Bellissima your complete Italian travel guide Ground Floor, 140 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011 - Australia Ph +61 2 9357 2561 - Fax +61 2 8356 9853 [email protected] www.enit.it f.com/Italiantouristoffice .com/Italiantouristoffice t.com/ItaliantouristO .com/ItaliantouristO www.italia.it 1 2 Contents General outline......................................4 Exploring Italy........................................6 The regions............................................8 Temperatures......................................10 UNESCO World heritage list..................12 Major events.......................................14 Special interest museums...................20 Flea markets.......................................22 Means of transport..............................26 Driving distances.................................28 Driver’s licence....................................29 Accommodation............................... ...30 Getting married....................................32 More to experience / explore.................36 Tourist cards........................................38 Frequently asked questions.................42 Useful Phrases....................................43 Embassies & organisations.................44 Useful websites...................................46 Welcome to the first leg of your trip to Italy! The pages of this magazine will provide you with useful information to plan your trip, whether it involves a 24 hour day of non-stop sightseeing, shopping, tours and partying or simply relaxing in a hot natural spring in the countryside while a homemade meal accompanied by authentic local wines awaits you. Every day will provide a unique experience that will live in your memory forever. Italian Government Tourist Office Australia & New Zealand Ground Floor, 140 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011 Tel: +61 2 9357 2561 Fax +61 2 8356 9853 Email: [email protected] www.enit.it www.italia.it www.facebook.com/Italiantouristoffice www.twitter.com/ItaliantouristO Opening times to the public: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm except Australian public holidays Note: The information contained in this booklet is as current as possible at time of going to press (June 2013). The Italian Government Tourist Office is not responsible for changes to schedules of services, rates and dates of events. You should check this information at time of departure. It is advisable to only obtain information from secure official websites. All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other means without the prior written consent of the publisher. 3 GENERAL OUTLINE Area: 301,338 square km’s Population: 60,380.912 Capital: Rome (2,570,829 inhabitants) GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE TIME ZONE There is a great deal of variety in the landscape of Italy, although it is characterised predominantly by two mountain chains: the Alps and the Apennines. The former extends over 1,000 kms in a latitudinal direction. It consists of great massifs in the western sector, with peaks rising to over 4,000 m, including Monte Bianco 4,810 m, Monte Rosa 4,635 m and Cervino (the Matterhorn) 4,478 m. The height of the chain is lower in the eastern sector, although the mountains are still of an extraordinary beauty (the Dolomites). At the foot of the Alpine arc stretches the vast Po Valley plain, cut down the middle by the course of the Po River, the longest in Italy (652 km), which has its source in the Pian di Re (Monviso Mountain) and flows into the Adriatic Sea through a magnificent delta. The Alpine foothills are characterised by large lakes: Lake Maggiore and the lakes of Como, Iseo and Garda. The Apennines form the backbone of the peninsula stretching in a wide arc, which is concave to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Corno Grande (Gran Sasso d’Italia), at 2,912m, is the highest peak. A large part of central Italy is characterised by a green hilly landscape, through which the rivers Arno and Tiber run. The southern section of the chain pushes out to the east forming the Gargano peninsula and, sloping down further south, the Salentine peninsula. It then proceeds to the west with the Calabrian and Peloritano massif stretching across the Strait of Messina into Sicily. The main islands are Sicily, rising up to the great volcanic cone of Etna (3,342m), and Sardinia. The main archipelagos are the Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea, the Tuscan Archipelago, the Pontine Islands, the Aeolian Islands and the Egadi Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 7,500 km of coastline is predominantly rocky, although shaped into numerous bays and wide gulfs. A low coastline is found alongside the plains of Tuscany, Latium, Campania and, especially, in the upper Adriatic. Italy is in the Central European time zone (CET) which equals GMT plus 1 hour. Summer time (+ 1 hour) is in force from the end of March until the end of September. However each year, from approximately the last week of March until the last week of October Italy adopts daylight saving time and advances the clock one hour. From the end of March until the end of October Australia is eight hours ahead of Italy, while from the end of October until the end of March the time difference increases to ten hours. New Zealand is ten hours ahead of Italy, increased to 12 hours from the end of October until the end of March. FORM OF GOVERNMENT At the end of World War II, Italy became a Republic with a parliamentary form of Government. The President, who is the head of state, serves a 7 year term in office and may be re-elected. Italy is divided into 20 regions, of which 15 have an ordinary statute (a statute approved by parliament) and the other 5 (Valle d’Aosta, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicily and Sardinia) a special statute approved by a constitutional law. VISA REQUIREMENTS Australian and New Zealand visitors travelling on a valid Australian and New Zealand passport are allowed to enter Italy without a visa for tourism for a maximum period of 90 days however, the passport must be current when returning from Italy. Visitors are required to register with the Foreigners Bureau of the nearest Police Station (Questura) within eight working days from the date of your arrival to obtain a permit of stay (Permesso di Soggiorno). For further enquiries on other types of visas, please contact the Visa Office at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your city. 4 CURRENCY Since 1 January 2002 the Euro € has been effectively circulating in Italy and is now the only currency. Notes are issued for €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. Coins are divided in Eurocents as follows: €0.01, €0.02, €0.05, €0.10, €0.20, €0.50, €1, and €2. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1st January (New Year’s Day), 6th January (Epiphany), Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 25th April (Liberation Day), 1st May (Labour Day), 17th March (Unification of Italy), 2nd June (Anniversary of the Republic), 15th August (Assumption), 1st November (All Saints’ Day), 8th December (Immaculate Conception), 25th December (Christmas Day), 26th December (Boxing Day). Each city celebrates a public holiday on its ‘Saint day’. VACCINATION & WATER No vaccinations are required to enter Italy. Tap water is safe to drink. Water from drinking fountains is safe unless there is a sign “Acqua non potabile”. You may see this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc. CLIMATE The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to the distance from the sea or the mountains. Winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central mountains; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicily. Summer is hot and dry, but sea breezes on the coast and in the mountains make it pleasantly cool. Winter is ideal for skiing and in summer beaches and lake resorts have a busy season. LANGUAGES The official language is Italian. However there are many different dialects, which vary considerably from region to region. In some areas they are considered separate languages like Sardinian, Friulan and Ladin. German is also spoken in the north close to the border with Switerland and Austria and French close to the border with France. HEALTH & INSURANCE TAX To bring medicines into Italy a certificate issued by a doctor is required indicating that the medicine for personal use only (a translation into Italian is advisable). A reciprocal agreement exists between Australia and Italy regarding Health Assistance, which covers Australian citizens (or a person who is permitted to reside indefinitely in Australia – people covered by Medicare), up to a period of six months from the date of entry into Italy. According to EU law, non-EU residents can obtain a refund from the sales tax (IVA/GST) already included in the price of the goods purchased in Italy. The goods must be for personal use and exported, unused, when exiting the country. The total value of the goods purchased must exceed the value of € 180,00. To obtain the refund you must purchase from outlets that offer ‘duty free’ facilities. Before leaving the store make sure you have the appropriate document required for a GST refund, (which includes the details of the purchase). The document must be kept together with the receipt. If you are leaving Italy headed for a country outside the EU, you must obtain a stamp, on the above mentioned document at the Italian Customs Office (Dogana – Ufficio Viaggiatori) located either at the airport, at the border (if you are travelling by road or train) or at the sea-port, by presenting the relevant goods (still unused) and the passport. The stamp by Customs is required to certify that the goods are being exported. Do not use your purchased item before showing them to the Customs offices. Visitors to Italy, as well as all other persons, are required to always obtain a receipt after purchasing goods or paying for services. In order to avoid paying the fines laid down by Italian law, foreign tourists must ask for these receipts. You might be asked by a taxation officer (Guardia di Finanza) to show the receipt immediately after you leave the shop. Failure to do so may result in a fine. The Italian Public Health Service provides, through local health centres, medical treatment to Australian visitors at hospitals and clinics that are part of the health service, or at authorised medical centres, upon presentation of their passport and possibly an Australian Medicare card. It is important to remember that if you need to be admitted to hospitals urgently you should advise the hospital staff that you wish to be treated under the Australian-Italy Health Agreement. There is no reciprocal agreement between New Zealand and Italy. For Further information please contact: The National Prescribing Service for medicines - 1300 888763 Medicare: 1800 500 147 TIPPING Tipping is not expected, however when good service warrants it, leaving a 10% tip would be appreciated. The same applies in bars. Porters at major hotels will expect a tip. It isn’t common to tip taxi drivers. ALCOHOL You can bring in 2 litres up to 14% alcohol and 1 litre above 14% alcohol. POST OFFICES Post Offices are generally open from 08:00/08:30 to 18:30/19:00 from Monday to Friday, Saturday from 08:00/08:30 to 12:00/13:00. Stamps (francobolli) can be purchased at any post office and any authorised tobacconist. Goods sent by Parcel Post to Italy as a gift or for personal use of the receiver up to a value of EURO 45, are exempt from Customs Duty. Special concessions are available for certain goods during the Christmas period sent to private addresses as gift packages. Alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, coffee and tea are subject to limited quantities. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Emergency aid service 113 Carabinieri (army corp which is also a police force) 112 Fire Brigade 115 Guardia di Finanza 117 Ambulance 118 Australian Embassy in Rome 06 852 721 New Zealand Embassy in Rome 06 8537501 (International code for Italy from Australia is 001139) (International code for Italy from New Zealand is 0039) (International code for Australia from Italy is 0061) (International code for New Zealand from Italy is 0064). SHOPPING Opening hours of shops vary from region to region. In general shops are open from 09:00 to 12:30/13:00 and from 15:30/16:00 to 19:30 from Monday to Sunday. They are usually closed on Monday morning. Department stores and shops in tourist locations may remain open all day and, sometimes, until late in the evening. SMOKING Smoking is not allowed in places that can generally be defined as ‘public’ (Airports, Post Office, Banks, Hospitals, Cinemas, Theatres, Shops, Museums, etc.). Smoking is not allowed in restaurants and bars unless they have separate allocated areas for smokers. Anyone smoking in the prohibited area risks a fine between €25 to €250. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES The electrical current in Italy is AC, the cycle is 50 Hz and the voltage is 220. Check the local voltage with the hotel before using electrical appliances. Plugs have two roundpronged plugs, making an adapter plug necessary. CREDIT CARDS All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. 5 EXPLORING ITALY Rome is called the Eternal City because of its place in the history of mankind. Rome, of course, has been the centre of Christianity since St. Peter first established the Christian Church. And before that, with the establishment of the Roman Empire, it was the capital of the western world. 2,500 years of history are crowded into its maze of alleys, streets and squares: from ancient catacombs to 17th century palaces, 15th-century churches, and 20th-century monuments and modern buildings. After Rome, the other main regional capitals of Italy are: Milan, Turin, Genoa, Venice, Trieste, Trento, Bologna, Florence, Ancona, Perugia, L’Aquila, Matera, Campobasso, Naples, Bari, Palermo and Cagliari. These cities are important not only for their size and population but also for their history; for the fame and wealth of their monuments and museums; for all the natural beauties; for the intensity of their social and economic life; for the traffic which is centered in them; and because of all the great tourist roads and railways passing through them. Each of Italy’s chief cities jealously guards its own character, its citizens taking such special pride in their history, art, commerce, food and life that they are the most enthusiastic host. Sprawling Milan is the financial, banking, fashion and design capital of Italy and an art and culture centre. Turin (Torino), at the foot of the Alps, is outstanding for automatic manufacturing and baroque architecture, Genoa, birthplace of Columbus, has been Italy’s chief seaport since Roman times. Venice floats dream-like on canals and lagoons. Trieste is a bustling and attractive seaport. Trento is a historic old city that has had many battles fought for it. Bologna, centre of wealth, learning and art, is famous for its university and cuisine. Florence, “the cradle of the Renaissance”, is an art centre to rival any in the world. Ancona, capital of the Adriatic region of the Marche, is a beautifully located seaside resort city. Perugia, hilltop queen of the Tiber plain, is the headquarters of the University for Foreigners, founded in the 13th century. L’Aquila is a mountain centre in the Apennines. Naples, on its justly famous blue bay, is the great city of the south. Bari, where the bones of St. Nicholas lie, is a modern city surrounding a tiny medieval town. Palermo, capital of Sicily, merges Norman and Arab history and culture. Cagliari, chief city of Sardinia, bears the stamp of a long and varied history under Romans, Carthaginians, Spanish and French. ART CITIES The great artistic legacy of Italy, unequalled anywhere in the world, is not only distributed throughout the major cities and their famous museums; one can say in truth that there is no Italian city, however modest, which does not contain and cherish some share of this wealth of art. Tuscany, which is only one region of Italy, by itself possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage. Practically all major styles of Western architecture can be found in Italy. 