Brochure "Italy now"

The Official Guide to Italian Tourism 

Italy Now 

1


Table 

of Contents 

ITPC Tips 

Vacation Secrets revealed 

by the pros 4 

Discover Abruzzo 

Letter of Presentation 26 

Magical Abruzzo 27 

The Green face of Abruzzo 29 

Sea and Ski 33 

Abruzzo: A Land to Eat 36 

Abruzzo: A land to Celebrate 39 

Travel Planner 

Italy in a Nutshell 41 

Transportation 42 

City Cards 45 

Currency 46 

Communications 47 

Accommodations 50 

At the Restaurant 51 

Food & Wine 52 

For Shoppers Only 57 

Arts & Entertainment 62 

For the Gambler 68 

The Great Outdoors 69 

Just for Kids 71 

National Holidays and Festivals 73 

Religion 77 

Useful Addresses 78 

Useful Words 80 

Dear Traveler, 

Thank you for choosing Italy as your travel destination! 

Italy in general is known as the country of “Life & Style”, of art and culture, of good 

food and fashion, and it is the ideal place to spend your vacation: our country offers 

something special to each of its visitors and is a spectacular destination for all types of 

travelers. 

For a vacation full of art and history, come walk into the past by way of Italy’s countless 

museums, historic monuments and archeological treasures. Marvel in the midst of 

exquisite paintings and sculptures, explore the sites that antiquity preserved for the modern 

day and travel back in time envisioning yourself during the age of the Ancient Romans 

or the birth of Renaissance, just to name a few. 

For an outdoor vacation, come find adventure by skiing the thrilling mountain slopes 

or by hiking or biking through an endless horizon of rolling hills and valleys. Come find 

peace and relaxation from our tranquil seas and lakes and also from our many spas. If a 

culinary vacation is what you crave, each corner of Italy tempts you with its delicious 

foods and fantastic wines, appealing to every palate. 

Come discover what travelers are enjoying more and more: our quaint and charming 

art towns and villages, where history and tradition remain intact, where the residents are 

friendly, where home-cooking reigns supreme and where you can purchase typical regional 

products at reasonable prices. 

We invite you to begin your journey to Italy through the pages of this informative 

booklet which will serve as a reference guide to planning the perfect trip. 

We extend to you our warmest welcome in Italy and will do our very best to make your 

visit an unforgettable one. 

Have a wonderful time and pleasant stay! 

Riccardo Strano 

Director 

Italian Government Tourist Board North America 

Italy, 

a Unique 

Experience 

2 The Official Guide to Italian Tourism

The Mark 

of Quality 

and Reliability 

Offering peerless experience, dedication and knowledge, Italian Travel Promotion Council 

(ITPC) member companies represent the top echelon of US Tour Operators promoting a 

vacation to Italy. Consulting an ITPC professional can turn the ordinary trip into a vacation 

of a lifetime. 

ITPC member companies cover the full spectrum of itineraries. You can choose from 

escorted tours, independent hotel arrangements, sightseeing, villa and apartment rentals, 

pilgrimage tours, cooking schools, food and wine tours, car rentals, walking, hiking or 

biking tours, art and music programs, private limousine and a lot more. 

ITPC members are the undisputed experts for all the aspects of travel to Italy. 

To better assist you in planning your vacation our members offer an ideal combination 

of cutting edge technology for fast Web access, together with friendly and responsive 

office and professional call centers located throughout the United States. Whether traveling 

with a budget or ”the sky is the limit”, ITPC members are committed to satisfying each 

traveler’s needs with the utmost dedication and care. Costumer service and satisfaction is 

a primary goal of the organization. Member Company is chosen on the basis of their longstanding 

professionalism and service to the travel industry. Qualifications are regularly 

reviewed and all members must abide by the association’s strict code of ethics. 

ITPC members are always looking to extend their programs to give the ever more 

sophisticated American travelers a full range of experience. Therefore this year a new 

region “ABRUZZO” is being presented as a destination full of natural beauty, food and 

wine, delicious traditions, enchanting villages and folklore, art and architecture, and above 

all, authentic and friendly inhabitants which will make your vacation full of emotions. 

Please use this guide to further whet you appetite for Italy, then call your Travel Agent 

or a member company for additional information. You will find a directory of ITPC 

Members in the ITPC Tips section. 

As always. The ITPC is committed to giving you, the American traveler, the best possible 

travel experience to Italy. 

Buon Viaggio 

Sincerely, 

Mauro F. Galli 

ITPC Chairman 


Italy Now is published by ITPC 

Italian Travel Promotion Council 

Chairman Mauro Galli 


and under the auspices of 

The Italian Governament Tourism Board 

of North America 

Director Mr. Riccardo Strano 

Produced by Market Gates LLC 

Publisher Amedeo Angiolillo 

Executive Editor Natasha Lardera 

Proofreaders 

Patrick Clark, Marta Mondelli 

Special thanks to Mario Scalzi 

for the editorial advice 

3

Italy Now ITPC Secrets 

Company Profile 

For more than 50 years, 

Auto Europe has been the leader in 

worldwide car rental, chauffeur drive, 

prestige autos, and sports car rentals. 

Its Destination Europe division 

features more than 30,000 hot 

els worldwide, business class air 

packages, coach air and many fly 

Discover Italy by Driving Through it 

“The best way to see Italy and enjoy its majestic scenery is by driving through it,” says 

Caroline Healy Estes, Confirmations Supervisor of Auto Europe. Indeed, traveling by 

train prevents travelers from visiting many of the more suggestive corners of Italy, as 

trains often go through industrial areas. “Driving from Genoa to Cinque Terre, I am 

able to stop in Chiavari at a lovely restaurant where I enjoy having lunch,” Caroline 

continues. “I wouldn’t be able to do that if I went there by train.” 

Glimpses of Rome slip in and out as you drive along the windy road taking you 

there from the airport. As you come around the Giuseppe Garibaldi statue on the 

Passeggiata del Gianicolo and continue across and down the Gianicolo Hill, you see 

Anita Garibaldi on a rearing horse with a baby in one arm and a pistol in the other. If 

you come into Rome from the airport by bus or the new intercity train, you miss the 

beauty of discovering the Eternal City glimpse by glimpse. 

“General belief is that driving in Italy is rather difficult, but driving along the 

Autostrada is like driving on American highways,” Caroline explains. “A car is not 

needed for driving in the city, but for moving from one city to another, it is the best 

means of transportation.” And getting lost is not always a bad thing – new treasures unmarked 

on the map can be found just by accident. With a car, you can stop anywhere and discover at 

your own pace. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Call 1-800-223-5555 or visit www.autoeurope.com 

and drive programs. Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni. 


Photo courtesy of Valtellina Tourist Office. 

ITPC Secrets 

The Italian Mountains – 

High-Altitude Snow Deserts 

“Italy is the only Alpine country to encompass the entire Alpine Arc. Together with the 1400kilometer 

sweep of the Apennines, the Alps make Italy a prime winter sport destination with 

over 400 resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Sestriere, Cervinia, Madonna di Campiglio, and 

Courmayeur,” says April Bargout of BellaVista Tours. “People don’t enjoy the Italian mountains 

enough.” 

The region of Aosta is the most mountainous. It is dominated by snowy peaks, glaciers, valley 

streams, pine forests, and high pasture lands, and is accessed by tunnels at the historic passes 

of Monte Bianco and Gran San Bernardo. The region, which recognizes both Italian and 

French as its native tongues, hosts the grand Gran Paradiso National Park, located in the valleys 

of Cogne, Valsavarenche, and Rhemes. The park is a treasure chest of beautiful vegetation: chestnuts, 

oaks, and fir trees, as well as wildlife: royal owls, woodpeckers and the alpine finch. 

“Diverse cultures and languages are characteristic of an area that many don’t actually know,” 

April continues. “It’s called South Tyrol, where Italian and German lifestyles co-exist. A dramatic 

Alpine province, rich in rivers and lakes, clusters of mountains and valleys, it is ruled by the 

mountains themselves.” The height of the peaks ensures year-round sports from skiing and hiking 

to more extreme activities such as rock climbing, hang-gliding and rafting. 

For those who enjoy more tranquil activities, it’s always fun to go mushroom or chestnut 

hunting in the fall. 

Abruzzo embraces the highest massifs of central Italy, with peaks that are often higher than 

2,000 meters, and snow-blanched valleys. It hosts the National Park of Abruzzo, home to species 

like the Marsican Bear and the Grey Wolf. “Abruzzo is an easy destination,” April concludes, “as 

it is so close to Rome. So after a few days of sightseeing in the city it’s easy to reach the mountains 

for a few days of pure fun!” 



BellaVista Tours 

7 Marshall Street 

Boston, MA 02108 


Tel: 617-723-0802 

Tel: 877-723-0802 (toll free) 

Fax: 617-723-0803 

Email: 

info@bellavistatours.com 

www.bellavistatours.com 


BellaVista Tours specializes in group and individual travel arrangements 

to Italy and the Mediterranean, including escorted and semi-escorted 

tours and independent excursions. Having a thorough knowledge of the 

destinations and a willingness to provide clients with personalized 

service, BellaVista Tours arranges any desired itinerary, from budget to 

deluxe, including the following services: 

• Hotel accommodations throughout all regions of Italy 

• Sightseeing – including private guides if desired 

• Transfers 

• Car rentals 

• Villa rentals 

• Train tickets and rail passes – BellaVista Tours is an authorized U.S. sales 

agent for Trenitalia 

• Land-only arrangements or with-air service from major U.S. gateway 

cities to Italy and beyond. 

Your travel agent can contact us on your behalf to coordinate all the little 

details so that you will enjoy your time in Italy. Come and experience the 

world BellaVista style! 

5



Celtic Tours has a rich history of pre- 

senting a unique collection of Italian 

vacations for individual and group 

travel. Imagine a dream vacation at 

an Italian Villa, the “Sicilian Sun,” a pri- 

vate chauffeur or rail tour or our 

“Treasures of Italy.” Specialists in 

family vacations. Let us help you real- 

Family Bonding 

“I have three kids,” explains Carol Dimopoulos of Celtic Tours, “and we are always 

looking for places to travel together. Two years ago we went to Italy and it welcomed 

us with open arms. I think it is the most child-friendly country in the world, everybody 

is so warm, and they love to see families traveling together. They all talk to the 

kids, explaining their culture, making them laugh, treating them as real people, not 

just little children. When eating in a restaurant the kids are the focus of the meal, the 

waiter asks them what they want, or suggests something special to try and enjoy all 

together…so even a simple meal becomes a wonderful family experience that brings 

us all together.” 

Once of Carol’s best experiences in Italy was a cooking class taken during a family 

stay in a Tuscan villa. “It was just special to be cooking all together; the teacher spoke 

no English, so we had an interpreter. We didn’t simply cook but we really bonded, we 

all worked as a team in preparing the delicious food that we later enjoyed together. We tried 

things we would have never tasted before, such as tripe, and my middle daughter wants to 

become a chef now. Now everywhere we go we book a cooking class.” 

Everywhere you turn, Italy unveils something new that to a child becomes a unique and 

memorable experience. “We sat in a chair where the Pope sat in the 14th century,” Carol continues. 

“My kids saw a blood orange for the first time and initially they thought the orange had 

gone bad. Dogs have a certain class and respect for their owners; my youngest child thought 

that all Italian dogs are former Emperors. Italy stimulates children’s curiosity, their creativity, 

and really brings you together.” 

ize your Italian dream vacation! Photo courtesy of Ella Studio. 


Tel. 800-833-4373 

www.celtictours.com 


Photo courtesy of Ella Studio. 

ITPC Secrets 

Romantic Italy 

“More than any other country, Italy offers couples and honeymooners the romantic experience 

of a lifetime,” says Tom Paris of Club ABC. 

“Italy has a certain zest and enthusiasm for life shown in its beautiful and poetic landscape 

and in its daily routine. The best memories one makes there aren’t the big things, but the small 

intimate moments, like sharing a glass of wine, a breathtaking view, or a walk down Medieval 

streets,” he continues. 

Indeed, Italy’s most romantic spots are favored by many as destinations for happy couples 

who want to make amazing memories. 

The rolling Tuscan hills, a gondola in Venice, a Renaissance villa in Florence, stunning historic 

properties, the finest foods and wines and an eye for the smallest things in life make of 

Italy the best dream brought to life. Romantic Italy beckons lovers of all ages to its magical 

countryside, but even cities are great destinations. 

“The Amalfi Coast is a popular honeymoon destination in Italy,” Tom explains. “The views 

are spectacular, and the hotels are first-rate. The pace of life is slower than in the cities; you 

can breakfast on a hotel balcony overlooking the sea, or take a leisurely boat trip along the dramatic 

coastline. Ravello, above Amalfi, is a quiet and romantic location, with beautiful gardens 

where you can enjoy evening concerts in the summer. The Isle of Capri is a stylish destination 

that was in vogue even in ancient times; you can stroll, go shopping and simply enjoy being 

kissed by the sun.” 

When speaking of romance, we cannot ignore Venice, la Serenissima, Italy’s floating jewel, 

the destination that comes closest to an incarnation of Romance. It may be a cliché, but few 

could resist the romantic appeal of a midnight gondola ride, or a wander hand-in-hand over 

the Bridge of Sighs. 



888-TOURS-ABC (868-7722) 

www.clubabc.com 



CLUB ABC TOURS® is one of the most 

successful private travel clubs of its 

kind in the U.S. Members of the club 

are world travelers and enjoy the 

breadth of programs that span 125 

cities in 30 countries on six continents. 

Since 1966, Club ABC Tours has been 

offering outstanding vacation values 

on fully-escorted tours to 

go-on-your-own packages and cruises. 

7



Founded in 1994, Distinctive Journeys 

International (DJI) is a full-service tour 

operator specializing in deluxe, cus- 

tom-designed travel for individuals, 

small groups, and incentives to inter- 

national destinations. DJI offers a full 

range of travel services for the discern- 

ing traveler as well as personalized 

documentation including descriptive 

itineraries with restaurant recommen- 

dations, sightseeing suggestions, driv- 

ing directions, shopping tips, maps, 

and other details! The team at DJI is 

professional, personable, and extreme- 

ly well traveled, and offers the utmost 

A Toast to Italian Wines 

“Experts increasingly rate Italy’s premier wines among the world’s finest, and Distinctive 

Journeys’ main goal is to provide Italy’s best to our clients,” Anna Pappas-Carroll explains. 

Many of the noblest wines originate in the more than 300 zones officially classified as DOC 

or DOCG, and more recently, in areas recognized for typical regional wines under IGT. 

But a number of special wines carry their own proudly individual identities. Wine drinkers 

abroad, not always aware of the wealth of types, have not always taken advantage of this 

unmatchable variety. 

“My favorite wines are the ones from Veneto,” Anna continues, “they are light and crisp, 

always enjoyable.” Veneto produces Recioto di Soave DOCG. It is yellow-gold in color with a 

complex aroma reminiscent of acacia honey with a flowery scent and a well-balanced, fullbodied, 

and velvety bouquet. It is best served with sweets and dry pastries, but it is also very 

good served with ripe cheeses. Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC is a refreshing sparkling wine 

made primarily near the town of Conegliano. Prosecco is the name of the grape that is used to 

make this sparkling wine and many of the best examples are 100% Prosecco. It has a straw 

color and small bubbles, a touch of pear and melon in the aroma, a crisp and clean flavor with 

nice acidity, and has a refreshing dry finish. 

For lovers of reds, Amarone della Valpollicella DOC is one of those special wines that 

deserves super-premium qualification. It is velvety, round and soft, well balanced and full of 

character, while Bardolino DOCG is a pleasant red that graces many Venetian tables. 

“One of the joys of Italian wine is the endless variety of styles from region to region, so in 

order to find your favorites it’s advisable to travel a lot.” 

in service and reliability. We look for- 

Turin. 

of 

ward to helping you with every step of 

City of 

your trip, from initial planning until 

courtesy 

your return home. Photo 

CONTACT NFORMATION 

Tel . 800.922.2060 

www.distinctivejourneys.com 


Photo courtesy of Regione Toscana. 

ITPC Secrets 

A Land for all Seasons 

“I’ve had the opportunity to go to almost all areas of Italy,” Kit Burns of Doorways Ltd. says, 

“and every time I go back I find something that is more beautiful. I got into the travel business 

simply because I fell in love with it. I left from Chicago where it was snowing and I went to a 

villa in Tuscany. I opened the window and saw the rolling hills outside…from that moment on 

I was hooked.” 

Italy offers different landscapes of unique and intense beauty – from the coexistence of sea 

and mountains in Abruzzo, to the dry and western look of Maremma. “Southeastern Tuscany 

remains my favorite,” Kit continues, “the scenery is dramatic but in a peaceful way. Looking at 

the hills is like looking at waves of different colors that are restful to the eye and refreshing to 

the spirit.” 

Each season has something unique to offer. Italy blossoms during the summer, beaches 

come alive, and you can choose between Rimni and Riccione if you are up to partying, or 

Sardinia and Sicily for diving and sailing. In the springtime nature bursts with fragrances and 

colors. The time is ideal to explore art cities or simply sit at a café reading the paper. 

September marks the breaking of the heat and the return from the holidays. Cities become 

more vibrant and the countryside blossoms with activities, from grape and olive picking to 

truffle and mushroom hunting. In the winter, the Alps, the Apennines, and the Dolomites 

become a real white wonderland for skiers. 



800-261-4460 

www.villavacations.com 



Doorways, Ltd, Italian Villa Vacations, 

offers exquisite villas for vacations in 

Italy. Choose your dream property 

from a carefully vetted quality 

selection to ensure a wonderful 

experience. 

• 300 premier villas, castles, cottages 

and city apartments 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

125 air-conditioned properties 

Professional and experienced staff 

Extra attention for families 

Special services in the villa (staff, 

chef, cooking classes) 

Weddings and honeymoons, special 

interest groups 

Travel tips, restaurant guides, day 

trip guides 

Quarterly Newsletter 

9



For over 25 years, European 

Incoming Services (EIS) has specialized 

in customized travel in the 

Mediterranean and beyond. We focus 

on customization through knowledge, 

striving to make every trip exceed 

expectations, help each passenger fall 

in love with travel and turn the aver- 

age tour into a glorious event. 

Natural Therapy 

Italy is not perceived by many as the ideal destination for nature travel, but Rebekah Cain 

of European Incoming Services is here to convince us otherwise. 

“Italy has a lot to offer,” she says, “on many different levels. First wildlife – The Natural Parks 

of Basilicata and Calabria welcome wolves and in the National Park of Abruzzo wolves coexist 

peacefully with bears. In the park of Adamello Brenta, brown bears were extinct but were 

reintroduced by bringing bears from Slovenia, animals with very similar characteristics.” 

Rebekah continues to explain that the country offers world-class bird watching, as it is on 

the migration path from north to south. The best spots are in the swamps of Tuscany, at the 

Po river delta, and in Sardinia. There are places where ancient human settlements were 

reclaimed by nature, and people live in a symbiotic relationship with nature. In Matera, for 

example, people settled in caves, homes that look really primitive from the outside but inside 

have running water and electricity. 

“The Alps should be explored more by international tourists,” she adds. “They are the home 

of the via ferrata, a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and 

bridges. Volcanoes aren’t only majestic and beautiful but are home to natural spas, places to 

go for therapeutic and pampering reasons.” 

The Terme di Saturnia are sulphuric thermal baths that for centuries, since the time of the 

Etruscans, have welcomed to their warm waters people in need to heal their body and mind. 

Saturnia stands high up on a plateau in the Albenga valley in Tuscany, where it dominates the 

magical tufa-dotted landscape inland from Grosseto. 

“These are all different twists on how important nature is in Italy,” Rebekah concludes, “great 

food and wine are added as a complement.” 


EIS-European Incoming Services 

42 Chauncy Street, Ste. 10 

Boston, MA 02111 

Toll Free: 800-443-1644 Telephone: 617-227-2910 

Fax: 617-227-7251 

info@eistoeurope.com 

www.eistours.com 

10 The Official Guide to Italian Tourism 

Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo.

ITPC Secrets 

Exploring Regional Diversity 

“Italy has something for everyone…that’s my statement,” says Sandy Cutrone, president of 

European Connection. “What makes Italian culture and way of life unique is that each region 

has its own identity and people are eager to share it with you.” 

Italy’s regions are indeed a symphony of breathtaking contrasts, not only for their diverse 

landscapes but for the transcendent treasures that they each own. From Lombardy’s rolling 

plains to the lush Po Delta in Emilia Romagna, to the magnificent Roman ruins preserved at 

Pompeii, there is always something different to see, to taste, to listen to, to buy, and so on. 

“Indeed, each region has its own culinary treasure,” Sandy continues, “a signature dish, a 

particular wine and product, gifts of nature and core of traditions.” 

Most Italians still live in their town of origin and feel far more strongly about their local area 

than they do about Italy in general. Tell them how beautiful their town, lake, village, or church 

is — and possibly add how much you prefer it to Rome, Milan, or another Italian town, and 

you have made a new friend. 

The atmosphere is different from place to place. “In Viareggio, elegant and refined Viareggio, 

one of the most famous coast resorts in Versilia and a tourist destination known all over the 

world, I get the feeling of being in a Fellini movie, while complete euphoria hits Ivrea during 

its carnival,” Sandy adds. “This is one of Italy’s most spectacular thanks to one enterprising 

ingredient, the Battle of the Oranges.” The city’s squares are turned into battle grounds 

between nine competing teams and 3,000 people…and oranges literally fly. 

All this diversity makes Italy a favored destination for American travelers, who have had a 

long-term love affair with it and who keep returning year after year. 


Photo courtesy of City of Viareggio. 


800-345-4679 or 516-625-1800 – 

info@europeanconnection.com 

www.europeanconnection.com 



Our award-winning team of Italy 

Experts will customize your dream trip 

to Italy from itinerary planning, hotel 

selection, transportation needs, sightseeing, 

cooking classes, wine tastings 

and very special experiences that will 

make for a most memorable trip. 

• Wide selection of contracted hotels 

from top deluxe to charming 

country inns 

• Rail passes, individual tickets and 

seat reservations 

• Private sightseeing with our 

excellent local guides 

• Shore excursions from all ports 

• Chauffeur driven and coach services 

throughout 

• Cooking classes, wine tastings, and 

special experiences 

• Family travel specialists with 

customized, unique child-friendly 

discovery tours 

• Incentive Travel and Meeting 

Planning experts. 

11



Founded in 1966, EAC, Europe at Cost ©, 

is one of the oldest leading 

tour operators to Italy for groups and 

independent travel, specializing solely 

in customized ground service 

arrangements in Italy and Europe. 

With American offices in New York 

City and Washington, and European 

Savoring Italy’s Culinary Bounty 

“As on most of the Christmas Holidays, I go back to Milan to spend time with my family. No 

matter how the flight goes, the first thing that comes to my mind as soon as I get into the Milan 

train station is to head, without any further delay, to my own personal center of the Universe, 

my Greenwich point: “Luini”!, maker of the best Panzerotti in the whole wide world. A 

Panzerotti, for some of you that might ask, is a light fried dough stuffed with a fresh mozzarella 

ball, sweet tomato sauce, and bits of prosciutto…heaven on earth.” The person speaking is 

Yan Moati of Europe at Cost Tours. Today Italian cuisine is highly cherished around the world. 

Tucked away in a dark alley, between the Duomo and the Galleria, and right after the 

Rinascente (Italy’s Saks Fifth), you’ll find this culinary temple, where Luini’s family has made the 

best of the best since the early 50’s. Sicilian immigrants to Milan, they epitomize what is Italy’s 

economical paradox in strengths and weaknesses: The “mama!” is still at the store 24/7, registering 

every sale, the daughter at the counter, the father and son in the kitchen. They’ve been 

at it for 50 years and through several generations. “So here I am, at Milan’s best kept secret, with 

my oversize bag that occasionally bumps into the customers who wait in line. In Italy, as in most 

Southern European countries, the concept of personal space is completely foreign. Especially if 

the goal is to catch the latest batch of oven warm Panzerotti!,” adds Yan. “I was amused to see 

this hoard of pushy, sophisticated, and decked-out Milanese, giving you strange looks because 

you’re in jeans and a simple black jacket (a classic NY look), while they all dress like peacocks, 

still pushing as if you were in a crowded market in Bombay! That, for me, is Italy: Good food, 

good looks, and stunningly open and funny people that, at a drop of a magician’s hat, make you 

feel at ease and as if you’ve been friends for life!” 

offices in Milan, Rome, Nice, and 

Barilla. 

of 

Madrid, they will cover all your needs 

courtesy 

in Europe! Photo 

CONTACT 

INFORMATION 

EAC - EUROPE AT COST 

315, Fifth Avenue, 

Suite 603 

New York, NY 10016 

Tel: 800-322-3876 

Fax: 212-532-8439 

www.europeatcost.com 


ITPC Secrets 

Remains to be Seen: the History of Italy 

“Having been a history buff all of my life, my first trip to Italy was spent in 

total awe! There is so much history to be found in Italy, and the pure thrill 

of walking through the ruins of the Forum, the Colosseum, and the 

Pantheon in Rome cannot even be described.” The person speaking is Sherry 

Stebbeds of Experience Italy, specialists on travel to Italy. 

Rome’s greatest amphitheater, the Colosseum, is capable of seating 55,000 

spectators. It was used for deadly gladiator combats and ferocious animal 

fights staged by the emperors and wealthy citizens. The Pantheon is a circular 

temple, built in 27 B.C., dedicated to all the gods. It is Rome’s most wellpreserved 

ancient building. 

“To see and understand the engineering challenges that they faced and the 

buildings that are still standing centuries later is amazing. Of course there 

is history throughout the entire country, not just Rome,” Sherry continues. 

“The ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum (destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 

79 A.D.), Ostia Antica (a thriving port on the Tiber river), Agrigento and the 

Valley of the Temples (majestic Greek structures dating back to the fifth and 

sixth centuries B.C.), and Siracusa, just to name a few. You can spend days just visiting 

churches and monuments, not to mention museums and art galleries. It is truly a thrill to be 

standing in the very places you have read about in the history books.” 

More historic ruins to be seen are Metapontum, an ancient city on the Gulf of Taranto settled 

by the Greeks around 700 B.C.; Segesta, the first Trojan colony in northwest Sicily; and 

Matera and its Sassi, an intricate labyrinth of ancient rock dwellings. 

Photo courtesy of Regione Campania. 



www.experienceitaly.com 



Experience Italy caters to discriminating 

travelers who want to experience 

the country in a memorable way, 

whether visiting Italy for business or 

pleasure. Offering a variety of 

specialized destinations and 

customized tours for groups and 

individuals, Experience Italy provides 

an expertise based on first-hand 

experience with the country. All 

recommended accommodations are 

personally reviewed, and tour 

companies and guides are chosen for 

their knowledge and command of the 

English language. 

Specialties: General interest and 

custom travel to Italy featuring village 

folklore festivals, tours ranging from 

wine and cooking to opera, fashion 

and spa packages. Accommodations 

include unique historic inns dating to 

the 12th century and the most 

centrally located hotels in the major 

Italian cities. 

13



The Globus family of brands consists 

of five brands, Globus, Brennan, 

Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon, 

and makes up the largest escorted 

travel company in the world. 

Travel the Land of Faith 

Religious, or faith-based, travel is going big time. Although most trips are still organized by 

churches and other religious groups, large tour operators and agencies are entering this niche 

market. Globus is one of them. 

According to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, overseas religious and pilgrimage 

travel attract more than 600,000 American participants a year. From magnificent 

cathedrals to modest rural chapels, each house of worship in Italy comprises a work of art testifying 

to the labor, artistry, and devotion of its creators. Thus Italy is a favored destination by 

travelers, “the Vatican being the most sought after one,” explains Sharon Symons of Globus. 

“People often request a papal audience and we are happy to accommodate them.” General 

audiences with the Pope are usually held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in Vatican City. They may 

be inside the basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences. 

“Today people need the feeling of safety and trust that they get through spirituality and it is 

reinforced during their visits in these places of worship,” Sharon continues. “There is such an 

amazing aura inside Assisi’s cathedral…of peace and love. Despite the catastrophe it went 

through, it still stands strong.” On September 26, 1997, Assisi was struck by an earthquake. 

