Italy is one of the biggest travel destinations in Europe. Millions of tourists and travellers visit its many cities, including the eternal Rome, the romantic Venice, stylish Milan, and more. The country is shaped like a high-heeled boot, and is one of the countries in the Mediterranean region.
Italy can boast for having more Unesco World Heritage Sites than any other country on earth. In addition, it is famous for its cuisine and its many ancient monuments.
The climate of Italy differs from the extreme north to the extreme south. The wettest months are October to December, and the north receives the highest rainfall.
The following is the average maximum and minimum temperature of selected cities in Italy:
Bologna: Minimum (Jan) 2°C; Maximum (Jul, Aug) 23°C; Average 13°C
Florence: Minimum (Jan) 5°C; Maximum (Jul) 24°C; Average 14°C
Milan: Minimum (Jan) 1°C; Maximum (Jul) 22°C; Average 11°C
Pisa: Minimum (Jan) 6°C; Maximum (Aug) 23°C; Average 14°C
Rome: Minimum (Jan, Feb) 8°C; Maximum (Jul, Aug) 23°C; Average 15°C
Venice: Minimum (Jan) 2°C; Maximum (Jul, Aug) 22°C; Average 12°C
What to wear in Italy
Foreigners to Italy often comment that the Italians dress smartly, especially in cities such as Milan. For practical purposes, pack lightweight clothing for summer, unless you are going to the Italian Alps. The temperature guide above provides an indication of what you should be wearing to feel comfortable at different times of the year.
Getting into Italy
The main entry point for tourists to Italy are Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples, Pisa, Venice and Turin.
Arriving in Rome
Rome is served by two airports, the Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and the smaller Ciampino International Airport (CIA).Both airports are managed by ADR, or Aeroporti di Roma, http://www.adr.it/.
Getting out of Fiumicino Airport
by Leonardo Express Train: Ticket costs 11.00 euro. Train goes to Roma Termini station, and takes 30 minutes. Get your ticket stamped in the yellow validation machine before using it. The ticket expires 90 minutes after validation.
by Metropolitan Train: Ticket costs 5.50 euro, disembark at Tiburtina Station or Ostiense Station.
by Terravision buses, http://www.terravision.it/: Ticket costs 9.00 euro one way or 15.00 euro return. Journey takes 70 minutes to Roma Termini station.
by taxi. Fixed fare between Fiumicino Airport and city centre is 40.00 euro each way, fee for luggage is 1.00 euro each.
Getting out of Ciampino Airport
by Terravision buses, http://www.terravision.it/: Ticket costs 8.00 euro one way or 13.50 euro return. Journey takes app. 40 minutes to Roma Termini station.
by Sit Bus Shuttle, http://www.sitbusshuttle.it/: Ticket costs 6.00 euro one way or 10.00 euro return. Journey takes app. 40 minutes to Roma Termini station.
by Schiaffini buses, http://www.schiaffini.com/: Operates buses to the Anangina metro station, 1.20 euro one way, and to the Ciampino local train station, also 1.20 euro one way. Journey takes 45 minutes for each.
by taxi. Ignore touts (may turn out to be an expensive option) and go straight to taxi stand. Fare using the meter between Campino Airport and city centre is approximately 30.00 euro each way. Campino is outside Rome city limits. The fare for the first 10 minutes is in Zone 2. Once taxi enters the ring highway, make sure the driver changes the fare to Zone 1.
The citizens of Australia, Britain, Canada, the United States and EU countries do not need a vis to visit Italy. For citizens of other countrys, please check with the Embassy of Italy in your country. Of the aforementioned countries, you need to have a passport with at least 3-month validity. Nationals of EU need only produce proof of EU citizenship in the form of a valid national identity card.
Where to stay in Italy
The following are hostels and budget accommodation which you can book in various cities and towns in the Italy. Alternatively, you can also use the Budget Accommodation Guide to help you look for suitable budget accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check Alitalia, www.alitalia.com for domestic flights within Italy. To explore Italy by train, check out the Trenitalia website, www.trenitalia.com. It is a great way to see Italy independently. Trenitalia has also made available the Trenitalia Pass, which allows you three to ten days of unlimited travel on the Italian rail network, over a span of two months. It also provides discounts on selected ferry services, hotels and other special offers. In addition, check out Rail Europe, www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail for other unlimited rail travel possibilities in Italy.
Termini Station, named after the ancient Roman baths, is the main railway station in Rome. It is one of the largest stations in Europe, with 29 platforms. However, it is not open 24 hours a day, and in fact, is locked up every night from 12:30 am to 4:30am. Trains arriving in Rome during those wee hours of the day uses the Tiburtina station, which is the second-largest in Rome, and one being developed to cater to high-speed trains.
Where to go in Italy
The major cities in Italy are listed in alphabetical order as follows. We are in the process of documenting the sights in and around each of these travel destinations, and will add them to earthdocumentary as soon as they are ready:
Bologna
Florence
Genoa
Milan
Naples
Palermo
Pisa
Rome
Siena
Turin
Venice
Verona
Things to see and do in Italy
The following is a selection of things to see and do while in Italy.
In Rome, visit the Colosseum, the only sight in Italy recently voted as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World
Make a trip to the Vatican City and visit the St Peter's Basilica, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Still in Rome, make a trip to the Trevi Fountain, make a wish and throw a coin into the waters - and you're guaranteed to return to Rome
In Pisa, visit the famous leaning tower and have a shot taken with it
Make a pilgrimage to the birthplace of pizza - Naples
Go for a shopping spree - or just window shopping - at the most stylish city in Italy, Milan.
Be absorbed by Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan
For a bit of ancient history, make a trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum, to learn how these two towns were consumed by nature's rage in the form of a volcanic eruption
Explore the nooks and crannies of Venice, cross its many bridges, take gondola rides, visit St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
Italy uses the Euro, €. Banknotes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 while coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Banking hours differ between cities but are generally Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 1:30pm and 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
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