6 MUSEUMS Opening and closing times of museums vary according to season. It is best to obtain information about hours of operation when you arrive in town. There are approximately 3,642 museums, art galleries and archaeological sites in Italy. Practically every Italian town has its own museums and art galleries. Some of Italy’s most famous museums remain open daily until 10pm. Among the 16 that enjoy this new status are the Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery and the Pitti Palace with the Galleria Palatina, located in Florence; the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Venice; Palazzo e Pinacoteca Brera and Santa Maria delle Grazie (da Vinci’s Last Supper) in Milan; the Egyptian Museum (Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze) in Turin; in Naples, Palazzo Capodimonte with Pinacoteca, the Archeological Museum and the Royal Palace. In Rome, extended hours apply at the Villa Borghese, the Castel Sant’Angelo on the Tevere (Tiber), Palazzo Altemps and the Museum of Modern Art. A visit to some museums, sites and monuments can be booked in advance on specific days. For a group, pre-booking may be compulsory (for example, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Leonardo’s Last Supper in Milan). MOUNTAINS The Alps are the highest and most fascinating mountains in Europe, separating Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Almost all of the sunny southern slopes are in Italian territory. The highest peaks include: Monte Bianco, Monte Rosa, the Cervino and the Grand Paradiso. They are all located in the Aosta Valley which is unique for its mountain climbing facilities and winter sports centres. Among the most famous localities are Cervinia and Courmayeur. The Aosta Valley has magnificent natural scenery, poetic traditions, monuments and castles. The Dolomites: To the east between the valleys of the Adige and the Piave rivers, lie the Dolomites – the most fantastic and spectacular of the entire Alpine range. The main groups include the Pale di San Martino, the Latemar, the Catinaccio, the Sassolungo, the Sella, and the Marmolada. This area is an immense park of great natural beauty. Famous resorts include: Merano, Madonna di Campiglio, La Mendola, Canazei, Ortisei, San Martino di Castrozza and Cortina d’Ampezzo which can be found in the valleys, on the gentle uplands and beside Alpine lakes. Thanks to modern transport facilities, cable cars and chair lifts, visitors can reach the highest and most celebrated lookout points with ease. The Apennines run from the hills of Cadibona (near Savona) down into Calabria. They reach their highest point in the Gran Sasso, forming a magnificent winter sports area. This mountain chain counts a range of high tops, like Monte Amiata in Tuscany, Terminillo in Lazio, Gran Sasso and Maiella in Abruzzo, Monte Faito between Naples and Salerno, Monte Serino and Monte Pollino in Basilicata. The mountains of Sicily and Sardinia repeat the natural beauties of the Alps and the Apennines. Etna, an active volcano on Sicily’seastern coast epitomises Italy’s extraordinary contrast of nature. SPA The restorative powers of mineral waters and mud baths that bubble up from Italian springs have been around since Roman times. Many spas have become fashionable resort centres, with excellent hotels, casinos, golf courses and theatres. The best known spas are Aqui, St Vincent and Lurisa in Piedmont; San Pellegrino, Salice Terme, Bagni di Bormio and Sirmione in Lombardy; Abano and Montegrotto in Veneto; Merano in Alto Adige; Roncegno and Levico in Trentino; Salsomaggiore in Emilia; Montecatini and Chianchiano in Tuscany; Fiuggi, close to Rome; Agnano, Castellamare di Stabia, near Naples, Ischia Porto on the island of Ischia and Sciacca in Sicily. SEAS Italy’s coastline measures 5,310 miles. Rocky, wooded cliffs are indented by an infinite variety of beaches and bays. To the west lies the Ponente which includes famous seaside resorts like San Remo, Alassio and Varazze. The eastern Riviera is famous for the towns of Nervi, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Sestri Levante. LAKES The three largest lakes are Maggiore, Como and Garda. These, along with the smaller lakes of Lugano, Iseo and Idro make up a second Riviera of resorts with fine hotels and villas providing a busy season of swimming, sailing, golf and tennis from early spring to late autumn. Jewel-like minor lakes scattered among the valleys of the Alps include Caldonazzo, Molveno, Levico, Carezza, Misurina and Santa Croce. Boating, swimming and fishing are specialties of the lakes in central and southern Italy: Trasimeno in Umbria, Bolsena, Bracciano, Nemi, Albano and Sabaudia in Lazio; Lucrino and Fusaro near Naples; and Varano and Lesina in Apulia. 7 THE REGIONS AOSTA VALLEY Andrea Palladio, has also been granted UNESCO status. Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy. Here we can find the highest peaks in the Alps: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the king of them all, Mont Blanc, which at 15,781 feet is the highest mountain in Europe, the roof of the old Continent. Famous all over Europe and the destination for anyone who loves skiing, trekking, snowboarding and ice skating. This region offers amazing natural attractions, but other cultural and traditional treasures also abound such as medieval castles. TRENTINO - ALTO ADIGE PIEDMONT Piedmont is a land of mountains. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy. Yet, nature is only one of the many attractions, this region has many other facets: from Turin, Italy’s first capital, with its history, remarkable cultural heritage and slow food, to other cities such as Cuneo, Novara and Alessandria. LIGURIA The region features impressive mountains and lovely rolling hills, colored by the green Mediterranean turf and overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Genoa, a multi-faceted city that combines the ancient with the modern, the past with the present, colors with shadows. Cinque Terre, in addition to Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto are another UNESCO Sites in Liguria. Those who visit these places will hardly forget the charm and atmosphere here. LOMBARDY The region has much to offer in terms of its natural, cultural and architectural perspective. The mountains, the plains and grand lakes of Lombardy form the perfect backdrop for a vacation filled with nature, athletics, rest and routes for discovering the territory. Mantua, once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family, and Sabbioneta, the defining “ideal city” of the Italian Renaissance. Still in Milan, a major architectural masterpiece is the renowned Teatro alla Scala. The imposing Duomo (Cathedral) is absolutely extraordinary, constructed in white marble and dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary. Lake Garda, just like Lakes Como and Iseo, ensures a restful and entertaining holiday, with the chance to sail, windsurf, water ski, canoe, cycle, trek, boat and take excursions to the surrounding areas. VENETO The typical scenery of Veneto’s coast is the Venetian lagoon, and, right on this very lagoon stands perhaps the most unique city in the entire world - Venice. Veneto expresses an extraordinary variety in its scenery: from the Dolomites, dipped in the crimson shades of the sunset, to the eastern shore of Lake Garda and Peschiera del Garda, Torri del Benaco and other tourist destinations. Verona’s historic center, a unique blend of the Renaissance, Medieval and Roman architectonic styles. Nature is another one of the Veneto’s excellencies: the Dolomites. Padua, the city of culture par excellence, offers its visitors many attractions. Vicenza, characterised by the classical style of architect 8 Trentino Alto Adige is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, and is best known for the beauty of its peaks. This setting encloses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: magnificent snowcapped mountaintops, woods, wide valleys, streams, lakes, the enchanting play of light between the spires of the Dolomites, typical villages with soaring bell towers, and the myriad shades of unadulterated nature. Moreover, this region is the keeper of incredible artistic treasures, monuments and architectural works that combine Gothic from Austria with that of the Italian Renaissance. FRIULI - VENEZIA GIULIA This region is situated in Italy’s northeast and borders Slovenia and Austria. Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing many different landscapes. Trieste conceals innumerable beauties - old cafés, neoclassical buildings along the Grand Canal and other monuments revealing the fascination of this central European city and its glorious past. Another unmissable destination is cosmopolitan Gorizia, with its Medieval castle that recalls centuries of history. Udine is no less charming, with its ancient castle and the precious works of Giambattista Tiepolo. Finally, Pordenone is well worth a visit, with its ancient buildings and the Corso, lined by typical long arcades. TUSCANY Its landscape, artistic heritage and stand-out cities make Tuscany an unquestioned protagonist of international tourism. In this region, the most typical sceneries of the region are those that merge the beauty of nature with the millenary work of man. The charm of Florence is evident along the Arno River, on the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and in the workshops of artisans that liven up the lanes of the old town. Other extraordinary destinations include Siena, with its Medieval town center, Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, Arezzo, Lucca, with its city walls, San Gimignano, the city of towers, just to mention a few. EMILIA ROMAGNA The diversity between the mountains and sea offers visitors to Emilia Romagna breathtaking views, in addition to beauty for both the eyes and spirit, with a mixture of the earthy colours, the aromas and the fresh sea air. Not to mention that Emilia Romagna is a hotbed for music, cinema and art appreciated nationally and internationally. This is the land of Verdi’s novels and Giovanni Pascoli’s poetry, as well as Fellini’s unmistakable cinema - a director who became a legend through his many masterpieces that come to life in this, his native region. In Emilia Romagna, one can enjoy amazing views anywhere, and the list of places to choose from is endless. The provinces of the region are: Bologna (the region’s capital), Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini. UMBRIA THE MARCHES Surprising and wonderful in its diversity, this region of Central Italy, with its winding yet symmetrical form, shows off its multi-faceted beauty through cliffs and caves that overlook unforgettable beaches, hills that are steeped in history, and rich traditions and cultures, all set against a backdrop of mountains The Marches protects its natural environment through its National and Regional nature reserves, the oases of the WWF reserves, and the Monti Sibillini and Monti della Laga National Parks are peerless in their scenery and trekking offerings. LAZIO This is the cradle of occidental civilization and Christian culture, of lakes and legends, of thermal spas and history, of ancient roads and verdant hills. This region has different yet complementary features, unblemished sceneries and spectacular horizons among the towns. Visitors can enjoy incredibly beautiful views, like Villa Borghese in Rome, the Italian capital. CAMPANIA The mild climate, the beauty of the coasts, the richness of its art and history, and the love for food make Campania the fascinating territory that it is. The journey begins with the sea, the region’s uncontested queen, with its intense colors, its coasts that are crawling with bays, coves and rock faces. This region is made even more charming by the flourishing Mediterranean vegetation that alternates with its small, charming towns that narrate the history and traditions of Campania and make any stay here unforgettable. Who can forget Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and the towns of the Amalfi Coast. BASILICATA One does not stumble across this region accidentally but chooses to visit it in search of a new experience, plunging into places where silence, colours, scents and flavours remove visitors from the frenzy and stress of modern life and offers unique sensations. The woods and forests that cover the mountains are dotted with small and charming villages, some even at an altitude of 1000 mt, where pure air, genuine flavours and the beauties of nature are combined with history satisfying every curiosity. ABRUZZO Abruzzo is located in central Italy and stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, on a mostly mountainous and wild terrain. The route that spans from the Gran Sasso down to the sea crosses territories that are rich in history, traditions and art that never ceases to surprise visitors. Thanks to its varied landscape, Abruzzo offers a number of different vacation categories, all exciting and surprising. Everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. It includes Lake Trasimeno, central Italy’s largest lake. The area still has the remains of Etruscan settlements. The charm of Umbria derives from its fusion of art, nature, peace and calm, the inspirations behind its various localities that comprise Renaissance masterpieces and small Medieval towns embedded in the hills such as Assisi and Gubbio. Then Spoleto, a picturesque town that boasts a thousand-year-old history, still preserves images from the past in its Medieval and Renaissance architecture. APULIA Apulia is a charming region that can be visited all year round and is suspended among nature, history, tradition, tastes and spirituality. Apulia, the spur of the Italian Boot, is an enchanting region that spreads lengthwise along the sea - marvelous beaches that will delight every traveler, from the sandy Torre dell’Orso and Porto Cesario, to the rocky, boulder-encrusted Riviera of Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. The region is famous for the Trulli houses of Alberobello as well as the splendour of Lecce and baroque Bari. CALABRIA Calabria is at the toe of the boot, the extreme south of Italy. The warm climate, the beautiful colours of the sea, rocky coasts that alternate with sandy beaches, a nature that is wild and mysterious, the strong and genuine flavours of local food and the vestiges of its ancient origins make Calabria a unique place that vacationers can enjoy in both winter and summer. The National Parks, which cover most of inland Calabria, are a thrill for nature lovers SARDINIA A voyage over an emerald sea, past characteristic coves and beaches of snowwhite sand … this is Sardinia, an island that strikes its visitors with natural contrasts, the lights and colors of a region that boasts old traditions and a wild and pure nature. The sea reigns over this region with its colours that migrate into the coves, along the coasts, towards the beaches and the most popular resorts. An example is the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) with Porto Cervo set as its gemstone and uniting the history and culture of ancient traditions with a joyful and colourful nightlife. SICILY It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, understood and experienced through a series of itineraries dedicated to areas of interest ranging from nature to history and traditions. The power of the sea, allows for the opportunity to experience the crystal-clear waters of the coasts of San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Cefalù, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, and Ustica, just some of the many places where one can practice sports all year-round. 