Italy Car Hire Italy Campervan Hire Italy River Cruises - Canalboat Hire
Italian Trivia: Trivia: Population 57,679,955 as of 2000 The Vatican's Museum has one the greatest art collections in the world and the galleries stretch over four miles Shopping Hours...don't get caught out by the long lunches! Generally open from 9.00am to 1.00pm and from 3.00-4.00pm to 7.00pm. However, most shops in the city centres remain open throughout the entire day, with the exception of one morning per week (usually Mondays). Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean like a women's leg firmly planted in a sleek stiletto, so it's hardly surprising that Italians are known for their impeccable style and fashionable dress sense. They're also known for once having an empire that stretched across the globe, and for having the most spectacular churches, frescos, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe. The Italy of today is littered with the relics of more than 3,000 years of history, and an atmosphere that ranges from the Armani-wearing-scooter-driving-espresso-drinking buzz of its cities to the quiet, pastoral existence of its hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages. From the depths of the canals in Venice, which floats on a series of islands in an Adriatic lagoon, and the bleached sands of San Remo on the Riviera, to the rocky crags of the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts. Italy's cities reveal awe-inspiring architecture from the curved arches of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the crumbling magnificence of the Colosseum in Rome. Home of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvaggio and Botticelli, its artworks are a visual delight to all visitors. Nestled into the outskirts of Rome is the independent Vatican City, the seat of the Pope and home to the famous St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The influence of the Holy Catholic Church on the people of Italy is still evident today in a series of holy festivals, carnivals, and parades involving young and old alike in almost every city, town and village.

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug.

Language: Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.

Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. It is recommended that travellers visiting the counrty from November through April get an influenza vaccine. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Cases of the N1 bird flu were found in swans in southern Italy and Sicily, but there is a low risk of human infection; as a precaution all close contact with wild, caged and domestic birds should be avoided, and poultry and egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly

Customs: It is an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches, in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.

Communications: The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Climate:
Italy has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. In summer the Northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall, the central region is somewhat humid and the south scorches under the dry heat. In winter, conditions in Milan, Turin and Venice are dominated by cold, damp and fog and Tuscany’s winter temperatures approach freezing. Temperatures in the South of the country are more favorable averaging 50-60ºF (10-20ºC). Most people visit Italy between June and August, however the best time to visit is in Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) when the weather is good and the tourists are few. The sea is warm enough for swimming between June and September. Most Italians take their vacation in August and many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. The ski season runs between December and April and the best time to walk in the Alps is between June and September

So now that you have chosen the time to visit, lets discover what there is to do. Every journey to Italy is a 'tour artistique'. There are so many art treasures of such quality, spread so well across the country that Italy can rightly be considered a bona fide open-air art gallery. No other country in the world can boast the cultural and artistic treasures of Italy. More than half the world's historical and artistic heritage is found in Italy (source: UNESCO). Evidence can be seen in everywhere - its cathedrals, churches and parishes, its monasteries and convents, villas, palaces and castles spread throughout the country. It has archaeological sites and the monuments that adorn small towns and big cities alike. An endless journey into culture and beauty.

ITALY VISA AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days
.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visas are required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to travel to Italy.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Travellers are advised to have a return or onward ticket plus all documents required for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay in Italy.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

What to visit?

Accademia:
The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses one of Europe’s finest art collections. Its display follows the progression of Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries.

Duomo Cathedral:
The world's largest Gothic cathedral, presides over the Piazza that bears its name. Its construction begain in 1386 and continued sporadically until Napolean ordered its completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation bestowed on it 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles. The church is a five-aisled cruciform seating 40,000 worshippers. Every year in May and September a nail from the cross of Christ is displayed to worshippers and is retrieved from its resting place by the bishop who is hoisted to the nivola to reach it. Across the piazza in the Palazzo Reale is the Museo del Duomo that displays the treasures from the cathedral. It also houses the Museo d’Arte Contomporanea, showcasing a collection of Italian Futurist art.

