There is so much to do in Italy that it is difficult to know where to start. Milan is a great place to go for shopping, the designer shops and ranges on offer can only be compared to those in Paris and London.

Rome has everything from the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, as well as the greatest share of remains from the Roman Empire. You could spend a month in Rome and still have plenty left to see, coupled with the many bars and restaurants it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Italy.

A ride in one of the gondolas along the canals of Venice is highly recommended as being not only incredibly romantic but also a great way of seeing the beauty of the city. If the gondola ride doesn’t appeal, why not take a walk around the city? You can see the splendour of Venice at your own pace, and although the city is like a maze, getting lost there can be part of the fun.

A night at the opera in Italy is an incredible experience for anyone. Outdoor arenas like the one in Verona enhance the event no end, with the moonlight and the perfumed air it really is a night to remember.

Because of the history of Italy there are so many different things to see, it would be impossible to list even the majority of them, never mind them all. A visit to any of the cities, large or small, is worthwhile and there will be something to see. Whether you visit Rome, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Verona or Florence you can always find churches, palaces and fine examples of art.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Rick Steves’ Italy 2001 – Rick Steves (Paperback 30 January, 2001)

Lonely Planet: Italy – Helen Gillman, et al (Paperback 29 February, 2000)

The Rough Guide to Italy – Ros Belford, et al (Paperback 4 March, 1999)

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide 15: Italy (Paperback 2 May, 1996)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN ITALY

Mid Feb – early March in Viareggio and the carnival brings a fabulous display of puppets to the town like you’ve never seen before….

End of February sees the Venice Carnival, the highlight of the year with masked costumes, balls and theatrical events

15^th April every year in Florence, in the Piazza del Duomo, watch the Columbina dove shaped rocket fly out of a wooden cart structure in the square.

Mid April (Easter) and Rome, The Vatican and the entire Catholic World sees Holy Week

All of May and June sees the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the oldest musical festival in Italy

2^nd July – Palio de Siena (Sienna) – A daring bareback horse race through the city that is filled with passion and rivalry

July in Spolento – enjoy the town’s festival of music, theatre, ballet and art.

Mid Aug – mid Oct in Turin, the mystical Turin Shroud with its claimed impression of Christ’s face in it is on view for all to see

December-October, see the Opera, ballet and concerts at La Scala in Milan

Mid-end October every year in Alba, the Truffle festival more than matches any festival by their French counterparts. Well worth a visit if you enjoy white truffles

In Italy the government regulates the hotels. The prices reflect the quality of the establishment as with most hotels, and there are plenty to suit all budgets.

The prices can range from £50 per night in hotels such as the Cambridge and the Villa Glori in Rome to over £200 per night in the Regina Baglioni, Rome.

Further South in Naples the prices still vary between £40 per night at the Pamagiu Club and over £100 per night in the Royal Continental. It is possible to find a hotel most suited to the individual budget throughout Italy.

Alternatively, hostels are a great way of travelling around Italy, not only cheap but also a great way of meeting fellow travellers. There are over 50 hostels in Italy; you need to be a member of the national hostelling association to stay at them, or at least to get the best rates.

Camping is another option for those travelling to Italy, where campsites range from very basic to the more elaborate. Often the campsites are situated in the countryside or near seashores or lakes and provide a cheaper way of seeing the country.

Visitors to Italy from the UK do not need to apply for entry or a transit visa, but please do check first if you do not hold a UK passport.

There are no immunisation requirements however, if you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.

The tap water is safe to drink but may taste stronger than English water. If you are prone to upset stomachs, drink bottled water. Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.

ITALIAN PHRASE BOOK