Italy Now Abruzzo PDF

Italy Now
The Official Guide to Italian Tourism 1

Italy Now
Table
of Contents
ITPC Tips
Italy,
Vacation Secrets revealed
by the pros 4 a Unique
Discover Abruzzo Experience
Letter of Presentation 26 Dear Traveler,
Magical Abruzzo 27 Thank you for choosing Italy as your travel destination!
The Green face of Abruzzo 29 Italy in general is known as the country of “Life & Style”, of art and culture, of good
Sea and Ski 33 food and fashion, and it is the ideal place to spend your vacation: our country offers
Abruzzo: A Land to Eat 36 something special to each of its visitors and is a spectacular destination for all types of
Abruzzo: A land to Celebrate 39 travelers.
For a vacation full of art and history, come walk into the past by way of Italy’s count-
Travel Planner less museums, historic monuments and archeological treasures. Marvel in the midst of
exquisite paintings and sculptures, explore the sites that antiquity preserved for the mod-
Italy in a Nutshell 41 ern day and travel back in time envisioning yourself during the age of the Ancient Romans
Transportation 42 or the birth of Renaissance, just to name a few.
City Cards 45 For an outdoor vacation, come find adventure by skiing the thrilling mountain slopes
Currency 46 or by hiking or biking through an endless horizon of rolling hills and valleys. Come find
Communications 47 peace and relaxation from our tranquil seas and lakes and also from our many spas. If a
Accommodations 50 culinary vacation is what you crave, each corner of Italy tempts you with its delicious
At the Restaurant 51 foods and fantastic wines, appealing to every palate.
Food & Wine 52 Come discover what travelers are enjoying more and more: our quaint and charming
For Shoppers Only 57 art towns and villages, where history and tradition remain intact, where the residents are
Arts & Entertainment 62 friendly, where home-cooking reigns supreme and where you can purchase typical region-
For the Gambler 68 al products at reasonable prices.
The Great Outdoors 69 We invite you to begin your journey to Italy through the pages of this informative
Just for Kids 71 booklet which will serve as a reference guide to planning the perfect trip.
National Holidays and Festivals 73 We extend to you our warmest welcome in Italy and will do our very best to make your
Religion 77 visit an unforgettable one.
Useful Addresses 78 Have a wonderful time and pleasant stay!
Useful Words 80
Riccardo Strano
Director
Italian Government Tourist Board North America
2 The Official Guide to Italian Tourism

Italy Now
Italy Now is published by ITPC

Italian Travel Promotion Council
Chairman Mauro Galli
and under the auspices of

The Italian Governament Tourism Board
of North America
The Mark Director Mr. Riccardo Strano
of Quality Produced by Market Gates LLC
and Reliability Publisher Amedeo Angiolillo

Executive Editor Natasha Lardera
Offering peerless experience, dedication and knowledge, Italian Travel Promotion Council Proofreaders
(ITPC) member companies represent the top echelon of US Tour Operators promoting a Patrick Clark, Marta Mondelli
vacation to Italy. Consulting an ITPC professional can turn the ordinary trip into a vaca-
tion of a lifetime. Special thanks to Mario Scalzi
ITPC member companies cover the full spectrum of itineraries. You can choose from for the editorial advice
escorted tours, independent hotel arrangements, sightseeing, villa and apartment rentals,
pilgrimage tours, cooking schools, food and wine tours, car rentals, walking, hiking or
biking tours, art and music programs, private limousine and a lot more.
ITPC members are the undisputed experts for all the aspects of travel to Italy.
To better assist you in planning your vacation our members offer an ideal combination
of cutting edge technology for fast Web access, together with friendly and responsive
office and professional call centers located throughout the United States. Whether travel-
ing with a budget or ”the sky is the limit”, ITPC members are committed to satisfying each
traveler’s needs with the utmost dedication and care. Costumer service and satisfaction is
a primary goal of the organization. Member Company is chosen on the basis of their long-
standing professionalism and service to the travel industry. Qualifications are regularly
reviewed and all members must abide by the association’s strict code of ethics.
ITPC members are always looking to extend their programs to give the ever more
sophisticated American travelers a full range of experience. Therefore this year a new
region “ABRUZZO” is being presented as a destination full of natural beauty, food and
wine, delicious traditions, enchanting villages and folklore, art and architecture, and above
all, authentic and friendly inhabitants which will make your vacation full of emotions.
Please use this guide to further whet you appetite for Italy, then call your Travel Agent
or a member company for additional information. You will find a directory of ITPC
Members in the ITPC Tips section.
As always. The ITPC is committed to giving you, the American traveler, the best possi-
ble travel experience to Italy.
Buon Viaggio
Sincerely,
Mauro F. Galli
ITPC Chairman

Italy Now ITPC Secrets
Discover Italy by Driving Through it
“The best way to see Italy and enjoy its majestic scenery is by driving through it,” says
Caroline Healy Estes, Confirmations Supervisor of Auto Europe. Indeed, traveling by
train prevents travelers from visiting many of the more suggestive corners of Italy, as
trains often go through industrial areas. “Driving from Genoa to Cinque Terre, I am
able to stop in Chiavari at a lovely restaurant where I enjoy having lunch,” Caroline
continues. “I wouldn’t be able to do that if I went there by train.”
Glimpses of Rome slip in and out as you drive along the windy road taking you
there from the airport. As you come around the Giuseppe Garibaldi statue on the
Passeggiata del Gianicolo and continue across and down the Gianicolo Hill, you see
Anita Garibaldi on a rearing horse with a baby in one arm and a pistol in the other. If
you come into Rome from the airport by bus or the new intercity train, you miss the
beauty of discovering the Eternal City glimpse by glimpse.
“General belief is that driving in Italy is rather difficult, but driving along the
Autostrada is like driving on American highways,” Caroline explains. “A car is not
needed for driving in the city, but for moving from one city to another, it is the best
means of transportation.” And getting lost is not always a bad thing – new treasures unmarked
on the map can be found just by accident. With a car, you can stop anywhere and discover at
your own pace.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Call 1-800-223-5555 or visit www.autoeurope.com
Company Profile
For more than 50 years,
Auto Europe has been the leader in
worldwide car rental, chauffeur drive,
prestige autos, and sports car rentals.
Its Destination Europe division
features more than 30,000 hot

Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni.
els worldwide, business class air
packages, coach air and many fly
and drive programs.