Leonarda da Vinci National Science & Technology Museum:
Within the Leonardo Gallery of the museum is a collection of Leonardo’s ingenious designs from war machines to architectural visions. Applied physics is the focus of another room in keeping with the museum’s tribute to the history of science. Address: Via San Vittore 21; Website: www.museoscienza.org

Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius’ fiery temper erupted in the volcanic lava that buried the Roman city of Pompeii. The most evocative testimony to its victims is the ‘frozen people’, plaster casts of the victims’ whose anguished contortions and facial expressions reveal the horror of their untimely deaths. Excavation of Pompeii is an ongoing process and every decade has brought to light new finds that provide insight into daily Roman life. A comprehensive tour of Pompeii’s attractions will take approximately five hours. Guided tours are available but are pricier alternatives to doing it alone. There is an informative 'How to Visit Pompeii' guidebook for sale outside all the site entrances.

Ponte Vecchio:
The Ponte Vecchio’s status as the oldest bridge in Florence saved it from destruction during the Nazi retreat from Italy in 1944. They defied orders to blow up the stately bridge straddling the Arno river and bombed the ancient buildings on either side of it instead. To one side of the bridge is the majestic bust of the most famous Florentine goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini. Perched above the shops is a secret passageway, the Vasari Corridor, providing an elevated link to the Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. It was the private walkway of the Medici’s who could move between the various residences without having to rub shoulders with the riff raff. Address: Via Por Santa Maria/Via Guicciardini

Portofino:
Nestled in a sheltered inlet within the stretch of the Italian Mediterranean is the coastal village of Portofino. It has long been the playground for the rich and famous, attracting the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace. The scenic surrounds can be explored from the outlying nature reserve graced with cypress and olive slopes. Set off from here on a ninety minute trek to San Fruttuoso or a 2½-hour hike to Santa Margherita. Other sights around Portofino include its castle and the lighthouse (faro) with its breathtaking view of the coastline

St Mark's Square:
St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) has always been the nucleus of Venice. The first citadel and church were erected on its stony foundations, the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco respectively. The Basilica di San Marco is a unique juxtaposition of Byzantine, western European and Islamic architectural styles. Travelers and pigeons flock to the Piazza with equal zeal. It is the tourists however who pay dearly to eat or drink at the elegant cafes that spill onto the pavements. Designer shops line the streets that radiate from the square. There are worthwhile places of interest to explore beyond the square and include the Museo Correr, the Archeological museum and the Museo del Risorgimento which are housed within the Procuratie Nuova.

St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro):
The Basilica lies above the reputed site of St. Peter’s tomb. It is an overwhelming interior containing notable sculptures including Michelangelo’s Pieta which is protected by bullet-proof glass since the damaging attack on it. In the central aisle stands Arnolfo da Cambio’s bronze statue of St Peter, its foot worn down by the constant flow of pilgrims’ kisses. Proudly resting above the papal altar is Bernini’s Throne of St Peter. The Vatican Grottoes, containing papal tombs, can be reached by steps from the statue of St Longinus. The Necropolis is located one level below the grottoes. This is the legendary site of St Peter’s tomb and advance permission has to be obtained to view it. Address: Piazza San Pietro; Website: www.christusrex.org

The Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums:
The Sistine Chapel’s famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo looms above the frescoes on the side walls that were painted by an illustrious team of artists that included Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Roselli, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and della Gatta. The altar wall is covered by Michelangelo’s Last Supper, revealing the figure of Christ hovering above centre and flanked by Mary and other saintly figures. The Vatican Museums provide an inspiring visit to one of the world’s greatest collections of art. The galleries stretch over four miles and include the magnificent Raphael rooms, the Etruscan Museum and the Pio-Clementino Museum which boasts the world’s largest collection of Classical statues.