9 10 MONTHLY TEMPERATURES Italy ALL INCLUSIVE GUIDED GOURMET WALKING HOLIDAYS Outstanding personal service, unique trails, boutique accommodation, small friendly groups, cultural visits and exceptional local food and wine. 03 5755 2307 | [email protected] 13/6/13 1:06 PM www.hedonistichiking.com ATG0543_Bellisima:Layout 1 Page 1 Find us on Facebook Italian tours with a difference… Smaller group touring The Italian Grande – 18 days Italy, the Deep South & Sicily – 18 days 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stops This leisurely paced tour starts with four nights in the magnificent Italian Lakes District visiting Lugano, Locarno, Orte, Lake Maggiore with a cruise on Como to Bellagio. Following two nights in a magnificent Italian castle we enjoy five nights touring Tuscany visiting Florence, the Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, two nights in the Umbrian Hills, and as a finale, three nights on the stunning Amalfi Coast visiting Capri, Amalfi and Positano, before enjoying our last night in Rome. Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo in Sicily we spend 5 nights in the regions of Puglia and Matera - the heel and ankle of Italy - before crossing to the island of Sicily for a further 12 days. Enjoy stays in properties such as the ‘Bee Hive’ Trulli cottages in Alberobello, the ‘Sassi’ caves in Matera and delightful villas. Add special dinners, wine tastings and a host of highlights and you will see how Italy’s deep south and Sicily is quite extraordinary. 11 Genuinely inclusive Quality sightseeing time Charming, authentic hotels Guaranteed group departures Tours designed for Australians Lake Maggiore STRESA 4 Lake Como Lake Garda 2 CASTELBRANDO MILAN 5 To request our Europe 2014 brochure call 1300 135 015 or visit www.albatrosstours.com.au MONTECATINI TERME 2 SPOLETO ROME Mediterranean Sea 1 ITALY Bay of Naples 3 MAIORI 1 ROME Adriatic Sea ITALY CASTEL DEL MONTE MATERA 2 3 ALBEROBELLO LECCE Gulf of Taranto Mediterranean Sea Ionian Sea 2 PALERMO 3 4 TAORMINA MARSALA 2 AGRIGENTO SICILY Lic No TAG 1374_ATG0543 A L B A T R O S S T O U R S , C O M E S H A R E O U R L O V E O F E U R O P E UNESCO World Heritage List Rock Drawings in Valcamonica (1979) Valcamonica has one of the world’s greatest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs – more than 140,000 symbols and figures carved in rock over a period of 8,000 years and depicting themes connected with agriculture, navigation, war and magic. Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci (1980) The refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie forms an integral part of this architectural complex, begun in Milan in 1463 and reworked at the end of the 15th century by Bramante. On the north wall is The Last Supper painted between 1495 and 1497 by Leonardo da Vinci. Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (1980) The World Heritage site includes some of the major monuments of antiquity such as the Forums, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, as well as the religious and public buildings of papal Rome. Historic Centre of Florence (1982) Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Piazza del Duomo, Pisa (1987) The four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the ‘Leaning Tower’) and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century. Historic Centre of Siena (1995) The whole city of Siena, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape. Venice and its Lagoon (1987) The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world’s greatest artists. Historic Centre of San Gimignano (1990) The town was built around 72 tower-houses and were symbols of wealth and power. Only 14 have survived, however, the town has retained its atmosphere and appearance. The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera (1993) This is the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. 12 City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas (1994) The work of Andrea Palladio (1508–80), based on a detailed study of classical Roman architecture, gives the city its unique appearance. Crespi d’Adda (1995) An outstanding example of the 19th- and early 20thcentury ‘company towns’ built in Europe and North America by enlightened industrialists to meet the workers’ needs. Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta (1995, 1999) The completion of this project marked the birth of modern town planning and influenced its subsequent development. Historic Centre of Naples (1995) Naples has retained the imprint of the successive cultures that emerged in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. This makes it a unique site, with a wealth of outstanding monuments. Castel del Monte (1996) When the Emperor Frederick II built this castle near Bari in the 13th century, he imbued it with symbolic significance, as reflected in the location, the mathematical and astronomical precision of the layout and the perfectly regular shape. Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna (1996) Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. The buildings show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and oriental and Western styles. Historic Centre of the City of Pienza (1996) The architect Bernardo Rossellino, applied the principles of his mentor, Leon Battista Alberti. This new vision of urban space was realized in the superb square known as Piazza Pio II and the buildings around it: the Piccolomini Palace, the Borgia Palace and the cathedral. The Trulli of Alberobello (1996) The Trulli, limestone dwellings found in the southern region of Puglia, are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique still in use in this region. 18th Century Caserta Royal Palace with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex (1997) The monumental complex is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, hunting lodges and a silk factory. Archaeological Area of Agrigento (1997) Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C, its supremacy is demonstrated by the remains of the magnificent Doric temples that dominate the ancient town. Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata (1997) When Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it engulfed the two flourishing Roman towns of Pompei, Herculaneum, and many wealthy villas in the area. The wall paintings of the Villa Oplontis at Torre Annunziata give a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthier citizens of the Early Roman Empire. Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua (1997) The world’s first botanical garden was created in Padua in 1545. It still preserves its original layout and continues to serve its original purpose as a centre for scientific research. Cathedral, Civic Tower and main square, Modena (1997) The magnificent 12th-century cathedral is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. With its piazza and soaring tower, it testifies to the faith of its builders and the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it. Amalfi Coast (1997) An area of great physical beauty and natural diversity. It has been intensively settled by human communities since the early Middle Ages. Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) (1997) The layout and disposition of the towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium. Residences of the Royal House of Savoy (1997) This complex of buildings, designed and embellished by the leading architects and artists of the time, radiates out into the surrounding countryside to include many country residences and hunting lodges. Su Nuraxi di Barumini (1997) The complex consists of circular defensive towers in the form of truncated cones built of dressed stone, with corbel-vaulted internal chambers. The complex at Barumini is the finest and most complete example of this remarkable form of prehistoric architecture. Villa Romana del Casale (1997) One of the most luxurious of its kind. It is especially noteworthy for the richness and quality of the mosaics which decorate almost every room. Archaeological Area and Basilica of Aquileia (1998) Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire. Most of it still lies unexcavated beneath the fields, and as such it constitutes the greatest archaeological reserve of its kind. Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological sites of Paestum ,Velia, and the Certosa di Padula (1998) The sanctuaries and settlements along its three east– west mountain ridges portray the area’s historical evolution. Historic Centre of Urbino (1998) The small hill town has preserved its Renaissance appearance to a remarkable extent. Villa Adriana (Tivoli) (1999) An exceptional complex of classical buildings created in the 2nd century A.D. by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites (2000) Its medieval art masterpieces have made Assisi a fundamental reference point for Italian art. City of Verona (2000) Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods, and represents an outstanding example of a military stronghold. Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) (2000) An outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction, and ongoing volcanic phenomena. Villa d’Este, Tivoli (2001) With its palace and garden, it is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture making this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden. Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (2002) The towns were all rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake on or beside towns existing at the time. Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy (2003) The nine Sacred Mountains are groups of chapels and other architectural features created in the late 16th and 17th centuries and dedicated to different aspects of the Christian faith. Monte San Giorgio (2003) The pyramid-shaped, wooded mountain of Monte San Giorgio beside Lake Lugano is regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period. Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia (2004) These two large Etruscan cemeteries reflect different types of burial practices from the 9th to the 1st century BC, and bear witness to the achievements of Etruscan culture. Val d’Orcia (2004) The landscape’s distinctive aesthetics, flat chalk plains out of which rise almost conical hills with fortified settlements on top, inspired many artists. Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica (2005) The site consists of two separate elements, containing outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times. Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli (2006) The first example in Europe of an urban development project parcelled out by a public authority associated to a particular system of ‘public lodging’ in private residences. Mantua and Sabbioneta (2008) Two aspects of Renaissance town planning: Mantua shows the renewal and extension of an existing city, while Sabbioneta represents the implementation of the period’s theories about planning the ideal city. Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes (2008) It brings together two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps through two passes. The Dolomites (2009) They comprise of a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, featuring several beautiful mountain landscapes. Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (2011) 7 groups of important buildings (including fortresses, churches, and monasteries) throughout Italy. Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps (2011) 111 small individual sites encompasses the remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements in and around the Alps built from around 5000 to 500 B.C on the edges of lakes, rivers and wetlands. 13 MAJOR EVENTS Traditional festivals are celebrated in most Italian towns and villages in commemoration of local historical or religious events. The most popular ones are listed here. The dates of traditional festivals may change from year to year. Epiphany Fair in Piazza Navona, Rome (Lazio) January 5th. A fair of toys, sweets, and other presents takes place out in the open among the beautiful Bernini Fountains. Celebration of the Epiphany from the Byzantine Rite, Piana degli Albanesi (Sicily) January 6th. Almond Blossom Festival, Agrigento (Sicily) First half of February, folk festival of song, dance, costumes and fireworks. Sa Sartiglia, Oristano (Sardinia) February 24th to 26th. Medieval procession and jousting of masked knights. Venice Carnival, Venice (Veneto) February/March. Celebrations in costumes, entertainment in streets and squares. Music, mimes and fireworks. Carnival in Viareggio, Viareggio (Tuscany) February/March. Highlight of the Carnival festival is the procession of spectacular and colourful floats. Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), Florence (Tuscany) Easter Sunday. A pyramid of fire works in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the Altar during Mass. Celebration of Holy Week (Easter Week), Assisi (Umbria) Calendimaggio, celebration of spring according to rites dating back to medieval times. Procession of the Mysteries, Taranto (Puglia) Good Friday. Renowned for its costumes and solemnity. Sagra di Sant’Efisio (Festival of St. Efisio), May 1st to 4th. Cagliari (Sardinia) One of the biggest and most colourful processions in the world. Several thousand pilgrims (wearing costumes dating back to 1657) accompany the statue of the saint on foot, carts, and horseback. Palio-San Secondo, Asti (Piedmont) May 2nd. A 700-year old ceremony with a procession in 13th century costumes. Sagra di San Nicola, Bari (Apulia) May 7th. Historic procession in costume. Festa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles), Gubbio (Umbria) May 15th. A procession in local costume where tall shrines are carried to the church on the top of Mount Ingino. Palio dei Balestrieri (Palio of the Archers), Gubbio (Umbria) Last Sunday in May. Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms. Cavalcata Sarda (Sardinian Ride), Sassari (Sardinia) Last Sunday in May. Traditional procession of more than 3,000 people in Sardinian costumes. Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Battle), Pisa (Tuscany) First Sunday in June. Medieval parade and contest. Festa del Giglio (The Lily Festival), Nola (Campania) The Sunday following June 22nd. A colourful procession in costume. Calcio Storico (Historic Soccer Match), Florence (Tuscany) June 24th to 28th. Revival of a 16th century football match in medieval costume. Fireworks display from the terraced gardens overlooking the city. The Palio horse race, Siena (Tuscany) July 2nd and August 16th. Procession and horse race. Participants are members of ancient city districts, competing for the banner (Palio). Colourful medieval pageantry. Feast of Santa Rosalia, Palermo (Sicily) July 10th to 15th. Procession bands, fireworks in honor of the patron saint of the city. Festa De’Noantri, Rome (Lazio) July 19th to 26th. Folklore festival of Old Rome in Trastevere, including a colourful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dance and songs, carnival floats, and fireworks. 