ITPC Secrets Italy Now
The Italian Mountains –

High-Altitude Snow Deserts
“Italy is the only Alpine country to encompass the entire Alpine Arc. Together with the 1400-
kilometer sweep of the Apennines, the Alps make Italy a prime winter sport destination with
over 400 resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Sestriere, Cervinia, Madonna di Campiglio, and
Courmayeur,” says April Bargout of BellaVista Tours. “People don’t enjoy the Italian mountains
enough.”
The region of Aosta is the most mountainous. It is dominated by snowy peaks, glaciers, val-
ley streams, pine forests, and high pasture lands, and is accessed by tunnels at the historic pass-
es of Monte Bianco and Gran San Bernardo. The region, which recognizes both Italian and
French as its native tongues, hosts the grand Gran Paradiso National Park, located in the valleys
of Cogne, Valsavarenche, and Rhemes. The park is a treasure chest of beautiful vegetation: chest-
nuts, oaks, and fir trees, as well as wildlife: royal owls, woodpeckers and the alpine finch.
“Diverse cultures and languages are characteristic of an area that many don’t actually know,”
April continues. “It’s called South Tyrol, where Italian and German lifestyles co-exist. A dramat-
ic Alpine province, rich in rivers and lakes, clusters of mountains and valleys, it is ruled by the
mountains themselves.” The height of the peaks ensures year-round sports from skiing and hik-
ing to more extreme activities such as rock climbing, hang-gliding and rafting.
For those who enjoy more tranquil activities, it’s always fun to go mushroom or chestnut
hunting in the fall.
Abruzzo embraces the highest massifs of central Italy, with peaks that are often higher than
2,000 meters, and snow-blanched valleys. It hosts the National Park of Abruzzo, home to species
like the Marsican Bear and the Grey Wolf. “Abruzzo is an easy destination,” April concludes, “as
it is so close to Rome. So after a few days of sightseeing in the city it’s easy to reach the moun-
tains for a few days of pure fun!”
CONTACT INFORMATION Tel: 617-723-0802

Tel: 877-723-0802 (toll free)
BellaVista Tours Fax: 617-723-0803
7 Marshall Street Email:
Boston, MA 02108 info@bellavistatours.com
www.bellavistatours.com
Company Profile
BellaVista Tours specializes in group and individual travel arrangements
to Italy and the Mediterranean, including escorted and semi-escorted
tours and independent excursions. Having a thorough knowledge of the
destinations and a willingness to provide clients with personalized
service, BellaVista Tours arranges any desired itinerary, from budget to
deluxe, including the following services:
• Hotel accommodations throughout all regions of Italy
• Sightseeing – including private guides if desired
• Transfers
• Car rentals
Photo courtesy of Valtellina Tourist Office.
• Villa rentals
• Train tickets and rail passes – BellaVista Tours is an authorized U.S. sales
agent for Trenitalia
• Land-only arrangements or with-air service from major U.S. gateway
cities to Italy and beyond.
Your travel agent can contact us on your behalf to coordinate all the little
details so that you will enjoy your time in Italy. Come and experience the
world BellaVista style!

Family Bonding
“I have three kids,” explains Carol Dimopoulos of Celtic Tours, “and we are always
looking for places to travel together. Two years ago we went to Italy and it welcomed
us with open arms. I think it is the most child-friendly country in the world, every-
body is so warm, and they love to see families traveling together. They all talk to the
kids, explaining their culture, making them laugh, treating them as real people, not
just little children. When eating in a restaurant the kids are the focus of the meal, the
waiter asks them what they want, or suggests something special to try and enjoy all
together…so even a simple meal becomes a wonderful family experience that brings
us all together.”
Once of Carol’s best experiences in Italy was a cooking class taken during a family
stay in a Tuscan villa. “It was just special to be cooking all together; the teacher spoke
no English, so we had an interpreter. We didn’t simply cook but we really bonded, we
all worked as a team in preparing the delicious food that we later enjoyed together. We tried
things we would have never tasted before, such as tripe, and my middle daughter wants to
become a chef now. Now everywhere we go we book a cooking class.”
Everywhere you turn, Italy unveils something new that to a child becomes a unique and
memorable experience. “We sat in a chair where the Pope sat in the 14th century,” Carol con-
tinues. “My kids saw a blood orange for the first time and initially they thought the orange had
gone bad. Dogs have a certain class and respect for their owners; my youngest child thought
that all Italian dogs are former Emperors. Italy stimulates children’s curiosity, their creativity,
and really brings you together.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tel. 800-833-4373
www.celtictours.com
Company Profile
Celtic Tours has a rich history of pre-
senting a unique collection of Italian
vacations for individual and group
travel. Imagine a dream vacation at
an Italian Villa, the “Sicilian Sun,” a pri-
vate chauffeur or rail tour or our

Photo courtesy of Ella Studio.
“Treasures of Italy.” Specialists in
family vacations. Let us help you real-
ize your Italian dream vacation!

Romantic Italy
“More than any other country, Italy offers couples and honeymooners the romantic experience
of a lifetime,” says Tom Paris of Club ABC.
“Italy has a certain zest and enthusiasm for life shown in its beautiful and poetic landscape
and in its daily routine. The best memories one makes there aren’t the big things, but the small
intimate moments, like sharing a glass of wine, a breathtaking view, or a walk down Medieval
streets,” he continues.
Indeed, Italy’s most romantic spots are favored by many as destinations for happy couples
who want to make amazing memories.
The rolling Tuscan hills, a gondola in Venice, a Renaissance villa in Florence, stunning his-
toric properties, the finest foods and wines and an eye for the smallest things in life make of
Italy the best dream brought to life. Romantic Italy beckons lovers of all ages to its magical
countryside, but even cities are great destinations.
“The Amalfi Coast is a popular honeymoon destination in Italy,” Tom explains. “The views
are spectacular, and the hotels are first-rate. The pace of life is slower than in the cities; you
can breakfast on a hotel balcony overlooking the sea, or take a leisurely boat trip along the dra-
matic coastline. Ravello, above Amalfi, is a quiet and romantic location, with beautiful gardens
where you can enjoy evening concerts in the summer. The Isle of Capri is a stylish destination
that was in vogue even in ancient times; you can stroll, go shopping and simply enjoy being
kissed by the sun.”
When speaking of romance, we cannot ignore Venice, la Serenissima, Italy’s floating jewel,
the destination that comes closest to an incarnation of Romance. It may be a cliché, but few
could resist the romantic appeal of a midnight gondola ride, or a wander hand-in-hand over
the Bridge of Sighs.
CONTACT INFORMATION
888-TOURS-ABC (868-7722)
www.clubabc.com
Company Profile
CLUB ABC TOURS® is one of the most
successful private travel clubs of its
kind in the U.S. Members of the club
are world travelers and enjoy the
breadth of programs that span 125
cities in 30 countries on six continents.
Since 1966, Club ABC Tours has been

offering outstanding vacation values
on fully-escorted tours to
go-on-your-own packages and cruises.

