CANADA - year 2009 - Italian Government Tourist Board

Transcription

www.ctcpi.ca
www.italiantourism.com
Italian Government Tourist Board
Canadian Travel Council Promoting Italy
ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TOURIST BOARD
AGENCE NATIONALE ITALIENNE POUR LE TOURISME
Why Italy
Loves Canadians
Dear traveler,
By most recent estimates, there are
more than 1.3 million Canadians who
can trace their ancestry back to Italy,
making Italian culture, heritage and
language one of the most important
components of this country’s famous
multicultural mosaic. Although the
largest waves of Italian immigration to
Canada took place around the turn of
the century and during the post World
War II period, Italy and its people
have been connected to Canada since
1497 when Giovanni Caboto (also
known as John Cabot) first set foot on
the shores of Newfoundland.
Italians have come to Canada over the
centuries in search of new horizons and better opportunities. Many intended
to return one day to Italy, after making enough money to live out their days
in the old country. But Canada captured their hearts and imagination and
gave them a chance to envision a broader and more fruitful future. As a
people, Italians were attracted to the optimism and freedom they found in the
vibrant cities where they settled and built thriving communities, bringing their
rich heritage into Canada’s dynamic cultural mix.
Canadians willingly embrace our people, culture and history as part of
your own. You enjoy, respect and revel in our lifestyle, our gastronomy, our
traditions and our history. And we have been continually delighted to share
these experiences with you.
We see you visiting the eternal city of Rome, a city where we all once
belonged. We watch you stroll by the Trevi Fountain in awe and amazement,
throwing coins and making wishes or admiring the mighty Colosseum and
the magnificent Roman Forum, those epic gateways to the past. Through your
enthusiasm and curiosity we feel compelled to welcome, understand and
befriend you – as well as make you smile.
The pages of this book briefly tell the story of who we are and how our
country can inspire emotions and enrich your life experience. With the help
of our partners, we want to share this extraordinary journey with you. So
indulge yourself and make your travel dreams come true in Italy!
INDEX
2 Why Italy Loves Canadians
3 CTCPI – The mark of quality & reliability in planning your trip to Italy
4-5 Which Is Your Italy
6-7 Italians Who Changed The World
8-9 The Cities of Art
10-13 The Living Past: Italy’s Museums and Historic Sites
13-15 Performing Arts
14-15 Les arts de la scène
16 Cinema: Screening Italy
17-19A Feast for the Senses
20-21Shopping
22 Great Pursuits for the Great Outdoors
23 Natural Therapy: Italy’s Spas
24-25Italy – A Land for All Seasons
25 Major Cities: Average Temperatures Chart
26-41 Land of Discovery: Italy by the Region
28-29 Map of Italy
30-32 Regions of the North
33-36 Italy’s Central Regions
37-41 Regions of the South
42-47Planning the Perfect Vacation
Riccardo Strano
Director - The Italian Government Tourist Board
North America
2
Italy Travel Planner
50-53General Information
The Mark of Quality and
Reliability in planning
your trip to ITALY
Offering peerless experience, dedication and knowledge CTCPI member companies represent the top selection of Canadian Tour Operators Promoting Italy as
a destination. When planning a vacation to the “bel
paese”, consulting a CTCPI member company can
turn an ordinary trip into the vacation of a lifetime.
CTCPI member companies cover the spectrum of
itineraries. You can choose from escorted tours to independent hotel arrangements, sightseeing, villa and
apartment rentals, pilgrimage tours, cooking schools,
food and wine tours, car rentals, cruises, walking,
hiking or biking tours, sporting events, art and music programs, private limousines and more. CTCPI
members are the undisputed experts for all aspects of
travel to Italy.
Canadian Travel Council
Promoting Italy
Membres
To better assist you in planning your vacation, our
members offer an ideal combination of cutting edge
technology for fast Web access together with friendly
and responsive offices and professional call centers
located in Canada. Whether traveling on a budget or
the sky’s the limit, CTCPI members are committed to
satisfying each traveler’s needs with the utmost dedication and care. Customer service and satisfaction is
a primary goal of the organization. Member companies are chosen on the basis of their longstanding professionalism and service to the travel industry. Qualifications are regularly reviewed and all members must
abide by the association’s strict code of ethics.
Please use this guide to further wet your appetite for
Italy, then call, visit or click on a member company for
additional information.
CTCPI
3
Which is your Italy?
Italy appeals to the heart and soul of every Canadian traveler, whether
young or old, traveling alone or with a group, on a budget or seeking
luxury. Which is why, year after year, Italy ranks as the most requested
foreign destination by all Canadians.
Romantic Couples
Fall for Italy’s inspiring beauty, as seen in cities like Venice, Rome and Verona,
home of Romeo and Juliet. All along the Amalfi coast places like Positano,
Sorrento, Praiano and Ravello offer spectacular views of the coral-blue sea and
the fabled islands of Capri and Ischia. From a secluded B&B or a whitewashed
Villa tucked amongst floral cliffs this land beckons to anyone who is in love with
someone special and with life itself. Custom-designed trips known as FITs allow
couples to customize their vacation, ensuring lifelong memories.
Families
Experience Italy in a wholly unique way, creating moments that will last forever, bringing history and culture to life in the eyes and minds of your children.
Imagine them gazing at the Colosseum for the first time, riding a gondola in
Venice, marveling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the David in Florence. Family
travel can be independent with your own Rental Car, and can include Hotels,
Villas and Sightseeing Tours along the way. Or you could travel between the
cities by High-Speed Rail – a perennial children’s favorite.
Italy offers Singles an opportunity to travel simply and comfortably. The Italians are a warm, welcoming people. You’ll find yourself making new friends
with other travelers and locals on daily sightseeing tours, while shopping, and
especially at the nightclubs, cafés and restaurants. Hosted Tours or customized
trips, known as FITs, are an ideal way for singles to begin their lifelong affair
with Italy.
Seniors appreciate Italy’s relaxed pace of life. It shows
in the faces of the Italians that can be found strolling arm-inarm in each piazza, sitting and sipping coffee at sidewalk
cafés and admiring amazing works of art. Italy offers seniors
an opportunity to cherish their golden years as they enjoy
La Dolce Vita beneath Italy’s sunny skies. Escorted Tours by
motor coach provides a safe, relaxed mode of travel and the
comforting camaraderie of like-minded companions on an
unforgettable life journey.
For Students of History and the Arts, Italy is a must, with
treasures from civilizations dating back thousands of years.
Etruscan, Roman and Greek temples lie side by side with
medieval fort towns and majestic Renaissance cities. Over
forty percent of the world’s known works of art are found in
Italy, while architectural wonders seem to fill every corner:
4
Bernini’s columns in Rome, Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence, Palladio’s villas in Veneto, the list is endless. Design a Custom Tour
with friends or take a set itinerary that fits your cultural interests.
Whatever your budget, what awaits you is priceless.
Young & Active travelers of any age will find endless adventure
in Italy. From Alpine skiing to windsurfing on the Italian Riviera,
biking through Tuscany, hiking the ancient Dolomites and sailing along the Amalfi coast. Climb an active volcano in Sicily,
ride a hot air balloon over the Tuscan hills, then catch a game
of world-class championship soccer, Formula One racing or a
live open-air concert. At night, the streets are teeming with life,
offering countless cafés, restaurants, festivals and nightclubs.
Hosted Tours and flexible independent FIT itineraries can easily
match your desires, schedule and budget.
Italy was made for lovers of Food & Wine. From Barolo to Brunello, over 400 varieties of wine grace the Italian table. Hundreds of cheeses from the aged, aromatic Parmigiano Reggiano
to the succulently soft Mozzarella di Bufala are all produced in
strict, time-honored ways. Pasta, hams, fish, veal, fresh organic
produce, hot crusty bread and the best olive oil anywhere make
Italy a gourmet’s paradise. Cooking Classes, Culinary Tours,
Wine Tours and more are specifically designed for food lovers
to savor the best that Italy has to offer.
Groups such as clubs, organizations, parishes, and communities congregate in Italy, since it’s a destination that can host a
variety of interests – choirs, bands, golf, biking, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, sports, opera, concerts, shopping, cooking,
religion, art, archeology and gourmet food and wine. CTCPI
Specialists will work together with your organization to create
special Customized Tours that will provide the maximum enjoyment and value to your group. Whichever way you want to
experience this magical land, Canada’s top travel providers to
Italy are here to help you make the most of your trip – and save
you time and money.
Buon Viaggio!
5
Italians who changed our world
Introducing the Italians who redefined culture,
history and our perspective in both classic and
contemporary times.
Donatello
Considered the founder of modern
sculpture, Donato de Bardi was born in
Florence in 1386. His bronze David was
the first nude statue of the Renaissance.
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Born in Caprese, near Florence, in
1475, this magnificent artist and sculptor
transformed blocks of marble into figures
full of life. His immortal works include the
Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum, the
Pieta and The Last Judgment.
St. Francis of Assisi
Giovanni Francesco Barnardone was
born to a wealthy merchant family in
Assisi around 1181. After taking a vow
of poverty, he preached for simplicity
and humility before God – to animals as
well as to humans. The founder of the
Franciscan order, he is also the patron
saint of animals and of the environment.
Dante Alighieri
A literary colossus, born in Florence in
1265, author of The Divine Comedy and
father of the Italian language.
Sandro Botticelli
A friend of both Leonardo and
Michelangelo, born in 1445 and
renowned for religious and secular-themed
6
Garavani was born near Milan in 1932.
His Collezione Bianca was the first to have
the magic V label. Valentino also designed
Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress for
her marriage to Aristotle Onassis.
masterpieces such as the Primavera, Birth
of Venus and Adoration of the Magi.
now acknowledged as one of the supreme
artists of the 15th century.
Marco Polo
Born in Venice in 1254, Marco Polo’s 24year odyssey through Asia opened up the
Orient to Europe. He traveled the ancient
Silk Route, was a guest at the court of the
emperor Kublai Khan, and his accounts
became the greatest exotic travelogues of
their day.
Christopher Columbus
Born in Genova in 1451, his home
still stands today. Columbus guided his
three-vessel expedition across the Atlantic
Ocean in 1492, aiming to reach the
Far East through a westward course.
Instead, he landed in the Caribbean and
is credited with rediscovering America in
modern times.
Giotto
Ambrogio Bondone was born in
Vespignano near Florence, in 1267. He
is best known for the emotion and realism
depicted in his frescoes, which grace
the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova and the
Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
Filippo Brunelleschi
Born in Florence in 1377, Brunelleschi
was an architect, engineer and an
inventor. His crowning masterpiece, the
Duomo in Florence established new rules
of proportion and symmetry.
Masaccio
Tommaso Masaccio was born in San
Giovanni Valdarno, Tuscany in 1401.
Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael
were all influenced by his work, a
collection of which lies in the Brancacci
Chapel of Santa Maria del Carmine in
Florence.
Piero Della Francesca
Born in Borgo San Sepolcro, Tuscany
in 1416, his major work is a series of
frescos entitled The Legend of the True
Cross adorning the choir of San Francis
in Arezzo. Overlooked for centuries, he is
Leonardo da Vinci
Born in Vinci, near Florence, in 1452. A
Renaissance genius, world-renowned for
his paintings, including The Mona Lisa
and The Last Supper. Leonardo was also a
master architect, engineer, mathematician
and philosopher.
Amerigo Vespucci
Born in Florence in 1454, Amerigo was a
navigator and merchant who estimated the
world’s circumference within 50 miles. He
concluded America was not the eastern
part of Asia, as Columbus believed, but a
new continent. It is duly named after him.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Born in San Casciano in Val di Pesa,
near Florence in 1469, Machiavelli
was a political philosopher, a historian,
writer, statesman and diplomat. His book,
“The Prince,” is a guide to acquiring,
maintaining and deploying political
power; its controversial ideas are still
taught and studied today.
Titian
Tiziano Vecellio was born in Pieve di
Cadore in the Dolomites in 1490. Venice’s
Gianni Versace
Born in Reggio Calabria in 1946, couture
icon Versace is known for his striking
colors, materials, and cuts, and opened
his first boutique in Milan’s Via della
Spiga in 1978.
master painter, his most recognized work,
l’Amor Sacro e l’Amor Profano, is on
display at the Galleria Borghese in Rome.
Raphael
Raffaello Sanzio was born in Urbino in
1483. His superb use of perspective,
realism and animation is exemplified by
the School of Athens adorning the walls of
the Vatican.
Andrea Palladio
One of history’s most influential architects,
born in Padova in 1508. Thomas
Jefferson’s Monticello home was based on
Palladio’s pioneering designs. The Veneto
region features numerous Palladian villas.
Galileo Galilei
Born in Pisa in 1564, the inventor of the
first astronomical telescope also presaged
Newton’s laws of motion and confirmed
the Copernican theory of the solar
system. Charged with heresy and forced
to renounce his theories, his work was
officially recognized by The Vatican in
1993.
Artemisia Gentileschi
Born in Rome in 1593, Artemisia was
the daughter of artist Orazio Gentileschi.
Recognized as the first woman artist in a
male-dominated world of post-Renaissance
art, her works are to be found in Rome
and in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Born in Naples in 1598, Bernini was
Umberto Eco
the dominant figure of Italian baroque
sculpture and architecture, using false
perspective and trompe l’oeil to capture
the spectator. His works include St. Peter’s
Throne in the Vatican and numerous
Roman churches.
Caravaggio
Born Michelangelo Merisi in Caravaggio,
east of Milan, in 1571, his baroque style
explored the balance between light and
dark, portraying still life in astonishingly
realistic form - as shown in Basket of Fruit,
The Musicians and the Burial of Saint Lucy.
The author of Foucault’s Pendulum and
The Name of the Rose was born in
Alessandria, Piemonte in 1932. His
background in philosophy, medieval
literature and mysticism has captured a
generation of loyal readers.
Luciano Pavarotti
Born on the outskirts of Modena in 1935
and arguably the most important tenor
since Caruso, Pavarotti combines accuracy
of pitch and quality of sound production
with a natural musicality. He is widely
acknowledged for having popularized
opera.
Enrico Caruso
Born in Naples in 1873, Caruso is
perhaps the greatest operatic tenor ever.
He emigrated to the United States in 1905
due to his heavily criticized interpretation
of Elisir D’Amore.
Enzo Ferrari
Born in Modena in 1898, Ferrari’s
innovation, beauty and style in automotive
design continues to make his vehicles the
most sought after in the world.
Valentino
Innovative fashion designer Valentino
7
The art of the city
Italy is a living museum. Her public structures comprise vivid, visible art
and architecture that stand as testaments to the country’s history and
culture. The Roman and Greek empires influenced early Italian design
with their mighty temples and impressive amphitheaters, while Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic design later played important parts in inspiring both architects and artists in the centuries to come. Their tangible,
timeless legacies can be witnessed in every major Italian city and town.
ROME
Founded in 754 BC by orphaned brothers
Romulus and Remus, a walk through Rome
is a walk through time. From the Colosseum
to the Pantheon to the immaculate aqueducts
and roads, the Roman Empire influenced
design, engineering and architecture for
centuries to come. The Vatican offers the
awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican
Museums, housing enormous collections of
art and the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine
Chapel by Michelangelo. From Bernini to
Bramante, Raphael and Caravaggio, marvel
at the masterpieces that embellish and
define the Eternal City: paintings, sculptures,
palaces and ever-flowing fountains.
VENICE
Venice is a feast of magnificent churches,
lavish palazzi and stately bridges, all built
upon a labyrinth of waterways and streets
that are works of art in themselves. Stroll
across the Rialto Bridge for an eagle-eye
view of the Grand Canal and the gondolas.
Delight in the Byzantine wonder of St. Mark’s
Basilica, watch St. Mark’s Square bell tower
pierce the sky and revel in the riches of the
city’s museums. The Gallerie dell’Accademia
showcases Venetian masters such as
Tintoretto, Bellini, Giorgione and Carpaccio,
while the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
presents modern giants like Picasso, Dali,
Pollock and Mirò.
FLORENCE
Built by the Romans and immortalized
by the Renaissance, Florence affords an
8
unforgettable voyage through timeless art
and architecture. Savor the contrast between
the Boboli Garden’s green, groomed
perfection, Brunelleschi’s bold, red-tiled
Duomo and Giotto’s 14th-century Campanile
in red, white and green marble. Gothic
and Romanesque facades joust for attention
on the churches of Santa Croce and Santa
Maria Novella. Priceless works by Botticelli,
Giotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci
fill the halls of the Uffizi Gallery. Within the
Brancacci Chapel Masaccio’s Adam and Eve
are expelled from the Garden of Eden, their
shame and despair palpable. Meanwhile,
on the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation
of craftsmen fashion unique art one can
wear. It’s as if the Renaissance never ceased:
Florence’s enlightenment continues to enchant
the world.
BOLOGNA
This enchanting medieval city in the
heart of the Emilia-Romagna region is
peppered with red-brick roofs and miles
of porticos, around which waft intense
aromas of Bologna’s famous culinary
delights. Visitors will be tempted by
plump tortellini, scrumptious tagliatelle
with ragu, fragrant mortadella and more.
These hearty, savory dishes literally
capture the true flavor of this wonderful
old town – as well as giving guests
the fuel to explore it! Stroll through the
Piazza Maggiore or scale the Torre
Asinelli, one of Bologna’s Due Torri (Two
Towers), a monumental reminder of its
historic past. The city is also home to the
western world’s oldest university, which
fills the atmosphere with a vibrant and
passionate spirit. A trip to Bologna is an
absolute treat for all the senses.
NAPLES
In the 17th century Naples reigned
as the undisputed cultural capital of
Europe. Within its National Museum of
Archeology lies a bountiful collection of
artifacts, sculptures and mosaics recalling
its past as well as that of Rome, Greece,
Egypt, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Music
and song has long defined this sunny
city: Naples is home to the San Carlo
opera house, Europe’s oldest working
theatre since 1737. Architecturally,
the jewel in the crown is the Galleria
Umberto I; its elegant glass dome and
barreled vaults now host shops and
restaurants. Nearby, the vast Piazza del
Plebescito embraces the Royal Palace
and the church of St. Francis of Paola.
At day’s end, the sun glints on the towers
of the 13th-century Maschio Angioino
fortress.
PALERMO
This ancient Phoenician seaside colony
features a spectrum of architectural styles
reflecting many civilizations: Greek,
Roman, Arabic, Norman, Spanish,
French and Byzantine. Each built upon
and embellished buildings created by
successive cultures, creating a wonderful
harmony of designs. From the stunning
Royal Palace to the Palatine chapel’s
lustrous Byzantine mosaics; from St. John
of the Hermit’s original Arab crimsoncolored domes and its serene cloisters
to the three-tiered Baroque sculptural
magnificence at the intersection of
Quattro Canti. Palermo’s artistry also
finds expression in its theaters: at The
Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama
Garibaldi, concerts and ballet have been
performed for centuries.
9
The living past: italy’s
museums and historic sites
Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression. To
experience Italy’s art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country. From
archeological sites to architecture, museums and galleries, you will discover the many ways Italy’s craftsmen and artists have articulated their
passion over thousands of years.
NAPLES
This museum holds the works of Raphael,
Perugino, Titian and Botticelli.
Residence of the Sistine Chapel and the
Raphael Rooms, including many of the
most important and unique art collections
on earth.
National Archeological Museum
Roman Forum
Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte
One of the world’s most important
archeological museums, rebuilt in the late
1600’s as the core of Naples University.
The Royal Palace
Behind its beautiful façade are great halls
of furniture and paintings, the Biblioteca
Nazionale and a small private theater.