14 Il Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer), Venice (Veneto) Third Sunday in July. Procession of gondolas commemorating the end of the Epidemic of 1575. Torneo della Quintana (Joust of the Quintana), Ascoli Piceno (Marche) First Sunday in August. Historical pageant in 15th-century costumes. Palio del Golfo (Palio of the Gulf), La Spezia (Liguria) Second Sunday in August. Rowing contest. Sagra del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer), Nuoro (Sardinia) August 27th to 30th. Colorful procession in Sardinian costumes. Historical Regatta, Venice (Veneto) First Sunday in September. Traditional competition between two-oar racing gondolas and procession of ceremonial boats. Giostra del Saraceno (Joust of the Saracen), Arezzo (Tuscany) First Sunday in September, Tilting contest of the 13th century with knights in armour. Palio dei Balestrieri, Sansepolcro (Tuscany) September 8th. Crossbow palio between Sansepolcro and Gubbio. Medieval contest with costumes and arms. Living Chess Game, Marostica (Veneto) Second weekend in September, in an even-numbered year. The Chess game is played in the town square by living pawns in costume. Giostra della Quintana (Joust of the Quintana), Foligno (Umbria) Second Sunday in September. Revival of a 17th century joust with 600 knights in costume, historical procession. Festival of San Gennaro, Napoli (Campania) September 19th. Religious ceremony honouring the patron saint of the city. Flag Throwing Palio, Asti (Piedmont) Third Sunday in September. Ancient festival with 800 costumed participants, historic procession and horse race. Salone del gusto , slow food, Turin (Piedmont) October. An international food festival that strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine. Eurochocolate, Perugia (Umbria) October. One of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe. It lasts for nine days and is located in the main squares and areas of Perugia. Oh Bej! Oh Bej, Milan (Lombardy) 7-9th December. Milan’s patron saint is celebrated with a beautiful Christmas market filled with sweets and typical products in the area surrounding the church of St. Ambrogio. 15 OTHER MAJOR EVENTS Arezzo: Arezzo Wave (July) www.arezzowave.com Ravello Festival (from June) www.ravellofestival.com Aosta Organ Music Festival (from mid-July to midAugust) www.regione.vda.it/turismo Trieste Operetta festival (July and August) www.teatroverdi-trieste.com Bolzano International Piano Competition Feruccio Busoni (August) www.concorsobusoni.it Urbino Drama and art exhibitions; concerts in the Renaissance Theatre (August) Brescia Piano Festival (May and June) www.festivalmichelangeli.it Catania Music and drama performances at the GreekRoman Theatre (from June to September) JAZZ Umbria Jazz Festival Perugia Umbria Jazz – July www.umbriajazz.com Chamber Music Festival - Cervo (Imperia) (July and August) www.cervo.com IJFO: International Jazz Festivals Organisation www.ijfo.org Gardone Riviera Drama and concerts in the Vittoriale degli Italiani open-air theatre of (July and August). www.vittoriale.it Pescara Pescara Jazz Festival – July www.pescarajazz.com Lucca Sacred Music Festival takes place in the most important churches (April to June) Pavia Concerts in the Certosa (July to September); drama performances in the open air (July to August) Rome Concerts in the Basilica of Massenzio (June through August). Winter season concerts of the new “Parco della Musica”. Winter season concerts of the Accademia Filarmonica Romana. MITO Settembre Musica (September) www.mitosettembremusica.it CONCERTS & BALLET Major symphonic cycles and organized thoughout the year by associations and clubs with the p famous artists. Most major symphonic concert seasons and famous International Ballet Nervi, near Genoa, in July. recitals are music conservatories, articipation of world opera houses have ballet seasons. A Festival is held at OPERA Italy’s opera ancestral home offers visitors a rich choice of operatic seasons throughout most of the year. The Teatro alla Scala of Milan, the Teatro San Carlo of Naples and the Teatro dell’Opera of Rome are world-renowned for technical perfection of performance and detailed magnificence of scenery and costumes. Music and drama festival - Taormina (Messina) (July and August) www.taormina-arte.com Their opera season is usually held from December to June, as do the seasons in Italy’s other major opera houses: Teatro Massimo, Palermo; Teatro Regio, Parma; Teatro Comunale, Florence; Teatro Vincenzo Bellini, Catania; Teatro Comunale, Bologna; Teatro Comunale Verdi, Trieste; Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa; Teatro Regio, Turin; Teatro Lirico, Cagliari. Shorter seasons are presented by the Teatro Filarmonico in Verona, the Teatro Comunale in Ferrara, the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto, the Teatro Valli in Reggio Emilia and other theatres in Italy’s smaller cities. In summer, spectacular open-air opera is presented at the Arena in Verona (June/ August), Teatro all’aperto Puccini in Torre del Lago near Lucca (July/August) and the Arena Sferisterio in Macerata (July/August). During July and August the Teatro Rossetti in Trieste presents an Operetta Festival. 16 The most important Italian festivals of the performing arts are the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (opera, concerts, ballet, drama) in Florence (April to July), the Festival of Two Worlds (opera, concerts, ballet, drama, art exhibitions) in Spoleto (mid-June to mid July), the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro (August), the Ravenna Festival (June/July) and the Opera Festival in Martina Franca in Apulia (end July / August). PALERMO - TEATRO MASSIMO, Piazza G.Verdi, 90138 Palermo. Season events: October/July. e-mail : [email protected] www.teatromassimo.it PARMA - TEATRO REGIO, Via Garibaldi 16/A, 43100 Parma. Seasib events: October/April. e-mail: [email protected] www.teatroregioparma.org CONCERT HALLS ROME - PARCO DELLA MUSICA. PARMA - AUDITORIUM PAGANINI MILAN - AUDITORIUM DI MILANO TURIN - AUDITORIUM GIOVANNI ANGELLI, Lingotto Concert Hall ROME - TEATRO DELL’OPERA, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1, 00184 Roma. Season events: September/June. [email protected] www.opera.roma.it MAJOR OPERA HOUSES BOLOGNA - TEATRO COMUNALE - Largo Resphigi 1, 40126 Bologna. Season events: September/June e-mail: [email protected] www.comunalebologna.it TURIN - TEATRO REGIO, Piazza Castello 215, 10124 Turin. Season events: September/June e-mail: [email protected] www.teatroregio.torino.it TRIESTE - TEATRO LIRICO GIUSEPPE VERDI, Piazza Verdi 1, 34121 Trieste. Season events: October/ June e-mail: [email protected] www.teatroverdi-trieste.com CATANIA - TEATRO MASSIMO BELLINI, Via Perrotta 12, 95131 Catania. Season events: October/May e-mail: [email protected] www.teatromassimobellini.it FLORENCE - TEATRO COMUNALE, Via Solferino 15, 50123 Firenze. Season events: September/April – April/July . www.maggiofiorentino.com GENOA - TEATRO CARLO FELICE, Passo Eugenio Montale 4, 16121 Genova. Season events: October/June. e-mail: [email protected]. www.carlofelice.it MILAN - TEATRO ALLA SCALA, Season events: September/July. Tel. +39 02 72003744. www.teatroallascala.org NAPLES - TEATRO SAN CARLO, Via San Carlo 98/F, 80132 Naples. Season events: September/July [email protected] www.teatrosancarlo.it VENICE - THE TEATRO LA FENICE Season events: September/July. La Vela – Venice www.teatrolafenice.it VERONA - TEATRO FILARMONICO, Via dei Mutilati 4/K, 37121 Verona. Season events: October/May. www.arena.it 17 ITAlo Travel in style on Italy’s newest High Speed trains Italo is the only privately owned rail company in Italy, offering high speed trains to the key tourist cities throughout Italy – from North to South & East to West. All tickets at e-tickets meaning there is no need to worry about tickets being lost or stolen. Italo services feature three classes on board, Smart (2nd class), Prima (1st class) & Club (premium 1st class). All seats include individual tables, power sockets, rubbish bins, reclining seats & storage pockets. Upgrading to Prima means a welcome drink and snack and Club will also get you a personal TV screen, newspapers & complimentary espresso. S. lUCIA PoRTA GARIBAlDI MESTRE RoGoREDo MIlAN TURIN P.S. REGGIo EMIlIA MEDIoPADANA VENICE PADUA BoloGNA FloRENCE oSTIENSE TIBURTINA RoME NAPlES • Rome-Naples in 1hr 08 SAlERNo • Florence-Rome in 1hr 22 • Milan-Rome in 2hrs 40 • Rome-Venice in 3hrs 35 • Venice <> Rome: up to 5 trains / day • Rome <> Naples: up to 10 trains / day • Milan <> Florence: up to 14 trains / day • Milan <> Rome: up to 17 trains / day 18 ÉQUIVALENCE PANTONE TRIANGLE PANTONE Process Cyan C DÉGRADÉ • Florence <> Rome: up to 20 trains / day www.railplus.com.au TRENITALIA Travel on the red and Silver arrows The Frecciarossa (red arrow) and Frecciargento (silver arrow) are Trenitalia’s new high-speed rail services. From the cities of Turin, Milan & Bologna in the north all the way down to Reggio Calabria in the South more than 140 “Frecciarossa” and “Frecciargento trains stretch the entire length of Italy taking in all the major cities. All seats have power sockets & access to the buffet car. Travel in 1st class and receive larger seats with more legroom as well as a welcome drink. All Trenitalia services offer passholder fares so if you are travelling on a Eurail pass you can reserve seats on these services for an additional fee. Monaco (Brennero) Basilea-Zurigo (Chiasso) Vienna (Tarvisio) (Domodossola) Bolzano Parigi (Domodossola) Udine Treviso Milano Brescia Vicenza Verona Torino Piacenza Reggio Emilia Genova Trieste Venezia Padova Ravenna Bologna Rimini Pisa Firenze Falconara M.ma Ancona Pescara Torino-Milano-Bologna-Firenze-Roma-Napoli-Salerno Milano-Bologna-Rimini-Ancona Bolzano/Brescia-Verona-Bologna-Firenze-Roma Udine-Venezia-Padova-Bologna-Firenze-Roma-Napoli-Salerno Milano-Piacenza-Parma-Reggio E.-Modena-Bologna-Firenze-Roma Roma-Caserta-Bari-Lecce Roma-Napoli-Salerno – Lamezia T.-Reggio di Calabria Torino/Milano-Venezia-Udine/Trieste Torino/Milano/Venezia-Ancona/Pescara/Bari/Lecce/Taranto Torino/Milano-Genova-Roma Roma-Reggio Calabria Roma-Ravenna Roma Foggia Bari Caserta Napoli Lecce Salerno Taranto International routes Map updated to the date of printing of the present brochure Lamezia Terme Reggio di Calabria ÉQUIVALENCE PANTONE TRIANGLE TYPOGRAPHIE PANTONE Process Cyan C DÉGRADÉ CYAN + MAGENTA + JAUNE www.railplus.com.au Routing Travel Time Rome - Florence 1hr 31 Rome - Venice 3hrs 17 Rome -Verona 2hrs 50 Rome - Milan 2hrs 30 non-stop Rome - Naples 1hr 10 Milan - Turin 43 mins Bologna - Firenze 35 mins Rome - Bari 3hrs 58 Rome - Lamezia 3hrs 59 19 SPECIAL INTEREST MUSEUMS CARS: Ferrari Museum, Maranello Museo alla Scala Lamborghini Automobili Spa Museo Poldi Pezzoli Via D. Ferrari 43, 41053 Maranello (Modena) museo.ferrari.com Via Modena 12, 40019 Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna) www.lamborghini.com Museo Automobile, Torino Corso Unita’ d’Italia 40, 10126, Torino www.museoauto.it SOCCER: San Siro Tour & Museum Via Piccolonimi 5, Gate 21, 20123 Milano (Stadium G.Meazza). www.sansirotour.com Juventus Museum Via Druento 153/42, Torino www.juventus.com MUSIC: Casa della Musica Piazzale San Francesco 1, 43121 Parma Opening hours Wednesday-Friday 10.00-14.00 Saturday: 10.00-18.00 Sunday: 14.00-18.00 Monday, Tuesday closed. [email protected] www.lacasadellamusica.it SEA: Museum of The Sea and Navigation Genoa www.turismoinliguria.it MILAN Fondazione Prada Fondazione Prada, Via Fogazzaro 36, 20135 Milano. Office hours: 09.30–18.30 Monday to Friday. e-mail: [email protected] www.fondazioneprada.org Museo Bagatti Valsecchi Via Santo Spirito 10, 20121 Milano e-mail: [email protected] www.museobagattivalsecchi.org 20 Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza Scala 20121 Milano. www.teatroallascala.org Via Manzoni, 12 , 20121 Milano e-mail:[email protected] www.museopoldipezzoli.it PADUA Cappella degli Sgrovegni e-mail: [email protected] www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it PARMA Il Castello dei Burattini Musei Giordano Ferrari. The Giordano Ferrari collection represents the most important Italian collection of theatre animation. Puppets are featured as part of this great collection that captures the different regions of Italy, its culture and traditions. Musei Civici di San Paolo Via Melloni 3/a, Parma. e-mail: [email protected] www.castellodeiburattini.it PISA Leaning tower and Piazza dei Miracoli Visits, which are for 40 minutes, and for not more than 30 visitors at a time, must be booked in advance and are accompanied by a guide. www.opapisa.it www.unicaterra.it www.pisaturismo.toscana.it GENOA The Gallery of Modern Art Villa Saluzzo Serra, Via Capolungo 3, Nervi (near Genoa). Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am -7pm. www.gamgenova.it ROME Auditorium della musica Exhibition and guided tours: Sala Santa Cecilia, Sala Sinopoli, Sala 700, Cavea, Foyer, Parco Pensile, Dall’Augusteo all Auditorium. e-mail: [email protected] www.musicaperroma.it Scuderie del Quirinale e-mail: [email protected] www.comune.roma.it www.scuderiequirinale.it Palazzo Venezia Via Del Plebiscito 118. Open everyday: 08.30-19.30 Closed on Mondays, January 1, December 25. The box office closes at 18.30 New art venues in Rome Rome has recently opened new venues dedicated to the arts. The House of Cinema is located in the appropriately named Largo Marcello Mastroianni. In the 19th century it was a restaurant, then a cheese and milk shop until the 1930s when it was turned again into a luxury restaurant “Casina delle Rose”. In the Dolce Vita years the venue hosted the fashionable “La Lucciola” nightclub until its closure in 1976. The House of Cinema hosts a library on the history of cinema with more than 40,000 books, a cinema for the presentation of new films and discussions and a specialized bookshop. The House of Theatres is the new Rome venue devoted to live theatre, housing also special collections and historic materials. Located in Villino Corsini in the park of Villa Panphili, it is a place for meetings, exhibitions and theatre with a multidisciplinary perspective combining study and training with the “making” and “watching” of theatrical performances. The House of Architecture is located in Piazza Manfredo Fanti and hosts the Roman Acquarium. It is a fascinating symbol of the presence of modern architectural values in the capital, providing the city with a new and evocative space for architecture. The House of Jazz in Villa Osio, was built inside 3 farmhouses and has a 150 seat auditorium, a rehearsal and recording room, accommodation quarters for artists, a restaurant and bar. The House of Jazz is immersed in a 3 hectar park located between the Baths of Caracalla and the beginning of Via Cristoforo Colombo and it is ideal for open-air concerts. The Parco della Musica (The Music Park), is Rome’s new music centre. This outstandingly beautiful venue, which includes 3 concert halls, is the most innovative and engaging modern project ever carried out by the City of Rome. It hosts concerts by the celebrated Accademia di Santa Cecilia as well as foreign orchestras, ensembles and soloists. www.turismoroma.it TURIN Egyptian Museum Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Torino www.museoegizio.it Pinacoteca Agnelli Gianni e Marella Agnelli Lingotto, Via Nizza 230/130 (Entrance: Centro Commerciale 8 Gallery). e-mail: [email protected] FONDAZIONE GIOVANNI AGNELLI. For Information: CENTRO DI DOCUMENTAZIONE DELLA FONDAZIONE Via Giacosa 38, 10125 Torino e-mail: [email protected] www.fondazioni.it VENICE Biennale di Venezia San Marco, 1364/a Ca’ Giustinian, 30124 Venezia. www.labiennale.org email: [email protected] Accademia Gallery Campo della Carita’, Dorsoduro 1050 30100 Venezia www.gallerieaccademia.org 21 FLEA MARKETS ABRUZZO L’Aquila, Historic Centre Second weekend: furniture, antique and modern and collectables. AOSTA VALLEY Saint Vincent, Piazza del Municipio First Sunday: furniture – antique and modern - Verres Historic Centre. First Sunday of the month: collectables. APULIA Bwari, in front of Basilica San Nicola. Third weekend: antiques and objects. Lecce, Piazza Libertini. Last Sunday: furniture, antiques and modern and collectables: Taranto, Rione Salinellai - collectables and antiques every Sunday. BASILICATA Matera, Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Third weekend: antiques, clocks, collectables, objects and furniture. CALABRIA Crotone (CZ), Piazza Duomo. First Sunday: furniture - antique and modern - Reggio Calabria, Lido Comunale. First weekend: objects and antiques. CAMPANIA Napoli, Villa Comunale. Third weekend: antique and modern furniture. Piana di Sorrento (NA), Piazza Cota Second Saturday: furniture and collectables – Salerno, Historic Centre. Second weekend: antiques and collectables. EMILIA ROMAGNA Bologna, Piazza Santo Stefano. Second weekend: objects, furniture and antiques – Ferrara, Piazza Municipale. First Sunday: collectables, crafts and antiques – Modena, Parco Novi. Fourth weekend: objects, furniture – antique and modern – Ravenna, Piazza Einaudi and Piazza Garibaldi. Third weekend: antiques and crafts. FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA Pordenone, Corso V. Emanuele Last Sunday: antiques and objects – Trieste, Piazza dell’ Unita’ d’Italia. Third Sunday: collectables – Udine, Piazza Matteotti. First Sunday: antiques and objects. LAZIO Rieti, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Third weekend: antiques and objects – Viterbo, Historic Centre. Third Sunday: antiques, objects and collectables – Roma, Porta Portese/Trastevere. Every Sunday morning: antiques, books, crafts and clothes – Roma, Ippodromo delle Capannelle. Every Saturday: (2 pm-8 pm) Every Sunday: (9 am-8 pm) collectables, crafts and antiques. LIGURIA Genova, “Antiquari nella Genova Antica”, Palazzo Ducale First weekend: antiques. La Spezia, Piazza Cavour. First Sunday: furniture – antique and modern, Rapallo (GE), “Il Tarlo” Historic Centre. Fourth Sunday: antiques - Santa Margherita (GE), Via Partigiani d’Italia. First weekend: crafts. LOMBARDY Brescia, Piazza della Vittoria Second Sunday: furniture, antiques and collectables – Como, Piazza San Fedele. First Saturday: antiques – 22 Cremona, near the Cathedral. Third Sunday: furniture and collectables – Mantova, Piazza Castello. Third Sunday: antiques - Milano, Naviglio Grande. Last Sunday: antiques – Varese, Piazza Montegrappa. First Sunday: antiques and collectables. MARCHE Ascoli Piceno, Historic Centre. Third weekend: antiques, furniture, and decorative items - Recanati (MC), Piazza Giacomo Leopardi. First Sunday: small antique furniture and objects – Urbino, Historic Centre, Fourth Sunday: antiques, objects and collectables. PIEDMONT Alessandria, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Marconi and Via San Lorenzo. First Sunday: collectables, furniture and books - Asti, Piazza San Secondo. Fourth Sunday: collectables and furniture - Casale Monferrato (AL), Via XX Settembre. Second weekend: furniture – antique and modern - Torino, Piazza della Repubblica, Porta Palazzo. Second Sunday: antiques. SARDEGNA Cagliari, Bastioni di San Remy. Every Sunday: collectables and objects – Olbia, Piazza Matteotti. Third Saturday: antiques and collectables. SICILY Agrigento, Historic Centre. Fourth Sunday: antiques and objects – Catania, Historic Centre. Every Sunday: antiques and objects - Palermo, Piazza Unità d’ Italia. First Sunday: furniture, objects and collectables. TUSCANY Anghiari (AR), Historic Centre, Third Sunday: furniture – antique and modern – Arezzo, Piazza San Francesco. First weekend: furniture – antique and modern – Florence, Piazza dei Ciompi. Permanent market: antiques and crafts - Orbetello (GR), Historic Centre. First weekend: furniture – antique and modern and collectables – Lucca, Via del Battistero. Third weekend: furniture and wood sculptures – Pisa, Historic Centre. Third weekend: antiques – Pistoia, Via Pacinotti. Second weekend: antiques – Siena, Piazza del Mercato. Third Sunday: antiques and collectables - Viareggio (LU), Terrazza della Repubblica. Fourth weekend: antiques and objects. UMBRIA Perugia, Rocca Paolina. Last weekend: antiques and collectables - Pissignano di Campello (PG), Via Flaminia. First Sunday: collectables, crafts, objects, furniture - antique and modern – Terni, Via della Rinascita. Second weekend: small antiques and collectables. - Todi (PG), Historic Centre Second Sunday: furniture antique and modern - Gubbio (PG), Logge del Cento Storico. Third Sunday: antiques, objects. VENETO Asolo (TV), Piazza del Mercato Second weekend: furniture, antiques, fabrics, clocks and objects. – Padova, Prato della Valle. Third Sunday: objects, multiethnic – Treviso, Borgo Cavour. Fourth Sunday: furniture – antique and modern, books and objects – Verona, Piazza San Zeno. Third Saturday: antiques and crafts. Hidden Italy gourmet walks since 1993 Small group and self-guided walks to Sardinia, Friuli, Cinque Terre, Italian Lakes,Dolomites, Tuscany, Umbria, Amalfi Coast,Puglia, Sicily....fine food, boutique accommodation and exceptional walking www.hiddenitaly.com.au www.hiddenitaly.com.au 23 24 ITALY MAP 25 MEANS OF TRANSPORT RAIL TRAVEL Information offices are available at stations thoughout Italy, with details regarding National and European destinations. The Italian rail system is operated by TRENITALIA. The rail network is well developed and widespread, especially between major urban centres and tourist areas. The fastest trains operate on the networks between the major cities while the regional trains usually stop at all stations. You will find that rail travel in Italy is cheap and efficient. Train Classification ITALOTRENO - High Speed train service connects two lines: Turin-Salerno, stops in Milan, Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples. Venice-Naples, stops in Padova, Bologna, Florence and Rome FRECCIAROSSA - trains connecting Turin-MilanBologna-Rome-Naples-Salerno on the high speed line. FRECCIARGENTO - TRAINS CONNECTING Rome to Venice, Verona, Bari/Lecce, Lamezia Terme/Reggio Calabria on the high speed lines and traditional lines. FRECCIABIANCA - connecting Milan to: Venice, Udine and Trieste: Genoa and Rome; down to Bari, Lecce on the traditional line. ETR: (also known as Eurostar) – very fast trains stopping only at major cities. 1st and 2nd class – supplement payable – booking compulsory. INTERCITY: Fast trains stopping at major cities – 1st and 2nd class – supplement payable – booking recommended. INTER-REGIONALI: Trains stopping at many cities – 1st and 2nd class. REGIONALI: Local trains stopping virtually at every city within the same region. Normally 2nd class only. SLEEPER trains operate between major Italian cities and to foreign countries. RAIL PASSES & TICKETS: Can be purchased from your local travel agent in Australia and New Zealand. Seniors (75 years and over) can obtain a “Carta d’argento” (silver card) that allows them to travel at a discounted rate on some trains. 26 IMPORTANT NOTICE! Please be aware that once you have purchased a ticket, you must validate it before boarding the train at the special yellow machines located along the platforms. Failure to do so will result in a fine. For rail information & timetables visit www.trenitalia.com BUS TRAVEL There is a fairly extensive network of bus services in Italy provided by a number of private companies. These bus services vary from small local services connecting rural communities to luxury express services between big cities. FERRIES AND HYDROFOILS There are many services linking the islands by sea to the mainland. The main links are by car ferries and hydrofoils. In addition, ships from all the countries around the Mediterranean are moored in the well-equipped Italian ports. The main Italian ports for embarking on the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia are: Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino, Naples and Villa San Giovanni. FERRY COMPANIES ON THE WEB Campania – www.caremar.it Sicily – www.siremar.it Sardinia – www.saremar.it Elba/Giglio/Capraria – www.toremar.it Adriatic Coast – www.tirrenia.it Sardinia/Elba – www.moby.it Sardinia/Sicily – www.gnv.it Campania/Sicily/Aeolian Islands – www.snav.it Lazio/Campania – www.alilauro.it Ponza – www.vetor.it Sardinia – www.corsica-ferries.it Sicily – www.usticalines.it Liguria/Cinque Terre - www.navigazionegolfopoeti.it For General information and bookings on-line visit: www.traghetti.com ROAD SERVICE TRANSPORT Public and private coach services link the cities and almost all populated centres. There are busses, trams, and, in the main cities, there are also underground railways. The main international car hire companies have branches all over the country, in most airports, sea-ports and railway stations. MOTORWAYS AND ROADS Italians drive on the right and overtake on the left. The roads in Italy are quite good and Italy has a fine network of motorways (Autostrade). Although the motorway network is quite extensive, there is also a good network of state roads to get you around. These state roads (strade statali) are often just as good. As a tourist you may find that avoiding motorways is a good idea. The provincial roads (Strade provinciali) will bring you into the Italian countryside. An emergency triangle must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Seat belts must be worn in the front and rear seats. The use of mobile phones is prohibited if they required being hand held. Helmets must be worn on two-wheeled vehicles. Speed limits are as follows (unless otherwise displayed): Motorway Highway Major Roads Towns / Cities 130 km/h 110 km/h 90 km/h 50 km/h Penalties for violation of speed limit vary in proportion to the amount of the excess. The Italian Motorway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy by using international road signs. Motorway signs are indicated by the letter “A” followed by a number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject to tolls, except for some brief stretches, especially approaching urban areas. Wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for frontand back-seat passengers as well as for the driver. The use of mobile phones while driving unless they have a hands free device. The alcohol limit is 0,5 grams per litre. Tolls can be paid through the following methods: - TelePass: A telematic system that allows you to pay the toll without stopping. - By Cash: When the sign background is white, it means that the lane is exclusively for cash payment. The sign shows the icon of cash with in addition the symbol of a hand, indicating the presence of a cashier. - ViaCard charge card: a magnetic prepaid charge card, of the amount of 25, 50 or 75 euros, which can be used to pay tolls in all automatic toll lanes and in lanes with cashier of all motorway network in Italy. The Viacard charge card can be used for any type of vehicle travelling on motorways, either private or commercial. The Viacard charge card in euros can be used anywhere on the Italian motorway network disregarding its expiry date. - Payment with credit card and Maestro Cards A new signage layout has been implemented to achieve major directness and visibility, based on colour identification associated to the different payment options and on a standard use of colours, icons and symbols. Clear and immediate understandable signs allow drivers arriving at the toll to choose quickly the lane corresponding to their payment option, avoiding both confusion, and slowing down of the car flow near the pay tolls and, more importantly, help cut down the number of accidents due to sudden manoeuvring or moving from one gate lane to the other. Entrance gate The lanes reserved for Telepass owners are provided with new signage settled above the marquee, characterized by a yellow background sign reading “reserved Telepass owners”. All the other gate lanes where tickets are issued are characterized by signs settled nearer the ground at the entrance of the lane. Exit gate The new signage is meant to quicker the payment, allowing users, along the 2.855 km of the Autrostrade per l’Italia network, to see and locate clearly and immediately the various payment options available at each exit gate. For travel, traffic and road information please visit: www.autostrade.it or www.aci.it TAXI Taxi service is readily available throughout the country. Meters are compulsory and fares are displayed. IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ONLY OFFICIAL TAXIS WHICH ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE. IGNORE OFFERS FROM DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS WHO OFTEN LOITER AROUND AIRPORTS AND RAILWAY STATIONS. Extra charges: Night service supplement between 10 pm and 6 am. Sunday and holiday supplement + luggage (per item). For taxi trips outside the city boundaries, fares will be based on distance. PETROL Almost all service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for unleaded petrol and diesel fuel. Service stations are usually open from 07:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 19:30. During weekends and public holidays they operate with an alternative shifting system, generally only in the morning. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Carrying petrol in containers is prohibited. 