Brochure "Italy now" - Italian Government Tourist Board

Transcription

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The Official Guide to Italian Tourism
THE MAGAZINE OF THE “ITALY PROJECT” BY IGTB & ITPC
3RD EDITION
Compliments of
Italian Government
Tourist Board
Italian Travel
Promotion Council
SPECIAL INSERT
INSIDE
Compliments of
Italian Government
Tourist Board
Italian Travel
Promotion Council
01 Introduction.qxd
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W
Italy Now is published
under the auspices of
The Italian Government
Tourist Board
Mr. Riccardo Strano
Director North America
Published by the ITPC
Italian Travel
Promotion Council
Mr. Mauro Galli
Chairman
e invite you to begin your journey to Italy through
the pages of this magazine. Take advantage of
the information provided; it will be your travel
companion during an unforgettable journey.
Whatever you seek in your vacation, whether it be the
discovery of an artistic past, relaxation or fun, we invite you to
take pleasure in Italy’s idyllic beaches, to wander through the
rolling hills of the countryside, to relax at a local trattoria, to
indulge in the world of fashion, to treat yourself to a stroll
around ancient ruins and to enjoy Italy’s eternal magnificence.
Italy’s love affair with the American traveler is one of the
longest, most satisfying relationships between two civilizations.
Italy appeals to the heart and soul of every American, whether
young or old, traveling alone or in groups, on a budget or seeking luxury. Which is why, year after year, Italy ranks as the
foreign destination visited most by Americans travelers.
Let Italy seduce you. Surrender to all it has to offer. Every
day will provide a unique experience that will live in your
memory forever.
Produced by Market Gates LLC
Publisher: Amedeo Angiolillo
Executive Editor: Natasha Lardera
Artistic Director: Fabio Cutró
Editor: Deanie Hendrick
Special Thanks to:
Mario Scalzi for the editorial advice
Barbara Crawford for her support
Donna Connor & Tommaso Galli
for the Sardegna photography
Italy Now 2008
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D
ear Traveler,
Thank you for choosing Italy as your travel destination.
Italy in general is known as the country of “Life & Style,” of art and culture,
of good food and fashion, and it is the ideal place to spend your vacation.
Our country offers something special to each of its visitors. This is a spectacular
destination for every type of traveler.
For a vacation full of art and history, come walk into the past by way of Italy’s
countless museums, historic monuments and archeological treasures. Marvel in the
midst of exquisite paintings and sculptures. Explore the sites that antiquity preserved
for the modern day. Travel back in time envisioning yourself during the age of the
Ancient Romans or the birth of Renaissance, just to name a few.
For an outdoor vacation, come and find adventure by skiing the thrilling mountain
slopes; by hiking or biking through an endless horizon of rolling hills and valleys.
Come find peace and relaxation from our tranquil seas and lakes and also from our
many spas.
If a culinary vacation is what you crave each corner of Italy tempts you with its
delicious foods and fantastic wines, appealing to everyone’s palate.
Come discover what travelers are enjoying more and more: our quaint and charming
artistic towns and villages, where history and tradition remain intact, where the
residents are very friendly. Here, home-cooking reigns supreme and you can purchase
typical regional products at reasonable prices.
We invite you to begin your journey to Italy through the pages of this informative
and illustrated booklet. This will serve as a reference guide to planning the perfect trip.
We extend to you our warmest welcome in Italy and will do our very best to make
your visit an unforgettable one.
Have a wonderful time and pleasant stay!
Riccardo Strano
Director
Italian Government Tourist Board North America
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O
n behalf of The Italian Travel Promotion Council, I welcome you to
ITALY NOW, the essential tool for planning your vacation to Italy.
In this publication you will find useful information about the country,
but more importantly the profiles of the best Tour Operators doing business with Italy, committed to giving American travelers the best possible experience
while vacationing in Italy.
Indeed, ITPC members are the industry experts. Our organization, with a membership of 22 major operators, in conjunction with the honorary, permanent member,
ENIT (the Italian National Tourist Office), created a strong alliance based on the love
of the country. Our expertise in all aspects of vacation travel, our strong dedication
to the industry and an equally strong commitment to persevere in achieving the realization of a perfect dream vacation for the American public are the qualities we consistently uphold.
The ITPC logo is the trademark recognized in the marketplace as the guarantee
of quality, reliability and value. Our commitment is based on its selection of members who have a long and professional standing of services to the travel industry. Our
members are reviewed and required to maintain the qualifications demanded by the
standards of the organization.
We encourage you, the traveler, to look for the ITPC symbol of affiliation and be
confident that the member you select will give you the best possible service, the
greatest value and the knowledge and confidence that you have truly chosen an
expert to create the trip to Italy you so deserve.
Featured in this issue is the beautiful island of Sardinia, surrounded by the
pristine clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Vestiges of many civilizations,
a food and wine paradise, authentic folklore and a splendid and luxurious landscape
makes this island a vacation spot for all seasons.
I encourage you to read this publication and find the Tour Operator that fits
your need.
Grazie
Mauro F. Galli
ITPC Chairman
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Auto Europe offers Italy A la Carte with One Call Service.
Auto Europe, a leader in European car rental services for over
54 years, can arrange all your transportation needs in Italy.
Choose from the largest selection of self-drive cars at over 300
locations throughout Italy. In addition, we also offer the
largest selection of prestige and sports car rentals, from
Ferraris to Lamborghinis.
Chauffeur-driven service and transfer services are available in all major cities from executive sedans to limousines.
Through our tour division, Destination Europe, travelers can
reserve coach, business class and first class airfare from across
the USA to Europe. Combine your car rental with airfare or
with any of the worldwide hotel properties that they also represent for guaranteed best savings on a complete package to
Italy. Current savings include free GPS rentals with select car
rental categories in Italy, 20% savings off any Mercedes Benz
or Sports Car Rental and Winter Fly/Drive packages to Rome
or Milan beginning at $697 including airfare, fuel surcharge
and a three-day economy car rental.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Auto Europe
800-223-5555
or visit our website at
www.autoeurope.com
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BellaVista Tours was founded with the vision that truly exceptional tours begin with a thorough knowledge of the destination,
and a willingness to provide clients with personalized service.
With over 12 years of travel experience, and an Italianspeaking staff with complete knowledge of the geography of
Italy, BellaVista Tours promises to make your trip to Italy the
experience of a lifetime. Our programs are created with your
pleasure and enjoyment in mind. For example, all our itineraries are meticulously designed with superior hotels, regional
cuisine, and interesting sightseeing. Bilingual guides make
sure you don’t miss any of the unique attractions that make
Italy so special. We have inspected each hotel personally to
ensure top quality at the category you select. If you participate
in a group tour, you’ll be led around in style and taken care of
from beginning to end. If you choose to travel independently and set your own program, BellaVista Tours will advise and
suggest your itinerary and coordinate all the logistics and
manage the little details through our offices in Italy, leaving
you free to enjoy your vacation. Come and experience Italy
“BellaVista” style!
Programs & Services
• Hotel accommodations throughout all regions of Italy from
tourist class to deluxe.
• Sightseeing – including private guides if desired.
• Private transfers from airports and hotels
• Car rentals which give you the freedom of discovering all
those out-of-the-way places.
• Villa and apartment rentals by the week.
• Train tickets and rail passes.
• Land-only arrangements or with air service from major US
gateway cities to Italy and beyond.
• Contact numbers and support staff in Italy so you will never
feel alone.
CONTACT INFORMATION
BellaVista Tours
7 Marshall Street
Boston, MA 02108
Tel: 617-723-0802
Toll free in U.S.: 877-723-0802
Fax: 617-723-0803
info@bellavistatours.com
www.bellavistatours.com
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Since 1972, Celtic Tours has planned vacations for hundreds
of thousands of satisfied people to Europe. The Travel Agent
community in North America recognizes us as one of the
leading independently owned and operated tour operators in
the field of quality group and individual travel.
As active members of the United States Tour Operators
Association, we are required to post a $1 Million bond with
USTOA to protect payments made to Celtic Tours. We are
also active members of the National Tour Association and the
American Society of Travel Agents.
Celtic Tours has a rich history of presenting a unique
collection of Italian vacations for individual and group travel.
Imagine a dream vacation at an Italian villa, winding your
way through a “Southern Italian Odyssey” or enjoying a private chauffeur or rail tour. We are also specialists in family
vacations. Let us help your clients realize their Italian dream
vacation!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Celtic Tours World Vacations
1860 Western Avenue
Albany , NY 12203
800-833-4373
operations@celtictours.com
www.celtictours.com
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Whether you’re looking to vacation with friends and family,
travel as part of a group, or seek a romantic retreat for two,
your ideal experience to Italy awaits you with Central
Holidays. Our programs feature tour packages, car rentals,
Mediterranean and river cruises, as well as ski vacation packages to single and multi-country destinations the world over.
Launched by Joe and Fred Berardo in 1972, we have since
been committed to sharing with travelers the treasures of
their native land, Italy, and its surrounding Mediterranean
neighbors.
Rest assured, we know Italy, and personalized service is our
trademark. Our first class packages include escorted motorcoach tours, hosted as well as independent travel itineraries,
and customized group travel. We also provide niche-market
packages, such as cooking classes, wine excursions, tours for
art aficionados, as well as vacation rentals including villas,
castles, and farmhouses.
A Central Holidays-escorted program always includes centrally-located hotels, and complimentary wine, mineral water,
and coffee or cappuccino with meals. And, as innovators of
dining out at renowned restaurants, we treat our guests to
Italy with the tantalizing tastes of authentic regional cuisines.
Central Holidays’ high level of repeat travelers is a testimony
to our dedication to quality and service. Come see for yourself what we can offer you. Experience the personalized service for which we are known and revered.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Central Holidays
800-935-5000
www.centralholidays.com
Email: info@centralholidays.com
Brochures: brochures@centralholidays.com
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Country Walkers, the leader in worldwide active adventures
invites you into the heart of Italy on foot. We welcome you to
slow down, step onto the path and savor each moment.
Immerse yourself in sensational surroundings and leave your
worries behind. Italy is a destination of extraordinary beauty,
vitality, and historic importance. The famously relaxed Italian
way of life is a wonder all its own.
And walking is the best way to know Italy. With 14 destinations in Italy from which to choose—our itineraries highlight Italy’s beautiful coastlines, distinctive islands, majestic
mountains and lakes, and rolling, gentle hillsides—you’re
assured a complete immersion in this extraordinary country.
From the moment you arrive we take care of everything—
including intimate, authentic accommodations, cultural
events (such as wine tastings), and fresh, local cuisine.
Best of all, your experienced, professional guides are with
you every step of the way. Simply delightful companions, your
guides are local to the regions in which they guide, providing
amazing ‘insider access.’ Doors open for you, thanks to our
guides. You simply could not be in better hands. In 2009,
Country Walkers celebrates its 30th anniversary in adventure
travel. With this celebration we renew our commitment to
walking as the best way to make meaningful connections with
a region, its culture and the locals. Small groups (never more
than 18), experienced local guides, guaranteed departures and
our promise to deliver an experience of unsurpassed quality
and value set us apart. Come join us—every step of the way,
live la dolce vita found only in Italy on a Country Walkers
tour.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Country Walkers
PO Box 180 (93 Pilgrim Park, Suite 1)
Waterbury, VT 05676
Toll free 800-464-9255
info@countrywalkers.com
www.countrywalkers.com
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Offering distinctive experiences to Italy and around the world!
Distinctive Journeys International Ltd. (DJI) is a full-service
U.S. tour operator specializing in deluxe custom-designed
travel programs to Italy and other international destinations
for FITs, small groups and incentives.
From hotel packages to fully-inclusive air/land travel programs, DJI’s broad product line allows one-stop shopping to fit
the specific wishes and needs of the independent traveller(s),
family or special interest group. Behind the scenes, the team at
DJI is highly professional and experienced in making the planning and booking of your itinerary easy and personal, while
our overseas colleagues ensure peace-of mind when traveling
abroad. Since 1994, DJI has been there from the initial planning until the return home. Distinctive Journeys International
is the discerning traveller’s first choice for travel to Italy
Call your travel agent.
Programs & Services
• Full range of accommodations from villa-style and boutique
properties to deluxe city hotels and resorts.
• Transportation options: rental cars, chauffeur-driven cars and rail.
• Public and/or private sightseeing.
• Pre- and post-cruise tours as well as exclusive shore excursions.
• Special activities such as olive oil and wine tastings, visits to
galleries, tickets to cultural performances, private home visits, etc.
• In addition, DJI provides comprehensive documentation
including: personalized and detailed itineraries with restaurant recommendations, shopping tips, general information on
Italy, emergency contacts, maps/brochures, and more.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Distinctive Journeys International, Ltd
930 Pitner Avenue, Suite #11
Evanston, IL 60202
800-922-2060 or 847-328-2566
anna@distinctivejourneys.com
Fax: 847-328-2568
www.distinctivejourneys.com
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“Every time I go to Italy I discover a
new treasure,” Kit Burns of Doorways,
Ltd. says. “I got into the travel business
simply because I fell in love with Italy.
The first time I went, I departed from a
cold and snowy Philadelphia only to
end up in a villa in Tuscany the next
day. I opened the window and saw the
rolling hills and from that moment on,
I was hooked.”
“As a painter, I appreciated all of the different landscapes
Italy had to offer—from the sea and mountains in Abruzzo, to
the dry and western look of Maremma. Southeastern Tuscany
remains my favorite after 15 years,” Kit continues, “The
scenery is simultaneously dramatic and peaceful. Looking at
the Tuscan hills is like looking at waves of different colors that
are restful to the eye and refreshing to the spirit.” Each season
has something unique to offer. During the summer, the blossoms and beaches come alive and travelers can choose between
Rimini and Riccione for an active nightlife, or Sardinia and
Sicily for diving and sailing. In the spring nature bursts with
fragrance and color—a painter’s delight! It is the ideal time to
explore museums or simply sit in a
café enjoying a coffee and the local
street scene. September marks the
breaking of the heat, and the start of
the grape and olive harvest. The
cities are easy to navigate and the
countryside offers other activities
like truffle and mushroom hunting.
In the winter, the Alps, Apennines
and the Dolomites become a white
wonderland for skiers.
Doorways, Ltd. Italian Villa Vacations offers exquisite
villas for vacations in Italy. Choose your dream property from a
carefully vetted quality selection to ensure a wonderful experience.
• 333 premier villas, castles, cottages and city apartments
• 142 air-conditioned properties
• Professional and experienced staff
• Extra attention for families
• Special services in the villa (staff, chef, cooking classes)
• Weddings and honeymoons, special-interest groups
• Travel tips, restaurant guides, day-trip guides
• Quarterly newsletter
CONTACT INFORMATION
Doorways, Ltd.
900 County Line Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-520-0806
Fax 610-520-0807
800-261-4460
www.villavacations.com
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In today’s competitive market, we understand that travelers
are looking for new and affordable ways to experience a destination. Over the past 25 years, EIS has developed hundreds
of products and services to help you reinvent Italy and the
Mediterranean for your Independent and Group clients.
EIS has grown its business around a central concept: people
who travel today, travel for a reason—whether to connect
with a culture, pursue an interest or realize a dream. To satisfy
our travelers’ specific interests, we focus on customization.
With headquarters in Rome, we have access to first-hand
knowledge about what’s new and fresh. Quite simply, we
know more about destinations, activities and travel trends in
our region than any other company.
Independent Travelers (FITS)
From individuals who prefer to travel alone, to families and
small groups, we can create a trip to fit the needs of the entire
party—from unique yet affordable options to over-the-top
luxury experiences.
• Independent packages.
• Creative custom activities—after—hours museum tours,
personal shoppers, Ferrari rides, and gastronomic tastings.
• Sightseeing tours.