“Art is never
finished,
only abandoned”
Leonardo Da Vinci
FLORENCE
Galleria dell’Accademia
Founded in 1563, the first school in
Europe to teach the methods of painting,
drawing and sculpture.
Bargello Museum
Formerly a town hall and prison,
this houses Italy’s finest collection of
Renaissance sculpture.
Archeological Museum
Home to a vast collection of Roman,
Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Features works, carvings and tools by
Donatello, Brunelleschi and Luca della
Robbia, plus a section dedicated to the
history of the Duomo.
Museum of the History of Science
Dedicated to astronomy, mathematics and
navigation.
Pitti Palace
Built by Brunelleschi for banker Luca
Pitti, later purchased by the Medici,
contains several museums including The
Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments,
the Silverware Museum, the Modern Art
Gallery and the Boboli Gardens.
10 Italy Travel Planner
Filangieri Museum
Built within the Renaissance Palazzo
Cuomo this museum offers collections of
porcelain, paintings, archeological finds,
manuscripts and embroidery.
Uffizi Gallery
Italy’s supreme art gallery, created by the
architect Vasari, contains an unparalleled
collection of paintings from Italy’s best
known masters.
San Lorenzo
The Medici family parish church contains
the Medici Chapels and mausoleum, as
well as works by Donatello, Michelangelo
and Brunelleschi.
Brancacci Chapel
Built inside the church of Santa Maria del
Carmine, famous for the frescoes on the
Life of St. Peter started by Masolino and
his pupil Masaccio, and completed by
Filippino Lippi.
Santa Croce
A Gothic church containing the tombs of
famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo,
Machiavelli and Galileo. Alongside is the
Pazzi Chapel designed by Brunelleschi.
MILAN
Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan’s most esteemed museum, where
the Accademia di Belle Arti was founded
in the 1700’s, its 38 rooms host a fine
art collection covering Renaissance and
Baroque art from the 15th to 20th century.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
(CIMAC)
Opened in 1984, located on the 2nd floor
of Palazzo Reale, showcasing the cream
of modern Italian and international artists.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
A glorious glass- and steel-covered arcade
connected to Piazza della Scala, known
for its high-end stores and restaurants.
Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)
This grandiose Gothic Cathedral in the
city’s main square is made of white
marble, with a roof of 135 spires and
countless statues and gargoyles, and can
hold up to 40,000 worshippers.
Teatro alla Scala
Perhaps the definitive opera house,
opened in 1778, the theatre also
houses the Museo Teatrale, featuring a
remarkable array of opera costumes,
paintings, scripts, statues and other
materials.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Built between 1465 and 1482, this
Renaissance church is famous for the
fresco depicting the Last Supper by
Leonardo Da Vinci.
Duomo di San Gennaro
Within the Duomo is the very lavish San
Gennaro Chapel housing the relics of the
patron Saint of Naples.
ROME
Capitoline Museums
Two palaces designed by Michelangelo,
The Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo
dei Conservatori, containing numerous
paintings and classical sculptures.
The Palatine
One of the city’s premier ancient sites of
Rome, displaying ruins ranging from the
simple to the very luxurious.
Palazzo Corsini and the
National Gallery of Antique Art
Originally the Palace of the Corsini Family
who, upon the state’s acquisition, donated
their many paintings, essentially founding
the national art collection.
Museo Nazionale
One of the world’s leading museums of
Classical art housing many antiquities. It
has five branches: Palazzo Altemps, the
Baths of Diocletian, the Aula Ottagona,
the Crypta Balbi and the Palazzo
Massimo.
Vatican Museums
The central area around which the
commerce of ancient Rome developed
in the 2nd century BC. Its vivid remains
demonstrate the use of municipal places
during the era.
in the world after the Cairo Museum) was
established in 1824, with antiquities from
about 4000 BC to 639 AD.
Museo dell’Auto
One of the largest auto museums in the
world and the only one of its kind in Italy,
this stylistically modern building houses a
collection of 170 cars.
Pinacoteca Agnelli
Completed in 27 BC this circular temple,
dedicated to “all the gods,” is Rome’s most
well-preserved ancient building.
Architect Renzo Piano built this structure
atop the Fiat building, featuring the
private collection of Giovanni and Marella
Agnelli, including works from Canaletto,
Canova and Matisse.
The Colosseum
VENICE
The Pantheon
Rome’s greatest amphitheatre, capable of
seating 55,000 spectators. It was used for
deadly gladiatorial combats and ferocious
animal fights staged by the emperors and
wealthy citizens.
MACRO
Accademia
An incomparable collection of paintings
spanning five centuries through the
Byzantine, Baroque, Renaissance and
International Gothic periods.
Ca’ d’Oro
The Museum of Contemporary Art of
Rome, built at the beginning of the 20th
century on a large industrial complex, is
now a dynamic center of cultural activity.
Sitting on the Grand Canal, the “House
of Gold” is a public gallery boasting an
ornate, gold-leaf Gothic façade.
TURIN
The most famous church in Venice, set in
St. Mark’s Square, famous for its elaborate
Byzantine exterior, façade mosaics and
the four bronze horses that sit atop the
entrance.
Palazzo Reale
The seat of the royal Savoy family until
the 1861 unification of Italy took place,
displaying ornately decorated apartments,
and splendid ceilings painted by Seyter,
Miel and Morello.
Armeria Reale
A wing of the Palazzo Reale, opened
in 1837 containing one of the richest
collections of arms and armory.
Mole Antonelliana
This is Turin’s awesome and original
symbol. The Mole was designed by
architect Alessandro Antonelli and built
between 1863 and 1889. Since 2000,
the building houses the National Museum
of Cinema.
Museo Egizio
The Egyptian Museum of Turin (the second
Basilica di San Marco
Museo Correr
The heart of this museum comprises the
magnificent collection of Theodoro Correr,
donated to the city of Venice.
Doge’s Palace
A Gothic work of art on the Grand Canal,
founded in the 9th century, this is the
official residence of each ruler (“doge”) of
Venice, with the offices of several political
institutions within.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A small museum in the Palazzo Venier dei
Leoni on the Grand Canal, home of the
art collection of the niece of Solomon R.
Guggenheim.
11
Le passé au présent: les musées
et les sites historiques d’Italie
Performing arts
Nowhere on earth are the performing arts celebrated so joyously as in
Italy. From drama to opera to music to film, here are just some of the
places where you can indulge your particular passion.
CONCERT HALLS
& THEATERS
Anfiteatro Romano (Cagliari)
A 2nd century Roman amphitheater
carved out of the quarry rock, complete
with underground cages attesting to its
gladiatorial history.
www.teatroliricodicagliari.it
Teatro Carlo Felice (Genova)
A perfect example of the traditional
Italian horseshoe design originally built
in the early 1800’s, refurbished in the
1990’s after damage from World War
11, with a scenic triangular tower and
striking façade.
www.carlofelice.it
REMAINS
TO BE SEEN
Pompéi
Pompeii, along with Herculaneum, was
destroyed by the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius in 79 AD.
www.pompeiisites.org
Metapontum is an ancient city on the
Gulf of Taranto settled by Greeks around
700 BC, where Pythagoras taught in the
sixth century.
Segesta, in northwest Sicily, was first
a Trojan colony, then a Carthaginian
dependency after 400 BC.
Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples are
majestic Greek structures, dating back to
the 6th and 5th centuries BC, and one of
UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Cerveteri is a vast Etruscan necropolis
in Lazio; this spectacular network of
mysterious tombs, shadowy crypts and
burial mounds dates back to the 7th
century BC.
Ostia Antica, with its colorful frescoes and
detailed mosaics, show how life once was
in this thriving port on the Tiber river. The
Matera Sassi is an intricate labyrinth of
ancient rock dwellings in the Gravina of
Matera, comprising alleys and stairways,
caves, arches, galleries, gardens and
terraces.
Nuraghi, these extraordinary Bronze
Age towers of stone, spiraling upward
into cones, number over 7,000 and span
the island of Sardinia. How they were
actually built and maneuvered into place
remains a mystery. The nuraghi group
Su Nuraxi, near Barumini, is a UNESCO
World Heritage site. Its complex network
of towers linked to walls and ramparts
were probably used as dwellings,
fortresses, tombs and meeting places for
ancient peoples.
Teatro Comunale (Bologna)
Built by Antonio Galli Bibiena in 1763
and decorated with paintings by Luigi
Busi and Luigi Samoggia from the mid19th century, this theater reopened in
1981.
www.tcbo.it
Gran Teatro la Fenice (Venice)
Destroyed in a fire in 1996, for the
second time, this Venice landmark was
rebuilt entirely in a 19th-century style.
www.teatrolafenice.it
Teatro Massimo (Palermo)
Designed by a father and son team in the
1800’s, combining a classical exterior
and Liberty-style interior, the theater was
renovated and reopened to the public in
1997, after almost 20 years of disuse.
www.teatromassimo.it
Teatro Massimo Bellini (Catania)
Renowned for the acoustics of its
extravagant interior, and one of Europe’s
most beautiful entrance halls, this
glorious venue was built to pay homage
to composer Vincenzo Bellini.
www.teatromassimobellini.it
Teatro Dell’Opera (Rome)
Also known as Teatro Costanzi.
www.operaroma.it
world’s largest stages.
www.teatroallascala.org
Teatro Verdi (Florence)
Established in 1854, this theater has
undergone three separate restorations
over the past 50 years, while retaining its
classical Italian structure.
www.teatroverdifirenze.it
Teatro Regio (Parma)
A 19th century opera house, built in
1821-29, this neo-classical building is
considered one of the most important
and famous shrines of Italian
music.
www.teatroregioparma.org
Teatro Rossini Lugo
(Ravenna)
The theatre, named Rossini in 1859,
still sports in its 18th century
style, an austere façade with
ornamental
pillars and plaster cornices at
each story.
www.teatrorossini.it
Teatro San Carlo
(Naples)
After being destroyed by
a fire in 1816, the theater
was rebuilt within ten
months and now boasts an
orchestra
pit conceived by Giuseppe
Verdi in 1872.
www.teatrosancarlo.it
Teatro alla Scala (Milan)
This famous neo-classical theater,
originally built in 1776 on the site of
Santa Maria della Scala, boasts an
imposing façade and has one of the
13
Les arts de la scène
MUSIC FESTIVALS
March
Ravello Classical Music Festival
One of the oldest Italian festivals, this
conceptualized the idea of the “cultural
event” and gave Ravello its reputation as
a “Città della musica.”
www.ravelloarts.org
San Remo Festival
The world-famous celebration of the
Italian Popular Song takes place on
the Italian Riviera at the Teatro Ariston,
attracting guests and renowned artists
from all over the world.
www.sanremostory.it
May
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The city’s biggest arts festival was
founded in 1933 and is hosted at
the Teatro Comunale, featuring an
international program of drama, dance,
opera and orchestras.
www.maggiofiorentino.com
June
Arena Summer
Festival in Verona
Each year over 500,000 people
flock to see opera in this 20,000-seat
Roman arena, the world’s third largest
Les arts de la scène
amphitheater, and among the most wellpreserved.
www.arena.it
the beautiful venues providing the stages
for the Accademia Musicale Chigiana.
www.chigiana.it
Festival Internazionale
Dell’Operetta
Held at Trieste’s Teatro Comunale
“Giuseppe Verdi,” this festival of
Light Opera features world-renowned
performers.
www.teatroverdi-trieste.com/
verdi2009a/
Festival Pucciniano
The Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago
Puccini (Lucca) began in 1930 according
to Puccini’s own documented wishes: “…
once I would like to come here and listen
to one of my operas in the open air..”
www.puccinifestival.it
New Opera Festival of Rome
Featuring performances of all classical
genres from concerts to operas in the
magnificent Courtyard of the Basilica of
San Clemente.
www.newoperafestivaldiroma.com
Ravenna Festival
This multifaceted music event – also
including opera, concerts, dance, jazz,
ethnic music, drama, film, conventions
and exhibitions – finds expression in the
town’s theaters, piazzas, basilicas, and
other public spaces.
www.ravennafestival.org
Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds
A unique celebration, conceived to
embrace all aspects of the performing
and figurative/visual arts, including
opera, concerts, jazz and dance.
www.spoletofestival.it
July
Arezzo Wave Festival
In the heart of Tuscany, the “Woodstock
of Italy” is the nation’s oldest rock
concert, featuring many different stages
for music, literature, sports and more.
www.arezzowave.com
Estate Musicale Chigiana
Siena’s Santa Maria della Scala and the
church of Sant’Agostino are just two of
for its cutting-edge crossover artistic
performances, and experimental theater
shows, all in an acoustically splendid
arena within the natural rock landscape.
www.roccellajazz.net
Stresa Musical Weeks
Magical music on picturesque Lake
Maggiore, where the “Settimane
Musicali” presents the world’s leading
performers, major symphony orchestras
and chamber musicians.
www.settimanemusicali.net
Festival della Valle d’Itria
An annual opera and classical music
festival held in the town of Martina
Franca in Puglia, specializing in reviving
unknown works, with supporting talks,
recitals and oratorios.
www.festivaldellavalleditria.it
Macerata Opera Festival
One of the world’s most famous opera
seasons, held in the Sferisterio, an old
ball game court.
www.sferisterio.it
Pistoia Blues
Since this festival started in the early
1980’s, legends from Muddy Waters
to Dylan, Patti Smith to Santana have
graced its stage.
www.pistoiablues.com
September
Summer Opera
Season at Caracalla
Rome’s opera house relocates to the
magnificent Baths of Caracalla for
outdoor opera and ballet performances
among the ruins.
www.operaroma.it
Umbria Jazz Festival
This renowned event brings hundreds
of artists to the “green heart” of Italy,
and offers street parades and midnight
clubs celebrating excellent jazz, opo and
salsa.
www.umbriajazz.com
Porretta Soul Festival
Top jazz, soul and R&B musicians gather
at this festival located in the spa town of
Porretta, in Emilia Romagna.
www.porrettasoul.it
Pescara Jazz Festival
Since 1969 the city hosted this
sophisticated international jazz
happening.
www.pescarajazz.com
August
Baroque Music Festival
Held in various churches and palaces in
the historic city of Sutri, where the popes
once resided, these concerts encompass
classical, symphony and chamber music.
Cortona Festival del Sole
a combination of concerts performed
by the world’s most acclaimed musical
artists, exhibitions with leading visual
artists, discussions with top literary
figures and culinary delights with the
finest chefs and winemakers.
www.festivaldelsole.com
Roma Europa Festival
This exciting event brings together
music, dance, theater and visual arts
with performances by over 300 artists
from 20 countries in various locations
throughout the city.
www.romaeuropa.net
Torino September Music
Piedmont’s famous classical music festival
concentrates on the core of the classical
repertory, avant-garde, jazz, and world
music, all at the Teatro Regio.
www.teatroregio.torino.it & www.
comune.torino.it/settembremusica
Rossini Opera Festival
Inspired by fresh editions of Rossini’s
works, this festival of operas and
concerts is beautifully set in Pesaro, on
the Adriatic coast.
www.rossinioperafestival.it
Roccella Jonica Jazz Festival
This major event, held in Roccella
Jonica (Reggio Calabria), is known
15
Cinema screening italy
Feast for the senses
Italy’s cities, villages, countryside and coastlines comprise the most beautiful,
natural movie set on earth. Tread the cobblestones of Rome where Audrey
Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode on a scooter. Experience Tuscany’s rolling hills
where Diane Lane found solace. Lose yourself in the landscape of Mastroianni,
La Loren, Fellini, Bertolucci, Cardinale, Pasolini and Antonioni. Indulge in some
of the country’s finest film festivals. And take time to take in some of the following shining examples of Italy on celluloid.
FILMS SET IN ITALY
Adriatic Coast
Amarcord, 1974
Amalfi Coast
The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999
Only You, 1994
Milan
The Bicycle Thief, 1948
Rome
Caro Diario (Dear Diary), 1994
La Dolce Vita, 1960
Roman Holiday, 1953
Sicily
Cinema Paradiso, 1998
The Godfather I and II, 1972 and 1974
Il Postino (The Postman), 1994
Tuscany
La Vita e’ Bella (Life Is Beautiful), 1997
Stealing Beauty, 1996
Under the Tuscan Sun, 2003
Venice
Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips), 2001
The Italian Job, 2003
FESTIVALS
Venice Film Festival
Inaugurated in 1932, the oldest film festival
in the world is a prestigious part of the
Biennale of Venice, and takes place in late
August, early September.
www.labiennale.org
Taormina International Film Festival
Founded in 1955, this celluloid celebration
screens films in competition, previews,
independent features, documentaries, shorts
and tributes to filmmakers of the past – all
at the Palazzo dei Congressi and the town’s
famous Greek Theatre in mid-June.
www.taorminafilmfest.it
Rome International Film Festival (RIFF)
Run by a non-profit cultural organization,
RIFF’s mission is to promote and increase
the visibility of Italian and international
cinema and upcoming industry talent.
Films are showcased and awarded during
March/April.
www.riff.it
Bologna Future Film Festival
Dedicated imagery created with the latest
IT, animation, and special effects, this
January showcase celebrates new media
and new digital technology.
www.futurefilmfestival.org
Turin Film Festival
Italy’s second biggest film festival takes
place in November, focusing on avantgarde and innovative modern cinema.
www.torinofilmfest.org
Courmayeur Film Noir
Every December, this fascinating Alpine
ski resort screens the finest mysteries, spy
stories, horror and sci-fi.
www.noirfest.com
Flaiano Film Festival
Held in July and August, Pescara presents
the very best of the international film scene.
www.premiflaiano.itA
Italian food is an extraordinary feast for the senses. Ranging
from simple to hearty, sweet to spicy, subtle to strong, each
dish and delicacy is prepared with the freshest of ingredients.
It’s no secret that Italy’s cuisine is incomparable, but you may
not know quite how to enjoy it to the fullest. Here’s a helpful
guide to exploring and savoring Italy’s culinary bounty.
MANGIA! MANGIA!
THE ART OF COFFEE
“Pizza al taglio” - Pizza by the slice,
typically a lunch item found at bakeries
and offered in many different varieties.
The experience of this sweet
life; L’esperienza de questa
dolce vita.
Dante Alighieri
Making caffé is an art in itself and
ordering un caffé in Italy usually means an
espresso. This means “to press,” and refers
to the pressure applied to the hot water
forced through the ground beans, creating
this strong, flavorful mixture, whose main
variations are listed below.
Spuntino - a snack, usually eaten inbetween meals.
Aperitivo - an aperitif type of drink,
usually wine, which is drunk in order to
stimulate the appetite before the meal.
Lungo - More water (about double)
is filtered through the grinds, giving a
weaker taste, but still stronger than normal
coffee.
Prima colazione - breakfast, the first
meal of the day.
Ristretto - Less water, yielding a stronger
taste.
Pranzo - lunch, the midday meal from
1:00pm to 2:30pm, when activity stops.
Merenda - an afternoon snack.
Cena - dinner, usually eaten late, between
8pm and 11pm.
Scarpetta - whatever is left on your plate
is “scooped” up with a morsel of fresh
bread.
MAKE A MEAL OF IT,
ITALIAN STYLE
Italian meals consist of 3-4 courses:
Antipasto - a starter (hot or cold), meant
to stimulate the appetite.
Primo - the first course, usually a soup,
rice or pasta dish.
This can be topped with a variety of
sauces.
(Taste Tip: Never put cheese on any
pasta containing seafood. Never chop
pasta
with a knife, twirl the strands on your fork
like an Italian!)
Secondo - the main dish, meat or fish
served with a contorno (side dish) of
vegetables or salad.
Doppio - Simply two espressos in one
cup. In Italy, barmen who save coffee by
serving a lungo when a doppio is ordered
are frowned upon.
