Bellissima. your complete Italian travel guide

Transcription

1 Bellissima your complete Italian travel guide f t.com/italiantouristoffice Ground Floor, 140 William Street East Sydney NSW Australia Ph Fax com/Italiantouristoffice.com/ItaliantouristO Sydney@enit.it 1

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3 Contents General outline...4 Exploring Italy...6 The regions...8 Temperatures...10 UNESCO World heritage list...12 Major events...14 Special interest museums...20 Flea markets...22 Means of transport...26 Driving distances...28 Driver s licence...29 Accommodation Getting married...32 More to experience / explore...36 Tourist cards...38 Frequently asked questions...42 Useful Phrases...43 Embassies & organisations...44 Useful websites...46 Welcome to the first leg of your trip to Italy! The pages of this magazine will provide you with useful information to plan your trip, whether it involves a 24 hour day of non-stop sightseeing, shopping, tours and partying or simply relaxing in a hot natural spring in the countryside while a homemade meal accompanied by authentic local wines awaits you. Every day will provide a unique experience that will live in your memory forever. Italian Government Tourist Office Australia & New Zealand Ground Floor, 140 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011 Tel: Fax sydney@enit.it Opening times to the public: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm except Australian public holidays Note: The information contained in this booklet is as current as possible at time of going to press (June 2013). The Italian Government Tourist Office is not responsible for changes to schedules of services, rates and dates of events. You should check this information at time of departure. It is advisable to only obtain information from secure official websites. All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other means without the prior written consent of the publisher. 3

4 GENERAL OUTLINE Area: 301,338 square km s Population: 60, Capital: Rome (2,570,829 inhabitants) GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE There is a great deal of variety in the landscape of Italy, although it is characterised predominantly by two mountain chains: the Alps and the Apennines. The former extends over 1,000 kms in a latitudinal direction. It consists of great massifs in the western sector, with peaks rising to over 4,000 m, including Monte Bianco 4,810 m, Monte Rosa 4,635 m and Cervino (the Matterhorn) 4,478 m. The height of the chain is lower in the eastern sector, although the mountains are still of an extraordinary beauty (the Dolomites). At the foot of the Alpine arc stretches the vast Po Valley plain, cut down the middle by the course of the Po River, the longest in Italy (652 km), which has its source in the Pian di Re (Monviso Mountain) and flows into the Adriatic Sea through a magnificent delta. The Alpine foothills are characterised by large lakes: Lake Maggiore and the lakes of Como, Iseo and Garda. The Apennines form the backbone of the peninsula stretching in a wide arc, which is concave to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Corno Grande (Gran Sasso d Italia), at 2,912m, is the highest peak. A large part of central Italy is characterised by a green hilly landscape, through which the rivers Arno and Tiber run. The southern section of the chain pushes out to the east forming the Gargano peninsula and, sloping down further south, the Salentine peninsula. It then proceeds to the west with the Calabrian and Peloritano massif stretching across the Strait of Messina into Sicily. The main islands are Sicily, rising up to the great volcanic cone of Etna (3,342m), and Sardinia. The main archipelagos are the Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea, the Tuscan Archipelago, the Pontine Islands, the Aeolian Islands and the Egadi Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 7,500 km of coastline is predominantly rocky, although shaped into numerous bays and wide gulfs. A low coastline is found alongside the plains of Tuscany, Latium, Campania and, especially, in the upper Adriatic. FORM OF GOVERNMENT At the end of World War II, Italy became a Republic with a parliamentary form of Government. The President, who is the head of state, serves a 7 year term in office and may be re-elected. Italy is divided into 20 regions, of which 15 have an ordinary statute (a statute approved by parliament) and the other 5 (Valle d Aosta, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicily and Sardinia) a special statute approved by a constitutional law. VISA REQUIREMENTS Australian and New Zealand visitors travelling on a valid Australian and New Zealand passport are allowed to enter Italy without a visa for tourism for a maximum period of 90 days however, the passport must be current when returning from Italy. Visitors are required to register with the Foreigners Bureau of the nearest Police Station (Questura) within eight working days from the date of your arrival to obtain a permit of stay (Permesso di Soggiorno). For further enquiries on other types of visas, please contact the Visa Office at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your city. TIME ZONE Italy is in the Central European time zone (CET) which equals GMT plus 1 hour. Summer time (+ 1 hour) is in force from the end of March until the end of September. However each year, from approximately the last week of March until the last week of October Italy adopts daylight saving time and advances the clock one hour. From the end of March until the end of October Australia is eight hours ahead of Italy, while from the end of October until the end of March the time difference increases to ten hours. New Zealand is ten hours ahead of Italy, increased to 12 hours from the end of October until the end of March. CURRENCY Since 1 January 2002 the Euro has been effectively circulating in Italy and is now the only currency. Notes are issued for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. Coins are divided in Eurocents as follows: 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1, and 2. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1st January (New Year s Day), 6th January (Epiphany), Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 25th April (Liberation Day), 1st May (Labour Day), 17th March (Unification of Italy), 2nd June (Anniversary of the Republic), 15th August (Assumption), 1st November (All Saints Day), 8th December (Immaculate Conception), 25th December (Christmas Day), 26th December (Boxing Day). Each city celebrates a public holiday on its Saint day. VACCINATION & WATER No vaccinations are required to enter Italy. Tap water is safe to drink. Water from drinking fountains is safe unless there is a sign Acqua non potabile. You may see this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc. CLIMATE The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to the distance from the sea or the mountains. Winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central mountains; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicily. Summer is hot and dry, but sea breezes on the coast and in the mountains make it pleasantly cool. Winter is ideal for skiing and in summer beaches and lake resorts have a busy season. LANGUAGES The official language is Italian. However there are many different dialects, which vary considerably from region to region. In some areas they are considered separate languages like Sardinian, Friulan and Ladin. German is also spoken in the north close to the border with Switerland and Austria and French close to the border with France. 4

