breakdown on any Italian road, dial 116 at the nearest telephone box. Tell the operator where you are, your plate number and type of car and the nearest Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) office will be informed for immediate assistance.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Visitors must carry their log-book, which must either be in their name as owner or must have the owner’s written permission to drive the vehicle. Customs documents for the temporary importation of motor vehicles (also aircraft and pleasure-boats) have been abolished. Bus: Good coach services run between towns and cities and there are also extensive local buses, including good services on Sicily and Sardinia. In more remote areas, buses will usually connect with rail services. Taxi: Services are available in and between all cities. Car hire: Self-drive hire is available in most cities and resorts. Many international and Italian firms operate this service with different rates and conditions. With the larger firms it is possible to book from other countries through the car hire companies, their agents or through the air companies. Generally, small local firms offer cheaper rates, but cars can only be booked locally. Many car rental agencies have booths at the airport or information in hotels. Avis has offices in Rome at 38 Via Sardegna (tel: (06) 42 82 47 28; fax: (06) 42 01 02 82) or 1229 Via Tiburtina (tel: (06) 413 0812; fax: (06) 413 1414). Hertz are located at Ciampino Airport (tel: (06) 79 34 06 16; fax: (06) 79 34 00 95). Many special-rate fly/drive deals are available for Italy.

DOCUMENTATION: Visitors must either carry an international Green Card for their car or motor vehicle (also for boats) or other insurance. A UK driving licence and EU pink format licences are valid in Italy but green-coloured licences must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Motorcycles no longer require customs documents, but refer to the customs regulations above. A driving licence or a motorcycle driving licence is required for motorcycles over 49cc. Passengers are required by law to wear seat belts.

URBAN: All the big towns and cities (Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Genoa and Venice) have good public transport networks.

UNDERGROUND: In Rome there are two underground lines – Metropolitana A from Via Ottaviano via Termini station to Via Anagnina and also connecting with the new Ottaviano-San Pietro link; and Metropolitana B, which runs between Termini Station, via Exhibition City (EUR) (Via Laurentina) and then onwards to Rebibbia. Both day and monthly passes are available. Line B was expanded considerably at the beginning of the 1990s, when 10 new stations were added to its network. Line A has been expanded much more recently to include 5 new stations via the Ottaviano-San Pietro connection. Milan also has an underground system, with tickets usable on both underground and bus. Tram: There is a 28km (17-mile) network consisting of eight routes in Rome; Milan, Naples and Turin also have tram services. Bus: Services operate in all main cities and towns; in Rome, the network is extensive and complements the underground and tram systems. The fare structure is integrated between the various modes. Buy a flat-fare ticket or a weekly pass in advance from a roadside or station machine. Information is available from the ATAC booth in front of the Termini station. Trolleybuses also run in a number of other towns. In larger cities, fares are generally pre-purchased from machines or shops. Bus fares – generally at a standard rate per run – can be bought in packets of five or multiples and are fed into a stamping machine on boarding the bus. Taxi: Available in most towns and cities. In Rome they are relatively expensive, with extra charges for night service, luggage and taxis called by telephone. All charges are listed on a rate card displayed in the cab with an English translation. Taxis can only be hailed at strategically located stands or by telephone. Visitors should avoid taxis that are not metered. A 10% tip is expected by taxi drivers and this is sometimes added to the fare for foreigners.

CITY TOURS: Rome: Run by many travel agencies, these tours allow first-time visitors to get a general impression of the main sights and enable them to plan further sightseeing. Information is available from the local tourist office. Horse-drawn carriages are available in Rome. Charges are high. In Venice, privately hired boats and gondolas are available, as well as a public ferry service.

JOURNEY TIMES: The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Rome to other major cities/towns in Italy.

 

Climate

Summer is hot, especially in the south. Spring and autumn are mild with fine, sunny weather. Winter in the south is much drier and warmer than in northern and central areas. Mountain regions are colder with heavy winter snowfalls.



Country dialling code: 39. The 0 preceding the area code should not be omitted.