The Basilica was badly damaged and underwent two years of restorations. The lower church 

has frescos by renowned late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; in the upper church are 

frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis by Giotto and his circle. 

Contrary to common belief, most religions are represented in Italy, from Protestant to 

Jewish, Anglican and Baptist. 


Toll-free: 866-755-8581; www.globusfamily.com 

With an impressive portfolio of nearly 

Assisi. 

of 

350 vacations to more than 

City of 

60 countries on six continents, no one 

courtesy 

knows the world better. Photo 


ITPC Secrets 

The Charm of Italian Nightlife 

Chatting with Mr. Marc Kazlauskas of Insight Vacations, we agree that nightlife in Italy can be 

quite different from any other place in the world. Cafés are dotted by people of all age groups, 

old and young, families and singles, and sometimes even minor children with their parents. 

Of course all cafés serve alcoholic drinks, but no one actually gets really drunk. Instead, 

what you’ll find is that people stand around chatting, sometimes nursing the same glass of 

wine or beer for hours. Nightclubs, restaurants and dancing spots can be found in most of the 

cities and tourist centers. The restaurants and coffee shops invariably have tables outside, a 

way to enjoy the colorful street theatre and the wonderful Italian weather. 

An important part of an Italian’s social life involves meeting up for an aperitivo in the 

evening after work. Many bars put on a buffet style dinner, an aperitf whereby you pay around 

5-6 Euros and you eat as much as you want. “Aperitivi” are usually put on between 6 and 8 

p.m. and are becoming more and more sophisticated with people even going home first to get 

a bit more dressed up! 

Nowhere on earth are the performing arts celebrated so much as in Italy, so there is always 

something to see. If your forte is something a little more cultural, Milan has more than enough 

theatres and cinemas to meet your needs. With a rich history of fine plays, musicals, and 

motion pictures, nightlife makes Milan a city ablaze with possibilities. For more of the fun and 

excitement that Italy nightlife offers, try some of the nightclubs that Rome has to offer. While 

being one of the top destinations for travelers in the world, Rome is a sea of Italian nightlife 

activity. And you will be surprised that some of the smaller towns have the best spots, places 

where people drive for miles and miles just to go and have fun. 


555 Theodore Fremd Avenue 

Suite C204 

Rye, NY 10580 

Reservations 888-680-1241 

www.insightvacations.com 

Photo courtesy of City of Turin. 




Insight Vacations is the market leader 

of premium escorted tours to Europe, 

USA, Canada, and the Eastern 

Mediterranean. Insight has built an 

enviable reputation by providing our 

guests with business class style 

comfort through twice as much leg 

room than on an ordinary touring 

coaches, smaller group sizes 

(a maximum of 40), more included 

extras, and quality hotels in desirable 

locations. Insight Vacations is 

proud to boast a 99% customer 

recommendation rating 

15



Thirteen years ago The International 

Kitchen pioneered the “cooking school 

vacation” concept. Today, we are the 

premier culinary travel company for 

Italy, France, and Spain, offering 90 

program choices and many daily 

options. Join us for an authentic and 

unique experience: hands-on cooking 

The Fascination of Getting Lost 

In the film Under the Tuscan Sun, Diane Lane, a 35-year-old San Francisco writer whose perfect 

life has just taken an unexpected detour, and who is affected by writer’s block, buys a villa 

in Tuscany and finds love. It was a huge hit in the US; in the eyes of American women Italian 

men became even more attractive thanks to the charm and looks of Raoul Bova. Talking to 

Karen Herbst, President of the International Kitchen, we agreed that Italy is just a great place 

for solo women travelers. The very idea of it can spark thoughts of romance and passion. 

Italy is a small country, so it’s easy to get around. Despite the rumors of strikes and delays, 

the train system is really good, taking you everywhere for a very good fare. If someone has 

large luggage they may run into some issues, but traveling is not an issue at all. “Plus, Italian 

people are so friendly and willing to help, especially if you are a woman traveling solo,” Karen 

adds, “and we must say that yes, Italian men have the reputation of being charming and irresistible 

– but that’s what 99% of traveling women wish. They have a romanticized image of 

Italian men and that’s part of the appeal of going to Italy. 

The only advice is not to take them too seriously or you will get disappointed!” 

Being there is a cultural experience, as much as going to learn how to cook an Italian meal. 

You never eat alone in Italy; it’s an important social event. Then you can roam the city alone; 

even the big ones are easy to navigate. Rome needs to be figured out, and once you understand 

that it’s divided into parts you can tour it without any missteps. “My favorite city is Venice.” 

Karen admits. “It is a place where it’s actually recommended to get lost, no matter where you 

go you will always find something beautiful.” Or even an attractive personal tour guide! 


www.theinternationalkitchen.com 

info@theinternationalkitchen.com 

1-800-945-8606 

Studio. 

classes, charming properties, meals, 

Ella of 

wine and olive oil tastings, excursions 

courtesy 

and much more. Photo 


Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo. 

ITPC Secrets 

Fun Things to Do with Your Kids 

Every year, groups of families head off to Italy for travel and fun programs for all. Indeed 

the country offers many points of interest for everyone, from big cities to small towns. 

“Italy has about 4,000 kilometers of beaches,” Gianni Miradoli, Senior Executive VP of 

Maiellano explains. “Some are not as well known as others, but they all are ideal spots for a 

fun vacation together.” 

Although being on the beach can be a lot of fun, there are other places that can be enjoyed 

with your kids. A good alternative, for example, are agriturismos, farm holidays where the 

smaller ones can play with animals, enjoy nature’s gifts, eat healthy and fresh food, and just 

breathe in unpolluted air. 

“Well, kids who are into history and adventure,” Mr. Miradoli continues, “definitely find in 

Italy the perfect destination as there are so many places that will literally make you travel back 

in time. Sicily is rich in these archeological sites, such as Segesta and Selinunte. There is a small 

island by the name of Mozia located between Trapani and Marsala. The island is linked to the 

mainland by an underwater road that is still there.” Mozia was once the home of a Phoenician 

colony and nowadays is owned and operated by a foundation established by the American 

winemaking Whitaker family. It has a remarkable museum and the ruins of an equally remarkable 

civilization, complete with a harbor and cemetery. 

But there is much more – from the fun parks of Gardaland and Collodi, to marvelous caves 

for young and older explorers, and National Parks where nature can be enjoyed at its best. 



Maiellano Auto International 

Company of Central Holidays 

Travel Group 

Tel.: 201-228-5299 

Fax.: 201-228-5298 

Toll free: 800-223-1616 

www.maiellano.com 



Since 1969, Maiellano’s rental car and 

fly/drive programs to Italy have been 

bestsellers among clients looking for 

independent packages at value prices. 

Whether you prefer a bargain car 

rental or deluxe limousine service, 

a quaint villa rental or a full-service 

hotel, our experienced staff has the 

knowledge and ability to accommo- 

date every desire. 

17



Founded in 1993, Parker Villas has 

raised the standards of the villa rental 

industry year after year. Returning 

guests cite unparalleled dedication to 

customer satisfaction, detailed and 

accurate descriptions and 

photography, the ground support 

through Parker’s offices 

in Genova, and affordable weekly 

rates as their top reasons for coming 

Villas. 

back and selecting from Parker’s exclu- Parker of 

sive collection of homes, villas,and 

courtesy 

apartments for rent throughout Italy. Photo 

What Do You Love Most About Italy? 

The people! By all means, the people. 

“When we stop to look at present day Italians, their amazing heritage is openly visible on their 

faces,” says Mario Scalzi, President of Parker Villas. “While Italy is nowadays officially one 

country, it still remains an ancient melting pot of competing city states and tiny principalities 

inhabited by a mix of people whose origins are lost in the mist of time. 

First and foremost among them, the Abruzzesi stun us with physical good looks, dark hair, 

and light eyes. They are perhaps the friendliest, most generous people on the peninsula. At 

first encounter they are filled with questions that often lead to laughter and kinship regardless 

of the language barrier you may pose. The fun-loving Romans live next door to the Abruzzesi 

and are the descendants of an empire. Nothing you can say or do shocks this jovial bunch; 

after all, they ruled the world, have seen it all, and tomorrow is another day. 

In Naples, everyone seems to be related to one another, so its no mystery that on arrival they 

strive to make a connection, however fanciful, that will make you part of their family. The dark 

complected, island dwelling Sicilians, sprinkled with six-foot tall Norman-era redheads, seem 

the most respectful lot on earth. This may be due to Sicily being the most invaded place in 

Europe, or maybe it stems from having to deal with Homer’s Cyclops, Vulcan’s Forge buried 

deep within Mt. Etna, or the host of other deities that long ago called this Garden of Eden 

home — it makes good sense never to anger the gods. Sicilians also resemble their wines. Like 

a Marsala, they are filled with sweetness and warmth. 

All the way north, at the foot of the Alps, are the Piemontesi. Just like their wines — Barolo, 

the king of wines and the wine of kings — they are big, robust and intense. Give them time 

to open up and the effects are worth the wait. The Tuscans, on the other hand, are the marketeers 

of Italy. They are both famous and complex. Like their Super Tuscan wines, each one 

holding a secret variety of grapes, it is often impossible to know what brews behind those 

intelligent Tuscan eyes until you really get to know them. Speaking of Tuscans, go to Voltera 

and walk along the 3000 year old walls of the city filled with carvings of angular Etruscan faces 

whose ears, like those of Spock on Star Trek, seem a bit too pointy. Now look at some of the 

people walking by… 

Observing and getting to know today’s Italians will add untold dimension to all the monuments, 

art, and architecture of those who have preceded them. Combine this with their food, 

wine, and love of life, and you may never leave. 

CONTACT 

INFORMATION 

To obtain a free color 

catalog and learn more 

about how Parker can 

turn your dreams of Italy 

into an unforgettable 

experience, 

call 800 280 2811 

or visit 

www.parkervillas.com 


ITPC Secrets 

Florence - The Art of the City 

Built by the Romans and immortalized by the Renaissance, Florence affords an unforgettable 

voyage through timeless art and architecture. From the groomed perfection of the Boboli 

Gardens, a famous park that is home to a distinguished collection of sculptures dating from 

the 16th through the 18th centuries, to the unique style of Brunelleschi’s bold, red-tiled 

Duomo and Giotto’s 14th-century Bell Tower in red, white and green marble, Florence is a 

favorite of many art lovers, and the favorite destination of Steve Perillo of Perillo Tours. 

“Florence is a very charming and quaint city where getting around its narrow street from 

Medieval times is incredibly easy. You can learn Florence in one day and never get lost,” he 

says, “My favorite spot is Piazzale Michelangelo, from which you can see the entire city.” 

Piazzale Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, designed in 1869 by 

Poggi. It is a very popular tourist destination as from there you can see everything, from Santa 

Croce and Templo Israelitico to the north, to the three bridges, Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa 

Trinita, and Ponte Alla Carraia, and down the Arno to the west. 

In this artistic paradise, priceless works by Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci fill 

the Uffizi Gallery. On the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation of craftsmen fashion unique art 

to wear. 

But in Florence art is everywhere, “even in the kitchen of Camillo Restaurant near Piazza del 

Duomo,” Perillo adds. “It offers all the staples of Florentine cuisine at their best – from pappa 

al pomodoro (bread soup), to ribollita (soup made with black-leaf kale), and crostini with liver 

spread.” 

Tuscany has other favorites of Mr. Perillo, all cities that everybody should see at least once 

in their lifetime – Siena and its magnificent square, Lucca and its medieval buildings, Viareggio 

and its fun beaches, and Montalcino, home of Brunello wine. 

Photo courtesy of Regione Toscana. 



Perillo Tours 

1-800-431-1515 

www.perillotours.com 


Founded in 1945, Perillo Tours is 


America’s largest and oldest tour 

company to Italy. 

The three-generation, family-owned 

company specializes in first class 

escorted tours from the Alps to Sicily, 

from the big art cities to the quaint 

villages off the beaten path. Ask for 

our hi-definition Italy DVD 

and catalogue. 

19



Splendida Italia by Picasso Travel, 

with over 27 years of experience in 

European travel, offers an array of pre- 

planned FIT itineraries, escorted tours, 

villa stays in beautiful Tuscany, and 

custom city packages. From the popu- 

Small Town Wonders 

There is a trend among modern-day travelers to favor the smaller towns over the big cities as 

a destination. Out in the country, in the small towns, there is a feeling that you are eating real 

food, meeting real people, experiencing the “real Italy.” Truth is, nothing really makes these 

people more Italian than the ones who live in the big cities, but they certainly are more available. 

“A small town is a little microcosm,” says Huseyin Ozyurtcu, President of Picasso Travel. 

“Every town has its restaurant, bar, café, butcher, bakery, and so on. You will have more opportunityto 

chat with people for a few moments while you sip espresso or scoop up gelato.” 

Every small town has its own character; the towns are hidden among clumps of trees, sitting 

on a hilltop, or perched on the rocks. They are real life postcards of a disappearing cultural 

quality of life. Most hill towns have kept faithful to their original character, because their 

locations made it impossible for them to expand. 

“Greve in Chianti is one of my favorites,” Huseyin Ozyurtcu declares. “It even has a movie 

theater!” Greve is a town in the province of Florence, named after the small, fast-flowing river 

that runs through it. The Franciscan monastery is still at the heart of the old part of the city, 

as is the triangular main piazza, where a market has been running more or less continuously 

for centuries serving the nearby castle communities and hamlets. 

In the main piazza you will find numerous medieval buildings, small bars that serve local specialties, 

wine shops, and even more commercial souvenir stores. “What’s fun is that you can even 

see local people simply tanning while sitting in front of the bar,” Huseyin Ozyurtcu adds. 

lar Art Cities to the charming Amalfi 

Lardera. 

Coast, we feature a wide range of 

Natasha of 

properties to suit every budget, and 

courtesy 

sightseeing for every interest. Photo 


www.picassotravel.net 

www.picassotours.com 

Tel. 800-995-7997 


Photo courtesy of City of Volterra. 

ITPC Secrets 

The Living Past 

Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression as Italy. The country is a living 

museum whose public structures comprise vivid, visible art and architecture that stand as testament 

to the country’s history and culture. Unesco declared that Italy owns 60% of artistic treasures 

in the whole world. “When tourists travel to Italy they need to stay at least ten days to see only 

a fraction of what this marvelous country has to offer,” declared Mauro Galli, President of 

TourCrafters and of ITPC, “and they need to keep coming back. Rome, for example, has about 200 

museums, the favorites of American tourists being the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. But 

there also are so many amazing museums that are less known. In Ferrara, the duke of Este built the 

Palazzo Schifanoia (the name Schifanoia is thought to originate from schivar la noia meaning literally 

to “escape from boredom”); this is a Renaissance palace rich with unbelievable frescos. People 

don’t know about it and I am sure in the U.S. they would build a Museum around it.” 

The Roman and Greek empires influenced early Italian design with their mighty temples and 

impressive amphitheaters, while Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic design later played important 

parts in inspiring both architects and artists in the centuries to come. 

“Italy has always evolved through art,” Mr. Galli continues. “What is amazing is the diversity of 

what you find. The architecture of Venice is different from every other city. It has its own identity 

and expression.” 

Venice is a feast of magnificent churches, lavish palazzi, and stately bridges, all built upon a 

labyrinth of waterways and streets that are works of art themselves. “Volterra,” Mr. Galli says, “has 

many Etruscan treasures that you cannot see anywhere else.” 

Before the days of ancient Rome’s greatness, Italy was the home of Etruscans. We know about 

them through their buildings, monuments, vast tombs, and the objects they left behind, notably 

bronze and terracotta sculptures and polychrome ceramics. 

We should mention military architecture, which plays an important role in the look of the 

Abruzzo region, home of the magnificent Borbonic fort of Civitella del Tronto. This fort was the outpost 

of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and it protects the ancient hill town. 

We could keep going forever, going back and back hundreds of times and still there will be something 

amazing to see. 


TourCrafters 1-800-621-2259 1-800-482-5995 

1-847-816-6510 

fax 1-847-816-6717 1-847-816-9410 

E-mail info@tourcrafters.com 

Web tourcrafters.com 




TourCrafters, a family-owned tour 

operator with offices in Chicago and 

Rome, has been offering quality 

vacations to Italy and Europe for over 

27 years, including independent 

packages, hosted and escorted tours 

in Italy, as well as transportation, hotel 

reservations, villa and apartment 

rentals and more. We are specialists to 

Italy for both FIT and group travel. 

Now offering numerous private 

services. 

21


Slow Travel – Tour Italy with a Senior 

According to Mr. John Severini of Trafalgar Tours, Italy is the ideal destination for senior travelers 

who find in it a variety of destinations equally special and unique. 

When traveling with a senior parent, relative or friend there are some unwritten rules that 

should be applied: 

Time is relative as the pace of the vacation is dictated by physical and emotional needs. 

Make simple plans, such as a visit to the market, followed by a rest in a café and maybe a 

nap in the hotel. It’s difficult to run from one museum to another, and then go shopping downtown. 

Renting is the easiest bet, as in hotels you must respect a meal schedule while in your own 

apartment or villa you have more freedom. Renting a car makes it easier to move around, not 

only within the city but also if you want to take short day trips. 

Visits to museums and other tourist attractions must be carefully planned ahead. There may 

be many flights of stairs to climb to get to the exhibits. Check the websites of any museums 

on your list to see if there are elevators available. And private tours are preferred to group tours 

where keeping up with the pace may become an issue. 

Wheelchair accessibility is not difficult as one might expect. Sometimes things are astonishingly 

accessible, like the Colosseum; at other sites, the barriers are impossible to overcome, 

such as the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, where Bernini’s the Ecstasy of St. Theresa is 

located. 

Pack light, especially if you are staying in more than one place. 

In each location, find an English-speaking doctor and 24-hour pharmacy. 

Most of all, enjoy the beautiful sights and your time together. 



For 60 years, Trafalgar has been 

Tel. 866-544-4434 

www.trafalgartours.com 

providing unrivalled experience in 

hosting first class escorted vacations 

to the world’s favorite travel destinations 

– Europe, the United States, 

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China 

and South America. Trafalgar offers 

fabulous sightseeing, superb first class 

hotels, delicious menus, luxury 

transportation, fascinating travel 

companions and the knowledge of 

your Tour Director. With over 

60 carefully designed Italian itineraries, 

1000s of year-round departure dates, 

Turin. 

unique touring styles to fit your travel 

of City 

needs, Trafalgar will turn your dream 

of 

vacation into a reality. Dream. Pack. 

courtesy 

And leave the rest to us. Photo 


ITPC Secrets 

Welcome to a Shopper’s Wonderland 

“There is a street in Rome, Via Cola di Rienzo, that has a store for everybody,” Barbara 

Crawford of Visit Italy Tours confides. “I run when I’m there so that in very little time I can 

find everything I need. There are stores specializing in scarves, blouses, men’s clothing, perfumes, 

linens, candy, flowers, and more.” That’s why Italy is a shopper’s Paradise: there is 

something for all tastes. 

For bargains it’s advisable to go in January and in July when sale season is in bloom, but 

everything is so beautiful in Italy that paying a little more is worth the price any time. “I realize,” 

Barbara continues, “that Italian fashion is two years ahead of American, so when I buy 

something there I can definitely wear it for more than one season here in the U.S. What’s also 

special about Italian clothing is the quality, which is impeccable, the out of the ordinary 

design, and the unique colors.” 

When planning your trip to Italy, set aside some time between visits to monuments and 

museums to do a little shopping and look for local treasures. “There is a small shop on the 

Rialto Bridge in Venice,” Barbara says, “where I always buy Murano jewelry, both for myself 

and for presents. It’s not the cheapest place, but the designs are so nice and unique that they 

will definitely make a strong impression.” 

Many towns are known for particular products. Some examples are: Como (Lombardy) for 

silk, Deruta (Umbria) and Faenza (Emilia-Romagna) for pottery, Empoli (Tuscany) for the production 

of bottles and glasses in green glass, and Prato (Tuscany) for textiles. Alghero 

(Sardinia) and Torre Annunziata (Campania) are centers for crafts made from coral; every town 

has something unique to offer. 


Tel 800 255 3535 Fax 310 649 6880 

www.visititalytours.com 

info@visititalytours.com 


Photo courtesy of Natasha Lardera. 



Visit Italy Tours is Italy’s finest tour 

operator, specializing in custom 

designed tours for individuals and spe- 

cial interest groups. With offices and 

representatives throughout Italy, you 

are assured the best quality service, 

including car rental, chauffeur driven 

limousines, hotel accommodations, 

sightseeing, and special interest tours. 

“If you haven’t been to Italy with us, 

you haven’t been to Italy.” 

23

Italy Now Abruzzo 

Nera 

Sellano 

Triponzo 

Serravalle 

Piedipaterno 

E80 

Visso 

UMBRIA 

L. del Salto 

Ussita Montefortino 

Castelsantangelo 

Nórcia 

Velino 

Arquata 

d. Tronto 

Salto 

Alterno 

Montemónaco 

Balzo 

Acquasanta 

Terme 

L. di 

Campotosto 

Comunanza 

MARCHE 

Marsia 

ASCOLI 

PICENO 

Tronto 

Colle 

S. Marco 

Valle 

Castellana 

S. Egidio Nereto 

alla Vibrata 

Civitella d. Tronto 

Porto d’Ascoli 

Cascia 

Monteleone 

di Spoleto 

Accumoli 

PARCO NAZ. 

Ceppo DEL 

Amatrice 

Campli 

Imposte 

TERAMO 

Notaresco 

S. CLEMENTE 

A14 

Roseto 

d. Abruzzi 

Pineto 

Leonessa 

Cittareale 

GRAN SASSO Montorio 

Poggio 

al Vomano 

Cancelli Campotosto 

A24 

Villa Vomano 

S. M. DI RONZANO 

Atri 

Città 

S. Angelo 

Silvi Marina 

Montes 

Campoforogna 

Posta 

Montereale 

E MONTI 

Pietracamela 

Prati di Tivo 

Castelli 

Isola d. 

Gr. Sasso d’l. 

Bisenti 

Penne 

Cappelle 

s. Tavo 

Loreto 

Aprutino 

Antrodoco 

CAMPO IMPERATORE 

Pizzoli 

Civitella 

Pianella 

AMITERNUM Assergi 

Cittaducale 

Sella 

Casanova 

Castel 

Cepagatti 

di Corno 

DELLA LAGA 

Paganica 

d. Monte 

CH 

RIETI 

Catignano 

L‘AQUILA 

Ofena 

S. Giovanni 

Barisciano 

Reatino LAZIO 

A24 

S. CLEMENTE 

S. MARIA 

B 

S.Demetrio 

A CAS. 

ARABONA 

S. PAOLO DI 

Concerviano 

né Vestini 

Capestrano 

Scafa 

Villagrande 

PELTUINO 

Fiumata 

Tore 

de’ Passeri 

Manoppello 

Rocca 

Rocca Bominaco 

Sinibalda 

di Cambio 

S. Valentino 

Navelli 

in Abr.Citeriore Preto 

Fontecchio 

Colle 

Campo Felice 

Rocca 

di Tora 

di Mezzo 

S. TOMMASO 

Popoli 

P 

Leofreni Borgorose 

Caramanico p 

Poggio 

Rovere 

Molino 

Moiano 

A B R U Terme Z 

S. M. IN VALLE Ovindoli 

Aterno 

PARCO 

Pietrasecca 

PORCLANETA 

Castelvecchio Corfinio Pratola Peligna 

Fara 

Orvinio 

Magliano de’ Marsi 

Sebequo 

BADIA 

S. Martino 

Celano 

MORRONESE 

Raiano 

Albe ALBA FUCENS 

NAZ. 

Carsoli 

Collarmele 

Pacentro 

Lama 

d. Peligni 

Licenza 

Colli di 

A25 

Montebove 

Sulmona 

Scurcola 

Campo 

A24 Arsoli Tagliacozzo Marsicana 

di Giove 

Avezzano 

Pale 

Vicovaro 

Pescina 

Cappadocia 

Anversa 

S. Benedetto 

d. Abr. 

Sambuci Cervara 

d. Marsi Gioia 

Pettorano 

D. MAI 

di Roma 

Capistrello 

del Marsi 

sul Gizio 

Luco Trasacco Rocca Pia 

Ortucchio 

Vallepietra 

d. M. 

Scanno Pesco- 

PARCO 

costanzo 

S. Gregorio Subiaco 

Rivisondoli 

da Sassola 

Filettino Civitella 

Gallicano 

S. Vito 

Roveto 

Atele 

BOLOGNA 

DISTANCE 

n. Lazio 

Romano 

Altip. BY ROAD 

Villavallelonga 

375 CHIETI 

di Arcinazzo 

NAZ. 

Roccaraso 

Palestrina 

Balsorano 

Pescasseroli 

400 95 

Castel 

Genazzano 

L‘AQUILA 

Nuovo 

Opi Villetta di Sangro 

210 590 610 MILANO 

Barrea 

590 

360 

230 

20 

245 

100 

785 

570 

NAPOLI 

240 PESCARA 

Campoli 

Appenn. 

Barrea 

Alfedena 

380 

340 

200 

75 

110 

65 

575 

550 

220 

310 

205 

60 

ROMA 

175 TERAMO 

Collepardo 

Alatri 

Sora 

Alvito 

S. Donato 

Val di Comino 

Rionero 

Sannitico 

Distances (in km) are given for the shortest or quickest routes 

Veroli 

Isola d. Liri 

LAZIO E MOLISE 

Bellante 


Offida 

G r a n S a s s o d ’ I t a l i a 

E80 

Martinsicuro 

Alba Adriatica 

Tortoreto Lido 

Giulianova 

Gizio 

Sangro 

Pescara

silvano Marina 

Tollo 

HIETI 

Abruzzo 

A14 

L. di 

Bomba 

Trigno 

Sangro 

MAR 

ADRIATICO 

S. Vito Chietino 

Bucchianico 

oro 

PESCARA 

Francavilla 

al Mare 

Lido Riccio 

Lanciano 

Orsogna 

Ortona 

Marina S. Vito 

Fossacesia 

Guardiagrele 

Pennapiedimonte 

Z 

Casalbordino 

Scerni O 

Vasto 

Marina di Vasto 

S. Salvo Marina 

Casoli Atessa 

Petacciato 

Marina 

Casalanguida S. Salvo 

Bomba 

Torricella 

Peligna 

ena 

IELLA 

Villa 

S. Maria 

Gissi 

S. Buono 

Montazzoli 

Furci 

Mafalda 

Montenero 

di Bisaccia 

Guglionesi 

Pizzoferrato 

Pescopennataro 

Carunchio 

Montefalcone 

n. Sannio 

Palata 

eta 

S. Angelo 

d. Pesco 

Capracotta 

Castiglione 

Messer M. Tonebruna 

Schiavi 

di Abr. 

Agnone 

Castelmauro 

Guardialfiera 

Civitacampomarano 

Larino 

Vastogirardi 

Pietrabbondante 

S. Biase 

Lucito 

Casacalenda 

Forli 

d. S. 

Carovilli 

Pescolanciano 

Bagnoli 

d. Trigno 

Civitanova Torella 

d. Sannio d. Sannio 

Morrone 

Petrella 

d. Sannio 

Tifernina 

MOLISE 


Fossacesia Marina 

Torino di Sangro 

Marina 

Sinello 

E80 

Trigno 

Biferno 


Highway with single carriageway 

Major four - or two - line road 

Minor four - or two - line road 

Other road 

Main railway lines 

Major airport 

Abbey or isolated chapel 

Ruins or archeological site 

Campsite, youth hostel 

National or regional park 

Regional border 

Provincial border 

25


Dear American Traveler, 

I am here to talk about my favorite subject – my land, Abruzzo, Europe’s green heart. 

Only a few words are needed to describe this region, which is rightly considered a splendid 

national park. 

Nature is maybe the main wealth of a territory that even now seems to stand uncontaminated 

from the big and contagious industrial nightmares of urban sprawl. The landscape 

goes from excessive to majestic. Vast green fields are stretched out as far as the eye 

can see, creating a panorama that is never the same. 