5 HEALTH & INSURANCE To bring medicines into Italy a certificate issued by a doctor is required indicating that the medicine for personal use only (a translation into Italian is advisable). A reciprocal agreement exists between Australia and Italy regarding Health Assistance, which covers Australian citizens (or a person who is permitted to reside indefinitely in Australia people covered by Medicare), up to a period of six months from the date of entry into Italy. The Italian Public Health Service provides, through local health centres, medical treatment to Australian visitors at hospitals and clinics that are part of the health service, or at authorised medical centres, upon presentation of their passport and possibly an Australian Medicare card. It is important to remember that if you need to be admitted to hospitals urgently you should advise the hospital staff that you wish to be treated under the Australian-Italy Health Agreement. There is no reciprocal agreement between New Zealand and Italy. For Further information please contact: The National Prescribing Service for medicines Medicare: TIPPING Tipping is not expected, however when good service warrants it, leaving a 10% tip would be appreciated. The same applies in bars. Porters at major hotels will expect a tip. It isn t common to tip taxi drivers. ALCOHOL You can bring in 2 litres up to 14% alcohol and 1 litre above 14% alcohol. POST OFFICES Post Offices are generally open from 08:00/08:30 to 18:30/19:00 from Monday to Friday, Saturday from 08:00/08:30 to 12:00/13:00. Stamps (francobolli) can be purchased at any post office and any authorised tobacconist. Goods sent by Parcel Post to Italy as a gift or for personal use of the receiver up to a value of EURO 45, are exempt from Customs Duty. Special concessions are available for certain goods during the Christmas period sent to private addresses as gift packages. Alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, coffee and tea are subject to limited quantities. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Emergency aid service 113 Carabinieri (army corp which is also a police force) 112 Fire Brigade 115 Guardia di Finanza 117 Ambulance 118 Australian Embassy in Rome New Zealand Embassy in Rome (International code for Italy from Australia is ) (International code for Italy from New Zealand is 0039) (International code for Australia from Italy is 0061) (International code for New Zealand from Italy is 0064). TAX According to EU law, non-eu residents can obtain a refund from the sales tax (IVA/GST) already included in the price of the goods purchased in Italy. The goods must be for personal use and exported, unused, when exiting the country. The total value of the goods purchased must exceed the value of 180,00. To obtain the refund you must purchase from outlets that offer duty free facilities. Before leaving the store make sure you have the appropriate document required for a GST refund, (which includes the details of the purchase). The document must be kept together with the receipt. If you are leaving Italy headed for a country outside the EU, you must obtain a stamp, on the above mentioned document at the Italian Customs Office (Dogana Ufficio Viaggiatori) located either at the airport, at the border (if you are travelling by road or train) or at the sea-port, by presenting the relevant goods (still unused) and the passport. The stamp by Customs is required to certify that the goods are being exported. Do not use your purchased item before showing them to the Customs offices. Visitors to Italy, as well as all other persons, are required to always obtain a receipt after purchasing goods or paying for services. In order to avoid paying the fines laid down by Italian law, foreign tourists must ask for these receipts. You might be asked by a taxation officer (Guardia di Finanza) to show the receipt immediately after you leave the shop. Failure to do so may result in a fine. SHOPPING Opening hours of shops vary from region to region. In general shops are open from 09:00 to 12:30/13:00 and from 15:30/16:00 to 19:30 from Monday to Sunday. They are usually closed on Monday morning. Department stores and shops in tourist locations may remain open all day and, sometimes, until late in the evening. SMOKING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Smoking is not allowed in places that can generally be defined as public (Airports, Post Office, Banks, Hospitals, Cinemas, Theatres, Shops, Museums, etc.). Smoking is not allowed in restaurants and bars unless they have separate allocated areas for smokers. Anyone smoking in the prohibited area risks a fine between 25 to 250. The electrical current in Italy is AC, the cycle is 50 Hz and the voltage is 220. Check the local voltage with the hotel before using electrical appliances. Plugs have two roundpronged plugs, making an adapter plug necessary. CREDIT CARDS All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. 5