A Toast to Italian Wines
“Experts increasingly rate Italy’s premier wines among the world’s finest, and Distinctive
Journeys’ main goal is to provide Italy’s best to our clients,” Anna Pappas-Carroll explains.
Many of the noblest wines originate in the more than 300 zones officially classified as DOC
or DOCG, and more recently, in areas recognized for typical regional wines under IGT.
But a number of special wines carry their own proudly individual identities. Wine drinkers
abroad, not always aware of the wealth of types, have not always taken advantage of this
unmatchable variety.
“My favorite wines are the ones from Veneto,” Anna continues, “they are light and crisp,
always enjoyable.” Veneto produces Recioto di Soave DOCG. It is yellow-gold in color with a
complex aroma reminiscent of acacia honey with a flowery scent and a well-balanced, full-
bodied, and velvety bouquet. It is best served with sweets and dry pastries, but it is also very
good served with ripe cheeses. Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC is a refreshing sparkling wine
made primarily near the town of Conegliano. Prosecco is the name of the grape that is used to
make this sparkling wine and many of the best examples are 100% Prosecco. It has a straw
color and small bubbles, a touch of pear and melon in the aroma, a crisp and clean flavor with
nice acidity, and has a refreshing dry finish.
For lovers of reds, Amarone della Valpollicella DOC is one of those special wines that
Company Profile deserves super-premium qualification. It is velvety, round and soft, well balanced and full of
character, while Bardolino DOCG is a pleasant red that graces many Venetian tables.
Founded in 1994, Distinctive Journeys “One of the joys of Italian wine is the endless variety of styles from region to region, so in
order to find your favorites it’s advisable to travel a lot.”
International (DJI) is a full-service tour
operator specializing in deluxe, cus-
tom-designed travel for individuals,
small groups, and incentives to inter-
national destinations. DJI offers a full
range of travel services for the discern-
ing traveler as well as personalized
documentation including descriptive CONTACT NFORMATION

itineraries with restaurant recommen- Tel . 800.922.2060
www.distinctivejourneys.com
dations, sightseeing suggestions, driv-
ing directions, shopping tips, maps,
and other details! The team at DJI is
professional, personable, and extreme-
ly well traveled, and offers the utmost

Photo courtesy of City of Turin.
in service and reliability. We look for-
ward to helping you with every step of
your trip, from initial planning until
your return home.

A Land for all Seasons
“I’ve had the opportunity to go to almost all areas of Italy,” Kit Burns of Doorways Ltd. says,
“and every time I go back I find something that is more beautiful. I got into the travel business
simply because I fell in love with it. I left from Chicago where it was snowing and I went to a
villa in Tuscany. I opened the window and saw the rolling hills outside…from that moment on
I was hooked.”
Italy offers different landscapes of unique and intense beauty – from the coexistence of sea
and mountains in Abruzzo, to the dry and western look of Maremma. “Southeastern Tuscany
remains my favorite,” Kit continues, “the scenery is dramatic but in a peaceful way. Looking at
the 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. Italy blossoms during the summer, beaches
come alive, and you can choose between Rimni and Riccione if you are up to partying, or
Sardinia and Sicily for diving and sailing. In the springtime nature bursts with fragrances and
colors. The time is ideal to explore art cities or simply sit at a café reading the paper.
September marks the breaking of the heat and the return from the holidays. Cities become
more vibrant and the countryside blossoms with activities, from grape and olive picking to
truffle and mushroom hunting. In the winter, the Alps, the Apennines, and the Dolomites
become a real white wonderland for skiers. Company Profile
CONTACT INFORMATION Doorways, Ltd, Italian Villa Vacations,

800-261-4460 offers exquisite villas for vacations in
www.villavacations.com
Italy. Choose your dream property
from a carefully vetted quality
selection to ensure a wonderful
experience.
• 300 premier villas, castles, cottages

and city apartments
• 125 air-conditioned properties

• Professional and experienced staff
• Extra attention for families
• Special services in the villa (staff,
chef, cooking classes)
• Weddings and honeymoons, special

Photo courtesy of Regione Toscana.
interest groups
• Travel tips, restaurant guides, day

trip guides
• Quarterly Newsletter
Natural Therapy
Italy is not perceived by many as the ideal destination for nature travel, but Rebekah Cain
of European Incoming Services is here to convince us otherwise.
“Italy has a lot to offer,” she says, “on many different levels. First wildlife – The Natural Parks
of Basilicata and Calabria welcome wolves and in the National Park of Abruzzo wolves coex-
ist peacefully with bears. In the park of Adamello Brenta, brown bears were extinct but were
reintroduced by bringing bears from Slovenia, animals with very similar characteristics.”
Rebekah continues to explain that the country offers world-class bird watching, as it is on
the migration path from north to south. The best spots are in the swamps of Tuscany, at the
Po river delta, and in Sardinia. There are places where ancient human settlements were
reclaimed by nature, and people live in a symbiotic relationship with nature. In Matera, for
example, people settled in caves, homes that look really primitive from the outside but inside
have running water and electricity.
“The Alps should be explored more by international tourists,” she adds. “They are the home
of the via ferrata, a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and
bridges. Volcanoes aren’t only majestic and beautiful but are home to natural spas, places to
go for therapeutic and pampering reasons.”
The Terme di Saturnia are sulphuric thermal baths that for centuries, since the time of the
Etruscans, have welcomed to their warm waters people in need to heal their body and mind.
Saturnia stands high up on a plateau in the Albenga valley in Tuscany, where it dominates the
magical tufa-dotted landscape inland from Grosseto.
“These are all different twists on how important nature is in Italy,” Rebekah concludes, “great
food and wine are added as a complement.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
EIS-European Incoming Services
42 Chauncy Street, Ste. 10
Boston, MA 02111
Toll Free: 800-443-1644 Telephone: 617-227-2910
Fax: 617-227-7251
info@eistoeurope.com
www.eistours.com
Company Profile
For over 25 years, European
Incoming Services (EIS) has specialized
in customized travel in the
Mediterranean and beyond. We focus
on customization through knowledge,

Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo.
striving to make every trip exceed
expectations, help each passenger fall
in love with travel and turn the aver-
age tour into a glorious event.