Abruzzo is considered, in Italy and abroad, a clean and pure heaven, but most of all a 

livable paradise. These are the strengths of our territory and also what set it apart from 

the rest of the country. It goes straight to the heart with its suggestive scenery, beautiful 

beaches fully equipped with all comforts, a bustling day and night life that takes away the 

stress of the city and brings freshness and enthusiasm. Hilltops in blossom and rolling 

hills go as far as the rocky massif, at times severe and rugged, at times extraordinarily harmonious. 

In the background of this marvelous route inhabited by bears, chamois, and 

wolves, one can admire the picturesque lakes that reflect the outlines of mountains such 

as Maiella and Gran Sasso. 

Nature, untouched areas, and a balanced urban development represent the main 

appeals of this region, which is also a land of history and tradition. This is where the 

region’s excellence is recognized unanimously: from the uncontaminated medieval villages 

to the monumental complexes where you can still read the signs of a great and noble 

history, besides the peculiarity of the popular traditions with unique events capable of 

attracting the attention of the world’s greatest anthropologists. A trip through the 

provinces, the cities, and the ever-surprising nature is accompanied by strong sensations 

that will stay with you forever. 

Tourism and hospitality are important features of Abruzzo. With these credentials, recognized 

by everybody and reinforced by time, the region introduces itself to the national 

and international tourist market with all its charms. Only a few weeks ago, a scientific 

study on the region Abruzzo appeared in the international press that certified the highest 

approval rating among all the Italian regions. In a word, to the international press, 

Abruzzo is considered a top region, where it is possible to find the best conditions of 

restoration and hospitality. It is now on the same level as central Italian regions like 

Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria. 

All these elements make of Abruzzo the unique place that we are about to present, an 

authentic region, perhaps the last of the Bella Italia. 

Enrico Paolini 

Deputy Governor 

and Minister of Tourism 

of the Abruzzo Region 


Magical Abruzzo 

Magical Abruzzo 

A great open-air museum 

Aremote region often overlooked by 

tourists, Abruzzo is a special place of 

spectacular natural scenery, castles 

and medieval villages, monasteries, and 

Roman ruins. Artistic crafts, pastoral traditions, 

and exquisite food specialties abound. 

Two-thirds of the land is mountainous; the 

rest is hills and coast. One-third of the area is 

designated as a national park. The region is 

bordered by the Marche region to the north, 

Lazio to the west, Molise to the south, and 

the Adriatic Sea to the east. The combination 

of an outstanding natural environment and 

different cultures (the Romans, the 

Longobards, the Normans and the Spanish all 

have left their mark) has produced a unique 

heritage made up of archeology, architecture 

and tradition, as illustrated by the ancient 

necropolises of Fossa, the Roman settlements 

of Alba Fucens, and Romanesque churches. 

L’AQUILA — Built on a slope to the left of the 

river Aterno, L’Aquila is located on the main 

route between Naples and Florence, known as 

the Via degli Abruzzi. At the highest part of the 

town is the massive fortress Forte Spagnolo, 

erected by the Spanish viceroy Don Pedro de 

Toledo in 1534. It is currently home to the 

National Museum of Abruzzo. 

The Cathedral (Duomo) was built in the 13th 

century, but fell during the 1703 earthquake. 

The current façade is from the 19th century. 

The church of San Bernardino di Siena 

(1472) has a fine Renaissance façade by 

Nicolò Filotesio (commonly called Cola 

dell’Amatrice), and contains the monumental 

tomb of the Saint, decorated with sculptures 

done by Silvestro Ariscola in 1480. The town 

also has palaces and a museum, with a collection 

of Roman inscriptions and some illuminated 

service books. The Palazzi 

Dragonetti and Persichetti hold private art 

collections. 

Outside the town is the Fontana delle 

novantanove cannelle, a fountain with ninetynine 

jets distributed along three walls, constructed 

in 1272. The source of the fountain 

is still unknown. The surrounding area 

boasts Roman ruins (the important Roman 

city of Amiternum), ancient monasteries, and 

numerous castles. 


The combination of an outstanding 

natural environment and different 

cultures has produced 

a unique heritage. 

CHIETI — Chieti lies on a crest along the 

Pescara river with the high bell tower of San 

Giustino looming against the sky, just a few 

miles from the Adriatic Sea, with the Majella 

and Gran Sasso in the background. A Roman 

COME TO ABRUZZO 

Abruzzo’s airport in Pescara currently has 

direct flights to and from Rome, Milan, 

Turin, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Paris, 

Toronto, and Tirana. Driving to Abruzzo 

is easy by taking the A14 (Bologna/Bari 

highway), A25 (Rome/Pescara), or A24 

(Rome/L’Aquila/Teramo). 

It can also be reached by train, bus, 

and ferry. 

Once there, a must see is the Park 

Train, an historic train that runs on an 

ancient railway track through the heart 

of the region. The Valley Train winds its 

way from the Adriatic Sea to the Maiella 

through breathtaking scenery, old 

towns, lakes, and castles. 


town, Teate (founded by Achilles and named 

after his mother Tetis), was an important 

medieval center. Walking through the city you 

see Roman and medieval ruins side by side. 

PESCARA — The sea, mountains, rivers, 

valleys, history, art and culture — the 

province of Pescara offers all of this to those 

who come to this area nestled between the 

blue Adriatic and the green Apennine mountains. 

This is a predominantly modern city 

with two hearts: that of the ancient Pescara 

(now Portanuova) south of the port, and that 

of Castallamare Adriatico to the north. 

TERAMO — This is a very old city, founded 

in pre-Roman times, though with a more 

modern feel, due to many 19th- and 20thcentury 

buildings. Two great monuments, not 

far from one another, could be the symbols 

of the town and its history: the majestic 

Cathedral, built in 1158 by Guido II, and the 

Roman theater, built about 30 B.C., where 

sports and cultural events still take place. 

Abruzzo’s 1000 castles 

Over the centuries, hundreds of castles were 

built to protect the cities and communication 

routes. These castles and castle-type defense 

27 

Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo

Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo 


Italy Now Magical Abruzzo 

Abruzzo is a special place of 

spectacular natural scenery, 

castles and medieval villages, 

monasteries, and Roman ruins. 

View of Celano, in the 

province of L’Aquila. 

structures, which range from simple, archaic 

towers to mighty fortresses, are spread out 

around the region, making it a permanent 

open-air museum. 

From the Rocca Calascio fortress, which 

has a square plan with four circular towers, to 

the Celano castle, which has a rectangular 

shape and a wide inner court, Abruzzo offers 

treasures of military art. 

THE FORTRESS OF CIVITELLA 

DEL TRONTO 

The majestic Fortezza, the medieval fortified 

borough towering above the village and 

surrounded by walls, is a unique example of 

medieval military architecture in Abruzzo, 

and one of the largest in Europe. From the 

top of the Citadel it is possible to enjoy a 

spectacular view encompassing the 

Montagna dei Fiori, Campli, Monte 

Ascensione and the Adriatic. 

THE CASTLE OF CELANO 

This castle is rectangular and has three 

floors. In the courtyard you see a double row 

of galleries and in the center there is a well 

which collects rain water in the underground 

cistern. On the loggia of the piano nobile 

there is the excellent chapel portal of Saint 

Andrea (fifteenth century) which bears the 

coat of arms of the Piccolomini family. Today 

the castle is the seat of the Museo di Arte 

Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) of the Marsica 

region. 

Some castles have been turned into residences 

and hotels, such as the Chiola castle 

in Loreto Aprutino. 

The distant origins of Chiola Castle date 

back as far as 864, and it is now luxuriously 

refurbished. 

A hotel and conference center of highest 

quality, it nevertheless still preserves its 

charm, its mystery and its architectural signifigance. 


The Green Face of Abruzzo 


Nature parks and protected areas 

In Abruzzo, bears and chamois, rocky 

cliffs and forests, gentle rolling hills, and 

stunning sandy beaches set between the 

towering peaks of the Gran Sasso, Majella, 

and Velino mountains abound. Abruzzo has 

diverse and charming natural riches in every 

season. 

The lushness and wide variety of the natural 

landscape make Abruzzo a trove of ecological 

and environmental treasures. 

The towering peaks of the Apennines running 

down to the sea, low population density, 

a heritage of biodiversity paired with the 

ideal habitat for protected species, combine 

to make Abruzzo a haven for enviromentalists. 

The pride of the region are two species 

saved from extinction: the Marsican Bear and 

the Apennine Wolf. Abruzzo’s wild countryside, 

the wolves’ protected status, and the 

local people’s age-old relationship with these 

wild animal have guaranteed their survival. 

Excursions can be organized to view the 

wolves. Bears, who prefer to live in isolation, 

can seldom be seen. They live on the Majella, 

the Gran Sasso, and the Simbruini mountains. 

Otters and lynxes are rare but have 

been spotted. The Apennine chamois is often 

seen in the Val di Rose and on Mount Amaro, 

in the National Park. Boars, introduced to the 

woods for hunting purposes, are everywhere. 

Reptiles are numerous, as are some special 

amphibians, such as the emerald toad. These 

beautiful animals thrive in the vegetation to 

which they are indigenous. Beech trees are 

SCIENCE 

Abruzzo has several centers for scientific 

research and technological development. 

The Astronomical Observatory at 

Campo Imperatore is near the hotel 

where Mussolini was imprisoned, and 

the village also boasts the highest 

Botanical gardens in the Apennines. 

The National Institute for Nuclear 

Physics is housed under the Gran Sasso 

mountain. 


the kings of Abruzzo, along with silver firs, 

black pines, hazels, turkey oaks, and cherry 

trees. Wonderful wildflowers abound; 

between spring and summer, gentians, wild 

orchids, peonies, cyclamens, buttercups, and 

violets bloom and add color to the idyllic 

landscapes. 


Waterfalls found inside 

the National Park of Abruzzo. 

These unique landscapes have brought the 

creation of many National Parks that form a 

close network of regional and state-controlled 

nature reserves, real life oases that 

ensure that the natural world of Abruzzo is 

well protected and can be enjoyed by all. 

29 


Italy Now The Green Face of Abruzzo 

Abruzzo is a haven for enviromentalists 

and animal lovers. 

The National Park of Abruzzo was established 

by Royal decree on January 2, 1923. 

Its present-day area of 44,000 hectares, 

which is the result of several enlargements, 

includes 22 towns in the provinces of 

L’Aquila, Frosinone and Isernia. 

The oldest in the Apennines, with an 

important role in the preservation of species 

such as the wolf, chamois and brown bear, 

the park is roughly two thirds beech forest, 

though many other trees grow in the area, 

including the Silver Birch and Black and 

Mountain pines. The highest mountain 

peaks within the park are Mount Petroso 

(2247 m) and Mount Marsicano (2242 

m). The Sangro River rises near the Devil’s 

Pass, and runs south-east through the artificial 

Lake of Barrea before leaving the park 

and turning to the north-east. The park is 

ideal for excursions on foot or on horseback, 

trekking, natural photography, bird 

watching by the lakes, canoeing, windsurf- 

ing, biking, animal spotting or skiing on the 

mountains. 

The Majella National Park was founded 

in 1993. It extends for 86,000 hectares in the 

provinces of Pescara, Chieti, and L’Aquila, 

comprising 39 communes. The rounded 

massif of the Majella is very characteristic; 

similar to a magnificent, elliptical dome, it 

dominates the Abruzzo countryside rising up 

between the sea and the Apennine range. 

In addition to the main mountain, Mont 

Amaro, there are another thirty peaks. 

The charm of the Majella is increased by 

deep valleys, real and true “canyons” and by 

vast plateaux. The vegetation consists of 

1700 species, among which the icon is the 

wolf. There also are bears, golden eagles and 

lanner falcons. 

The Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga 

National Park is the largest national park in 

Wonderful wildflowers 

abound, adding color 

to the idyllic landscapes. 




CAVES 

Caves abound in the Vileno-Sirente 

Regional Park, but perhaps none is as 

interesting as the one at Stiffe, near San 

Demetrio ne’ Vestini. For about onethird 

of a mile, visitors follow the 

course of an underground river, with 

unusual rock formations, gigantic stalactites 

and stalagmites and subterranean 

waterfalls. Openings in the cave 

walls create dramatic natural lighting 

effects, while subtle artificial lights illuminate 

lakes, canyons and rapids. The 

walk ends as beautifully as it begins, 

when visitors emerge to face the outdoor 

waterfall that is the underground 

river’s final destination. The caves are 

easily located on the road from L’Aquila 

to Molina Aterno. 

The caves of Cavallone, made famous 

by Gabriele D’annunzio, are equally 

stunning, and the cave of Beatrice Cenci 

is full of stalactites ad stalagmites. 



The vegetation of 

the Majella National Park. 

the Abruzzo area, and one of the largest in 

Italy (368,018 acres). Founded in 1995, it 

is a truly impressive environmental preserve. 

Its landscape of mountains, rivers, 

lakes and waterfalls is enlivened – particularly 

in autumn – by the region’s clear light 

and the vibrant colors of the forests and 

fields. With its fair share of castles, hermitages 

and stone villages, it is as captivating 

as all the other parks. The land is divided 

into two zones: an internal area which is 

strictly protected because of its special environmental 

and cultural importance; and a 


busier area which has a greater number of 

towns and amenities. 

Three mountain groups define the entire 

park: the Monti Gemelli chain in the north 

of the park, and the central Monti della Laga 

range which connects with the vast Gran 

Sasso massif, itself dominating the remainder 

of the territory. 

The Sirente-Velino Regional Park is 

located in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains. 

Set up in 1989, it hosts the Cratere del 

Sirente, the only meteor crater in Italy. The 

31 


Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo 

Italy Now The Green Face of Abruzzo 

The Apennine chamois 

is often seen in 

the Val di Rose and 

on Mount Amaro. 

The parks are ideal 

for excursions 

on foot or on 

horseback. 

great variety of environments characterizing 

the Park give the area a richness of floral 

species. Among the most common is the 

narcissus, which covers the plateaux of the 

Rocche during the late spring. There are also 

many medicinal plants, fruits, mushrooms, 

and truffles. There are numerous projects 

underway, including the creation of museums. 

In 1979 the regional protected areas policy 

brought about the creation of 15 nature 

reserves, 7 parks with facilities, 2 protected 

biotopes, and the WWF owns six protected 

areas. All these oases are not just fenced-off 

areas but exceptionally powerful habitats to 

safeguard with commitment. The community 

of Abruzzo has acknowledged this fact and 

protects its riches with ambition and pride. 

ARCHEOLOGY 

Romanesque churches and castles, 

ancient necropolises and museums, 

hermitages, and old fortifies centers 

bloom among the nature of Abruzzo’s 

protected areas. Some sites are wellknown, 

such as the Basilica of S. Maria 

di Collemaggio, the ancient streets of 

Scanno, and the Archeology Museum of 

Chieti. But there are numerous less 

famous wonders spread around the 

region. Every year the number of attractions 

increases as new and diverse sites 

are renovated and improved. In Aielli, 

Italic walls circle the summit of Mount 

Secino, in Amiternum, just a few miles 

from L’Aquila, there are the ruins of this 

Sabine city that was conquered by 

Rome in 293 BC, while in the heart of 

old Teramo, the imposing ruins of the 

Roman theater stand out. The possibilities 

are endless, and each corner has 

something unique to offer. 


Sea and Ski 

Sea and Ski 

Sandy beaches vs. snowy mountains 

Abruzzo makes everybody happy – no 

matter what your favorite sporting 

activity, this land can offer it to you. 

Though Italians and international travelers 

alike traditionally think of Abruzzo as a 

remote, mountainous region, its eastern border 

is marked by vast sandy beaches stretching 

along the Adriatic Sea north and south of 

Pescara. They are exactly 133 kilometers of 

golden beaches, bays, and cliffs running 

along a sparkling coast lined with pine 

forests, dotted with towns, and backed by 

green hills. From the mouth of the Tronto 

River on the border with Marche, to the 

mouth of the Foro River just below Pescara, 

the coast is a succession of beautiful beaches 

graced by crystal clear water. All coastal 

resorts offer windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, 

diving and other water sports. On the beaches, 

outdoor gyms, swimming pools, and 

water parks give visitors the chance to meet 

people and have fun in the warm sun. 

Many entertaining events, such as open-air 

markets, and craft and food festivals take 

place in or around these seaside villages, so 


there is always something to do. 

The province of Teramo boasts hundreds 

of hotels and beach establishments, but its 

best features are the warm shallow water of 

the sea and the beautiful vegetation. This area 

is considered ideal for children, as it is safe 

and fun, with many parks created just for 

kids. 

One of the most popular and well-loves 

seaside areas in the region is Roseto degli 

Abruzzi. Set between the mouths of the 

Tordino and Volmano Rivers, it offers miles of 

golden sand and some interesting destinations, 

such as the medieval church of S. Maria 

di Propezzano. Old Pescara offers a nice day 

on the beach and a fun night in its taverns, 

wine bars, and restaurants. It is known as the 

home of the Dolce Vita, as it was the birthplace 

of Flaiano, the writer of Fellini’s famous 

work. On the Pescara coast there are many 

hotels, campsites, agriturismos, and other 

major facilities, such as sailing clubs. Linked 

to Pescara by a road that hugs the coast, 

Montesilvano Marina is one of the most popular 

beaches with the locals as it is easy to 


Abruzzo owns exactly 133 kilometers of 

golden beaches, bays, and cliffs running 

along a sparkling coast. 

reach and is close to the city. Lying at the foot 

of the Atri hills, we find Silvi Marina, a busy 

beach resort close to Silvi Paese, a lovely 

town with a beautiful 14th century church. 

Famous for its history and for its historic 

monuments (the Aragonese castle is a mustsee), 

Ortona is one of the best-loved resorts 

on the Chieti coast. Its commercial port is the 

most important in Abruzzo and it can be seen 

from the Passeggiata Orientale (the promenade), 

an impressive scenic road. There are 

the wide, curved, sandy white beaches of 

Lido Riccio and of Lido Saraceni, and the 

rougher rocky stretches and amazing inlets 

that are ideal for canoeing. So many beautiful 

places to see, the list is endless. They are so 

close to each other that the best bet is to have 

a car and just drive around. 

Driving along one can see small towns that 

like precious jewels dot the spectacular countryside. 

Abruzzo has been nominated the 

region with “the prettiest villages in Italy,” 

from Anversa degli Abruzzi, the village 

described by Gabriele d’Annunzio, to 

Carunchio, perched on a hill top like a 

33 



Italy Now Sea and Ski 

mirage, to Guardiagrele, with its splendid 

Cathedral, and to Pacentro and its cave paintings. 

As we continue driving we arrive at the 

ski resorts, where the sun still reigns but the 

blue of the sea is substituted by the pure 

white of soft snow. 

The Gran Sasso, the Majella, Velino- 

Sirente, the mountains of the National Park, 

the Cinque Miglia plateau, the Carseolani, 

and the Simbruini Mountains form a dense 

network of ski resorts that are well equipped 

and cater to all the needs of snow lovers. 

The slopes of Mount Piselli wind down 

along the trail that divides Abruzzo from 

Marche, and near Corno Grande, the highest 

peak of Gran Sasso and of the Apennine 

range, Campo Imperatore reigns as the highest 

ski resort in the region. Sculpted by an 

All coastal resorts offer windsurfing, 

canoeing, fishing, diving and other 

water sports. 

ancient glacier, Campo Imperatore is home 

to one of Italy’s oldest ski resorts, which 

began commercial operation in the 1920s 

and continues to thrive. The considerable 

altitude ensures good snow for most of the 

winter and the location is ideal for crosscountry 

skiing. 

In addition, Campo Imperatore has been 

popular with filmmakers, a location used in 

more than twenty major films, among them 

The Name of the Rose, starring Sean Connery. 

Right below, there is the Monte Cristo basin, 

equally beautiful and fun for snow sports. 

In the province of L’Aquila stands 

Abruzzo’s most famous resort, Roccaraso. 

After the extensive destruction in WWII 

bombings, the small center is today completely 

modern, except for the district called 

ITINERARY 

Here’s an example of a fun crosscountry 

ski route: Departing from 

Cesacastina, the skier follows the road 

that climbs toward the mountain, 

then crosses to the Macchie Piane 

Plateau where there is a great view of 

the Gran Sasso. From there the road 

leads to Fosso dell Acero and a stretch 

of trail along the slope with yet more 

splendid views, bringing the skier to 

the Baleverde Refuge, a good spot to 

take a break. Here the route carries 

into the woods, crosses the deep 

ravine of the Fosso di Ricognolo, then 

climbs again towards the Colle della 

Pietra Pass where there is another 

refuge. The trail ends here and it’s 

time to return home for a welldeserved 

evening of relaxation. 



Sea and Ski 

No matter what, all over Abruzzo, at the seaside, 

in the mountains, in the hills and even 

beyond the protected areas, nature is always 

the protagonist. 

Abruzzo’s mountains form a dense 

network of ski resorts that are well 

equipped and cater to all the needs 

of snow lovers. 


EXTREME 

In addition to traditional winter 

sports, the Abruzzo mountains are ideal 

for all sorts of adventures and new 

snow activities. There are snow parks 

for snow boarders (www.snowboradplanet.it), 

a ski school for the blind 

(www.roccaraso.net), and an amazing 

cross-country marathon (www.marciacampoimperatore.com). 

The quality of 

the rock makes of Abruzzo an ideal 

location for climbing, especially on 

Gran Sasso. There are several airfields 

ideal for gliding (www.aeroclubaquila.it) 

and areas suitable for hang-gliding. 


Terra Vecchia (the ancient fortified borough). 

The whole ski area offers many miles of 

slopes of varying difficulty, and modern 

sports facilities. The flatter areas have challenging 

cross-country routes. 

At the foot of the western slope of the 

Majella, the lifts of Campo Giove go up to the 

Tavola Rotonda, the highest point in Abruzzo 

reachable by mechanical means. Furthermore, 

there are smaller skiing destinations, hundreds 

of routes, possible excursions, and endless 

possibilities for fun. 

No matter what, all over Abruzzo, at the 

seaside, in the mountains, in the hills and even 

beyond the protected areas, nature is always 

the protagonist. The sandy shores of the north 

coast contrast with the rocks and cliffs along 

the southern coast, while the unbroken rows 

of nearby hills conceal holiday farm centers 

and art towns full of authentic masterpieces. 

All of this is protected by its mountains, the 

highest summits of Apennines. 

35 



Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Eat 

Abruzzo: a Land to Eat 

A taste of local cuisine 

There are oils, cheeses, meats, cured 

meats, honeys, wines and liquors, 

and many more delicacies that come 

from the pristine and uncontaminated mountains, 

lakes, and hills of Abruzzo. All these 

ingredients are fresh and healthy and savored 

in a simple yet wholesome cuisine, which is 

also varied and refined. 

Pasta, vegetables, and meat (especially 

lamb and pork) are the staples of local cuisine, 

and many delicious lamb dishes and 

aromatic cheeses, such as Pecorino and 

Scamorza, are rooted in the everyday life of 

the region’s shepherds. 

The hills of the provinces of Teramo, 

Pescara, and Chieti produce a flavorful olive 

oil that complements the regional dishes. 

Generally speaking, this oil is lighter compared 

to others made in most parts of the 

country, but it is equally good. Olio santo is a 

concoction that originally was only homemade 

but now can be found in restaurants 

and stores. This is a first press oil in which 

hot chillies are left to marinate and spice 

things up. 

Almost everywhere around the region it is 

possible to buy fresh pasta, which is unique 

because of one special ingredient: extra pure 

mountain water. The abundance of pork contributes 

to the production of several kinds of 

cured meats – from sausages to hams and mortadella. 

Sheep breeding is even more widespread, 

thus allowing a large production of 

cheeses – from pecorino to sheep ricotta, and 

cacio marcetto (it literally means rotten cheese 

and it consists of Pecorino fermented in sheep’s 

milk). Cheeses are also made with cow’s milk, 

often mixed with goat milk in the production 

of scamorza (called mozzarella in Abruzzo). 

The region’s fertile lands yield excellent 

fruit and vegetables such as cherries from 

Raiano, grapes from Ortona, potatoes, carrots, 

fennel, and lentils from Santo Stefano di 

Sessanio, chestnuts from the Roveto Valley, 

wild asparagus, and much more. The areas of 

Marsica and Teramo are rich in truffle production, 

mostly of black truffles that are used 

locally but also sold around the country and 

exported worldwide. Last but not least, the 

most fruitful traditional crops of Abruzzo are 

in the Navelli plateau between the Gran Sasso 

and Sirente massifs. The area produces precious 

saffron that is used in many local dishes 

(such as in scapece). 

The most interesting culinary tradition is la 

panarda, a multi-course feast of gargantuan 

proportions. The meal consists of 35 to 50 

courses and lasts all night, enabling guests to 

partake of every dish at a leisurely pace. The 

mountain town of Villavallelonga has preserved 

its panarda traditions more fervently 

than others, and local families still host the 

feast on an annual basis. 

SOME OF THE MOST LOVED SPECIALTIES ARE: 

Agnello alle olive: Lamb cooked in an earthenware 

pot with olive oil, black olives, 

lemon, oregano, and hot peppers. 

Cicoria, cacio e uova: Soup of wild chicory 

with pork in chicken broth thickened with 

eggs and grated pecorino. 

Coda di rospo alla cacciatora: monkfish 

cooked with garlic, rosemary, anchovies, 

and peppers. 

Maccheroni alla chitarra: Pasta served with 

a ragout of lamb stewed in wine and olive 

oil with tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, and peppers. 

The name is due to the tool used to 

make the pasta called la chitarra, a wooden 

loom with thin steel threads. 

Ragù all’Abruzzese: Sauce made with beef, 

pork, mutton, and duck ground meat. 

Indocca: Stew of pork ribs, feet, ears, and 

Bruschetta made 

with red garlic. 


Abruzzo: a Land to Eat 

rind with rosemary, bay leaf, peppers, and 

vinegar. 

Pizza rustica: Pie of pork sausage, mozzarella, 

eggs, and Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Polpi in purgatorio: Octopus cooked with 

tomato, garlic, parsley, and diavolicchio hot 

peppers. 

Scapece di Vasto: Pieces of raw fish preserved 

in earthenware vases with vinegar, 

salt, chili peppers, and saffron. 

Scrippelle ‘mbusse or ‘nfusse: Fried crepes 

coated or filled with pecorino and served 

in chicken broth. 

Timballo di crespelle: Crepes layered with 

spinach, artichokes, ground meat, chicken 

giblets, mozzarella, and grated Parmigiano 

Reggiano baked in an elaborate mold. 

Zuppa di cardi: soup of giant cardoons from 

L’Aquila with tomatoes and salt pork. 

Zuppa di lenticchie e castagne: tiny mountain 

lentils and fresh chestnuts in a soup 

with tomatoes, salt pork, and herbs. 

Food Festivals in Abruzzo 

INTERNATIONAL CHEFS’ FESTIVAL OF 

SANGRO, 2nd Sunday of October 


The Val di Sangro, a mountain valley in 

the province of Chieti, is renowned for producing 

generations of chefs, who have 

turned Abruzzo’s simple yet sophisticated 

regional foods into culinary wonders. In celebration, 

this festival draws chefs from all 

over the world to share their expertise and 

sample the delicacies of local restaurants 

from special stands lined up along the village’s 

main street. 

BEANS FESTIVAL OF POLLUTRI, 5th 

and 6th of December 

Pollutri, in the province of Chieti, holds 

this yearly festival, during which beans are 

boiled all night long in nine large cauldrons 

that line the streets of the town. 

Among the many other foods celebrated with 

special annual festivals in Abruzzo are cherries 

(Raiano, first Sunday of June); sweet 

chestnuts (Carsoli, first Sunday of October); 

grapes and wine (Vittorio, a Sunday in 

October); prosciutto (Basciano, second 

Sunday in August); Pecorino cheese (Macchia 

da Sole); chick peas and saffron (Navelli, first 

Sunday after August 15), truffles (Casoli and 

Acciano, July), mutton (San Vincenzo Valle 


Garlic is a staple 

of the cuisine of Abruzzo. 