6 EXPLORING ITALY Rome is called the Eternal City because of its place in the history of mankind. Rome, of course, has been the centre of Christianity since St. Peter first established the Christian Church. And before that, with the establishment of the Roman Empire, it was the capital of the western world. 2,500 years of history are crowded into its maze of alleys, streets and squares: from ancient catacombs to 17th century palaces, 15th-century churches, and 20th-century monuments and modern buildings. After Rome, the other main regional capitals of Italy are: Milan, Turin, Genoa, Venice, Trieste, Trento, Bologna, Florence, Ancona, Perugia, L Aquila, Matera, Campobasso, Naples, Bari, Palermo and Cagliari. These cities are important not only for their size and population but also for their history; for the fame and wealth of their monuments and museums; for all the natural beauties; for the intensity of their social and economic life; for the traffic which is centered in them; and because of all the great tourist roads and railways passing through them. Each of Italy s chief cities jealously guards its own character, its citizens taking such special pride in their history, art, commerce, food and life that they are the most enthusiastic host. Sprawling Milan is the financial, banking, fashion and design capital of Italy and an art and culture centre. Turin (Torino), at the foot of the Alps, is outstanding for automatic manufacturing and baroque architecture, Genoa, birthplace of Columbus, has been Italy s chief seaport since Roman times. Venice floats dream-like on canals and lagoons. Trieste is a bustling and attractive seaport. Trento is a historic old city that has had many battles fought for it. Bologna, centre of wealth, learning and art, is famous for its university and cuisine. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is an art centre to rival any in the world. Ancona, capital of the Adriatic region of the Marche, is a beautifully located seaside resort city. Perugia, hilltop queen of the Tiber plain, is the headquarters of the University for Foreigners, founded in the 13th century. L Aquila is a mountain centre in the Apennines. Naples, on its justly famous blue bay, is the great city of the south. Bari, where the bones of St. Nicholas lie, is a modern city surrounding a tiny medieval town. Palermo, capital of Sicily, merges Norman and Arab history and culture. Cagliari, chief city of Sardinia, bears the stamp of a long and varied history under Romans, Carthaginians, Spanish and French. ART CITIES The great artistic legacy of Italy, unequalled anywhere in the world, is not only distributed throughout the major cities and their famous museums; one can say in truth that there is no Italian city, however modest, which does not contain and cherish some share of this wealth of art. Tuscany, which is only one region of Italy, by itself possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage. Practically all major styles of Western architecture can be found in Italy. MUSEUMS Opening and closing times of museums vary according to season. It is best to obtain information about hours of operation when you arrive in town. There are approximately 3,642 museums, art galleries and archaeological sites in Italy. Practically every Italian town has its own museums and art galleries. Some of Italy s most famous museums remain open daily until 10pm. Among the 16 that enjoy this new status are the Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery and the Pitti Palace with the Galleria Palatina, located in Florence; the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Venice; Palazzo e Pinacoteca Brera and Santa Maria delle Grazie (da Vinci s Last Supper) in Milan; the Egyptian Museum (Palazzo dell Accademia delle Scienze) in Turin; in Naples, Palazzo Capodimonte with Pinacoteca, the Archeological Museum and the Royal Palace. In Rome, extended hours apply at the Villa Borghese, the Castel Sant Angelo on the Tevere (Tiber), Palazzo Altemps and the Museum of Modern Art. A visit to some museums, sites and monuments can be booked in advance on specific days. For a group, pre-booking may be compulsory (for example, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Leonardo s Last Supper in Milan). 6

7 MOUNTAINS The Alps are the highest and most fascinating mountains in Europe, separating Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Almost all of the sunny southern slopes are in Italian territory. The highest peaks include: Monte Bianco, Monte Rosa, the Cervino and the Grand Paradiso. They are all located in the Aosta Valley which is unique for its mountain climbing facilities and winter sports centres. Among the most famous localities are Cervinia and Courmayeur. The Aosta Valley has magnificent natural scenery, poetic traditions, monuments and castles. The Dolomites: To the east between the valleys of the Adige and the Piave rivers, lie the Dolomites the most fantastic and spectacular of the entire Alpine range. The main groups include the Pale di San Martino, the Latemar, the Catinaccio, the Sassolungo, the Sella, and the Marmolada. This area is an immense park of great natural beauty. Famous resorts include: Merano, Madonna di Campiglio, La Mendola, Canazei, Ortisei, San Martino di Castrozza and Cortina d Ampezzo which can be found in the valleys, on the gentle uplands and beside Alpine lakes. Thanks to modern transport facilities, cable cars and chair lifts, visitors can reach the highest and most celebrated lookout points with ease. The Apennines run from the hills of Cadibona (near Savona) down into Calabria. They reach their highest point in the Gran Sasso, forming a magnificent winter sports area. This mountain chain counts a range of high tops, like Monte Amiata in Tuscany, Terminillo in Lazio, Gran Sasso and Maiella in Abruzzo, Monte Faito between Naples and Salerno, Monte Serino and Monte Pollino in Basilicata. The mountains of Sicily and Sardinia repeat the natural beauties of the Alps and the Apennines. Etna, an active volcano on Sicily seastern coast epitomises Italy s extraordinary contrast of nature. SPA The restorative powers of mineral waters and mud baths that bubble up from Italian springs have been around since Roman times. Many spas have become fashionable resort centres, with excellent hotels, casinos, golf courses and theatres. The best known spas are Aqui, St Vincent and Lurisa in Piedmont; San Pellegrino, Salice Terme, Bagni di Bormio and Sirmione in Lombardy; Abano and Montegrotto in Veneto; Merano in Alto Adige; Roncegno and Levico in Trentino; Salsomaggiore in Emilia; Montecatini and Chianchiano in Tuscany; Fiuggi, close to Rome; Agnano, Castellamare di Stabia, near Naples, Ischia Porto on the island of Ischia and Sciacca in Sicily. SEAS Italy s coastline measures 5,310 miles. Rocky, wooded cliffs are indented by an infinite variety of beaches and bays. To the west lies the Ponente which includes famous seaside resorts like San Remo, Alassio and Varazze. The eastern Riviera is famous for the towns of Nervi, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Sestri Levante. LAKES The three largest lakes are Maggiore, Como and Garda. These, along with the smaller lakes of Lugano, Iseo and Idro make up a second Riviera of resorts with fine hotels and villas providing a busy season of swimming, sailing, golf and tennis from early spring to late autumn. Jewel-like minor lakes scattered among the valleys of the Alps include Caldonazzo, Molveno, Levico, Carezza, Misurina and Santa Croce. Boating, swimming and fishing are specialties of the lakes in central and southern Italy: Trasimeno in Umbria, Bolsena, Bracciano, Nemi, Albano and Sabaudia in Lazio; Lucrino and Fusaro near Naples; and Varano and Lesina in Apulia. 7