Exploring Regional Diversity
“Italy has something for everyone…that’s my statement,” says Sandy Cutrone, president of
European Connection. “What makes Italian culture and way of life unique is that each region
has its own identity and people are eager to share it with you.”
Italy’s regions are indeed a symphony of breathtaking contrasts, not only for their diverse
landscapes but for the transcendent treasures that they each own. From Lombardy’s rolling
plains to the lush Po Delta in Emilia Romagna, to the magnificent Roman ruins preserved at
Pompeii, there is always something different to see, to taste, to listen to, to buy, and so on.
“Indeed, each region has its own culinary treasure,” Sandy continues, “a signature dish, a
particular wine and product, gifts of nature and core of traditions.”
Most Italians still live in their town of origin and feel far more strongly about their local area
than they do about Italy in general. Tell them how beautiful their town, lake, village, or church
is — and possibly add how much you prefer it to Rome, Milan, or another Italian town, and
you have made a new friend.
The atmosphere is different from place to place. “In Viareggio, elegant and refined Viareggio,
one of the most famous coast resorts in Versilia and a tourist destination known all over the
world, I get the feeling of being in a Fellini movie, while complete euphoria hits Ivrea during
its carnival,” Sandy adds. “This is one of Italy’s most spectacular thanks to one enterprising
ingredient, the Battle of the Oranges.” The city’s squares are turned into battle grounds
between nine competing teams and 3,000 people…and oranges literally fly.
All this diversity makes Italy a favored destination for American travelers, who have had a Company Profile
long-term love affair with it and who keep returning year after year. Our award-winning team of Italy
Experts will customize your dream trip
CONTACT INFORMATION
to Italy from itinerary planning, hotel
800-345-4679 or 516-625-1800 –
selection, transportation needs, sight-
info@europeanconnection.com
seeing, cooking classes, wine tastings
www.europeanconnection.com
and very special experiences that will
make for a most memorable trip.
• Wide selection of contracted hotels
from top deluxe to charming
country inns
• Rail passes, individual tickets and
seat reservations
• Private sightseeing with our
excellent local guides
• Shore excursions from all ports
• Chauffeur driven and coach services
throughout
• Cooking classes, wine tastings, and
special experiences
Photo courtesy of City of Viareggio.
• Family travel specialists with

customized, unique child-friendly
discovery tours
• Incentive Travel and Meeting
Planning experts.

Savoring Italy’s Culinary Bounty
“As on most of the Christmas Holidays, I go back to Milan to spend time with my family. No
matter how the flight goes, the first thing that comes to my mind as soon as I get into the Milan
train station is to head, without any further delay, to my own personal center of the Universe,
my Greenwich point: “Luini”!, maker of the best Panzerotti in the whole wide world. A
Panzerotti, for some of you that might ask, is a light fried dough stuffed with a fresh mozzarel-
la ball, sweet tomato sauce, and bits of prosciutto…heaven on earth.” The person speaking is
Yan Moati of Europe at Cost Tours. Today Italian cuisine is highly cherished around the world.
Tucked away in a dark alley, between the Duomo and the Galleria, and right after the
Rinascente (Italy’s Saks Fifth), you’ll find this culinary temple, where Luini’s family has made the
best of the best since the early 50’s. Sicilian immigrants to Milan, they epitomize what is Italy’s
economical paradox in strengths and weaknesses: The “mama!” is still at the store 24/7, regis-
tering every sale, the daughter at the counter, the father and son in the kitchen. They’ve been
at it for 50 years and through several generations. “So here I am, at Milan’s best kept secret, with
my oversize bag that occasionally bumps into the customers who wait in line. In Italy, as in most
Southern European countries, the concept of personal space is completely foreign. Especially if
the goal is to catch the latest batch of oven warm Panzerotti!,” adds Yan. “I was amused to see
this hoard of pushy, sophisticated, and decked-out Milanese, giving you strange looks because
you’re in jeans and a simple black jacket (a classic NY look), while they all dress like peacocks,
still pushing as if you were in a crowded market in Bombay! That, for me, is Italy: Good food,
good looks, and stunningly open and funny people that, at a drop of a magician’s hat, make you
feel at ease and as if you’ve been friends for life!”
Company Profile CONTACT

INFORMATION
Founded in 1966, EAC, Europe at Cost©, EAC - EUROPE AT COST
315, Fifth Avenue,
is one of the oldest leading
Suite 603
tour operators to Italy for groups and New York, NY 10016
Tel: 800-322-3876
independent travel, specializing solely
Fax: 212-532-8439
in customized ground service www.europeatcost.com
arrangements in Italy and Europe.
With American offices in New York
City and Washington, and European

Photo courtesy of Barilla.
offices in Milan, Rome, Nice, and
Madrid, they will cover all your needs
in Europe!

Remains to be Seen: the History of Italy
“Having been a history buff all of my life, my first trip to Italy was spent in
total awe! There is so much history to be found in Italy, and the pure thrill
of walking through the ruins of the Forum, the Colosseum, and the
Pantheon in Rome cannot even be described.” The person speaking is Sherry
Stebbeds of Experience Italy, specialists on travel to Italy.
Rome’s greatest amphitheater, the Colosseum, is capable of seating 55,000
spectators. It was used for deadly gladiator combats and ferocious animal
fights staged by the emperors and wealthy citizens. The Pantheon is a circu-
lar temple, built in 27 B.C., dedicated to all the gods. It is Rome’s most well-
preserved ancient building.
“To see and understand the engineering challenges that they faced and the
buildings that are still standing centuries later is amazing. Of course there
is history throughout the entire country, not just Rome,” Sherry continues.
“The ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum (destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in
79 A.D.), Ostia Antica (a thriving port on the Tiber river), Agrigento and the
Valley of the Temples (majestic Greek structures dating back to the fifth and
sixth centuries B.C.), and Siracusa, just to name a few. You can spend days just visiting
churches and monuments, not to mention museums and art galleries. It is truly a thrill to be
standing in the very places you have read about in the history books.” Company Profile
More historic ruins to be seen are Metapontum, an ancient city on the Gulf of Taranto set- Experience Italy caters to discriminat-
tled by the Greeks around 700 B.C.; Segesta, the first Trojan colony in northwest Sicily; and
ing travelers who want to experience
Matera and its Sassi, an intricate labyrinth of ancient rock dwellings.
the country in a memorable way,
CONTACT INFORMATION whether visiting Italy for business or
www.experienceitaly.com 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.
Specialties: General interest and
custom travel to Italy featuring village
folklore festivals, tours ranging from
Photo courtesy of Regione Campania.
wine and cooking to opera, fashion

and spa packages. Accommodations
include unique historic inns dating to
the 12th century and the most
centrally located hotels in the major
Italian cities.