Roveto), and porchetta, or roast pig 

(Fresagrandinaria). 

The Wines 

Abruzzo produces one DOCG and three 

DOC wines that have won many international 

awards and are served in the best restaurants 

around the world. These four wines 

are: Controguerra, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, 

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Montepulciano 

d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane (DOCG). The 

best production areas are the Pescara valley, 

between Popoli and Pescara and the Teramo, 

Pescara, and Chieti hills. 

In the official classification of Italian DOC 

wines, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is in sixth 

place, behind Chianti, Asti, Oltrepò Pavese, 

Soave, and Valpolicella. 

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made almost 

exclusively with grapes from vines of the 

same name, with the possible small addition 

of other grapes from recommended and/or 

authorized red grape vines (up to 10% 

Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the 

blend). The top of the range has a brilliant 

ruby red color and a dry, mellow, pungent, 

slightly tannic taste. It is a robust wine that 

37 



Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Eat 

The products of the land and sea are key 

ingredients of traditional local cuisine. 

ages well. The DOCG Montepulciano 

d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane is produced in 

the hilly territory of Colline Teramane, in the 

province of Teramo, where the best fruit 

grows. This limited production, which sets 

itself apart from the wines produced in other 

areas of the region thanks to its distinct 

organoleptic qualities, was crowned with its 

own D.O.C.G. appellation in 2003. 

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a delicate white 

wine made from Trebbiano d’Abruzzo grapes 

(Bombino bianco) and Tuscan Trebbiano as 

well as some other grapes from the same area. 

Controguerra, the region’s other DOC, 

was created in 1996. It applies to a range of 

reds and whites produced around five villages 

in the area north of Teramo. These 

products can compete with both the best tra- 

Precious saffron that is used in many 

local dishes (such as in scapece). 

ditional wines and the more modern varieties 

that are the key, nowadays, to success on the 

international market. 

The IGT denominations are: Terre di 

Chieti, Colline Teatine, Colline Frentane, 

Colli del Sangro and del Vastese o Histonium 

in the province of Chieti; Colline Pescaresi in 

the province of Pescara; Colli Aprutini in the 

province of Teramo; and Alto Tirino and Valle 

Peligna in the province of L’Aquila. They 

cover a range of colors and styles from white, 

pink and red through sparkling, “novello” 

and “passito.” Monovarietal red or white 

wines have the option of using the name of 

the grape variety on the label. 

Centerbe 

It literally means “hundreds of herbs.” We 

are talking about Abruzzo’s favorite digestive 

liqueur. Made by infusing a variety of medicinal 

herbs, some say as many as one hundred 

(such as orange leaves, basil, chamomile, 

rosemary, sage, juniper, cloves, cinnamon, 

toasted coffee beans, saffron, mint, lemon 

leaves, mandarin leaves, thyme blossoms, 

and marjoram), in alcohol, it has a very high 

alcoholic content and is an excellent digestive 

drink. It is mainly made in Tocco da Casuria 

at the foot of the Majella. 

Other local liqueurs are genzianella (made 

with flowers), nocino (walnut liqueur), and 

ratafià, (made with sour cherries). 



Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate 

Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate 

Tradition flourishes in colorful feasts 

Abruzzo is rich in history. Every season 

has feasts and festivals that make 

Abruzzo an ideal location for travelers 

interested in the traditions of folklore and 

faith. In addition to these special events, piazzas, 

parks, castles, and beaches in big cities 

and small towns are the venues of performances 

all year long. 

JANUARY – January is filled with religious 

events such as the Nativity Play in 

Rivisondoli (on the 5th) and The Kiss of 

Baby Jesus in Lama dei Peligni (on the 6th). 

During the Nativity Play, all the citizens of 

Rivisondoli take part, dressed as shepherds, 

the Three Kings, Roman soldiers, or pilgrims, 

bring the nativity scene to life. The 

most sought after role is that of the Virgin 

Mary, and for the selection of the girl to play 

the part there are hard-fought contests with 

strict juries and long, secret conclaves. For 

the latter, on the evening of the Epiphany, 

the villagers, especially the children, in costume 

of 1759, go to the church to kiss the 

statue of Gesù Bambino, kept inside a precious 

silver urn. 

Equally entertaining events are the 

Panarda in Villalonga, a ritual banquet (on 

the 17th), and the reenactment of Saint 

Joseph’s Wedding in San Martino sulla 

Marrucina (on the 23rd). 

FEBRUARY – On the 3rd, the town of Taranta 

Peligna hosts the festival of the Panicelle of San 

Biagio. Special breads called panicelle are 

baked in the shape of a four-fingered hand. 

For carnival, the most fun event is the Fancy 

Dress Procession in Francavilla al Mare. 

MARCH – On the 18th and 19th, the town 

of Monteferrante celebrates the Tables of 

Saint Joseph, where families set out a feast 

table, upon which sits the image of St Joseph. 

This holiday is celebrated in nearby 

Molise, too. 

EASTER – Many spectacular events are held 

for this special holiday: in Vasto, on the 

Friday before Good Friday, there is the 

Procession of the Holy Thorn. The relic is 

said to come from Christ’s thorn crown, and 

for centuries it was kept in a chapel in Santa 

Maria Maggiore. On Good Friday the festivities 

are many, including the reenactment of 


Lacework from Scanno. 

the Suffering of Christ in Gessopalena. 

On Easter day we should mention the celebrations 

of the Good Day in Panella. 

APRIL – The festival of the Loads in San 

Salvo (on the 29th) and the festival of the 

Splendor of Mary in Giulianova (on the 

22nd), are the only non-Easter related events. 

MAY – This spring month hosts numerous 

unique events including the scary but 


Parade of the 

Giostra Cavalleresca 

in Sulmona. 

extremely interesting Procession of the 

Serpari (snake hunters) of Cocullo. During 

the procession the statue of St. Dominick is 

covered with live snakes, symbols of unpredictability. 

In Pretoro, on the first Monday in 

May, another gathering of snake hunters 

takes place immediately before the sacred 

play Lu Lope (The Wolf). On the same day 

there are the feasts of Mary of the Cross in 

39 

Photo courtesy of regione Abruzzo 

Photo courtesy of regione Abruzzo


Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate 

Pietranico, Mary of Libera in Pratola Peligna, 

and Forgiveness in Ortona. 

JUNE – The Miracle of San Domenico is 

commemorated on the first Sunday of the 

month in Palombaro. The month hosts other 

religious festivals, including the Pilgrimage 

to the Hermitage of San Onofrio, which 

starts from Serramosca and climbs upwards. 

JULY – The Miracle of Santa Margherita is 

celebrated in Villamagna on the 12th, while 

the Triumph of Peace is commemorated in 

Teramo on the 26th. 

AUGUST – This month hosts events of many 

kinds – from the beer festival of 

Every season has feasts and festivals that 

make Abruzzo an ideal location for travelers 

interested in the traditions of folklore. 

Sant’Omero, to the Pilgrimage from Fornelli 

to Villalago, to the Festival of Trescatura of 

Collecorvino, in commemoration of ancient 

wheat harvesting. 

SEPTEMBER – On the 23rd, it’s time to 

dance at the Ballo dell’Insegna in Forcella. 

Only the men of the town can take part in 

this event of masculine solidarity. The 

Insegna is a large flag carried by a medieval 

bearer who is accompanied by two. The 

dance involves throwing the flag in the air in 

loops and catching it before it touches the 

ground. All the men have a go, and the winner 

is chosen by common consent. 

LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP 

Abruzzo abounds with artists of all 

types, including ceramists, stone-cutters, 

goldsmiths, engravers, carvers, 

weavers, and coppersmiths. Their beautiful 

products are available across the 

region at very reasonable prices. The 

saddles from L’Aquila are so well crafted 

that they are used by the British royal 

family for all the horses at Buckingham 

Palace. 

The abundance of wool in Abruzzo 

has always encouraged textile art. 

Tarante are beautifully colorful blankets 

from Taranta Peligna, and tapestries are 

produced in Penne. In many places in 

the region, reeds are collected along the 

banks of the waterways to be woven into 

baskets and other wicker objects. The art 

of jewelry making is common throughout 

the region. In Pescocostanzo, Scanno 

and Sulmona, visitors can find beautifully 

crafted jewels and filigrees. Among the 

most treasured is the presentosa, a brooch 

often presented by a man to his fiancé or 

wife, made of two intertwined silver 

hearts. 

OCTOBER – October features a Grape 

Festival in Nocciano, and the delicious 

Sagra delle Scrippelle (a famous Abruzzese 

recipe) in San Giovanni Lipioni. 

NOVEMBER – In Lettomanoppello, the 

Feast of All Saints lasts four days and ends 

with a procession in honor of San Rocco. 

Sant’Egidio alla Vibrata hosts a fun Festival of 

children’s songs called Fiore d’Oro, and in 

Scanno, during Le Glorie, high piles of wood 

are burned in honor of Saint Martino. 

DECEMBER – In Atri, on the 8th, during the 

Faugni, fires of dry canes are burned in front 

of the Cathedral at dawn, while on the 10th 

in Torino di Sangro, a Night Wake is organized 

to wait for the birth of the Madonna di 

Loreto; a procession of torches is held 

through the night, and songs are sung in the 

morning. 


Italy in a Nutshell 

Italy in a Nutshell 

General Information for the detail-oriented 

Its dreamy light and sumptuous countryside 

seem made for romance, and its 

three millennia of history, culture and 

cuisine seduce just about everyone. 

You can visit Roman ruins, drink in 

Renaissance art, stay in tiny medieval hill 

towns, ski the Alps, explore the canals of 

Venice and stand in awe in beautiful churches. 

Naturally you can also indulge in the 

pleasures of la dolce vita: good food, good 

wine, good shopping, and maybe a little bit of 

flirting. In Italy everything is possible. 

Any time of the year is ideal to enjoy Italy’s 

treasures; history and beauty are always in 

season. 

Italy's Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of 

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). Italy is 

six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time 

in the U.S. Daylight savings time goes into 

effect at the end of March and ends in late 

October. 

Official Language: Italian. German is spoken 

in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto 

Adige; there are small French-speaking 

populations in the Valle d'Aosta region to 

the northwest. 

Origin of the Name: The first Greek settlers, 

who arrived in Calabria in Southern Italy 

from Euboea island in the 8th century B.C., 

named their new land Vitulia ("land of 

calves"). This name spread slowly northward, 

and it was only under Augustus that 

the whole country adopted the name. 

Area: 301,323 km2 (116,303 square miles) 

Population: 58,751,711 (2006), an increase 

of 0.5% from 2005, mainly supplemented 

by immigrants, and an increasing life 

expectancy of 79.81 years. 

Government: Republic 

Constitution: Adopted January 1, 1948 

National Holiday, Festa della Repubblica: 

June 2nd. 

Nickname: Italy is sometimes called Belpaese 

(Italian for beautiful country) by its inhabitants, 

due to the beauty and variety of its 

countryside and for the world's largest 

artistic heritage. The country is home to the 

greatest number of UNESCO World 

Heritage Sites (40 as of January 1, 2006). 

Currency: Euro. 


Calling Code: +39 

Exports: $371.9 billion (f.o.b., 2005 est.): 

engineering products, textiles and clothing, 

production machinery, motor vehicles, 

transportation equipment, chemicals, food, 

beverages and tobacco, minerals and nonferrous 

metals. 

Imports: $369.2 billion (f.o.b., 2005 est.): 

engineering products, chemicals, transportation 

equipment, energy products, 

minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles 

and clothing, food, beverages and tobacco. 

Capital: Rome, “The Eternal City” (population 

2,553,873, city only), calling code 06. 

Major Cities: 

Milan (4,280,820), calling code 02 

Turin (902,255), calling code 011 

Genoa (620,316), calling code 010 

Venice (271,663), calling code 041 

Florence (366,488), calling code 055 

Naples (4,200,000), calling code 081 

Palermo (675,501), calling code 091 

The Italian Peninsula is divided into 20 

regions, two of which are islands. Each region 

is host to different customs, traditions, and 

dialects. Five regions have a Statuto Speciale 

(special statute): Valle d’Aosta, Trentino-Alto 

Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicily, and 

Sardinia. The top travel destinations in Italy 

include the three cities of Rome, Venice, and 

Florence, the region of Tuscany, and the 

Amalfi Coast. 

The Land 

The Italian Peninsula is bounded by France, 

Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the 

north. Italy juts into the Mediterranean Sea, 

and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on the 

east, the Ionian Sea on the west, the 

Tyrrhenian on the west along most of the 

peninsula, and the Ligurian Sea on the northwest. 

The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's 

backbone, with the Alps on its northern 

boundary. The Alps are divided into regions 

called, from west to east the Occidentali, the 

Centrali, and the Orientali, and they border 

with France, Austria and Switzerland. The 

Dolomites, which are really part of the Alps, 

are located in the regions of South Tyrol, 

Turin’s Mole 

Antonelliana 

at dusk. 


Trentino and Belluno. The highest point in 

Italy is Mont Blanc, in the Alps, at 15,770 feet. 

The largest of its many northern lakes is 

Garda (143 sq mi; 370 sq km); the Po, its 

principal river, flows from the Alps on Italy's 

western border and crosses the Lombard plain 

to the Adriatic Sea. 

Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, is the only 

active volcano on the European mainland. 

Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, is one of 

the world's largest volcanoes. 

THE TEMPERATURE 

Italy enjoys a predominantly 

Mediterranean (mild) climate with a 

colder Alpine climate in the mountains 

to the north and a hot and dry climate 

in the south. 

Average Average 

City Latitude winter summer 

temperature temperature 

Milan 45°28’ 3 C–37 F 23 C–73 F 

Turin 45°2’ 2 C–35 F 22 C–71 F 

Genoa 44°25’ 8 C–46 F 23 C–73 F 

Rome 41°52’ 8 C–46 F 24 C–75 F 

Palermo 38°5’ 11 C–51 F 24 C–75 F 

Sassari 40°45’ 9 C–48 F 23 C–73 F 

41 

Photo courtesy of the Turin Tourist Office.


Italy Now Transportation 

Transportation 

How to get around the Belpaese 

Avacation in Italy is a total sensory and 

cultural immersion, a series of experiences 

and memories to last a lifetime. 

Traveling to and around the country is much 

easier than one might think. There is a myth 

that Italian drivers are crazy…untrue! They are 

certainly aggressive, but they are also very 

skilled. When you first arrive in Italy everything 

looks different. The cars are very small, the 

streets are very narrow, everything looks like it 

is going at super-fast speed and you are in slow 

motion. This may happen because of jet-lag 

but, honestly, things are rather different there. 

Italy has 133 airports, 

all located outside of the 

major cities. 

Once you have arrived at your final 

destination, you need to decide how you 

are going to get around. 

BUT FIRST LET’S FRESHEN UP 

ON SOME VOCABULARY: 

Train Treno 

Train Station Stazione Ferroviaria 

Taxi Taxi 

Bus Autobus 

Subway Metropolitana 

Car Macchina 

Rental Car Autonoleggio 

Bus Stop Fermata dell’Autobus 

Airport Aereoporto 

Airports 

Italy is simply loaded with treasures, so it is 

not hard to see why Italy is one of the world’s 

most heavily visited countries. For this reason 

Italy has many international airports. 

The country has 133 airports, all located out- 

side of the city, but they offer transportation, 

shuttle buses and trains, that for a small fee will 

take you into the city. In Rome the “Leonardo 

Express” will take you from the airport of 

Fiumicino to the rail station, Stazione Termini. 

From there you can take a taxi to your final destination. 

Airports are filled with signs that will 

lead you to the shuttle’s station. Tickets can be 

bought on the premises. The Volainubus 

Airport Shuttle connects Vespucci Airport to 

downtown Florence. Tickets are purchased on 

board and cost 4 Euros. Galileo Galilei, Pisa’s 

airport, has direct train services to Florence. 

The 80 km trip costs around 5 Euros. 

The best way to get to and from Milan 

Malpensa airport to the downtown area is by 

MalpensaExpress Train. The standard fare is 

9 Euros. There is also a deluxe bus which 

leaves every 30 minutes to Milan railway station 

and downtown Milan. The fare for the 

bus is 5 Euros per person. Buses are available 

from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Several charter 

flights arrive in Bergamo instead of Milan. 

Buses leave regularly and will take you to 

Milan’s Central Station. 

Palermo International Airport is on the 

northern coast of the island of Sicily and is the 

main air hub for the island. There is one modern 

and well-equipped terminal that handles 

international and domestic traffic, and public 

transport to the city is provided by buses. 

ROME 

Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci or 

Ciampino; www.adr.it 

MILAN 

Malpensa or Linate; 

www.sea-aereoportimilano.it 

BERGAMO 

Milano Orio al Serio; www.sacbo.it 

TURIN 

Città di Torino; www.airport.turin.it 

GENOA 

Cristoforo Colombo – Sestri; 

www.airport.genoa.it 

BOLOGNA 

Guglielmo Marconi; 

www.bologna-airport.it 

VENEZIA 

Marco Polo; www.veniceairport.it 

FLORENCE 

Amerigo Vespucci; 

www.aereoport.firenze.it 

PISA 

Galileo Galilei; www.pisa-airport.it 

NAPLES 

Capodichino; www.gesac.it 

PALERMO 

Punta Raisi; www.gesap.it 

Trains 

Trenitalia is the name of the Italian State 

Railroad which runs a nationwide network at 

reasonable prices calculated on the distance 

traveled. 

There are several categories of trains; each 

category is differentiated by the level of comfort, 

the speed, the price, the accessory services 

offered and the number of stops. 

The Eurostar is the top category of trains. 

They are the most costly and the most comfortable. 

They only stop at the major cities. 

For instance, between Milan and Naples, 

Eurostar trains only stop in Bologna, 

Florence, and Rome. Eurostar trains only 

travel by day and require a reservation, so the 

tickets are better bought in advance. 

Reservation is free and issued with the ticket. 

Intercity and IntercityPlus trains are 

quite comfortable and fast, traveling between 

all major and important Italian towns and 

cities. Intercity trains stop more often than 

Eurostar trains, but they still do not stop in 

small villages and towns. Bar service is available. 

Intercity Notte trains travel by night. 

Eurocity and Eurocity Notte trains, similar 

to Intercity trains, travel on international routes. 

Espresso trains are the cheapest trains 

traveling long distances. They have both 



Transportation 

national and international service and usually 

stop only in the main cities and towns. 

Interregionale, Regionale and Diretto are 

trains that travel medium distances, from 

cities to small towns. 

Discounts are available for students, disabled, 

and seniors. Special fares are often 

applied on national holidays (last summer, 

for example, traveling on Ferragosto cost 

only 1 Euro no matter what destination). 

Trenitalia offers all non-residents a new rail 

pass, the Trenitalia Pass, which replaces the 

old Flexicard. Available in both first and sec- 

Trenitalia is the name of the Italian State Railroad which 

runs a nationwide network at reasonable prices. 

ond class, this pass allows three to 10, consecutive 

or not, days of unlimited travel within 

a two month period. It can be used on any 

train in Italy, with the exception of the 

Eurostar Italia, where a small supplement is 

due. This pass also offers discounts at certain 

hotels and other special offers. It is available 

in three versions; Basic, for adults traveling in 

first and second class; for those under 26 

there is a Trenitalia Youth Pass; and a 

Trenitalia Pass Saver for small groups of two 

to five people. Passes can be bought at travel 

agencies and at the rails stations. 

Taxis 

Government-regulated taxis are either white or 

yellow. Avoid taxis that are not metered and 

have no official signs. They are private cars 

that will charge you an expensive fee. Unlike 

in the States, taxis cannot be hailed on the 


street, but can be found at specific taxi stands 

on the street, or they can be called by phone. 

All charges are listed on a price chart displayed 

inside the cab. Extra charges are in effect at 

night, for luggage service, and phone booking. 

A 10% tip is expected but not mandatory. 

Buses 

Local buses are a great way to get around the 

city. All Italian cities have a well organized 

bus and tram system that will take you to 

most destinations. Prices vary according to 

the city you are in. Tickets can be purchased 

at newsstands, tobacco shops and subway 

stations. All tickets must be time stamped 

using the machines on board the buses. 

Subway 

In Italy, just a few cities offer subway service. 

Rome and Milan were the first two, followed 

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE: 


Basic Youth Saver 

Days 1 class 2 class 2 class 1 class 2 class 

3 140 112 94 119 95 

4 158 126 106 134 107 

5 176 140 118 149 119 

6 194 154 130 164 131 

7 212 168 142 179 143 

8 230 182 154 194 155 

9 248 196 166 209 167 

10 266 210 178 224 179 

TIP: All train tickets must be validated before boarding the train at those yellow boxes at the 

entrance of the tracks. If they are not, the tickets are invalid and you will be charged a fee. 

Smoking onboard is not permitted. www.trenitalia.com 

through the years by Naples, Genoa and 

Catania. On February 4, 2006, subway service 

was inaugurated in Turin. 

Milan offers three subway lines, M1 (red), 

M2 (green), M3 (yellow), and three more 

lines are in the works. All three lines take you 

to the city’s landmarks and to different towns 

on the outskirts. The M1 is the line that will 

take you to Milan’s spectacular center where 

you can see the Duomo and the surrounding 

shopping area, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. A 

booklet of 20 tickets costs 20 Euros. Upon 

validation, tickets are valid for 75 minutes. 

www.atm-mi.it 

Rome has two subway lines, A (orange) 

and B (blue). The former cuts through the 

city on the north-west and south-east sides, 

while the latter on the north-east and south 

sides. The A is the line that offers stops at 

more famous locations such as Piazza di 

Spagna, Fontana di Trevi, San Pietro and 

Musei Vaticani. The BTI ticket is offered to 

visitors, and it is valid for three days after 

having been validated. It can be used on 

buses, subway and local trains. It costs 11 

Euros. www.atac.roma.it 

Naples has five lines, all under renovation. 

The Linea 1 has been renamed Metrò 

dell’Arte as a permanent display of modern 

art has been installed at every stop. This line 

constitutes the central ring of the Neapolitan 

subway system. Single tickets cost 1 Euro and 

are valid for 90 minutes. All tickets are valid 

for buses, funiculars, metro and local railways 

in Naples and adjacent municipalities 

(Uniconapoli). Naples also has a suburban 

train line, the Ferrovia Circumvesuviana, that 

43


Italy Now Transportation 

will get you to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and 

Sorrento. 

Road 

The Autostrada (AA), the national highway, 

stretches along the entire peninsula. It has 

tolls which are applied according to distances 

and size of motor vehicle. Some stretches are 

toll-free such as the Salerno-Reggio Calabria 

and the Palermo-Catania. Payments can be 

made by credit card if you are short on cash. 

At the toll station, get into the Via Card lane. 

Road signs are international and easy to read 

for all. On major highways, gas stations are 

open 24 hours. 

Autogrills are rest stops along the highway. 

The smaller ones are cafés while the bigger 

ones are also restaurants that offer delicious 

snacks and even meals. 

The larger Autogrills have stores where you 

will be able to buy all kinds of specialty foods 

(cheeses, meats, snack foods) and beverages 

(wine, beer and liquor). They also have travel 

supplies from drug store items to electronics. 

Italian law requires that all passengers 

wear a seat belt, and to respect the speed 

limit which is 30 mph in urban areas, 55 

mph on country roads and 80 mph on highways. 

Tickets for speeding are high. For vehicle 

breakdown, dial 116, and the nearest 

Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) will send 

assistance. www.autostrade.it www.aci.it 

If you don’t like paying the tolls on the 

autostrada, you can usually find a road labeled 

“ss” on your map, paralleling the autostrada. 

Those are “strade statali” or state roads. The 

speed limit is 90-110 km when it’s clear for a 

stretch, and 30-50 near towns. They are twistier 

and usually far more scenic. The autostrada 

Highway to Naples. 

signs have a green background, while the state 

roads use the color blue. 

Rental Cars 

When choosing to rent a car, go with the best 

car rental companies in Italy. 

There are many agencies: AutoEurope, 

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, to name a few. 

In making your car rental arrangements, 

consider and compare the following important 

pricing points: 

• The lowest, all inclusive car rental rates 

with no hidden charges, just pay for gas 

• Includes all the insurance, including the 

deductible 

• Over 400 pick up and drop off points in 

Italy 

• Reliability, late model fleet (rental cars 

change every six months) 

• 24 hour road side assistance 

• No drop off charges 

• All taxes (Airport and IVA) included 

• Toll-free telephone number in Italy 

• An International Driver’s license is 

required for driving in Italy, and it’s advisable 

to get insurance. 

When you pick up your car, be sure to find 

out from the rental company which type of gas 

it takes. Sometimes the larger rental cars are 

diesel. Diesel gasoline is less expensive, so that 

makes a larger car more affordable to drive. 

Parking 101 

The more tourist-oriented towns and cities 

have large parking lots (a pagamento) with 

parking rates just outside the historic centers. 

Street parking is organized and designated 

with signs and by the color of the lines for the 

parking spots. The color of the lines on the 

parking space indicates the type of parking; 

white is for free parking, blue is for paid 

parking. There will be a payment machine or 

a place to buy tickets close by. You get a 

receipt telling you how long you can stay (the 

time your parking expires is usually printed 

on the receipt). Put this receipt in the car 

window. 

If parking is free but time limited, you 

must use a disco orario (a parking disk) to 

indicate the time you parked. When you rent 

a car in Italy, they may already have a parking 

disc. If they do not, you can purchase one at 

a tobacco store or gas station. They are not 

expensive.To use the parking disc, set it to 

indicate the time you parked and place it 

inside your car in the windshield so it can be 

seen by the parking police. 

Some cities offer special Parking Cards, 

such as Milan. Prices range from 12 to 50 

Euros. 

Ferries 

Regular boats and hydrofoil services run to 

most of the islands, local and international. 

Service is available to Capri, Ischia, Elba, 

Sardinia, Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Greece, 

Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Malta, and 

Corsica. www.ferriesonline.com 

San Remo harbor. 


Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni.

City Cards 

City Cards 

No worries...everything is included! 

For years now, the companies that run 

public transportation in the big cities 

have created some special cards to 

assist visitors during their stay. The concept 

behind it is that the visitor arrives and does 

not have to worry about anything, either 

where to buy tickets or which fare should be 

paid. Instead, by purchasing these cards, he 

can start exploring the city while saving a little 

money. These cards are valid on all public 

transportation, and include passes to museums 

and historic sites. They can be bought at 

the local tourist offices. 

• 

City cards are valid on public 

transportation and include passes 

to museums and historic sites. 

The Roma Archeologia Card costs 20 

Euros and is valid for seven days. It includes 

the entrance to nine major sites in Rome 

including the Colosseum, Terme di Caracalla, 

Terme di Diocleziano and Villa dei Quintili. 

The card is valid for a week and is available 

from the attractions themselves and the 

Visitor Center of Rome Tourist Board (APT). 

The Appia Antica Card (6 Euros) covers 

entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, the Tomb 

of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the 

Quintili. The Capitolini Card (9 Euros) 

gives you access to both Capitoline 

Museums. 