27 DRIVING DISTANCES 28 Bologna Florence Genoa Milan Naples Palermo Rome Turin Venice Agrigento 1145 1375 1599 1663 841 136 1073 1773 1570 Ancona 210 255 495 428 410 1209 294 548 335 Aosta 390 526 256 182 1014 1825 782 126 466 Arezzo 191 85 353 409 478 1289 246 527 350 Assisi 296 190 458 514 407 1218 175 632 411 Bari 681 784 966 899 322 734 482 1019 806 Bergamo 229 335 214 58 869 1638 637 181 238 106 285 218 640 1415 408 338 159 Bologna Bolzano 291 397 399 276 931 1684 699 408 225 Catania 1471 649 253 881 1581 1378 1253 1183 1407 Como 266 372 205 48 906 1681 674 171 294 Cortina 308 414 500 377 948 1689 716 509 165 Cosenza 952 882 1106 1170 348 463 580 1280 1077 Florence 106 268 324 534 1345 302 442 265 Genoa 285 156 758 1569 526 174 387 Lucca 142 72 193 293 567 1378 335 367 300 Matera 474 825 1032 956 291 668 523 1085 872 Messina 1157 1087 1311 1375 533 258 785 1485 1282 Milan 218 324 156 858 1633 626 139 284 Naples 640 538 758 858 811 232 932 799 Palermo 1415 1345 1569 1633 811 1043 1743 1540 Perugia 270 164 432 488 408 1219 176 606 394 Pisa 162 92 190 290 568 1379 334 366 321 Rome 408 302 526 626 232 1043 700 567 Siena 176 70 296 394 464 1275 232 470 335 1329 1259 1483 1547 725 322 957 1657 1454 267 403 215 79 937 1712 705 132 355 1535 1332 Siracusa Stresa 268 1207 1137 1361 1425 603 266 835 Turin 338 442 174 139 932 1743 702 Trento 233 339 341 218 874 1626 641 349 167 Trieste 308 414 336 420 948 1689 715 551 165 133 Taormina 415 Udine 276 382 504 384 916 1657 684 515 Venice 159 265 387 284 899 1540 567 415 Verona 141 247 282 164 781 1534 549 295 120 DRIVER’S LICENCE Australian and New Zealand drivers licence holders wishing to drive in Italy have two options: Option 1) Obtain an international driving permit An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid driver licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic driver licence. IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs and the cost to obtain one ranges from about $20 to $50. To obtain an International Driving Permit, please contact the relevant IDP authority in your state: New South Wales - NRMA Queensland - RACQ Ltd. (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited) Victoria - RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) South Australia - RAA (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc) Western Australia - RAC (Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated) Tasmania - RACT (Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited) Northern Territory - AANT (Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc) New Zealand - Automobile Association (AA) Option 2) Obtain a valid translation into Italian of your Australian or NZ drivers licence from an accredited translator The translation must then be accompanied by a valid Australian or New Zealand drivers licence. To obtain information on accredited translators please contact your local Italian Consulate or Embassy. IMPORTANT ROAD SIGNS Stop: Red, Octagonal and says ‘stop’ in the centre Parking areas: Circular sign with a red border and red diagonal slash through the middle and a blue background. Do not enter: Red circle with a white horizontal bar through the middle. No Vehicles Allowed: White border and round with a red circle around the border. One Way: Rectangular sign with an arrow pointing out the appropriate direction and the words ‘senso unico’. No Passing: Round white sign with a border and tow cars in the centre, the right car is black, the left car is red. TYPES OF ROADS Autostrada: Motorways and freeways Major roads: Dual carriageways and highways with more than one lane in each direction. Minor roads: Narrow, winding roads with one lane in each direction and generally moving fast. White roads: Narrow, dirt or white gravel roads through the countryside, known locally as ‘strade bianche’. ACCESSIBILITY A Committee “for the promotion and the encouragement of Accessible Tourism” was established in Italy in response to the demand of focusing the whole tourism system on people and their needs. Infrastructure for disabled travellers is constantly improving. Some busses have busses with wheelchair access and often churches are equipped with ramps and lifts. For further information: Milan - www.milanopertutti.it Rome - www.handyturismo.it Naples - www.turismoaccessibile.org/?lang=en Venice - www.venice-tourism.com 29 ACCOMMODATION HOTELS There are about 38,000 hotels in Italy. Every hotel has rates fixed in agreement with the Provincial Tourist Board. Most hotels quote all-inclusive rates, which include taxes, service, heating or air-conditioning. Hotels are classified: 5-Star Deluxe, 5-Star, 4-Star, 3-Star, 2-Star and 1-Star. The term pensione (or pension), that describes a small hotel, is no longer used in Italy. Pensions are now called 1-Star or 2-Star hotels. MOTELS “ALONG THE ROAD” Italy has an extensive network of motels that provide motorists with modern and comfortable accommodation, parking facilities and delicious regional food. Many motels also have swimming pools, private beaches, tennis courts, small parks and gardens. BED AND BREAKFAST Bed and breakfast establishments are family run and privately owned. B&B’s are not actually authorised to prepare meals and so breakfast is usually pre-packaged. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS They consist of convents, monasteries and other religious institutions offering accommodation, usually at very affordable prices, great locations but with restrictions. PRIVATE HOMES Accommodation in private homes is available in most cities and towns. Contact the local tourist office of the city or town and request “un elenco di affittacamere” (list of persons letting rooms). Private homes are not official establishments and are not rated by the tourist office. ALPINE HUTS The Club Alpino Italiano owns nearly 600 huts in the mountain districts and publishes a yearly book with a 30 map and information on access, equipment and tariffs. Touring Club Italiano publishes several volumes giving detailed mountain itineraries and excursion information that includes the huts. www.cai.it FARMHOUSES (AGRITOURISM) Italian cottages and farmhouses are available for holiday rental. YOUTH HOSTELS AND STUDENT ACCOMMODATION Youth Hostels can be found all over Italy in the major cities and are run by the AIG (Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventu’), affiliated to Hostelling International (HI). A HI card is not always required, but is recommended. For details on how to obtain one you can contact: www. ostellionline.com. The Italian Youth Hostels Association (Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventú) AIG, Operates over 50 hostels throughout Italy (www.informagiovani.it). Student hostels exist in many Italian towns and are available not only to students under taking courses but, when available, also to students visiting the country for holidays. Useful information can be found at: www.cts.it. Centro Turistico Giovanile (CTG), www.ctg.it CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS Italy has well equipped conference and meeting facilities in hotels, or other sites depending on your requirements. VILLAS & APARTMENTS Italy offers an extensive range of accommodation in Villas and apartments. CAMPING Camping is very popular in Italy and over 1,700 official camping sites are now in full operation. 31 GETTING MARRIED Italian citizens residing in Australia, enrolled in A.I.R.E., wishing to be married in Italy, require the publication of marriage bans. The request for the issue of such bans needs to be made in person at the competent Consulate of one’s State of residence. Valid passports are required for this exercise. The marriage bans will need to be posted at the Consulate for 8 calendar days, after which the Consulate will prepare the necessary paperwork, including a declaration that there has been no opposition to the marriage, to enable the wedding to take place in the chosen Italian municipality. Total cost for the issue of marriage bans and relating documents is €22.90. Payment for all documents must be made in cash on the day of the application. For those wishing to have a religious ceremony, please contact your local parish where you will be able to obtain information on sister parishes in Italy. The Italian parish will then be able to inform you of the necessary documents to fulfill the requirements of the Church. According to the Agreement between Australia and Italy, signed on 10 February 2000, Australian citizens who wish to get married on Italian territory - without settling down permanently - shall provide a declaration issued by the Australian Consular Authorities in Italy and an Australian certificate of no impediment to marriage issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs or by the Australian Embassy in Italy. 32 In the event that one or both of the above mentioned documents cannot be produced - and ONLY in this event - the interested parties can obtain a statutory declaration (atto notorio) by the Italian Authorities in Italy (Official Register of the Municipality where the marriage is celebrated and any Tribunale Civile in Italy). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that certificates of No impediment to marriage may be issued in Australia at the Department’s offices in each State and Territory and at Australia’s missions overseas. The Australian Consular Policy Section of the Department can be contacted by telephone number +61.(0)2.6261 1111 and facsimile +61.(0)2.6261 2554. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED A form from the Italian Consulate needs to be completed and returned with a copy of the following documents: - Birth certificate for Bride and Groom; - Copy of ID documents for Bride, Groom and Witnesses. If you are divorced please supply copy of your divorce papers. Please take note that the witnesses cannot be relatives of the persons concerned and that the above documentation must be returned to the Italian Consulate at least one week prior to the wedding. Realise the Dream Sunny Italy, Small Group Tour (max 16 people) Duration 8 days/7nights Cost From $1750.00 per person twin share Cost From $1870.00 per person twin share Departure March: 22, 29 - April: 5, 12, 26 May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - June: 7, 21 July: 12 - August: 23 - September: 6, 13, 20, 27 - October: 4, 18, Departure March: 22, 29 - April: 5, 12, 26 May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - June: 7, 21 July: 12 - August: 23 - September: 6, 13, 20, 27 - October: 4, 11, 18, 25 italy unique2013/1 4 Guaranteed Small group departure to discover Rome, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti, Venice and other small towns of this magnificent country. 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Venice. Guaranteed Small group departure to discover Rome Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. 3 Nights in Rome, 4 nights in Sorrento. Highlights: Highlights: Guided visit to Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica; Guided Visit of Imperial Rome including Colosseum and Imperial Forum. Lunch in a typical farm house near Montepulciano, walking tour of Siena; guided walking tour of Florecne. Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Dome with Giotto’s bell tower, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce; orientation tour of Venice with the major sights. Dinners in typical regional restaurants in each town. Guided visit to Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica; Guided Visit of Imperial Rome including Colosseum and Imperial Forum. Stop in Pompeii and visit one of the most incredible historical sites in the world, visit of Capri with guide. Sorrento, visit of one of the most intriguing coastlines in the world. Amalfi, Positano, Minori, Vietri. Dinners in typical regional restaurants in each town TOURS OF ITALY 8 days/7nights Duration italianbureau.com.au Absolute Italy, Small Group Tour (max 16 people) 6 5 Expect nothing less than knowledge and expertise 4 1 1 Day 1: Rome: Independent arrival at the hotel 4-8 Day 2: Rome Day 3: Rome Day 4: Siena and San Gimignano Day 1: Rome: Independent arrival at the hotel Day 5: Florence Day 2: Rome Day 6: Venice Day 3: Rome Day 7: Venice Day 4: Pompei/Sorrento Day 8: Venice: Breakfast and end of service Day 5: Capri Realise the dream and take the journey with us. Day 6: Sorrento: Free Day Day 7: Amalfi: Drive Day 8: Sorrento: Breakfast and end of services Holiday experiences designed for you What is not included: Porterage at airport, Tips, Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program, Travel Insurance, Arrival Transfer, Departure Transfer, Optional Excursions, City tax (to pay direct if applicable) Cost inclusive of: Breakfast daily. Bus as per itinerary; Tour Escort/Host*; 3 nights in Roma; 4 nights in Sorrento; 1 lunch, wine included; 6 dinners, wine included; Visit of Vatican, entrance fee included; Walking tour of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome; Visit of Pompeii, entrance fee included; Walking tour of Sorrento; Visit of Capri; Visit of Amalfi Coast What is not included: Porterage at airport, Tips, Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program, Travel Insurance, Arrival Transfer, Departure Transfer, Optional Excursions, City tax (to pay direct if applicable) Hotels: Hotel may be substituted with similar category: Roma (4*) Ponte Sisto, Ripetta or Empire Palace; Florence (4*) De La Ville or Pierre; Venice (4*) Ca’ de Conti or Foscari Hotels: Hotel may be substituted with similar category: Roma (4*) Ponte Sisto, Ripetta, or Empire Palace; Sorrento (4*) Hilton Sorrento, Imperial Tramontano, or Grand Hotel La Favorita For more information check the website www.italianbureau.com.au For more information check the website www.italianbureau.com.au Tours of Italy Cost inclusive of: Breakfast daily. Bus as per itinerary, Tour Escort/Host*, Welcome cocktail, 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Venice, 1 lunch, wine included, 5 dinners, wine included, Wine and olive tasting in Chianti; Visit of Vatican, entrance fee included, Walking tour of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, Visit of Siena and en route stop in San Gimignano, Walking tour of Florence, Walking tour of Venice, Transfer from hotel in Florence to Florence Railway station, High speed train from Florence to Venice, Transfer from Venice Railway station to hotel in Venice, Luggage handling at hotel, Book Discover Italy. 1 Premier Tour Company with customised packages, guarantee unique tours and more! Italian Travel Bureau/Travel Makers Corner Trevillian Quay & Eastlake Parade Kingston ACT AUSTRALIA Tel: 02 6247 4444 Interstate: 1800 839 408 Fax: 02 6257 6452 email: info@italianbureau .com.au www.italianbureau.com.au www.travelmakers.com.au 33 CHURCHES Churches are open from early morning until 1 p.m. and then again in the afternoon. Major cathedrals and basilicas are open all day. Special hours apply during particularly significant religious periods such as Christmas, Easter, Lent, etc. To visit churches a suitable “dress code” is required and visits are not allowed during religious services. PAPAL AUDIENCES AND THE VATICAN Masses with the Pope at the Vatican can be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica, in St Peter’s Square or both together depending on the celebration and the expected number of people attending. Most of the masses from the Pontifical liturgical calendar at are celebrated at St Peters Basilica which can easily host more than 15.000 people. There are some Masses when the Holy See is expecting a larger number of people and for those Masses they will use St Peters Square. For most of the Masses with the Pope you will need to have a ticket. Tickets are always free. Don’t forget that to attend these celebrations you will need to pass through security scanners and long lines are to be expected. We recommend that you arrive 1- 3 hrs before the scheduled start time. Tickets for Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica with the Pope: If you need between 1 - 6 tickets you can get tickets directly from the Swiss Guards usually from 3 days before the Mass at the “Bronze Door” from 8am till 8pm Summer Time - 8am till 7pm Winter Time. However if it’s a Popular Mass such as Christmas Eve or Easter Mass you will need to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee availability. If you will need more than 10 tickets for any of the Masses you will definitely need to reserve in advance, and then collect your tickets usually 1-3 days before the event from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Masses with the Pope at St.Peter Square: For the seated area you will need a ticket but mostly you can attend standing without a ticket. 