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| Italy Travel Guide |
"Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts.
Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the ""la vita Italiana". |
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Festival of Snakes
"Ever since Satan's plaything slithered down the tree and offered Eve a bite of his apple, snakes have suffered the kind of image problem that even Washington DC's spin doctors would find a challenge.
From Freudian psychotherapists to parents fretting over their tattooed and death metal-loving offspring, snakes have universally been seen as an omen of Something Very Bad About To Happen. Most would be of the opinion that the only good snake comes as a pair of chichi Manolo Blahnik slingbacks.
But once you get into the wild and woody areas of Abruzzo on the eastern coast of Italy, sitting snugly at about calf-height on the renowned geographical boot, reputations change and the much-maligned belly-slitherer becomes an object of worship and celebration. Each year in the tiny hamlet of Cocullo, surrounded by some of Italy's most undomesticated forests, the villagers prove their devotion by getting down and dirty with as many fork-tongued reptiles as they can" Game of the Bridge
The tradition of the Game of the Bridge dates back to February 22, 1568. Rival teams from different quarters of Pisa fought for symbolic possession of a bridge over the Arno River. In those times, the games often degenerated into brutal and bloody man to man fighting. In modern times, the gore has been eliminated but not the fierce rivalry among the players. During the government of the Medici, the game was played during particularly important festivities and anniversaries along with palios, luminare and other public demonstrations. Even nowadays this event is held together with a series of cultural, artistic and folk events. |
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MILAN
Milan is a glamorous city, but not quite in the same class as Rome, Florence, or Venice. The city provides the tourist a number of delightful explorations that are tightly clustered in the vicinity of the Duomo, Milan's ostentatious cathedral. Widely known as a fashion center, Milan is a great place for shopping
ROME
The "Eternal City" is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Once the capital of western civilization, Rome has incredible antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food, and a wonderful ambiance. The saying "All roads lead to Rome" was a truism during the Roman Empire and the city displays its heritage in a spectacular fashion. Rome is a fantastic destination; you will run out of time before you run out of worthwhile things to see and do.
VENICE
Offering scenic canals, beautiful buildings and world famous landmarks, Venice is an experience unique in the world of travel. The city seems to exude romance, history, fantastic photo opportunities and good food, almost at every corner. Exploring Venice is an experience that you will never forget. Whether taking a gondola down the Grand Canal or examining this romantic city's unique setting and architecture while on foot, you will find Venice inviting and magical.
FLORENCE
Florence's art and architecture rivals Rome. During the Renaissance, Florence was the art center of western civilization. A list of past residents of the city represents the "Who's Who" of the Masters, including: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. Culture seems to ooze from the frescoes and statues; perhaps that is why Florence and its museums tend to be incredibly attractive to tourists |
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Time Zone
GMT + 1 Hour.
Language Spoken
Italian, Neapolitan, Piemontese, Venetian, Ligurian.
Passport/ VISA
British passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa
Climate
"The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. The winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicilia.
The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in the summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn." |
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