Corretto - With a dash of liquor.
(Taste Tip: Don’t mix meat and seafood
in the same meal. If your first course is
sauced with fish, don’t order a second
course of meat.)
Americano - Diluted with hot water.
Dolce - Dessert or fruit and cheese,
followed by coffee or a digestivo such as
grappa.
Con panna - With cream on top
TIPS ON TIPPING
Tip: When ordering a coffee in a bar,
pay at the cash
register first, then
take the receipt to the
barista (bartender),
who will then make
your brew.
A coperto is a cover charge, an
unavoidable “add-on” that basically
covers bread and water and is charged
per person. Even though tax and services
are usually included in the menu prices, it
is typical and courteous to leave a small
tip of around 10 percent.
Macchiato - With a drop of steamed
milk.
Affogato - Served over ice-cream
17
Feast for the senses
OLIVE OIL, OUR LIQUID
GREEN GOLD
Olives are grown all throughout Italy, from
the northern shores, to as far as Sicily and
Puglia, meaning each region naturally
claims to be the best producer of olive oil.
Here’s a brief look inside this fascinating
industry, to help you pick out the perfect
bottle on your next trip.
How do oils differ?
Within 24 hours of harvest, olives are
crushed whole to maintain their naturally
low acidity. The pulp is pressed and the
liquid obtained comprises water and
several oils, the two most common of
which are:
THE COOL OF GELATO
Gelato (ice cream) is the true taste of an Italian summer. Here’s
the scoop on the terms you need
to learn before you lick.
Cono - cone
Coppa - cup
Con panna - with whipped cream on top
Gelateria - ice cream parlor
Granita - shaved ice with assorted fruit juices and sugar
Tip: Pay first at the cassa (cash register), then present your
receipt when you order.
THE PLEASURE
OF FOOD SHOPPING
Although there are many supermarket chains like COOP and
Esselunga, shopping for food in the specialty shops makes for a
richer, more interesting experience.
Panetteria, il Forno or Fornaio - bread shop
Macelleria - for meat
Norcineria - for pork
Pasticceria - cakes, pastries and cookies
Latteria - for milk
Alimentari - pasta, ham, cheese, general food
Enoteca or vinaio - wide selection of wine
Salumeria (pizzicagnolo) - for salami and other meat
products
Mercati - markets, mainly for fresh fruits and vegetables
Food is sold by the etto (100 grams = 4 oz.), the chilo
(kilo: 1 = 2.2 lbs), or simply in numbers, such as 2 bananas.
WINE - ITALY’S GLORY IN A GLASS
Home to an astounding 2,000 home-grown grape varieties, Italy
produces and exports more wine than any other country, also
offering the largest variety of categories. To guide consumers and
ensure quality control, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata
or DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) was introduced in
the early 60’s. Responsible for a significant enhancement in the
quality of Italian wines, this regulation bears a little explanation
to assist your discovery of one of Italy’s true treasures. DOC
wines are produced in specific well-defined regions, according
to precise rules designed to preserve the traditional wine-making
practices. For example, the rules for making Barolo differ
markedly from that of Chianti Classico. In 1980, however, Italian
authorities established a superior classification of DOC wines:
DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin).
DOCG wines spring from the wine regions recognized as the
finest in the country. They produce less yield, but with superior
quality, DOCG wines must pass a tasting committee before they
can be bottled. Among the DOCG regions are: Barbaresco,
Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti (in seven subzones),
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Albana di Romagna, Gattinara,
Carmignano (red only) and Torgiano Rosso riserva. You can find
most wines at an enoteca or a vineria. An enoteca is a public
or private place where a variety of wines are displayed, sold
or tasted. A winery, or vineria, is a regional establishment with
sales, wine and food tastings.
Extra-virgin olive oil - The highest
quality oil, noticeably green, with acidity
of less than 1%, made by cold-pressing
the olives - though the use of heat provides
more quantity of the oil, the lack of it
provides for a better quality.
Virgin olive oil - Produced with no
chemical treatment, occasionally cold
pressed method, with slightly higher acidity
between 1% and 3%.
There are three distinct categories of
extra-virgin olive oil, each suited to specific
dishes and preparations.
Mild - Light and buttery, ideal for raw
meats and carpaccio, fish, vegetables,
soups and pasta sauces.
Fruity - Slightly stronger and fruitier flavor,
complements grilled meats, pastas or rice
in mild sauces, cooked vegetables and
bruschetta.
Fruity-Spicy - Aggressive taste, perfect
for accompanying rustic dishes like the
panzanella, Tuscan bread and tomato
salad; ribollita, Tuscan vegetable soup; or
pasta with beans.
How to buy
Buy olive oil in small quantities, since it
ages and oxidizes. Check where the olive
oil was bottled, and ensure that the color
is green or a dark green. Look for the
DOP label, a standard organization that
defines the various grades of olive oils: this
signifies improved quality. The best place
to buy olive oil is in frantoi in Italy, where
olive pressing takes place. You can also
find top quality oils on estates throughout
Italy, from the farms, or from other
specialty shops such as an enoteca where
you buy wine as well.
Tips: How to taste oil
Like wine, olive oil is a high-quality
product with body, acidity and
fruitiness that vary from product to
product. Experts recommend tasting
it before you buy, so it helps to train
your palate to distinguish one from
the other. In general, good olive oil
is sweet with a peppery tone to it.
Olive oil tasting should be carried out
in a controlled environment. Begin
by purchasing a couple of top-quality
extra-virgin olive oils produced in
different parts of Italy along with one
of inexpensive brand to compare.
1. Look at the oil against the light to
get an idea of the color. For example,
greener oils are usually pressed from
early-season olives.
2. Smell the aroma of each of
the oils and sort them from mild to
strong to establish the ideal order for
tasting.
3. Taste them either on a piece of
unsalted bread or from separate
glasses, using about a teaspoonful
of each oil. Cup the glass in your
hand to warm it and rotate the oil to
release its aromas and flavors. Sip
and inhale to vaporize the oil in your
mouth.
4. Do not swallow. Spit the oil out
and rinse your mouth with some
water, or have a small piece of fruit
to cleanse your palate before the next
sampling.
19
Shopping
SAY HELLO TO SOME GOOD BUYS
Italian goods are renowned for their quality, design and style, with every town offering unique craftsmanship. From Milan’s peerless fashion designs to Como’s silk and
Cremona’s violins; from the marble of Massa Carrara, Murano’s timeless Venetian
glassware and the genius of Piedmont’s goldsmiths to Ravenna’s mosaics and the
ceramic beauties of Vietri sul Mare; Italy is a shopper’s and gift-giver’s wonderland
where you always find more than you bargained for.
Main street shopping
Italy’s main avenues and boulevards are
vital to the country’s shopping scene,
and a long-observed social convention.
Here you can browse store windows with
the Italians, checking the prices and the
latest trends as they stroll and enjoy one
another’s company.
Sale months
Set sale dates are established twice a
year by the local authorities, so they can
vary from city to city, but are normally
in January and July. Seasonal stock is
marked down to clear and make way for
new merchandise.
this two-level indoor market features
fragrant cheeses and fresh meats and a
kaleidoscope of vegetables and fruit.
selection of delectable food items.
MILAN
The savvy collector will love this market
of antique furniture, books, clothing and
more, all from a time gone by.
Fiera di Senigallia (Saturdays)
Set by Navigli’s charming canals, the
numerous stands contain new and used
articles from the ethnic and modern to the
vintage and collectible.
Mercato di Viale Papiniano
(Tuesdays and Saturdays)
This gigantic market hosts plenty of
vendors hawking their wares, especially
clothing and shoes.
OPEN-AIR MARKETS
ROME
NAPLES
This enormous flea market specializes in
clothing, shoes, music CDs, house and
kitchen wares, outdoor gear, luggage,
tools and much more.
Food, clothing and housewares await
the eager shopper at this engaging
marketplace, located in the Vomero
district.
Campo de’ Fiori (daily except Sundays)
The day’s freshest food produce and
meats are the main attraction on this
exuberant Roman piazza.
BOLOGNA
Porta Portese (every Sunday)
FLORENCE
Piazza San Lorenzo (daily)
Stroll this famous market specializing in
clothing, souvenirs and leather goods.
Mercato Centrale
(Mondays through Saturdays)
Steps from the Piazza San Lorenzo,
Mercato di Antignano
(Monday through Saturday)
La Piazzola
(every Friday and Saturday)
Clothing, shoes and more are found at
this labyrinthine shopper’s paradise.
TURIN
Porta Palazzo
(Monday through Saturday)
This celebrated market, one of Europe’s
largest, is held in the Piazza della
Repubblica, highlighted by a vast
Gran Baloon
(Second Sunday of each month)
AREZZO
Piazza Grande
(first weekend of each month)
Antique buffs will enthuse over the
selections of collectible items and
heirlooms.
PALERMO
La Vucciria (daily)
An energetic, memorable market
offering the finest food, including freshly
caught fish from local waters. Perfect for
preparing picnic lunches.
MILAN FASHION WEEKS
These are core events on the couture
calendar. In mid-March, the fall/winter
collections are previewed. The spring/
summer collections are unveiled in
October.
www.cameramoda.it
DERUTA
Everyone wants to bring home a “piece”
of Italy as a reminder of their travels. The
hill town of Deruta, in Umbria, has been
famed for its glazed and glossy majolica
earthenware since the 15th and 16th
centuries. Today’s shopper will marvel
at the elegant, vivid and regal pieces
created in the workshops and bottegas
by talented artisans.
OUTLETS
A more economical way of keeping
up with the trends and a relatively
new concept here, these suburban
centers located within warehouses or
in shopping villages offer discounted
designer labels from factory surplus or
previous seasons.
Fifty Factory Stores
Are located throughout the northern
part of Italy with two malls in Aosta,
Biella, Meda near Milan, and Modena
near Bologna. The malls contain mostly
contemporary fashions with brands like
Cerruti, Henry Lloyd and Guy Laroche.
www.fifty.it
Franciacorta Outlet Villane
Guess, Gianfranco Ferre and Frette’s
famous Italian linens are just a few of the
top fashion brands in this high-tech mall
featuring an Autogrill food court and
located in Rodengo Saiano near Brescia.
www.franciacortaoutlet.it
Fashion District
Offers an array of designer labels,
with mall outlets in Bagnolo San Vito in
Mantova; Valmontone, south of Rome;
and Molfetta, near Bari.
www.fashiondistrict.it
La Galleria Outlet Center Seriate
Is located near Bergamo, with over 52
shops featuring clothing and accessories
for men, women, children, home
furnishings and food courts.
www.lagalleriaoutletcenter.it
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets
Has three locations, Serravalle Outlet
near Alessandria, the Castello Romano
near Rome, and Barberino di Mugello
near Florence. The malls contain over
150 stores including clothing, footwear
and accessories, all at significant
savings.
www.mcarthurglen.it
Vicolungo Outlets, in Vicolungo
Near Novara, has prestigious name
brands of clothing, sportswear
accessories, home furnishings, cosmetics
and products for the whole family.
www.vicolungooutlets.com
Castel Guelfo Outlet
Is just 15 miles from Bologna,
specializing in designer labels and
accessories priced up to 70 percent off.
There is a playground for kids.
www.outletcastelguelfo.it
Fidenza Village
Near Parma, mixes bargains like Reebok
and Quicksilver for the younger shopper,
with Versace, Pancaldi and Furla for the
brand name seekers.
www.fidenzavillage.com
Wine Outlet
Features wines sold directly from the
producer to the consumer, and is found
in Rovereto near Trento.
www.wineoutlet.it
Valdichiana Outlet Village
Is surrounded by charming villages in the
heart of the Val di Chiana near Arezzo
and offers over 20 thousand square
meters of designer shopping heaven.
www.valdichianaoutlet.it
TAX-FREE SHOPPING IN
ITALY (I.V.A. Refund)
The tax (VAT) on the purchases you
make in Italy can be 20%, 10% or 4%,
depending on what kind of goods you
are buying, and it is included in the sales
price. All visitors residing outside of the
European Union are entitled to claim
back the tax, if they spend 154,94 Euro
(VAT included) or more in one shop in
one day (except accommodations, dining
or tourist services).
The goods need to be exported within
three months plus the month of purchase.
Example: If you make your purchases on
April 10th, you must leave the country no
later than July 31st.
The goods purchased and the relevant
invoice must be shown at the Customs of
exit from the EU territory. The Customs
office, after having ascertained that
all the requirements are met endorses
the invoice. Note that the goods must
be shown at the customs office: if the
traveller intends to carry them by plane,
he must go to the Customs office to
declare them before checking in the
baggage.
The refund is made directly by the Italian
seller according to the terms agreed
with the buyer when the goods were
purchased (for example, by credit into a
bank account, credit card, cheque, etc.).
Alternatively, there are some TAX-FREE
companies that can grant immediate VAT
cash refund when the goods leave the
Italian or Community territory, i.e. without
the passenger to return the invoice to
the seller: however you can use this
procedure only at the most important
airports or Customs borders. For further
information
www.italiantourism.com/money.html
21
Great pursuits for the great outdoors
SOCCER
Maybe the true religion of Italy, calcio is passionately followed,
debated and played nationwide. Nothing compares to seeing
a major league (Serie A) match, so try to get a ticket: the
season runs from September to May. The modern game was
said to be invented in Florence during the 16th century; it was
played in the biggest square of the city in teams of 27 players
using feet and hands.
www.lega-calcio.it (in Italian)
AUTO & BIKE RACING
From legendary Grand Prix sites like Imola, Monza and
Mugello to the museums of revolutionary brands like Ferrari,
Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati, Aprilia, Augusta and Alfa
Romeo; Italy is a mecca for speed freaks of the two- or fourwheel variety.
CYCLING
The “Giro d’Italia,” held in March, is
second only to the “Tour de France”
in importance, and Italy has a proud
tradition of cyclists. For the amateur,
there are myriad challenging bike trails,
both on- and off-road. Tuscany, Umbria
and Sicily are just some of the many
regions where you can safely ride while
enjoying the scenery.
Natural therapy: Italy’s spas
EXTREME SPORTS
Recent additions for the
more adventurous visitor to
Italy include hand-gliding,
rock climbing, rafting and caving. Friuli, Trentino, Umbria and
Abruzzo lead the way in catering to the thrill seekers.
SAILING AND SCUBA DIVING
Italy’s 5,000 miles of coastline offer glorious sailing and
rich marine life for the divers, particularly a round Panarea,
Vulcano and Lampedusa in Sicily, or Portofino, Capri and Porto
Cervo.
Rich in thermal and mineral waters, with a mild climate and stunning scenery,
Italy has long been a destination for spa tourism, for therapeutic or pampering
reasons. Since Roman times taking care of and cleansing the body has been
a central part of the culture, as borne out by famed, popular spa sites such as
Abano, Salsomaggiore, Chianciano, Montecatini, Fiuggi and Ischia. These are
ideal holiday resorts in their own right, close to historical artworks and places
of great beauty, featuring world-class accommodations.
Thermal Hot Springs: focuses on
health problems and medical healing,
detoxification and anti-stress treatments,
weight loss programs, rest relaxation.
GOLF
The ancient game combines the love of nature, precision
and competition. The Romans used to play a variation, the
“paganica,” with a stick and a leather ball stuffed with
feathers. Today, Italy offers the modern golfer a selection
of magnificent courses in unspoiled landscapes all over
the country, of which Palazzo Arzaga and Villa Condulner
(Mogliano Veneto) are just two superb examples.
www.federgolf.it
Health and Beauty Spas emphasize
beauty treatments, massage and holistic
medicine and are usually available in most
luxury hotels and resorts and the thermal
spas.
MILLE MIGLIA
Not to be missed is the famous Mille Miglia, the Thousand
Miles Race, a wonderful historical re-enactment of the 1927
epic vintage car rally from Brescia to Rome and back.
www.1000miglia.eu
Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not
something physical.
Thermal Baths feature mineral-rich mud
and water treatments from natural hot
springs and are usually visited for medical
purposes.
Sophia Loren
23
Italy a land for all seasons
Températures moyennes (Celsius -º C)
Températures
-º C)
pour lamoyennes
mer et les(Celsius
lacs principaux
pour la mer et les lacs principaux
MER
avril
MER
Alassio
Alassio
15
Alghero
Alghero Anzio
18
Anzio
16
Bari
Bari
20
Cagliari
Cagliari Capri
15
Capri
14
Elba
Elba
19
Garde
Garde
13
LaSpezia
LaSpezia Lignano
14
Lignano Palerme
13
Palerme Pescara
17
Pescara Rimini
18
Rimini
16
San Remo
San Remo Taormina
16
Taormina Tarente
18
Tarente Trieste
18
Trieste
13
Venise
Venise
15
Viareggio (Versilia)
17
What to do in:
Winter - skiing & snowboarding, Christmas and Carnevale.
Summer – beaches and boating, Alpine hiking, wine tasting.
Spring - Hiking & biking, the art and culture trail.
Fall - Grape harvest, truffle hunting, olive picking.
SUMMER
Italy blossoms during the summer, the time to go wild, to show
some skin and have long walks along the beach. Of all the
coastline’s different resorts and enchanting ports, Rimini and
Riccione are for partying; Viareggio and Gargano are for
families; Cinque Terre and Amalfi for new and old lovers;
Sardinia and Sicily for the more expert sailors and divers. But,
as you’ll discover, there are so many more to explore. Italians
celebrate the Ferragosto Festivity which marks the hottest day of
the year, August 15th. Everything closes and everyone heads
to the beaches – so get your towel ready!
SPRING
Springtime begins with the Easter holiday. In Italy, this is
celebrated with friends rather than family as the famous quote
says: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with
the family, Easter with whomever you want) Easter Monday
(Pasquetta) is all about recovery after the Sunday feast. Spring
is also when Italian nature bursts with fragrances and colors.
It’s a time to explore art cities, to marvel at surrounding
beauties and enjoy all the cafés waiting for you in the middle
of ancient squares.
FALL
September marks the breaking of the heat and the return from
the holidays. Cities become more vibrant, and harvests dot
the countryside - grape and olive picking, truffle and porcini
mushroom hunting, making for a season rich in culinary
delights. This is a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains,
woods, remote towns and local wine festivals. And the weather
is ideal for seeing the south in its best light: Sicily, Puglia or
Campania, to name a few.
WINTER
The Alps, the Apennines and the Dolomites comprise a white
wonderland for skiers. December also contains great historical
celebrations, including Naple’s nativity sets, created in all the
churches by various artisans. Christmas festivities begin after
December 8, and continue through January 6 (Epiphany) when
the Befana (a witch) pays a visit to deserving children, giving
them gifts.
BEFANA (THE EPIPHANY)
As the story goes, on the night between January 5 and 6, the
Befana flies on her broom, clutching a heavy sack full of toys,
chocolates and candies (plus coal and ashes), passes over the
homes below and descends the chimneys to fill stockings hung
by children. A plate of tangerines or oranges and a glass of
wine is prepared for the arrival of the good witch. The next
morning, along with their gifts, they discover that the meal has
been consumed and the Befana’s hand print is traced in the
ashes found on the plate. This tradition is typically Italian and
has not yet been substituted by the “foreign” figure of Santa
Claus. Sometimes, in poor communities, people used to dress
as the Befana, going from house to house, bringing gifts in
exchange for a smile and kind wish.
The Sun, with all the planets revolving around it, and depending on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it
had nothing else in the Universe to do.