Travel the Land of Faith
Religious, or faith-based, travel is going big time. Although most trips are still organized by
churches and other religious groups, large tour operators and agencies are entering this niche
market. Globus is one of them.
According to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, overseas religious and pil-
grimage travel attract more than 600,000 American participants a year. From magnificent
cathedrals to modest rural chapels, each house of worship in Italy comprises a work of art tes-
tifying to the labor, artistry, and devotion of its creators. Thus Italy is a favored destination by
travelers, “the Vatican being the most sought after one,” explains Sharon Symons of Globus.
“People often request a papal audience and we are happy to accommodate them.” General
audiences with the Pope are usually held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in Vatican City. They may
be inside the basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences.
“Today people need the feeling of safety and trust that they get through spirituality and it is
reinforced during their visits in these places of worship,” Sharon continues. “There is such an
amazing aura inside Assisi’s cathedral…of peace and love. Despite the catastrophe it went
through, it still stands strong.” On September 26, 1997, Assisi was struck by an earthquake.
The Basilica was badly damaged and underwent two years of restorations. The lower church
has frescos by renowned late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; in the upper church are
frescos of scenes in the life of St. Francis by Giotto and his circle.
Contrary to common belief, most religions are represented in Italy, from Protestant to
Jewish, Anglican and Baptist.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Toll-free: 866-755-8581; www.globusfamily.com
Company Profile
The Globus family of brands consists
of five brands, Globus, Brennan,
Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon,
and makes up the largest escorted
travel company in the world.
With an impressive portfolio of nearly

Photo courtesy of City of Assisi.
350 vacations to more than
60 countries on six continents, no one
knows the world better.

The Charm of Italian Nightlife
Chatting with Mr. Marc Kazlauskas of Insight Vacations, we agree that nightlife in Italy can be
quite different from any other place in the world. Cafés are dotted by people of all age groups,
old and young, families and singles, and sometimes even minor children with their parents.
Of course all cafés serve alcoholic drinks, but no one actually gets really drunk. Instead,
what you’ll find is that people stand around chatting, sometimes nursing the same glass of
wine or beer for hours. Nightclubs, restaurants and dancing spots can be found in most of the
cities and tourist centers. The restaurants and coffee shops invariably have tables outside, a
way to enjoy the colorful street theatre and the wonderful Italian weather.
An important part of an Italian’s social life involves meeting up for an aperitivo in the
evening after work. Many bars put on a buffet style dinner, an aperitf whereby you pay around
5-6 Euros and you eat as much as you want. “Aperitivi” are usually put on between 6 and 8
p.m. and are becoming more and more sophisticated with people even going home first to get
a bit more dressed up!
Nowhere on earth are the performing arts celebrated so much as in Italy, so there is always
something to see. If your forte is something a little more cultural, Milan has more than enough
theatres and cinemas to meet your needs. With a rich history of fine plays, musicals, and
motion pictures, nightlife makes Milan a city ablaze with possibilities. For more of the fun and
excitement that Italy nightlife offers, try some of the nightclubs that Rome has to offer. While
being one of the top destinations for travelers in the world, Rome is a sea of Italian nightlife
activity. And you will be surprised that some of the smaller towns have the best spots, places
where people drive for miles and miles just to go and have fun.
Company Profile
Insight Vacations is the market leader
of premium escorted tours to Europe,

CONTACT INFORMATION
USA, Canada, and the Eastern
555 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Suite C204 Mediterranean. Insight has built an
Rye, NY 10580
enviable reputation by providing our
Reservations 888-680-1241
www.insightvacations.com guests with business class style
comfort through twice as much leg
room than on an ordinary touring
coaches, smaller group sizes
(a maximum of 40), more included

extras, and quality hotels in desirable
locations. Insight Vacations is
proud to boast a 99% customer
recommendation rating

The Fascination of Getting Lost
In the film Under the Tuscan Sun, Diane Lane, a 35-year-old San Francisco writer whose per-
fect life has just taken an unexpected detour, and who is affected by writer’s block, buys a villa
in Tuscany and finds love. It was a huge hit in the US; in the eyes of American women Italian
men became even more attractive thanks to the charm and looks of Raoul Bova. Talking to
Karen Herbst, President of the International Kitchen, we agreed that Italy is just a great place
for solo women travelers. The very idea of it can spark thoughts of romance and passion.
Italy is a small country, so it’s easy to get around. Despite the rumors of strikes and delays,
the train system is really good, taking you everywhere for a very good fare. If someone has
large luggage they may run into some issues, but traveling is not an issue at all. “Plus, Italian
people are so friendly and willing to help, especially if you are a woman traveling solo,” Karen
adds, “and we must say that yes, Italian men have the reputation of being charming and irre-
sistible – but that’s what 99% of traveling women wish. They have a romanticized image of
Italian men and that’s part of the appeal of going to Italy.
The only advice is not to take them too seriously or you will get disappointed!”
Being there is a cultural experience, as much as going to learn how to cook an Italian meal.
You never eat alone in Italy; it’s an important social event. Then you can roam the city alone;
even the big ones are easy to navigate. Rome needs to be figured out, and once you understand
that it’s divided into parts you can tour it without any missteps. “My favorite city is Venice.”
Karen admits. “It is a place where it’s actually recommended to get lost, no matter where you
go you will always find something beautiful.” Or even an attractive personal tour guide!
CONTACT INFORMATION
www.theinternationalkitchen.com
info@theinternationalkitchen.com
1-800-945-8606
Company Profile
Thirteen years ago The International
Kitchen pioneered the “cooking school
vacation” concept. Today, we are the
premier culinary travel company for
Italy, France, and Spain, offering 90
program choices and many daily
options. Join us for an authentic and
unique experience: hands-on cooking

classes, charming properties, meals,
wine and olive oil tastings, excursions
and much more.

Fun Things to Do with Your Kids
Every year, groups of families head off to Italy for travel and fun programs for all. Indeed
the country offers many points of interest for everyone, from big cities to small towns.
“Italy has about 4,000 kilometers of beaches,” Gianni Miradoli, Senior Executive VP of
Maiellano explains. “Some are not as well known as others, but they all are ideal spots for a
fun vacation together.”
Although being on the beach can be a lot of fun, there are other places that can be enjoyed
with your kids. A good alternative, for example, are agriturismos, farm holidays where the
smaller ones can play with animals, enjoy nature’s gifts, eat healthy and fresh food, and just
breathe in unpolluted air.
“Well, kids who are into history and adventure,” Mr. Miradoli continues, “definitely find in
Italy the perfect destination as there are so many places that will literally make you travel back
in time. Sicily is rich in these archeological sites, such as Segesta and Selinunte. There is a small
island by the name of Mozia located between Trapani and Marsala. The island is linked to the
mainland by an underwater road that is still there.” Mozia was once the home of a Phoenician
colony and nowadays is owned and operated by a foundation established by the American
winemaking Whitaker family. It has a remarkable museum and the ruins of an equally remark-
able civilization, complete with a harbor and cemetery.
But there is much more – from the fun parks of Gardaland and Collodi, to marvelous caves
for young and older explorers, and National Parks where nature can be enjoyed at its best.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Maiellano Auto International
Company of Central Holidays
Travel Group
Tel.: 201-228-5299
Fax.: 201-228-5298
Toll free: 800-223-1616
www.maiellano.com
Company Profile
Since 1969, Maiellano’s rental car and
fly/drive programs to Italy have been
bestsellers among clients looking for
independent packages at value prices.
Whether you prefer a bargain car
rental or deluxe limousine service,

a quaint villa rental or a full-service
hotel, our experienced staff has the
knowledge and ability to accommo-
date every desire.