• 

The Torino Card, in Turin, is available for 

18,00 (2 days), 20,00 (3 days), ms, urban 

public transportation (except the subway), 

the elevator in the Mole Antonelliana, and 

reductions on many shows, concerts, and 

bicycle rentals. www.turismotorino.org 

• 

The Milan Welcome Card allows entry to 

Milan’s main cultural attractions. The Milan 

Welcome Card is on sale for 8 Euros at the 

Information Offices of the Tourist Office in 

via Marconi, 1. www.milanoinfotourist.it 

• 

The cheapest way to visit Venice is by purchasing 

the Venice Card. The Venice Card 

comes in two colors, blue and orange, each 

available for one, three, or seven days. The 

Blue card offers unlimited transportation on 

waterbuses and autobuses. It also provides 

perks such as discounts at various attractions, 

shops, restaurants, and cafés, a discount on 

the Chorus Pass, which offers cheap admission 

with free audio guides at 15 historic 

churches, and special rates at the Tronchetto 

parking garage. The Orange Card includes all 

of the above plus admission to the Doge’s 

Palace and other municipal museums. The 

Venice Card is sold in two versions: Senior 

(for adults over 30) and Junior (for visitors 


from 5 through 29). You’ll need to reserve 

your card at least 48 hours before arriving in 

Venice. The easiest and cheapest way buy the 

Venice Card is to order it online. You then 

print out your receipt/voucher and use it to 

claim your card when you arrive in Venice. 

www.venicecard.com 

• 

The Genoa Museum Card permits its 

holders to visit 22 town, public and private 

museums in Genoa. It can also be used to 

purchase discounted tickets for Palazzo 

Ducale, Acquarium of Genoa, Città dei 

Bambini e dei Ragazzi (Children’s City), the 

Bigo, Luzzati Museum at Porta Siberia, 

Pallavicini Park of Pegli, Villa Durazzo at 

Santa Margherita Ligure, Palazzo Imperiale, 

the Carlo Felice Theatre, the Genoese Teatro 

Stabile, the Teatro della Tosse, the Teatro 

dell’Archivolto, the Teatro Cargo. The 48 

hour Card costs 16 Euros while the 48 hour 

MUSEUMS+BUS Card is 20 Euros. 

• 

The Napoli Artecard is a ticket valid for 

3 days that grants a line-free entrance to the 

most significant Neapolitan museums and 

the archaeological area of the Campi Flegrei. 

It also gives access to public transportation 

and special discounts. It costs 13 Euros. 

45 

Photo courtesy of the Turin Tourist Office.

Italy Now Currency 

Currency 

How to handle Euros 

You will need cash for some things, 

such as taxis, newspapers, or a quick 

espresso, but just about everything 

else can be charged. The Euro is a very 

strong currency at the moment. 

The old Italian Lira has been replaced by 

notes available in bills of 500, 200, 100, 50, 

20, 10, and 5. While coins are available in 

denominations of 2 and 1 Euros, and 50, 20, 

10, 5, 2, and 1 cent. The exchange value is 

approximately 1 Euro = US $ 1.29, but for 

current rates check, www.eurochange.com or 

www.xe.com 

You can exchange or get money at any 

bank, ATM machine (Bancomat), exchange 

office (Ufficio di Cambio) at airports and train 

stations. When using ATMs, major hotels 

offer an exchange service but usually for 

higher fees. 

There are many Bancomats in the large 

cities and even in small towns. The machines 

operate just as they do in the US; at the 

beginning of the transaction, it prompts the 

user for the preferred language. 

Using a credit card, or even better, a debit 

card or your local bank ATM card is very easy. 

One must first locate either the Cirrus or 

BankMate symbol (on the Bancomat and on 

your card) to insure the card is usable on that 

particular unit. Cirrus and BankMate are the 

two most popular and widespread banking 

systems in the world so they are the best to 

have. 

After discovering the system is compatible, 

simply withdraw money as you would at 

home. Be careful though when using credit 

cards, as many banks are now charging large 

fees of 2.5% to 4% for cash advances which 

negate any advantage of using the Bancomat 

in the first place. One’s best bet is to use your 

regular ATM card and simply withdraw 

money from your account just as you would 

do at your local bank. 

ATM machines charge a commission fee 

that varies from 3 to 5%. The bank charges a 

fee as well, so it’s recommended to take more 

money at one time and limit the use of the 

ATM machines. 

American Express, Mastercard, and Visa 

are accepted, as well as other cards. Check 

with your company what fees they apply for 

international purchases. Many think that it is 

more convenient to use Travelers Checks, but 

less and less places accept them. They can be 

purchased in the US and they should already 

be in Euros (small amounts) in order to avoid 

the application of additional exchange rates. 

Travelers checks can also be purchased at 

Italian banks. 

Genoa’s stock 

exchange. 

Banking hours vary from city to city, but in 

general they are: 

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

After a lunch break they reopen at 3.00 pm 

until 4.00 pm. On Saturday they offer limited 

hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They 

are closed on Sundays. Banks charge a flat fee 

for exchange services. 

ITALY’S MAIN BANKS ARE: 

• 

SOME USEFUL WORDS WHEN 

CHANGING MONEY 

ARE THE FOLLOWING: 

Where can I exchange some dollars? 

Dove posso cambiare dei dollari? 

Is the bank open? 

E’ aperta la banca? 

Is there a currency exchange nearby? 

C’è un ufficio di cambio qui vicino? 

How much is the dollar worth today? 

Quanto vale il dollaro oggi? 

Banca Agricola 

Banca Carige 

Banca Carime 

Banca Cariplo 

Banca Europea 

Banca Fineco 

Banca Intesa 

Banca Meridiana 

Banca Popolare 

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro 


Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni.

Communications 


Phones and other gadgets at your fingertips 

In the past, staying connected to those 

back home seemed a daunting task. 

Prices were high and the coverage in Italy 

was poor. Nowadays there are options that 

not only are very inexpensive but are also 

easy to take advantage of and extremely 

functional. 

Cell phones 

First and foremost, in Italy, incoming cell 

phone calls are free. Also, since you can prepay 

your calls, you can control how much 

money you want to invest in the outgoing 

call time without worrying about receiving 

unexpectedly high bills. You can also continue 

to receive incoming calls with zero 

remaining credit. 

Network operators are Telecom Italia 

Mobile (TIM, www.tim.it), Vodafone Omnitel 

(www.vodafone.it), Wind (www.wind.it), and 

H3G (www.h3g.it). If you want to use your 

cell phone in Italy, it must be a GSM triband. 

Check with your cellular carrier to 

make arrangements before departure. The 

major nationwide carriers — AT&T 

Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint 

PCS,T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless — offer 

international roaming service. This means 

the companies have partnered with carriers 

in other countries to provide expanded service 

to U.S. customers. Please keep in mind 

that roaming charges can be costly. 

A cheaper option is to buy a prepaid SIM 

card at your destination, then swapping it 

with the card inside your phone. The tiny 

SIM card is the phone’s life-support system: 

without it, the handset won’t work. The card 

is usually located one layer beneath the battery. 

Pop the battery out and you should see 

the SIM card seated in a slot. Prepaid SIM 

cards typically come in per-minute increments. 

Costs vary, so shop around. 

Depending on the country you visit, you 

should be able to find a few phone operators 

selling prepaid SIM cards. When the amount 

of money on the card runs out, you have to 

purchase more time. You can add more time 

on the phone using your credit card, but in 

Italy most people buy more time with a 

“Ricaricard” that can be purchased at a 

tobacco shop, phone store or media store. 


These cards come in denominations of 25 or 

50 Euro (sometimes they are available in 

smaller amounts). The card costs 5 Euro 

more than it is worth (service charge). 

The card is a plastic card with a secret code 

on the back. Scratch off the silver covering 

the secret code on the card. Call the 

provider, select the option to recharge the 

phone. 

Enter the secret code, wait for confirmation 

and you are all set. Keep in mind that if 

you use an overseas carrier’s SIM card, your 

phone will no longer answer calls to your 

usual number — that’s one advantage of 

paying the higher rates for international 

roaming with your original SIM card. 

If you prefer, cellular phones can be 

rented in Italy with a prepaid amount of 

usage time. Arrangements can be made 

directly at the airport. Malpensa, in Milan, 

has a Rentacell office at Terminal 1. To 

order Rentacell service before your 

departure, contact the company by fax, 


telephone or email. All information is available 

on www.rentacell.it 

Many find it easier to rent a cell phone 

before leaving the country. Some providers 

with good deals are www.travelcell.com and 

www.acetelecom.com 

Useful Extras 

Power Adapter/Converter Kit. This is one 

of those things that you need to take on an 

47

Italy Now Communications 

overseas trip but sometimes forget until you 

need it. Before you go, purchase a complete 

kit, such as Belkin’s Business Traveler 

Converter Kit, which has both converters 

and tips for several major cell phones and 

PDAs. It’s an indispensable tool. 

Spare Battery. If you don’t have a power 

adapter, packing an extra battery is the next 

best thing. 

Codes and public phones 

Italy’s country code is 39, so from the US to 

call Italy you must add the number 39 after 

011. 

Calls to land phones have a zero before 

each city code: 

Milan 02 Rome 06 

Florence 055 Turin 011 

Naples 081 Venice 041 

Bologna 051 Genoa 010 

The zero is dropped if calling an Italian 

cellular number. Common codes for cellular 

numbers are: 335, 347, 337, etc. 

The outgoing international code to the US is 

001, followed by the American city code and 

the phone number. 

Public telephones are available throughout 

Italy. These days most do not accept 

coins and operate by use of a phone card 

(Carta Telefonica) which may be purchased 

at any newsstand, post office, or local tobacco 

shop. They are available for 5, 10, and 20 

Euros. 

Emergency 

Numbers 

Simply dial these 

numbers from anywhere 

in the country. 

They are toll free. 

12 Telephone 

Directory Assistance 

Number 

170 Operator for 

Collect Calls 

4176 General International 

Information 

112 Carabinieri 

113 Emergency Police Help Number 

(also ambulance and fire) 

115 Fire Department 

116 A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) 

road assistance. 

118 Medical Assistance 

186 Telegrams 

4161 Time 

4114 Wake-up Call 

803116 Automobile Club Road Service 

187 Telephone (Telecom) 

119 Cellular Telephone 

(TIM) 

190 Cellular Telephone 

(VODAFONE) 

155 Cellular Telephone (WIND) 

Internet 

Internet booths operated by Telecom are 

available for public access at airports, major 

hotels and other public places. The term 

Internet Point is often used in Italy to define 

a place where access to computers connected 

to the internet is provided. Usually a per 

minute or per hour fee is charged. Others 

require the purchase of a card good for a 

minimum amount of time. 

Keep in mind that keyboards in Italy 

are slightly different and that some letters 

aren’t anywhere near the places on 

the keyboard your fingers expect them 

to be. 

If you require frequent access to the 

Internet for more than the occasional email, 

you may think about bringing your laptop 

along. Many Internet Points will allow you to 

tap into their wideband networks through an 

ethernet connection or wireless nodes. Many 

hotels also offer these services as well. Ask 

for their fee beforehand. 

For a list of locations that offer WiFi hot 

spots and wireless 802.11b internet access, 

check out www.Wi-fihotspotlist.com 



There are American companies that you 

can consult before leaving that provide 

Secured and Managed Internet access to 

travelers. With your Portable PC, PDA, 

mobile phone or any Internet enabled 

device, you will connect to their network 

through Dialup, ISDN, Toll Free, WiFi and 

broadband. Technical support is available by 

phone 24 hours a day in English, Spanish 

and French. 

They offer billing as you go, which allows 

you to control and manage your expenses on 

a daily basis. www.italy.dialer.net 

To hook up the 

computer modem 

line one needs to 

purchase an adaptor 

in the US designated for 

Italy. In Italy, electricity is 220 

volts, compared to the US 110 volts. 

You will need a voltage converter. 

Regardless of voltage, you will need a con- 


verter anyway as plugs are 

shaped differently. For 

more information, 

www.laptoptravel.com 

Big cities have several 

Internet cafes, while in 

smaller towns access may be 

less widely available. The 

local tourist office will have 

a computer or two for you to 

use. 

Some internet 

points: 

FLORENCE 

Italian Point, Via Ricasoli 

19/r, tel. 055.280119 = 

30 PC 

VENICE 

Net House, Campo 

S.Stefano, s.Marco 2967, 

tel. 041.5208128 = 30 

PC 

ROME 

Rimanet Cafe, v. Portico 

d’Ottavia 2, 

tel. 06.68891356 = 20 PC 

PALERMO 

Everalways, Corso Tukory 198, 

tel. 091.217652 = 55 PC 

NAPLES 

Multimedia, v.S.Giovanni Maggiore 

Pignatelli 34, tel. 081.5514708 = 40 PC 

TURIN 

Quinta Dimensione, Corso Svizzera 165, 

tel. 011.2309033 = 70 PC 

MILAN 

Mondadori Multicenter, v. Marghera 28, 

tel. 02.48047311 = 16 PC 

BOLOGNA 

Net Arena, v. de’Giudei 3/b, 

tel. 051.220850 = 13 PC 

For more information: www.ecs.net/cafe 

Post Offices 

For snail mail, keep in mind that it usually 

takes from four to seven days for mail to 

arrive at its destination. Stamps are sold in 

post offices and in tobacco shops. 

Post office hours vary but usually are 


Weekdays – 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 or 

1:30 p.m. 

2:00 or 2:30 p.m.. to 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. 

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

COMMON EXPRESSIONS 

USED TO MAKE A TELEPHONE 

CALL INCLUDE: 

Pronto? Hello? 

Chi parla? Who is speaking? 

C’è [Claudia], 

per favore? Is [Claudia] in? 

ArrivederLa Good-bye 

49

Italy Now Accommodations 

Accommodations 

A pleasant stay in one of Italy’s hotels 

Italy welcomes visitors with a varied range 

of hotels to fit all needs and budgets – 

each place is characterized by unmistakable 

Italian hospitality and warmth. 

There are thousands of hotels in Italy, more 

than 40,000 to be exact, without counting 

Bed & Breakfasts (an officially recognized 

guest room in a private home) and 

Agriturismos (farmhouse accommodations). 

It’s also possible to stay in convents or other 

religious institutions, castles, villas, youth 

hostels and even in trulli (a traditional 

Apulian stone dwelling with a conical roof). 

When looking for a place to stay, remember 

that rates include taxes and service fees; 

the IVA (added-value tax, currently 10%) 

should be added to the total amount. 

Hotels - the star system 

First thing you notice when you walk into an 

Italian hotel, right next to the front door, is a 

sign with some stars on it. These little stars 

are an indication of the quality of the hotel 

you are going to stay at. Most of the ratings, 

ranging from one-star to five-star, are provided 

by the government and are a quantitative 

measure used to determine the price range 

(and sometimes the tax obligation) of a hotel. 

The “star system” can be a bit confusing as 

different European countries, and even 

Italian cities, have different procedures for 

There are thousands 

of hotels in Italy, more 

than 40,000 to be exact. 

designating how many stars a hotel deserves. 

A three-star hotel in Milan can be more 

expensive than a five-star hotel in Assisi, for 

example. 

Generally speaking, a four-star hotel will 

indeed cost more than a one-star in the same 

city. The four-star hotel will have more services 

and amenities. The one-star will usually 

be very basic. In other words, they consist of 

a bed, and the bathroom might have to be 

shared. 

Basic rooms in a two-star hotel offer private 

baths and most of the time include television, 

a phone and occasionally even a mini 

bar. Each mini bar must be accompanied by 

a price list. Prices tend to be high if compared 

to those of regular bars and grocery stores. 

Hotel rates are usually lower during the 

off-season months – March to November in 

resort centers and big cities; April to May and 

September to November at ski resorts. 

The ITPC has selected hotels that perfectly 

fit American standards. For more information 

www.italyhotels.it 

Extra Services 

Phone calls, fax and internet service, laundry, 

and other services, such as money exchange, 

are available for extra fees. For self-service 

laundry, a much cheaper option, the site 

www.ondablu.com lists laundromats, region 

First thing you notice when 

you walk into an Italian hotel 

is a sign with some stars on it. 

by region, that are open daily from 8:00 a.m. 

to 10:00 p.m., including on festival days. 

Not all hotels offer air conditioning, check 

before reserving a room. 

Electrical Appliances 

If you are carrying any electrical appliances, 

like a hair dryer or a laptop, you should have 

a transformer because the voltage is different 

(220). Check the local voltage with the hotel. 

In addition, plugs have two round-pronged 

plugs, making an adapter plug necessary. 

Discounts 

Always check the hotel website for last 

minute deals and special offers. Some hotels 

in Rome offer lower weekend rates, while in 

Venice discounts are given for weekday stays. 


Photo courtesy of Is Morus Relais.

At the Restaurant 

At the Restaurant 

The magic of an Italian meal 

Italy is rich with fabulous restaurants, 

some fancy, some modest, some country, 

some urban. They all have one thing in 

common: they offer great food. In addition to 

regular restaurants there are: the autogrill, 

roadside snack bar; the osteria, an informal 

place; the trattoria, which is a mediumpriced, 

often family-run eating establishment; 

the pizzeria, specializing in pizzas of 

the region; the paninoteca, where sandwiches 

and salads are often available, and the 

tavola calda, which features a buffet of hot or 

cold dishes to eat in or take out. Enotecas 

were wine bars years ago, but now they they 

serve small portions of food (assaggi) along 

with samplings of local wines. 

If you just want a sandwich, you can go to 

a bar. A bar in Italy is similar to a café in the 

U.S. People go to the bar for their morning 

coffee and pastry, to grab a sandwich, and 

even to buy ice cream. Some bars also serve a 

few pasta or salad selections, so if you just 

want one course, that’s a good choice. 

Dinner in Italy is often much later than in the 

U.S. If you want to eat with the locals, eat late. 

And the farther south you move the later people 

eat. Lunch, between noon and two, is sometimes 

followed by a quick nap. Restaurants 

close between lunch and dinner. In larger cities, 

you may find restaurants open all afternoon. 

Both il servizio (service charge/tip) and il 

coperto (cover charge for bread and water) are 

usually included in il conto (the bill). By 

Italian law, the gratuity is included in the bill, 

and extra tipping isn’t necessary. If the service 

deserves it, leave your waiter a little extra. 

If your budget is tight, consider the prix 

fixe menu, called menu turistico or prezzo fisso. 

It usually is a good buy as it often includes at 

least two courses, cover and service charges. 

All eating establishments must, by law, 

post a menu outside. It’s helpful to read it 

before being seated. Try the daily specials and 

the house specialties, as they are the best the 

chef has to offer and they are often made with 

seasonally fresh ingredients. 

L’antipasto, which literally means “before the 

meal” and includes hot and cold appetizers 

such as crostini, bruschetta, and cold cuts. 

Il primo, or “first course,” usually consists of 

pasta, minestrone, risotto, or zuppa 


(soup). Pasta should be cooked Al dente 

(to the tooth), until it offers a slight resistance 

when bitten into, but which is not 

soft or overdone. 

Il secondo, or “second course,” is a meat, 

poultry, game, or fish dish. 

Il contorno, or “side dish” which consists of 

vegetables such as melanzane (eggplant), 

spinaci (spinach), or insalata mista (mixed 

salad), is ordered separately, as it does not 

come with the second course. 

Il dolce, or “dessert,” ends the meal. It features 

favorite sweets such as tiramisù, or 

panna cotta. 

La frutta, fresh fruit is often served after 

dessert. 

Italians often say Buon appetito! or “Enjoy 

your meal” when the first course is served, 

and Salute! or “To your health” when toasting 

with a drink. 

A typical Italian meal ends with an espresso, 

a dark, strong coffee brewed to have a thin 

layer of creamy, dark beige froth on the coffee’s 

surface. 

More Coffee Terms: 

Caffè Americano American-style coffee, but 

stronger; weaker than espresso and served 

in a large cup. 

Caffè corretto Coffee “corrected” with a shot 

of grappa, cognac, or Sambuca. 

Doppio Espresso Double espresso. 

Caffè freddo Iced coffee . 

Caffè Hag Decaffeinated coffee, often 

referred to just as Hag. 

Caffè latte Hot milk mixed with coffee and 

served in a glass for breakfast. 

Caffè macchiato Espresso “stained” with a 

drop of steamed milk. 

Caffè Ristretto Espresso with less water. 

Cappuccino Espresso infused with steamed 

milk and drunk in the morning, but never 

after lunch or dinner. 

SOME USEFUL WORDS: 


Italian restaurants have one 

thing in common: they all 

serve great food. 

Il conto, per favore Check Please 

L’apribottiglia Bottle opener 

Il bicchiere Glass 

La bottiglia Bottle 

La caraffa Carafe 

Il cavatappi Corkscrew 

Il cestino del pane Bread basket 

Il coltello Knife 

Il cucchiaio Spoon 

La forchetta Fork 

Il macinino del pepe Pepper mill 

Il piatto Plate 

Il portapepe Pepper shaker 

Il portasale Salt shaker 

Le posate Cutlery 

La scodella Bowl 

Lo stuzzicadente Toothpick 

La tazza Cup 

La tovaglia Tablecloth 

Il tovagliolo Napkin 

51 

Photo courtesy of Is Morus Relais.

Italy Now Food and Wine 

Food and Wine 

The joys of Italian products 

Today, Italian cuisine is cherished 

around the world. It’s no secret that it 

is incomparable, even though many 

try to imitate it. Ranging from simple to 

hearty, sweet to spicy, subtle to strong, each 

dish is prepared with the freshest and healthiest 

ingredients…plus a pinch of love. 

In Italy, food may be a necessity, but it has 

a higher meaning – it has been a pleasure, a 

philosophy, and a science since ancient times. 

Decisions are made around a table set with 

food, wine, and the people you really care 

about. The dishes are colorful and flavorful, a 

real explosion of simplicity and natural ingredients. 

What is particular about Italian cuisine is 

that it is regional. Almost every town has 

something unique, and from one end of a 

region to the other the specialties can change 

completely. The reason for this culinary fragmentation 

is simple. Before WWII, with the 

exception of the nobility and the clergy, most 

Italians simply didn’t travel, and as a result, 

still today, every town and every valley has 

something different. Neighboring towns and 

valleys will also share techniques and recipes, 

and add individual twists. 

Regional Products & Specialties 

VALLE D’AOSTA – Fontina cheese, Renette 

apples, Martin Spec pears, Tegole almond 

cookies. Vitello alla valdostana, breaded 

veal cutlet, fried and topped with fontina 

and ham, then reheated in the oven over a 

slice of polenta. 

PIEDMONT – White truffles, Robiola 

cheese, rice from Vercelli, Gianduiotti 

chocolates. Bicerin, a blend of coffee, 

milk, and chocolate, is Turin’s signature 

drink. 

LOMBARDY – Bresaola cured beef, Torrone, 

sweet nougat, ossobuco. Risotto alla 

Milanese is sauteed rice cooked in broth 

and saffron. 

TRENTINO – Speck, smoked ham, Biroldi 

blood sausages, goat cheeses. Orzetto is a 

barley soup made with onion, garlic, vegetables, 

and herbs simmered with speck. 

FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA – San Daniele 

prosciutto, Montasio cheese. Iota is a traditional 

soup from Trieste made with beans, 

potatoes and sauerkraut. 

VENETO – Pandoro Christmas cake and 

tiramisu are the region’s favorite sweets. 

LIGURIA – Focaccia bread, pesto sauce, and 

olives. Farinata is a thin pancake made 

with chickpea flour. 

EMILIA ROMAGNA – Balsamic vinegar, 

Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella & 

Prosciutto di Parma. Tortellini alla 

Bolognese in brodo are pasta filled with 

mortadella, prosciutto and veal served in a 

meat broth. 

TUSCANY – Bistecca alla Fiorentina is delicious 

T-bone steak. Other specialties are 

panzanella, salad made with vegetables 

and stale bread, and ribollita, vegetable 

minestrone with black cabbage. 

UMBRIA – Black truffles, honey and 

Budellaccio salame are some of the region’s 

favorites. 

MARCHE – Some notable products are 

Porchetta, roasted pork, and Salame di 

Fabriano. Fossa is amazing cheese aged 

while buried in a pit. 

ABRUZZO – Saffron, Confetti di Sulmona, 

sugar coated almonds, and black lentils. A 

traditional dish is Maccheroni alla 

Chitarra, handmade pasta cut in thin 

strips similar to the strings of a guitar. 

LAZIO – Puntarelle salad, artichokes, and 

lamb (a lamb specilty is called Abbacchio 

Spigola, is a specialty from Naples. 

alla Romana). Bucatini all’Amatriciana 

are long pasta served in a tomato and pork 

sauce, seasoned with grated pecorino 

cheese. 

CAMPANIA – Mozzarella, lemons, fresh 

seafood. Pizza was born here as well as 

sfogliatelle, shell pastry filled with ricotta 

cheese. 

MOLISE – White celery, pasta filled with 

ricotta, and Picellati, honey pastries with 

nuts and grapes. 

BASILICATA – Diavolicchio chili peppers, 

Luganiga sausage, Ciaudedda, braised 

artichokes stuffed with potatoes and 

stewed in tomatoes. 

PUGLIA – Orecchiette pasta, Taralli bread 

ribbons, and Cocomeri cucumbers. 

CALABRIA – Liquorice, chili peppers, caciocavallo 

cheese and capocollo, cured pork 

meat. 

SICILY – Sea salt from Trapani, eggplant, 

almond paste known as marzapane, delicate 

olive oil, and succulent blood oranges. 

SARDINIA – Pecorino cheese, Fiore sardo 

cheese, and wild boar. Porcheddu is roasted 

suckling pig flavored with herbs (myrtle 

berries) and spices. 

Favorite Ingredients 

Although every region has its own treasures 

and signature dishes, there are some staple 


Photo courtesy of Regione Campania.

Photo courtesy of Scata. 

Food and Wine 

ingredients that are used throughout the 

country. These ingredients are unique to Italy 

in use, quality and quantity. They are imported 

all over the world and are used in international 

cuisines as well. 

On Olive Oil 

Italy is covered with olive trees, from the 

northern regions all the way down to Puglia 

and Sicily. The pressing of tree-ripened olives 

extracts a tasty, monounsaturated oil that is 

good for cooking and for salads. The flavor, 

color and fragrance of olive oils can vary 

greatly depending on distinctions such as 

growing region (oils from southern Italy tend 

to be more fruity) and the crop’s condition. 

Olive oils are graded according to the degree 

of acidity they contain. 

The best oils are cold-pressed, a chemical- 


What is particular about Italian 

cuisine is that it is regional. 

In Italy, food may be 

a necessity, but it has 

a higher meaning. 


free process that involves only pressure, 

which produces a natural level of low acidity. 

EXTRA VIRGIN OIL is only 1% acid and is the 

result of the first pressing of the olives. It 

can range from a crystalline champagne 

color to greenish-golden to light green. It is 

the finest and most expensive. There are 

three categories of extra virgin olive oil: 

Mild – Light and buttery. Ideal for raw 

meats, pasta sauces, raw vegetables and fish. 

Fruity – Slightly stronger, it pairs well 

with grilled meats, pasta sauces, cooked 

vegetables and bruschetta. 

Spicy – Strong taste, perfect for rustic 

dishes. 

VIRGIN OLIVE OIL is also a first-press oil, with 

a slightly higher level of acidity (between 1 

and 3%). 

FINO OLIVE OIL is a blend of extra virgin olive 

oil and virgin oils. 

OLIVE OIL is a combination of refined olive 

oil and virgin or extra virgin olive oil. 

Always check the label to make certain the 

oil is estate pressed and bottled, and only buy 

olive oil in non-opaque glass, which will allow 

you to see the oil. It should be green, though 

not too brilliant a green. Be wary, on the other 

hand, of oil in cans that you cannot see 

through, and also of very pale oils, or yellow 

oils. Pale oils have certainly been filtered and 

may have been cut with other less healthy 

53



oils, whereas deep yellow oils could well be 

old. Always check the expiration date; it 

should be two years after bottling. 

Olive oil is an excellent source of omega-3 

fatty acid, the acid one also finds in caught (as 

opposed to raised) oily fish such as salmon, 

which is important in preventing cardiovascular 

disease. In addition, olive oil reduces LDL 

cholesterol — which sticks to the arteries — 

and raises HDL cholesterol, which is instead 

beneficial and it is a powerful antioxidant and 

appears to inhibit colorectal cancer. 

On Polenta 

Polenta, the Italian version of cornmeal, is 

tasty, extremely versatile, and an ideal accompaniment 

to many dishes. Formerly a peasant 

food, polenta has recently become quite 

upscale, with polenta dishes served in fine 

restaurants, and prepared polenta is found in 

supermarkets at rather high prices. 

Polenta is often cooked in a large copper 

pot known in Italian as paiolo. In northern 

Italy there are many different ways to cook 

polenta. The most famous Lombard polenta 

dishes are polenta uncia, polenta concia, and 

polenta e gorgonzola; all are cooked with 

various cheeses and butter. It can also be 

cooked with porcini mushrooms, rapini, or 

other vegetables or meats, as in the Venetian 

poenta e osei, with little birds. 