Galileo Galilei
ITALY’S TEMPERATE CLIMATE
avril
mai
juin
julliet
août septembre octobre
mai 15 juin 19 julliet22 août 25septembre
27 octobre
22
19
19
19
19
22
17
18
21
19
17
18
20
22
18
19
19
20
16
17
20
18
16
20
15
14
19
13
14
13
17
18
16
16
18
18
13
15
17
22
23
22
25
20
20
25
22
20
20
23
25
26
22
23
23
21
26
21
19
19
22
17
18
21
19
17
18
20
22
18
19
19
20
16
17
20
25
25
24
27
23
25
27
25
25
23
28
26
30
25
24
27
24
27
24
23
22
25
20
20
25
22
20
20
23
25
26
22
23
23
21
26
21
27
24
24
28
24
27
28
26
25
24
27
26
28
25
25
27
24
26
24
25
24
27
23
25
27
25
25
23
28
26
30
25
24
27
24
27
24
2224
2424
2328
2524
2327
2428
2626
2125
2124
2227
2526
2528
2525
2325
2427
2624
2226
2224
22
Italy’s weather is mild, thanks to the moderating influence of the seas
and the Alps that protect her from north winds, but conditions vary
considerably according to how far one is from these two elements. The
winter is very cold in the Alps, misty in the Po Plain and the central
Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan
avril
mai
juin
julliet
août
LACS
avril
mai 13 juin 16 julliet20 août 24septembre
coast and in Sicily. The summer is hot and dry, but this is offset by LACS
Bolsena
25
Bolsena Gardone (Garda) 13
16 13 20 16 24 21 25 23 2024
coastal breezes, while in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool.
Gardone (Garda)
13
16
21
23
24
20
Stresa-Verbania (Maggiore) 11
15
19
22
24
For last-minute forecasts log onto: www.eurometeo.com/english
Stresa-Verbania
(Maggiore)
15 11 19 15 22 18 24 21 2222
Bellagio
(Como) 11
Bellagio (Como)
Iseo
Iseo
11
16
15 16 18 17 21 19 22 25
17
19
25
24
2124
20
1924
2323
1825
1923
2124
1426
2421
1821
1722
1825
2325
1825
2223
2024
1926
2022
1822
1822
20
23
18
19
21
14
24
18
17
18
23
18
22
20
19
20
18
18
20
septembre octobre
octobre
20
16
1620
1622
1621
1620
18
16
16
16
18
LES TEMPÉRATURES MENSUELLES MINIMUMS ET MAXIMALES (CELSIUS - º C)
LES TEMPÉRATURES
MENSUELLES
MINIMUMS
ET MAXIMALES (CELSIUS - º C)
POUR LES VILLES
ET LES HÔTELS
PRINCIPAUX
POUR LES VILLES ET LES HÔTELS PRINCIPAUX
janvier
Min
Alassio
Max
Alassio
7.9 11.8
Alghero
Alghero
17
Amalfi 0
Amalfi
20
Ancône2
8.8
Ancône
Aosta 3.3
Aosta
5.1
Bari -2.4
Bari
4.8 12.1
Bologne
Bologne Bolzano
-1.6
5.1
Bolzano Cagliari
-5.1
5.2
Cagliari
14
Capri 5.5
Capri
6.8 13.2
Catania
Catania
Côme 5.6 15.2
6.6
Côme
Elba 0.4
Elba
1
16
Florence
Florence Gênes1.8
9.3
Gênes
10.2
Imperia5
Imperia
Ischia 6.7 12.3
Ischia
7.4 11.8
Livourne
Livourne Messine
5.9 11.2
Messine Milan 9.2 13.8
Milan
-1.8
4.2
Naples
Naples
Ortisei5.5 12.1
Ortisei
-7.3 -1.8
Palermo
Palermo Perugia
8.3 14.4
Perugia
0.4
4.1
Pescara
Pescara
10.3
Reggio2.8
Calabria
Reggio Calabria
Rimini7.2 13.5
Rimini
7
Rome -0.1
Rome
3.7 12.3
San Remo
San Remo Sondrio6
11.8
Sondrio
-3.5
5.8
Tarente
Tarente
Turin 7.1 12.1
Turin
-3.6
4
Trente
Trente
4.3
Trieste-2.4
Trieste
6.9
Venise3.1
Venise
0.5
6.2
Vérone
Vérone
-1.2(Versilia)
5.9
Viareggio
6.5
12
Viterbe
Viterbe
0.8
8.3
janvier
février
mars
avril
mai
juin
juillet
août
septembre
septembre
octobre
Min février
Max
Min mars
Max
Min avril
Max
Min mai
Max
Min juin
Max
Min juillet
Max
Min août
Max
Min
Max
Min
Max
Max 7.4Min 12Max 9.5Min 13.8
Max 13.7
Min 15.7
Max 16.2Min21.8
Max 19.7
Min 23.7
Max 22.6
Min27.5
Max 22.8
Min 27
Max 19.9
Min24.6
Max
7.9Min 11.8
07.4 1712
2 1 2018
3.32 8.824
-2.44.2 5.19.8
7.2
4.8-1.7 12.1
13.5
-1.64.9 5.1
-0.5 5.28.7
-5.1
5.5-2.9 148.9
14.4
6.86 13.2
13.2
5.67 15.2
16.4
0.45.8 6.6
11.4 168.7
1
1.8
9.317
11.6
52.4 10.2
6.75.9 12.312
12.3
7.47.2 11.8
12.4
5.97.5 11.2
12.3
9.26.5 13.8
14.8
-1.89.1 4.2
8.2
5.50.3 12.1
12.9
-7.36.3 -1.8
4.3
8.3-6.2 14.4
15.5
0.48.6 4.1
4.6
2.80.7 10.3
11.8
7.23.8 13.5
-0.18.6 714.6
8.7
3.71.3 12.3
13.6
6 4 11.8
12.4
-3.56.3 5.8
9.5
7.1-1.6 12.1
-3.66.3 413.2
-1.1
8.2
-2.4
4.3
3.1-0.5 6.98.4
3.6
0.5
6.28.3
-1.21.4 5.97.7
6.5-0.9 128.9
11.1
0.84.3 8.3
1.4
1.6
21.8 1019.7 3123.7
1 9.5 1813.8 413.7 2015.7 416.2 22
2 4 24 20 5 4 2022 710 2631 13 11 2831
26 11.1
13 16.7
28 14.415 20.234
4.2 5 9.820 6.7 7 12.4
11.1 11
16.7 5.3
14.4 16.9
20.2 8.718.419.425
-1.76.7 7.212.4 1.4
16.9 8.9
8.7 18.8
19.4 12.712.222.6
22.9
4.91.4 13.511 6.25.3 15.4
18.8 7.6
12.7 19.8
22.6 1216.727.727
-0.56.2 8.715.4 3.78.9 14.2
19.8 5.912 20.4
27.7 9.415.523.628
-2.93.7 8.914.2 1.67.6 15.1
15.1 7.25.9 16.8
20.4 9.5
9.4 18.6
23.6 12.612.922.3
26.9
6 1.6 14.4
16.8 9 9.5 14.6
18.6 10.5
12.6 17.7
22.3 14.813.222.7
26.8
7 7.2 13.2
14.6 6.7
10.5 17.7
17.7 814.8 19.9
22.7 12.419.123.7
27.6
5.8 9 16.4
19.9 8.3
12.4 17.6
23.7 12.315.922.6
28.1
1.46.7 8.717.7 4.8 8 13.7
17.6 812.3 22
22.6 1215.6 2525.5
1 4.8 1713.7 6 8.3 18
22 7.712 20.2
25 11.814 23.731
2.4 6 11.618 4.6 8 15.5
4.6
15.5
7.7
20.2
11.8
23.7
28.7
5.9
12
8.6 14.6 11.6 18.1
1414.621.2
14.6 8.9
11.6 13
18.1 11.5
14 17.1
21.2 14.918.620.9
25.1
7.28.6 12.3
11.5 14.1
17.1 10.8
14.9 17.2
20.9 14.318 20.8
23.5
7.58.9 12.413 8.3
14.1 7.9
10.8 14.1
17.2 11
14.3 16.9
20.8 14.417.920.3
25.2
6.58.3 12.3
14.1 9.811 16.5
16.9 12
14.4 18.8
20.3 15.117.922.8
23.7
9.17.9 14.8
18.8 815.1 19
22.8 12.317.922.4
27.5
0.39.8 8.216.5 3.612 13.6
13.6 7.6 8 15.6
19 10.2
12.3 19.4
22.4 13.616 22.5
26.7
6.33.6 12.9
10.2 7.7
19.4 1.3
13.6 12.4
22.5 5.516.517.8
27.2
-6.27.6 4.315.6 -2.8
12.4 11.8
5.5 19.4
17.8 15 8.528.3
20.6
8.6-2.8 15.57.7 9.61.3 16.9
19.4 815 16.8
28.3 11.518.920.8
27.7
0.79.6 4.616.9 411.8 11.5
11.5 4.5 8 14.9
16.8 7.7
11.5 16.8
20.8 11.614.821.9
24.5
3.8 4 11.8
14.9 10.4
7.7 17.1
16.8 11.3
11.6 19.1
21.9 15.215.522.8
25.8
8.64.5 14.6
10.4 8.717.1 3.7
11.3 12.1
19.1 7.2
15.2 17
22.8 11.419 20.7
26.8
1.3
12.1 5.67.2 15.6
17 7.6
11.4 19.8
20.7 12.614.9 2324.8
4 3.7 13.6
15.6 7.97.6 14.2
19.8 10.7
12.6 18.2
23 13.915.420.228
6.35.6 12.4
10.7 14.6
18.2 6.6
13.9 19.3
20.2 10.217 22.224
-1.67.9 9.514.2 2.5
14.6 8.76.6 16.6
19.3 13
10.2 20
22.2 14.513.322.2
25.3
6.32.5 13.2
20 7.9
14.5 18.6
22.2 11.919.420.8
26.9
-1.18.7 8.216.6 3.813 13.9
3.8
13.9
7.9
18.6
11.9
20.8
15.2
26.7
-0.5
8.4
3.6 14.1
8
19.8 11.6 22.9
19.8 10.9
11.6 17.5
22.9 14.914.721.6
27.1
3.63.6 8.314.1 6.6 8 12.3
6.6
12.3
10.9
17.5
14.9
21.6 13.918.421.5
25.7
1.4
7.7
4.9 12.3
9.6 17.3
17.3 6.7
13.9 19.3
21.5 11.317.622.9
25.3
-0.94.9 8.912.3 3.29.6 14
19.3 10.1
11.3 16.6
22.9 12.614.519.1
27.5
4.33.2 11.114 6.46.7 10.1
10.1 14.5
16.6 6.7
12.6 19.2
19.1 10.816.922.7
22.9
1.46.4 1.610.1 3.6
3.6 14.5
6.7 19.2 10.8 22.7
13.6 27.7
22.6 31
27.5
11
1512 3435
20 2535
18.4
21.422.9
27.8
12.2
8.7 27
24.9
16.7
19.1 28
29.6
15.5
18 26.9
30.7
12.9
14.626.8
29
13.2
13.627.6
29.8
19.1
20.828.1
29.5
15.9
18.825.5
30.8
15.6
17.9 31
29.5
14
18 28.7
30
14.6
17.1
31.8
18.6 25.1
21.223.5
27.9
18
20.625.2
27.6
17.9
20.423.7
28.1
17.9
20.527.5
26.4
17.9
30
1622 26.7
18 27.2
29
16.5
19.420.6
30
8.5
10.427.7
23.3
18.9
21.624.5
30
14.8
18.925.8
28.5
15.5
28.2
1918 26.8
22.524.8
30.3
14.9
17.5 28
27.6
15.4
1718 2431
20 25.3
27.1
13.3
15.426.9
28.7
19.4
21.226.7
29.3
15.2
18 27.1
29.2
14.7
16.5
29.9
18.4 25.7
20.525.3
28.4
17.6
19.627.5
27.9
14.5
17 22.9
29.7
16.9
19 27.7
25.6
13.6
16.1 30.8
1222.8 3527
2016 3534
21.421 27.834
21.124.9
27.7
8.7
13.329.6
24.6
19.1
19.130.7
29.4
18
17.9 2930.2
14.6
13.929.8
28.5
13.6
19.629.5
29.5
20.8
20.330.8
29.2
18.8
19.129.5
31.5
17.9
1817.6 3028
17.118 31.832
16.627.9
31.2
21.2
27.9
20.621 27.6
20.428.125
20.4
20.826.4
28.3
20.5
2220.4 3026.6
1822.6 2930.2
17.1 3028
19.4
19.323.3
29.9
10.4
10.3 3023.1
21.6
22.328.5
30.3
18.9
26.9
1817.228.2
17.830.3
28.3
22.5
30.3
17.522 27.6
1817.3 3127.4
31.2
2018 27.1
19.428.7
26.8
15.4
14.829.3
27.1
21.2
1821.629.230
17.329.9
27.9
16.5
28.8
20.516 28.4
20.327.928
19.6
27.8
1719.329.7
16.225.6
28.8
19
20.130.8
26.4
16.1
15.6 30.2
19.9 34
24.6
16
2112 3432
16 27.7
30
21.1
18.524.6
24.4
13.3
10.529.4
21
19.1
17.130.2
26.8
17.9
15.528.5
26.4
13.9
11.129.5
25.9
19.6
17.629.2
26.9
20.3
19.231.5
27.3
19.1
17.6 28
29.3
17.6
14.5 32
24.4
18
15 31.2
28
16.6
14.5
27.5
21 27.9
18.8 25
25.6
20.4
18.328.3
24.6
20.8
19.126.6
25.8
20.4
18.430.2
24.5
22.6
20.7 28
27.7
17.1
14.229.9
24.7
19.3
17.423.1
27.5
10.3
7.7 30.3
19.7
22.3
20.426.9
28.2
17.2
15.228.3
23.8
17.8
15.530.3
25.7
22
19.827.4
27.4
17.3
24.2
1815 31.2
15.626.8
28.1
19.4
17.927.1
24.8
14.8
12.3 30
24.1
21.6
19.127.9
27.5
17.3
13.928.8
24.6
16
13.5
24.9
20.3 28
18 27.8
24.7
19.3
16.628.8
25.5
16.2
13.326.4
25.5
20.1
17.730.2
23.9
15.6
13.5 26.5
20.4
1217.232
16 10 3030
29
18.51024.4
13.621
18.8
10.5
15.2
17.16.326.8
13.126.4
21.5
15.5
10.225.9
18.4
11.1
18.9
17.65.326.9
23.3
19.21427.3
14.829.3
21.5
17.6
13.724.4
24.4
14.5
17.9
159.9 28
28
14.51027.5
10.7
20.7
18.8 25.6
14.524.6
20.3
18.3
14.225.8
20.6
19.1
15.524.5
21.1
18.4
15.627.7
20.3
20.7
16.824.7
23.1
14.2
17.7
17.49.427.5
22.2
7.713.419.7
14.6
20.43.328.2
16.523.8
23.7
15.2
10.725.7
17.6
15.5
18.3
19.81127.4
22.2
1515.324.2
10.928.1
18.2
15.6
11.624.8
22.7
17.9
14.224.1
20.5
12.3
18
19.17.227.5
15.624.6
22.3
13.9
9.3
18
13.5 24.9
18
188.524.7
12.625.5
18.2
16.6
11.125.5
18.3
13.3
18.7
17.78.423.9
13.126.5
20.1
13.5
9.7 19.7
octobre
novembre décembre
novembre
décembre
Min
Max
Min
Max
Min Max
Min20.4
Max
17.2
12.5 3014.7
10
109 29 21
10 18.824
13.6
8.8 15.2
13.7
6.3
9.9
13.12 21.5
9.9 18.4
17.1
10.2
4.9 18.9
11.7
5.3
-1.923.3
11.8
14
10.121.5
18.8
14.8
13.624.4
19.1
13.7
20.4
9.910 17.9
105.3 2811.3
10 20.722
10.7
5.8 20.3
14.4
14.5
10.120.6
15.5
14.2
10.521.1
14.9
15.5
12 20.3
16.7
15.6
10.423.1
15.9
16.8
13.317.720
9.4
3.9 22.2
10.7
13.4
9.6 14.6
17.1
3.3
-1.523.75
16.5
12.917.6
19.4
10.7
15.5
119.3 18.3
7.3 22.2
15.5
15.3
14 18.2
20.7
10.9
12.6
11.66 22.7
7.7 20.5
17.1
14.2
10.2 18 16
7.2
1.9 22.312
15.6
12.8 18 18
9.3
2.9
8.5 1811.1
10.3
12.63 18.2
8.3 18.3
12.5
11.1
6.1 18.7
12.3
8.4
3.2 20.1
11.9
13.1
8.1 19.714
9.7
4.8 13.4
Min14.7
Max
12.5
11.8
9 8.9 21
10 5 2418
20
8.8 8 13.7
2 5.7 9.99.8
5.9
9.9-1.117.1
14
4.96.5 11.7
6.4
-1.90.6 11.8
-3.718.8
6.6
10.1
16.8
13.67 19.1
15.4
109.9 20.4
16.8
5.36.6 11.3
101.9 227.7
18
5.8 6 14.4
2.8 15.5
10.2
10.1
6.9 14.9
11.8
10.5
13.1
127.8 16.7
9.3 15.9
13.5
10.4
7.3 20
12.5
13.3
10.310.7
15.5
3.9
5.4
9.60.3 17.1
-1.57.1 513.8
-5.619.4
-1.2
12.9
16
9.39.8 15.5
7.5
7.33.5 15.5
12.4
14 4 20.7
17.5
611.612.6
8.3
7.72.2 17.1
4.8 16
13.6
10.2
13.1
1.97.7 12
12.8-2 186.6
13.2
2.9 8 11.1
5.1
3 -2.510.3
-0.6
8.3 12.55
8.9
6.15.3 12.3
7.7
3.22.5 11.9
8.1-0.4 146.8
10.6
4.86.7 13.4
1.8 9.2
8.9
5
8
5.7
-1.1
6.5
0.6
-3.7
7
9.9
6.6
1.9
6
2.8
6.9
7.8
9.3
7.3
10.3
0.3
7.1
-5.6
9.8
3.5
4
11.6
2.2
4.8
7.7
-2
8
-2.5
-0.6
5.3
2.5
-0.4
6.7
1.8
11.8
18
20
9.8
5.9
14
6.4
6.6
16.8
15.4
16.8
7.7
18
10.2
11.8
13.1
13.5
12.5
15.5
5.4
13.8
-1.2
16
7.5
12.4
17.5
8.3
13.6
13.1
6.6
13.2
5.1
5
8.9
7.7
6.8
10.6
9.2
25
Regions of the north
Italy’s northern regions are a symphony of breathtaking contrasts. Liguria
stretches along the Mediterranean, and the jagged peaks of the Alps extend throughout Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont, complemented by Lombardy’s rolling plains. The snowy Dolomites provide the backdrop to the Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto regions, while Venice and the sea maintain
their delicate, dramatic relationship and the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia
yields a treasure trove of Roman remains.
PIEDMONT
A region rippling with Alpine streams
flowing into the Po, and dominated
in the east by the lakes of Maggiore
and d’Orta. The capital, Turin, features
cultural and artistic influences from the
Romanesque-Gothic and Baroque styles,
while Sestriere and Bardonecchia offer
fantastic skiing resorts.
Temptations
AOSTA VALLEY
This is the most mountainous region
of Italy, dominated by Alpine peaks,
glaciers, valley streams, pine forests
and high pasturelands, and accessed
by the tunnels at the historic passes of
Monte Bianco and Gran San Bernardo.
The capital, Aosta, recognizes both
Italian and French as its native tongues,
and offers visitors such sights as the
11th century Romanesque Cathedral,
Sant’Orso Church and the perfectly
preserved forts of the Aosta Valley.