34 Tickets will be asked for at the entrance of the Mass. Remember: Tickets DOES NOT necessarily guarantee entrance or a seat. When the church / Square is full access will be denied even with your ticket. Only your arrival time will guarantee your access so come early. For more inforamtion visit; www.vatican.va EASTER MIDNIGHT / CHRISTMAS EVE MASS TICKETS AT THE VATICAN Easter Masses & Christmas Eve Masses are traditionally celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica. Capacity is limited and it can be very hard sometimes to get tickets for these events so you must book far in advance, no less than 2 months usually. The best way to get your ticket for Easter/Christmas Masses is to send a fax directly to the Vatican between 6 to 2 months in advance. If the number of your request is not very large, (example: a family numbering 2-6 tickets) you will have a better chance of getting your tickets. Normally the Vatican will reply to your home address with a letter notifying you that they have received your request and where to take the letter at the Vatican to collect tickets. They will not confirm tickets have been issued until you go to the prefecture office for collection. There you will either receive your tickets or a letter to say there was not enough availability. Again, the sooner you make you reservation the more chance there is of availability. The smaller the number of tickets requested the higher the chance of having your request granted so we suggest to not book extra tickets unnecessarily. If you order a large number of tickets (for a group) or more than 10 tickets we recommend you to send the request together with a letter from your parish or some authority of the church. Tickets are collected at the Preffetura Vaticana located just after the “Bronze Doors” at St Peter’s Basilica normally from 5-4 days days before the event from 8am till 6 or 7pm depending if it’s winter or summer. Tickets are always free. Discover Italy by Car and Save www.autoeurope.com.au 1300 656 601 35 Car Rental Experts since 1954 MORE TO EXPERIENCE FOOD AND WINE SPORTS & ADVENTURE Italy has always been a synonym for “great cuisine”, offering an unmistakable explosion of flavours, scents, and aromas. Aside from having one of the most famous cuisines, it also proposes an immense variety of different regional dishes and recipes. Italy offers endless and amazing opportunities for those seeking a vacation dedicated to sports and physical activity - for those who want to be in close contact with nature both during the summer and the winter, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unique landscapes. Visitors cannot miss the food and wine itineraries journeys through Italy’s gastronomic culture, in search of ancient recipes, genuine products, and simple food inspired by classic Italian cooking and innovative creations. World renowned products such as Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese, Parma and San Daniele ham, Modena balsamic vinegar, Genoa’s pesto, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, Alba truffles, and cured meats are just some of the symbols that make Italy the land of good food. And how could anyone forget pasta and pizza, universal synonyms for Italy? Italy’s wines, those noble ambassadors of Italian excellence throughout the world, must not be neglected. The pleasure of tasting a fine wine in its native environment is unparalled - a glass of Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, of Barbera or Barolo in Piedmont, of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene in Veneto, of Lambrusco in Emilia Romagna, or the Sicilian wines or the white wines in Friuli and Trentino-Alto Adige, or the great reds of the Valtellina, just to provide a few renowned examples. Italy has a world of flavours to taste and tempt the palate , eyes, and heart! 36 There are qualified and well-equipped facilities to assist guests and meet their every need. Italy’s countless marinas and ports, and various tourist organizations offer opportunities to indulge in water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, swimming, sailing, and waterskiing. For mountain lovers, there are infinite options. During the summer: biking, walking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and kayaking along streams and rapids, fishing in the pristine waters of rivers and lakes, paragliding and hang gliding over spectacular landscapes. During the winter, the mountains become a paradise for those who wish to practise winter sports. There are also several options for cyclists - from mountain biking to downhill and street biking with scenery boasting undeniable beauty and challenging hills to tackle. A number of bike-tour itineraries provide a range of ability levels and include the option of lodging in comfortable and practical bike hotels equipped to accommodate aficionados of this sport. Whatever the season, whatever the passion, Italy is the place for a sports-related vacation beyond compare! Italy is the perfect background for cycling, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding along amazing bridle paths…and many other outdoor sports. MORE TO DISCOVER HEALTH & WELLNESS BUSINESS & STUDY Feeling good in Italy is easy. This country boasts the largest number of thermal spa centres in the world, with a tradition of body and soul treatments that dates back thousands of years - to ancient Rome. Throughout the country, from north to south, it is possible for visitors to experience a unique vacation centred on general wellbeing l at our numerous natural thermal springs. These places are renowned for their therapeutic properties and for their excellent aesthetic treatments. There are ancient baths that have remained intact for centuries and take visitors back in time, offering a primitive sort of appeal, with their natural saunas, hidden caves surrounded by vegetation, and hot steam with a pleasantly ferrous scent - excellent spots for reinvigorating the body and treating the skin. Italy is the ideal destination for business tourism: many international airports, appropriate infrastructures and breathtaking landscapes. It’s no wonder that the Bel Paese stands out as the favorite place for congressional tourism. Its amazing regions offer a wide range of choices throughout the year: both large and small cities have new, high-quality structures for national and international fairs, making it possible to discover the charm of Italy in the time not strictly dedicated to business. A thermal spa vacation is always revitalizing, thanks to effective treatments and a wide range of services, but, most importantly, thanks to the enchanting natural landscapes in which they are located. Italy has various world famous thermal spas: Saturnia, Montecatini, San Gimignano, Abano, Salsomaggiore and Ischia, to name just a few for a holiday devoted to health, beauty and physical well-being, in quiet resorts with all mod cons. Special consideration should be given to the wide array of options available at the wellness centres in TrentinoAlto Adige, Umbria and Tuscany. Their facilities are specifically equipped to make use of the latest apparatus and techniques, with innovative treatments that provide guests with a vacation dedicated to physical well-being and relaxation. Italy is an excellent choice of location for congresses, meetings and conventions. The Italian territory boasts numerous congress centres suitable for any kind of event, with modern and prestigious structures equipped with everything you need to make your congress successful: hotels, and specialized infrastructures and services that guarantee high-quality service. Italy provides the best backdrops for a great congress: from the capital, Rome, to the exciting Milan, without forgetting other cities such as Turin, Rimini, Florence and its many cities of art, to name but a few. That is not all – meetings can also be organized in the many locations around the wonderful Italian lakes, rivieras, or mountain sites. As a choice Italy is an all round winner. Italy offers prestigious structures and innumerable events throughout the year. Its art, culture, and scenery , provide the perfect backdrop for motivational trips that are enriched by its beauty and comfortable facilities. 37 TOURIST CARDS ABRUZZO EMILIA ROMAGNA The Costa dei Trabocchi Card guarantees discounts on entrance and guided tours at principle touristic sites throughout the area. www.sangroaventinoturismo.it/pagine.asp?idn=718 The Romagna Visit Card is an access pass that guarantees varying type of offers - including free entrances, discounts and other specials - in selected museums and attractions in the Provinces of ForlìCesena and Ravenna. Vacation in Romagna, vacation in quality! www.romagnavisitcard.it The Majella Card is the Discount Card for the Parco della Majella. www.parcomajella.it APULIA Puglia City Card is the new way to live local opportunities, with maximum attention towards the diverse and specific demands of modern tourism. www.apuliacitycard.com ALTO ADIGE The Museumobil Card combines two different offers, allowing you to take all modes of public transport during your stay in Alto Adige, as well as access 78 of the region’s museums and collections! www.mobilcard.info The Romagna Visit Card guarantees varying type of offers - including free entrances, discounts and other specials - in selected museums and attractions in the Provinces of Forlì-Cesena and Ravenna. Vacation in Romagna, vacation in quality! www.romagnavisitcard.it Discover Calabria Card: makes travel easier for tourists in Calabria! www.discovercalabriacard.com Castelli del Ducato di Parma e Piacenza Card: this Card is your official pass to experiencing enchanting places and living the area’s countless manors and castles to the fullest: from antique accommodations to tyical restaurants, from historic artisan workshops and refined boutiques to the top museums. www.castellidelducato.it CAMPANIA FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA CALABRIA Campania Arte Card: a rechargeable card for travelling and discovering the fascinating cultural heritage in Naples and the rest of the region - with ease, on a budget, and to your advantage! www.campaniartecard.it 38 Bologna Welcome Card: discover the sites and attractions of Bologna practically and economically, with the Bologna Welcome Card - the card especially dedicated to travelers to the Emilian Capital. www.bolognawelcome.com FVG-Card is your all-access pass to discover both excitement and savings in Friuli Venezia Giulia. www.turismofvg.it/Info-utili/FVG-Card Live la Bella Vita with Sun Island Tours Experience the ageless beauty of Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, The Amalfi Coast, The Lakes Region, Sicily, Sardinia and so much more... www.sunislandtours.com.au Huge Selection Of Accommodations & Villas From $47*pp twin share At the “Vasari Hotel” in Florence Day Tours, Cooking Classes, Horse Riding, Bike & Walking Tours From $50*pp “Gondola Experience” in Venice Escorted Coach Tours, Packages, Cruises & Train Packages From $1307*pp twin share 8 Days “From Sicily to Rome” escorted tour *Conditions Apply 39 LAZIO Roma Pass is the cultural-tourist card offering reductions and services to both travelers and the public - enjoy all the beauties and wonders Rome has to offer! www.romapass.it Omnia Vatican & Rome offers a vast network of services, including entry to the most interesting religious and cultural sites, as well as access to city transport and to the Open Bus Roma cristiana itineraries. Not only, but also rides aboard the mini Open Bus. Experience city walks with the aid of innovative multimedia instruments, plus information and assistance point available throughout the city. www.omniavaticanrome.org LIGURIA The “Cinque Terre Card” grants: - guaranteed access to the pathways and equipped routes of the Park utilization of the Park’s sustainable transport - entry to nature observation centers and to the various “territorial museums” - discounts for Civic Museums in La Spezia - and, for the disabled, free movement on elevators in Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza. www.cinqueterre.com/ita/information/card/ The Genova Card Musei is your certified City Pass to free visits in 22 city and communal, State and private museums. The musei+bus version also offers free movement on urban transport! www.genova-turismo.it LOMBARDY Milano Card is the first touristic card for the City of Milan. www.milanocard.it/ MARCHE Carta Musei Marche: a new and experimental means for experiencing both the museums and the terrain in The The Marchess. La Carta Musei The Marches lets tourists visit over 100 museums and archaeological sites, guaranteeing free, no-limits access to all! www.cartamusei.the_marches.it PIEDMONT The Torino+Piemonte Card gives you the keys to the city and the region! www.turismotorino.org/card/IT/home SARDEGNA The Si Card is the free, easy-access card for Sulcis Iglesiente and surroundings, at reduced prices! www.sulcisiglesiente.eu/site/si_card.asp Sardinia Pass is the key to unlock beautiful experiences and things to do. www.sardiniapass.com 40 SICILY PalermoTouristcard is the services card for visitors to the Island of Sicily, offering specials on museum, gallery, and historic palazzi visits, as well as on car rentals and other means of transport. Also covered are certain health service and emergency conventions. www.palermotouristcard.it/ TUSCANY The Firenze Card gives you entry to Florence’s major musuems, villas and historic gardens. www.firenzecard.it TRENTINO Trento Card: just one card and you can have the entire city in your pocket! Experience Trento any time of the year, and discover the city center, Monte Bondone and surroundings without having to carry a single cent. www.apt.trento.it/it/Servizi/Trento_Card/Trento_Card.htm Trento Rovereto Card Practical and budget-friendly, this card is your key to accessing the museums, castles and other points of interest in Trento, Rovereto and the surrounding area! www.visitrovereto.it UMBRIA “Perugia Citta’ museo card” the card with advantages and benefits as you visit the principal cultural, historic and artistic spots in Perugia. www.perugiacittamuseo.it/it/card-perugia-citta-museo.html The Assisi CARD gives you discounts on parking, museums, restaurants, and shopping in Assisi, as well as excursions to Monte Subasio and other Umbrian cities. Not only, but enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and specials on taxi services. www.assisicard.com VENETO Venice Card The ideal card for tourists wanting to visit the city in all its dimensions, from the major museums and foundations to the prettiest churches. It’s Venice, easy and fiasco-free. www.hellovenezia.com Verona Card is a cumulative ticket that can be bought in any one of the visiting sites included, as well as from sellers taking part in the initiative, from tabaccheria in the city center, and touristic information offices marked IAT in Verona and Lake Garda. www.veronacard.it The PadovaCard is a great way to visit Padua and the surrounding province. http://padovacard.turismopadova.it/ The world’s LARGEST skiing region Italy’s Dolomites Mountains 450 ski lifts 45 ski resorts 12 huge valleys…on one Ski Pass! Unlimited sking Gourmet food & wine Modern infrastructure Stunning alpine scenery Guided, Independent & Safari Weeks www.dolomitesskitours.com.au ☎ (02) 9997 2475 [email protected] Established 41 1985! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is it better to get around by train or car? Italy is well connected with both the rail system and motorways. Getting around by car will depend on how confident you are as a driver and driving on the opposite side of the road to Australia and New Zealand. For further information see page 26 of this booklet. Is my Australian driver licence valid in Italy? Yes, provided it is accompanied by an official translation or an international driver’s licence. For further information see page 29 of this booklet. If I go to Italy in September / October what will the temperature be like? Depending on the location you are in, September and October are usually still mild. For further information see page 10 of this booklet. Do I have to prebook tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel? Booking is not compulsory but if you book online you can skip the queue. You can book at: mv.vatican.va Can I buy tickets for the Uffizi Gallery online? Yes at: www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/index.php How do I reach the port of Civitavecchia from Rome? Trains to and from Civitavecchia run hourly and the trip takes 40 mins to just over an hour. The entrance to the port is within walking distance from the Civitavecchia train station (600 meters). Alternatively, shuttle buses frequently travel to the entrance of the Port. Can I park my car in Venice? In Piazzale Roma there are parking stations. There is also a parking lot on the Island of Tronchetto. Another solution is to leave your car in Mestre either in the parking lots by the entrance to the Ponte della Liberta’ or the ones near the Mestre railway station and continue from there by bus or train to Venice. Can I buy a bus ticket on board the bus? Rarely. Tickets are usually sold at tobacconists or news agents. 42 How do I reach the Amalfi Coast from Rome? From Rome Termini train station you can catch trains to Naples. Once you arrive at Naples Stazione Centrale Piazza Garibaldi railway station, follow the direction signs to the Circumvesuviana platform (the regional railway line, situated underneath the main railway station) and from here take the train to Sorrento. You’ll reach Sorrento in about an hour. Outside Sorrento railway station you can get the Sita bus headed to Positano-Amalfi or to Sant’Agata-Nerano. Another option is to head to the Rome Tiburtina railway station and from here board one of the Marozzi coaches which run between Rome and Amalfi and Rome and Sorrento. For Amalfi there is just one coach which leaves at 07.00 in the morning, and arrives at 12.00. For Sorrento there are two coaches, one departing at 07.00, the other at 15.00. In the summer months sea connections by hydrofoil and ferry depart from the Molo Beverello in Naples and dock in Positano and Amalfi. www.metrodelmare.net Can I drive in city centres such as Florence & Rome? Given their historic nature, the city centres in Italy were clearly not designed for modern traffic needs and vehicles. City centres are generally limited to residents and vehicles with special permits. This DOES NOT include rental cars. If you are caught driving within the restricted ZTL areas (Zona a Traffico Limitato) you can expect to receive a fine. If you are planning to rent a car you will need to plan ahead and let your hotel know you will be driving so the hotel staff can contact the appropriate traffic authorities in order for you to receive permission to enter and avoid any fines. Once you receive clearance to drive in the city centre and through the ZTL zones to reach the hotel, you still have to find a place to park or reserve a car spot. USEFUL PHRASES Welcome - Benvenuto (sg-m) Benvenuti (pl-m) Benvenuta (sg-f) Benvenute (pl-f) Hello - Ciao / Salve / Pronto? (on phone) How are you? I’m fine, thanks. And you? Come va? / Come stai? (inf) Come sta? (frm) Bene grazie. E tu? (inf) Bene grazie. E lei? (frm) Long time no see - Quanto tempo! What’s your name? My name is ... Come ti chiami? (inf) Come si chiama? (frm) Mi chiamo ... Where are you from? I’m from ... Da dove vieni? Di dove sei? (inf) Da dove viene? Di dov’è? (frm) Vengo da ..., Sono di ... Pleased to meet you - Piacere / Piacere di conoscerti (inf) Piacere di conoscerla (frm) Good morning - Buongiorno Good afternoon - Buongiorno / Buon pomeriggio Good evening - Buonasera Good night - Buonanotte Goodbye - Ciao / Ci vediamo / Arrivederci / Arrivederla (frm) Good luck - Buona fortuna! / In bocca al lupo! Cheers/Good health! - Salute! / Cin cin! Have a nice day - Buona giornata! Bon appetit - Buon appetito! Bon voyage - Buon viaggio! I don’t understand - Non capisco / Non ho capito Please speak more slowly - Può parlare più lentamente? Please write it down - Può scriverlo, per favore? (frm) Puoi scriverlo, per favore? (inf) Do you speak Italian? Yes, a little - Parli Italiano? (inf) Parla italiano? (frm) Sì, un poco How do you say ... in Italian? - Come si dice ... in italiano? Excuse me - Permesso (let me through) Scusa! Scusami! (inf) Scusi! Mi scusi! (frm) (pardon) How much is this? - Quanto costa? Sorry - Scusa! (inf) Scusi! (frm) Mi dispiace Thank you - Grazie / Molte grazie / Grazie mille Prego Where’s the toilet? - Dov’è la toilette? Dov’è il bagno? This gentleman/lady will pay for everything - Pagherà tutto questo signore (gentleman) Pagherà tutto questa signora (lady) Would you like to dance with me? - Vuole ballare con me? (frm) Vuoi ballare con me? (inf) Balliamo? (inf) Get well soon - Guarisci presto! Auguri di pronta guarigione! Leave me alone! - Lasciami in pace! Vattene! (inf) Mi lasci in pace! / Se ne vada! (frm) Help! Fire! Stop! - Aiuto! - Al fuoco! Ferma! Stop! Alt! Call the police! - Chiama la polizia! (inf) Chiami la polizia! (frm/sg) Chiamate la polizia! (inf) Chiamiamo la polizia! (frm/pl) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo Happy Easter - Buona Pasqua Happy Birthday - Buon compleanno I love you - Ti amo 43 EMBASSIES & ORGANISATIONS EMBASSY INSTITUTE OF CULTURE Embassy of Italy - Australia 12 Grey St - Deakin ACT 2600 - Australia ph: +61 2 6273 3333 - fax: +61 2 6273 4223 email: [email protected] www.ambcanberra.esteri.it Italian Institute of Culture - Sydney Level 4, 125 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 - Australia Tel: +61 2 9261 1780 - Fax: +61 2 9262 9333 e-mail: [email protected] www.iicsydney.esteri.it Embassy of Italy New Zealand 34-38 Grant Rd Thorndon Wellington, 6011 New Zealand ph: +64 (0)4 4735 339 fax: +64 (0)4 4727 255 email: [email protected] www.ambwellington.esteri.it Italian Institute of Culture - Melbourne 233 Domain Road South Yarra 3141 Tel: +61 3 9866 5931 - Fax: +61 3 9867 3696 email: [email protected] www.iicmelbourne.esteri.it CONSULATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY General Consulate of Italy - Sydney 19 / 44 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 - Australia ph: +61 2 93927900 - Fax: +61 2 93927980 email: [email protected] www.conssydney.esteri.it General Consuate of Italy - Melbourne 1 / 509 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC, 3004 - Australia Tel: +61 3 9867 5744 - Fax: +61 3 9866 3932 email: [email protected] www.consmelbourne.esteri.it General Consulate of Italy - Brisbane 8 / 199 George Street Brisbane 4000 Australia Tel: +61 7 3229 8944 - Fax: ( 61 7) 3229 8643 email: [email protected]; www.consbrisbane.esteri.it General Consulate of Italy - Adelaide 398 Payneham Road Glynde, South Australia 5070 Australia Tel: ( 61 8) 83370777 - Fax: ( 61 8) 83651540 e-mail: [email protected] www.consadelaide.esteri.it Consulate of Italy - Perth Level 2 - 1292 Hay Street West Perth - Australia Ph +(618) 9322 4500 - Fax +(618) 9322 9911 e-mail: [email protected] www.consperth.esteri.it TRADE COMMISSION Italian Trade Commission - Sydney Level 19, 44 Market Street - Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 61 (2) 9299 9954 - Fax : 61 (2) 9299 1172 E-mail: [email protected] www.italtrade.com 44 Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Sydney Ground Floor, 140 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011 Tel +61 (0)2 8354 0777 - Fax +61 (0)2 8354 0279 email: [email protected] www.icciaus.com.au Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Melbourne Level 1, 185 Faraday Street CARLTON VIC 3053 Tel: +61 3 8341 3200 - Fax: +61 3 9347 8920 email: [email protected] www.italcham.com.au Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Brisbane Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 Tel: +61 7 3392 2499 - Fax: +61 7 3392 1022 email: [email protected] www.icci.com.au Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Adelaide 262a Carrington Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Tel: +61 8 8232 4022 - Fax: +61 8 8232 4033 email: [email protected] http://new.italianchamber.net.au/ Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Perth Level 1, 477 Hay Street Subiaco, 6008 - WA Tel: +61 8 9217 4200 - Fax: +61 8 9217 4201 email: [email protected] www.icci.asn.au Italian Chamber of Commerce - New Zealand P.O Box 253, Wellington (6140) New Zealand Tel: +64 4 382 9209 email: [email protected] www.italchambers.co.nz PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1st JanuaryNew Year’s DayCapodanno 6th JanuaryEpiphanyEpifania Monday after EasterEaster MondayLunedì dell’Angelo, Pasquetta 25th AprilLiberation DayFesta della Liberazione 1st MayInternational Workers’ DayFesta del Lavoro (or Festa dei Lavoratori) 2nd JuneRepublic DayFesta della Repubblica 15th AugustFerragosto/Assumption DayFerragosto and Assunta 1st NovemberAll Saints’ DayTutti i santi (or Ognissanti) 8th DecemberImmaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione (or just Immacolata) 25th DecemberChristmas DayNatale 26th DecemberSt. Stephen’s DaySanto Stefano 45 USEFUL WEBSITES 46 LOCAL ITALIAN TOURIST OFFICES AIRPORTS Alghero: www.alghero-turismo.it Amalfi: www.amalfitouristoffice.it Ancona: www.turismo.marche.it Aosta: www.lovevda.it Arezzo: http://arezzo.intoscana.it Assisi: www.conoscerelumbria.regioneumbria.eu Bergamo: www.turismo.bergamo.it Bologna: www.bolognawelcome.com Bolzano: www.bolzano-bozen.it Brescia: www.bresicatourism.it Cagliari: www.visit-cagliari.it Capri: www.capritourism.com Catania: www.turismo.catania.it Cinque Terre: www.parconazionale5terre.it Como: www.lakecomo.org Ferrara: www.ferraraterraeacqua.it Florence: www.firenzeturismo.it Genoa: www.genova-turismo.it Ischia Island: www.infoischiaprocida.it La Spezia: www.turismoprovincia.laspezia.it Lake Maggiore: www.verbania-turismo.it Lake Garda: www.lagodigarda.it Lucca: www.luccaturismo.it Mantua: www.turismo.mantova.it Milan: www.turismo.milano.it Modena: http://turismo.comune.modena.it Naples: www.inaples.it Palermo: turismopalermo.it Padua: www.turismopadova.it Pisa: www.opapisa.it www.pisaunicaterra.it Pompeii: www.pompeiisites.org Positano: www.aziendaturismopositano.it Ravenna: www.turismo.ravenna.it Reggio Calabria: www.reggiocal.it Rimini: www.riminiturismo.it Rome: www.turismoroma.it San Gimignano: www.sangimignano.com Siena: www.terresiena.it Sorrento: www.sorrentotourism.com Taormina: www.gate2taormina.com Turin: www.turismotorino.org Trento: www.apt.trento.it Treviso: www.turismo.provincia.treviso.it Trieste: www.triesteturismo.net Urbino: www.urbinoculturaturismo.it Venice: www.turismovenezia.it Verona: www.tourism.verona.it Vicenza: www.vicenzae.org Alghero (AHO): www.algheroaeroporto.it Ancona (AOI Falconara): www.ancona-airport.com Bari (BRI Palese) and Brindisi (BDS Casale): www.seap-puglia.it Bergamo (BGY Orio): www.sacbo.it Bologna (BLQ G. Marconi): www.bologna-airport.it Brescia (VBS G. Dannunzio): www.aeroportobrescia.it Cagliari (CAG): www.aeroportodicagliari.com Catania (CTA Fontana Rossa): www.aeroporto.catania.it Florence (FLR A. Vespucci): www.aeroporto.firenze.it Forli’ (FRL Ridolfi): www.forli-airport.it Genova (GVA C. Colombo): www.airport.genova.it Milan (MXP Malpensa): www.sea-aeroportimilano.it Milan (LIN Linate): www.sea-aeroportimilano.it Naples (NAP Capodichino): www.gesac.it Palermo (PMO Falcone Borsellino): www.gesap.it Parma (PMF Verdi): www.aeroportoparma.it Perugia (PEG Sant’Egidio): www.airport.umbria.it Pescara (PSR Liberi): www.abruzzo-airport.it Pisa (PSA International Airport): www.pisa-airport.com Reggio Calabria (SUF Lamezia Terme): www.sacal.it Reggio Calabria (REG Dello Stretto): www.sogas.it Rome (CIA Ciampino): www.adr.it Rome (FCO Fiumicino): www.adr.it Treviso (TSF Ancillotto): www.trevisoairport.it Trieste (TRS Ronchi dei Legionari): www.aeroporto.fvg.it Turin (TRN Caselle): www.turin-airport.com Venice (VCE Marco Polo): www.veniceairport.it Verona (VRN Catullo): www.aeroportoverona.it MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS The Colosseum: www.coopculture.it/heritage.cfm?id=2# Vatican Museums: mv.vatican.va Ara pacis Museum, Rome: en.arapacis.it/ Leaning tower of Pisa: www.opapisa.it/ Pompeii: www.pompeiisites.org The Last Supper, Milan: www.vivaticket.it/index php?nvpg[tour]&id=744&wms_op=cenacoloVinciano Brera Gallery, Milan: www.brera.beniculturali.it Uffizi Gallery: www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/index.php Accademia Gallery: www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/index.php?m=accademia Egyptian Museum, Turin: www.museoegizio.it ITALY In Style A selection of our Italy tours in 2014 The city of Rome January 7-21, 2014 From $5,250 per person Escape the Australian summer in the Eternal City, gloriously free of tourist crowds. Venice: city, republic and empire March 14-28, 2014 From $5,750 per person Unpack your bags for 14 nights and explore the city that ruled the Mediterranean for 1,000 years. Southern Italy March 31 – April 17, 2014 From $6,500 per person Explore remote Calabria before travelling the Appian Way from Puglia through the mountains to Rome. Grand tour of Italy April 1-18, 2014 From $6,500 per person Featuring a private Sistine Chapel viewing, this tour visits Sorrento, Rome, Umbria, Florence and Venice. Villas and Gardens of Central Italy April 23 – May 9, 2014 From $6,500 per person Explore Tuscany and Lazio, enjoying the Italian genius for architecture and landscape. Lakes and Villas of Northern Italy April 24 – May 10, 2014 From $7,490 per person Travel from Lake Como across to the Veneto, with Spring flowering, Palladio’s villas and fine dining. Sicily and the Aeolian Islands May 2-18, 2014 From $6,950 per person Enjoy superb scenery and 3,000 years of history and art, from the Greeks to the Baroque. tailored small group Journeys › Expert tour leaders › Maximum 20 in a group › Carefully planned itineraries Experience the Academy Travel difference! Academy Travel is Australia’s leading provider of high quality, special interest travel to Italy. We have our own offices in Rome and over 20 years’ experience creating and managing art, history and archaeology themed tours to every corner of the peninsula. > Expert tour leaders > Maximum 20 in a group > Unhurried itineraries - minimum three night stops > Centrally located four-star accommodation > Excellent meals, opera, concerts included. www.academytravel.com.au for detailed itineraries and booking information. Level 1, 341 George St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: + 61 2 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) Fax: + 61 2 9235 0123 Email: [email protected] 47 Web: www.academytravel.com.au CIT – your gateway to Italy and the best of Europe For over 40 years in Australia, CIT has been specializing in providing quality independent holidays to Italy. ROME from FLORENCE VENICE $50* from from $29* $36* CIT offers competitive rates on the following: UÊ ÕÀ«iÊ>Àv>Àià UÊ >ÀÊÀiÌ>ÊEÊi>Ã} UÊ ÊÌi]Ê>«>ÀÌiÌÊ>`ÊÛ>Ê accommodation in Italy (and Europe) UÊ ÕÀ«iÊ,>Ê UÊ Ì>ÞÊ ÀÕÃ} UÊ ÃVÀÌi`ÊEÊÃivÊ}Õ`i`ÊÌÕÀÃÊvÊÌ>Þ UÊ ÊÕ̵ÕiÊÌÀ>ÛiÊ«ÌÃÊqÊVÕ`}Ê>}Õ>}i] Ü>}]Êv`ÊEÊÜiÊ>`ÊV}ÊÌÕÀà CIT can help make your Italian travel memories last forever... For latest specials and news, visit www.cit.com.au For enquiries and bookings, contact your local travel agent or CIT on: 1300 380 992 or email [email protected] *Conditions apply. Prices are per person per night twin share based on low season travel. Florence price based on stay 3, pay 2 night deal. Venice price based on stay 4, pay 3 night 48 deal. Italy city taxes may apply and are payable direct to hotels. Prices are subject to availability and change without notice due to currency fluctuations. Travel Operator: Kernot International Travel P/L. Lic No 2TA 5731