Polenta is popular in also in Savoyard, 

Swiss, Austrian, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, 

Romanian, Bulgarian, Corsican, Argentine, 

Uruguayan, Brazilian, and Mexican cuisine. 

Ingredients: 

1 pound of coarsely ground cornmeal 

2 quarts boiling water 

1ts. of salt 

Set the water on the fire in a wide bottomed 

pot and add the salt. When it comes to a boil, 

add the cornmeal in a very slow stream (you 

don’t want the pot to stop boiling), stirring 

constantly with a wooden spoon to keep 

lumps from forming. Continue stirring, in the 

same direction, as the mixture thickens, for 

about a half-hour (the longer you stir the better 

the polenta will be); adding boiling water 

as necessary. SERVES 4. 

If you like polenta, you should consider 

purchasing a polenta maker, which is a pot 

with a motor-driven paddle that takes care of 

the stirring for you. 

On Pasta 

The role of pasta has changed greatly 

throughout Italy’s culinary history. Once only 

eaten by Italy’s elite as a handmade specialty, 

today pasta is enjoyed by all and is the foundation 

of Italian cuisine both in Italy and 

around the world. 

In the days before industrialization, dry 

pasta made from durum wheat, water, and a 

pinch of salt (spaghetti, rigatoni, and so on), 

was easier to make, and therefore more popular, 

in the South, where warmer temperatures 

and increased sunlight hastened the 

drying of the pasta. 

Central and parts of Northern Italy, especially 

Emilia Romagna and Piedmont, are 

instead known for fresh pasta made with 

eggs, flour, and salt, for example tagliatelle, 

and pappardelle, both of which are flat forms. 

The center and north are also known for 

stuffed pasta, for example ravioli or tortellini, 

and one can find these kinds of pasta in areas 

where they didn’t eat much flat or dry pasta 

until recently, for example Lombardia. 

Risotto is eaten more in the northern 

regions. Indeed most of the world’s best 

short-grained strains of rice, including 

Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano, are 

Northern Italian. 

Types of pasta sauces 

Aglio, olio e peperoncino Tossed in garlic, 

olive oil, and hot peppers 

Burro e salvia With butter and sage 

Al sugo With tomato sauce 

Amatriciana Bacon or sausage, with tomatoes, 

onion, and hot pepper 

Arrabbiata Spicy tomato sauce 

Astice Lobster sauce 

Bolognese Meat sauce, usually with tomato 

Bucaniera Seafood, tomato, garlic, parsley, 

and oil 

Cacciatora Tomato, onion, peppers, mushrooms, 

garlic, herbs, and wine sauce 

Cacio e Pepe Sheep’s cheese and ground 

pepper 

Carbonara Cream, ham or bacon, egg, and 

parmesan cheese 

Frutti di Mare Seafood 

Matriciana Pork and tomato sauce 

Norma Tomato, eggplant, and salted ricotta 

cheese 

Puttanesca Tomatoes, capers, red peppers, 

anchovies, garlic, and oil 

Quattro Formaggi With four cheeses 

Ragù Tomato-based meat sauce 

In Italy, the pasta shape is an integral part of a 

meal – its building blocks – serving as the 

foundation for sauces bursting with each 

region’s herbs, spices, meats, cheeses, and vegetables. 

Thicker, flat, long shapes, like fettuccine, 

pair with extremely robust sauces. While 

specialty shapes, like shells are great with 

hearty dairy-based sauces (cheese or béchamel) 

and vegetable sauces (like beans, lentils, chick 

peas, pumpkin, or other chunky vegetables). 

Cooking pasta is easy, but how much water 

to use, which pot, and the right combination 

of pasta and sauce must be chosen carefully 

in order to prepare a perfect pasta meal. 

Use a tall, large pot filled no more than 3/4 

with water. 

Salt the water. This brings out the natural 

flavor of the pasta. (Salt must be added once 

the water has started to boil. Adding salt too 

early may lengthen the boiling time). 

Do not add oil to the water. Olive oil does 

nothing for the taste of pasta and its usage 

will make the pasta slippery, allowing the 

sauce to slide off the pasta. 


Food and Wine 

Follow the cooking times on the package. 

At boiling time, pour in the pasta and 

increase the heat source to bring the water 

back to a boil. When the pasta is cooked al 

dente, there should be a slight resistance in 

the center when the pasta is chewed. 

Drain pasta immediately after it is done 

cooking. Always save a couple of tablespoons 

of the cooking water; it may be needed to 

dilute the sauce. 

Add sauce and serve immediately. 

To finish the pasta, top with parmesan 

cheese, a little freshly ground black pepper or 

olive oil. 

On Garlic 

Italian food has a reputation of being garlicky, 

and indeed that’s not completely undeserved. 

Piedmont’s famous dipping sauce Bagna 

Caoda is made with olive oil, butter, 

anchovies and lots of garlic, while the 

Neapolitan Pizza alla Marinara is made with 

just tomato and sliced garlic (no cheese). 

However, there are large parts of the peninsula 

where garlic doesn’t play much of a role, 

appearing only in moderation and well 

cooked. When sautéing garlic, take care lest it 

overcook, because at that point its flavor 

becomes quite unpleasant. 

On Wine 

The diversity of dishes that Italy has to offer 

is also characteristic of its wines. 

Italy is home to 2,000 home-grown grape 

varieties and exports more wine than any 

other country. 

North Italy boasts some of the world’s 

finest wines, from Piedmont’s Nebbiolo and 

Barbera to Friuli’s whites. Central Italy’s wines 

are excellent, too, from Tuscany’s Bolgheri 

and Chianti to the Marche’s Verdicchio. 

Southern wines are unique, from Campania’s 

Taurasi and Basilicata’s Aglianico del Vulture 

to Pantelleria’s Passito. 

Reading an Italian label is usually straight 

forward: there’s the winery name, perhaps the 

vineyard that the grapes came from, the year, 

and an abbreviation (DOC, DOCG) or a 

phrase (Vino Da Tavola). These denominations 

guide consumers in their choice and 

ensure quality control. 


Ranging from simple to hearty, sweet 

to spicy, subtle to strong, each dish 

is prepared with the freshest 

and healthiest ingredients. 

Outdoor markets 

offer plenty of fresh 

fruit and vegetables. 


55 

Photo courtesy of Natasha Lardera.

Photos courtesy of Regione Campania. 


Italy is home to 

2,000 home-grown 

grape varieties 

and exports more 

wine than any 

other country. 

There are four major categories of Italian 

wines: 

VINO A DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE 

CONTROLLATA E GARANTITA (DOCG). 

These wines are from the wine regions recognized 

as the finest in the country. DOCG 

wines must pass an evaluation of a tasting 

committee before they can be bottled. The 

nine DOCG regions are: Barbaresco, 

Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, 

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Albana di 

Romagna, Gattinara, Carmignano, and 

Torgiano Rosso Riserva. 

VINO A DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE 

CONTROLLATA (DOC) is the Italian answer 

to the French AOC. DOC wines are produced 

in specific well-defined regions, 

according to specific rules designed to preserve 

the traditional wine-making practices 

of the individual regions. Thus, the rules for 

making Barolo differ markedly from those 

for making Chianti Classico. The DOC category 

was introduced in the early 60s with 

the purpose to improve the quality of wines. 

VINO A INDICAZIONE GEOGRAFICA (IGT) is a 

wine produced in a specific area. There’s 

nothing special about most of it. 

VINO DA TAVOLA. This is the lowest class of 

wine, a wine made by the producer as he sees 

fit to make it. There are few rules, and the 

result is often insipid, thin, weak, and acidic. 

Wines from North to South 

VALLE D’AOSTA – Müller Thurgau (DOC) 

and Torrette Superiore (DOC) 

PIEDMONT – Barolo (DOCG), Barbaresco 

(DOCG), Barbera (DOC), Nebbiolo 

(DOC), Dolcetto (DOC) and Asti 

Spumante (DOCG) 

LOMBARDY Franciacorta Spumante 

(DOCG), Bonarda (DOCG), Lambrusco 

(DOC), Valtellina Superiore (DOCG) 

TRENTINO – Marzemino (DOC), Riesling 

(DOC), Pinot Bianco (DOC), Moscato 

FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA – Tocai Friulano 

(DOC), Collio Goriziano Cabernet (DOC), 

Ramandolo (DOCG) 

VENETO – Recioto di Soave (DOCG), 

Bardolino (DOCG), Prosecco di 

Valdobbiadene (DOC), Tocai (DOC), 

Amarone della Valpollicella (DOC) 

LIGURIA – Vermentino (DOC), Pigato 

(DOC), Sciacchetrà (DOC), Rossese di 

Dolceacqua (DOC) 

EMILIA ROMAGNA – Albana di Romagna, 

(DOCG), Sangiovese di Romagna (DOC), 

Trebbiano di Romagna (DOC) 

TUSCANY – Chianti (DOC & DOCG), 

Brunello di Montalcino (DOC), Vernaccia 

di San Gimignano (DOC) 

UMBRIA – Sagrantino (DOCG), Torgiano 

Rosso Riserva (DOCG), Colli Perugini 

(DOC) 

MARCHE – Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 

(DOC), Rosso Piceno (DOC) 

ABRUZZO – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 

(DOC), Cerasuolo (DOC), Trebbiano 

(DOC) 

LAZIO – Frascati (DOC), Montefiasconi Est! 

Est! Est! (DOC) Torre Ercolana (DOC) 

CAMPANIA – Lacryma Christi (DOC), 

Fiano d’Avellino (DOCG), Greco di Tufo 

(DOCG) 

MOLISE – Biferno (DOC), Pentro di Isernia 

(DOC) 

BASILICATA – Aglianico del Vulture 

PUGLIA – Primitivo di Manduria (DOC), 

Aleatico (DOC) 

CALABRIA – Cirò (DOC), Greco (DOC) 

SICILY – Nero d’Avola (DOC), Moscato 

(DOC), Marsala 

SARDINIA – Cannonau (DOC), Nuragus 

(DOC), Vermentino (DOC) 

On beer 

Although wine reigns supreme, production of 

Italian beer is widespread. 

The most well known brands are: 

BIRRA MORETTI Founded in Udine in 1859 

by Luigi Moretti. It is particularly known 

for its Moretti Doppio Malto, an amber 

lager. 

BIRRA PERONI, or simply Peroni. Founded 

in Vigevano in 1846. Its most famous 

product is Nastro Azzurro, a pilsner-style 

beer, which is marketed worldwide. 


For Shoppers Only 


Welcome to shopping wonderland 

You can easily combine a love for travel 

with a love for shopping in Italy if 

you know where to look! Plan your 

trip to give yourself considerable time to navigate 

your way through the streets (and 

shops) of the small towns, and extra time to 

do your bargain hunting. Some excellent purchase 

options are clothes, especially designer 

dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts; lacework, 

gold and silver jewelry, leather goods 

(handbags, gloves, cases, boxes, luggage), 

ceramics, alabaster, woodwork, embroidery, 

glass and crystal. 

Italian products are known for their high 

quality, innovative design, and impeccable 

style. Stores are open daily from 10:00 a.m. 

to 1:00 p.m. They close for a lunch break and 

reopen at 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. In larger 

cities, stores do not close for lunch and are 

open later (until 10:00 p.m.). Most shops are 

closed on Sundays. 

Fashion Sense 

Italy is famous worldwide for its fashion 

industry and is always at the forefront of fashion 

and style. While shopping in Italy, the 

first thing you need to know is the Italian 

equivalent of American clothing sizes. 

Bargain Hunting - Outlets 

To keep up with the latest fashion trends at 

reasonable prices, outlets are the way to go! 

In warehouses or shopping malls, they offer 

discounted designer labels from factory surplus 

or previous seasons. Most of the fashion 

houses, such as Prada, Fendi, Armani, and 

Gucci, have outlet stores in or near Milan, 

Florence, and Turin. All offer a designer 

shopping environment and friendly, courteous 

staff who speak a number of different languages. 

TUSCANY – Valdichiana Outlet Village is a 

real shopping heaven for designer brands. 

Located in the heart of Val di Chiana, 

near Arezzo. www.valdichianaoutlet.it 

In Leccio Reggello, in the province of 

Firenze, on Via Europa 8, there are a few 

outlets for the high fashion lovers: Bottega 

Veneta, Gucci, Ferragamo, Emanuel 

Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio 


Armani, Valentino, and Loro Piana. A 

Fendi outlet is located in Rignano 

sull’Arno, in Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 9. 

www.valdichianaoutlet.it 

In the small town of Montevarchi, one can 

find the Prada Outlet, officially named 

“Space.” The sign on the building is very 

small; look for the crowd of people waiting 

to get in. 

NORTHERN ITALY – Fifty factory stores are 

located throughout the north with malls in 

Aosta, Biella, Meda (near Milan), and near 

Bologna. There’s something for everyone, 

from a cocktail dress by Cerruti to a kid’s 

outfit from Trussardi kids. www.fifty.it 

The Armani Factory Store is in the town of 

Vertemate, near Como. It’s a shopper’s paradise 

with three stories of Armani fashions. 

PROVINCE OF BRESCIA – The Franciacorta 

Outlet Villane is an high-tech mall featuring 

an Autogrill food court where all the 

top fashion brands can be found. 


www.franciacortaoutlet.it 

For more listings visit, www.bestoutlet.it 

There are some services that upon subscription 

send a free Spacci Card that gives additional 

discounts at more than 500 locations. 

For information, www.guidaspacci.com 

For serious bargain hunters, the book “Lo 

Scopri Occasioni,” written by Theodora Van 

Meurs and published by Editoriale Shopping 

Italia S.R.L., serves as a guide map to finding 

the stores you want to visit, listing over 2,000 

shops along with directions and what to 

expect when you get there. This book is 

printed in both English and bilingual editions. 

Sale Season 

Local authorities set annual sale dates. 

Normally there are two sale seasons, one in 

January, right after the holidays, and one in 

Como produces beautiful 

and colorful silk. 

57 

Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.


Italy Now For Shoppers Only 

Women’s 

Clothing 

US ITALY 

4 38 

6 40 

8 42 

10 44 

12 46 

14 48 

THE ITALIAN MATCH FOR YOUR AMERICAN SIZE 

Women’s 

Shoes 

US ITALY 

5 1 ⁄2 35 

6 1 ⁄2 36 

7 37 

7 1 ⁄2 38 

8 38 1 ⁄2 

8 1 ⁄2 39 

9 40 

Beautiful cameos from Torre del Greco. 

July, in the middle of summer. During sale 

season, items are reduced up to 70% off their 

retail prices. Discount and outlet stores never 

have sales. Some of the items you’ll find in 

the outlets are factory seconds or showroom 

pieces, and you will find garments 

from the previous years’ collection 

as well. 

Tax Free Shopping 

(I.V.A. REFUND) 

The IVA tax is 20% and is included 

in the purchase price of practically 

everything sold in Italy. Non- 

European residents can claim a 

refund on each purchase over 154.94 

Euros. Refunds cannot be taken for 

accommodations, dining or tourist servic- 

Men’s 

Clothing 

US ITALY 

34 44 

36 46 

38 48 

40 50 

42 52 

44 54 

46 56 

Men’s 

Shoes 

US ITALY 

8 41 1 ⁄2 

8 1 ⁄2 42 

9 42 1 ⁄2 

9 1 ⁄2 43 

10 43 1 ⁄2 

10 1 ⁄2 44 

11 45 

Men’s 

Shirts 

US ITALY 

15 38 

15 1 ⁄2 39 

16 40 

16 1 ⁄2 41 

17 42 

17 1 ⁄2 43 

es. When purchasing items ask for an IVA 

Refund Form and receive a validation stamp 

from the Customs Office at the airport upon 

leaving the country. www.globalrefund.com 

Regional Crafts 

Each Italian region produces unique objects 

that can be bought locally for good prices. 

ABRUZZO 

Jewelry from l’Aquila and Sulmona. Gold has 

earned Abruzzo a world-wide reputation 

for fine crafts. Scanno has been a center of 

gold working and jewelry making since the 

17th century. The area is also known for its 

precious lace work. 

APULIA 

The best-known items of Apulian craftsmanship 

are terracotta pots. The production of 

terracotta and ceramics dates back three 

thousand years and remains today the 

most widespread craft in the region. The 

heart of terracotta production is the town 

of Grottaglie, in the province of Taranto, 

which has used this craft as its main source 

of wealth for centuries. 

BASILICATA 

Among the many artisans of Basilicata are 

ceramists, woodworkers, and textile craftsmen. 

Some of the greatest products are carpets 

of sheep’s wool and enameled cow 

bells. 

CALABRIA 

Smoking pipes, made with the arboreal 

heather roots of Calabria, are the region’s 

best-known product. Molding a pipe is 

hard work which requires ability and 

patience. Seminara is the most important 

center for ceramics. It is well-known for its 

colored masks and for its bottles. 

CAMPANIA 

Torre del Greco, a small city near Mt. 

Vesuvius, south-west of Naples, is well 

known all around the world for its production 

of shell cameos. Everything started in 

the beginning of the 1800s and it has 

always been a family business, handed 

down from father to son. Near Torre del 

Greco are two historical cities, Pompei and 

Herculanum, which inspired the artists 

who began the traditional art of carving 

cameos. Coral is popular as well. Another 



local art is handmade paper from Amalfi. 

EMILIA ROMAGNA 

Ravenna is the center of mosaics. It possesses 

the world’s richest heritage of 5th and 6th 

century mosaics, superior in artistic quality 

and iconological importance to those of 

any other city of the ancient and classical 

worlds. Faenza is famous for its ceramics. 

FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA 

The region’s most popular products are 

ceramics from Udine and wooden chairs 

from Manzano. 

LAZIO 

In Ciociociaria, production of leatherstrapped 

sandals, just like the area’s peasants 

used to wear, still flourishes. 

LIGURIA 

The Albisola ceramic is famous, above all, for 

its characteristic white and blue color. In 

this region, the history of ceramic production 

stretches back over six hundred years. 

Lace and embroidery from Portofino are 

particularly lovely. 

LOMBARDY 

Como produces 80% of Europe’s silk and has 

been doing so since the 14th century when 

silk worms were first imported. There are 

boutiques in the center selling high-quality 

silk merchandise along with a few factory 

outlets. Scarves, ties and shirts all make 

good buys. For all music lovers, a visit to 

Cremona and its violins is a must. 

MARCHE 

In Castelfidardo, state of the art accordions 

are manufactured by the most experienced 

artisans. The region also produces great 

lace pillows. 

MOLISE 

Molise offers hand-crocheted pillows from 

Isernia and steel objects from 

Campobasso. 

PIEDMONT 

Valenza has over 150 years of hand-crafted 

jewelry tradition and is known for the high 

level of technical expertise and knowledge. 

Most of the gold jewelry with precious 

stones is made in Valenza. 

Another product is wicker from Alessandria. 

SARDINIA 

Filigree jewelry is typical of this sunny 

region, as is cork production. 


Italian products are known 

for their high quality, 

innovative design, and 

impeccable style. 

SICILY 

The lively colors of the nature of this region 

are captured in its crafts: Medieval-style 

puppets and fancy Sicilian carts. 

TUSCANY 

Arezzo, in Tuscany, is renowned for gold 

chain jewelry. Carrara continues to be the 

largest producer and exporter of marble in 

the world, and is responsible for shipping 

1.5 million tons of marble annually from 

its port in the Marina di Carrara. Caves are 

sprinkled throughout the communes of 

Massa, Fivizzano and Montignoso, where 

various types of marble are extracted. 

Leather goods are produced throughout 

the entire region. 

TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE 

This region offers great copper objects from 

Shopping 

in Bellagio. 


59 



Italy Now For Shoppers Only 

Cavalese and wrought iron from Malè. 

UMBRIA 

The cultural and economic importance of 

craft activities in Umbria has ancient roots. 

The region offers a vast collection of crafts: 

Orvieto lace, pillow lace, Assisi crossstitching, 

hand-loomed beaten cloth, 

weapons for hand-to-hand combat, crossbows, 

ceramics, stone workmanship, terracotta, 

hand-made tiles, hand-decorated 

glass and mirrors, inlaid wood and wooden 

sculptures. 

VALLE D’AOSTA 

This region offers rustic products, such as 

wooden clogs from Val d’Ayas and handwoven 

wool fabrics from Valgrisenche. 

Shopping for a bargain 

in Italy is a lot of fun 

and the country offers 

many outdoor markets. 

VENETO 

Murano is the capital of glassmaking. It is an 

exporter of traditional products like mirrors 

and glassware, and its factories produce 

modern items such as faucet handles, 

glass lampshades, and electric chandeliers. 

The glass shops in Murano and Venice 

showcase countless paperweights, glass 

beads and necklaces, knickknacks, and 

items of glass jewelry. While in the area, 

don’t miss Burano and its lacemaking factories. 

Open-Air Markets 

Shopping for a bargain in Italy is a lot of fun 

and the country offers many outdoor markets 

that sell all sorts of products from fresh foods 

to handicrafts and used clothing. The markets 

in Italy, from flea markets to antique and 

craft ones, hold a variety of objects that never 

fail to capture the attention of onlookers 

strolling by. 

It’s not uncommon to try to make a deal 

with the seller to get a better price. 

AREZZO – first weekend of the month – 

Piazza Grande market 

A large selection of antiques and secondhand 

treasures. 

BOLOGNA – every Friday and Saturday – 

La Piazzola 

In Piazza VIII Agosto you get deals on clothing, 

shoes, and fashion accessories. 

FLORENCE – daily except Sundays – 




Local crafts on sale in Val di Mello. 

Piazza San Lorenzo Market 

Shop for souvenirs and leather goods. 

FLORENCE – daily except Sundays – 

Mercato Generale 

An indoor food market a few steps away from 

Piazza San Lorenzo. 

GENOA – first Saturday of the month – 

Palazzo Ducale 

Serious bargain hunting at the flea market. 

TURIN – Monday through Saturday – Porta 

Palazzo 

A great market where you can find unique 

food specialties. 

MILAN – Tuesday and Saturday – 

Mercato di Papiniano 

This food market has become more and more 

popular for being a designer-clothing paradise…and 

they aren’t knock offs! 

MILAN – Saturday – Fiera di Senigallia 

A vintage market set in the Navigli area. 

ROME – Sunday – Porta Portese 

Here you will find anything…they really have 

everything. 

ROME – daily except Sundays – Campo 

de’ Fiori 

Find the city’s best fresh produce and meats. 

NAPLES – Monday through Saturday – 

Mercato di Antignano 

An open-air food and clothing market where 

you will also find some cool housewares. 


Sugar coated almonds 

from Sulmona. 


61 



Italy is like a vast living museum. Very few 

countries have to offer such a rich heritage 

of artistic creativity and craft. 

Whether visiting an archeological site, a 

museum of modern art, or a local craft shop, 

you will discover the expression of artists and 

skilled craftsmen throughout the ages. 

Nowhere on earth are the arts celebrated so 

joyously – from drama, to film and music, 

and anything that requires man’s participation. 

There is something for everyone, no matter 

what your taste. 

For the Opera Lover 

Italy is rich in beautiful, historic opera houses, 

many still serving as theaters. Opera fans 

should try to visit at least one opera house 

and enjoy a live performance while in Italy. 

The opera season is generally October 

through March or April but outdoor performances 

are held in the summer. Opera houses 

hold theater and dance performances at other 

times of the year, as well. 

• 

Italy Now Arts & Entertainment 

Arts & Entertainment 

Indulge in your particular passion 

Arena di Verona. The fantastic historic 

setting for opera par excellence is the Verona 

Arena. The elliptical Arena was built in light 

pink marble around the year 100 A.D. and 

stands in the very middle of town, next to 

Piazza Brà. Built to accommodate more than 

20,000 people, it is in remarkable shape 

today. The opera season starts in June but 

there are other performances during the year. 

Before the show starts, patrons pick up a candle 

from a box, unmarked, on the stairs. The 

tradition is to light the candles as the opera 

begins. www.arena.it 

• Teatro Alla Scala. Milan’s famous opera 

house, Teatro Alla Scala, reopened in 

December, 2004, after an extensive renovation. 

The original opera house, designed by 

neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, 

opened in 1778, and many famous operas 

were first performed here. La Scala was badly 

bombed during World War II but reopened 

in 1946 and quickly regained its reputation 

as a top Italian opera house. 

www.lascala.milano.it 

• Teatro La Fenice. La Fenice (the Phoenix) 

in Venice is one of the most famous theaters 

in Europe. La Fenice first opened in 1792 but 

was twice badly damaged by fire. It has 

recently been renovated and reopened. 

www.teatrolafenice.it 

• Teatro San Carlo. The Teatro San Carlo 

in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy, 

founded in 1737. Some of the first ballet productions 

were also performed here during the 

opera intermissions. Opera, ballet, and short 

comic opera are still performed at Teatro San 

Carlo. A museum is in the planning stage. 

www.teatrosancarlo.it 

• Teatro Massimo. Teatro Massimo in 

Palermo is the foremost opera house in Sicily 

as well as one of the finest in Europe. Its 

opening in 1897 signaled the beginning of 

Palermo’s belle epoque. Year-round performances 

include opera, ballet, and music. 

www.teatromassimo.it 

• Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Bologna’s 

opera house is one of the top theaters in Italy. 

It is a stunning example of 18th century 

baroque architecture. Located in the heart of 

Bologna’s historic district, the Teatro 

Comunale di Bologna holds opera, musical, 

and symphony performances. 

www.comunalebologna.it 

Chieti’s majestic Theater. 

• 

Teatro Regio di Parma - Teatro Verdi. 

Built in 1829, Parma’s neo-classical theater 

holds opera, dance and drama performances 

as well as concerts and special events. The 

audience is known to be quite demanding; 

they even whistled at Pavarotti! 

www.teatroregioparma.org 

For the Film Buff 

Italy’s cities and villages are the most beautiful 

movie sets on earth — from the cobblestones 

of Rome where Audrey Hepburn 

played a run-away princess to the Tuscan 

countryside where Diane Lane found solace 

in a charming villa. 

Italy is not just a backdrop, but also a 

country that loves cinema and shows films 

from all over. 

Some movie theaters in Italy’s biggest 

cities offer screening of films in their original 

language; most films in Italy are still 

being dubbed. The best way to find out 

which theaters run movies in English is to 

check the local newspaper, as listings are 

updated daily. 

TURIN – Cinema Nazionale, via Pomba 7 

zona Centro Tel. +39. 011 534614 



MILAN – Cinema Mexico,Via Savona, 57 

Tel. +39. 02.48951802 

DVDs and video tapes of films in their original 

language can be rented at local video 

stores and are available at public libraries. 

Newsstands also sell videos: The English 

Movie Collection is comprised of video and 

original screenplay. 

• 


There are over 4000 museums, 

archeological sites, and galleries 

in Italy. 

The Museum of Cinema of Turin, The 

Mole Antonelliana, houses Italy’s National 

Cinema Museum, founded by Adriana Prolo. 

It was designed in 1863 by Alessandro 

Antonelli. Inside there are five floors of movie 

memorabilia. Films are continuously being 

played and you can view them from specially 

designed lounge chairs with sound built into 

the headrests. 

www.museonazionaledelcinema.org 

• Cinecittà – The Cinecittà film studios, on 

the south-eastern outskirts of Rome, are the 

largest in Europe. They were founded in 

1937, when the Fascists’ power was at its 

height. Cinema was seen as an important 

medium for propaganda, and the studios 

were closely connected with the Istituto 

Luce, which produced newsreels and docu- 


mentaries. Almost all Fellini’s films were 

made at Cinecittà, from Luci del varietà 

(1950) to La voce della Luna (1990). In recent 

years, some important international productions 

have used the studios: Midsummer 

Night’s Dream, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Gangs 

of New York, The Passion of Christ, and many 

others. 

Nowadays it is the television industry as 

much as the film industry that operates at 

Cinecittà. Italian talk shows and Real TV productions 

are broadcast live, advertising spots 

are filmed and fiction series are shot for distribution 

in Italy and abroad. If you come to 

Rome in the summer, you may be able see 

inside Cinecittà, which is sometimes open to 

the public between July and September. 

www.cinecittà.studios.it 

For the Museum Aficionado 

There are over 4000 museums, archeological 

sites, and art galleries in Italy, so if art is your 

weakness you are in for a treat, although 

choosing which ones to visit is not an easy 

task. 