• Unique accommodations—hotels, villas, farmhouses.
• Hundreds of other products and services—just ask and we’ll
find what you’re looking for!
Special Interest Groups.
From wine tours to archeology to performance to sports, we
can customize a program that will fit the needs and interests
of groups of all sizes.
Your clients are limited only by their imaginations. Give us a
call to design a customized tour today!
CONTACT INFORMATION
EIS – European Incoming Services
42 Chauncy Street, Suite 10
Boston, MA 02111
Tel. 800-443-1644
Fax 617-227-7251
info@eistoeurope.com
www.eistours.com
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Europe At Cost© (EAC) is an Italian Group Tour Operator
specializing solely in customized ground services in Europe
since 1966; with offices in Milan, Rome, Nice, Washington &
New York City.
We don’t advertise extensively; but the fact that EAC has
been successfully operating for over 42+ years, relying primarily on business attained via tremendous client loyalty and
“word of mouth,” is indicative of the degree of satisfaction
clients have with our services. EAC is considered somewhat of
a well-kept secret within the industry. EAC customizes tours
for travelers who seek personal tours to Europe, with specific
interests in mind, such as RELIGIOUS & PILGRIMAGES
TOURS - EDUCATIONAL - ARCHITECTURE & ART ARCHEOLOGY - WINE & GOURMET - HERITAGE VILLA RENTALS, and much more. We supply many to
Virtuoso agents and other travel associations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
EAC - Europe At Cost
315 Fifth Avenue
Suite 603
New York, NY, 10016
Tel. 800-322-3876 or 212-532-6947
Fax 212-532-8439
www.europeatcost.com
skype: europeatcost
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Since 1985, European Connection, founded by its current
President Sandy Cutrone, has been providing customized
and imaginative itineraries for individuals and groups traveling to Italy.
We are the one-stop shop for expert assistance in planning, guidance and complete coordination of all trip details
from start to finish. The knowledgeable and professional staff
of our award-winning company has been internationally recognized as a reliable source for creating outstanding travel
packages for discriminating travelers. We are just a phone call
away in the USA with cost-effective prices achieved by our
direct contracts with hundreds of suppliers in every part of
Italy. We can offer every type of hotel from top deluxe to
charming country inns, all including breakfast daily, VAT and
special added-value amenities. Our special Guides are handpicked and assigned based on suitability for the needs of travelers. We have a network throughout Italy of the finest
Chauffeur-Driven Vehicles and Coaches for transfers, sightseeing and long-distance touring.
Ask about our Shore Excursions in every port. Special
services such as Family Travel Packages with children’s
Discovery Tours, pre-reserved museum tickets, bicycle excursions, ballooning, helicopter transfers/sightseeing, cooking
classes, wine tasting, sports car driving, etc. we can do it all.
European Connection is a proud member of the ITPC (Italian
Travel Promotion Council), SITE (Society of Incentive Travel
Executives) and VIRTUOSO - “Specialists in the Art of Travel”
as a “Preferred Tour Operator”.
Customized Services
Shore Excursions • Pre- & Post-Cruise Packages • Wide
Range of Hotels-3*-5* • Private Transfers & Touring • Private
Sightseeing • Museum Reservations • Gourmet Programs •
Light Adventure Programs • Meetings & Incentives.
CONTACT INFORMATION
European Connection
125 Mineola Avenue
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
800-345-4679
516-625-1800
Fax: 516-625-1138
sandy@europeanconnection.com
www.europeanconnection.com
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Experience Italy caters to discriminating travelers who want
to experience the country in a memorable way, whether
visiting Italy for business or pleasure. Offering a variety of
specialized destinations and customized tours for groups and
individuals, Experience Italy provides an expertise based on
first-hand experience with the country.
All recommended accommodations are personally
reviewed, and tour companies and guides are chosen for
their knowledge and command of the English language.
Specializing in Italian Travel since 2001, we take great pride in
our first-hand knowledge of the many regions that make up
Italia. Personally inspecting the properties that we use for our
clients assures that we can recommend the best property to
meet our clients needs and make their Italian journey one that
they will always remember! We personally interview the
drivers and guides to ensure that our clients receive both topof-the-line service and the most knowledgeable guides in the
region.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Experience Italy, Inc.
P.O. Box 51300
Mesa, AZ 85208
Tel. 480-988-7111
Fax 480-380-5142
info@expitaly.com
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For 80 years, the Globus family of brands has been providing
a variety of products that address the needs of today’s diverse
traveler with unparalleled vacation experiences, full of discovery and insight.
We offer hundreds of unique itineraries all over North
America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Whether it’s a fully escorted, premium, independent, or
river cruise vacation, with Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and
Avalon Waterways you will get unmatched value, insider
knowledge, and world-class customer service with every journey.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Globus family of brands
5301 S. Federal Circle
Littleton, CO 80123
Direct: 303-703-7000
Toll Free: 800-851-0728
www.globusfamily.com
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The International Kitchen, founded in 1994, is the foremost
culinary company offering over 90 hands-on cooking vacations in Europe. Weeklong all-inclusive programs include
accommodations at small and charming historic hotels,
inns, villas, or farms in beautiful and scenic locations,
hands-on classes, all meals with local wine, market visits,
wine, olive oil and cheese tasting, visits to historic sites and
transportation throughout.
Classes are led by a variety of teachers, from Michelin
chefs to local caterers, to a “nonna” or grandmother who
loves to pass on her family recipes with a fierce passion for
her heritage. Programs can be confirmed for as few as two
people and are never larger than eight or twelve. Karen
Herbst, founder and president, has established a policy that
every program is personally visited and experienced so that
they are certain they have created an outstanding program
to provide you with an unforgettable and magical experience.
The staff at The International Kitchen have all lived and
worked in Europe and are all bilingual. If you do not have
time for a full program, they offer shorter options as well as
one-day classes in many locations. They offer a cultural
experience as much as a culinary trip; what better way to
get to know the local people than through their gastronomy, which is such an important part of their culture.
Come and cook, eat, drink, laugh and have an experience that will be a memory of a lifetime.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The International Kitchen
www.theinternationalkitchen.com
info@theinternationalkitchen.com
1-800-945-8606
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For Parker, it’s not about how many homes or countries it
offers. It’s about the number of satisfied customers who return
each year. With client satisfaction rated above 99%, Parker
enjoys the industry’s highest reputation for quality, accuracy
and customer care. Parker is not a listing service. Only homes
that meet stringent guidelines are represented. Parker’s success is driven by three factors:
Exclusivity — Property owners choose Parker exclusive of
other agencies, portals or listing services. This eliminates
confusion, overbooking and dramatically increases owner
accountability.
Uniformity — For consumers to make accurate comparisons,
Parker sets pricing based on size, location and amenities and
relies solely on its own photos and descriptions.
Verification — Parker’s Italian office re-inspects properties to
ensure quality standards are maintained and provides 24-hour
in-country customer support.
While some may think we invented this business. We did not.
However, since our inception in 1993, when screens or phones
were virtually unheard of in Italian rentals, Parker set the industry on its heels. Today, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, washerdryers, fully staffed villas and a host of other amenities have
become commonplace in many Parker properties. What’s next?
Ultimately, it’s about the experience. Aside from significant
savings over hotels, today’s client seeks built-in activities with
their home. Parker Action Villas go beyond just renting a
house. Among the choices are: pizza making classes using the
villa’s brick oven; private wine tastings; cooking classes in the
villa’s kitchen; massage treatments by the pool; guided
truffle and mushroom hunts and driving tours in vintage
automobiles. For travelers not renting villas, Parker offers
Actividayz.com half-day activities ranging from cooking
classes to ceramic making. Parker also offers three-day
cooking programs to add pre- or post-rental, one in a private
Florentine villa and the other in romantic Abruzzo.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Parker Villas
152 Lynnway, Lynn, MA 01902
800-280-2811
www.parkervillas.com
italy@theparkercompany.com
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Leaders to Italy since 1945.
From the major cities to the charming hill towns off the beaten path, Perillo’s Italy tours have been honed and crafted
through 64 years of experience.
You’ll appreciate our balance of sightseeing, free time,
optional activities and relaxation. Our itineraries are often
imitated, but never surpassed.
Unmatched Meal Service
For many, Italy’s food is as important an experience as visiting
the Sistine Chapel (also included on our tours!). So we start
each day with a full Italian/American buffet, including bacon
and eggs. Dinners include antipasto, pasta, choice of 3 entrees,
salad, desert, coffee, mineral water and one bottle of wine per
couple. Most nights we include entertainment. Buon appetito!
First Class & Deluxe Hotels The Perillo name is as well
known in Italy as in the States. We’ve established strong relationships with the best centrally located, 4- & 5-Star hotels
throughout the country. When you travel Perillo, you’re not
just another tourist!
Great Guides & Sightseeing In Italy, being hired by Perillo
Tours represents the pinnacle of any tour guide’s career. We
also employ the best expert local guides, many who have published books and have advanced degrees to their credit. Our
sightseeing includes in-depth studies of the Sistine Chapel,
Uffizi Gallery, Doges Palace, Pompeii, the Colisseum and the
great Cathedrals of Italy.
New Private Tour Series! New this year, we’re introducing
our Private Tour Series. From 8 to 18 of your family and
friends can enjoy our famous Italy tours “privately” in a
deluxe mini-bus with your own driver and guide. The itineraries match those found in our brochure and cost just slightly
more than our larger group tours. Best of all, we give one free
land tour when you book 11 or more full-paying passengers.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Perillo Tours
800-431-1515
www.perillotours.com
Steve Perillo
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Since 1981, Picasso Travel has provided travel agents with
highly competitive airfares to the four corners of the globe.
Known for reliable, ethical customer service, Picasso quickly
earned the nickname “the good consolidator,” a distinction it
continues to enjoy throughout the travel community today.
Begun in 1998, Splendida Italia by Picasso Travel was a
natural outgrowth of Picasso’s strong customer service and
special affection for Italy as a tourism destination. Forging
solid working relationships within the destination gave
Splendida Italia’s programs a distinctive personal touch
favored by both travel agents and travelers. Year after year, by
pairing value priced air fares with a variety of land packages
designed to suit the full range of travel budgets and travel
preferences, Splendida Italia offers the best of Italy from the
Swiss border to Sicily, from Murano to Capri to Sardinia and
everything in between. Packages feature simple city modules
—the building blocks for the design-your-own custom tours;
escorted bus tours with time-tested itineraries that never lose
their appeal; special interest touring with a focus on wine and
culinary demonstrations; art classes and wellness programs—
hotels, resorts, country inns, private villas—Splendida Italia is
a showcase of the charms of Europe’s most compelling destination.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Splendida Italia by Picasso Travel
11099 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 242
Los Angeles, CA 90045
info@splendidaitalia.com
310-645-7527
800-995-7997
www.splendidaitalia.com
Huseyin Ozyurtcu
Italy Now 2008
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Page 22
Now celebrating 28 years of experience in the United States,
TourCrafters offers the American market the most exhaustive
brochure of Italy with value-packed tours, bargain-priced
packages and travel services such as hotel reservations, transfers, sightseeing tours and car rentals, cruise extensions, and
private exclusive customized services.
The privately-owned company, known for its quality
tours, select hotels all centrally located and knowledgeable
staff on call 24 hours, specializes in Italy, France, Spain,
Greece, Austria-Germany & Imperial Capitals, Turkey and
now Egypt.
Leading the way among tour operators in opening up new
Italian destinations, TourCrafters has recently designed innovative packages to Sardinia, Le Marche, Puglia, Sicilian farmhouses, alberghi diffusi and resorts like Sabaudia that are little
known to Americans, to add to the extensive selection of
tours and hotels all over Tuscany, Umbria, Italian Riviera &
Cinque Terre, Veneto & the lakes regions, Sicily as well as the
art cities. In addition TourCrafters offers honeymoon pack-
ages, gourmet tours of Italy and food and wine tours in Spain.
TourCrafters offers brochures on Italy and Europe annually
and also provides on the web mini-brochures on Turkey,
Spain, Ireland, Greece, France, Europe Capitals and Egypt.
TourCrafters’ head office is in Libertyville, Illinois, just outside Chicago. The Rome office is in the same building as
Greyline, on the very centrally located Piazza dell’Esquilino
only few blocks from Colisseum and Spanish Steps. Recently
named Ambassador of Rome by the city’s deputy mayor,
Mauro F. Galli, president of TourCrafters and the Italian
Travel Promotion Council, lives and works in Libertyville. His
cousin, Piero Galli, executive vice president, and Piero’s wife,
Francesca Gaddini Galli, director, are based in Rome to coordinate and oversee the operation in Europe, though they also
spend two months each year in the U.S. A colorful, informative 24/7 web site for travel agents (and the public) makes
availability and price quotations immediate and booking and
paying easy.
CONTACT INFORMATION
TourCrafters
www.tourcrafters.com
or call 800-621-2259
22
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Page 23
A wise man once said… “If you have a heart and a shirt,
sell your shirt and go to Italy!”
Visit Italy Tours is Italy’s finest Tour Operator specializing in
custom-designed tours for individuals and special-interest
groups. Our exciting and diverse programs are perfect for
travelers seeking great value and flexibility.
Whether you’re traveling to Italy for business or pleasure,
for an extended stay or just for a quick getaway weekend, Visit
Italy Tours has created a variety of tour products and deluxe
programs for your travel enjoyment and pleasure. Begin by
selecting your choice of tour program. Independent tours
provide travel at your own pace, allowing for comfort and
maximum freedom. Others may prefer a fixed schedule or a
day-by-day itinerary; we offer an interesting variety of
Escorted Tours. For food and wine lovers, our Gourmet Tours
present the Epicurean with an excellent opportunity to sample regional wines and discover the nuances of Italian regional
cuisine. Let our professional team of Italian experts plan your
honeymoons, weddings, romantic packages, pre- & post- cruise
tours, private shore excursions, car rentals, chauffeur-driven
limousines, hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours and
much more.
Visit Italy Tours knows Italy best; it is our home and our
inspiration, drawn from the magnificent scenery, unique culture, grand architecture and its warm, gracious people. With
offices and representatives throughout Italy, our courteous
and friendly staff stands ready to assist you in making your
trip unforgettable.
If you haven’t been to Italy with Visit Italy Tours, you haven’t
been to Italy!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Visit Italy Tours
9841 Airport Blvd Suite 1424
Tel. 800-255-3537
Fax 310-649-6880
Tel. 310-649-9080
info@visititalytours.com
www.visititalytours.com
Italy Now 2008
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Page 24
Italy Overview
24-25 Italy Overview.qxd
Venetian View. Photo by Global Group
View of the Anfiteatro Flavio in Rome.
Photo by APT Roma
Destination Italy:
Quick Facts & Essentials
Italy has something special to offer, no matter the month or the season.
The Italian dream vacation is a feast in every sense, for all the senses.
It’s the dreamy light and sumptuous
countryside, seemingly made for
romance. It’s the three millennia of
history that scintillate the mind. It’s
the food that wakes the palate. It’s
the depth of texture. And it’s the
slow, pleasant, cultured pace of life.
Visit Roman ruins, smell the
flowers of the Ligurian Riviera,
drink in Renaissance art, ski in the
Alps, explore the canals of Venice
and stand in awe in the golden
wheat fields of Apulia.
Indulge in the pleasures of la
dolce vita: good food, good wine,
good shopping, and maybe a little
bit of flirting. In Italy, everything is
possible.
You will take parts of Italy home
with you, and start planning your
next Italian dream vacation.
Because you haven’t been to Sicily
yet, or Calabria, or Verona, or
because you simply want to go back.
You’ll find a reason.
24
Italy’s Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time in the U.S. Daylight
savings time goes into effect in late
March and ends in late October.