8 THE REGIONS 8 AOSTA VALLEY Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy. Here we can find the highest peaks in the Alps: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the king of them all, Mont Blanc, which at 15,781 feet is the highest mountain in Europe, the roof of the old Continent. Famous all over Europe and the destination for anyone who loves skiing, trekking, snowboarding and ice skating. This region offers amazing natural attractions, but other cultural and traditional treasures also abound such as medieval castles. PIEDMONT Piedmont is a land of mountains. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy. Yet, nature is only one of the many attractions, this region has many other facets: from Turin, Italy s first capital, with its history, remarkable cultural heritage and slow food, to other cities such as Cuneo, Novara and Alessandria. LIGURIA The region features impressive mountains and lovely rolling hills, colored by the green Mediterranean turf and overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Genoa, a multi-faceted city that combines the ancient with the modern, the past with the present, colors with shadows. Cinque Terre, in addition to Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto are another UNESCO Sites in Liguria. Those who visit these places will hardly forget the charm and atmosphere here. LOMBARDY The region has much to offer in terms of its natural, cultural and architectural perspective. The mountains, the plains and grand lakes of Lombardy form the perfect backdrop for a vacation filled with nature, athletics, rest and routes for discovering the territory. Mantua, once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family, and Sabbioneta, the defining ideal city of the Italian Renaissance. Still in Milan, a major architectural masterpiece is the renowned Teatro alla Scala. The imposing Duomo (Cathedral) is absolutely extraordinary, constructed in white marble and dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary. Lake Garda, just like Lakes Como and Iseo, ensures a restful and entertaining holiday, with the chance to sail, windsurf, water ski, canoe, cycle, trek, boat and take excursions to the surrounding areas. VENETO The typical scenery of Veneto s coast is the Venetian lagoon, and, right on this very lagoon stands perhaps the most unique city in the entire world - Venice. Veneto expresses an extraordinary variety in its scenery: from the Dolomites, dipped in the crimson shades of the sunset, to the eastern shore of Lake Garda and Peschiera del Garda, Torri del Benaco and other tourist destinations. Verona s historic center, a unique blend of the Renaissance, Medieval and Roman architectonic styles. Nature is another one of the Veneto s excellencies: the Dolomites. Padua, the city of culture par excellence, offers its visitors many attractions. Vicenza, characterised by the classical style of architect Andrea Palladio, has also been granted UNESCO status. TRENTINO - ALTO ADIGE Trentino Alto Adige is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, and is best known for the beauty of its peaks. This setting encloses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: magnificent snowcapped mountaintops, woods, wide valleys, streams, lakes, the enchanting play of light between the spires of the Dolomites, typical villages with soaring bell towers, and the myriad shades of unadulterated nature. Moreover, this region is the keeper of incredible artistic treasures, monuments and architectural works that combine Gothic from Austria with that of the Italian Renaissance. FRIULI - VENEZIA GIULIA This region is situated in Italy s northeast and borders Slovenia and Austria. Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing many different landscapes. Trieste conceals innumerable beauties - old cafés, neoclassical buildings along the Grand Canal and other monuments revealing the fascination of this central European city and its glorious past. Another unmissable destination is cosmopolitan Gorizia, with its Medieval castle that recalls centuries of history. Udine is no less charming, with its ancient castle and the precious works of Giambattista Tiepolo. Finally, Pordenone is well worth a visit, with its ancient buildings and the Corso, lined by typical long arcades. TUSCANY Its landscape, artistic heritage and stand-out cities make Tuscany an unquestioned protagonist of international tourism. In this region, the most typical sceneries of the region are those that merge the beauty of nature with the millenary work of man. The charm of Florence is evident along the Arno River, on the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and in the workshops of artisans that liven up the lanes of the old town. Other extraordinary destinations include Siena, with its Medieval town center, Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, Arezzo, Lucca, with its city walls, San Gimignano, the city of towers, just to mention a few. EMILIA ROMAGNA The diversity between the mountains and sea offers visitors to Emilia Romagna breathtaking views, in addition to beauty for both the eyes and spirit, with a mixture of the earthy colours, the aromas and the fresh sea air. Not to mention that Emilia Romagna is a hotbed for music, cinema and art appreciated nationally and internationally. This is the land of Verdi s novels and Giovanni Pascoli s poetry, as well as Fellini s unmistakable cinema - a director who became a legend through his many masterpieces that come to life in this, his native region. In Emilia Romagna, one can enjoy amazing views anywhere, and the list of places to choose from is endless. The provinces of the region are: Bologna (the region s capital), Ferrara, Forli-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini.