Buy tickets ahead of time. Many major 

museums and sites in Italy have long lines for 

ticket sales, especially during the high sea- 


son. You can avoid the lines and be sure of 

getting admission on the day you want by 

buying tickets ahead of time or buying combination 

tickets. For example, in Rome, you 

can buy a combination ticket at the Palatine 

Hill that also includes admission to the 

Colosseum, allowing you to avoid all the long 

lines. If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s 

Last Supper in Milan or the Uffizi Gallery in 

Florence, you will need to reserve a month 

ahead. You can also avoid reservations by 

signing up for a guided tour of the museum 

or cathedral you want to visit. 

Museums of Ancient and Fine 

Arts 

FLORENCE 

• Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most 

famous museums of paintings and sculpture 

in the world. Its collection of Primitive and 

Renaissance paintings comprises several universally 

acclaimed masterpieces of all time, 

including works by Giotto, Simone Martini, 

Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo 

Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, 

Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, 

and Caravaggio. German, Dutch, and 

Flemish masters are also well represented 

63 

Photo courtesy of the City of Turin.

Photo courtesy of the City of Turin. 


The Egyptian Museum of Turin 

is the most important 

Egyptian museum in the 

world after the one in Cairo. 

with important works by Dürer, Rembrandt 

and Rubens. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:15 

a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Closed Monday, New Year’s 

Day, May 1st and Christmas Day. 

www.uffizi.firenze.it 

• Galleria dell’Accademia – The Gallery is 

particularly famous for its sculptures by 

Michelangelo: Prisoners, St.Matthew and, 

especially, the statue of David, which was 

transferred here to the specially designed 

court from Piazza della Signoria in 1873. In 

the adjacent rooms, which were part of two 

former convents, important works of art were 

collected in the 19th century from the 

Academy of Design, the Academy of Fine Arts 

and from convents. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 

8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Closed Monday, New 

Year’s Day, May 1st, Christmas Day. 

www.polomeseale.firenze.it 

• The Pitti Palace, which was formerly the 

residence of the grand-dukes of Tuscany and 

later of the King of Italy, now houses several 

important collections of paintings and sculpture, 

works of art, porcelain and a costume 

gallery. It is also known for the Boboli 

Gardens, one of the earliest Italian gardens, 

famous also for its fountains and grottoes. 

ROME 

• The Capitoline Museums are a group of 

art and archeological museums in Piazza del 

Campidoglio, on top of the famous Capitoline 

Hill. The museums are contained in three 

palazzos surrounding a central trapezoidal 

piazza in a plan conceived by Michelangelo 

Buonarroti in 1536 and built over a period of 

over 400 years. Some of the works kept here 

are Boy with a Thorn in his Foot, Dying Gaul, 

Capitoline She-Wolf, an Etruscan bronze suckling 

Romulus and Remus (later additions), the 

original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus 

Aurelius (the one outside is a replica), fragments 

of a truly gigantic statue of the Emperor 

Constantine. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. 

– 8 p.m. December 24 and 31, 9 a.m. – 2 

p.m. Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, 

December 25. www.museicapitolini.org 

• The Vatican Museums comprise the 

papal apartments of the medieval Apostolic 

Palace decorated with frescoes during the 

Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the exhibition 

rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library, 



Buy tickets ahead of 

time. Many major 

museums and sites in 

Italy have long lines 

for ticket sales. 

and the museums themselves. Each museum 

has different hours. Closed on Sundays, 

except for the last Sunday of each month, 

unless it falls on Easter, on June 29 (St. Peter 

and Paul), or on December 25 and 26 

(Christmas Holiday). The closed sections in 

the Museums are indicated at the entrance. 

Access to the Museums is permitted only to 

visitors with proper attire. www.mv.vatican.va 

• The Roman Forum is located in a valley 

that is between the Palatine and the 

Capitoline Hills. It originally was a marsh, 

but the Romans drained the area and turned 

it into a center of political and social activity. 

The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and 

also the business district and civic center. It 

was expanded to include temples, a senate 

house and law courts. Much of the forum has 

been destroyed, but columns and stone 

blocks that formed some of the temples 

remain. The arch of Titus and the arch of 

Septimius Severus still stand and are in good 

shape. www.forumromanum.org 

NAPLES 

• The Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte was 

built by Charles III of Bourbon as a hunting 

retreat, then expanded to house the art collection 

he inherited from his mother, Elizabeth 

Farnese. Today, the palace is home to the 

Museo e Gallerie di Capodimonte, which houses 

an outstanding collection of Renaissance 

paintings. Bellini, Caravaggio, Botticelli and El 

Greco are all represented, along with a couple 

of Bruegels, an elegant Madonna and Child with 


Angels by Botticelli, and Lippi’s soft, sensitive 

Annunciation. Open daily (except Monday) 

8:30 a.m. to7:30 p.m. www.musis.it 

• National Archeological Museum – This 

museum has one of the world’s best collections 

of Greek and Roman antiquities, including 

mosaics, sculptures, gems, glass and silver, 

as well as many of the objects from excavations 

at Pompeii, Herculaneum and other 

nearby archaeological sites. www.napoli.com 

VENICE 

• Academy Gallery. The galleries are in the 

Dorsoduro district and they are an important 

collection of Venetian paintings from the 

14th to 18th century, including masterpieces 

of the most famous masters such as Bellini, 

Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tiziano, Tintoretto, 

Veronese and Tiepolo. 

TURIN 

• Galleria Sabauda. The collection includes 

paintings by the Piedmontese artists Macrino 

d’Alba and Defendente Ferrari, the Venetians 

Mantegna, Paolo Veronese, Tintoretto, 

Tiepolo and Canaletto, the Emilians Guido 

Reni and Guercino, and the Tuscans Beato 

Angelico, Lorenzo di Credi and Piero 

Pollaiuolo. www.museitorino.it/galleriasabauda 

• The Egyptian Museum of Turin is the 

most important Egyptian museum in the 

world after the one in Cairo. Carlo Felice 

founded the museum in 1824 after he 

acquired the collection of Bernardino 

Drovetti, the French consul in Egypt. Today 

the museum houses a total of 30,000 ancient 


objects. www.museoegizio.org 

MILAN 

• Pinacoteca di Brera. The gallery opened 

its doors in 1809 to exhibit the works gathered 

from secularized religious institutions; 

since then the museum has acquired many 

additional works. This gallery has some masterpieces 

by Caravaggio, Bellini, Rapahel, 

Mantegna, della Francesca, Tiziano, 

Tintoretto and the Veronese, among others. 

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 

7:15 p.m. Closed Mondays, January 1, May 

1, December 25. www.brera.beniculturali.it 

• Santa Maria delle Grazie – Leonardo da 

Vinci’s The Last Supper, commissioned to 

him by Ludovico il Moro in 1496 and completed 

in 1498, can be found in the refectory 

of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria 

delle Grazie. Open Daily, 8:15 a.m. to 6:00 

p.m. Closed Mondays. 

Museums of Modern and 

Contemporary Art 

VENICE 

• Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of 

Modern Art houses important 19th and 20th 

century collections of paintings and sculptures, 

among which are masterpieces by 

Klimt, Chagall, and notable works by 

Kandinsky and Klee, Matisse and Moore, as 

well as a rich selection of works by Italian 

artists and an important graphic design laboratory. 

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 

p.m. www.museiciviciveneziani.it 

65 

Photo courtesy of the City of Turin.

Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni. 


Teatro Ariston hosts the 

Festival of San Remo every year. 

PRATO 

• Centro Arte Pecci offers an ample program 

of temporary exhibits, artistic projects, 

educational activities, and in-depth cultural 

analysis. It serves as an important center of 

information and documentation, exhibitions 

of shows and multimedia events. The permanent 

collection groups important works produced 

in the ’80s and ’90s by Italian and 

international artists, and today has more than 

900 pieces. Hours, Monday, Wednesday, 

Thursday, and Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10 a.m. to 7 

p.m. www.centroartepecci.prato.it 

Other listings: 

• Villa Panza di Biumo in Varese; 

www.fondoambiente.it 

• GAM, Gallery of Modern Art of 

Bologna; www.galleriadartemoderna.bo.it 

• GAMUD, Gallery of Modern Art of 

Udine; www.comune.udine.it 

• 

MART, Museum of Modern and 

Contemporary Art of Trento and 

Rovereto; www.mart.trento.it 

• MACRO, Museum of Contemporary 

Art of Rome; www.macro.roma.museum 

• GAM, Gallery of Modern and 

Contemporary Art of Turin; 

www.gamtorino.it 

• Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro in 

Milan; www.fondazinearnaldopomodoro.it 

Special Interest 

PISA 

• The Domus Galilæana was founded in 

1942 by the philosopher Giovanni Gentile on 

the occasion of the 300th anniversary of 

Galileo’s death. The Institute holds a specialized 

library for the history of science, concerned 

almost exclusively with Galileo and 

his school. www.domusgalilaeana.it 

VENICE 

• Mocenigo’s Palace is the center of the 

history of fabric and costume. It showcases 

dresses and accessories of marvelous tailoring. 

www.museiciviciveneziani.it 

MURANO 

• The Glass Museum follows the history of 

Murano glass from the 15th century to the 

current day. 

TURIN 

• Museo dell’Automobile. Given that 

Turin is the headquarters of Fiat, it is not surprising 

to find the Automobile Museum in 

town. The collection begins with the earliest 

self-propelled vehicles and carries through to 

the present. www.museoauto.it 

MARANELLO 

• Galleria Ferrari. The Galleria Ferrari was 

officially opened in 1990 at the Maranello 

Municipal Civic Centre and it is run by the 

Ferrari team. It holds exhibitions of some of 

Ferrari’s rarest cars along with displays of historically 

important artifacts. 

www.ferrari-enthusiastic.com 

For the Socialite 

Italians are warm, welcoming people who 

love to relax, celebrate and socialize with 

family and friends. And celebration and 

relaxation usually take place around the table 

either at home or in a restaurant, where they 



enjoy the traditions of Italian cuisine. 

Between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m., in 

some places even until 10, an outing with 

friends or colleagues is treated with almost a 

religious fervor; it’s aperitivo time! The idea 

behind the aperitivo, besides being used as 

an excuse for a pleasurable social interaction, 

is that it’s believed to stimulate the appetite 

and promote digestion. In fact, aperitivos are 

enjoyed immediately before dinner. 

An aperitivo doesn’t necessarily have to be 

alcoholic; there are nonalcoholic drinks, such 

as the famous Sanbitter by Sanpellegrino, 

with its unmistakable red color and fresh citrus 

flavor. For those who want to try something 

different and not go to a bar, they can 

enjoy special aperitivos held at the theater 

before an evening show or at outings organized 

by singles in search of love. There’s no 

doubt about it; Milan is considered the Italian 

capital of the aperitivo; following on its heels, 

Rome and Turin also are rich in interesting 

places that offer aperitivos, but we will list 

some properties in Milan and Turin. 

MILAN 

• Sheraton Diana Majestic, Viale Piave 42. 

A historic landmark in the heart of the city 

center, this hotel is located a few steps from 

Via Montenapoleone and the Brera district. 

Intimate, sophisticated, and charming, it is 

the only hotel in Milan that is immersed in a 

lovely garden, where the three bars of the 

Diana Hotel Garden come together. Here, 

aperitivo time has become the meeting place 

for Milan’s upscale fashion crowd. It 

absolutely represents the place to be, a place 

that you cannot miss while in Milan. The 

Brera district and the Navigli area are filled 

with small bars where to meet for aperitivo. 

www.starwoodhotels.com 

TURIN 

• Al Bicerin, Piazza della Consolate 5 and 

Caffe Roberto, Via Po 5. The former is an 

ancient bar, founded in 1763, very decadent, 

with delicious drinks, while the latter offers a 

large buffet of hot and cold snacks for aperitivo. 

For the Sweet Tooth 

After dinner, the streets of Italy come to life 

as Italians stroll around the piazza to work 


off their meal or head off for their evening 

engagements. A good place to meet is the 

gelateria for a delicious gelato, which can 

be the sweet ending to a nice evening with 

friends or the beginning of a wild night 

out. 

It is common practice to pay the cashier 

first, then present your receipt to the server 

before placing the order. In smaller places 

where the cashier is also the server this rule is 

not really enforced and whatever works for 

them also works for you. 

Don’t be daunted by long lines; they usually 

mean that the gelato is good and worth 

waiting for. It is common to order two, maximum 

three flavors, without adding any toppings. 

The menu often changes, as places like 

to use seasonal ingredients for certain flavors, 

especially the fruit-based ones. 

• 

Italians are warm, welcoming people 

who love to relax, celebrate and socialize 

with family and friends. 

ROME is a gelato paradise; make sure to 

stop at Gelateria Giolitti, Via degli Uffici del 

Vicario 40, and try the panna montata 

(whipped cream). 

• MILAN’S hot spot is Gelateria Marghera, 

Via Marghera 33, with its fior di latte. 

• BOLOGNA’S Gianni Gelateria, Via 

Montegrappa 11/a, offers a hell flavored ice 

cream made with mysterious ingredients and 

a forgotten fruit flavored ice cream made with 

cornel berry. 

• The Gelateria di Piazza in SAN 

GIMIGNANO is known for its saffron and 

pine nut blend that is truly special, while 

Pepino, in Turin, offers a delicious “Penguin” 

– pure vanilla gelato placed on a stick and 

dipped in rich milk chocolate. 

The places are so many we just can’t list 

them all, but we do have a suggestion; a city’s 

best gelaterias are often in the midst of 

tourist-friendly areas. 

SOME USEFUL WORDS 


Cono Cone 

Gusto Flavor 

Coppa Cup 

Granita Crushed ice drink 

flavored with syrup 

Sorbetto Italian Ice 

Torta Gelata Ice Cream Cake 

Semifreddo A mixture of gelato 

and whipped cream, 

similar to a mousse 

Tartufo Ball of chocolate gelato 

covered in chocolate bits 

67 


Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni. 

Italy Now For the Gambler 

For the Gambler 

Blackjack or roulette, anyone? 

For some excitement “James Bond” 

style, there are four cities in Italy that 

have five legal gambling facilities available. 

The five gambling facilities consist 

strictly of casinos. 

The city with the most casinos is Venice 

with two casino facilities — Casino 

Municipale di Venezia (Summer Casino – 

www.casinovenezia.it) and Casino Municipale 

di Venezia (Winter Casino). 

Venice opened the world’s first casino in 

1638 and famous lothario Giacomo Casanova 

chose the casino of Venice as the setting for 

his romantic exploits. At the casinos, surrounded 

by elegant Venetian buildings, class 

and tradition blend to provide excitement as 

in no other place. 

San Remo’s casino is also known for its annual 

series of concerts, operas, and plays. 

The largest casino in the country is Casino 

de la Vallee, located in Saint Vincent in the 

Valle d’Aosta region, 90 km from Turin. 

Casino de la Vallee has 95 game tables and 

512 casino slot machines, video poker games, 

and other video terminal gaming machines. 

In this region, the first game at the casino 

took place on March 29, 1947, at 9 p.m. The 

roulette wheel spun for three Italian guests, 

stopping its very first turn on number 9. 

The Casino at Saint-Vincent has welcomed 

many famous guests throughout its history, 

for the gaming as well as the many prestigious 

events that the casino hosts each year. 

Actor Sean Connery won 20 million lire 

betting on lucky 17, which came out three 

times! Italian movie stars like Federico Fellini 

and Vittorio De Sica came to Saint Vincent for 

the award ceremony of the national Cinema 

event hosted by the casino, known as the 

Grolle d’Oro. www.casinodelavallee.it 

Other casinos are in San Remo, Casino 

Municipale di Sanremo (www.casinosanremo.it), 

and in Campione, Casino Municipale di 

Campione d’Italia (www.casinocampione.it). 

San Remo’s casino is also known for its 

annual series of concerts, operas, and plays. 

Campione is located within Switzerland’s 

Canton of Ticino, on the shores of Lake 

Lugano. The casino was founded in 1917, 

opened in 1933, and is owned by the Italian 

government. It offers roulette, chemin de fer, 

baccarat, blackjack, poker, and slot 

machines. 


Italy offers astonishingly varied physical 

beauty – the coves, bays and cliffs of the 

Riviera, the lush orange groves of Sicily, 

the snowy peaks of the Alps and the green 

fields of Tuscany. This is a land that has been 

written about and preserved in history for 

over three thousand years; it is not there just 

for beautiful pictures but also to be enjoyed 

at its fullest. 

Thus the pursuit for the great outdoors 

and activities for the fitness aficionados. 

Golf 

This ancient sport (the Romans used to play 

a variation of it) has become accessible to all. 

It’s relaxing, healthy, it doesn’t require a specific 

training routine (just a bit of stretching 

before starting), although it requires concentration 

and a desire to have fun. It allows you 

to enjoy the surrounding nature and breathe 

in the fresh air. Italy boasts more than 300 

golf courses set in unspoiled landscapes. For 

a list of courses region by region, visit 

www.italia-golf.it or www.federgolf.it 

• 

Lakeside golfing — Lake Garda, Lake 

Maggiore, and Lake Como are three large 

environmental beauties that give Italian golfing 

a good reputation. They offer flat 

grounds, very gentle slopes, and small clearings 

surrounded by trees. One can walk for 

hours, following the round of the game, in 

truly fascinating surroundings, so different 

from the traditional courses. But the lakes 

know how to enchant you too: a sail-boat or 

motor-boat ride along the coast, rod fishing, 

a lively evening in the night-clubs which 

abound on the shores, are all things to which 

the golf lover will willingly give in. 

• 

Seaside golfing — A seaside golf course 

is always an immense green balcony reaching 

out towards splendid panoramas and 

enchanting beaches. Golf lovers may practice 

their favorite sport in international vacation 

spots in which the ancient sea villages blend 

in perfectly with the new strategies of hospitality. 

• 

The Great Outdoors 

The Great Outdoors 

Quench your thirst for adventure 

Golfing in the mountains — The Italian 

mountains offer you greatly fascinating natu- 


ral oases. In the mountains, as on the golf 

courses, walking is part of the game, a sort of 

rule which cannot be contravened if one 

wishes to enjoy to the utmost a vacation 

made of open-air sport and excursions. 

• 

Golfing in Bellagio. 

Golfing around the art cities — Golfing 

in places where culture and art have deep 

roots is to combine two rather irreconcilable 

requirements: the need to practice a sport, 

giving in to the sweet mania of the green, and 

at the same time the possibility of taking time 

to entertain one’s spirit. 

Extreme Sports 

Rock-climbing, rafting, caving and other 

extreme sports are increasing in popularity. 

Friuli, Trentino, Valle d’Aosta, Umbria and 

Abruzzo are ideal locations for these activities. 

Snowrafting is usually called “white 

fear.” It is a descent on steep ground, from 

the Olympic Ski-jump, on hard-packed snow 

in a large rubber dinghy, at speeds of up to 60 

miles per hour. It only lasts a few very, very 

long seconds. It is one of the many extreme 


69 

Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. 


Photo courtesy of Regione Trentino. 

Italy Now The Great Outdoors 

Rock-climbing, rafting, caving 

and other extreme sports are 

increasing in popularity. 

sports that can be enjoyed in Cortina 

d’Ampezzo, along with extreme skiing down 

steep narrow gorges, and “Crazy Sledge.” 

Sailing and Scuba Diving 

No matter where you are, Italy’s waters are a 

paradise for divers and sailors. Some destinations 

that should not be missed are Portofino, 

Panarea, Lampedusa, Capri, and Porto Cervo. 

The itineraries for sailing excursions are 

endless – from Ischia, famous for its thermal 

baths and golden beaches, to Capri, with is 

vibrant social life, located off Sorrento and 

the beautiful coast of Amalfi, both rich in history 

and folklore. Only 20 miles from Procida 

you will find Ventotene, which awaits you in 

its suggestive old port the Romans excavated 

in the tufa-stone. In front of Ventotene, there 

is Santo Stefano, a small island that offers you 

the magnificence of its extraordinary depths 

of rare beauty giving you the charge to 

explore numerous wrecks. And we could go 

on forever… 

Cycling 

For the amateur cyclist, Italy offers a myriad 

of fun bike trails, both on and off road. 

Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily are just some of 

the regions that offer the more challenging 

trails and the best scenery. 

Camping 

Camping in Italy means more than simply 

saving money. There’s something about the 

idyllic, open environment of a campground. 

Nearly all Italian campgrounds are privately 

owned, so rates can vary rather widely. 

Practically all Italian camp sites offer hot 

showers, very clean and modern restroom 

facilities, and laundry and dish washing 

rooms. 

For more information: www.campeggi.com 


Just for Kids 

Just for Kids 

Play, learn, laugh...have lots of fun 

How could we forget the little ones? 

Travel with kids is more fun when 

the whole family participates in 

adventures and mysteries. A vacation is not a 

real vacation without some fun that ideally is 

just for the kids but in reality is for the parents 

too. Here are some incredible locations 

that are fun for the entire family. (These are 

just a few; every region is rich with amazing 

opportunities). 

ROME 

• Bioparco. Rome’s zoo welcomes a vast 

array of animals in a natural setting. Bioparco 

houses 198 animal species that include reptiles, 

birds, mammals and amphibians, which 

provide a good opportunity to study animals 

outside their natural habitat. Indeed they are 

actively involved in scientific and conserva- 


tion education research. Available for private 

parties. www.bioparco.it 

PISTOIA 

• Parco Collodi. This fairy tale park, 

immersed in the Tuscan countryside, is 

entirely dedicated to Pinocchio and his 

adventures. The name is in memory of the 

author of the famous story, Carlo Collodi. In 

the park, there is an area where all the adventures 

of the wooden puppet have been 

depicted in sculpture, scenery and statues, 

made from various materials and interpreted 

by several different artists. www.pinocchio.it 

BERGAMO 

• Minitalia, Fantasy World. This is the 

place to visit for a stroll around the miniature 

version of Italy and its regions. The park 

boasts other attractions as well: hundreds of 

fish from all over the globe, a gorgeous shell 

Having fun at Minitalia, 

Fantasy World. 


exhibition, 250 specimens of reptiles (including 

some of the most fearsome), 200 kinds of 

parrots, plus a fine variety of farm animals. 

www.fantasyword.it 

Tigers at Rome’s zoo. 

71 

Photo courtesy of Bioparco. Photo courtesy of Minitalia.

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Gandolfi. 

Italy Now Just for Kids 

Travel with kids is more fun when 

the whole family participates in 

adventures and mysteries. 

LAKE GARDA 

• Gardaland. The largest amusement park 

in Italy, Gardaland has rides for all tastes. 

Boasting a fantastic dolphin park along with 

38 roller coasters and family attractions, it 

welcomes over three million visitors every 

year. 

The highlight of the park must be the 

Palablu — a dolphin pool with windows for 

walls so visitors can see these lithe creatures 

in action. A replica of the Ancient Egyptian 

ruins of Abu Simbel, and Blue Tornado, a 

roller coaster in which you ride suspended as 

if in a fighter plane, are also featured. 

www.gardaland.it 

GENOA 

• Aquarium. The biggest aquarium in 

Europe features sharks, dolphins and hundreds 

of other beautiful fish. The Aquarium’s 

59 tanks reproduce marine and terrestrial 

habitats from throughout the world and provide 

a home for more than 6000 creatures 

belonging to 600 different species. The 

Aquarium has a mission to increase public 

awareness of environmental problems. 

www.acquario.ge.it 

RIVOLTA D’ADDA 

• Parco della Preistoria. It’s impossible to 

say no to an adventure in this park filled with 

reproductions of dinosaurs. 

www.parcodellapreistoria.it 

SIRACUSA 

• Piccolo Teatro dei Pupi. This puppetry 

show is performed just for the little ones. The 

Theater recreates the medieval art of Sicilian 

puppet shows. Available every night during 

the summer months. www.pupari.com 

PERUGIA 

• Città della Domenica. A nature park and 

zoo with hundreds of exotic animals. There is 

a reptile house for the most daring and a little 

train for the kids. The rides include the 

fantasy world of Pinocchio, Snow White and 

Little Red Riding-Hood, Fort Apache, the 

Horse of Troy, and the Castle of Sleeping 

Beauty. Kids can also jump on the tummy of 

an inflatable Moby Dick and visit the Space 

Base. www.cittadelladomenica.it 

MILAN 

• Leaonardo da Vinci’s Museo della 

Scienza e della Tecnica. Those interested in 

the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci will 

want to visit this museum, which features his 

designs of war machines, flying machines, 

architecture and production that display his 

incredible foresight. www.museoscienza.org 

CANNETO SULL’OGLIO (MANTUA) 

• Toy Museum. In 1870, in this beautiful 

provincial town, Luigi Furga Gornini created 

the first Italian doll and toy factory known as 

Furga. Today it’s possible to visit it. 

www.mantovabox.it 

MURAZZANO (LANGHE REGION) 

• Safari Park. More than 300 animals are 

awaiting a visit. The park is accessible by car 

and it also offers a picnic area, a reptile 

house, and a small amusement park. 

www.parcosafari.com 

LIGNANO SABBIADORO 

• Aquasplash. A spectacular water park 

with swimming pools, water rides, and other 

fun activities. www.aquasplash.it 

SAVIO 

• Mirabilandia. Great amusement park 

with 36 rides, 14 waterfalls, fireworks, stunt 

shows, gardens and much more. 

It includes “Bimbopoli,” a town for the 

smaller ones. www.mirabilandia.com 

A vacation is not a real 

vacation without some fun. 


Photo courtesy of Ella Studio.

Photo courtesy of Italian Government Tourist Board, N.A. 

Italians are known as people who really 

enjoy life and like to have a good 

time…no better occasion to do that than 

on a national holiday. 

On a national holiday, businesses, offices 

and schools are closed, or open for limited 

hours. Public transportation such as buses 

and trains may be operating on a reduced 

holiday schedule. 

If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a 

Thursday it is common for people to take the 

intervening day to “make the bridge” (fare il 

ponte), for a long weekend. 

These are days to be spent at home with 

family and friends celebrating together with a 

big, scrumptious meal. Generally each holiday 

has a culinary specialty, which becomes 

the star of the dining table. 

• 

National Holidays and Festivals 

January 1 New Year’s Day. The beginning 

of the new year is celebrated with 

Cotechino sausage and lentils (lentils are sup- 

posed to bring money and prosperity in the 

new year). People like to go out for dinner to 

restaurants that offer a special menu …and 

then on to dancing. 

• January 6 Epiphany. A good witch riding 

a broom brings sweets to all the good kids 

and coal to the bad ones. According to the 

Catholic religion, the Three Kings arrived to 

pay homage to baby Jesus on this day. 

• Easter Varies each year. The typical dish 

of the day is roasted lamb followed by 

Colomba, a sweet bread shaped like a dove. 

• Easter Monday. On the day after Easter, 

the meeting between the Angel and the 

women who went to the Sacred Sepulcher, 

which they found empty, took place. This is 

not a religious holiday but a social holiday 

that was added on to extend the Easter break. 

• April 25 Liberation Day. On this day in 

1945 Italy regained its freedom from the 

German occupation and reinstated democracy. 

• May 1 Labor Day. Laborers celebrate this 



Inside look at Italy’s greatest celebrations 


Rich folklore and music or food 

festivals are sure to make any trip 

a special experience. 

day to assert their rights, to obtain new 

rights, and to improve their working conditions. 

• June 2 Republic Day. On June 2, 1946, 

Italy became a Republic after a national referendum 

was held where citizens voted out the 

monarchy. 

• August 15 Ferragosto, Assumption of 

the Virgin. Coinciding with the religious 

feast of the Virgin’s rise to heaven on August 

15, Ferragosto is the most important summer 

holiday in Italy, a time when all Italians get 

out of the cities and head for the beach. It’s an 

occasion to get together with friends, enjoy a 

fine meal and party until dawn. Ferragosto 

marks the imminent end of the summer holidays. 

• November 1 All Saints’ Day. The 

Catholic Church honors all its Saints with 

special Masses. 