Temptations
•Valle d’Aosta Müller Thurgau (DOC), white
•Valle d’Aosta Torrette Superiore (DOC), red
•Chambave Passito (DOC), dessert wine
•Genepy, herbal alpine liqueur
“I hope that I may always
desire more than I can accomplish.”
Michelangelo Buonarroti
(1475 - 1564)
•Hand-woven wool draps (covers) and rustic upholstery fabrics from Valgrisenche
•Lace clothing, curtains and tablecloths from the Cogne valley
Just For Kids
Gran Paradiso National Park, set in the
Valleys of Cogne, Valsavarenche and
Rhemes, is rich in chestnuts, oaks, white
fir and locust-trees, as well as wildlife
such as royal owls, woodpeckers,
martens, partridges and the alpine finch.
www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.gran.
paradiso/Eindex.html
Red Letter Days
January 30/31 Feast of Saint
Orso in Aosta, an important artisan
fair featuring the mountaineer art of the
alpine bow.
May, second Sunday Festival du
“Vien de Nus,” in Nus, celebrates
the excellent local wines, Rouge and
Tastes
•Fontina, a semi-soft, smooth whole milk Malvoise, with tasting in the afternoon.
June 23/24 Feast of San
cheese
Giovanni, Gressoney Saint John,
•Renette apples and Martin Sec pears
beginning with the Fires of St. John, the
•Chestnuts from the Lillianes town’s patron saint, the night before
municipality
a mass, followed by the “Walser”
•Tegole almond cookies from Aosta
•Beefsteak alla valdostana, a breaded procession with the blessing of the lambs.
September, Last Sunday Grape
veal cutlet fried and topped with Festival, Chambave, a seasonal
fontina and ham, then reheated in the
event honoring the wine harvest with
oven on a slice of polenta.
public sales and tastings.
November 1 Cantes Festival,
Arts & Crafts
•Sabots, the famous wooden clogs from Cogne, wherein the community’s
bachelors offer each other wine and
Val d’Ayas
food, and sing until sunset.
•Barolo (DOCG), red
•Barbaresco (DOCG), red
•Barbera (DOCG), red
•Nebbiolo (DOC), red
•Dolcetto (DOC), red
•Asti Spumante (DOCG), sparkling white
Tastes
•White truffles from Alba
•Risotto with rice from Vercelli, a dish made with beef stock, veal bone marrow and saffron
•Castelmagno cheese is a cylindrical pressed, semi-fat semi-hard cheese tinged with blue mold
•Robiola from Murazzano is creamy fresh cheese, superb with olive oil and fresh herbs
•Bicerin is Turin’s signature blend of coffee, milk and chocolate
Arts & Crafts
•Wickerwork from Alessandria
•Ceramics and stoves from Castellamonte
•Silverware and jewelry from Valenza
Just For Kids
Safari Parks in Murazzano, in
the Langhe region, with a variety of
300 animals to observe, and in Pobia,
showcasing various endangered species.
Red Letter Days
February 10 - 26, 2006 XX
Olympic Winter Games, hosted by
Turin and the surrounding Alps.
September, second Weekend
Douja d’Or, Asti, where prestigious
wine producers (a douja is an old
decanter) host a celebration involving
food stands and a parade in traditional
costume with carts, wagons and vintage
tractors.
October, first Sunday Palio degli
Asini, Alba, is literally The Race of the
Donkeys, a comical contest dating back
to the medieval rivalry between the cities
of Alba and Asti, which coincides with
the Feast of the Truffle and a historical
recreation of the Giostre delle Cento
Torri, or Tournament of the 100 Towers.
September, Third Sunday The
Palio of Asti recreates historical
events and everyday life in medieval
times, with Italy’s oldest horse race, a
historic procession in medieval attire and
spectacular sbandieratori (flag-wavers).
LOMBARDY
Spreading over the Po Valley and
bordered to the north by the Alps,
this region is a veritable lake district,
including eastern Maggiore, Varese,
Iseo, Como and northern Garda. Each
major city contains striking monuments
to Romanesque and Gothic architecture,
such as the Cathedral of Milan, while
sumptuous Renaissance palaces and
churches abound – some containing
examples of the Lombard painting
movement, which peaked during the
fifteenth century.
Temptations
•Franciacorta Spumante (DOCG), sparkling white
•Bonarda (DOC), red
•Lugana (DOC), white
•Valtellina superiore Inferno (DOCG), red
Tastes
•Torrone from Cremona, a traditional sweet made of almonds, nougat and honey
•Risotto alla Milanese, sautéed rice cooked in broth and saffron
•Ossobuco, shank of veal with its bone and marrow
•Pavese Soup, a clear broth served with toasted bread and eggs
•Bresaola from Valtellina, a cured thin-
sliced meat
Arts & Crafts
•Violin-making in Cremona, home to the world-famous Stradivari
•Legendary accordions from Stradella
•Pottery from Lodi, suppliers to many European noble houses
•Printing and dyeing silk in Como
Just For Kids
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum
of Science and Technology in
Milan is a wonderful way to witness the
inventions of the great man; the fabulous
Toy Museum in Canneto sull’Oglio near
Mantua; Fantasy World provides a
miniature version of Italy for children to
play in; they also love climbing the spiral
stairs to the top of the Duomo Cathedral,
the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
Red Letter Days
Year-round, last Sunday of every
month, except July & August,
Naviglio Grande Antiques Fair,
one of Milan’s most charming sections is
transformed into a bustling market.
December 7-9, Feast of Saint
Ambrogio, Milan, celebrated for
three days in the Piazza of St. Ambrogio
with antiques, crafts, food delicacies,
sweets, wine, and a market on the third
day. Coincides with the Opera season
premiere at La Scala.
27
LI
Ogliastra
8˚
0
0
50
50
Siena
Arezzo
M
VATICAN
CITY
Latina L A
Rome
Rieti
Orvieto Terni
Viterbo
12˚
Pantelleria
Strai t
of
Sicily
Trapani
Ancona
Teramo
Chieti
Pescara
A
Ragusa
S I C I L Y
Siracusa
Catania
Catanzaro
Crotone
16˚
Reggio di Calabria
Vibo Valentia
Cosenza
Cirò
Marina
Brindisi
Otranto
Lecce
44˚
36˚
40˚
Strai t
of
Otranto
Ionian
Sea
Golfo di
Taranto
Matera Taranto
A P Bari
UL
I A
Trani
B A S I L I C AT A
Potenza
Andria
Foggia
Barletta
Messina
Taormina
Aeolian Islands
Pompeii
Enna
Caltanissetta
Agrigento
C
Benevento
O Campobasso
Tremiti Islands
Ad ri ati c
Sea
Avellino
Salerno
Amalfi
Capri
Positano
Naples
M
Isernia
Caserta
Palermo
Z I
O
Frosinone
A B R U Z Z O
L' Aquila
Ascoli Piceno
Fermo
Perugia Macerata
A
Pesaro
Urbino
SAN
MARINO
Rimini
Tyrrhenian Sea
Grosseto
Montepulciano
T U S C A N Y
100 Miles
100 Kilometers
Rivers
Roads
Major Cities
Regional Capital
National Capital
Regional Boundary
Pisa Arno
Florence
Forli
Ravenna
Gulf of
Venice
U M B R I A
Ferrara
Rovigo
Gorizia
Trieste
Udine
Tarviso
FRIULIVENEZ IA GIULIA
Padova Venice
Pistoia Cesena
Prato
S. Gimignano
Elba
ITALY
Med i terranean S ea
Carbonia
Iglesias
Cagliari
Modena
Mantova
Verona
Lucca
Massa
Livorno
Medio Campidano
Oristano
Nuoro
SARDINIA
Olbia
Tempio
Parma
Po
Cremona
Pordenone
Treviso
V E N E
T O
Reggio
IL
Bologna
nell' Emilia
I A
Portofino
R O M
A G N A
Genoa
Ligurian
Sea
Sassari
Imperia
Sanremo
Piacenza
Alessandria
Pavia
Lodi
Savona
Cinque Terre
La Spezia
IA
Vercelli
Asti
Y
Belluno
Bolzano
Lecco D
Trento
Como
Varese
Monza
Bergamo
Brescia
Vicenza
Novara Milan
Adda
Sondrio
Tirano
Adig
e
T RENT INOA LT O A D I G E
16˚
N I A
PA
36˚
40˚
44˚
Cuneo
Turin
P I
E D
M
AOST A VALLEY
Aosta
Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
T
N
G
B
L O
M
O
Ta
na
ro
R
U
R
A
12˚
T iber
8˚
SE
ino
M
S
H E
LI
T ic
E
R
C
M
L A B R I A
C A
TRENTINO
AND SOUTH TYROL
A dramatic Alpine province, rich in rivers
and lakes, and clusters of mountains
and valleys, bisected by the Adige
river. Three natural parks, AdamelloBrenta, Paneveggio-Pale of S. Martino
and Stelvio conserve the native flora
and fauna, including bears. Straddling
Germany and northern Italy, the capital
Trento combines both diverse cultures to
create a fascinating artistic aesthetic.
Temptations
•Caldaro (DOC), red
•Santa Maddalena (DOC), red
•Marzemino (DOC), red
•Teroldego Rotaliano (DOC), red
•Riesling (DOC), white
•Muller Thurgau (DOC), white
•Merlot (DOC), white
•Pinot Bianco (DOC), white
•Bianco Val d’Adige (DOC), white
•Moscato, amber dessert wine
Kids Fun Park in the Alta Badia
is a winter wonderland, including a
toddler’s play area and a solarium for
adults.
Visit the Clifftop Castles, such as
the Churburg (Castel Coira) in Sluderno,
Castle Tyrol in Merano, Schloss
Runkelstein in Bolzano and the Castle
Kastelbell west of Merano.
The Archeology Museum of the
Upper Adige in Bolzano specializes
in the Stone, Copper and Bronze
Ages, and is home to the 200-year-old
mummified Ice Man.
Red Letter Days
October, first week Festa dell’uva,
Merano, celebrates the harvest with a
grape festival and a parade in Tyrolean
costume.
December, first Saturday Festa
dei Klosen, Passo dello Stelvio,
dedicated to Santa Claus, where
Tastes
costumed locals wander the streets until
•Speck, a smoked ham
the church bells are rung and everyone
•Biroldi, blood sausages filled with nuts, unites in prayer.
nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon
•Gemsenfleisch, Alpine chamois goat February, second Weekend
with red wine vinegar, salt pork, herbs Carnevale Asburgico (Hapsburg’s
and sour cream
Carnival), Arco, began in 1876 to
•Orzetto, a barley soup with onion, unite the population with their imperial
garlic, vegetables and herbs simmered with speck
Arts & Crafts
•Wooden sculptures and masks from the Moena and Pozza are hand carved and hand painted, called faceres and used in the Ladin Carnival period
•Copper articles from Cavalese
•Wrought iron from Malè
Just For Kids
Topolino Junior Ski Trophy,
Madonna di Campiglio, second
week of February 2006, with races,
competitions and displays hosted by
Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
rulers, the Hapsburgs. On the Friday, a
concert is held in the hall of the casino;
Saturday sees a tribute to traditional
artisans and craftsmen, with an evening
gala ball; Sunday, is a masked parade,
celebrated with floats.
FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA
A broad, flat province stretching
from the Tagliamento River and to the
Adriatic coastline, dotted with lagoons,
interesting geological formations and
countless grottoes. The regional capital
is Trieste; major towns include Udine,
Gorizia and Pordenone. Evidence of
older civilizations is abundant: Aquileia
is a noted Roman archeological center,
also with magnificent mosaics in its
Romanesque Gothic Basilica.
Temptations
•Colli Orientali del Friuli: Tocai Friulano (DOC), white
•Collio Goriziano Cabernet (DOC), red
•Ramandolo (DOCG), dessert white
Tastes
•San Daniele Prosciutto, renowned sweet air-cured ham
•Montasio, a creamy, rich, hard cheese made from cow’s milk
•Musèt, a spicy pork sausage
•Lota from Trieste, a traditional soup with beans, potatoes and sauerkraut
Arts & Crafts
•Hand-crafted wooden chairs from Manzano
•Ceramics from Udine
•Mosaic work from Spilimbergo
Just For Kids
Aquasplash in Lignano Sabbiadoro, is
a spectacular water park that suits thrill
lovers and families.
www.acquasplash.it (in Italian only).
Take in the Punta Verde Wildlife Park,
Lignano Sabbiadoro, home to 1500
animals, plant life and small lakes.
www.parcozoopuntaverde.it
Red Letter Days
October, second Sunday
“Barcolana” Autumn Cup, Trieste,
a spectacular sailing event, open to
large yachts and thousands of smaller
boats, creating a regatta where famous
champions and Sunday sailors compete
together.
www.barcolana.it
Redeemer, Venice, Holy Mass is held
followed by a religious procession and
fireworks.
The Saturday night before, St.
Tastes
•Pandoro, a Christmas bread cooked in Mark’s Basin features a kaleidoscopic
play of lights and reflections against the
butter, sprinkled with fine white sugar
city’s silhouetted spires, domes and bell
•Fegatio alla Veneziana, calf’s liver towers.
sautéed in onions, parsley and sage September, first Sunday Historical
with butter, oil and a hint of vinegar
•Pasta e Fasoi, noodles and beans in a Regatta, Venice, a procession of
thick broth flavored with onion, carrot, 16th-century style boats, with the famous
Bucintoro, the boat representing the
celery and pork rind
Serenissima, at its head, followed by a
•Sardele in Saor, fried sardines in oil racing competition.
with onions and vinegar, marinated September, every even numbered year
with pine nuts, raisins and lemon peel
A human chess game is played on the
•Tiramisu, coffee-flavored cream of
square of Marostica every second Friday,
mascarpone and eggs layered with
Saturday and Sunday. This tradition
ladyfingers and topped with bitter dates back to 1454.
chocolate
December, second Sunday Fiera
del Radicchio, Treviso, honors the
Arts & Crafts
uniquely long-shaped radicchio in the
•Murano glass, uniquely hand-blown, Piazza dei Signori.
fused and tinted
•Burano lace, crafted entirely by needle
•Venice Carnival masks, made with papier-mâché and hand painted
VENETO
Just For Kids
January 6 Epiphany of the
Thaler, Gemona del Friuli, a
historical parade of dames and knights
accompanying the mayor to the duomo
for the celebration of the Mass.
End of June “Aria di Festa,” San Daniele,
a San Daniele promotional event, with
tastings, music shows and exhibitions.
www.prosciuttosandaniele.it
September, 2nd Sunday Provincial
Grape Festival, Cormons, offers
samplings of the area’s finest wines
and typical dishes, with a market, an
allegorical parade, folk groups and
bands.
Bordered by the eastern part of the Po
Valley, this extensive plain comprises
the majestic Dolomites of Cadore and
the lagoon zone, including Venice, the
region’s agelessly beautiful capital. Here,
Byzantine influences abound, in San
Marco’s and the Cathedral of Torcello,
while there are innumerable glorious
examples of Romanesque, Gothic and
Renaissance art and architecture. Other
unmissable treats include the Venetian
islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello;
Chioggia; the canals of the Brenta and
the Veneto villas.
Temptations
•Recioto di Soave (DOCG), a golden, fruity white
•Bardolino Superiore (DOCG), red
•Prosecco di Valdobbiandene (DOC), sparkling white
•Tocai (DOC), white
•Amarone della Valpolicella - (DOC) dry, light, harmonious red
Gardaland, Castelnuovo del
Garda, is the largest amusement park
in Italy.
CanevaWorld, also on Garda, is
another theme park with movie studios,
water rides and themed restaurants.
Red Letter Days
February Venice Carnival, the
highlight of the year, with masked balls
and decorated costumes of the 18th
century.
June 12-13 Festa di San’Antonio,
Padua, a historical, costumed
parade, a torchlight procession on the
Bacchiglione and lots of fireworks!
June 17-August 31 Summer
Theater in Verona, the world’s third
largest Roman amphitheater hosts its
annual opera season.
July, third Sunday Feast of the
31
Italy’s central regions
Central Italy abounds with diverse landscapes and towns rich in art, architecture and culture. From Tuscany’s transcendent treasures amid countless towers,
palaces and churches, to the “green heart” of Le Marche and Umbria, to the
lush Po Delta in Emilia Romagna and Lazio, home to Rome and the independent papal state, Vatican City.
LIGURIA
Centered around the Gulf of Genoa
on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Liguria is a
mountainous region formed by the
Maritime Alps and the Apennines,
leaving only a narrow coastline. The
region is divided at Genoa, the capital,
into the Riviera di Ponente (west to
Ventemiglia), and the Riviera di Levante
(east to La Spezia) – the tail end of which
is the beautiful, unspoiled “Le Cinque
Terre” (the Five Lands). Throughout
Liguria, you can find superb examples of
Roman ruins, Romanesque and Baroque
architecture and many medieval forts,
towers, walls and castles.
FERRARA
A rare treasure combining history,
beauty and romance, Ferrara is a
former fortified city in the heart of the
Emilia-Romagna region. Its peaceful
ambience – which inspired de Chirico’s
metaphysical paintings – studded with
gems for her guests to discover. Its
cathedral reflects the glories of both the
Romanic and Gothic styles; the Church
of Sant’Antonio in Polesine contains
fascinating frescoes from the 13th and
14th centuries; and the Estense Castle
is an extraordinary example of military
architecture. The Casa Romei (Palazzo
dei Diamanti) was a luxurious private
Renaissance residence, while the
Museo Nazionale Archeologico hosts
numerous artifacts that testify to Ferrara’s
formidable past.
Temptations
Sciacchetrà (DOC), white
Pigato (DOC), white
Vermentino (DOC), white
Rossese di Dolceacqua (DOC), red
Tastes
Basil Pesto, a cold sauce of fresh basil,
olive oil and pine nuts
Focaccia, a flat bread with salt and
olive oil
Farinata, a thin pancake made of chick
pea flour and baked in wood ovens.
EMILIA ROMAGNA
Arts & Crafts
White and blue ceramics from Albisola
Handmade lace, macramé, from
Chiavari
Plush velvet from Zoagli
Lace and embroidery from Portofino
Just For Kids
Genoa Aquarium is the biggest in
Europe, featuring sandbar sharks, seals
and dolphins. Also visit Le Caravelle
Water Park, in Ceriale.
Red Letter Days
July, every weekend Sagra del Muscolo
(Cozze) held on Portovenere’s seashore
is the Feast of the Mussels organized
to help fund Cadimare’s rowing team
during the regatta Palio del Golfo in
La Spezia. Renowned for delicious
mussel-based dishes, dances and other
entertainment.
May and July Regata delle Antiche
Repubbliche Marinare, this rotating
yearly celebration comes to Genoa
(the other venues are Amalfi, Pisa and
Venice), beginning with a historical
costumed parade and starring a 2,000-
meter boat race.
May, second weekend Sagra del Pesce
(Feast of the Fish), at Camogli, is over
50 years old, a competition between
the districts of Porto and Pinetto, that
build large wooden structures on the
beach which become night bonfires. On
Sunday, in an enormous pan in the town
square, almost two tons of fish are fried
and consumed.
Half mountain range (the Apennines),
half coastal plain along the Adriatic
Apennines, this region’s capital is
Bologna, a famous university town.
Historically, important Roman traces
can be found in Rimini and Ravenna,
once capital of the Western Roman
Empire. Romanesque Lombardian style is
showcased by the Cathedrals of Modena
and Piacenza e Ferrara, while Gothic,
Renaissance and Baroque styles are all
well represented in the main towns.