Official Language: Italian. German is
spoken in the northeastern region
of Trentino-Alto Adige; there are
small French-speaking populations
in the Valle d’Aosta region to the
northwest. English is spoken in
most areas.
Origin of the Name: The first Greek
settlers, who arrived in Calabria in
Southern Italy from Euboea island
in the 8th century B.C., named their
new land Vitulia (land of calves).
This name spread slowly northward, and it was only under
Augustus that the whole country
adopted the name.
Apulian Trulli. Photo by Abate Masseria
Area: 301,323 km2
(116,303 square miles)
Population: 59,619,290 (2007)
Government: Republic
Constitution: Adopted
January 1, 1948
National Holiday: Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd.
Nickname: Italy is sometimes called
Bel Paese (Italian for beautiful country) by its inhabitants, due to the
beauty and variety of its countryside
and for the world’s largest artistic
heritage. The country is home to the
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Page 25
Italy Overview
24-25 Italy Overview.qxd
Mount Vesuvius at night. Photo by Regione Campania
greatest number of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites (40 as of January 1,
2006).
Currency: Euro. Bills are available in
5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins in
1, 2 Euros, and in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and
50 cents.
Country Code: +39
Capital: Rome, “The Eternal City”
(urban population 2,705,603, city
only), area code 06.
Major Cities (population):
Milan - 1,303,437
Turin - 900,569
Genoa - 615,686
Venice - 271,251
Florence - 365,966
Naples - 975,139
Palermo - 666,552
The Italian Peninsula is divided
into 20 regions, two of which are
islands (Sicily and Sardinia). Each
region holds unique customs, traditions, and dialects. Five regions
have a Statuto Speciale (special
statute): Valle d’Aosta, TrentinoAlto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia,
Sicily and Sardinia. The top travel destinations in Italy include the
three cities of Rome, Venice, and
Florence, Tuscany, and the
Amalfi Coast.
The Land
Entrance to an old house in Bormio.
Photo by Bormio Press Office
Italy Now 2008
The Italian Peninsula is bounded by
France in the northwest, Switzerland
and Austria in the north, and
Slovenia in the northeast. Italy juts
into the Mediterranean Sea, and is
surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on
the east, the Ionian Sea on the west,
the Tyrrhenian on the west along
most of the peninsula, and the
Ligurian Sea on the northwest.
No other country in the world
provides as much variety of landscapes as Italy does.
The Apennine Mountains form
the peninsula’s backbone, with the
Alps on its northern boundary. The
Alps are divided into sections
called, from west to east, the
Occidentali, the Centrali, and the
Castel Sant’Angelo at night. Photo by APT Roma
Orientali, and they border with
France, Austria and Switzerland.
The Dolomites, which are really
part of the Alps, are located in the
regions of South Tyrol, Trentino
and Belluno. The highest point in
Italy is Mont Blanc, in the Alps, at
15,770 feet. The largest of its many
northern lakes is Garda (143 sq mi;
370 sq km); the Po, its longest river
at 390 miles, flows from the Alps on
Italy’s western border and crosses
the Lombard plain to the Adriatic
Sea. Mount Vesuvius, near Naples,
is the only active volcano on the
European mainland, while Mount
Etna, on the island of Sicily, is one of
the world’s largest volcanoes.
The Alpine foothills cradle the
large lakes: Lake Maggiore and the
lakes of Como, Iseo, and Garda.
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Page 26
Climate
26 Climate.qxd
Positano by the sea. Photo by Regione Campania
A land for all seasons
Italy’s weather is mild, thanks to the moderating
influence of the seas and the Alps, which protect
the country from north winds.
Field in Apulia. Photo by Ella Studio
Still, conditions vary considerably
according to how far one is from
these two elements. The winter is
cold in the Alps, warm in the Po Plain
and the central Apennines, mild on
the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan
coast and Sicily. Summer is pleasantly warm, offset by coastal breezes,
while in the mountains it is cooler. In
the winter the mountains are perfect
skiing locations, and in the summer
they are great for hiking, excursions
and golf.
Snow on the Italian Alps. Photo by Bormio Press Office
AVERAGE DAY TEMPERATURES (In Fahrenheit)
CITY
LATITUDE
WINTER
SUMMER
FAll
Milan
Turin
Genoa
Rome
Palermo
Alghero
38
35
48
49
50
50
58
55
61
63
65
61
74
72
75
72
74
76
56
56
62
68
68
66
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 degrees and divide by 1.8.
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32 degrees.
26
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Page 27
Communications
27-28 Communications.qxd
Keyboards in Italy are slightly different, letters aren’t where you expect them to be.
Get in Touch
In the past, staying connected to those back home seemed a daunting task. Prices were
high and the coverage in Italy was poor. Nowadays there are options that not only are
very inexpensive, but also easy to take advantage of and extremely functional.
Cell phones
First and foremost, in Italy, incoming cell phone calls are free. Also,
since you can pre-pay your calls,
you can control how much money
you want to invest in outgoing call
time without worrying about
receiving unexpectedly high bills.
You can also continue to receive
incoming calls with zero remaining
credit.
Network providers are Telecom
Italia Mobile, Vodafone Omnitel,
Wind, and H3G. If you want to use
your cell phone in Italy it must be a
GSM tri-band. Check with your cellular carrier to make arrangements
before departure. The major nationwide carriers — AT&T Wireless,
Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint
PCS, T-Mobile and Verizon
Wireless — offer international
roaming service. This means the
companies have partnered with carriers in other countries to provide
expanded service to U.S. customers.
Please keep in mind that roaming
charges can be costly.
A cheaper option is to buy a prepaid SIM card at your destination,
then swapping it with the card
inside your phone. The card is usually located one layer beneath the
Italy Now 2008
battery. Pop the battery out and you
should see the SIM card seated in a
slot. Prepaid SIM cards typically
come in per-minute increments.
Costs vary, so shop around. When
the amount of money on the card
runs out, you have to purchase more
time. You can add more time on the
phone using your credit card, but in
Italy most people buy more time
with a “Ricaricard” that can be purchased at a tobacco shop, phone
store or media store. These cards
come in denominations of 25 or 50
Euro (sometimes they are available
in smaller amounts). The card carries a 5 Euro service charge.
Keep in mind that if you use an
overseas carrier’s SIM card, your
phone will no longer answer calls to
your usual number — that’s one
advantage of paying the higher rates
for international roaming with your
original SIM card.
If you prefer, cellular phones can
be rented in Italy with a prepaid
amount of usage time. Arrangements
can be made directly at the airport.
Malpensa, in Milan, has a Rentacell
office at Terminal 1. To order
Rentacell service before your departure, contact the company by fax,
telephone or email.
Many find it easier to rent a cell
phone before leaving the country.
The best deals can be found at
www.smartcoms.com. The phone
rental is generally secured by your
credit card. The shipping and activation charges are processed prior
to the start of your rental. When the
phone is returned to the company at
the end of the rental, they start processing the calls made during your
rental period.
Useful Extras
Power Adapter/Converter Kit. This is
one of those things that you need to
take on an overseas trip but sometimes forget until you need it.
Purchase a complete kit, such as
Belkin’s Business Traveler Converter
Kit, which has both converters and
adapters for several major cell
phones and PDAs.
Spare Battery. If you don’t have a
power adapter, packing an extra
battery is the next best thing.
Area Codes
Italy’s country code is 39, so from
the US to call Italy you must add the
number 39 after 011.
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Page 28
Communications
27-28 Communications.qxd
Above & Below: Italian public phones do not accept coins.
Left: Cell phones may be rented in Italy with a prepaid amount of usage time.
Calls to land phones have a zero
before each area code:
Milan 02
Florence 055
Naples 081
Bologna 051
Rome 06
Turin 011
Venice 041
Genoa 010
The zero is dropped if calling an
Italian cellular number. Common
codes for cellular numbers are: 335,
347, 337, etc.
The outgoing international code
to the US is 001, followed by the
American area code and the phone
number.
Public Phones
Public telephones are available
throughout Italy. These days most
do not accept coins and operate by
use of a phone card (carta telefonica) which may be purchased at any
newsstand, post office, or local
tobacco shop. They are available for
5, 10, and 20 Euros.
28
Emergency Numbers
Simply dial these numbers from anywhere in the country.
They are toll free.
12
170
4176
112
113
115
116
118
186
4161
4114
803116
187
119
190
155
Telephone Directory Assistance Number
Operator for Collect Calls
General International Information
Carabinieri
Emergency Police Help Number (also ambulance and fire)
Fire Department
A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) road assistance.
Medical Assistance
Telegrams
Time
Wake-up Call
Automobile Club Road Service
Telephone (Telecom)
Cellular Telephone (TIM)
Cellular Telephone (VODAFONE)
Cellular Telephone (WIND)
Internet
Internet booths operated by Telecom
are available for public access at airports, major hotels and other public
places. The term Internet Point is
often used in Italy to define a place
where access to computers connected
to the Internet is provided. Usually a
per minute or per hour fee is charged.
Others require the purchase of a card
good for a minimum amount of time.
Keep in mind that keyboards in
Italy are slightly different and that
some letters aren’t anywhere near the
places on the keyboard your fingers
expect them to be.
If you require frequent access to
the Internet for more than the occasional email, you may think about
bringing your laptop along. Many
Internet points will allow you to tap
into their wideband networks
through an Ethernet connection or
wireless nodes. Many hotels also
offer these services as well. Ask for
their fee beforehand.
For a list of locations that offer
WiFi hot spots and wireless 802.11b
Internet access, check out www.Wifihotspotlist.com
To hook up the computer
modem line one needs to purchase
an adaptor designated for Italy in the
U.S. In Italy, electricity is 220 volts,
compared to the US 110 volts. You
will need a voltage converter.
Regardless of voltage, you will need a
converter anyway as plugs are shaped
differently.
Big cities have several Internet
cafes, while in smaller towns access
may be less widely available. Local
visitor centers often have a computer
or two for you to use.
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Art & Culture
29-35 Art & Culture.qxd
Rocca di Fontanellato by Parmigianino. Photo by Associazione Castelli del Ducato of
Parma and Piacenza
Self Portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci. Photo by Museo
Leonardiano
Artistic Expressions
Italy is like a vast living museum. Very few countries offer such a rich
heritage of artistic creativity and craft.
Whether visiting an archeological
site, a museum of modern art, or a
local craft shop, you will discover
the expression of artists and skilled
craftsmen throughout the ages.
Nowhere on earth are the arts celebrated so joyously. There is something for everyone!
Hill that also includes admission to
the Colosseum. If you want to see
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in
Milan or the Uffizi Gallery in
Florence, you will need to reserve a
month ahead. You can also sign up
for guided tours of the museums or
cathedrals you want to visit.
Museums of Ancient
and Fine Arts
Florence
There are over 4000 museums,
archeological sites, and art galleries
in Italy, so if art is your weakness
you are in for a treat, although
choosing which ones to visit is not
an easy task.
Buy tickets ahead of time. Many
major museums and sites in Italy
have long lines for ticket sales, especially during the high season. You
can avoid the lines and be sure of
getting admission on the day you
want by buying tickets ahead of
time or buying combination tickets.
For example, in Rome, you can buy
a combination ticket at the Palatine
Italy Now 2008
Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most
famous museums of paintings and
sculpture in the world. Its collection
of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally
acclaimed masterpieces of all time,
including works by Giotto, Simone
Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra
Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli,
Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da
Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and
Caravaggio. German, Dutch, and
Flemish masters are also well represented with important works by
Dürer, Rembrandt and Rubens.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:15 a.m. to
6:50 p.m. Closed Monday, New Year’s
Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.
Galleria dell’Accademia. The Gallery
is particularly famous for its sculptures by Michelangelo: Prisoners,
St.Matthew and, especially, the statue of David, which was transferred
here to the specially designed court
from Piazza della Signoria in 1873.
In the adjacent rooms, which were
part of two former convents, important works of art were collected in
the 19th century from the Academy
of Design, the Academy of Fine Arts
and from convents. Open Tuesday
to Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m.
Closed Monday, New Year’s Day,
May 1st, Christmas Day.
The Pitti Palace. Formerly the residence of the grand dukes of Tuscany
and later of the King of Italy, the
Pitti Palace now houses important
collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain and a
costume gallery. It is also known for
the Boboli Gardens, one of the earliest Italian gardens famous also for
its fountains and grottoes.
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Page 30
Art & Culture
hours. Closed on Sundays, except
for the last Sunday of each month,
unless it falls on Easter, on June 29
(St. Peter and Paul), or on
December 25 and 26 (Christmas
Holiday). The closed sections in the
Museums are indicated at the
entrance. Access to the Museums is
permitted only to visitors with
proper attire.
The Roman Forum is located in a valley that is between the Palatine and
the Capitoline Hills. It originally
was a marsh, but the Romans
drained the area and turned it into a
center of political and social activity. The Forum was the marketplace
of Rome and also the business district and civic center. It was expanded to include temples, a senate
house and law courts. Much of the
Forum has been destroyed, but
columns and stone blocks that
formed some of the temples remain.
The arch of Titus and the arch of
Septimius Severus still stand and
are in good shape.
Stradivarius Museum in Cremona. Photo by Cremona Tourist Office
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo features
works, carvings and tools by
Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Luca
della Robbia. There is also a section
dedicated to the history of the
Duomo. This museum is a gem, far
less crowded than others in
Florence, but full of works by the
Masters.
Rome
The Capitoline Museums are a group
of art and archeological museums in
Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of
the famous Capitoline Hill. The
museums are contained in three
palazzos surrounding a central
trapezoidal piazza in a plan conceived by Michelangelo Buonarroti
in 1536, and built over a period of
over 400 years. Some of the works
30
Museo Nazionale is one of the
world’s leading museums of classical
art, housing many antiquities. It has
five branches spread across the city:
Palazzo Altemps, which houses the
museum’s displays on the history of
kept here are Boy with a Thorn in his
Foot, Dying Gaul, Capitoline SheWolf, an Etruscan bronze suckling
Romulus and Remus, the original
bronze equestrian statue of Marcus
Aurelius, the one outside is a replica, and fragments of a truly gigantic
statue of the Emperor Constantine.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. December 24 and 31, 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Closed Mondays, January 1,
May 1, December 25.
The Vatican Museums comprise the
papal apartments of the medieval
Apostolic Palace decorated with
frescoes during the Renaissance, the
Sistine Chapel, the exhibition
rooms of the Vatican Apostolic
Library, and the museums themselves. Each museum has different
Detail of the Conservatory San Pietro a Majella
in Naples. Photo by Regione Campania
8/28/08
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Page 31
tion of Italy took place, the Reale
displays ornately decorated apartments and splendid ceilings painted
by Seister, Miel and Morello. The
interior truly bears the stamp of
royalty. It has a bouquet of chandeliers and a sequence of rooms with
heraldic names such as La Sala delle
Vittorie and La Sala delle Dignità,
furnished with Chinese vases,
sculptures, paintings, frescos, gold
leaf and coffered ceilings. Accessed
through the arcaded courtyard
behind the Palazzo Reale, the
Savoys’ royal gardens should not be
missed. They were landscaped very
much in the French style by Andrè
Le Notre, also the designer of gardens at Versailles.
Art & Culture
Milan
Glauco Lombardi Museum in Parma. Photo by Ella Studio
collections; the Baths of Diocletian;
the Aula Ottagona, devoted to
sculptures found in baths sites in
Rome; the Crypta Balbi, home of
the archaeological remains and
finds from the digging on a citycenter site in the Campus Martius,
and the Palazzo Massimo alle
Terme, which accommodates sculpture and coin/jewelry collections.