9 THE MARCHES Surprising and wonderful in its diversity, this region of Central Italy, with its winding yet symmetrical form, shows off its multi-faceted beauty through cliffs and caves that overlook unforgettable beaches, hills that are steeped in history, and rich traditions and cultures, all set against a backdrop of mountains The Marches protects its natural environment through its National and Regional nature reserves, the oases of the WWF reserves, and the Monti Sibillini and Monti della Laga National Parks are peerless in their scenery and trekking offerings. LAZIO This is the cradle of occidental civilization and Christian culture, of lakes and legends, of thermal spas and history, of ancient roads and verdant hills. This region has different yet complementary features, unblemished sceneries and spectacular horizons among the towns. Visitors can enjoy incredibly beautiful views, like Villa Borghese in Rome, the Italian capital. CAMPANIA The mild climate, the beauty of the coasts, the richness of its art and history, and the love for food make Campania the fascinating territory that it is. The journey begins with the sea, the region s uncontested queen, with its intense colors, its coasts that are crawling with bays, coves and rock faces. This region is made even more charming by the flourishing Mediterranean vegetation that alternates with its small, charming towns that narrate the history and traditions of Campania and make any stay here unforgettable. Who can forget Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and the towns of the Amalfi Coast. BASILICATA One does not stumble across this region accidentally but chooses to visit it in search of a new experience, plunging into places where silence, colours, scents and flavours remove visitors from the frenzy and stress of modern life and offers unique sensations. The woods and forests that cover the mountains are dotted with small and charming villages, some even at an altitude of 1000 mt, where pure air, genuine flavours and the beauties of nature are combined with history satisfying every curiosity. ABRUZZO Abruzzo is located in central Italy and stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, on a mostly mountainous and wild terrain. The route that spans from the Gran Sasso down to the sea crosses territories that are rich in history, traditions and art that never ceases to surprise visitors. Thanks to its varied landscape, Abruzzo offers a number of different vacation categories, all exciting and surprising. UMBRIA Everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. It includes Lake Trasimeno, central Italy s largest lake. The area still has the remains of Etruscan settlements. The charm of Umbria derives from its fusion of art, nature, peace and calm, the inspirations behind its various localities that comprise Renaissance masterpieces and small Medieval towns embedded in the hills such as Assisi and Gubbio. Then Spoleto, a picturesque town that boasts a thousand-year-old history, still preserves images from the past in its Medieval and Renaissance architecture. APULIA Apulia is a charming region that can be visited all year round and is suspended among nature, history, tradition, tastes and spirituality. Apulia, the spur of the Italian Boot, is an enchanting region that spreads lengthwise along the sea - marvelous beaches that will delight every traveler, from the sandy Torre dell Orso and Porto Cesario, to the rocky, boulder-encrusted Riviera of Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. The region is famous for the Trulli houses of Alberobello as well as the splendour of Lecce and baroque Bari. CALABRIA Calabria is at the toe of the boot, the extreme south of Italy. The warm climate, the beautiful colours of the sea, rocky coasts that alternate with sandy beaches, a nature that is wild and mysterious, the strong and genuine flavours of local food and the vestiges of its ancient origins make Calabria a unique place that vacationers can enjoy in both winter and summer. The National Parks, which cover most of inland Calabria, are a thrill for nature lovers SARDINIA A voyage over an emerald sea, past characteristic coves and beaches of snowwhite sand this is Sardinia, an island that strikes its visitors with natural contrasts, the lights and colors of a region that boasts old traditions and a wild and pure nature. The sea reigns over this region with its colours that migrate into the coves, along the coasts, towards the beaches and the most popular resorts. An example is the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) with Porto Cervo set as its gemstone and uniting the history and culture of ancient traditions with a joyful and colourful nightlife. SICILY It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, understood and experienced through a series of itineraries dedicated to areas of interest ranging from nature to history and traditions. The power of the sea, allows for the opportunity to experience the crystal-clear waters of the coasts of San Vito lo Capo, Mondello, Cefalù, Marina di Ragusa, Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, and Ustica, just some of the many places where one can practice sports all year-round. 9

