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Featured Country: Italy
One the most visted countries in Europe, Italy is backpacker central. The boot shaped country is home to 58 milion people in 20 regions. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, when the weather is a little cooler. However, Italy is overrun every summer by college students who are left to aimlessly wander around when they learn the country virtually shuts down in August, when most Italians take their vacations.
Although it may come as a suprise, Italy only gained its independence in 1870, and its constitution is a mere 56 years old. It was rewritten after a democratic republic replaced the Facist government, which had alligned with Nazi Germany in WWII. As part of the E.U., Italy's currency is the Euro (€).
The standard greeting in Italy is "buon giorno." Italian is the official language, although German is spoken in the Trentino-Alto Adige region and French can be heard in Valle d'Aosta region. A small percentage in the Trieste-Gorizia area speak Slovene.
Well, those are a few nuts and bolts. Keep reading for more info on Italy, as well as other travelers' experiences in the country.
What's in this issue?
Going to Europe? Get around on a Eurail Pass!
Why Use a Rail Pass to Travel Europe?
If you want to meet both locals and travelers, there's no better way to travel Europe than with a rail pass. For some reasons why you should go by rail the next time you hit Europe, check out these links and we'll also help you sort out which pass is best for you.
More information on Eurail passes
Check out the prices on an Italy rail pass or include Italy in your Eurail pass.
Did you know that point-to-point tickets are also available for purchase online? Check out our great prices on single trip tickets.
Italy's Top Attractions
What makes Italy interesting? Why do thousands of travelers head to Italy every year? Check out our list of the top three "must do" attractions!
- The Vatican
Although not *technically* part of Italy, the Vatican is home to a large fortress protected by Swiss guards, millions of dollars worth of religious art and The Pope. Prepare to spend hours wandering around the museums and grounds. No matter how warm it is, make sure what you're wearing is in line with the dress code, or you won't be allowed in.
- The Colosseum (Coliseum)
Gaze at the amazing architecture of 1900 years ago while traffic zooms around you. The Colosseum has served as a stadium, a fortress, a place of worship and now, Rome's most popular tourist attraction. See it now- pollution and time are corroding the structure. Like in most heavily trafficked areas, beware of pickpockets.
- Florence
Firenze's blend of Renissance artwork, modern fasion and Italian culture is unmached. The city effortlessly blends the past and the present, making it a choice destination of tourists or all kinds. Make the time to swing by the picturesque Duomo-Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori.
FEATURED CONTENT
- Sicily: Mafia? What Mafia? - Sicily wasn't Sylvia Seschel's first choice as a destination, but after a taste she did not want to leave.
- Five Steps to Heaven - Laura Bennett found the path connecting the five villages of the Cinque Terre on Italy's North West Ligurian coast wasn't just for Aussie iron men.
- City Girl on a Small Farm in Tuscany - Jacqueline Harmon Butler's limited language skills brought a blush to the face of an Italian farmer.
If you would like to submit an article on your travel experiences, check out our Writer's Guidelines, then send it along.
WHAT OUR INSIDERS SAY
Those who know what the guidebooks don't give you their tips on traveling in Italy.
- Jim Humberd, Italy, From One End to the Other
For an unusual Italian vacation, visit the small, out of the way towns like San Marino, then on to San Leo, Urbino, Spoleto, Todi, and Assisi. In the heel, visit Alberobello, Brandisi, Lecca, Bar, Giovinazzo, and Molfetta, and your vacation will be unmatched by anyone you know. The Cinque Terre, then Lucca, Portofino, and the west coast is fascinating.
We have spent 112 nights in 63 different places in Italy in our RV. We don't recommend an RV for most travelers, but for us it's great. If you do drive in Italy, be careful, and remember, most countries have traffic "Laws and Regulations," Italy has traffic "Hints and Suggestions."
- Bob the Navigator, Driving In Italy and Sample Rail Fares
Q. Should we Drive in Italy?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars.
* Have good maps — study them in advance — and have a good NAVIGATOR.
* We have rented a car for 20 of our 22 trips to Europe. Our only mishap was a minor fender bender in a leased car, and that was in France.
Q. What Car Should I Get and Where Should I Get it?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.
Q. Are Italian Drivers as Crazy as I've Heard?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers — both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics:
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them pass.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing — you should too !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the on-coming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.
Other Road Trips for Your Driving Sanity:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign "SENSO UNICO" and take heed [ONE WAY].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [rule of thumb: 300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do not attempt to follow road numbers — that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ROMA—SIENA ETC].
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.
Sample Prices on Eurostar Trains in Italy: Second and [First] Class
ROME TO: Naples 22€ [33], Florence 30€ [42], Venice 45€ [67], Milan 47€ [67]
FLORENCE TO: Venice 27€ [40], Milan 29€ [42]
VENICE TO: Milan 23€ [29] Most trains on this route are Intercity trains.
AIRFARE DEALS
The BootsnAll TripPlanner can book your around-the-world flights.
Plan and book your international trip here!
When searching for multi-destination air tickets, the BootsnAll TripPlanner is tops. After using the TripPlanner to get an idea of the itinerary you want, be sure to submit it to us and talk to our counselors about fine-tuning your trip.
We found some good R-T-W deals that stopped in Italy:
$1783 US
Detroit - Milan - Bangkok - Singapore - Hong Kong - Detroit
$5300 US
Chicago - Los Angeles - Rio de Janeiro - New York - Johannesburg - Nairobi - Amsterdam - London - Rome - Kuala Lumpur - Beijing - Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore - Sydney - Beijing - Chicago
If you are looking for single destination tickets, head to the International Airfare Center. You can search via destination or departure city.
Here are some examples of what we found:
$565 US
Minneapolis - Rome
$565 US
Charleston - Milan
Now, log on to the TripPlanner or International Airfares and put together an itinerary!
More Specials & Deals
The only thing better than flying to Italy is getting a bloody good deal on the ticket. We work with other companies to bring you low, hard-to-beat round-trip fares, to help you fly not only to Ireland, but to wherever you want to go:
Cheap Ticket Links
Cheap Ticket Links UK & Europe
ITALY HOSTELS
Hostels are a great way to stay when you're traveling in Italy. Staying in hostels when you travel not only helps your budget, it is a unique way to enhance your trip. Meet new people, have new experiences; with our Hostels section you can learn about hostels and book your bed online.
Italy Hostels
Rome Hostels
Florence Hostels
Venice Hostels
Visit the Hostel Section
FROM THE BOOKSHELF | Italy
Read up before you go! Here is a list of the most popular guidebooks and literature/non-traditional guidebooks. For your convenience, these books are available at the BootsnAll Bookstore.
Traditional Guidebooks:
Travel Literature/Non-Traditional Guidebooks:
LINKS & RESOURCES
Use the following sites to learn more about Italy, what it offers to travelers, and how to plan your trip.
- Italian Government Tourist Board
The tourism board gets their say. Look at pictures, check out maps and figure out where you want to go. This is the link to the North American page.
- Tricolore
A tribute to the culture that the flag represents.
- Italian Food Forever
Mmmm. Food. Mmmm. Wine. Mmmm. Gelati. Mmmm. Repeat.
- Made in Italy
"The best of Italian fashion, food, wine, shopping, and travel with a content-rich site, fast and easy to navigate." At least, that's what they say.
- Virtual Italia
The Italian answer to Francophiles.
WRITE AN ARTICLE
If you have a story of your own that you would like to submit on Italy, have a look at BootsnAll's Writer's Guidelines:
http://writers.BootsnAll.com
And then send it along. We're always looking for new content and new perspectives, and we hope to get yours soon.
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