The Uffizi (Gallerie degli Uffizi):
The Uffizi is one of the world’s greatest art galleries with a collection of Renaissance paintings that include the works of Giotto, Masaccio, Paolo Ucello, Sandro Boticelli, Leonarda da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. The scale and magnitude of the collection may need to be enjoyed over two visits. Rooms 1-15 (Florentine Renaissance) could be explored more thoroughly on the first trip and on the next visit one could concentrate on rooms16 to 45 (from High Renaissance to later Italian and European painting). Website: www.arca.net/uffizi/reservation.htm

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi):
The tiny Piazza di Trevi has been immortalised through this fountain built for Pope Clement XII. The statues adorning this watery display represent Abundance, Agrippa, Salubrity, the Virgin and Neptune guided by two tritons. Tossing a coin into the fountain is supposed to guarantee a return trip to Rome.

Theatre Museum at La Scala (Museo Teatrale alla Scala):
This world famous opera house rests on the site of the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, its namesake. The Museum provides a wealth of mementos from the opera house dedicated to the nation’s beloved composers and performers. These include Rossini, Puccini and Toscanini. Two halls are devoted to Verdi alone and contain memorabilia such as the spinet on which he learnt to play, hand-written scores and the baton given to him after the momentous reception of Aida.
Address: Piazza della Scala; Website: www.lascala.milano.it

Of course, to see all these sights you need to sustain yourself...
How about spaghetti, pizza, tomatoes, olive oil, espresso coffee and cappuccino! But is it all really Italian in origin? The answer is of course "no" but even food products from other continents have been enhanced in a way only the Italians know. A thousand mouth watering dishes await the intrepid traveler, hundreds of gastronomy specialties, a host of truly tasty typical products, and all kept very much alive by a modern agricultural system that is careful about preserving the traditional flavours and nutritional values.

Wholesomeness and freshness are the watchwords in all Italy's table specialties, in all of their countless variants, from the Piedmont's fondue in the north to Sicily's caponata in the south, from the risotto alla milanese to Campania's mozzarella cheese, from the Veneto's risi e bisi (sweet-peas and rice) to Rome's porchetta, from the trenette al pesto of the Ligurian coast to the Florentine steaks, to the lasagna of Emilia Romagna or the spaghetti alla chitarra of Abruzzo.

Another great reason for coming to Italy is to taste Italian cooking as the Italians really make it. So whether you're enticed by the food at one of the best-known restaurants in the cities famous for their gastronomy, or are quite happy to try the fare of the thousand small trattorie dotted around the country, you are sure not to be disappointed. Or, to try something slightly different, what about the family-run osterie (literally hostels) and ristoranti you can come across in the most characteristic parts of the historic centres? They specialise in reinventing traditional dishes or rediscovering typical agricultural products such as spelt, barley, wheat, vegetables, and olive oil. The perfect way to delight your taste buds without adding to your waistline.

To complement your meal perfectly you will want to order a good wine that is free from the chemical processes so much in use today. So relax and choose an Italian wine - again, the choice is broad, but always satisfying; the bright whites to go with white meats, the robust reds for red meats, and then there are the rosés, the sparkling wines, the fortified wines, the liqueurs and the grappas: something to go with every stage of your meal, from an aperitivo at the beginning to a refreshing lemon or strawberry sorbet to round off a perfect evening.
In sum, never has there been a better time to eat and drink well in Italy.

To see all this, you need to know how to get around.
Driving Itineraries: Most countries have recommend tourist routes to take in your areas of interest and Italy is no exception.
An example of some route types would be: The Alps, the lakes and the Sea traveling a circular route encompassing Turin, Oasta, Novara, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Milan, Pavia, Genoa and ending in Savona. Other route titles would be:
Adriatic and Venetian civilization; Beaches, abbeys and castles between Rome and Naples; Nature and Art in Sardinia etc. When you book a car with us, we would be happy to give you a detailed itinerary for the route of your choice with all the highlights of the route.