What Do You Love Most About Italy?

The people! By all means, the people.
“When we stop to look at present day Italians, their amazing heritage is openly visible on their
faces,” says Mario Scalzi, President of Parker Villas. “While Italy is nowadays officially one
country, it still remains an ancient melting pot of competing city states and tiny principalities
inhabited by a mix of people whose origins are lost in the mist of time.
First and foremost among them, the Abruzzesi stun us with physical good looks, dark hair,
and light eyes. They are perhaps the friendliest, most generous people on the peninsula. At
first encounter they are filled with questions that often lead to laughter and kinship regardless
of the language barrier you may pose. The fun-loving Romans live next door to the Abruzzesi
and are the descendants of an empire. Nothing you can say or do shocks this jovial bunch;
after all, they ruled the world, have seen it all, and tomorrow is another day.
In Naples, everyone seems to be related to one another, so its no mystery that on arrival they
strive to make a connection, however fanciful, that will make you part of their family. The dark
complected, island dwelling Sicilians, sprinkled with six-foot tall Norman-era redheads, seem
the most respectful lot on earth. This may be due to Sicily being the most invaded place in
Europe, or maybe it stems from having to deal with Homer’s Cyclops, Vulcan’s Forge buried
deep within Mt. Etna, or the host of other deities that long ago called this Garden of Eden
home — it makes good sense never to anger the gods. Sicilians also resemble their wines. Like
a Marsala, they are filled with sweetness and warmth.
All the way north, at the foot of the Alps, are the Piemontesi. Just like their wines — Barolo,
the king of wines and the wine of kings — they are big, robust and intense. Give them time
to open up and the effects are worth the wait. The Tuscans, on the other hand, are the marke-
teers of Italy. They are both famous and complex. Like their Super Tuscan wines, each one
holding a secret variety of grapes, it is often impossible to know what brews behind those
intelligent Tuscan eyes until you really get to know them. Speaking of Tuscans, go to Voltera
Company Profile and walk along the 3000 year old walls of the city filled with carvings of angular Etruscan faces
whose ears, like those of Spock on Star Trek, seem a bit too pointy. Now look at some of the
Founded in 1993, Parker Villas has people walking by…
Observing and getting to know today’s Italians will add untold dimension to all the monu-
raised the standards of the villa rental ments, art, and architecture of those who have preceded them. Combine this with their food,
wine, and love of life, and you may never leave.
industry year after year. Returning
guests cite unparalleled dedication to
customer satisfaction, detailed and
accurate descriptions and CONTACT

INFORMATION
photography, the ground support To obtain a free color
catalog and learn more
through Parker’s offices
about how Parker can
in Genova, and affordable weekly turn your dreams of Italy
into an unforgettable
rates as their top reasons for coming
experience,
Photo courtesy of Parker Villas.
back and selecting from Parker’s exclu- call 800 280 2811
or visit
sive collection of homes, villas,and www.parkervillas.com
apartments for rent throughout Italy.

Florence - The Art of the City
Built by the Romans and immortalized by the Renaissance, Florence affords an unforgettable
voyage through timeless art and architecture. From the groomed perfection of the Boboli
Gardens, a famous park that is home to a distinguished collection of sculptures dating from
the 16th through the 18th centuries, to the unique style of Brunelleschi’s bold, red-tiled
Duomo and Giotto’s 14th-century Bell Tower in red, white and green marble, Florence is a
favorite of many art lovers, and the favorite destination of Steve Perillo of Perillo Tours.
“Florence is a very charming and quaint city where getting around its narrow street from
Medieval times is incredibly easy. You can learn Florence in one day and never get lost,” he
says, “My favorite spot is Piazzale Michelangelo, from which you can see the entire city.”
Piazzale Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, designed in 1869 by
Poggi. It is a very popular tourist destination as from there you can see everything, from Santa
Croce and Templo Israelitico to the north, to the three bridges, Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa
Trinita, and Ponte Alla Carraia, and down the Arno to the west.
In this artistic paradise, priceless works by Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci fill
the Uffizi Gallery. On the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation of craftsmen fashion unique art
to wear.
But in Florence art is everywhere, “even in the kitchen of Camillo Restaurant near Piazza del
Duomo,” Perillo adds. “It offers all the staples of Florentine cuisine at their best – from pappa
al pomodoro (bread soup), to ribollita (soup made with black-leaf kale), and crostini with liver
spread.”
Tuscany has other favorites of Mr. Perillo, all cities that everybody should see at least once
in their lifetime – Siena and its magnificent square, Lucca and its medieval buildings, Viareggio
and its fun beaches, and Montalcino, home of Brunello wine.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Perillo Tours
1-800-431-1515
www.perillotours.com
Company Profile
Founded in 1945, Perillo Tours is
America’s largest and oldest tour
company to Italy.
The three-generation, family-owned
company specializes in first class
escorted tours from the Alps to Sicily,

Photo courtesy of Regione Toscana.
from the big art cities to the quaint
villages off the beaten path. Ask for
our hi-definition Italy DVD
and catalogue.

Small Town Wonders
There is a trend among modern-day travelers to favor the smaller towns over the big cities as
a destination. Out in the country, in the small towns, there is a feeling that you are eating real
food, meeting real people, experiencing the “real Italy.” Truth is, nothing really makes these
people more Italian than the ones who live in the big cities, but they certainly are more avail-
able.
“A small town is a little microcosm,” says Huseyin Ozyurtcu, President of Picasso Travel.
“Every town has its restaurant, bar, café, butcher, bakery, and so on. You will have more oppor-
tunityto chat with people for a few moments while you sip espresso or scoop up gelato.”
Every small town has its own character; the towns are hidden among clumps of trees, sit-
ting on a hilltop, or perched on the rocks. They are real life postcards of a disappearing cul-
tural quality of life. Most hill towns have kept faithful to their original character, because their
locations made it impossible for them to expand.
“Greve in Chianti is one of my favorites,” Huseyin Ozyurtcu declares. “It even has a movie
theater!” Greve is a town in the province of Florence, named after the small, fast-flowing river
that runs through it. The Franciscan monastery is still at the heart of the old part of the city,
as is the triangular main piazza, where a market has been running more or less continuously
for centuries serving the nearby castle communities and hamlets.
In the main piazza you will find numerous medieval buildings, small bars that serve local spe-
cialties, wine shops, and even more commercial souvenir stores. “What’s fun is that you can even
see local people simply tanning while sitting in front of the bar,” Huseyin Ozyurtcu adds.
CONTACT INFORMATION
www.picassotravel.net
www.picassotours.com
Tel. 800-995-7997
Company Profile
Splendida Italia by Picasso Travel,
with over 27 years of experience in
European travel, offers an array of pre-
planned FIT itineraries, escorted tours,
villa stays in beautiful Tuscany, and
custom city packages. From the popu-

Photo courtesy of Natasha Lardera.
lar Art Cities to the charming Amalfi
Coast, we feature a wide range of
properties to suit every budget, and
sightseeing for every interest.