• November 2 Day of the Dead. On this 

day everybody goes to the cemetery to pay 

73

homage to their deceased loved ones. Ossa dei 

Morti are hard cookies, made differently 

according to the region, that are traditionally 

baked on this day. 

• December 8 Day of Immaculate 

Conception. A day of celebration for the 

Virgin Mary and her role in the Catholic 

Church. 

• December 25 Christmas Day. Menus 

vary but staples on each table are Panettone, a 

cake filled with raisins and candied fruit, and 

Pandoro, a star-shaped sponge cake. 

• December 26 Saint Stephen’s Day. 

Stephen was the first martyr killed for his 

faith and actions in promotion of the Gospel. 

Usually, a special lunch is held, often made of 

the leftovers from Christmas dinner. 

STORES AND BUSINESSES ARE OPEN ON THE 

FOLLOWING FEAST DAYS: 

• 

February 14 Valentine’s Day. The day of 

all lovers is celebrated with romantic dinners 

and small presents. 

• March 8 Festa delle Donne. On March 

8, all women are honored. There is no culinary 

specialty but giving a branch of mimosa 

flowers to all women is a must. 

• March 19 Father’s Day. Saint Joseph is 

the patron saint of all fathers. 

May 8 Mother’s Day 

• 

Italy Now National Holidays and Festivals 

Curiosity: Since 2004, October 12 has 

officially become Columbus Day. 

Carnevale 

Carnevale is celebrated 40 days before 

Easter, a day of fun before Ash Wednesday 

and the rigors of Lent; it is a popular festivity, 

which juxtaposes with the strictness 

of religious holidays. It’s a celebration of 

freedom where masks, laughter, and material 

things have the upper hand. People 

dress up in elaborate and colorful costumes 

and go out on the town. 

but the festival was revived in 1979, in part 

to draw tourists during the slow winter. 

Carnevale falls on a set date and every year it 

has a different theme. ww.carnevale.venezia.it 

• Carnival of Viareggio: This crazy parade 

is known for its allegorical and satirical floats 

which depict (and mock) national and international 

politicians, soccer players, starlets, 

and other celebrities. The parade is not free of 

charge. Tickets must be purchased in 

advance; a regular ticket allows access to the 

boardwalk; a reserved seat in one of the 

bleachers will cost an additional sum. 

www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com 

PATRON SAINTS - In addition to national holidays 

in Italy, each town has a feast day in celebration 

of their patron saint. These holidays 

vary from city to city and town to town. 

To honor such Saints, the population celebrates 

in different ways. Following is a selection 

of a few religious festivals. 

NAPLES – September 19 – Saint Gennaro. 

The day of the “blood miracle” is an important 

feast for the city of Naples and the people 

celebrate it accordingly. The Cathedral is 

surrounded by stalls selling sweets and other 

goods. A procession takes place where holy 

figures are carried through Spaccanapoli, 

which is the heart of the historic center. The 

silver bust of Saint Gennaro leads the procession, 

followed by others. The Neapolitans 

like to bet on the sequence of these holy statues, 

while applauding their favorite saint in 

the hope that these would get a place at front 

at the following procession. Afterwards, Saint 

Gennaro’s silver bust is positioned next to the 

altar and the ampoule with blood is shown to 

the faithful. Traditional prayers are then said 

by the “relatives of San Gennaro,” a group of 

faithful women sitting in the front row. These 

prayers heighten ecstatically until the blood 

liquefies. The wild rejoicing of the faithful is 

crowned by the sound of the cathedral’s bells 

ringing. Legend has it that this blood miracle 

takes place when no disaster is expected in 

the near future. According to writings, in 

1528 the blood miracle didn’t take place. 

This was the year the pestilence beset Naples. 

FLORENCE – June 24 – Saint John the 

Baptist. 

Special masses are held along with a procession. 

MILAN – December 7 – Saint Ambrose. 

Schools and stores are closed on this special 

day. Locals go to the Fiera degli Obei 

Obei, an open-air fair where sweets and 

crafts are sold. Traditionally, on this day 

the new season at La Scala opera house is 

inaugurated. 

ROME – June 29 – Saints Peter and Paul. 

Special masses are held at the Vatican. 

VENICE – Third weekend of July - 

Feast of the Redeemer 

Held every year to commemorate the 

end of the plague that wiped out a third of 

the city’s population in 1576. 

It is tradition to have dinner on boats in 

St. Mark’s basin, watching fireworks on the 

lagoon. It all starts off with a line of gondolas 

roped together, stretching across the 

canal to the island. At sunset, hundreds of 

boats decorated with branches and multicolored 

balloons enter the canal, while 

large crowds gather on the banks and 

palace balconies to enjoy this great festival 

of light and sound. 

SOME FAMOUS CARNIVALS: 

• Carnival of Venice: It’s a unique, mesmerizing, 

stirring, and ultimately dazzling 

experience which attracts people from the 

four corners of the world. After the fall of 

the Republic, Venice stopped celebrating it, 

People gather to 

74 

eat the specialty of that particular location. 


Photo courtesy of Natasha Lardera.

Photo courtesy of Italian Government Tourist Board, N.A. 


TURIN/GENOA: 24 Jun (St John the 

Baptist) 

SIENA: 2 Jul and 16 Aug, Palio horserace 

VENICE: 25 Apr (St Mark) 

BOLOGNA: 4 Oct (St Petronius) 

BARI: 6 Dec (St Nichola). 

PALERMO: 15 Jul (St Rosalia) 

TRIESTE: 3 Nov (St Giusto) 

Folklore 

To make things more fun, all Italian cities and 

towns have many festivals that don’t necessarily 

have a religious connection. Rich folklore 

and music or food festivals are sure to 

make any trip a special experience. These festivals 

are colorful and fun – people gather to 

compete, to eat the specialty of that particular 

location, or simply to see each other, gossip 

and laugh together. 

VENICE – First Sunday of October – 

Historical Regatta 

A procession of 16th century-style boats, 

with the famous Buccintoro, the boat representing 

the Serenissima, at its lead. It is followed 

by a racing competition. 

RIMINI – April – Paganello 

Hundreds of people compete on the beach 

for the ultimate Frisbee World Cup. 

GUBBIO – May – The Festival of the Ceri 

The Race of the Ceri is one of the most pop- 


ular folklore festivals in Italy. The Ceri are large 

wooden “candles” that weigh about 700 lbs. 

and are 10 feet tall. They have the statue of a 

saint surmounted on each cero: St. Ubaldo, 

protector of construction workers, St. George, 

protector of businessmen, and St. Anthony, 

protector of farmers and students. Each wooden 

structure is fixed on a stretcher-like wooden 

support, which 10 ceraioli carry on their 

shoulders. At noon the ceri are carried through 

the streets of the town center; the race begins 

at 6:00 p.m. when the ceri are blessed and 

then carried up the hill to the basilica. 

FLORENCE – May 25 - Cricket Festival 

A market is held at the Cascine Park where 

crickets, believed to bring good luck, are sold 

in colorful, hand woven cages. According to 

tradition, if a man decorates his beloved’s 

doors or windows with flowers and gives her 

a cricket, he will be lucky in love. On the 

days leading up to the festival, children hunt 

for crickets to cage them and on the day of 

the feast they release them in the park. 

ASTI – September – Palio of Asti 

During the Palio, historical events and 

everyday life in Medieval times are recreated. 

There is a horse race, a historic procession in 

medieval attire and spectacular sbandieratori 

(flag-wavers). 


Competition at the Palio is fierce. 

THE PALIO OF SIENA 

Every year on July 2 and August 16, the 

beautiful medieval city of Siena comes alive 

for one of the world’s most breathtaking folk 

festivals. This isn’t a simple horse race, but a 

major event that the city works on for an 

entire year. The 17 districts, contrade — 

Tortoise, Wave, She-Wolf, Goose, Shell, 

Porcupine, Dragon, Owl, Snail, Panther, 

Eagle, Caterpillar, Unicorn, Ram, Giraffe, 

Forest, and Tower — race against each other 

frantically. The horses run around the Piazza 

del Campo at breakneck speed, with or without 

jockeys on board, and wear the colors 

and designs of their district. The actual horse 

race, is brief: a minute and a half, give or 

take ten seconds. It takes much longer to 

align all the horses and to all start at the 

same time. The evening before the race, 

everybody eats outside, as each neighborhood 

stages a sumptuous banquet to 

“rehearse” their expected victory celebration. 

www.ilpalio.org 

Arts & Crafts 

All crafts have an interesting and unique 

story to tell. Fit for bargain hunters and collectors 

alike, these numerous craft festivals 

and markets have a curious appeal and many 

unknown gems awaiting to be discovered. 

75


Italy Now National Holidays and Festivals 

In Italy the sagra, food or wine 

festival, is extremely popular. 

ROME – December and January – 

Mercato della Befana 

Christmas fair held in Piazza Navona. 

Stalls showcase sweets, toys and small works 

of art. 

MILAN – Last Sunday of Every Month – 

Antique Fair 

The market is held on Milan’s Naviglio 

Grande. The area is filled with nice restaurants 

and cafés where one can stop for a bite 

or a drink. 

MONTELUPO (Tuscany) – Last Week of 

June – Pottery Festival 

This beautiful Tuscan town is filled with 

outdoor craft shops where everything is for 

sale. There are glassblowers plying their trade 

and all manner of artisans throwing pots, 

painting, and sculpting. All over town, people 

set up temporary restaurants in courtyards 

and empty buildings where good food 

is available for excellent prices. 

BOLOGNA – January - Arte Fiera 

International contemporary art fair showcases 

works in new galleries, bookstores and 

institutions. 

VENICE – June every two years in odd 

years – The Venice Biennale 

Major contemporary art exhibition. 

Food & Wine 

In Italy the sagra, food or wine festival, is 

extremely popular. Each city, and even small 

towns, have more than one a year, mostly 

during the warmer months when it’s fun to 

eat and drink outdoors. They are so many, we 

can only list a few. For more on Italian Food 

& Wine Festivals, visit www.prodottitipici.com 

ALBA – Month of October – White 

Truffle Festival 

This festival marks the start of the hunt for 

the Tuber Magnatum Pico, or the white truffle, 

a luxurious ingredient of Italian cuisine. The 

streets are filled with an almost carnival atmosphere, 

stalls sell truffle products for incredible 

prices, and the live auction, the culminating 

point of the fair, is extremely entertaining. 

MERANO – First week of October - 

Grapes Feast 

Celebration of the harvest with a grape festival 

and a parade in Tyrolean costumes. 

ROME – March – Gnocchi Feast 

The delicious potato dumplings are served 

in many different recipes for small prices. 

BRA (Piedmont) – September – Cheese 

festival 

It features more than 150 stalls for cheese 

and cheese products, as well as free tastings 

with samples from different regions of the 

country. 

TEVISO – Second Sunday in December 

– Radicchio feast 

The city’s square, Piazza dei Signori, honors 

long-shaped radicchio in succulent dishes 

available to all. 

MODENA – May – Cherry Week 

Vignola cherries are among the most 

prized in Italy. 

BARDOLINO – May - Chiaretto Bardolino 

Classico festival 

Delicious wine is tasted on the waterfront 

of Lake Garda. 

CORTONA (Tuscany) – August – Steak 

Feast 

A steak festival featuring Chianina beef. 

VINITALY 

The largest and most comprehensive inter- 

national wine exhibition for the trade, with 

more than 4,000 exhibitors from 31 countries 

and more than 140,000 visitors from 

around the world, is held in Verona every 

April. www.vinitaly.com 

Music 

To delight both locals and visitors, each Italian 

region often organizes musical events, official 

and impromptu. Major symphonic series and 

recitals are organized at all times during the 

year. 

FLORENCE – May – Maggio Musicale 

Tickets: $14 to $114. Box Office: Teatro 

Comunale, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, 15 

Via Solferino — 50123, Florence, 

www.maggiofiorentino.com. 

PESARO – August - Rossini Opera 

Festival 

Tickets: $20 to $150. Box office: Rossini 

Opera Festival, 37 Via Rossini I-61100 

Pesaro, www.rossinioperafestival.it. 

RAVENNA – June – July – Ravenna Festival 

Renowned conductors leading opera and 

concert performances in the open-air theater 

of Rocca Brancaleone are the trademark of 

Ravenna. Tickets: From $12 to $150. 

www.ravennafestival.org 

ROME – July – August - Festa Musica Pro 

Mundo Uno 

This festival, previously held only in 

Orvieto and Assisi, is now based in Rome for 

concerts in major churches, but some programs 

will still be presented in the Basilica of 

St. Francis in Assisi and the Palazzo 

Simoncelli-Petrangeli in Orvieto. 

PERUGIA – July – Umbria Jazz 

The Umbria Jazz Festival, which has been 

held annually since 1973, is one of the most 

important venues for jazz in Europe. 

www.umbirajazz.com 

SPOLETO – June – July - Festival of Two 

Worlds 

Operas, symphonies and chamber music. 

Tickets: $6 to $90. www.spoletofestival.it 

FESTIVAL OF SANREMO 

The Festival della Canzone Italiana is a popular 

Italian song contest running since 1951 

and held annually in the city of Sanremo, in 

Liguria. The Festival is transmitted live on TV 

Rai Uno. www.festivaldisanremo.com 


While every major religion is represented 

in Italy, Roman 

Catholicism remains the country’s 

dominant faith. From converted pagan 

temples to grandiose medieval cathedrals and 

down to the tiniest chapels scattered across 

the country, Roman Catholic churches offer 

fascinating repositories of art, architecture 

and history. Churches typically open early 

every morning, close around noon for lunch, 

and reopen mid afternoon until after the last 

Mass has been said around 8:00 p.m. Major 

cathedrals and basilicas remain open all day 

to welcome believers and visitors alike. 

Wearing tank tops, hot pants or other types 

of revealing clothing is not allowed within 

most Catholic churches. Make sure to bring a 

sweater, shawl or long jacket to cover shoulders 

and legs, as needed. Flashless photography 

is permitted in most churches. Food and 

beverages are not. 

A PARTIAL LISTING OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES 

WITH SERVICES IN ENGLISH: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

St. Patrick’s, Via Boncompagni 60, Rome 

Santa Susanna, Via XX Settembre 14 , 

Rome (the national church of the USA) 

Ssi. Martiri Canadesi, Via G. B. De Rossi 

46, Rome (the national church of Canada) 

Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence 

(Saturday service at 5:00 p.m.) 

Church of the Hospital of San Giovanni 

di Dio, Borgo Ognissanti 16, Florence 

(Sundays and holidays at 10:00 a.m.) 

• 

Religion 

Religion 

Worship is accessible to all 

Italy’s Jewish heritage – For information 

contact the Jewish Community Center; 

www.jewishitaly.org 

For all other religions, please consult your 

local place of worship for locations and 

times. 

St. Peter’s Basilica 

Immortalized by the welcoming arms of 

Bernini’s colonnade , St. Peter’s Basilica is the 

seat of Roman Catholicism and the most 

noted landmark of Vatican City, an independent 

country within the city of Rome. 

Inaugurated in 396 A.D., the basilica was 


originally built by Emperor Constantine over 

the tomb of Saint Peter. Today, the main altar 

sits directly above the tomb housing Saint 

Peter’s remains. 

Construction of the imposing edifice we 

see today began in 1506 and took 120 years 

to complete. Numerous Renaissance architects 

contributed to its construction, 

Bramante among them. In 1546 Pope Paul III 

appointed Michelangelo Buonarroti, already 

in his sixties, as the official architect. 

Michelangelo’s Greek cross plan of Saint 

Peter’s was completed by Della Porta, who 

also designed the dome, and by Carlo 

Maderno, who built the façade. Saint Peter’s 

Basilica was finally consecrated on November 

18, 1626. 

Vatican Museums & Sistine 

Chapel 

The Vatican Museums comprise the papal 

apartments of the medieval Apostolic Palace 

decorated with frescoes during the 

Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the exhibition 

rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library, 

and the museums themselves. 

The Vatican Museums trace their origin to 

one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years 


St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of 

Roman Catholicism and the most 

noted landmark of Vatican City. 

ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest 

who, according to Greek mythology, tried to 

convince the people of ancient Troy not to 

accept the Greeks’ “gift” of a hollow horse, 

was discovered January 14, 1506, in a vineyard 

near the basilica of Santa Maria 

Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent 

Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo 

Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican, 

to check out the discovery. On their recommendation, 

the pope immediately purchased 

the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The 

Pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his 

sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public 

display at the Vatican exactly one month after 

its discovery. 

Within the Vatican Museums, special permits 

are required for the Vatican Library 

Archives and the Raphael Loggia. 

Hours 

From April 1 to October 31, 8:45 a.m. to 

4:45 p.m. 

From November 1 to March 31, 8:45 a.m. 

to1:45 p.m. 

Closed Sundays and holidays, except for 

the last Sunday of each month when admittance 

to the museum is free of charge. 

For additional information: www.christusrex.org 

77 

Photo courtesy of Italian Government Tourist Board, N.A.

Italy Now Useful Addresses 

Useful Addresses 

Places to turn to when in need for assistance 

American Embassy and 

Consulates in Italy 

Consult embassies for assistance regarding 

lost or stolen passports, emergency transfer of 

funds, doctors and hospitals, and more serious 

matters. 

AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ROME 

Via Veneto, 119/A - 00187 

Tel. 06.46741 Fax: 06.46742356 

The U.S. Embassy in Rome offers a full 

range of services for U.S. citizens in the 

regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, 

and Sardegna 

AMERICAN CONSULATE IN MILAN 

Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 - 20121 

Tel. 02.290351 Fax: 02.29001165 

The U.S. Consulate General in Milan offers 

a full range of services for U.S. citizens in the 

regions of Valle D’Aosta, Piemonte, 

Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, 

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Emilia- 

Romagna (Provinces of Piacenza and Parma 

only). 

AMERICAN CONSUALTE IN 

FLORENCE 

Via Lungarno Vespucci, 38 - 50123 

Tel. 055. 266951 Fax: 055.284088 

The U.S. Consulate General in Florence 

offers a full range of services for U.S. citizens 

in the regions of Tuscany, and Emilia- 

Romagna (all except the Provinces of 

Piacenza and Parma). 

AMERICAN CONSULATE IN NAPLES 

Piazza della Repubblica, 2 - 80122 

Tel. 081. 5838111 Fax: 081.7611869 

The U.S. Consulate General in Naples 

offers a full range of services for U.S. citizens 

in the regions of Campania, Molise, 

Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicilia. 

Limited consular services provided in the 

Consular Agencies of Genoa, Palermo and 

Venice. 

Italian Consulates in the US 

Consult for special permits, mostly concerning 

weddings in Italy. Citizens of the United 

States with a valid passport can stay in Italy 

up to 90 days. If a longer period is required, 

you need to apply for a visa. 

ITALIAN EMBASSY 

1601 Fuller St. N.W. Washington, 

DC 20009 

Tel. 202.328.5500/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 

Fax: 202.328.5593 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF NEW YORK 

690 Park Avenue - New York, NY 

10021/5044 

Tel. 212.737.9100 and 439.8600 

Fax 212.249.4945 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF BOSTON 

100 Boylston Street - Suite 900 - Boston, 

MA 02116 

Tel. 617.542.0483/4 Fax: 617.542.3998 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF CHICAGO 

500 North Michigan Avenue - Suite 1850 

- Chicago, IL 60611 

Tel. 312.4671550/1/2/3 

Fax: 312.467.1335 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF LOS 

ANGELES 

12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300 - Los 

Angeles, CA 90025 

Tel. 310.8200622 Fax: 310.820.0727 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF MIAMI 

1200 Brickell Avenue - 8th Floor - Miami, 

FL 33131 

Tel. 305.3746322 Fax: 305.374.7945 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF SAN 

FRANCISCO 

2590 Webster Street - San Francisco, 

CA 94115 

Tel. 415.9314924/5 Fax: 415.931.7205 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF DETROIT 

535 Griswold - 1840 Buhl Bldg. – Detroit, 

MI 48226 

Tel. 313.963.8560 Fax 313.963.8180 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF PHILADELPHIA 

1026, Public Ledger Bldg. 100 South 6th 

Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 - 3470 

Tel. 215.592.7329 

Fax 215.592.9808 

ITALIAN CONSULATE OF HOUSTON 

1300 Post Oak Boulevard -Suite 660 

Houston - TX 77056 

Tel. 713.850.7520 

Fax 713.850.9113 

Italian Government Tourist 

Boards in the US 

Consult for travel tips and useful information 

for your planning of an Italian vacation. 

www.italiantourism.com 

NEW YORK 

630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1565 

New York, NY 10111 Tel. 212.245.5618 

CHICAGO 

500 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 2240 

Chicago, IL 60611 Tel. 312.644.0996 

LOS ANGELES 

12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550 

Los Angeles, CA 90025 

Tel. 310.820.1898 

Tourist Boards in Italy 

Italy is dotted with public tourist offices, 

each based around a certain area and all 

providing general information. 

ABRUZZO 

Via Passolanciano, 75 - 65124 Pescara 

Tel. 085.7671 Fax 085.7672067 

E-mail: turismo@profesnet.it; 

www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/ 

BASILICATA 

Via Anzio, 44 – 85100 Potenza 

Tel.0971.448647 www.regione.basilicata.it 

CALABRIA 

Via S. Nicola, 8 – 88100 Catanzaro 

Tel. 0961.720260 

E-Mail: turismo@regione.calabria.it; 

www.turismo.regione.calabria.it 


Useful Addresses 

CAMPANIA 

Via S. Lucia, 81 – 80132 Napoli 

Tel. 081.7962034 

www.regione.campania.it 

EMILIA-ROMAGNA 

Viale Aldo Moro, 64 – 40127 Bologna 

Tel. 051.283353 

www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it 

FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA 

Via Miramare, 19 – 34135 Trieste 

Tel. 040.3775747 www.turismo.fvg.it 

LAZIO 

Via R.R. Garibaldi, 7 – 00145 Roma 

Tel. 06.51681 

www.regione.lazio.it/turismo 

LIGURIA. 

Via D’Annunzio, 64 – 16121 Genova Tel. 

010.5485553 

www.turismoliguria.it 

LOMBARDY. 

Via Sassetti, 32 – 20124 Milano Tel. 

02.67561 

www.inlombardia.it 

MARCHE 

Via G. Da Fabriano, 9 – 60125 Ancona 

Tel. 071.8062165 

www.le-marche.com 

MOLISE 

Via Mazzini, 94 – 86100 Campobasso 

Tel. 0874.4291 www.regione.molise.it 

PIEDMONT 

Via Magenta, 12 – 10128 Torino 

Tel. 011.43211 

www.regione.piemonte.it/turismo 

APULIA 

Via Bozzi, 45/c – 70121 Bari 

Tel. 080.5401111 www.regione.puglia.it 

SARDINIA 

Viale Trieste, 105 – 09124 Cagliari 

Tel. 070.6061 

www.regione.sardegna.it 


SICILY 

Via E. Notarbartolo, 9 – 90141 Palermo 

Tel. 091.6968033 

www.regione.sicilia.it/turismo 

TUSCANY 

Via di Novoli, 26 – 50127 Firenze 

Tel. 055.4382111 

www.turismo.toscana.it 

TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE 

Via Romagnosi, 9 – 38100 Trento 

Tel. 0461.496535 

www.provincia.tn.it 

UMBRIA 

Corso Vannucci, 30 – 06100 Perugia 

Tel. 075.50433676 

www.umbria-turismo.it 

VALLE D’AOSTA 

Piazza Narbonne, 3 – 11100 Aosta 

Tel. 0165. 236627 

www.regione.vda.it/turismo 

VENETO 

Palazzo Balbi-Dorso Duro, 3901 – 30123 

Venezia Tel.041.2792832 

www.turismo.regione.veneto.it 

Local Hospitals 

ROME 

Fatebene Fratelli, Isola Tiberina 

06.6837299; 

Policlinico Gemelli, Largo A.Gemelli, 

06.30151; 

San Camillo, Circ. Gianicolense, 06.58701 

FLORENCE 

Hospital of S. Maria Nuova, Piazza. S. 

Maria Nuova, 055.27581; 

Careggi Hospital, Viale Morgagni 85, 

055.4277111 

MILAN 

Fatebenefratelli, 02.63631; Niguarda, 

02.64441; 

Policlinico, 02.55031 

NAPLES 

Anna Rizzoli (Ischia), 081.5079267; 

Capilupi (Capri), 081.8381111; 

Cardarelli, 081.7471111 

The toll-free medical emergency telephone 

number in Italy is 118. You may get an ambulance 

by calling this number, or if you do not 

require transport to a hospital, the First Aid 

Service (Guardia Medica) will be sent. First 

Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) is available at 

airports, ports, railways stations, and hospitals. 

Night/Weekend Pharmacies 


ROME 

Primavera (24 hrs) 06.7016971 

FLORENCE 

Farmacia Numero 13, located in the Central 

Train Station, 055.289435 

MILAN 

Via Boccaccio, 02.4695281 

NAPLES 

Carducci, 081.417283 

For minor aches and pains, cold or flu, and 

“little” non-critical emergencies, your best bet 

may be to head over to your local Farmacia. 

You’ll go to a Farmacia for aspirin and even 

vitamins. Italian pharmacies will often carry 

homeopathic and herbal remedies as well. 

SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED 

Ask your tour operator for assistance. 

A few cities have offices specializing 

in assistance for the disabled. 

In Rome you can find the “Rome for 

Everyone” Information desk 

(+39.06.57177094). From 9 to 

5 information on accessibility for 

monuments, hotels, museums, 

restaurants, and movie theaters, are 

available in Italian, English, French, 

and Spanish. www.romapertutti.it 

The telephone line Co.In.Tel. 

(+39.06.23267695) is open 24 hours 

a day. www.coinsociale.it 

79

Italy Now Useful Phrases and Words 

Useful Phrases and Words 

Become part of a fascinating culture by diving into its language 

Italian is a beautiful language full of contradictions. 

Its roots go back thousands of 

years, and yet, it has only been the 

national language of Italy since the nineteenth 

century. Learning a few words will 

help you order food with confidence, ask for 

directions without getting a confused glance 

in return, and improve your cultural understanding 

and global communication. 

The Basics 

Hello Ciao 

Good morning Buon giorno 

Good afternoon Buon pomeriggio 

Good evening Buona sera 

Good night Buona notte 

Nice to meet you Piacere 

Good-bye Arrivederci 

Please Per favore 

Thank you Grazie 

Excuse me Mi scusi 

Sir Signore 

Madam/Mrs Signora 

Ms Signorina 

Yes/No Si/No 

Where is? Dov’è? 

I don’t know Non lo so 

Here Qui 

There La 

Near Vicino 

Far Lontano 

Left Sinistra 

Right Destra 

Up Su 

Down Giù 

Morning Mattina 

Afternoon Pomeriggio 

Evening Sera 

Help Aiuto 

Police Polizia 

Police Carabinieri 

Traffic Police Vigili Urbani 

Passport Passaporto 

Plane tickets Biglietti aerie 

Weekdays 

Monday Lunedì 

Tuesday Martedì 

Wednesday Mercoledì 

Thursday Giovedì 

Friday Venerdì 

Saturday Sabato 

Sunday Domenica 

Useful Phrases 

How are you? Come sta? 

How do I get to? Come faccio per 

arrivare a…? 

How far is? Quanto dista 

da qui...? 

Where is the phone? Dov’è il telefono? 

I am allergic Sono allergico/a 

Do you have? Avete...? 

Do you accept credit Accettate carte di 

cards? credito? 

May I get through? Permesso 

Learning a few words will help you 

order food with confidence, ask for 

directions, and improve your cultural 

understanding. 

It doesn’t matter Non importa 

See you soon A presto 

See you later A più tardi 

Do you speak English? Parla inglese? 

I don’t speak Italian Non parlo italiano 

Please speak slowly Per favore parli più 

lentamente 

Please repeat Per favore ripeta 

A question of luck 

To wish someone good luck, never say 

auguri (best wishes). This is thought to bring 

bad luck. Say instead in bocca al lupo (in the 

mouth of the wolf), and the response must 

be, crepi il lupo (may the wolf die). 


Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni

Brochure "Italy now"

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