10 10MONTHLY TEMPERATURES

11 Italy ALL INCLUSIVE GUIDED GOURMET WALKING HOLIDAYS Outstanding personal service, unique trails, boutique accommodation, small friendly groups, cultural visits and exceptional local food and wine ATG0543_Bellisima:Layout 1 13/6/13 1:06 PM Page 1 Find us on Facebook Italian tours with a difference Smaller group touring 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stops Genuinely inclusive Quality sightseeing time Charming, authentic hotels Guaranteed group departures Tours designed for Australians To request our Europe 2014 brochure call or visit The Italian Grande 18 days This leisurely paced tour starts with four nights in the magnificent Italian Lakes District visiting Lugano, Locarno, Orte, Lake Maggiore with a cruise on Como to Bellagio. Following two nights in a magnificent Italian castle we enjoy five nights touring Tuscany visiting Florence, the Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, two nights in the Umbrian Hills, and as a finale, three nights on the stunning Amalfi Coast visiting Capri, Amalfi and Positano, before enjoying our last night in Rome. Lake Maggiore Lake Como STRESA 4 2 CASTELBRANDO Lake Garda MILAN 5 MONTECATINI TERME 2 SPOLETO ROME 1 Mediterranean Sea ITALY Bay of Naples 3 MAIORI Italy, the Deep South & Sicily 18 days Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo in Sicily we spend 5 nights in the regions of Puglia and Matera - the heel and ankle of Italy - before crossing to the island of Sicily for a further 12 days. Enjoy stays in properties such as the Bee Hive Trulli cottages in Alberobello, the Sassi caves in Matera and delightful villas. Add special dinners, wine tastings and a host of highlights and you will see how Italy s deep south and Sicily is quite extraordinary. 1 ROME Adriatic Sea ITALY CASTEL DEL MONTE 3 ALBEROBELLO MATERA 2 LECCE Gulf of Taranto Mediterranean Sea Ionian Sea 2 PALERMO 3 MARSALA 4 TAORMINA 2 AGRIGENTO SICILY 11 Lic No TAG 1374_ATG0543 A L B A T R O S S T O U R S, C O M E S H A R E O U R L O V E O F E U R O P E

12 UNESCO World Heritage List 12 Rock Drawings in Valcamonica (1979) Valcamonica has one of the world s greatest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs more than 140,000 symbols and figures carved in rock over a period of 8,000 years and depicting themes connected with agriculture, navigation, war and magic. Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (1980) The refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie forms an integral part of this architectural complex, begun in Milan in 1463 and reworked at the end of the 15th century by Bramante. On the north wall is The Last Supper painted between 1495 and 1497 by Leonardo da Vinci. Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (1980) The World Heritage site includes some of the major monuments of antiquity such as the Forums, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, as well as the religious and public buildings of papal Rome. Historic Centre of Florence (1982) Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Piazza del Duomo, Pisa (1987) The four masterpieces of medieval architecture the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the Leaning Tower ) and the cemetery had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century. Historic Centre of Siena (1995) The whole city of Siena, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape. Venice and its Lagoon (1987) The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world s greatest artists. Historic Centre of San Gimignano (1990) The town was built around 72 tower-houses and were symbols of wealth and power. Only 14 have survived, however, the town has retained its atmosphere and appearance. The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera (1993) This is the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem. City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas (1994) The work of Andrea Palladio ( ), based on a detailed study of classical Roman architecture, gives the city its unique appearance. Crespi d Adda (1995) An outstanding example of the 19th- and early 20thcentury company towns built in Europe and North America by enlightened industrialists to meet the workers needs. Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta (1995, 1999) The completion of this project marked the birth of modern town planning and influenced its subsequent development. Historic Centre of Naples (1995) Naples has retained the imprint of the successive cultures that emerged in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. This makes it a unique site, with a wealth of outstanding monuments. Castel del Monte (1996) When the Emperor Frederick II built this castle near Bari in the 13th century, he imbued it with symbolic significance, as reflected in the location, the mathematical and astronomical precision of the layout and the perfectly regular shape. Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna (1996) Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. The buildings show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Graeco-Roman tradition, Christian iconography and oriental and Western styles. Historic Centre of the City of Pienza (1996) The architect Bernardo Rossellino, applied the principles of his mentor, Leon Battista Alberti. This new vision of urban space was realized in the superb square known as Piazza Pio II and the buildings around it: the Piccolomini Palace, the Borgia Palace and the cathedral. The Trulli of Alberobello (1996) The Trulli, limestone dwellings found in the southern region of Puglia, are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique still in use in this region. 18th Century Caserta Royal Palace with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex (1997) The monumental complex is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, hunting lodges and a silk factory. Archaeological Area of Agrigento (1997) Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C, its supremacy is demonstrated by the remains of the magnificent Doric temples that dominate the ancient town.