The Living Past
Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression as Italy. The country is a liv-
ing museum whose public structures comprise vivid, visible art and architecture that stand as tes-
tament to the country’s history and culture. Unesco declared that Italy owns 60% of artistic treas-
ures in the whole world. “When tourists travel to Italy they need to stay at least ten days to see only
a fraction of what this marvelous country has to offer,” declared Mauro Galli, President of
TourCrafters and of ITPC, “and they need to keep coming back. Rome, for example, has about 200
museums, the favorites of American tourists being the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. But
there also are so many amazing museums that are less known. In Ferrara, the duke of Este built the
Palazzo Schifanoia (the name Schifanoia is thought to originate from schivar la noia meaning liter-
ally to “escape from boredom”); this is a Renaissance palace rich with unbelievable frescos. People
don’t know about it and I am sure in the U.S. they would build a Museum around it.”
The Roman and Greek empires influenced early Italian design with their mighty temples and
impressive amphitheaters, while Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic design later played important
parts in inspiring both architects and artists in the centuries to come.
“Italy has always evolved through art,” Mr. Galli continues. “What is amazing is the diversity of
what you find. The architecture of Venice is different from every other city. It has its own identity
and expression.”
Venice is a feast of magnificent churches, lavish palazzi, and stately bridges, all built upon a
labyrinth of waterways and streets that are works of art themselves. “Volterra,” Mr. Galli says, “has
many Etruscan treasures that you cannot see anywhere else.”
Before the days of ancient Rome’s greatness, Italy was the home of Etruscans. We know about
them through their buildings, monuments, vast tombs, and the objects they left behind, notably
bronze and terracotta sculptures and polychrome ceramics.
We should mention military architecture, which plays an important role in the look of the
Abruzzo region, home of the magnificent Borbonic fort of Civitella del Tronto. This fort was the out-
post of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and it protects the ancient hill town.
We could keep going forever, going back and back hundreds of times and still there will be some- Company Profile
thing amazing to see.
CONTACT INFORMATION TourCrafters, a family-owned tour
TourCrafters 1-800-621-2259 1-800-482-5995
operator with offices in Chicago and
1-847-816-6510
fax 1-847-816-6717 1-847-816-9410 Rome, has been offering quality
E-mail info@tourcrafters.com
Web tourcrafters.com vacations to Italy and Europe for over
27 years, including independent
packages, hosted and escorted tours
in Italy, as well as transportation, hotel
reservations, villa and apartment

Photo courtesy of City of Volterra.
rentals and more. We are specialists to
Italy for both FIT and group travel.
Now offering numerous private
services.

Slow Travel – Tour Italy with a Senior
According to Mr. John Severini of Trafalgar Tours, Italy is the ideal destination for senior trav-
elers who find in it a variety of destinations equally special and unique.
When traveling with a senior parent, relative or friend there are some unwritten rules that
should be applied:
Time is relative as the pace of the vacation is dictated by physical and emotional needs.
Make simple plans, such as a visit to the market, followed by a rest in a café and maybe a
nap in the hotel. It’s difficult to run from one museum to another, and then go shopping down-
town.
Renting is the easiest bet, as in hotels you must respect a meal schedule while in your own
apartment or villa you have more freedom. Renting a car makes it easier to move around, not
only within the city but also if you want to take short day trips.
Visits to museums and other tourist attractions must be carefully planned ahead. There may
be many flights of stairs to climb to get to the exhibits. Check the websites of any museums
on your list to see if there are elevators available. And private tours are preferred to group tours
where keeping up with the pace may become an issue.
Wheelchair accessibility is not difficult as one might expect. Sometimes things are astonish-
ingly accessible, like the Colosseum; at other sites, the barriers are impossible to overcome,
such as the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, where Bernini’s the Ecstasy of St. Theresa is
located.
Pack light, especially if you are staying in more than one place.
In each location, find an English-speaking doctor and 24-hour pharmacy.
Most of all, enjoy the beautiful sights and your time together.
Company Profile CONTACT INFORMATION

For 60 years, Trafalgar has been Tel. 866-544-4434
www.trafalgartours.com
providing unrivalled experience in
hosting first class escorted vacations
to the world’s favorite travel destina-
tions – Europe, the United States,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China
and South America. Trafalgar offers
fabulous sightseeing, superb first class
hotels, delicious menus, luxury
transportation, fascinating travel
companions and the knowledge of
your Tour Director. With over
60 carefully designed Italian itineraries,
1000s of year-round departure dates,
unique touring styles to fit your travel

needs, Trafalgar will turn your dream
vacation into a reality. Dream. Pack.
And leave the rest to us.

Welcome to a Shopper’s Wonderland
“There is a street in Rome, Via Cola di Rienzo, that has a store for everybody,” Barbara
Crawford of Visit Italy Tours confides. “I run when I’m there so that in very little time I can
find everything I need. There are stores specializing in scarves, blouses, men’s clothing, per-
fumes, linens, candy, flowers, and more.” That’s why Italy is a shopper’s Paradise: there is
something for all tastes.
For bargains it’s advisable to go in January and in July when sale season is in bloom, but
everything is so beautiful in Italy that paying a little more is worth the price any time. “I real-
ize,” Barbara continues, “that Italian fashion is two years ahead of American, so when I buy
something there I can definitely wear it for more than one season here in the U.S. What’s also
special about Italian clothing is the quality, which is impeccable, the out of the ordinary
design, and the unique colors.”
When planning your trip to Italy, set aside some time between visits to monuments and
museums to do a little shopping and look for local treasures. “There is a small shop on the
Rialto Bridge in Venice,” Barbara says, “where I always buy Murano jewelry, both for myself
and for presents. It’s not the cheapest place, but the designs are so nice and unique that they
will definitely make a strong impression.”
Many towns are known for particular products. Some examples are: Como (Lombardy) for
silk, Deruta (Umbria) and Faenza (Emilia-Romagna) for pottery, Empoli (Tuscany) for the pro-
duction of bottles and glasses in green glass, and Prato (Tuscany) for textiles. Alghero
(Sardinia) and Torre Annunziata (Campania) are centers for crafts made from coral; every town
has something unique to offer.
CONTACT INFORMATION Company Profile

Tel 800 255 3535 Fax 310 649 6880
Visit Italy Tours is Italy’s finest tour
www.visititalytours.com
info@visititalytours.com operator, specializing in custom
designed tours for individuals and spe-
cial interest groups. With offices and
representatives throughout Italy, you
are assured the best quality service,
including car rental, chauffeur driven

limousines, hotel accommodations,
sightseeing, and special interest tours.
“If you haven’t been to Italy with us,
you haven’t been to Italy.”