Some good links with regard to transport services www.autostrade.it , www.sta.roma.it for Rome and for Florence www.firenzeparcheggi.it

Car Rental - Car Lease
If you are traveling for under 21 days and starting in Italy, we recommend car rental. For a choice of 4 companies, click on Car Hire

For those longer trips, especially for trips ending in France, we recommend car leasing. So what's the difference between renting and leasing you now want to know? In a nutshell - car leasing is a tax free scheme initiated by the French government to encourage tourism and it works very well ! You are 'buying' the car and then 'selling' it back - all at a predetermined price and it includes everything - comprehensive insurance with NO excess.
There is no charge for additional drivers and no young drivers surcharge. The longer you take it, the cheaper it becomes. Ideally, pick it up and return it in France. However, the cars can be delivered to Italy and you pay a set price for this. For example: To deliver the vehicle to Milan or Rome costs $420 each way. However, when you think that the additional day rate for car leasing is as low as $22 per day for a 1.5l diesel compared to say $50 per day for rental, of course you have to add the delivery/collection costs and there are many other considerations to take into account - but it makes sense to compare.
The savings will be even larger if you are looking at say a station wagon or people mover. Our qualified staff are experts at comparing the overall costs between leasing and renting and the fact that we are the only company to represent all 3 leasing companies assures you of a true and accurate comparison. For details on leasing click here:
Car Lease

Incidentally, traveling to Eastern European countries is often a big no-no with car rental companies. With car leasing, you can take the vehicles to a variety of Eastern European countries eg. Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic etc. The downside is that leasing is only available to non EU citizens. For details on eligibility you will find details on the link provided above.

Motorhome - RV - Campervan - Camper
Another way of seeing Italy would be by motorhome and this offers terrific value - especially for families. Points to consider here would be: The luxury of only having to pack and unpack once!!

The savings to be had by preparing your own simple breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners. Restaurant meals, 3 times a day over an extended period can become a bit boring, even wonderful Italian cuisine, and heavy on the wallet! Shopping for your own groceries allows you to experience the true ambience of a country, chatting to locals and sampling local delicacies...not to mention great wines! . Again you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and timetable and even better, you don't have to worry about finding accommodation. You have it all in one. In Italy we are happy to offer you a choice of two companies, Freedom Motorhomes and Blurent Italy. Freedom holidays are based in Rome but they will deliver, at additional charge, to other cities in Italy. Blurent Italy have over 50 depots, giving you a wide range of choices on where to start your holiday. See details here about Freedom Motorhomes and Blurent Italy.

Train Travel
If you are just holidaying in Italy, consider the Trenitalia Pass which is only available for sale to people residing outside of Spain. You can get a Youth Saver ticket as well as a small group (up to 5 persons) ticket. All passes are valid from 4 up to 10 days travel within a 2 month period. One bonus with the pass is that you can also use the Artesia trains to Paris and Lyon by paying a small supplement. The pass also offers some benefits eg. reduced fares on shipping lines to Greece and the main Italian Islands: Capri, Ischia etc.

If you are traveling to a say 3 or 4 different countries in Europe, consider the Eurail Selectpass which gives you unlimited train travel for the duration you select in your choice of any three , four or five countries that border each other. Choose from Austria, Benelux(Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland( Republic of), Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain , Sweden and Switzerland. Just Like creating your own railpass, you pick the countries you want to visit. You can also obtain Youth Passes if you are under 26 years of age or Saver prices if 2 or more persons travel together.

You also get the general Eurail Pass which gives you unlimited travel in and between Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Countries included in the Eurail Network are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

We will be happy to advise you and quote prices if you supply your itinerary. Please email on sales@drivetravel.com

Canal Boat - Canal Barge - River Cruise
You can also travel in Italy by boat. As the largest global canal boat wholesaler, we offer you a choice of 2 self skipper companies: Crown Blue Line and France Passion. Self drive barging or cruising is lots of fun. No license is required and boats are available for 2-12 passengers. It really is a terrific bonding time for families or just a great time for a group of friends. The boats are very comfortable and most boats have en-suites and comfortable cabins. BBQ's , fishing rods and outdoor deck furniture complete the picture.
For details, Click here

ITALY CONTACTS

Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details
Italian Tourist Board: +39 06 49711 or www.enit.it
Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612 4400.
Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 2200.
Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.
Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.
Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 0000.
Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 1744.
Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5339.
United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.
British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001.
Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 1.
Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.
South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.
Irish Embassy, Rome: +39 06 697 9121.
New Zealand Embassy, Rome: +39 06 441 7171.
Emergencies: 112 (Police); 118 (Ambulance)

Top of page