13 Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata (1997) When Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it engulfed the two flourishing Roman towns of Pompei, Herculaneum, and many wealthy villas in the area. The wall paintings of the Villa Oplontis at Torre Annunziata give a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthier citizens of the Early Roman Empire. Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua (1997) The world s first botanical garden was created in Padua in It still preserves its original layout and continues to serve its original purpose as a centre for scientific research. Cathedral, Civic Tower and main square, Modena (1997) The magnificent 12th-century cathedral is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. With its piazza and soaring tower, it testifies to the faith of its builders and the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it. Amalfi Coast (1997) An area of great physical beauty and natural diversity. It has been intensively settled by human communities since the early Middle Ages. Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) (1997) The layout and disposition of the towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium. Residences of the Royal House of Savoy (1997) This complex of buildings, designed and embellished by the leading architects and artists of the time, radiates out into the surrounding countryside to include many country residences and hunting lodges. Su Nuraxi di Barumini (1997) The complex consists of circular defensive towers in the form of truncated cones built of dressed stone, with corbel-vaulted internal chambers. The complex at Barumini is the finest and most complete example of this remarkable form of prehistoric architecture. Villa Romana del Casale (1997) One of the most luxurious of its kind. It is especially noteworthy for the richness and quality of the mosaics which decorate almost every room. Archaeological Area and Basilica of Aquileia (1998) Aquileia was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire. Most of it still lies unexcavated beneath the fields, and as such it constitutes the greatest archaeological reserve of its kind. Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological sites of Paestum,Velia, and the Certosa di Padula (1998) The sanctuaries and settlements along its three east west mountain ridges portray the area s historical evolution. Historic Centre of Urbino (1998) The small hill town has preserved its Renaissance appearance to a remarkable extent. Villa Adriana (Tivoli) (1999) An exceptional complex of classical buildings created in the 2nd century A.D. by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites (2000) Its medieval art masterpieces have made Assisi a fundamental reference point for Italian art. City of Verona (2000) Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods, and represents an outstanding example of a military stronghold. Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) (2000) An outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction, and ongoing volcanic phenomena. Villa d Este, Tivoli (2001) With its palace and garden, it is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture making this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden. Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (2002) The towns were all rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake on or beside towns existing at the time. Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy (2003) The nine Sacred Mountains are groups of chapels and other architectural features created in the late 16th and 17th centuries and dedicated to different aspects of the Christian faith. Monte San Giorgio (2003) The pyramid-shaped, wooded mountain of Monte San Giorgio beside Lake Lugano is regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period. Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia (2004) These two large Etruscan cemeteries reflect different types of burial practices from the 9th to the 1st century BC, and bear witness to the achievements of Etruscan culture. Val d Orcia (2004) The landscape s distinctive aesthetics, flat chalk plains out of which rise almost conical hills with fortified settlements on top, inspired many artists. Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica (2005) The site consists of two separate elements, containing outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times. Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli (2006) The first example in Europe of an urban development project parcelled out by a public authority associated to a particular system of public lodging in private residences. Mantua and Sabbioneta (2008) Two aspects of Renaissance town planning: Mantua shows the renewal and extension of an existing city, while Sabbioneta represents the implementation of the period s theories about planning the ideal city. Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes (2008) It brings together two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps through two passes. The Dolomites (2009) They comprise of a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, featuring several beautiful mountain landscapes. Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (2011) 7 groups of important buildings (including fortresses, churches, and monasteries) throughout Italy. Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps (2011) 111 small individual sites encompasses the remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements in and around the Alps built from around 5000 to 500 B.C on the edges of lakes, rivers and wetlands. 13

14 MAJOR EVENTS Traditional festivals are celebrated in most Italian towns and villages in commemoration of local historical or religious events. The most popular ones are listed here. The dates of traditional festivals may change from year to year. 14 Epiphany Fair in Piazza Navona, Rome (Lazio) January 5th. A fair of toys, sweets, and other presents takes place out in the open among the beautiful Bernini Fountains. Celebration of the Epiphany from the Byzantine Rite, Piana degli Albanesi (Sicily) January 6th. Almond Blossom Festival, Agrigento (Sicily) First half of February, folk festival of song, dance, costumes and fireworks. Sa Sartiglia, Oristano (Sardinia) February 24th to 26th. Medieval procession and jousting of masked knights. Venice Carnival, Venice (Veneto) February/March. Celebrations in costumes, entertainment in streets and squares. Music, mimes and fireworks. Carnival in Viareggio, Viareggio (Tuscany) February/March. Highlight of the Carnival festival is the procession of spectacular and colourful floats. Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), Florence (Tuscany) Easter Sunday. A pyramid of fire works in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the Altar during Mass. Celebration of Holy Week (Easter Week), Assisi (Umbria) Calendimaggio, celebration of spring according to rites dating back to medieval times. Procession of the Mysteries, Taranto (Puglia) Good Friday. Renowned for its costumes and solemnity. Sagra di Sant Efisio (Festival of St. Efisio), May 1st to 4th. Cagliari (Sardinia) One of the biggest and most colourful processions in the world. Several thousand pilgrims (wearing costumes dating back to 1657) accompany the statue of the saint on foot, carts, and horseback. Palio-San Secondo, Asti (Piedmont) May 2nd. A 700-year old ceremony with a procession in 13th century costumes. Sagra di San Nicola, Bari (Apulia) May 7th. Historic procession in costume. Festa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles), Gubbio (Umbria) May 15th. A procession in local costume where tall shrines are carried to the church on the top of Mount Ingino. Palio dei Balestrieri (Palio of the Archers), Gubbio (Umbria) Last Sunday in May. Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms. Cavalcata Sarda (Sardinian Ride), Sassari (Sardinia) Last Sunday in May. Traditional procession of more than 3,000 people in Sardinian costumes. Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Battle), Pisa (Tuscany) First Sunday in June. Medieval parade and contest. Festa del Giglio (The Lily Festival), Nola (Campania) The Sunday following June 22nd. A colourful procession in costume. Calcio Storico (Historic Soccer Match), Florence (Tuscany) June 24th to 28th. Revival of a 16th century football match in medieval costume. Fireworks display from the terraced gardens overlooking the city. The Palio horse race, Siena (Tuscany) July 2nd and August 16th. Procession and horse race. Participants are members of ancient city districts, competing for the banner (Palio). Colourful medieval pageantry. Feast of Santa Rosalia, Palermo (Sicily) July 10th to 15th. Procession bands, fireworks in honor of the patron saint of the city. Festa De Noantri, Rome (Lazio) July 19th to 26th. Folklore festival of Old Rome in Trastevere, including a colourful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dance and songs, carnival floats, and fireworks.