Temptations
•Albana di Romagna (DOCG), white
•Sangiovese di Romagna (DOC), red wine
•Trebbiano di Romagna (DOC), sparkling white
•Lambrusco di Sorbara (DOC), sparkling red and rosé
•Castell’Arquato Nocino walnut liquor
Tastes
•Aceto Balsamico vinegar from Modena
•Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Parma
•Tortellini in Brodo, pasta filled with Mortadella, prosciutto and veal, in a meat broth
Arts & Crafts
•Ceramics from Faenza
•Graffito ceramics from Ferrara
•Clay pots from Montetiffi
•Golden mosaics from Ravenna
Just For Kids
Mirabilandia is an amusement park in
Savio with 36 rides, 14 waterfalls, ice
skaters, fireworks, acrobatic parrots,
stuntmen, flowers and gardens, plus a
small town, “Bimbopoli” for very little
ones.
www.mirabilandia.com/index_en.htm
Italy in Miniature in Rimini is the most
famous miniature park in Italy, with rides,
games, monuments and great food.
www.italiainminiatura.com
Red Letter Day
January “Arte Fiera,” Bologna, a
large international contemporary art fair
at the Piazza della Costituzione devoted
to young galleries, publishing houses,
bookstores and institutions.
www.artefiera.bolognafiere.it
April “Paganello,” Rimini, sees
hundreds of people compete on the
beach for the “Ultimate Frisbee” World
Cup.
www.paganello.com
May, last weekend Palio di
Ferrara, Ferrara, is a dramatic horse
race between the eight town districts
around the oldest town square in
Italy, complemented by a Historical
Renaissance Parade.
www.paliodiferrara.it/
August, last week Palio di
S.Reparata e della RomagnaToscana, Castrocaro Terme, is another
wonderful horse race, offset with
Renaissance pomp, entertainment and
decorations.
33
TUSCANY
Stretching gently down the Apennines
to the Tyrrhenian Sea, this region is a
geographically charming mix of hilly
landscapes and long sandy expanses,
headlands and archipelagos. With
Florence as its capital, Tuscany is
unrivaled as a cradle of art and
monuments to Italy’s many eras and
civilizations: Etruscan, Roman, Gothic
and Romanesque. From Fiesole to Chiusi,
Volterra to Siena, Pisa to Elba, Tuscany’s
beauty and appeal is as varied as it is
enchanting.
creator Carlo Collodi)
www.pinocchio.it.
The Viareggio Carnival Parades, with
floats and papier-mâché puppets take
place each February.
www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com.
Near Siena is the Museum for Kids, to
introduce children to the world of visual
arts through labs, excursions, visits and
arts and crafts.
www.comune.siena.it
Also Cavallino Matto, near Livorno, is
an exciting theme park deep in the pine
forest along the Tyrrhenian coast.
www.cavallinomatto.it
Red Letter Days
Easter Sunday Scoppio del
Carro, Florence, is a spectacular
Easter celebration involving a cart with
fireworks set up in Piazza del Duomo di
Santa Maria del Fiore, and the liberation
Temptations
of a dove of peace.
•Bianco di Pitigliano (DOC), white
•Vernaccia di San Gimignano (DOCG), www.comune.firenze.it
April - June Maggio Musicale
white
Fiorentino, Florence, is the
•Chianti (DOC & DOCG), red
city’s biggest arts festival, including
•Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG), red
international music, drama and dance.
www.maggiofiorentino.com
Tastes
June 2 Festa di Sant’Erasmo
•Ribollita, a popular Florentine (Feast of St. Erasmo), Monte
vegetable soup with black cabbage
Argentario (Porto Ercole), sees the
•Bistecca Fiorentina, a regionally town’s Spanish fortresses adorned with
unique T-bone steak
lights while an evening procession of
•Pecorino & Raveggiolo cheeses, from boats dressed with flags is held on the
sheep’s milk in the Sienese hills
sea.
June, third Sunday and
Arts & Crafts
September, first Sunday Giostra
•Ceramics and terracotta from an
del Saracino (Saracen’s Game),
ancient tradition dating back to the Arezzo, is an ancient festival with
Etruscan era
eight riders, two from each of the city’s
•Jewelry from Florence and Arezzo
districts, each galloping towards the
•Marble from Massa Carrara
“Saracen,” an “armed,” revolving
•Il Toscano, a long, slim cigar with an
mannequin in a fight for the most points.
intense, strong aroma
June 16 Luminara e Regata Storica per
•Any leather goods, from jackets to
San Ranieri (Illuminations and Historical
handbags
Regata for St. Ranieri), Pisa, is notable
for the evening before, when a display
Just For Kids
of candles embellishes the contours
Parco Collodi near Pistoia is a park
devoted to Pinocchio (named after his
of buildings and monuments; floating
candles also light up the Arno river. The
day after, the true festival begins with
a rowing regatta with four competing
teams.
June last Sunday Il Gioco del
Ponte (Bridge Battle), Pisa, is a
grand military parade in 17th-century
costume, followed by a competition
between two teams pushing a cart on the
bridge in opposite directions.
www.comune.pisa.it
July 2 & August 15 Palio di Siena,
perhaps Italy’s most famous and colorful
horse race in the historic town square.
www.ilpaliodisiena.com
September 13 Luminara di Santa
Croce (Illuminations of the Holy
Cross), Lucca, is a centuries-old
procession carried out on the eve of the
recurrence of the Holy Cross through a
city decorated with thousands of lights,
from the Church of St. Frediano to the
Cathedral of St. Martino.
Tastes
UMBRIA
Just For Kids
The “cuore verde” (green heart) of Italy
comprises an undulating landscape
dominated by woods, valleys and water
– most notably the lake known as the
Trasimeno, and Falls of the Marmore,
which are the highest in Italy. Etruscan
traces are abundant in Todi, Bettona,
Orvieto and Perugia, while Spoleto
and Spello feature impressive Roman
remains; Spello is a city, where the
Romans left some impressive remains.
Beautiful examples of Romanesque style
are embodied in the Cathedrals of Assisi,
St. Silvestro and St. Michele in Bevagna.
The Renaissance still lives through
magnificent monuments in towns like
Perugia and Gubbio, to name but two.
Temptations
•Colli Perugini (DOC), red and white
•Torgiano Rosso Riserva (DOCG), red
•Sagrantino (DOCG), dry dessert wine
•Black truffles of Norcia, Cascia, and Spoleto; earthy, distinct and strong flavor
•Honey from Valnerina, a delicate, mixed flower fragrance and flavor
•Budellaccio salami from Norcia, flavored with salt, pepper, and fennel seeds, dried fireside
•Porchetta, pork, cooked on a spit over a wood fire, stuffed with minced liver, heart and lungs, pepper, garlic, salt and wild fennel
Arts & Crafts
•Pottery from Deruta, with a unique color scheme
•Pottery from Gubbio, based on a 16th-century luster technique that causes red-golden reflections
•Tablecloths from Perugia woven in
the “occhio di pernice” (eye of
a partridge) design of white linen
embellished with blue bands and
geometric decorations
Citta’ della Domenica in Perugia is a
nature park and zoo with hundreds
of wildlife and exotic animals, even a
reptile house, a huge play area and a
little train to tour visitors.
www.cittadelladomenica.it
Red Letter Days
February, last weekend Black
Truffle Fair, Norcia, has local and
national food producers showing off
their specialties, with frequent tastings
of truffles, the cheese and lentils of
Castelluccio and forest fruits.
May, last Sunday Palio della
Balestra, Gubbio, consists of a
medieval crossbow contest between the
Società Balestrieri Eugubina and San
Sepolcro.
October, first Sunday Palio dei
Terzieri, Trevi, boasts a contest
between three districts and a historical,
costumed procession, commemorating
the reconstruction of the town destroyed
in the 13th century.
MARCHE
A rugged region, facing the Adriatic
Sea, with narrow valleys, deep gorges
and numerous rushing streams that
meet a coastline of gently rolling hills
and flat plains. The regional capital is
Ancona, and remarkable Roman remains
exist in Ascoli, Fano, Ancona, Fermo,
Urbisaglia and near Macerata. The
presence of local artists such as Raphael
and Bramante made this area one of
the hotbeds of Renaissance art. Beauty
can also be found in natural form in the
stunning views from cities such as Pesaro
and Urbino.
Temptations
•Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi (DOC), white
•Piceno Red (DOC), red
Tastes
•Olive all’ascolana, delicious deep fried
stuffed olives
•Brodetto, a simple, tasty fish soup
•Arrosto segreto, a fish dish, cooked on
both sides at the same time
•Porchetta, a very flavorful dish of roast
pig
•Fabriano Salame, very spicy cured beef from Fabriano
•Fossa, cheese aged while buried in a pit, great with jam
Arts & Crafts
•Lace pillows, a delicate, timeless art
•Accordions and other high-quality musical instruments from Castelfidardo
•Engraved and decorated furniture
Just For Kids
Gran Sasso & Monti della
Laga National Park, in Casa del
Parco di Arquata del Tronto.www.
parconazionalegransasso.it
Red Letter Days
July 15 – August 15 Macerata
Opera Festival, Macerata, one of
the world’s most famous opera seasons
held in the old arena called Sferisterio.
www.sferisterio.it
August Summer Jamboree
Festival, Ancona, an eclectic musical
festival with bands from all over the
world. www.summerjamboree.com
August, third Sunday Festa del
duca (The Duke’s Festival), Urbino,
held in honor of the Duke Federico da
Montefeltro, begins on the 15th with
heralds, drummers, games, crafts and
foods recalling the Renaissance, followed
by tournaments on the Sunday.
ABRUZZO
The region embraces the highest and
hugest massifs of Central Italy, with
peaks which often are higher than 2,000
meters, as well as a steep and rocky
Adriatic coast. The capital L’Aquila
has strong Roman and Renaissance
influences, but the most creative period
was during the Middle Ages, as seen
in many wonderful cathedrals, abbeys
and sculptures. Goldsmithing is also a
renowned craft, dating back to the 16th
century. Adding to the drama of this
area, the National Park of Abruzzo is
home to species like the Marsican Bear
and the Gray Wolf.
Temptations
•Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (DOCG), red
•Cerasuolo (DOC), rosé
•Trebbiano (DOC), white
•Centerbe, a liqueur from various aromatic plants
Tastes
•Saffron, the pride of the Navelli plains
•Purple-red garlic, exclusively from the fields of Sulmona
35
ABRUZZES (suite de la page 35)
•Black lentils from Santo Stefano di Sessanio
•Maccheroni alla Chitarra, a handmade pasta cut in thin strips using a fine wireframe similar to the strings of a guitar
•Confetti, sugar-coated almonds, a traditional wedding treat from Sulmona
•Parrozzo, a rich chocolate cake, a Christmas favorite
Art et artisanat
• Laces from Scanno, artfully crocheted
• Blankets, rugs and tapestries from Taranta Peligna, with flowers, birds, vivid sceneries artistically woven in
• Gold and silver jewelry from Sulmona and L’Aquila’s goldsmiths
• Iron and copper artifacts: gates, housewares from Guardiagrele, Manoppello and Pescocostanzo
Just For Kids
The National Park of Abruzzo, The
National Park of Gran Sasso-Laga,
the Regional Parks of Sirente-Velino
and Maiella-Morrone, numerous State
Reserves and three World Wildlife Fund
Oases, are all natural sanctuaries where
stunning landscapes house recognizable
and rare animals, extraordinary flowers
and plants to enrapture a young traveler.
Red Letter Days
May, first Thursday Procession
of the Snake Catchers, Cocullo
(L’Aquila), takes place in a picturesque
mountain village, where the inhabitants
celebrate St. Dominick by draping his
statue in live snakes.
July, first Sunday Sagra
dell’Agnello (Feast of the Lamb),
Rocca Pia, a food festival with a
traditional contest called solco dritto,
involving a ploughing competition.
September, first Sunday La Corsa
degli Zingari (The Gypsies’ Race),
Pacentro, has participants meeting
on a crag of the Ardinghi hill facing the
Regions of the south
town. When the bell rings, the racers
rush barefoot down the slope, towards
the town finish line at the church altar.
from Ciociaria
• Wrought iron from Veroli
LAZIO
Pulcinella Puppet Theatre, on
the Gianicolo Hill in Rome has free
daily shows, though donations are
appreciated.
Bioparco, the Rome zoo has a vast
array of animals in a natural setting.
For older kids, head to the
Capucin Crypt, an eerie secret vault
filled with monks’ skulls!
Outside of Rome, try the Giardini
di Bomarzo, a garden located near
Viterbo, featuring statues of mythical
monsters in a surreal setting.
Billowing between the Apennines and
the Tyrrhenian Sea, this varied region
combines coastal flatlands, and extinct
volcanoes that form the lakes of Bolsena,
Vico, Bracciano, Albano and Nemi.
Rome is, of course, the capital of Italy,
as well of the region, which itself is
incredibly rich in outstanding relics of
all the different periods, and has always
been the center of an intensive artistic life
from the Middle Ages to the 18th century
– and contains the hub of the Papacy in
Vatican City.
Just For Kids
Blending sheer spectacle with a plethora of architectural remains, the south of
Italy presents much to enchant today’s visitor. See the breathtaking Roman ruins
preserved at Pompeii, the Greek influence and magnificent beaches of Sicily
and the mystifying ancient structures in Sardinia called nuraghi. Admire the
Romanesque and Baroque stylings from Puglia to Campania. Bliss out on the
Amalfi Coast or lose yourself in the forested landscape of Abruzzo and Molise,
the rugged countryside and bustling fishing ports of Basilicata and Calabria.
Temptations
•Biancolella (DOC), white
•Falerno del Massico (DOC), red & white
•Lacryma Christi (DOC) red, white & rosé
•Limoncello, a popular golden citrus liqueur from Amalfi
Red Letter Days
February 2 Festa delle stuzze,
Fiuggi, honors the miracle of San
• Frascati (DOC), white
Biagio, who in 1928 chased out the
• Montefiascone Est!Est!Est! (DOC), enemies intent on attacking the town.
white
Large tree trunks, stuzze, are carried
• Torre Ercolana (DOC), red
from the forest and lit in the main square.
• Fiorano (DOC), red
March 26 Rome Marathon, Rome, sees
• Colle Picchioni (DOC), red
the city come to life with music, events,
• Peroni beer
concerts and more all along the race
route.
Tastes
June 16-24 Festa de’Noantri
• Puntarelle, spears resembling endives
Trastevere, Rome, has the image
• Bruschetta, homemade bread oven
of Madonna de Noantri moved by a
toasted and topped with garlic, procession on the eighth day. This takes
tomatoes, olive paste
• Carciofi alla Giudea, artichokes deep- place on the Tiber, where the statue was
fried in olive oil and garlic, seasoned discovered, and food banquets with local
products abound in Trastevere and its
with mint
surrounding neighborhoods.
• Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a cream August 5 Festa della Madonna
sauce with bacon, garlic and chili della Neve, Rome, celebrates the
peppers mixed in a bowl with raw legend that in year 352 it snowed on
eggs
• Bucatini all’Amatriciana, slender pasta the Esquilino, now home to Santa Maria
tubes with tomato sauce and salt pork, Maggiore Church. Today white petals
are thrown from the Borghesiana Chapel
and grated pecorino cheese
of the dome.
• Abbacchio alla Cacciatora, baby December 15 - January 15
lamb cooked with rosemary, garlic, Mercato della Befana, Rome, is a
anchovies and vinegar
well-known Christmas fair held in Piazza
• Porchetta, roasted pork from the Novana.
Castelli Romani, an area south of Rome
December 25 A public blessing on
Christmas Day by the Pope in St.
Arts & Crafts
• Ciocia, a local peasant leather sandal Peter’s Square, Rome.
Temptations
CAMPANIA
This region is renowned for having
one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines,
backed by irregular massifs punctuated
by valleys and plains. Among
Campania’s riches are the isles of
Capri, Ischia and Procida in the Gulfs
of Naples (the regional capital) and
Salerno, as well as examples of classic
antiquity, such as those in Herculaneum,
Pompeii, Paestum and Cuma, where
amphitheaters, triumphal arches,
villas, bridges and tombs are plentiful.
Baroque design is strikingly expressed
in The Royal Palace of Caserta, and
even Paleolithic Art is represented in
Naples and Nocera, while relics of the
Longobard Age can be found in Capua
and Benevento.
Tastes
Mozzarella, moist, fresh and pungent,
from Campania buffalo’s milk
Sweet, fragrant lemons from Sorrento
Zuppa di vongole e cozze, a savory
clam and mussel soup flavored with
tomatoes and spices.
Neapolitan Pizza, crisp yet soft to the
bite, inimitable
Sfogliatelle, shell pastry filled with
ricotta cheese, scallop-shaped and dotted
with candied citrus peel
Arts & Crafts
Ceramics from Vietri sul Mare, dazzling
majolica earthware
Handmade paper from Amalfi
Coral cameos from Torre del Greco
Leather sandals from Positano, Capri or
Palinuro; original designs or crafted to
order
Just For Kids
Vesuvio National Park, in San Sebastiano
al Vesuvio (Naples) offers a “hands-on”
sensory trail where kids can discover,
touch, smell and observe the diverse
colors and scents of the local plant life.
www.vesuviopark.it
Edenlandia, in Naples, is a theme park
with a host of rides, live music and dance
shows, 3-D theatre, games and more.
www.edenlandia.it (only in Italian)
For an educational excursion, Citta della
Scienza, Naples, is a science center
and planetarium with workshops and
displays exploring nature, science and
the environment.
www.cittadellascienza.it
The Villa Comunale Aquarium in Naples
is one of the oldest in Europe (1873) and
houses many varieties of marine life.
Red Letter Days
Monthly, third Sunday except August
Villa Comunale Antique Fair, Naples, is
held in the Villa Comunale gardens. In
December it is open every weekend for
the pre-holiday shopping season.
www.fieraantiquarianapoletana.it (only
in Italian)
September 19 Feast of San Gennaro,
Naples, commemorating the “miracle”
of the liquefying of the saint’s blood,
followed by eight days of other
celebrations including processions and
37
MOLISE
Molise is a hilly continuation of
Abruzzo’s landscape, crossed by many
rivers that flow into the Tyrrhenian
Sea. The region’s place in the history
of Italian art is secured by the cycle of
ninth-century frescoes in the crypt of San
Lorenzo in San Vincenzo al Volturno.
Elsewhere there are plenty of examples
of Romanesque, medieval and Baroquestyle architecture – of which Roman- and
Neapolitan-influenced design can be
seen in the civic palaces.
saint whose statue was found intact and
undamaged after the 1805 earthquake,
and who saved other citizens from harm.
Gioco Tradizionale “La Pezza de Casce”
In this lively carnival game, volunteers
toss a hefty wheel of cheese along a
tricky route in Vinchiaturo, full of inclines
and descents, eventually to return back
in front of the Castle of Vinchiaturo.
The winner, positioning the cheese on
a specified spot, yells out the crucial
phrase, “A la ‘n ‘ tutta!” or “It’s all here!”
•Biferno (DOC), red, white & rosé
•Pentro di Isernia (DOC), red,
white & rosé
•Giant white celery from Campobasso
•Calcioni di ricotta rustici, rounds of pasta dough filled with ricotta, provolone and prosciutto fried in olive oil Picellati, honey pastries with nuts and grapes
BASILICATA
An arid, rocky region of two coastlines,
one in the center of the Gulf of Taranto
in the Ionian Sea, and a tiny one on
the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the famous
resort of Maratea. Potenza is the capital
of this archaeologically blessed area.