Naples
The Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte
was built by Charles III of Bourbon
as a hunting retreat, then expanded
to house the art collection he inherited from his mother, Elizabeth
Farnese. Today, the palace is home
to the Museo e Gallerie di
Capodimonte, which houses an outstanding collection of Renaissance
paintings. Bellini, Caravaggio,
Botticelli and El Greco are all represented, along with a couple of
Bruegels, an elegant Madonna and
Child with Angels by Botticelli, and
Lippi’s soft, sensitive Annunciation.
Italy Now 2008
Open daily (except Monday) 8:30
a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
National Archeological Museum. This
museum has one of the world’s best
collections of Greek and Roman
antiquities, including mosaics,
sculptures, gems, glass and silver, as
well as many of the objects from
excavations at Pompeii, Herculaneum and other nearby archaeological sites.
Pinoteca di Brera. The gallery
opened its doors in 1809 to exhibit
the works gathered from secularized religious institutions. This
gallery has some masterpieces by
Caravaggio, Bellini, Raphael,
Mantegna, della Francesca, Tiziano,
Tintoretto and Veronese, among
others. Open from Tuesday to
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1,
December 25.
Turin
Galleria Sabauda. The collection
includes
paintings
by
the
Piedmontese artists Macrino d’Alba
and Defendente Ferrari, the
Venetians
Mantegna,
Paolo
Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and
Canaletto, the Emilians Guido Reni
and Guercino, and the Tuscans
Beato Angelico, Lorenzo di Credi
and Piero Pollaiuolo.
Palazzo Reale. The seat of the royal
Savoy family until the 1861 unifica-
Statue of Cristo Velato in Naples.
Photo by Regione Campania
Santa Maria delle Grazie. Leonardo
da Vinci’s The Last Supper, commissioned to him by Ludovico il Moro
in 1496 and completed in 1498, can
be found in the refectory of the
Dominican convent of Santa Maria
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Page 32
Art & Culture
Galleria Ferrari in Maranello. Photo by Provincia di Modena
delle Grazie. Open Daily, 8:15 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Venice
Academy Gallery. The galleries are in
the Dorsoduro district and they are
an important collection of Venetian
paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including masterpieces of the
most famous masters such as
Bellini, Giorgione, Carpaccio,
Tiziano, Tintoretto, Veronese and
Tiepolo.
Museums of Modern and
Contemporary Art
Venice
Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of
Modern Art houses important 19thand 20th-century collections of
paintings and sculptures, among
which are masterpieces by Klimt,
Chagall, and notable works by
Kandinsky and Klee, Matisse and
Moore, as well as a rich selection of
32
works by Italian artists and an
important graphic design laboratory. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a
small museum located in the
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the
Grand Canal. It features 20th-century avant-garde art and displays
masterpieces collected by the
American
heiress
Peggy
Guggenheim between 1938 and
1947 in London, Paris and New
York, and then brought to Venice
for the first time for the 1948 Venice
Biennale. Among the artists represented in the collection: Picasso,
Braque,
Kandinsky,
Klee,
Mondrian, Brancusi, de Chirico,
Giacometti, Duchamp, Arp, Max
Ernst, Mirò, Calder and Pollock.
forum for the debate of contemporary art culture and creativity, a
stage on which the great and established stars and emerging artists on
the national and international scene
alike can confront and interact with
one another.”
Additional listings:
Villa Panza di Biumo in Varese.
GAM, Gallery of Modern Art
of Bologna.
GAMUD, Gallery of Modern Art
of Udine.
MART, Museum of Modern
and Contemporary Art of Trento
and Rovereto.
GAM, Gallery of Modern and
Contemporary Art of Turin.
Museums of Special Interest
Rome
Da Vinci, Tuscany
MACRO, Museum of Contemporary Art
of Rome has been called “a true
Museo Leonardiano is located in the
medieval Castello Guidi. It was
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Page 33
Museum of Cinema
Turin
The Museum of Cinema. The Mole
Antonelliana, houses Italy’s National Cinema Museum, founded by
Adriana Prolo. It was designed in
1863 by Alessandro Antonelli.
Inside there are five floors of movie
memorabilia. Films are continuously being played and you can view
them from specially designed
lounge chairs with sound built into
the headrests.
Art & Culture
Movie-Making & Movie-Going
Rome
inaugurated April 15, 1953, at the
conclusion of the celebration of the
fifth centennial of Leonardo’s birth,
with the first exhibit dedicated to
models of machines inspired by the
designs of Leonardo. The museum
collections are continually expanding.
ry of Murano glass from the 15th
century to the current day.
Como
The Rivarossi Museum of Train
Models displays about 5,000 items
from the very first toy trains to the
present day models.
Bologna
The Tapestry Museum displays textiles
from all over the world: laces and
embroidery, trimmings, church
vestments and costumes, as well as
looms and tools used by upholsterers.
Gavirate, Lombardy
The Pipe Museum houses in ten
rooms about 30,000 pipes from all
over the world. Remarkable
exhibits: the Tyrolean briar pipes,
those from Central America, the
baroque pipes and the preColumbian ones.
Murano, Veneto
The Glass Museum follows the histoItaly Now 2008
Maranello, Emilia-Romagna
The Galleria Ferrari was officially
opened in 1990 at the Maranello
Municipal Civic Center and it is run
by the Ferrari team. It holds exhibitions of some of Ferrari’s rarest cars
along with displays of historically
important artifacts.
Fabriano, Marche
The Paper and Watermark Museum
illustrates the history of the first
paper mill in Medieval Europe and
collects valuable and ordinary paper
samples, punches, tools and presses.
Cinecittà. Rome’s film studios, on
the southeastern outskirts of Rome,
are the largest in Europe. They were
founded in 1937, when the Fascists’
power was at its height. Cinema was
seen as an important medium for
propaganda, and the studios were
closely connected with the Istituto
Luce, which produced newsreels
and documentaries. Almost all
Fellini’s films were made at
Cinecittà, from Luci del varietà
(1950) to La voce della Luna (1990).
In recent years, some important
international productions have used
the studios: Midsummer Night’s
Dream, The Talented Mr. Ripley,
Gangs of New York, The Passion of
Christ, and many others.
Nowadays it is the television
industry as much as the film industry that operates at Cinecittà. Italian
talk shows and Real TV productions are broadcast live, advertising
spots are filmed, and fiction series
are shot for distribution in Italy and
abroad. If you come to Rome in the
summer, you may be able see inside
Cinecittà, which is sometimes open
to the public between July and
September.
Italy’s cities and villages are the
most beautiful movie sets on earth
— from the cobblestones of Rome
where Audrey Hepburn played a
runaway princess, to the Tuscan
countryside where Diane Lane
found solace in a charming villa.
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Page 34
Art & Culture
MART Museum of Modern Art of Trento and Rovereto
Italy is not just a backdrop, but
also a country that loves cinema and
shows films from all over the world.
Some movie theaters in Italy’s
biggest cities offer screening of films
in their original language; most films
in Italy are still being dubbed. The
best way to find out which theaters
run movies in English is to check the
local newspaper, as listings are
updated daily.
The movies are cheaper if you go
on Wednesdays. Italian cinemas usually have assigned seating and most
cinemas still have an intermission
about half way through the movie.
DVDs and videotapes of films in
their original language can be rented
at local video stores and are available
at public libraries. Newsstands also
sell videos: The English Movie
Collection is comprised of video and
original screenplay.
34
Music & Performing Arts
Italy is rich in beautiful, historic
opera houses, many still serving as
theaters. Opera fans should try to
visit at least one opera house and
enjoy a live performance while in
Italy. The opera season is generally
October through March or April but
outdoor performances are held in
the summer. Opera houses hold theater and dance performances at
other times of the year, as well.
For opera and concert tickets
you can contact the theater or ask
your travel agent. The hotel
concierge will also assist you in
obtaining tickets for performances.
Tickets will not be sent to the States
from Italy, but will be held at the box
office awaiting you.
Verona
Arena di Verona. The fantastic historic setting for opera par excellence
is the Verona Arena. The elliptical
arena was built in light pink marble
Detail of San Carlo Theater in Naples.
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Page 35
and short comic opera are still performed at Teatro San Carlo. A museum is in the planning stage.
Palermo
Teatro Massimo. This beautiful theater is the foremost opera house in
Sicily as well as one of the finest in
Europe. Its opening in 1897 signaled
the beginning of Palermo’s belle
époque. Year-round performances
include opera, ballet, and music.
Art & Culture
Bologna
Teatro Comunale. Bologna’s opera
house is one of the top theaters in
Italy. It is a stunning example of
18th-century baroque architecture.
Located in the heart of Bologna’s historic district, the Teatro Comunale
di Bologna holds opera, musical, and
symphony performances.
Parma
Teatro Regio. Built in 1829, Parma’s
neo-classical theater holds opera,
dance and drama performances, as
well as concerts and special events.
The audience is known to be quite
astute; they even whistled to
Pavarotti!
Puppet Museum in Parma. Photo by Ella Studio
around the year 100 A.D. and stands
in the very middle of Verona, next to
Piazza Brà. Built to accommodate
more than 20,000 people, it is in
remarkable shape today. The opera
season starts in June, and there are
other performances during the year.
Before the show starts, patrons pick
up a candle from a box, unmarked,
on the stairs. The tradition is to light
the candles as the opera begins.
Milan
Teatro Alla Scala. Milan’s famous
opera house reopened in December
2004, after an extensive renovation.
The original opera house, designed
by neoclassical architect Giuseppe
Piermarini, opened in 1778, and
many famous operas were first perItaly Now 2008
formed here. La Scala was badly
bombed during World War II but
reopened in 1946 and quickly regained its reputation as a top Italian
opera house.
Venice
Teatro La Fenice. Venice’s “phoenix”
is one of the most famous theaters in
Europe. La Fenice first opened in
1792 but was twice badly damaged
by fire. It has recently been renovated and reopened.
Naples
Teatro San Carlo. The oldest opera
house in Italy, founded in 1737.
Some of the first ballet productions
were also performed here during the
opera intermissions. Opera, ballet,
Performance at the San Carlo Theater in
Naples. Photo by Regione Campania
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Festivals & Festivities
36-41 FestivalsFestivities.qxd
Folklore festivals are colorful and fun — people gather to compete, to eat something special, or simply to see each other.
Photo by Associazione Castelli del Ducato di Parma e Piacenza
Let’s Celebrate: Feasts & Festivals
Italians are known as people who really enjoy life and like to have a good
time…there is no better occasion to do that than on a national holiday.
On a national holiday, businesses,
offices and schools are closed, or
open for limited hours. Public
transportation such as buses and
trains may be operating on a
reduced schedule.
If the holiday falls on a Tuesday
or a Thursday, it is common for
people to take the intervening day
to “make the bridge” for a long
weekend: fare il ponte.
These are days to be spent at
home with family and friends celebrating together with a big, scrumptious meal. Generally each holiday
has a culinary specialty, which
becomes the star of the dining table.
January 1, New Year’s Day. The
beginning of the New Year is celebrated with Cotechino sausage and
lentils which are supposed to bring
money and prosperity in the New
Year. People often go out for dinner
to restaurants that offer a special
menu, and then it’s on to dancing.
36
January 6, Epiphany. A good witch
riding a broom brings sweets to all
the good kids and coal to the bad
ones. According to the Catholic religion, the Three Kings arrived to pay
homage to baby Jesus on this day.
Easter, April 12, 2009. The typical
dish of the day is roasted lamb followed by Colomba, a sweet bread
shaped like a dove.
Easter Monday. On the day after
Easter, the meeting between the
Angel and the women who went to
the Sacred Sepulcher, which they
found empty, took place. This is not
a religious holiday but a social holiday that was added to extend the
Easter break.
April 25, Liberation Day. On this day
in 1945, Italy regained its freedom
from the German occupation and
reinstated democracy.
May 1, Labor Day. Laborers celebrate
this day to assert their rights, to
obtain new rights, and to improve
their working conditions.
June 2, Republic Day. On June 2,
1946, Italy became a Republic after
a national referendum was held,
where citizens voted out the monarchy.
August 15, Ferragosto, Assumption of
the Virgin. Coinciding with the religious feast of the Virgin’s rise to
heaven on August 15, Ferragosto is
the most important summer holiday in Italy, a time when all Italians
get out of the cities and head for the
beach. It’s an occasion to get together with friends, enjoy a fine meal
and party until dawn. Ferragosto
marks the imminent end of the
summer holidays. On Ferragosto
most businesses are closed. Just
check the local newspaper for open
businesses.
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To delight both locals and visitors, each Italian region often organizes
musical events, official and impromptu. Photo by Ferrara Buskers Festival
November 1, All Saints’ Day. The
Catholic Church honors all its
Saints with special Masses.
November 2, Memorial Day. On this
day everybody goes to the cemetery
to pay homage to their deceased
loved ones. Ossa dei Morti are hard
cookies, made differently according
to the region, that are traditionally
baked on this day.
December 8, Day of Immaculate
Conception. A day of celebration for
the Virgin Mary and her role in the
Catholic Church.
December 25, Christmas Day. Menus
vary but staples on each table are
Panettone, a cake filled with raisins
and candied fruit, and Pandoro, a
star-shaped sponge cake.
December 26, Saint Stephen’s Day.
Italy Now 2008
In addition to national holidays, each town has a feast day
in celebration of its patron saint. Photo by Donna Connor
Stephen was the first martyr killed
for his faith and actions in promotion of the Gospel. Usually, a special
lunch is prepared, often made of the
leftovers from Christmas dinner.
Stores and businesses are open on the
following feast days:
February 14, Valentine’s Day. The day
of all lovers is celebrated with
romantic dinners and small presents.
March 8, Festa delle Donne. On
March 8, all women are honored.
There is no culinary specialty, but
giving a branch of mimosa flowers
to all women is a must.
March 19, Father’s Day. Saint Joseph
is the patron saint of all fathers.
May 8, Mother’s Day.
Curiosity: Since 2004, October 12 has
officially become Columbus Day.
Carnevale
Carnevale is celebrated 40 days
before Easter, a day of fun before
Ash Wednesday and the rigors of
Lent; it is a popular festivity, which
juxtaposes with the strictness of
religious holidays. It’s a celebration
of freedom where masks, laughter,
and material things have the upper
hand. People dress up in elaborate
and colorful costumes and go out
on the town.
Some famous Carnivals
Carnival of Venice, from February 13
to 24, 2009. It’s a unique, mesmerizing, stirring, and ultimately dazzling
experience which attracts people
from the four corners of the world.
After the fall of the Republic, Venice
stopped celebrating it, but the festi37
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val was revived in 1979, in part to
draw visitors during the slow winter. Carnevale falls on a set date and
every year it has a different theme.
Carnival of Viareggio, February
8,15,22,24, 2009. This crazy parade is
known for its allegorical and satirical floats, which depict and mock
national and international politicians, soccer players, starlets, and
other celebrities. The parade is not
free of charge. Tickets must be purchased in advance; a regular ticket
allows access to the boardwalk; a
reserved seat in one of the bleachers
will cost an additional sum.
Page 38
Naples – September 19 – Saint
Gennaro
The day of the “blood miracle” is an
important feast for the city of
Naples and the people celebrate it
accordingly. The Cathedral is surrounded by stalls selling sweets and
other goods. A procession takes
place where holy figures are carried
through Spaccanapoli, which is the
heart of the historic center. The silver bust of Saint Gennaro leads the
procession, followed by others. The
Neapolitans like to bet on the
sequence of these holy statues, while
applauding their favorite saint in the
hope that they would get a place at
front at the following procession.
Afterwards, Saint Gennaro’s silver
bust is positioned next to the altar
and the ampoule with blood is
shown to the faithful. Legend has it
that when the dried blood turns to
liquid, no disaster is expected in the
near future. According to writings,
in 1528 the blood miracle didn’t
take place. This was the year the
pestilence beset Naples.
Florence – June 24 – Saint John the
Baptist
Special masses are held along with a
procession.