15 Il Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer), Venice (Veneto) Third Sunday in July. Procession of gondolas commemorating the end of the Epidemic of Torneo della Quintana (Joust of the Quintana), Ascoli Piceno (Marche) First Sunday in August. Historical pageant in 15th-century costumes. Palio del Golfo (Palio of the Gulf), La Spezia (Liguria) Second Sunday in August. Rowing contest. Sagra del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer), Nuoro (Sardinia) August 27th to 30th. Colorful procession in Sardinian costumes. Historical Regatta, Venice (Veneto) First Sunday in September. Traditional competition between two-oar racing gondolas and procession of ceremonial boats. Giostra del Saraceno (Joust of the Saracen), Arezzo (Tuscany) First Sunday in September, Tilting contest of the 13th century with knights in armour. Palio dei Balestrieri, Sansepolcro (Tuscany) September 8th. Crossbow palio between Sansepolcro and Gubbio. Medieval contest with costumes and arms. Living Chess Game, Marostica (Veneto) Second weekend in September, in an even-numbered year. The Chess game is played in the town square by living pawns in costume. Giostra della Quintana (Joust of the Quintana), Foligno (Umbria) Second Sunday in September. Revival of a 17th century joust with 600 knights in costume, historical procession. Festival of San Gennaro, Napoli (Campania) September 19th. Religious ceremony honouring the patron saint of the city. Flag Throwing Palio, Asti (Piedmont) Third Sunday in September. Ancient festival with 800 costumed participants, historic procession and horse race. Salone del gusto, slow food, Turin (Piedmont) October. An international food festival that strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine. Eurochocolate, Perugia (Umbria) October. One of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe. It lasts for nine days and is located in the main squares and areas of Perugia. Oh Bej! Oh Bej, Milan (Lombardy) 7-9th December. Milan s patron saint is celebrated with a beautiful Christmas market filled with sweets and typical products in the area surrounding the church of St. Ambrogio. 15

16 OTHER MAJOR EVENTS Arezzo: Arezzo Wave (July) Aosta Organ Music Festival (from mid-july to mid- August) Bolzano International Piano Competition Feruccio Busoni (August) Brescia Piano Festival (May and June) Catania Music and drama performances at the Greek- Roman Theatre (from June to September) Chamber Music Festival - Cervo (Imperia) (July and August) Gardone Riviera Drama and concerts in the Vittoriale degli Italiani open-air theatre of (July and August). Lucca Sacred Music Festival takes place in the most important churches (April to June) Pavia Concerts in the Certosa (July to September); drama performances in the open air (July to August) Rome Concerts in the Basilica of Massenzio (June through August). Winter season concerts of the new Parco della Musica. Winter season concerts of the Accademia Filarmonica Romana. MITO Settembre Musica (September) Ravello Festival (from June) Trieste Operetta festival (July and August) Urbino Drama and art exhibitions; concerts in the Renaissance Theatre (August) JAZZ Umbria Jazz Festival Perugia Umbria Jazz July IJFO: International Jazz Festivals Organisation Pescara Pescara Jazz Festival July CONCERTS & BALLET Major symphonic cycles and organized thoughout the year by associations and clubs with the p famous artists. Most major symphonic concert seasons and famous International Ballet Nervi, near Genoa, in July. recitals are music conservatories, articipation of world opera houses have ballet seasons. A Festival is held at OPERA Italy s opera ancestral home offers visitors a rich choice of operatic seasons throughout most of the year. The Teatro alla Scala of Milan, the Teatro San Carlo of Naples and the Teatro dell Opera of Rome are world-renowned for technical perfection of performance and detailed magnificence of scenery and costumes. Music and drama festival - Taormina (Messina) (July and August) 16 Their opera season is usually held from December to June, as do the seasons in Italy s other major opera houses: Teatro Massimo, Palermo; Teatro Regio, Parma; Teatro Comunale, Florence; Teatro Vincenzo Bellini, Catania; Teatro Comunale, Bologna; Teatro Comunale Verdi, Trieste; Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa; Teatro Regio, Turin; Teatro Lirico, Cagliari. Shorter seasons are presented by the Teatro Filarmonico in Verona, the Teatro Comunale in Ferrara, the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto, the Teatro Valli in Reggio Emilia and other theatres in Italy s smaller cities. In summer, spectacular open-air opera is presented at the Arena in Verona (June/ August), Teatro all aperto Puccini in Torre del Lago near Lucca (July/August) and the Arena Sferisterio in Macerata (July/August). During July and August the Teatro Rossetti in Trieste presents an Operetta Festival.