Relics of the Greek era can be found in
Arts & Crafts
Metaponto (the Palatine Tables), while
•Engraved church bells of Agnone
ruins of the Roman Age can be seen
•Zampogne, homemade bagpipes in Venosa. Medieval art is featured in
called from Scapoli
Venosa and Cerenza (Romanesque
•Steel fretwork, such as firearms, knives, style), with Arab-Byzantine and French scissors from Campobasso
influenced architecture in Melfi and
•Hand-crocheted pillow lace from Lagopesole and Matera – where visitors
Isernia
can also see the “Sassi,” typical houses
and churches literally dug into the “tufa”
Just For Kids
crag.
The Association of Folklore and Culture
in Vinchiaturo gives kids 5 years and up
Temptation
experience of the local traditions with
•Aglianico del Vulture, red
local dances and songs.
•Moscato del Vulture, dessert wine
Red Letter Days
May 19 & 20 Festa di San Bernardino
da Siena, Vinchiaturo, celebrates the
•Luganiga, a salt-cured meat kept in lard or olive oil
•Ciaudedda, artichokes braised and stuffed with potatoes and stewed in tomatoes
•Pignata di Pecora, ewe cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, pork and pecorino in a clay pot called pignata
Arts & Crafts
•Carpet woven from sheep’s wool
•Enameled, patinated brass cowbells from Stigliano
•Hand-carved wood, in chestnut, oak, beech, fir, cherry and pear depicting pastoral life and historical traditions
•Clay for the manufacture of majolica, porcelain and ceramics
Just For Kids
Temptations
Tastes
Tastes
•Diavolicchio, a chili pepper found in many local recipes
Walk through the labyrinthine alleyways
of the Sassi of Matera, or take a tour
with the pollicino bus.
Lago di San Giuliano is surrounded by
a thick forest and is a breeding ground
for water birds and the ideal habitat for
many kinds of fish.
Red Letter Days
May 29 La Sfilata dei Turchi,
Potenza, a parade in costume, food and
entertainment to recall the legend of
San Gerardo, who saved the city from a
Turkish invasion.
June 15 Festa di San Vito,
Castelmezzano. San Vito’s statue along
with Sant’Antonio and patron San Rocco
are paraded from the church through the
streets amidst food stands and fireworks.
July 2 Festa della Madonna
Bruna, Matera, entails a painting
of the Madonna being carried on a
cart through the streets by costumed
horsemen, then returned to the church
where the cart is demolished, and faithful
followers obtain a small relic to take
home.
steps away from one another.
www.zoosafari.it
Red Letter Day
APULIA
Occupying the easternmost part of the
peninsula with a long coastline on the
Ionian and the Adriatic Seas, Apulia is
essentially flat and dry, with occasionally
plunging cliffs. Of great cultural interest
are the megalithic monuments at
Dolmens and Menhirs, as well as the
great archeological complexes at Canne
della Battaglia and Ignazia. Roman
remains are especially noteworthy
throughout the region, and there are
superb Romanesque cathedrals at Trani,
Barletta, Molfetta, Bitonto and Ruvo di
Puglia and Bari – where majestic castles
of thirteenth-century Byzantine-Arab
style can also be found. Also unmissable
is Alberobello with its typical “trulli”
houses.
August 27 Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo,
Ostuni, a parade of costumed horsemen
carry a giant statue of Saint Oronzo
through the streets.
September 20-23 Anniversary of the
Stigmata and death of Padre Pio,
San Giovanno Rotondo, remembers
and celebrates a popular figure from
Pietralcina with religious ceremonies,
prayers and a torchlight procession.
December 13-24 Fiera dei presepi e dei
pupi, Lecce, is an 11-day antique market
displaying hand-crafted nativity figures.
styles are also well represented in art,
design and monuments.
Temptations
Temptations
•Aleatico (DOC), red
•Moscato di Trani (DOC), white
•Cirò (DOC), red, white & rosé
•Greco (DOC), white
•Savuto (DOC), red
•Lamezia (DOC), red, white & rosé
Tastes
•Orechiette e rape, the classic pugliese’s pasta course
•Tarallucci e vino, a simple appetizer of salty and spicy donuts, great with wine
•Cosciotto di capretto in creta, an ancient recipe featuring a goat cooked on clay
Arts & Crafts
•Nativity figurines made out of clay
•Pietra Leccese, a soft stone perfect for
intricate detail work; visible all over
•Lecce throughout its baroque architecture
Just For Kids
Zoosafari, the largest safari park in Italy,
and Fasanolandia, an amusement park,
are both located in Fasano, Brindisi,
CALABRIA
The extreme south-western region of
Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian and
Ionian Seas, dominated by a high central
Apennine ridge, overgrown with thick
woods, and wild coastal landscapes.
Catanzaro is the capital of this region,
which yields abundant evidence of
previous artistic civilizations and ancient
colonies in Sibari, Crotone, Catanzaro,
Locri, Vibo Valentia. In Cosenza and
Reggio Calabria are baths, theaters
and bridges of the Roman Age, while
the religious buildings show Byzantine
influences, reflecting the region’s time
under the Empire of Byzantium. Gothic,
Renaissance and baroque influences and
Tastes
•Aubergines, pickled, fried, stuffed or added to scrumptious pasta sauces
•Maccaruni and lasagna, stuffed with cured meats, sausage, hard-boiled eggs and cheese.
•Soffritti and morsello, a distinctive dish of tripe and innards boiled and cooked
with tomatoes and spices
•Capocollo, cured, aged pork tenderloin from the neck or upper shoulder, seasoned with salt and spices
•Caciocavallo silano, cheese from cow’s milk, formed and strung oval-
shaped pairs
•Bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit whose essence is used in teas, candies and liqueurs
39
Arts & Crafts
SICILY
CALABRIA
Unique Arts & Crafts
•Colorful pottery from Seminaria; vases, tableware, urns and masks
•Tapestries and blankets from Longobucco, created on looms worked by hand and foot
•Chestnut wood wickerwork from San Giorgio Morgeto
•Briarwood smoking pipes from Reggio di Calabria, hand crafted and carefully
carved
Just For Kids
Natural Museum Libero Gatti Copanello,
has a botanical garden overlooking the
reefs of the Ionic Sea with over 1,000
specimens of beautiful shells from all over
the world.
During the summer kids can enjoy the
Aquarium and Marine Park of Isola di
Capo Rizzuto, observing fish and marine
life while learning about the protected
zones of the Calabrian coastline.
www.riservamarinacaporizzuto.it
Zambrone Aquapark and Odissea 2000
in Rossano are two of the largest water
parks in the south, filled with thrilling
water slides and various pools.
www.aquapark.it or
www.odissea2000.it
Less than two miles from the Italian
mainland, Sicily is the largest island in
the Mediterranean and the southernmost
region of Italy. Famous for its blue skies
and mild winter climate Sicily is also
home to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest
active volcano. This fertile paradise
was settled by Siculi, Phonecians,
Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors,
Normans, Spaniards and Bourbons
among others, and the remnants of these
astounding cultures cover the entire
island; from the temples of Agrigento to
the priceless mosaics of Piazza Armerina
and the ancient capital of Siracusa.
Smaller islands, such as the Aeolian,
Aegadean and Pelagian chains as well
as Pantelleria, just 90 miles off of the
African coast, are also part of Sicily,
offering superb beaches and local lore.
Red Letter Days
Temptations
Easter Week Rito dei Vattienti, Nocera
Terinese, is highlighted by the Easter
Saturday procession, in which a statue
of the Addolorata is carried, followed by
several rituals of the “Vattienti.”
May 3 Feast of the Tri da Cruci, Tropea,
commemorates the end of the Saracen
occupation during the Middle Ages with
fireworks and symbolic acts such as the
explosion of a galley and the burning of
the dove.
July 1-7 Sagra della Cipolla Rossa,
Tropea, or “the feast of the red onion,”
honors the queen of the gastronomy of
Tropea. Many farm stands display and
sell their home made specialties, while
the feast concludes with games and
musical shows.
August, last week La Festa del Turista,
Vibo Valentia, celebrates the end of
the summer holidays with the gathering
of the “giants” (huge papier-mâchè
depictions of the Saracens) and tastings
of delicious regional specialties.
•Nero d’Avola (DOC), red
•Aglianico del Taburno (DOC), red & white
•Sambuca di Sicilia (DOC), red & white
•Cerasulo di Vittoria (DOCG), rosé
•Bianco Alcamo (DOC), white
•Moscato (DOC), white
•Gold, Amber and Ruby Marsala, dessert wine
Tastes
•Delicate and fruity extra virgin
olive oils
•Sea salt from Trapani
•Sicilian honey, pistacchios and succulent blood oranges
•Almond paste marzipan shaped into colorful miniature fruits
•Ricotta-filled cannoli
•Delicious cassata cake with ricotta and pistacchio
•Red coral artwork from Trapani
•Hand-painted tambourines
•Medieval style puppets on a string
•Highly collectable ceramics from Caltagirone
•Fanciful Sicilian carts in all sizes
•Artistic objects made from glazed bread in Salemi
Just For Kids
The creepy catacombs of San Giovanni
beneath Siracusa date back almost 3000
years.
Il Piccolo Teatro dei Pupi, also in
Siracusa, showcases medieval puppetry
most summer evenings.
In Bagheria, near Palermo, is the Museo
dei Giocattoli Pietro Piranio with over
700 toys from the last four centuries.
In Palermo itself, discover the Museo
Internazionale delle Marionette, an entire
museum dedicated to the Sicilian art of
puppetry.
Midway between the temples of
Agrigento and the Roman-era mosaics of
Piazza Armerina kids can enjoy a funfilled afternoon at the Parco Acquatico
Conte, a waterworld theme park in
Sommatino.
Red Letter Days
February 3 – 5 Catania hosts three days
of festivities in honor of St. Agatha,
revolving around sweets made from
marzipan.
May 9 – 10 Tre Castagni enjoys two
days of celebrations complete with local
specialties, processions and Sicilian
Carts in honor of Santi Alfio, Filadelfio e
Cirino.
July 9 – 15 Palermo offers seven days
of non-stop excitement in honor of Santa
Rosalia, featuring a huge fireworks
display on the 14th and a magnificent
parade on the 15th.
July 25 In Caltagirone, thousands of olive
oil-bearing torches (coppi) connected by
a fuse are lit at once in commemoration
of a day-long festival honoring San
Giacomo.
August 13 – 15 La Cavalcata dei
Giganti, Messina, stars 30-foot-tall
papier-mâché knights leading a parade
of bands and Sicilian carts through the
city in a three-day celebration.
December 13 Siracusa is home to a huge
celebration in honor of Santa Lucia, the
city’s patron saint, involving pageantry,
parades and plenty of pushcarts filled
with tempting delicacies.
SARDINIA
The second largest island in the
Mediterranean, formed by a series of
mountainous massifs, hills and narrow
highlands, has jagged, rocky coasts
concealing marvelous beaches and
countless picturesque inlets and islets.
Cagliari is the capital, ruled by a special
statute. Pre- and post-historic eras are
expressed by the megalithic “Tombs
of the Giants”; the “domus dejanas”
(houses of the witches), tombs dug into
the rock; and the mysterious “nuraghi,”
around 7,000 truncated cone towers
found all over the island. Phoenician
and Roman remains have come to light
at Tharros and Nora; there are Roman
relics at Porto Torres and Cagliari and
the Gothic-Catalonian style survives from
the rule of the Spanish House of Aragon.
Temptations
•Vernaccia (DOC), white
•Malvasia (DOC), white
•Nuragus (DOC), white
•Cannonau (DOC), red & rosé
Tastes
•Pecorino, cheese made from sheep’s milk, eaten either fresh or aged to a sharp, piquant flavor and grated
•Porcheddu, roast suckling pig flavored with herbs and spices and then spit-
roasted
•Fiore sardo, golden cheese from sheep’s milk
Unique Arts & Crafts
•Wrought-gold or filigree creations make lovely jewelry
•Filet lace from Bosa and Osilo, with delicately embroidered flowers, fruits, geometric shapes and folk scenes
•Basket-making from the Campidano area, where straw is woven into spirals around a small brocade fabric center
Just For Kids
Aquarium Laguna di Nora in Pula reveals
the fish and flora of the Sardinian seas.
Aquadream in Baja Sardinia is a major
water theme park with twisting slides,
games, miniature golf and more.
www.aquadream.it (only in Italian)
Water Paradise in Sorso offers pools with
artificial waves as well as “kiddie” pools,
water slides, whirlpools and more.
www.waterparadise.it (only in Italian)
To better understand this extraordinary
island, visit a perfectly detailed, scaleddown model at
Sardegna in Miniatura, Barumini.
www.sardegnainminiatura.it
Red Letter Days
May 1 Festival of Saint Efisio, Cagliari,
is a celebration including the longest
procession in the Catholic world,
including decorated carts, musicians,
worshippers, knights and more.
May second to last Sunday Cavalcata
Sarda, Sassari, or the “Sardinian Ride,”
recalls the victory of the Sardinian and
Pisan forces over the Saracens around
the year 1000. Hundreds of horses and
knights from all parts of the island show
off their skills.
41
Planning the perfect vacation
Italy’s waiting. On the previous pages we’ve tried to give you a flavor of her exclusive appeal and many attractions; a sense of the varied beauty of the land and its
remarkable regions; a glimpse of the myriad artistic, cultural and historic influences
that remain to be enjoyed there.
The Canadian Travel Council Promoting Italy (CTCPI) represents a broad range of
member companies, each of which has exceeded the highest industry standards for
customer service, quality, reliability and price/value satisfaction. While each company
specializes in one or more forms of travel, they are all committed to assisting you in
planning the Italian vacation of a lifetime. Travel with confidence and style. The choice
is yours!
Start by determining which kind of travel you enjoy the most.
Type A — Carefree
Prefer to concentrate on seeing and experiencing the country?
Try a fixed schedule approach with daily itineraries such as
an Escorted Tour by motor coach; mostly all-inclusive with a
full-time escort, available year-round. Rates vary based on
the season, length of stay, accommodations and destinations.
Special interests such as food & wine, archaeology, religion
and sports often fall within this category.
Type B — Independent
If you love exploring on your own, choosing your own
destinations and accommodations, then a custom-designed
Independent Tour, FIT or villa vacation works best for you.
Airfare, car rentals, rail, ferry tickets and even access to
special venues such as concerts or wineries can all be
incorporated to meet your timetable and budget.
Type C — A Little of Both
If you enjoy some structured touring with the flexibility to
discover independently, a Hosted Tour may just be the answer.
Generally includes airfare and transfers, accommodations,
group sightseeing tours in each destination, some meals – and
plenty of free time as well.
“As the Italians say, good company in a
journey makes the way seem shorter.”
Izaak Walton
For over 35 years, Sunquest has been taking Canadians to the
world’s best destinations in style. Featuring over 300 vacations to the
Caribbean and Mexico, Sunquest also offers a comprehensive cruising program
in the Mediterranean, complete with convenient direct flights from Toronto to
Rome, Venice or Naples, and itineraries that visit some of the region’s most
beautiful ports-of-call.
Offering 4 fabulous itineraries on 4 fantastic ships, you’ll start your journey in
either Rome, Venice or Naples – 3 extraordinary jewels in the Italian crown –
where you have the option to spend a night before heading off on your cruise,
and then board the beautiful MSC Musica, MSC Poesia, or the brand new sister
ships the MSC Fantasia and the MSC Splendida.
From these wonderful vessels, explore some of the greatest historical sights in the
world, framed by a beautiful backdrop of azure seas and desert, world-class
cities and humble villages, festivals, concerts, carnivals and music. This region is
the hub of the world’s ancient trade routes… a passionate land of many faces
and infinite contrast.
Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a getaway with friends or a
group voyage, Sunquest has made it easy. We have lots of options, with
something to suit every style and budget.
Part of the Thomas Cook Group of companies, Sunquest is the winner of the
national Agents’ Choice Awards and the Consumers’ Choice Award for ‘Best
Tour Operator’ in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
For more information on its Mediterranean cruise program, which
runs from May to October, please visit www.sunquest.ca or call
416-485-6060 or 1-877-485-6060.
With over 30 years of experience and expertise under its belt,
ALBATours is known for having the best Italy vacations… whether
it’s packaged holidays or independent adventures, ALBATours’ expert product
knowledge and buying clout makes Italy so affordable that Canadians can’t
help but return time and time again.
Offering fully escorted coach tours, city tours, hotel stays, car rentals, go-asyou-please vacations and flights to various cities in Italy, along with
Mediterranean cruises with sister company Sunquest, ALBATours operates its
program from May to October each year.
Currently ALBATours’ 2009 air only program is on sale, with 4 flights a week
to Rome, 2 flights a week to Venice, 1 flight a week to Pescara and 1 flight a
week to Lamezia. All flights originate from Toronto and if you book early, you
will be able to book roundtrip flights to Rome and Venice for as low as $499
in economy class and $299 in Club Class for added comfort on your flight.
Look out for our weekly specials.
There is no better time to escape to Italy, than now, and no better way to do it
than through ALBATours, the Italy specialists!
For more information on ALBATours’ Italy program, which runs
from May to October, please visit www.albatours.com or call
416-485-6060 or 1-877-485-6060.
ITALY IS
OUR EXPERTISE
For over a third of a century, KOMPAS
EXPRESS has been a leader in customizing
cultural travel to Italy. KOMPAS EXPRESS
works with partner airlines and other travel
suppliers to create, develop, and manage
specialty programs in Italy. Our aim is to make
travel as easy as possible by designing unique
tailor made itineraries just for you. Literally
anything is possible. We will help you to the
best of our ability to get exactly the holiday you
want. KOMPAS EXPRESS travel experts can
easily create a one-of-a-kind program based
on your personal specifications, with as much
or as little support as you like from our global
network of guides and services. That is for
individuals as well as for small groups. This
activity has earned KOMPAS EXPRESS through
the years a strong and reliable reputation as
a very serious and respected travel company.
The dedication and commitment to customer
service has won KOMPAS EXPRESS the loyalty
of its worldwide clientele. Our company has
been solidly growing over the past third of a
century: we know the areas of Italy we sell
and we have our hotels inspected periodically.
Most importantly to our philosophy, though,
is that everyone in our dedicated team has a
passion for what he or she does. Whatever the
interest, KOMPAS EXPRESS can design for you
a complete program.
For example:
Choral-performing tours
Orchestra-performing tours
Opera
Art tours
Academic tours
Leisure tours
Food & Wine tours
Garden tours
Senior Citizens leisure weeks
Student cultural tours
Private Minivan and English-speaking driver for
small groups
Call your travel agent today or contact us at:
1-800-EUROPE-1
www.kompasexpress.com
www.kompasXlusive.com
45
Your style…. Your way!
Arts & Leisure Tours / Travel With Flair
Since 1990, Arts & Leisure Tours has been
offering carefully crafted and unique travel
experiences to create memories of a lifetime. We believe our reliability, expertise
and knowledge are the keynotes of our
business and we strive to offer our clients
the very best. From our experienced staff to
our meticulous planning, we will assist you
in all your travel plans and personal
arrangements. Let us show you how our
styles, our pace and our travel values set us
apart.
A&L redesigns your travel ABCs
Looking for a travel experience to suit your
style and provide stress free planning together with time and cost savings? Arts &
Leisure Tours has reinvented the travel basics to offer a trip style to suit every traveller. Our trip planners offer custom
services designed to create unforgettable
experiences from independent travel to
small group trips and everything in between, all designed to ensure that you return home with stories you won’t stop
sharing.
À La Carte - Personally Selected
Hotels and Services
Choose from our personally selected and
inspected collection of accommodation, excursions and special services which are
sure to delight. Prepaid services mean
guaranteed rates and worry free arrangements. Our meticulous trip planners scour
and screen each menu item, so we ensure
every recipe we whip up provides you with
outstanding value and excellent variety.