Milan – December 7 – Saint Ambrose
Schools and stores are closed on this
special day. Locals go to the Fiera
degli Obei Obei, an open-air fair
where sweets and crafts are sold.
Traditionally, on this day the new
season at La Scala opera house is
inaugurated.
Pizza is originally from Naples.
Rome – June 29 – Saints Peter and Paul
Special masses are held at the
Vatican.
Patron Saints
In addition to national holidays in
Italy, each town has a feast day in
celebration of its patron saint. These
holidays vary from city to city and
town to town. To honor such Saints,
the population celebrates in different ways. Following is a selection of
a few religious festivals.
38
Venice – Third weekend of July –
Feast of the Redeemer
The feast commemorates the end of
the plague that wiped out a third of
the city’s population in 1576. It is
tradition to have dinner on boats in
St. Mark’s basin, watching fireworks
on the lagoon. It all starts off with a
line of gondolas roped together,
stretching across the canal to the
island. At sunset, hundreds of boats
decorated with branches and multicolored balloons enter the canal,
while large crowds gather on the
banks and palace balconies to enjoy
this great festival of light and sound.
Turin and Genoa:
Jun 24, St John the Baptist
Venice: Apr 25, St Mark
Bologna: Oct 4, St Petronius
Bari: Dec 6, St Nicola
Palermo: Jul 15, St Rosalia
Trieste: Nov 3. St Giusto
Folklore
To add to the fun, all Italian cities
and towns have many festivals that
don’t necessarily have a religious
connection. Rich folklore and music
or food festivals are sure to make
any trip a special experience. These
festivals are colorful and fun — people gather to compete, to eat the
specialty of that particular location,
or simply to see each other, gossip
and laugh together. The following
dates are for 2009.
Ferrara – September 21 to 30 –
Ferrara Balloons Festival
The biggest hot-air balloons festival
in Italy, and one of the biggest in the
world. Hundreds of colorful balloons and curious visitors enjoy ten
days of great sport and entertainment.
Pisa – June 28 – Battle of the Bridge
Armies
representing
the
Mezzogiorno (south of the River
Arno) and Tramontana (north of
the river) neighborhoods of the city
meet at the Ponte di Mezzo, where
the opposing teams demonstrate
their physical strength and prowess.
No longer do they bludgeon each
other with maces and pointed
shields as they did in days of yore,
but instead they take turns to push
an immense cart weighing several
tons, and they are judged by the
force of their efforts.
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Page 39
Turin's chocolate festival, CioccolaTO, attracts thousands of tourists every year. Photo by City of Turin
Venice – May 17 – Festa della Sensa
The Mayor of Venice, along with
civic dignitaries and religious and
military representatives, leave Saint
Mark’s Square in a ceremonial boat
and sail to the Port of San Nicolò
where a gold ring is flung with all
due ceremony into the waves.
Agrigento – from the first through the
second Sunday in February – Almond
Blossom Fair
The fair is combined with an
International Folklore Festival with
music, singing, parades, puppet
shows and open-air performances.
Traditional Sicilian sweets made
with almonds and almond paste are
served. Balconies are decorated
with flowers, and people often wear
colorful costumes. The finale
includes a Sicilian cart parade and
fireworks.
Italy Now 2008
Oristano – February 22 to 24 – La
Sartiglia
Three days of costumed merriment
revolve around the feats on horseback performed by representatives
of Oristano’s guilds. Masks, ribbons
and hats top-out the medieval gear
worn by the riders who charge at a
small star-shaped ring suspended
high above the ground.
Sassari – May 24 – Sardinian
Cavalcade
There is a parade on horseback
through the streets of the center of
town, followed by a costume procession in which participants wear
the elaborate native dress of their
village. Finally, the Cavalcata
adjourns to a race track on the edge
of town for equestrian races and
stunts.
Siena – July and August – The Palio
Every year on July 2 and August 16,
the beautiful medieval city of Siena
comes alive for one of the world’s
most breathtaking folk festivals.
This isn’t a simple horse race, but a
major event that the city works on
for an entire year. The 17 districts,
contrade in Italian — Tortoise,
Wave, She-Wolf, Goose, Shell,
Porcupine, Dragon, Owl, Snail,
Panther, Eagle, Caterpillar, Unicorn,
Ram, Giraffe, Forest, and Tower —
race against each other frantically.
The horses run around the Piazza
del Campo at breakneck speed, with
or without jockeys on board, and
wear the colors and designs of their
district. The actual horse race is
brief: a minute and a half, give or
take ten seconds. It takes much
longer to align all the horses and to
all start at the same time. The
evening before the race, everybody
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eats outside, as each neighborhood
stages a sumptuous banquet to
“rehearse” their expected victory
celebration.
Arts & Crafts
All crafts have an interesting and
unique story to tell. Fit for bargain
hunters and collectors alike, these
numerous craft festivals and markets have a curious appeal, and there
Page 40
glassblowers plying their trade, and
all manner of artisans throwing
pots, painting, and sculpting.
Throughout town, people set up
temporary restaurants in courtyards
and empty buildings where good
food is available for excellent prices.
Rome – Entire month of May – May
Antique Fair
Heirloom, priceless relic or collecta-
Venice – June 7 to November 22 – The
Venice Biennale
Since 1895, the Venice Biennale,
which is held every two years in odd
years, has set standards in promoting contemporary art and culture to
a wide audience. An international
pace-setter, this prestigious institution manages and promotes artistic
programs. Various venues are used
for the Biennale and there is a permanent site at the Giardini Pubblici,
where many countries maintain
their own pavilions, and where a
thematic international exhibition is
also held.
Food and Wine
In Italy the sagra, food or wine festival, is extremely popular. Each city,
and even small town, has more than
one a year, mostly during the
warmer months when it’s fun to eat
and drink outdoors. There are so
many, we can only list a few. The following dates are for 2009.
Naples – Entire month of September –
Pizzafest
Naples is the spiritual home of the
pizza, and every year in September,
the city gets together to celebrate its
most famous export. The streets are
full of vendors selling their
margheritas, calzone and quattro
stagioni to passers-by, and the delicious smell of freshly cooked pizza
pervades in every district.
Rich folklore and music or food festivals are sure to make any trip a special experience.
Photo by Associazione Turistica Valli di Tures e Aurina
are many gems waiting to be discovered. The following dates are for
2009.
Montelupo, Tuscany – Last week of
June – Pottery Festival
This beautiful Tuscan town is filled
with outdoor craft shops where
everything is for sale. There are
40
ble, there is a fair chance of finding
one or all of these among the many
stalls that are set up along the Via
dei Coronari every May. There is a
bustling atmosphere with many of
the shops staying open late, and a
bazaar-like intensity with many vendors hawking their wares with
enthusiasm.
Turin – Entire months of February and
March
–
Chocolate
Festival
(CioccolaTo)
With many different styles of chocolate on display, the festival attracts
approximately 700,000 visitors each
year, who consume in excess of
66,000 lbs. of chocolate. A number
of other cultural events take place in
the city at the same time.
Cannobio (VB) – January 7 and 8 –
Sagra delle Luganighe
A feast in honor of luganiga, a type
of sausage, celebrated with heaps of
boiled sausages, potatoes and sauerkraut.
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Page 41
Singers at the Appennino Folk Festival. Photo by Ella Studio
Pesaro – April 25 to 27 – Sagra dei
Garagoi
The feast for sea snails that are
cooked in tomato sauce with lots of
pepper. The locals say the best way
to eat them is to take a sip of wine
for every seven snails.
Spello – Third Sunday of February –
Olive and Bruschetta Festival
Farmers parade on decorated tractors and there’s music, dancing, and
food.
Cortona, Tuscany – August 14 to 16 –
Steak Feast
A steak festival featuring Chianina
beef.
Verona – April 3 to 7 - Vinitaly
The largest and most comprehensive international wine exhibition
for the trade, with more than 4,000
exhibitors from 31 countries and
more than 140,000 visitors from
around the world.
Music Festivals
To delight both locals and visitors,
each Italian region often organizes
Italy Now 2008
musical events, official and
impromptu. Major symphonic series
and recitals are organized at all times
during the year. Among the most
renowned and high-profile musical
events are the Verona Opera
Festival, the concert season at Teatro
La Scala in Milan, Maggio Musicale
Fiorentino in Florence, the Festival
dei due Mondi in Spoleto, and the
Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia. The
following dates are for 2009.
Florence – April 1 to June 30 – Maggio
Musicale
Tickets: $14 to $114. Box Office:
Teatro Comunale, Maggio Musicale
Fiorentino, 15 Via Solferino –
50123, Florence.
Spoleto – June 30 to July 16 – Festival
of the Two Worlds
Held since 1958, this is a massive
program of symphonic music,
opera, dance and jazz. The festival is
a worldwide attraction that gives an
international image and fame to the
Umbrian city.
Pisa – September 11 to October 3 –
Anima Mundi
The city’s churches come together
as one and present moving religious and sacred music that rings
out from every street and square.
Ravenna – June 12 to July 18 –
Ravenna Festival
Renowned conductors leading
opera and concert performances in
the open-air theater of Rocca
Brancaleone are the trademark of
Ravenna. Tickets: From $12 to
$150.
Perugia – July 10 to 19 – Umbria Jazz
The Umbria Jazz Festival is one of
the most important venues for jazz
in Europe and has been held annually since 1973.
Sanremo – February 24 to 28 Festival of Sanremo
The Festival della canzone italiana is
a popular Italian song contest running since 1951 and held annually
in the city of Sanremo, in Liguria.
The Festival is transmitted live on
TV Rai Uno.
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Food & Wine
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Italian cuisine is an explosion of simplicity and natural ingredients. Photo by Ella Studio
Fresh vegetarian pasta. Photo by Ella Studio
Scrumptious: Food & Wine
In Italy, food may be a necessity, but it has a higher meaning — it has
been a pleasure, a philosophy, and a science since ancient times.
Decisions are made around a table
set with food, wine, and the people
you really care about. The dishes are
colorful and flavorful, a real explosion of simplicity and natural ingredients. Ranging from simple to
hearty, sweet to spicy, subtle to
strong, each dish is prepared with
the freshest and healthiest ingredients…plus a pinch of love.
What is particular about Italian
cuisine is that it is regional. Almost
every town has something unique,
and from one end of a region to the
other the specialties can change
completely. The reason for this culinary fragmentation is simple.
Before WWII, with the exception of
the nobility and the clergy, most
Italians simply didn’t travel, and as a
result, still today, every town and
every valley has something different. Neighboring towns and valleys
will also share techniques and
recipes, and add individual twists.
42
Regional Products and
Specialties
Valle d’Aosta – Fontina cheese,
Renette apples, Martin Spec pears,
Tegole almond cookies. Vitello alla
valdostana, breaded veal cutlet,
fried and topped with fontina and
ham, then reheated in the oven over
a slice of polenta.
Piedmont – White truffles, Robiola
cheese, rice from Vercelli,
Gianduiotti chocolates. Bicerin is
Turin’s signature drink, a blend of
coffee, milk, and chocolate.
Lombardy – Bresaola cured beef,
Torrone sweet nougat, ossobuco.
Risotto alla Milanese is sautéed rice
cooked in broth and saffron.
Trentino – Speck smoked ham,
Biroldi blood sausages, goat cheeses.
Orzetto is a barley soup made with
onion, garlic, vegetables, and herbs
simmered with speck.
Friuli Venezia-Giulia – San Daniele
prosciutto, Montasio cheese. Iota is a
traditional soup from Trieste made
with beans, potatoes and sauerkraut.
Veneto – Pandoro Christmas cake
and tiramisù are the region’s favorite
sweets.
Liguria – Focaccia bread, pesto
sauce, and olives. Farinata is a thin
pancake made with chickpea flour.
Emilia Romagna – Balsamic vinegar,
Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella &
Prosciutto di Parma. Tortellini alla
Bolognese in brodo are pasta filled
with mortadella, prosciutto and veal
served in a meat broth.
Tuscany – Bistecca alla Fiorentina is
delicious T-bone steak. Other specialties are panzanella, salad made
with vegetables and stale bread, and
ribollita, vegetable minestrone with
black cabbage.
Umbria – Black truffles, honey and
Budellaccio salami are some of the
region’s favorites.
Marche – Some notable products are
Porchetta, roasted pork, and Salame
di Fabriano. Fossa is amazing cheese
aged while buried in a pit.
Abruzzo – Saffron, Confetti di
Sulmona sugar coated almonds, and
black lentils. A traditional dish is
Maccheroni alla Chitarra, handThe Official Guide to Italian Tourism
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Food & Wine
Salame Felino from Parma. Photo by Ella Studio
Maccheroni alla Chitarra, handmade pasta cut in thin strips similar
to the strings of a guitar.
Lazio – Puntarelle salad, artichokes,
and lamb (a lamb specialty is called
Abbacchio alla Romana). Bucatini
all’Amatriciana are long pasta
served in a tomato and pork sauce,
seasoned with grated pecorino
cheese.
Campania – Mozzarella, lemons,
fresh seafood. Pizza was born here
as well as Sfogliatelle, shell pastry
filled with ricotta cheese.
Molise – White celery, pasta filled
with ricotta, and Picellati, honey
Seafood Specialty. Photo by RQP
Italy Now 2008
Italy boasts some of the world’s finest wines. Photo by Ella Studio
pastries with nuts and grapes.
Basilicata – Diavolicchio chili peppers, Luganiga sausage, and
Ciaudedda, braised artichokes
stuffed with potatoes and stewed in
tomatoes.
Puglia – Orecchiette pasta, Taralli
bread ribbons, and Cocomeri
cucumbers.
Calabria – Licorice, chili peppers,
Caciocavallo cheese and Capocollo,
cured pork meat.
Sicily – Sea salt from Trapani, eggplant, almond paste known as
marzapane, delicate olive oil, and
succulent blood oranges.
Sardegna – Pecorino cheese, Fiore
Sardo cheese, and wild boar.
Porcheddu is roasted suckling pig
flavored with herbs, myrtle berries,
and spices.
DOP & IGP Products
The code DOP stands for Protected
Designation of Origin, IGP means
Typical Geographic Indication, and
STG
Guaranteed
Traditional
Specialty.
The DOP standard is guaranteed by the European Union and
was created to promote the authenticity and artisan characteristics of
certain foods and agricultural products. The skilled artisans who develop these foods produce their designated specialties in specific regions.
Right: What is particular about Italian cuisine is that it is regional. Photo by RQP
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all the DOP products in Europe
(there are 109 in total), which are
split into the categories of cheese,
fruit and vegetables, cold cuts or
meats and olive oils.
The IGP classification is a seal of
origin; it’s easier to obtain and the
guidelines are less strict than DOP.
STG classification protects the traditional value of the production
process. It aims solely to maintain
specific methods that have stood
the test of time.
Many of these products are
growing in popularity in the United
States, which imports thousands
and thousands of them regularly.
All About Pasta
The role of pasta has changed greatly throughout Italy’s culinary history. Once only eaten by Italy’s elite as
a handmade specialty, today pasta is
enjoyed by all and is the foundation
of Italian cuisine both in Italy and
around the world.
In the days before industrialization, dry pasta made from durum
wheat, water and a pinch of salt,
such as spaghetti, rigatoni, and so
on, was easier to make, and therefore more popular, in the South,
where warmer temperatures and
increased sunlight hastened the
drying of the pasta.
Central and parts of Northern Italy,
Fresh Porcini from Piedmont.
Photo by Ella Studio
44
Emilia-Romagna is the capital of stuffed pastas. Photo by Ella Studio
especially Emilia Romagna and
Piedmont, are instead known for
fresh pasta made with eggs, flour,
and salt; for example tagliatelle, and
pappardelle, both of which are flat
forms. The center and north are also
known for stuffed pasta, for example ravioli or tortellini, and one can
find these kinds of pasta in areas
where they didn’t eat much flat or
dry pasta until recently, for example
Lombardy.
