Travel Guide: Facts About Italy
Written by VacationIdea.com Travel Editors.
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Getting to Italy:
Most major Italian cities have an international airport, including Venice, Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Palermo. There are direct daily flights from North America to most of these airports.
Italy is well connected via high-speed trains with the rest of Europe. Connections with France run along the Nice-Ventimiglia-Genoa coastline and through the Frejus tunnel via Modane, Bardonecchia, and Turin. Trains to Switzerland run through the Sempione Pass tunnel and across Ticino Canton from the Chiasso border crossing towards Milan. The Brennero and Tarvisio lines link Italy to Austria as well as central and Western Europe.
Best Time to Go to Italy:
The best time to travel around Italy is spring and fall because of mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The Italian coastline is a great summer vacation destination. You should, however, book well in advance since summer time is a popular vacation time for foreign visitors and Italians alike.
Vacation Tip:
If you are visiting famous museum in Italy, such as the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, try to book tickets ahead of time and save yourself a couple of hours of standing in line. You can order tickets for the Uffizi Gallery by phone at 011-39-55-294-883 (055-294-883 locally) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. When calling, keep in mind that Italy is 6 hours ahead of EST and 1 hour ahead of GMT.
Getting Around Italy:
The best way to travel between major Italian cities is by train. It is both efficient and affordable. You can search and purchase train tickets online at www.trenitalia.com. If you want to visit smaller villages and enjoy the Tuscan countryside, you will need to rent a car. Car rental is available near major airports (remember to book ahead of time).
Domestic air service is operated by Alitalia and a few affiliated companies. Sardinia, Sicily and other Italian islands can be reached by ferry.
Italian Currency:
As of January 1, 2002, Italy adopted the Euro, a common European currency.
Weather in Italy:
Italy's weather varies from region to region. In general, the southern regions of Italy are warmer than the northern areas. Italy is divided into 20 geographic regions with diverse climates.
Learn more about Italy, where to stay and what to do.
Travel Guide
Written By the Travel Editors at VacationIdea.com, Last Update: Jan 04, 2008