Bravo! - Independent Explorations
Prefer to fly solo when travelling, or maybe
have a few of your closest friends accompany you? Bravo! This independent trip
style is for those who are comfortable on
their own. Choose from our flexible suggested itineraries or customize your own,
all based on A&L’s personal experience.
Our expert trip planners have “been there,
done that”, so you can be sure that they
will be able to assist you in designing your
own unique itinerary. Leave the work up to
us, the vacation is for you to enjoy!
Connoisseur -Tailor Made Travel
The luxury to do what you want when you
travel and to have the very best, this is
what Connoisseur travel means to us. Call
it extravagance, indulgence, lavishness or
upscale. We prefer to call it magic! From
grand hotels, to hidden country gems, private Mediterranean yachts to luxury tented
camps; you can rest assured you will certainly slumber in finery. Enjoy the hospitality of your local hosts as you indulge in
wine tasting in prestigious cellars, relish
great art with private guides, and revel in
the glorious spectacle of country scenes
and backroads. Let us create the perfect
connoisseur event whether it’s your wedding, your corporate function or your
dream vacation.
Dolce Vita - Small Group Journeys
Enjoy the ‘Good Life’ on one of our small
group journeys and explore our destinations in comfort. Select one of our scheduled departures or if you travel with a
group of friends have us prepare a customized itinerary just for you. Our Dolce
Vita trip style is for curious travellers who
seek out authentic experiences in the company of a knowledgeable host. The group
size is kept deliberately small, an average
of 12 – 16 guests, so the feeling is intimate
and relaxed. And special requests can easily be accommodated. The focus of each
trip is specific so you really immerse yourself in a particular region. We stay in
charming hotels and country inns (with usually only two or three hotels per trip) and
dine in small, typical restaurants. The luxury of expert guides, the chance to meet
like-minded travellers and the opportunity
to take in the best each region offers; with
our Dolce Vita trips, you can have your
cake and eat it too!
Escorted - Guaranteed Departures
Safety in numbers! If this is your motto,
than this is the style for you. Our Escorted
trips allow for a very enjoyable and
leisurely way to appreciate a foreign country, especially for those with time or budget
restraints or for those who would like to
cover a lot of ground in a short time. Roll
along in comfortable motor-coach vehicles,
with panoramic windows and reclining
seats. Each tour is guided by professional,
multicultural and expert hosts as well as
local guides who know the area better than
anyone, so you can take comfort knowing
that you will not miss out on any of the destination’s highlights. Our tours are also
guaranteed which allows you time to plan
ahead so you can save money on flights
and travel expenses without any worry.
Call your travel agent or
(905) 850-8984 /1-800-387-4110
www.artsandleisuretours.com
Discover the Best of Italy in Style!
We invite you to experience the INSIGHT difference when touring Italy with us in 2009.
7fh[c_[h[iYehj[Zjekhef[hWjeh\ehel[h)&o[Whi"?di_]^jLWYWj_edie\\[hiYb_[djiWY^e_Y[e\el[h'(&gkWb_jolWYWj_ediXobknkhocejehYeWY^j^hek]^ekj8h_jW_d"
;khef["j^[;Wij[hdC[Z_j[hhWd[WdWdZDehj^7c[h_YW$?di_]^je\\[hiWf[hiedWb_p[Z[nf[h_[dY[j^Wj^[Wha[diXWYajej^[=ebZ[d7][e\;khef[WdJhWl[b$
THE INSIGHT DIFFERENCE:
Ceh[B[]heecCWn_ckc<ehjo=k[ijGkWb_jo>ej[bi:[i_hWXb[BeYWj_edi
:[b_Y_eki:_d_d]?cf[YYWXb[I[hl_Y[Ceh[?dYbkZ[ZI_]^ji[[_d]
CHOOSE FROM ANY OF OUR VARIETY OF MOTORCOACH TOURS:
;WioFWY[?jWbo¸'*ZWoi
?jWb_Wd?dj[hc[ppe¸/ZWoi
?jWb_Wd;b[]WdY[#')ZWoi
?jWb_Wd;iYWfWZ[¸'*ZWoi
8[ije\?jWbo¸''ZWoi
9ekdjhoHeWZie\?jWbo¸'-ZWoi
For more information on our Italian itineraries, contact your Favourite Travel Agent or visit www.insightvacations.com
Passion For Italy
For 80 years, Globus family of brands has been providing a variety of products that address
the needs of today’s diverse traveller. Whether it’s a fully escorted, premium, independent,
or river cruise vacation, with Globus family of brands you will get unmatched value and
world-class customer service with every journey.
style!
+96.@C=5QD#+C2G6=@>A2?J
7@C*EF56?ED2?50@F?8'C@76DD:@?2=D
AMAZING VALUE!
Escorted Tours That Simply Offers More
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility and choice,
plus a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus
offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels and MORE
experience with 80 years of taking travelers on unforgettable
journeys. In addition, Globus offers twice the number of included
features – MORE value with an average price less per day than our
nearest competitor. The safety of our travelers and the richness
of our vacations is a priority and it is what has made Globus the
worldwide leader in travel and a name you can trust.
+# %/')**&0*
Independent Travel
Monograms is independent travel without the
hassle of logistics and guesswork. Unlike most
other independent travel companies where you
have to execute every detail, Monograms creates
extraordinary packages to destinations around
the globe.
Walk in the footsteps of the Roman Emperors and follow
the tradition by throwing 3 coins in the Trevi fountain.
Enjoy Renaissance Florence and it’s traditional Tuscan
hospitality, art and architecture. Enjoy walking the tiny
streets and shopping for Italian designer fashion in the
floating city of Venice.
1195
$
DE2CE:?82E
* $'#0 +#00*
Budget Travel and Affordable Vacations
More than four decades ago, Cosmos virtually invented the budget
vacation. Since then we’ve refined the concept of low-cost travel packages.
Although others have jumped on the budget-travel bandwagon, Cosmos
prices are still the best value. Our team of experts has refined our itineraries
to combine the must-see sights with significant time on your own. We not
only offer more choice of activities, we also offer longer stays in key cities
for more flexibility in our itineraries. We provide air, accommodations,
transportation and the services of a knowledgeable Tour Director for
much less than if you booked them individually on your own.
www.GlobusFamily.ca
Discover the big cities and some of the less famous
destinations in this fabulous country. Stay in La Spezia
in the Cinque Terre region and Milan, Italy’s fashion
capital! You’ll also visit the picturesque village of Sirmione at Lake Garda, stop in Bologna, the home of
spaghetti bolognese, and re-enact the balcony scene
from Romeo and Juliet in fair Verona where the story
was set.
1765
$
TICO# 1893775
DE2CE:?82E
General information
TRAVEL SEASONS
High
June - September.
This is the most expensive and popular time to travel.
Shoulder April - May
September - October
December 15 - 24
Low
November 1 - December 14
December 25 - March 31
DOCUMENTATION
Passports
A passport is valid for 6 months beyond
the date of the return flight. Canadian
citizens with a valid passport can stay
in Italy 90 days. If a longer period is
required they must obtain a visa.
Note: Minors under 18 years of age
not traveling with their parents require
a declaration from both parents, or
their legal guardian, authorizing their
independent travel.
MAJOR ITALIAN AIRPORTS
Rome
Fiumicino (FCO) Leonardo da Vinci
www.adr.it
Ciampino (CIA) www.adr.it
Bologna (BLQ)
Guglielmo Marconi www.bologna-
Flight info Canada - Italy 2009
DIRECT SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
airport.it
TRAVEL WITHIN ITALY
Florence (FLR)
Amerigo Vespucci www.aeroporto.
firenze.it
Air
Domestic airlines connect all country’s
airports as well as some European cities.
Among them:
Meridiana www.meridiana.it
Air Dolomiti www.airdolomiti.it
Air One - Alitalia www.flyairone.it
www.alitalia.com
Genoa (GOA)
Cristoforo Colombo – Sestri www.airport.
genova.it
Milan
Malpensa (MXP) www.seaaeroportimilano.it
Linate (LIN) www.sea-aeroportimilano.it
Bergamo (BGY)
Milano Orio al Serio www.sacbo.it
Naples (NAP)
Capodichino www.gesac.it
Pisa (PSA)
Galileo Galilei www.pisa-airport.com
ALITALIA
www.alitalia.ca
AIR CANADA
www.aircanada.com
SKYSERVICE
www.skyserviceairlines.com
AIR TRANSAT
www.airtransat.com
Palermo (PMO)
Punta Raisi www.aeroporto.palermo.it
Turin (TRN)
Citta di Torino www.aeroportoditorino.it
CONNECTING SCHEDULED FLIGHT OPTIONS
AIR FRANCE
www.airfrance.com
via Paris
AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
www.austrian.com
via Vienna
BRITISH AIRWAYS
www.britishairways.com via London, U.K.
KLM
www.klm.com
via Amsterdam
LUFTHANSA
www.lufthansa.com
via Frankfurt or Munich
SWISS
www.swiss.com
via Zurich
CSA
www.czechairlines.com via Prague
NOTE: The above listing of various airlines services from key gateways in
Canada to Italy. Please check with the airlines or your travel agent to confirm
service availability.
General information
Venice (VCE)
Marco Polo www.veniceairport.it
DUTY FREE
The following goods may be imported
into Italy without incurring customs duty
by passengers over 17 years of age
arriving from countries outside the EU.
•200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco 2 liters of wine and 1 of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine
•50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
•500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)
•100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
gifts not exceeding $200.00 (if entering from a non-EU country)
Ferries
Regular boat and hydrofoil services run
to most of the islands, including Capri,
Elba, Giglio, Sardinia, Sicily and the
Aeolian Islands. There are also some
links along the coast. Ferry service from
main ports connects most of the ports of
the Mediterranean countries, included
Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania,
Malta, and the island of Corsica.
www.ferriesonline.com
Rail
There are nearly 16,000km (9,400
miles) of track in the country. The
Italian State Railroad, Trenitalia, runs a
nationwide network at very reasonable
fares, calculated on the distance
traveled, and there are a number of
excellent reductions. A new rail pass,
the Trenitalia Pass, is the only pass
available to people resident outside of
Italy (it supersedes the old Italy Flexicard,
Railcard and Kilometric ticket).
This allows from 4 to 10 days of
unlimited travel within a two-month
period. Any train in Italy can be used,
although a small supplement is payable
on Eurostar Italia services. The pass also
entitles the holder to discounts on some
Italy-Greece ferry routes, hotels and other
special offers. Both first- and second-class
passes are available. Children aged
from four to 11 pay half the adult fare,
and there is a reduced-rate Youth Pass for
travelers aged under 26. Please note that
once you purchase your train ticket you
must validate it at the yellow box at the
beginning of the train tracks, otherwise it
will be invalid.
For further information,
www.ferroviedellostato.it
Road
The highway (AUTOSTRADA, symbolized
by AA) has tolls and charge according to
distances and size of the motor vehicle.
Some stretches, the Salerno-Reggio
Calabria, Palermo-Catania and PalermoMazara Del Vallo, are toll-free. Gas
stations along the highway are open
24/7. State roads (SS) are also very
good and require no tolls.
Gas stations on the secondary roads are
usually closed from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Visitors should check locally about exact
hours of operation.
The road signs are usually international.
Italian highways do accept credit cards:
pick the lane that reads Via Card and
any major credit card will be accepted
by the machine.
More information on the Italian
motorway network is available from the
Società Autostrade at www.autostrade.it
Traffic Regulations
Traffic drives on the right. Italy
recognises driving licenses and other
traffic documents that are valid in other
countries. Canadian driving licenses
are valid in Italy but the license must
be accompanied by a translation or
an international license (check your
local CAA in Canada). Passengers are
required by law to wear seat belts.
Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in
urban areas, 90/110kph (55/65mph)
on country roads, 130kph (80mph) on
highways. High beams are prohibited,
especially in towns and cities, but are
permitted when an emergency arises,
when driving through darkness but only
when no vehicles are coming in the
opposite way. Lights are required by
law to be ON at all times by law. Red
warning triangle on board is mandatory.
Note: Fines for speeding and other
driving wrongdoings are particularly
heavy and on-the-spot.
Limited traffic areas (Zona
Traffico Limitato)
Limited traffic areas have been created
in most of the historical centers of Italian
cities. This measure has been taken to
increase pedestrian areas, commercial
activities, and reduce pollution to
preserve historical sites. In these limited
traffic areas only authorized vehicles are
allowed to drive, such as: buses, police
cars, ambulances, etc. Residents have
access as well. All of the authorized
vehicles have their license plate
registered with the Municipal Police.
If a vehicle crosses a limited traffic area,
cameras will take a picture of the license
plate.
The photo is automatically sent back to
a computer of the Municipal Police and
if the license plate is not registered a
violation ticket is generated and sent to
the owner of the vehicle.
The limited traffic areas are clearly
indicated with a sign marked with a
white circle with red borders, stating the
hours in which the area is restricted.
Please Note:
Due to the law and the authority that is
held by the local Municipal Police, the
Italian Government Tourist Board cannot
act as an intermediary in settling disputes
over traffic violations.
Road service:
In case of vehicle breakdown, dial
116 at the nearest telephone and tell
the operator your location and car
description and the nearest Automobile
Club of Italy (ACI) office will be notified
for immediate assistance.
51
General information
General information
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephones
Full IDD (International Direct Dial) service
is available.
• Italy country code is 39, so from
Canada, dial 011 39 followed by 06 for
Rome, 02 for Milan, 011 for Turin, 081
for Naples, 041 for Venice and 055 for
Florence), drop the 0 if calling an Italian
cellular number.
• Outgoing international code: 001,
Canada city area code and telephone
number.
Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate
travel times (hour.minutes) from Rome to
other major cities in Italy.
From ROME to
AIR
Florence 0.45
Milan
0.65
Venise
0.65
Naples 0.45
Palerme 0.60
ROAD
2.30
6.00
6.00
2.00
10.00
RAIL
2.30
6.00
6.30
2.30
14.30
TRANSPORT
All Italian cities rely on trams and bus
transportation: the fare structure is
integrated between the various modes.
Tickets can be purchased from tobacco
shops or newsstands.
Taxi:
Available in all towns and cities.
Government-regulated taxis are either
white or yellow. Avoid taxis that are not
metered. There are extra charges for
night service, luggage and taxis called
by telephone. All charges are listed
on a rate card displayed in the cab
with an English translation. Taxis can
only be hailed at strategically located
stands or booked by telephone. One
cannot hail a cab from the streets. A
10% tip is expected by taxi drivers and
this is sometimes added to the fare for
foreigners.
MONEY MATTERS
Single European currency (Euro)
The Euro is the official currency. The first
Euro coins and notes were introduced in
January 2002; the Italian lira was still in
circulation until 28 February 2002, when
it was completely replaced by the Euro.1
Euro = 1.65 $CAD approximately. Do
check before traveling www.xe.com
The Euro is divided as follows:
bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500;
coins of 1 & 2 Euro and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20
and 50 cents.
Currency exchange
Travelers’ cheques and foreign money
can be changed at banks, railway
stations and airports, and very often
at major hotels (generally at a less
convenient rate, depending on the
denominations of currency being bought
or sold). Check with banks for details
and current rates.
Credit cards
Most reputable establishments will accept
major credit cards. Those establishments
accepting credit cards will post the
logos in their front windows, just as they
do in Canada. Most of the credit card
companies charge a fee for overseas
purchases.
Travelers cheques
In major Italian cities and tourist areas
traveler checks are accepted. Please note
that the amount exchanged is subject
to a service fee (5 - 6.5 % varying from
bank to bank).
Currency restrictions
Check with the embassy before
departure. Import and export of both
local and foreign currency is limited to
Euro 12,500. If it is intended to import
or export amounts greater than this,
the amount should be declared and
validated in Italy on form V2.
Banking hours
These vary from city to city but, in
general, Mon-Fri 8:30am-1:30pm and
3:00pm-4:00pm, Sat 8:30am-1:00pm,
although many banks are closed on
Saturdays and Sundays.
ATM card
Using your ATM card is the easiest and
most convenient way to get cash when
needed. Just make sure that your card
has logos on the back reading NYSE
– MAESTRO and PLUS or CIRRUS, and
that your pin code is numeric only. Check
with your bank for restrictions.
Telephone booths now only accept
phone cards, which can be purchased at
post offices, tobacco shops and certain
newsstands and are available for 5, 10
and 20 euros.
Mobile Telephones
GSM 900 and 1800 networks.
Network operators are TIM - Telecom
Italia Mobile www.tim.it, Vodafone www.
vodafone.it, Wind www.wind.it and
H3G www.h3g.it.
If you are traveling to Italy and want
to use your cell phone, you most likely
won’t be able to do so. Unless you have
a GSM tri-band phone, you will need
to make special arrangements with your
cellular carrier. Another alternative is
to rent a cell phone. In fact, most tour
operators from our list will be happy to
arrange this.
Internet
Internet corner booths operated by
Telecom Italia are available for public
access and can be found at airports,
major hotels and in other public places.
Many Internet cafes are scattered
throughout all main towns. Wireless
connection for laptops are available at
the Rome www.adr.it and Milan airports.
www.sea-aeroportimilano.it
Post Offices
Letters between Italy and other countries
usually take 4 to 7 days to arrive.
Stamps are sold in post offices and
tobacco shops.
Hours vary but usually are as follows:
Mon-Fri 8:00/8:30am-1:00/1:30pm
2:00/2:30pm-5:30/6:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm.
ELECTRICITY
In Italy the current is 220 volts,
compared to the North America 110
volts. If you plan on using your own
110-volt appliances, you will need a
voltage converter, unless your appliance
is designed to also work with 220 volts
electricity (dual voltage). For example,
most laptops and some electric shavers
are designed to work both at 110 and
220 volts. Plugging in an appliance
that is not designed to run on 220 volts
electricity without using voltage converter
will damage it. Regardless of voltage,
you will need an adapter.
USEFUL INFORMATION
ENIT - Agenzia
Nazionale del Turismo
(Italian Government Tourist Board)
Via Marghera 2,
00185 Roma - Italy
Tel: 06 49711
Fax: 06 446 3379
www.enit.it
Tel: 613 232-2401
Fax: 613 233-1484
[email protected]
www.ambottawa.esteri.it
Italian General Consulate
136 Beverley St
Toronto (Ontario) M5T 1Y5
Tel: 416 977-1566
Fax: 416 977-1119
[email protected]
www.constoronto.esteri.it
3489 Drummond St
Montreal (Quebec) H3G 1X6
Tel: 514 849-8351
Fax: 514 499-9471
[email protected]
www.consmontreal.esteri.it
1100 - 510 West Hastings Street
Vancouver (British Columbia) V6B 1L8
Tel: 604 684-7288
Fax: 604 685-4263
[email protected]
www.consvancouver.esteri.it
Canadian Embassy
Via Zara 30
00198 Roma - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 06-85444.2911 (recorded
information only)
Fax: (+39) 06-85444.2912
Italian Government
Tourist Board (ENIT)
175 Bloor Street East - South Tower Suite
907
Toronto (Ontario) M4W 3R8, CANADA
Tel: 416 925-4882
Fax: 416 925-4799
[email protected]
Italian Embassy
275 Slater St, 21st Floor
Ottawa (Ontario) K1P 5H9
53
2
Italie - le guide de voyage
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNER
Italian Government Tourist Board
www.ctcpi.ca

CANADA - year 2009 - Italian Government Tourist Board

Transcription

Similar documents

L`ombelico del mondo

Intimissimi has a great history behind it. The extraordinary

The Colosseum Pasta Gelato Football The Italian flag Pizza The

wINekITz.com - Winekitzkamloops.com

Inside out - Italy

issue 16

Catalogue 2009

Insider press pack

bambinos