Risotto is eaten more in the
northern regions. Indeed most of
the world’s best short-grained
strains of rice, including Arborio,
Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano, are
Northern Italian.
Types of pasta sauces:
Aglio, olio e peperoncino – Tossed in
garlic, olive oil, and hot peppers
Burro e salvia – With butter and sage
Al sugo – With tomato sauce
Amatriciana – Bacon or sausage, with
tomatoes, onion, and hot pepper
Arrabbiata – Spicy tomato sauce
Astice – Lobster sauce
Bolognese – Meat sauce, usually
with tomato
Bucaniera – Seafood, tomato, garlic,
parsley, and oil
Cacciatora – Tomato, onion, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and
wine sauce
Cacio e Pepe – Sheep’s cheese and
ground pepper
Carbonara – Cream, ham or bacon,
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egg, and parmesan cheese
Frutti di Mare – Seafood
Matriciana – Pork and tomato sauce
Norma – Tomato, eggplant, and salted ricotta cheese
Puttanesca – Tomatoes, capers, red
peppers, anchovies, garlic, and oil
Quattro – Formaggi with four
cheeses
Ragù – Tomato-based meat sauce
In Italy, the pasta shape is an integral part of a meal — its building
blocks — serving as the foundation
for sauces bursting with each
region’s herbs, spices, meats,
cheeses, and vegetables. Thicker,
flat, long shapes, like fettuccine, pair
with extremely robust sauces.
Specialty shapes, like shells, are
great with hearty dairy-based
sauces such as cheese or béchamel,
and vegetable sauces. Cooking pasta
is easy, but how much water to use,
which pot, and the right combination of pasta and sauce must be chosen carefully in order to prepare a
perfect pasta meal.
Italian Wines
The diversity of dishes that Italy has
to offer is also a characteristic of its
wines.
Italy is home to 2,000 home
grown grape varieties and exports
more wine than any other country.
Northern Italy boasts some of
the world’s finest wines, from
Piedmont’s Nebbiolo and Barbera to
Friuli’s whites. Central Italy’s wines
are excellent, too, from Tuscany’s
Bolgheri and Chianti to the
Marche’s Verdicchio. Southern
wines are unique, from Campania’s
Taurasi and Basilicata’s Aglianico
del Vulture to Pantelleria’s Passito.
Reading an Italian label is usually straightforward: there’s the winery name, perhaps the vineyard that
the grapes came from, the year, an
abbreviation (DOC, DOCG) or a
phrase such as Vino da Tavola.
These denominations guide consumers in their choices and ensure
quality control.
Italy Now 2008
Cannelloni served with a béchamel sauce. Photo by Ella Studio
There are four major categories
of Italian wines:
Vino a Denominazione di Origine
Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). These
wines are from the wine regions recognized as the finest in the country.
DOCG wines must pass the evaluation of a tasting committee before
they can be bottled. The nine DOCG
regions are: Barbaresco, Barolo,
Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti,
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano,
Albana di Romagna, Gattinara,
Carmignano, and Torgiano Rosso
Riserva.
Vino a Denominazione di Origine
Controllata (DOC) is the Italian
answer to the French AOC. DOC
wines are produced in specific well-
defined regions, according to specific rules designed to preserve the
traditional wine-making practices
of the individual regions. Thus, the
rules for making Barolo differ
markedly from those for making
Chianti Classico. The DOC category was introduced in the early 60’s
with the purpose of improving the
quality of wines.
Vino a Indicazione Geografica (IGT) is
a wine produced in a specific area.
There’s nothing special about most
of it.
Vino da Tavola. This is the lowest
class of wine, a wine made by the
producer as he sees fit to make it.
There are few rules, and the result is
often insipid, thin, weak, and acidic.
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Wines from North to South
Valle d’Aosta – Müller Thurgau
(DOC) and Torrette Superiore
(DOC)
Piedmont – Barolo (DOCG),
Barbaresco (DOCG), Barbera
(DOC), Nebbiolo (DOC), Dolcetto
(DOC) and Asti Spumante
(DOCG)
Lombardy – Franciacorta Spumante
(DOCG), Bonarda (DOCG),
Lambrusco (DOC), Valtellina Superiore
(DOCG)
Trentino – Marzemino (DOC),
Riesling (DOC), Pinot Bianco
(DOC), Moscato
Friuli Venezia-Giulia – Tocai
Friulano (DOC), Collio Goriziano
Cabernet (DOC), Ramandolo
(DOCG)
Veneto – Recioto di Soave (DOCG),
Bardolino (DOCG), Prosecco di
Valdobbiadene (DOC), Tocai
(DOC), Amarone della Valpollicella
(DOC)
Liguria – Vermentino (DOC),
Pigato (DOC), Sciacchetrà (DOC),
Rossese di Dolceacqua (DOC)
Emilia Romagna – Albana di
Romagna, (DOCG), Sangiovese di
Romagna (DOC), Trebbiano di
Romagna (DOC)
A nice glass of Barolo. Photo by Ella Studio
Italy is home to 2,000 grape varieties.
Tuscany – Chianti (DOC &
DOCG), Brunello di Montalcino
(DOC), Vernaccia di San
Gimignano (DOC)
Umbria – Sagrantino (DOCG),
Torgiano Rosso Riserva (DOCG),
Colli Perugini (DOC)
Marche – Verdicchio dei Castelli di
Jesi (DOC), Rosso Piceno (DOC)
Abruzzo – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
(DOC), Cerasuolo (DOC),
Trebbiano (DOC)
Lazio – Frascati (DOC),
Montefiasconi Est! Est! Est! (DOC)
Torre Ercolana (DOC)
Campania – Lacryma Christi
(DOC), Fiano d’Avellino (DOCG),
Greco di Tufo (DOCG)
Molise – Biferno (DOC),
Pentro di Isernia (DOC)
Tuscan buffet. Photo by Ella Studio
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Basilicata – Aglianico del Vulture
Puglia – Primitivo di Manduria
(DOC), Aleatico (DOC)
Calabria – Cirò (DOC),
Greco (DOC)
Sicily – Nero d’Avola (DOC),
Moscato (DOC), Marsala
Sardinia – Cannonau (DOC),
Nuragus (DOC), Vermentino
(DOC)
Wine Bars
The old taverns that sold wine from
the cask and the ancient wine shops
have made way for fashionable venues where one can try out the best
wines. They are cozy and welcoming
wine bars, where one can meet up
with friends to sip a glass of good
wine, try some cured meats and
cheeses and learn to sample wines
with courses paired by the competent
owners or sommeliers. Affordable
prices, a large selection of wines and
the possibility to attend oenology and
wine tasting courses are the secrets of
the new wine bars, which are taking
over all the Italian cities.
Meet us for an Aperitivo
Between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.,
in some places even until 10, an outing with friends or colleagues is
treated with almost a religious fervor; it’s aperitivo time! The idea
behind the aperitivo, besides being
used as an excuse for a pleasurable
social interaction, is that it’s believed
to stimulate the appetite and promote digestion. In fact, aperitivos
are enjoyed immediately before dinner. Dating back as far as the late
1700’s, it is an authentic Italian tradition that combines delicious
small-plate food and refreshing light
alcoholic drinks as a relaxing
prelude to dinner. Aperitivo now
includes mouth-watering bruschette,
marinated anchovies, seasonal vegetables, bite-size cold or hot dishes,
such as salt cod on mini polenta
croutons, and a great variety of other
Mediterranean favorites.
Drinks don’t necessarily have to
be alcoholic; there are nonalcoholic
specialties, such as the famous
Italy Now 2008
Aperitivo at Cipriani’s in Venice. Photo by Ella Studio
Sanbitter by Sanpellegrino, with its
unmistakable red color and fresh
citrus flavor.
Grappa
In 1989, the European Union pronounced Grappa an unrivaled
Italian product. Although other
countries produce similar liquor,
only in Italy is the name Grappa
used.
From then on Grappa became the
symbol of a country, a patrimony to
protect and respect, a way of working and producing unique to Italy.
Grappa comes from grapes that
need to be in a certain area, mostly
in the northeast of the Italian peninsula, and that can be worked only by
the expert hands of Italian Master
Grappaioli. The poor man’s drink,
made from pomace, the discarded
grape seeds, stalks, and stems that
are a by-product of the winemaking
process, has become a product of
high quality targeted to refined
enthusiasts worldwide.
Traditionally, Grappa is served
chilled in small glasses and served
after the meal, as it is believed to aid
digestion. Before drinking it should
be swirled gently in the glass and
then brought to your nose, before
tasting. It is then sipped slowly. In
Italy, Grappa is also added to espresso to make caffè corretto, a popular
after-dinner concoction.
Many wine bars also offer tasting courses. Photo by Ella Studio
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Italian products are known for their high quality, innovative design,
and impeccable style. Photo by Ella Studio
Italy has more to offer than souvenirs. Photo by Ella Studio
At the Forefront of Fashion & Style
Italy is a shopper’s wonderland where you can easily combine a love for
travel with a love for bargain hunting if you know where to look!
Plan your trip to give yourself considerable time to navigate your way
through the streets and shops of the
small towns, and extra time to do
your bargain hunting. Some excellent purchase options are clothes,
especially designer dresses, shoes,
gloves, silk ties, shirts, lacework,
gold and silver jewelry, leather
goods (handbags, gloves, cases,
boxes, luggage), ceramics, alabaster,
woodwork, embroidery, glass and
crystal.
Italian products are known for
their high quality, innovative
design, and impeccable style. Stores
are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. They close for a lunch
break and reopen at 3:00 p.m. until
7:30 p.m. In larger cities, stores do
not close for lunch and are open
later (until 10:00 p.m.). Most shops
are closed on Sundays.
Fashion Sense
Italy is famous worldwide for its
fashion industry and is always at the
48
forefront of fashion and style. While
shopping in Italy, the first thing you
need to know is the Italian equivalent of American clothing sizes.
Bargain Hunting – Outlets
To keep up with the latest fashion
trends at reasonable prices, outlets
are the way to go! In warehouses or
shopping malls, they offer discounted designer labels from factory surplus or previous seasons. Most of
the fashion houses, such as Prada,
Fendi, Armani and Gucci, have outlet stores in or near Milan, Florence
and Turin. All offer a designer shopping environment and friendly,
courteous staff who speak a number
of different languages.
Northern Italy
Fifty factory stores are located
throughout the north with malls in
Aosta, Biella, Meda, in the province
of Milan, and near Bologna. There’s
something for everyone, from a
cocktail dress by Cerruti to a kid’s
outfit from Trussardi kids.
The Armani Factory Store is in the
town of Vertemate, near Como. It’s a
shopper’s paradise with three stories
of Armani fashions.
Province of Brescia – The
Franciacorta Outlet Village is a hightech mall featuring an Autogrill
food court where all the top fashion
brands can be found.
Milan – Dolce & Gabbana Industria
Clothing and shoes from the Dolce
& Gabbana collections. For men,
sizes run from 44 to 56, sample size
48 is well represented. For women,
size 38 to 48 with far more choice in
40/42, less so in 46/48.
Vicenza – Bottega Veneta
Handbags, leather, shoes. End-ofthe-line and showroom models of
the famous Bottega Veneta handbags in pleated leather. Prices are
halved for black or brandy colored
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To keep up with the latest fashion trends at reasonable prices, outlets are the way to go. Photo by Seteria Mantero
United States & Italian Sizes
This is merely a guide. Sizes are not standardized. Always try on if possible.
WOMEN’S SIZE CHART
United States
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
61⁄2
7
71⁄2
8
81⁄2
9
10
36
37
38
381⁄2
39
40
41
clutch bags or moss green and burgundy satchel bags. Sample women’s
shoe size is 37. For men, they only
have one type of lace-up shoe, size
43 and up.
Italy
36
WOMEN’S SHOES
United States
51⁄2
Italy
35
MEN’S SIZES ** Suits, Overcoats, Sweaters and Pajamas
United States
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
141⁄2
15
151⁄2
16
161⁄2
17
171⁄2
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Italy
44
MEN’S SHIRTS
United States
14
Italy
36
MEN’S SHOES
United States
6; 61⁄2; 7; 71⁄2; 8; 81⁄2; 9; 91⁄2; 10; 101⁄2; 11; 111⁄2
Bologna – Bruno Magli Outlet Store
Shoes. A large well-appointed sales
outlet. Magli shoes are world
famous and very dashing. Sizes for
women start at 34 up to 42 and for
men 39 up to 45. Special offers in
sample pairs size 37 and size 42.
Tuscany
In Leccio Reggello, in the province
of Florence, on Via Europa 8, there
are a few outlets for the high fashion
lovers: Bottega Veneta, Gucci,
Ferragamo, Emanuel Ungaro,
Ermenegildo
Zegna,
Giorgio
Armani, Valentino, and Loro Piana.
A Fendi outlet is located in Rignano
sull’Arno, in Via Giuseppe di
Vittorio 9.
Italy
39; 40; 401⁄2; 41; 411⁄2; 42; 421⁄2; 43; 431⁄2; 44-441⁄2; 45
Italy Now 2008
In the small town of Montevarchi,
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of the items you’ll find in the outlets
are factory seconds or showroom
pieces, and you will find garments
from the previous years’ collection
as well.
Tax Free Shopping
Terracotta craft from Apulia.
(I.V.A. REFUND)
The IVA tax is 20% and is included
in the purchase price of practically
everything sold in Italy. NonEuropean residents can claim a
refund on each purchase over
154.94 Euros. Refunds cannot be
taken for accommodations, dining
or tourist services. When purchasing items ask for an IVA Refund
Form and receive a validation stamp
from the Customs Office at the airport upon leaving the country.
www.globalrefund.com
cially named “Space.” The sign on the
building is very small; look for the
crowd of people waiting to get in.
Apulia
The best-known items of Apulian
craftsmanship are terracotta pots.
The production of terracotta and
ceramics dates back three thousand
years and remains today the most
widespread craft in the region. The
heart of terracotta production is the
town of Grottaglie, in the province
of Taranto, which has used this craft
as its main source of income for
centuries.
Basilicata
Among the many artisans of
Basilicata are ceramists, woodworkers, and textile craftsmen. Some of
the greatest products are carpets of
sheep’s wool and enameled cow
bells.
Calabria
Smoking pipes, made with the arboreal heather roots of Calabria, are
the region’s best-known product.
Molding a pipe is hard work that
requires ability and patience.
Seminara is the most important center for ceramics. It is well known for
its colorful masks and for its bottles.
Valdichiana Outlet Village is a real
shopping heaven for designer
brands. Located in the heart of Val
di Chiana, near Arezzo.
Rome - Bulgari
Jewelry, ceramics, gifts. A perfect
place to find a special gift, since this
outlet carries all the end of series
and unsold items from Bulgari
shops around the world.
Botteguccia Richard Ginori
Ceramics, terracotta, porcelain. The
Botteguccia Richard Ginori is part
of a small chain of outlets selling
end of series, seconds and remnants
in china. Wonderful tea and coffee
sets, complete dinner sets, oven
dishes, small gift objects are on sale
around Christmas, statues etc.
Sale Season
Local authorities set annual sale
dates. Normally there are two sale
seasons, one in January, right after
the holidays, and one in July, in the
middle of summer. During sale season, items are reduced up to 70% off
their retail prices. Discount and
outlet stores never have sales. Some
50
Italy is famous worldwide for its fashion industry and is always at the forefront of fashion and
style. Photo by Seteria Mantero
Regional Crafts
Each Italian region produces unique
objects that can be bought locally
for good prices.
Abruzzo
Jewelry from l’Aquila and Sulmona.
