Holiday Destinations - Italy

TRAVELLING IN ITALY
BY AIR The main gateways to Italy are Rome and Milan. Rome’s ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ airport is located at Fiumicino (35 km from the centre The journey time is approximately 45 minutes.Alternatively, Italian Railways operate hourly departures from the airport to theTermini Railway Station in the centre of Rome.Milan has two airports and transfers from either directly and  Journey time from Linate(10 km from the city) takes 15 minutesand Malpensa (46 km from the city) takes about an hour.There is also coach services which operate from both airports to city centre and a rail link from
Malpensa to Milan station (Cadorna) every 30 minutes. BY ROAD OR RAIL If you are travelling around Europe, Italy is easily accessible via major motorway links between France and Switzerland. Regular rail services link Italy with other European cities. First or second class travel is available. Most of the services are non-stop fast trains (Rapido and Pendolino) or Trans Europe Express Trains (TEE).START WITH A CITYPACK When you visit Rome, Florence or Venice,
Holidays Citypacks provide the widest choice of accommodation, combined with a popular sightseeing tour, to help you make the most of your stay. EXPERIENCE THE COUNTRYSIDE BY CAR For total freedom, why not hire a car and see the picture postcard countryside, at your leisure. Driving in Italy is on the right hand side, overtaking on the left. We recommend you carry an international driving license TRAVEL BY TRAIN Travelling by rail is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to travel around Europe. There is a choice of rail passes,including Eurail, Eurostar, Britrail, Italian Rail Passes and most of the single country European Passes. Individual sectors within Italy and Europe can also be
booked before you depart Australia.NORTH FROM ROME Airlines, trains and buses link all major cities with Rome, however, once at your destination, if you plan to see more of the region, car rental is strongly recommended.CENTRAL ITALY The heartland of Italy, this region is one of the most popular, beckoning tourists with its historical cities and wonderful countryside. From Bologna: Explore the fascinating Emilia-Romagna region, with interesting cities, including Ravenna, Modena, Parma and the popular Adriatic Coast. In Tuscany you are spoilt for choice on where to stay and the style of holiday experience .If you are intending to travel around, taking in all the key destinations,then see Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano. It is worth adding some extra days to your itinerary, to see the vineyards, villages, hamlets
and farmhouses that Tuscany is so famous for.Neighbouring Umbria, offers more medieval towns and villages, surrounded by landscapes of rolling hill vineyards and farmland. It is a little more ‘off the beaten track’ than Tuscany. Stay in Assisi, Spoleto or Orvieto, or one of the many villas throughout the region.NORTHERN ITALY From Genoa: Base yourself in the exclusive harbour resort town of Portofino, or Santa Margherita to discover the rugged Ligurian Coast and the beautiful villages nestled beneath vine covered hills. A popular destination along this coastline is the region of Cinque Terre – an area which refers to five unique villages that ‘cling’ to the edge of steep cliffs. Monterosso al Mare,Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore where once accessible only by sea, however, you can drive narrow roads to each, with Monterosso and Riomaggiore being the most accessible. From Milan: You have quick access to the dramatic alpine scenery and the stunning lakes of Northern Italy – LakesMaggiore, Como and Garda. From Venice: It is a relatively short trip to famous Dolomite Mountains and Lake Garda, or the delights of historic Verona.From Turin: Explore the a diverse area of traditional villages, alpine valleys and the breathtaking scenery of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. SOUTH FROM ROME Travelling around Southern Italy involves many contrasts.Wherever you travel, you will enjoy a breathtaking scenery. Join the cosmopolitan set around Naples and the Islands of Capri and Ischia one day, then be in the middle of a remote landscape the next. AROUND THE AMALFI COAST Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento- Positano - Amalfi From Naples: Once you are in Naples, you can travel easily by car, bus or rail around this area. Pompei is a short bus ride. Sorrento can be reached by local private train or bus from Naples and there is also a Hydrofoil service. From Sorrento you can travel on to Positano and Amalfi by bus.If you want to see as much of the Amalfi Coast you can, in the shortest time possible, we recommend the one day tour or two or three day duration coach holidays. The Islands of Capri & Ischia can be reached by boat from Naples (Mergellina), Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi or Salerno. SICILY If you are looking for something different, Sicily is the place to explore. Here you will find famous archeological sites, magnificent beaches and spectacular scenery including the infamous Mount Etna. Travel to Sicily by car, rail and/or ferry from Reggio di Calabria to Messina and from Genoa or Naples to Palermo. The major cities of Sicily are also linked to the north and centre of Italy’s
mainland by frequent air services.Souvenirs & ShoppingCeramics from Umbria, Tuscany and Faenza: glass and laces from Venice:alabaster from Volterra: marble From Carrara: leather goods silk-wear, jewellery,shoes, textiles, clothing and copperware are much sought after. Shops are usually open from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Some shops
may be closed on Monday mornings.Tourist Information Travellers to Italy can receive additional information regarding their stay at any of the public tourist organisations, which are located in many cities. These offices can be identified by the initials: ‘APT’, ‘IAT’ or ‘AAPIT’. For more information on road systems and traffic, contact the ACI (AutomobileClub Italia). Their office in Rome is at Via Solferino, 32. Telephone: 06 44595 Bank & Public Holidays During Public Holidays or Religious Feasts, banks, shops and commercial businesses are usually closed: 1 Jan – New Year’s Day; 6 Jan – Epiphany;
6-9 Apr – Easter; 25 Apr – Liberation Day; 1 May – Labour Day; 2 Jun -Festival of Republicca; 15 Aug – Assumption; 1 Nov – All Saint’s Day; 8 Dec –Immaculate Conception; 25 & 26 Dec – Christmas Holiday. In addition to these dates, each city or town will celebrate a public holiday for its own ‘Saint Day.’ Museums & Archeological Sites All museums have different opening hours. Most of them are closed on public holidays and many are closed every Monday. The Vatican Museum in Rome is closed on public holidays and every Sunday, with the exception of the last Sunday of each month, its opening hours vary between 0845-1300 or 0845-1600. Generally throughout Italy, museums charge an admission fee. We
suggest that you check with the museums before planning your visit.Honeymooners. There are  selected a number of properties that would provide ideal honeymooner accommodation and who will offer extra benefits for guests on their honeymoonor silver wedding anniversary. Travelling with children.We understand that travelling with children can mean extra ‘hidden’ costs, so Some of the hotels cater for families by offering quad rooms. Check The policy against each hotel.
Clothing.The temperatures vary greatly between the North and South. For Sightseeing around the major cities and towns during winter, we recommend a light topcoat or raincoat. In the summer, light, tropical attire is recommended. However, strict dress codes apply in many places of worship, where your torso and upper armsmust be covered. Shorts and skirts must reach the knee.