Gold has earned Abruzzo a worldwide reputation for fine crafts.
Scanno has been a center of gold
working and jewelry making since
the 17th century. The area is also
known for its precious lace work.
Valenza has over 150 years of hand crafted jewelry tradition. Photo by J Jewels
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Each Italian region produces unique objects that can be bought locally for good prices. Photo by Regione Abruzzo
Campania
Torre del Greco, a small city near
Mt. Vesuvius, southwest of Naples,
is known all around the world for its
production of shell cameos.
Everything started in the beginning of the 1800s and it has always
been a family business, handed
down from father to son. Near Torre
del Greco are two historical cities,
Pompeii and Herculanum, which
inspired the artists who began the
traditional art of carving cameos.
Coral is popular as well. Another
local craft is handmade paper from
Amalfi.
are ceramics from Udine and wooden chairs from Manzano.
Emilia Romagna
Ravenna is the center of mosaics. It
possesses the world’s richest heritage of 5th- and 6th-century
mosaics, superior in artistic quality
and iconological importance to
those of any other city of the ancient
and classical worlds. Faenza is
famous for its ceramics.
Lombardy
Como produces 80 percent of
Europe’s silk and has been doing so
since the 14th century when silk
worms were first imported. There
are boutiques in the center selling
high-quality silk merchandise
along with a few factory outlets.
Scarves, ties and shirts all make
good buys. For all music lovers, a
visit to Cremona and its violins is a
must.
Friuli Venezia-Giulia
The region’s most popular products
Italy Now 2008
Lazio
In Ciociaria, production of leatherstrapped sandals, just like the area’s
peasants used to wear, still flourishes.
Liguria
The Albisola ceramic is famous,
above all, for its characteristic white
and blue color. In this region, the
history of ceramic production
stretches back over six hundred
years. Lace and embroidery from
Portofino are particularly lovely.
Marche
In Castelfidardo, state-of-the-art
accordions are manufactured by the
most experienced artisans. The
region also produces great lace pillows.
Molise
Molise offers hand-crocheted pillows from Isernia and steel objects
from Campobasso.
Piedmont
Valenza has over 150 years of hand
crafted jewelry tradition and is
known for the high level of technical expertise and knowledge. Most
of the nation’s gold jewelry with precious stones is made in Valenza.
Another product is wicker from
Alessandria.
Sardegna
Filigree jewelry is typical of this
sunny region, as is cork production.
Sicily
The lively colors of the nature of this
region are captured in its crafts:
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Numerous types of markets can be enjoyed by every kind of visitor with a curious appeal for unknown gems. Photo by City of Turin
Medieval-style puppets and fancy
Sicilian carts.
Tuscany
Arezzo is renowned for gold chain
jewelry. Carrara continues to be the
largest producer and exporter of
marble in the world, and is responsible for shipping 1.5 million tons of
marble annually from its port in the
Marina di Carrara. Caves are sprinkled throughout the communes of
Massa, Fivizzano and Montignoso,
where various types of marble are
extracted. Leather goods are produced throughout the entire region.
Trentino Alto Adige
This region offers great copper
objects from Cavalese and wrought
iron from Malè.
Umbria
The cultural and economic importance of craft activities in Umbria
has ancient roots. The region offers
a vast collection of crafts: Orvieto
52
lace, pillow lace, Assisi cross-stitching, hand-loomed beaten cloth,
weapons for hand-to-hand combat,
crossbows, ceramics, stone workmanship, terracotta, hand-made
tiles, hand-decorated glass and mirrors, inlaid wood and wooden sculptures.
Valle d’Aosta
This region offers rustic products,
such as wooden clogs from Val
d’Ayas and hand-woven wool fabrics
from Valgrisenche.
Veneto
Murano is the capital of glassmaking. It is an exporter of traditional
products like mirrors and glassware,
and its factories produce modern
items such as faucet handles, glass
lampshades, and electric chandeliers. The glass shops in Murano and
Venice showcase countless paperweights, glass beads and necklaces,
knickknacks, and items of glass jewelry. While in the area, don’t miss
Burano and its lace making factories.
Open-Air Markets
The markets in Italy, ranging from
flea markets to antique and food
markets to those holding a variety of
crafts, all tell an interesting and
unique story as they are strolled
through by interested onlookers and
potential buyers. The numerous
types of markets can be enjoyed by
every kind of visitor with a curious
appeal for the unknown gems each
market holds.
Arezzo
Piazza Grande, first weekend of the
month. The finest of the bunch
when it comes to flea markets, especially with its array of furniture and
smaller tokens.
Bologna
La Piazzola, Piazza VIII Agosto,
every Friday and Saturday. Here you
get a sneak peak at next season’s hot
finds and great prices.
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Florence
Piazza San Lorenzo, daily except for
Sundays. With everything from
trendy leather items to a variety of
jewelry, this is a conventional flea
market in the heart of the bustling
Mercato Centrale in the shadow of
the beautiful church of San Lorenzo.
Genoa
Palazzo Ducale, first Saturday of
every month. A flea market filled
with various antique items and a
variety of merchandise.
Lucca, Tuscany
Piazza San Giusto and proximity,
third Saturday and Sunday of every
month. Everything from antique
furniture to ceramics, handmade
items, jewelry, rarities and collector
pieces.
Milan
Fiera di Sant’Ambrogio, during the
week-long celebrations of the
patron saint. Organized around the
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, this market has many little treasures to help
you along with your Christmas
shopping, including everything
from handmade crafts to antiques.
Senigallia, Marche
Fiera di Senigallia, Darsena of viale
D’Annunzio, every Saturday. An
open-air market where you are sure
to find something appealing, with a
variety including jewelry, secondhand clothing, and household
items.
Naples
Piazza Antignano, Monday through
Saturday. This is an open-air food
and clothing market attracting a
considerable amount of patrons
with the large number of stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as
well as clothing.
Palermo
Vucciria Market, Piazza San
Domenico, open daily. Probably the
most talked-about market in
Palermo, as well as the most
Italy Now 2008
During sale season, items are reduced up to 70% off their retail prices. Photo by Ella Studio
bustling. It is a food market full of
all kinds of stalls including many
types of fish and produce, as well as
cooked food and snacks to taste.
Parma
Piazza Ghiaia, Monday through
Saturday. The largest covered market in the city, it is one with a great
deal of charm. A curious shopper
can find all sorts of items including
clothing, household goods, fruits
and vegetables, and more, all sold by
the local community of Parma.
Rome
Porta Portese, every Sunday. For
more or less everything you are
looking for, this is truly one of the
best of Rome’s markets. Here you’ll
find music, antiques, clothing,
leather, kitchen supplies, and more.
right in Borgo Teresiano, this is an
open-air market near the sea. It is a
great market to find everything
from cheap clothing and accessories
to good quality fruits and vegetables.
Turin
The Gran Balôn Market, Piazza
Repubblica, second Sunday of every
month. A market that hosts antique
dealers from all around the world. If
you are a real bargain hunter, you
will profit from the variety, from
fine furniture to the smallest trinket.
Verona
Piazza San Zeno, every third Saturday.
An antique market in the center of
Verona, packed with antiques, old
books and paintings, and a rich variety of various types of objects.
Trieste
Piazza Ponterosso, Monday through
Saturday. In downtown Trieste,
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Kids
54-55Kids.qxd
Parco Minitalia Fantasy World in the province of Bergamo. Photo by Minitalia
Family Fun
Travel with kids is more enjoyable when the whole family
participates in adventures and mysteries.
The fountains at Parco Collodi in Pistoia. Photo by Parco Collodi
A vacation is not a real vacation without some fun that ideally is just for
the kids but in reality it’s for the parents too. Here are some incredible
locations that are fun for everybody.
animals outside their natural habitat. Indeed they are actively
involved in scientific and conservation education research. Available
for private parties.
Aosta
Pistoia
Gran Paradiso National Park. Set in
the Valleys of Cogne, Valsavarenche
and Rhemes, it is a paradise of
wildlife and breathtaking nature.
Parco Collodi. This fairy tale park,
immersed in the Tuscan countryside, is entirely dedicated to
Pinocchio and his adventures. It is
named for the author of the famous
story, Carlo Collodi. In the park,
there is an area where all the adventures of the wooden puppet have
been depicted in sculpture, scenery
and statues, made from various
materials and interpreted by several
different artists.
Rome
Bioparco. Rome’s zoo welcomes a
vast array of animals in a natural
setting. Bioparco houses 198 animal
species that include reptiles, birds,
mammals and amphibians, which
provide a good opportunity to study
Bergamo
Minitalia Fantasy World. This is the
place to visit for a stroll around the
miniature version of Italy and its
regions. The park boasts other
attractions as well: hundreds of fish
from all over the globe, a gorgeous
shell exhibition, 250 specimens of
reptiles (including some of the most
fearsome), 200 kinds of parrots,
plus a fine variety of farm animals.
Lake Garda
Gardaland. The largest amusement
park in Italy, Gardaland has rides
for all tastes. Boasting a fantastic
dolphin park along with 38 roller
coasters and family attractions, it
welcomes over three million visitors
every year.
The highlight of the park must
be the Palablu — a dolphin pool
with windows for walls so visitors
can see these lithe creatures in
action. A replica of the Ancient
Egyptian ruins of Abu Simbel, and
Blue Tornado, a roller coaster in
which you ride suspended as if in a
fighter plane, are also featured.
Genoa
Rafting in Alto Adige. Photo by Associazione Turistica Valli di Tures e Aurina.
54
Aquarium. The biggest aquarium in
Europe features sharks, dolphins
and hundreds of other beautiful
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Kids
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Travel with kids is a lot of fun for all. Photo by Gallo Rosso
fish. The Aquarium’s 59 tanks reproduce marine and terrestrial habitats
from throughout the world and provide a home for more than 6,000
creatures belonging to 600 different
species. The Aquarium has a mission to increase public awareness of
environmental problems.
Rivolta d’Adda
Parco della Preistoria. It’s impossible
to say no to an adventure in this
park filled with reproductions of
dinosaurs.
Siracusa
Piccolo Teatro dei Pupi. This puppetry show is performed just for the
little ones. The Theater recreates the
medieval art of Sicilian puppet
shows. Open every night during the
summer months.
Bolzano
Baja Sardinia
Archeology Museum. This museum
specializes in the Stone, Copper and
Bronze Ages, and is home to the
2,000-year-old mummified Ice Man.
Aquadream. Water theme park with
twisting slides, rides, games, and
miniature golf.
Lignano Sabbiadoro
Milan
Leonardo da Vinci’s Museo della
Scienza e della Tecnica. Those interested in the creative genius of
Leonardo da Vinci will want to visit
this museum, which features his
designs of war machines, flying
machines and architecture that display his incredible foresight.
Aquasplash. A spectacular water
park with swimming pools, water
rides, and other fun activities.
Savio
Mirabilandia. Great amusement
park with 36 rides, 14 waterfalls,
fireworks, stunt shows, gardens and
much more. It includes Bimbopoli,
a town for the smaller ones.
San Sebastiano al Vesuvio
Vesuvio National Park. What is more
exciting than hands-on trails where
kids can discover, touch, smell and
observe the diverse colors and
scents of the local wildlife?
Val Camonica
Prehistoric Petroglyphs. This idyllic
valley is sprinkled with prehistoric
rock engravings cut into the sandstones during the Stone, Bronze and
Iron Ages. The rocks are carved
with many different images of people, horses, deer and dogs, as well as
scenes of magic and war.
Bologna
Ducati Museum. Tour the factory
where they assemble each motorcycle by hand, from the bare engines
and parts to finished motorcycles.
Educational activities on Lake Garda. Photo by FHL.
Italy Now 2008
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Outdoors & Sports
56-57Outdoors & Sports.qxd
The Italian mountains are fascinating natural golf courses. Photo by Alto Adige Tourist Office
Active Life
Italy offers a myriad
of fun bike trails both
on and off road.
Photo by APT
Arcipelago Toscano
Italy offers astonishingly varied natural beauty — the coves, bays and cliffs
of the Riviera, the lush orange groves of Sicily, the snowy peaks of the Alps
and the green fields of Tuscany.
This is a land that has been written
about and preserved in history for
over three thousand years; it is not
there just for beautiful pictures, but
also to be enjoyed at its fullest. Thus
the pursuit for the great outdoors
and activities for the fitness aficionados.
Golf
This ancient sport, the Romans
used to play a variation of it called
paganica, has become accessible to
all. It’s relaxing, healthy, it doesn’t
require a specific training routine,
just a bit of stretching before starting, although it requires concentration and a desire to have fun. It
allows you to enjoy the surrounding
nature and breathe in the fresh air.
Italy boasts more than 300 golf
courses set in unspoiled landscapes.
Lakeside golfing – Lake Garda, Lake
Maggiore, and Lake Como are three
large environmental beauties that
give Italian golfing a good reputation. They offer flat grounds, very
gentle slopes, and small clearings
surrounded by trees. One can walk
56
for hours, following the round of
the game, in truly fascinating surroundings, so different from the traditional courses. But the lakes know
how to enchant you too: a sailboat
or motorboat ride along the coast,
rod fishing, a lively evening in the
nightclubs which abound on the
shores, are all things to which the
golf lover will willingly give in.
Golfing around the art cities –
Golfing in places where culture and
art have deep roots is to combine
two rather irreconcilable requirements: the need to practice a sport,
giving in to the sweet mania of the
green, and at the same time the possibility of taking time to entertain
one’s spirit.
Soccer
Seaside golfing – A seaside golf
course is always an immense green
balcony reaching out toward splendid panoramas and enchanting
beaches. Golf lovers may practice
their favorite sport in international
vacation spots where the ancient sea
villages blend in perfectly with the
new strategies of hospitality.
Golfing in the mountains – The Italian
mountains offer you fascinating
natural oases. In the mountains, as
on the golf courses, walking is part
of the game, a sort of rule that cannot be contravened if one wishes to
enjoy to the utmost a vacation made
of open-air sport and excursions.
Soccer in Italy is more than just a
game; it’s a passion, even a religion,
to some. People are fiercely loyal to
their local soccer club, and that loyalty is only put on hold when the
Italian national team is playing. For
sports fans, seeing a soccer game in
Italy is an important part of getting
to know the culture, and even for
people who are only marginally
interested in soccer, it can be a great
experience. The soccer season runs
roughly from August through May,
so if your visit to Italy falls during
this time you may want to look into
the schedules of the teams in the
towns you’ll be visiting.
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Outdoors & Sports
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The Italian countryside is ideal for a relaxing ride
Extreme Sports
Rock-climbing, rafting, caving and
other extreme sports are increasing
in popularity. Friuli, Trentino, Valle
d’Aosta, Umbria and Abruzzo are
ideal locations for these activities.
Snowrafting is usually called “White
Fear.” It is a descent on steep
ground, from the Olympic Skijump, on hard-packed snow in a
large rubber dinghy, at speeds of up
to 60 miles per hour. It only lasts a
few very, very long seconds. It is one
of the many extreme sports that can
be enjoyed in Cortina d’Ampezzo,
along with extreme skiing down
steep narrow gorges, and “Crazy
Sledge.”
old port the Romans excavated in
the tuff-stone. In front of Ventotene,
there is Santo Stefano, a small island
that offers you the magnificence of
its extraordinary depths of rare
beauty giving you the charge to
explore numerous wrecks. And we
can go on forever…
Sicily are just some of the regions
that offer the more challenging
trails and the best scenery.
Horseback Riding
The Italian countryside has a stillness about it that is ideal for a relaxing ride among ruins, architectural
wonders and breathtaking woods.
Cycling
For the amateur cyclist, Italy offers a
myriad of fun bike trails, both on
and off road. Tuscany, Umbria, and
Sailing and Scuba Diving
No matter where you are, Italy’s
waters are a paradise for divers and
sailors. Some destinations that
should not be missed are Portofino,
Panarea, Lampedusa, Capri, and
Porto Cervo.
The itineraries for sailing excursions are endless — from Ischia,
famous for its thermal baths and
golden beaches, to Capri, with its
vibrant social life, located off
Sorrento and the beautiful coast of
Amalfi, both rich in history and
folklore. Only 20 miles from
Procida you will find Ventotene,
which awaits you in its suggestive
Italy Now 2008
No matter where you are, Italy’s waters are a paradise. Photo by APT Arcipelago Toscano
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Spas
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Italy has unique resorts featuring world-class accommodations. Photo by RHT
Physical fitness, healthy eating and relaxation,
are the pillars of a good spa stay. Photo by FHR
Health & Beauty
Physical fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, and renewal are the pillars of a good
spa stay where the number one rule is to recover your well being, a need which
tends to get trampled by the stress of daily life.
Rich in thermal and mineral waters,
with a mild climate and stunning
scenery, Italy has long been a spa
destination. Since Roman times,
personal pampering has played a
major role in the culture, as borne
out by famed, popular spa sites such
as Abano Terme, Salsomaggiore,
Chianciano, Montecatini, Fiuggi,
Ischia and Saturnia.
Generally Speaking in Italy you
can find:
Thermal Hot Springs that are helpful
for health problems and medical
healing, detoxification and antistress treatments and weight loss
programs.
Health and Beauty Spas that emphasize beauty treatments, massage and
holistic medicine, and are usually
available in most resorts and thermal spas.
Thermal Baths that feature mineralrich mud and water treatments
from natural hot springs and are
usually visited for medical purposes.
Lombardy
Thermal Baths are usually visited for medical purposes. Photo by Ella Studio
58
BoarioTerme - This ideal destination
for a relaxing stay combines physical and mental well being with bodily health in a location that is
extremely interesting from a
tourist’s point of view. Treatments
are categorized in four specific
“objective programs” with the goal
to propose a mix of synergetic thermal cures, to treat in an even more
effective way disturbances of the
intestine, liver, joints, and blood circulation. The programs are
designed so clients can continue to
follow this advice even after they
return home.
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Spas
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Terme di Saturnia in Tuscany. Photo by Terme di Saturnia.
Terme di Saturnia in Tuscany. Photo by Terme di Saturnia
Veneto
Abano Terme – This beautiful town
boasts 78 thermal hotels, 120 pools,
50 tennis courts, parks and gardens,
and services of the highest quality in
the field of thermal cures. It combines these resources with aesthetic
cures and fitness to regenerate the
body in all of its aspects.
Tuscany
Terme di Saturnia – Saturnia stands
high up on a plateau in the Albegna
valley, from where it dominates the
magical tufa-dotted landscape
inland from Grosseto. Rich in bicarbonate and sulfates, the sulfuric water
of this region has health-stimulating
Italy Now 2008
properties that are effective for the
skin and the respiratory system.
Campania
Ischia
The miraculous therapeutic properties of Ischia’s hot spring waters
have been known since ancient
Roman times and are mentioned in
Homer’s Iliad, Virgil’s Aeneid and
by Pliny and Strabo. In fact, these
waters are especially indicated for
the treatment of painful degenerative diseases of the spine, joints,
tendons, muscles and ligaments as
well as for problems of motion and
circulation after wounds and
injuries.
Rich in thermal and mineral waters, Italy has long
been a favored spa destination. Photo by BAWH
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Religion
60 Religion.qxd
San Pietro al Tevere in Rome. Photo by APT Roma
Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Photo by APT Roma
Worship
From converted pagan temples to grandiose medieval cathedrals and
down to the tiniest chapels scattered across the country, Roman Catholic
churches offer fascinating repositories of art, architecture and history.
While every major religion is represented in Italy, Roman Catholicism
remains the country’s dominant
faith.
Churches typically open early
every morning, close around noon
for lunch, and reopen mid-afternoon until after the last Mass has
been said around 8:00 p.m. Major
cathedrals and basilicas remain
open all day to welcome believers
and visitors alike. Wearing tank
tops, shorts, mini-skirts or other
types of revealing clothing is not
allowed within most Catholic
churches. Make sure to bring a
sweater, shawl or long jacket to
cover shoulders and legs, as needed.
Photography is permitted in most
churches, but mostly without the
use of a flash. Food and beverages
are strictly prohibited.
Catholic churches with service
in English:
St. Patrick’s, Via Boncompagni 60,
Rome
Santa Susanna, Via XX Settembre
14, Rome (the national church of
the USA)
Ssi. Martiri Canadesi, Via G. B. De
60
Rossi 46, Rome (the national church
of Canada)
Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
(Saturday service at 5:00 p.m.)
Church of the Hospital of San
Giovanni di Dio, Borgo Ognissanti
16, Florence (Sundays and holidays
at 10:00 a.m.)
Italy’s Jewish heritage – Italy’s
vibrant Jewish community has
flourished for over 2000 years.
Monuments, neighborhoods and
synagogues are found in many
major cities. For information contact the Jewish Community Center;
www.jewishitaly.org
For all other religions, please
consult your local place of worship
for locations and times.
of Saint Peter. Today, the main altar
sits directly above the tomb housing
Saint Peter’s remains.
Construction of the imposing edifice we see today began in 1506 and
took 120 years to complete.
Numerous Renaissance architects
contributed to its construction,
Bramante among them. In 1546,
Pope
Paul
III
appointed
Michelangelo Buonarroti, already in
his sixties, as the official architect.
Michelangelo’s Greek cross plan of
Saint Peter’s was completed by Della
Porta, who also designed the dome,
and by Carlo Maderno, who built
the façade. Saint Peter’s Basilica was
finally consecrated on November
18, 1626.
Papal Audiences
St. Peter’s Basilica
Immortalized by the welcoming
arms of Bernini’s colonnade, St.
Peter’s Basilica is the seat of Roman
Catholicism and the most noted
landmark of Vatican City, an independent country within the city of
Rome. Inaugurated in 396 A.D., the
basilica was originally built by
Emperor Constantine over the tomb
General audiences with the Pope are
usually held on Wednesday mornings in Vatican City. Tickets are free
of charge and available at the Office
of the Prefettura della Casa
Pontificia, located on the north side
of Piazza San Pietro, which is open
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays
and Tuesdays.
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Useful Addresses
61-62usefull Addresss.qxd
Palazzo Serra Cassano in Naples.
Historical building in Abruzzo. Photo by Regione Abruzzo
American Embassy and Consulates in Italy
The Embassy and Consulates can
be of great assistance to US citizens
with marriage permits, extended
stay visas, lost passports, emergency fund transfers and medical
or other emergencies.
Embassy of the United States
in Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 119/A
00187 Roma, Italy
Tel. +39 (06) 46741
Fax +39 (06) 4674 2356
Full range of services offered to U.S.
citizens and European travelers
residing in the regions of Lazio,
Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, and
Sardegna.
Consulate General of the United
States in Florence
Lungarno Vespucci, 38
50123 Firenze, Italy
Tel. +39 (055) 2669 51
Fax +39 (055) 2840 88
residing in the regions of Tuscany,
Emilia Romagna.
States in Milan
Italy Now 2008
Via Principe Amedeo 2/10
20121 Milan, Italy
Tel. +39 (02) 2903 51
Fax +39 (02) 2900 1165
residing in the regions of Valle
d’Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia,
Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, FriuliVenezia Giulia, Liguria, EmiliaRomagna (provinces of Piacenza
and Parma only).
States in Naples
Piazza della Repubblica
80122 Naples, Italy
Tel. +39 (081) 5838 111
Fax +39 (081) 7611 869
residing in the regions of Campania,
Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria,
and Sicilia.
For a longer stay a visa is required.
Italian Embassy – Consular Section
3000 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20008
Visa Office
Tel. (202) 612-4405/612-4407
Vital Records (Marriages,
Citizenship)
Tel. (202) 612 4422
Boston Italian Consulate General
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02210-2206
Tel. (617) 722 9201/2/3
main number
Chicago Italian Consulate General
500 North Michigan Avenue,
Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel. (312) 467 1550/1/2
Detroit Italian Consulate General
Buhl Building
535 Griswold, Suite 1840
Detroit, MI 48226
Tel. (313) 963 8560
Italian Consulates in the US
Consult for special permits, mostly
concerning weddings in Italy.
Citizens of the United States with a
valid passport can stay in Italy up to
90 days without requesting a visa.
Houston Italian Consulate General
1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 660
Houston, TX 77056
Tel. (713) 850 7520
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Los Angeles Italian Consulate General
12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Tel. (310) 820 0622/826-6207
Miami Italian Consulate General
4000 Ponce de Leon, Suite 590
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Tel. (305) 374 6322
New York Italian Consulate General
690 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10021
Tel. (212) 737 9100
Newark Italian Vice Consulate
One Gateway Center
Suite 100
Newark, NJ 07102
Tel. (973) 643 1448
Philadelphia Italian Consulate
General
1026 Public Ledger Building
100 South 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3470
Tel. (215) 592 7329
San Francisco Italian Consulate
General
2590 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel. (415) 292 9210/931 4924
Italian Government
Tourist Boards in the US
Consult for travel tips and useful
information for your planning of an
Italian vacation.
www.italiantourism.com
Italian Government Tourist Board
New York
Director for North America: Mr.
Riccardo Strano
630, Fifth Avenue, Suite 1565
New York, NY 10111
Tel. (212) 245 5618
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chicago
500 North Michigan Avenue 506
Chicago, IL 60611
62
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Tel. (312) 644 0996
Office hours Monday – Friday 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tel. (310) 820 1898
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Los Angeles
12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550
Tourist Boards in Italy
Italy has plenty of public tourist offices, each based around a certain area
and all providing general information and assistance.
Abruzzo
C.so V. Emanuele II, 301, 65100 Pescara
Basilicata
Via Anzio, 44, 85100 Potenza
Calabria
Via S. Nicola, 8, 88100 Catanzaro
Campania
Via S. Lucia, 81, 80132 Naples
Emilia Romagna
Viale Aldo Moro, 64, 40127 Bologna
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Via Miramare, 19, 34135 Trieste
Lazio
Via R.R. Garibaldi, 7, 00145 Rome
Liguria
Via D’Annunzio, 64 16121 Genoa
Lombardy
Via Sassetti, 32, 20124 Milan
Marche
Via G. da Fabriano, 9, 60125 Ancona
Molise
Via Mazzini, 94, 86100 Campobasso
Piedmont
Via Magenta, 12, 10128 Turin
Puglia
Via Bozzi, 45/c 70121 Bari
Sardegna
Viale Trieste, 105, 09124 Cagliari
Sicily
Via E. Notarbartolo, 9, 90141 Palermo
Tuscany
Via di Novoli, 26, 50127 Florence
Trentino-Alto Adige
Via Romagnosi, 9, 38100 Trento
Umbria
Corso Vannucci, 30, 06100 Perugia
Valle d’Aosta
Piazza Narbonne, 3, 11100 Aosta
Veneto
Palazzo Balbi-Dorso Duro, b3901, 30123 Venice
+ 39 (085) 4290 0212
+ 39 (0971) 4486 47
+ 39 (0961) 7202 60
+ 39 (081) 7962 034
+ 39 (051) 2833 53
+ 39 (040) 3775 747
+ 39 (06) 5168 1
+ 39 (010) 5485 553
+ 39 (02) 6756 1
+ 39 (071) 8062 165
+ 39 (0874) 4291
+ 39 (011) 4321 1
+ 39 (080) 5401 111
+ 39 (070) 6061
+ 39 (091) 6968 033
+ 39 (055) 4382 111
+ 39 (0461) 4965 35
+ 39 (075) 5043 3676
+ 39 (0165) 2366 27
+39 (041) 2792 832
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Phrases and Words
63-64PhrasesandWordscaps.qxd
Order food speaking perfect Italian. Photo by Ella Studio
Lost in Translation
Become part of a fascinating culture by diving into its language
Learning a few words will help you order food with confidence, ask for directions without getting a confused
glance in return, stop relying on subtitles when watching an Italian movie, but mostly improve your cultural
understanding and global communication.
The Basics
Hello
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Good night
Nice to meet you
Good-bye
Please
Thank you
Excuse me
Sir
Madam/Mrs
Ms
Yes/No
Where is?
I don’t know
Here
There
Near
Far
Left
Italy Now 2008
Ciao
Buon giorno
Buon pomeriggio
Buona sera
Buona notte
Piacere
Arrivederci
Per favore
Grazie
Mi scusi
Signore
Signora
Signorina
Si/No
Dov’è?
Non lo so
Qui
La
Vicino
Lontano
Sinistra
Right
Up
Down
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Help
Police
Police
Traffic Police
Passport
Plane tickets
Destra
Su
Giù
Mattina
Pomeriggio
Sera
Aiuto
Polizia
Carabinieri
Vigili Urbani
Passaporto
Biglietti aerie
Numbers
1 Uno
2 Due
3 Tre
4 Quattro
5 Cinque
6 Sei
7 Sette
8 Otto
9 Nove
10 Dieci
11 Venti
12 Trenta
40 Quaranta
50 Cinquanta
60 Sessanta
70 Settanta
80 Ottanta
80 Novanta
100 Cento
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Weekdays
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Gestures
Lunedì
Martedì
Mercoledì
Giovedì
Venerdì
Sabato
Domenica
Don’t forget that Italians are masters of the unspoken art
of the gesture, where a movement of the hand is worth a
thousand words.
Italy’s most popular is Che vuoi? (what do you want?),
and it is done by bringing together the tips of the fingers
of one hand to form an upward-pointing cone. The hand
can be held motionless or be shaken up and down.
Another common gesture are the horns, are a protective
sign to ward off a curse or something negative.
Useful Phrases
How are you?
Come stai?
How do I get to?
Come faccio per arrivare a..?
How far is?
Quanto dista da qui...?
Where is the phone?
Dov’è il telefono?
I am allergic
Sono allergico/a
Do you have?
Avete....?
Do you accept credit cards? Accettate carte di credito?
May I get through?
Permesso
It doesn’t matter
Non importa
See you soon
A presto
See you later
A più tardi
Do you speak English?
Parla inglese?
I don’t speak Italian
Non parlo italiano
Please speak slowly
Per favore parli più lentamente
Please repeat
Per favore ripeta
At the Restaurant
A cup
A fork
A glass
A napkin
A knife
A teaspoon
Appetizers
First course
Second course
Fruit
Desserts
I’d like a beer
I’d like a glass of red wine
I’d like some water
Una tazza
Una forchetta
Un bicchiere
Un tovagliolo
Un coltello
Un cucchiaino
Gli antipasti
Il primo
Il secondo
La frutta
I dolci
Vorrei una birra
Vorrei un bichiere di vino rosso
Vorrei dell’acqua
Excuse me, do you know a good restaurant?
Scusi, conosce un buon ristorante?
The Language of Love
Italian has the fame of being the language of love and seduction; Italy’s culture is loaded with romantic imagery
and a pervasive atmosphere of passion.
Italy is such a romantic place that millions of honeymooners as well as young
and older couples go to soak up its
fabled dreamy ambience. There are so
many things that couples do in Italy
that have become synonymous with
romance and love – riding a gondola
through Italy’s canals, wine tasting in
the countryside, having coffee al fresco,
and even walking through Italy’s narrow cobblestone streets.
I love you
Ti amo
I am falling in love with you
Mi sto innamorando di te
I can’t live without you
Non posso vivere senza di te
I miss you
Mi manchi
Love and kisses
Un milione di baci
I’d like to make a reservation for two this evening.
Vorrei fare una prenotazione per due persone per
questa sera.
64
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Brochure "Italy now" - Italian Government Tourist Board

Transcription

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