Italy Now Abruzzo
Ussita Montefortino Comunanza Oﬃda

Visso Porto d’Ascoli
MARCHE Martinsicuro
Sellano Montemónaco
ASCOLI
Castel- PICENO
santangelo
Marsia Alba Adriatica
Balzo Nereto Tortoreto Lido
Triponzo S. Egidio
to Colle alla Vibrata
Nórcia Acquasanta Tro
n S. Marco
Arquata Terme Civitella d. Tronto Giulianova
ra
Serravalle d. Tronto
Ne
Piedipaterno Valle Bellante

Castellana
UMBRIA PARCO NAZ. Imposte
Campli
A14
Roseto
d. Abruzzi
Cascia
Accumoli TERAMO Notaresco
Monteleone
DEL Ceppo S. CLEMENTE
di Spoleto Amatrice Pineto
GRAN SASSO
Villa Vomano Atri
Cittareale Montorio Silvi Marina
Poggio al Vomano S. M. DI RONZANO
Cancelli Campotosto
Leonessa A24 Città
S. Angelo
L. di Montes
Campotosto
Montereale Pietra- Bisenti
camela Cappelle
Posta Castelli s. Tavo
E MONTI Prati di Tivo Isola d.
Loreto
Gra Gr. Sasso d’l. Penne
Velino
n Sa Aprutino
Alt
Campoforogna sso d’Italia

ern
o
Antrodoco CAMPO IMPERATORE

Pizzoli Pianella
AMITERNUM Civitella
Assergi Casanova Cepagatti
Cittaducale Sella
di Corno DELLA LAGA Castel
Paganica d. Monte ra CH
RIETI Catignano sca
L‘AQUILA Ofena Pe
S. Giovanni
Reatino LAZIO A24
Barisciano
S. CLEMENTE S. MARIA B
S.Demetrio A CAS. ARABONA
S. PAOLO DI Scafa
Concerviano né Vestini PELTUINO Capestrano
Fiumata Villagrande Tore Manoppello
Rocca Rocca Bominaco de’ Passeri
Sinibalda di Cambio S. Valentino
Navelli E80 in Abr.Citeriore Preto
L. del Salto Fontecchio
Colle Campo Felice Rocca
di Tora di Mezzo S. TOMMASO
A B R U Z
Popoli P
Sal
Leofreni Borgorose Rovere Caramanico p

to
Poggio Molino Terme

Moiano Aterno
Pietrasecca
S. M. IN VALLE Ovindoli
Corfinio
PARCO
PORCLANETA Castelvecchio Pratola Peligna Fara
Orvinio Magliano de’ Marsi Sebequo BADIA S. Martino
Celano
Albe ALBA FUCENS
Raiano
MORRONESE NAZ.
Carsoli Collarmele Pacentro Lama
Colli di d. Peligni
Licenza A25 Sulmona
Montebove Scurcola Campo
A24 Arsoli Tagliacozzo Marsicana di Giove
G iz
Avezzano Pale
io
Vicovaro Pescina
Cappadocia Anversa
Sambuci Cervara
S. Benedetto
d. Marsi Gioia
d. Abr.
Pettorano D. MAI
di Roma Capistrello del Marsi sul Gizio
E80
Luco Trasacco Rocca Pia

d. M. Ortucchio Pesco-
Scanno
Vallepietra PARCO costanzo
S. Gregorio Subiaco Rivisondoli
da Sassola Filettino Civitella
Roveto Atele
GallicanoBOLOGNA S. Vito DISTANCE BY ROAD
n. Lazio
375 CHIETI
Romano Altip.
di Arcinazzo
Villavallelonga NAZ. Roccaraso
Palestrina Balsorano Pescasseroli Castel
400 95 L‘AQUILA
Genazzano Villetta di Sangro
Nuovo Opi
210 590 610 MILANO Barrea
Sangro Barrea
590 230 245 785 NAPOLI
Campoli Alfedena
360 20 100 570 240 PESCARA Appenn.
380 200 110 575 220 205 ROMA Collepardo
Sora S. Donato Rionero
340 75 65 550 310 60 175 TERAMO
Alatri Val di Comino Sannitico
Alvito
Distances (in km) are given for the shortest or quickest routes Isola d. Liri
Veroli LAZIO E MOLISE

Abruzzo Italy Now
M AR
A DR I ATICO
silvano Marina
PESCARA
Francavilla
al Mare
Lido Riccio
Tollo Ortona
A14
HIETI
Marina S. Vito
S. Vito Chietino
Bucchianico Fossacesia Marina
Lanciano Torino di Sangro
Marina
Fossacesia
Orsogna
oro
ro Casal-
Guardiagrele ng E8
Sa bordino 0
Z O
Penna- Vasto
piedimonte Scerni Marina di Vasto
S. Salvo Marina
o
ell Petacciato
Casoli Atessa Sin Marina
Casalanguida S. Salvo
L. di Bomba
Bomba Furci
Torricella Gissi
Peligna Montenero
no
ena S. Buono di Bisaccia Highway with single carriageway

Trig
Villa
S. Maria Montazzoli Guglionesi
Major four - or two - line road
IELLA Mafalda
Pizzoferrato Carunchio Palata Minor four - or two - line road
Montefalcone
Pesco- n. Sannio
o
ern
pennataro Other road

Bif
Castiglione
S. Angelo Messer M. Tonebruna Castelmauro Main railway lines
d.
eta Capra- Pesco
cotta Guardialfiera Larino Major airport
Schiavi
di Abr. Civitacampomarano
Agnone Abbey or isolated chapel
Pietrabbondante Casa-
Vastogirardi Lucito calenda Ruins or archeological site
S. Biase
Tri
gn
Forli Carovilli Bagnoli Morrone Campsite, youth hostel

o
d. S. d. Trigno Petrella d. Sannio

Tifernina National or regional park
Pescolanciano Civitanova Torella
d. Sannio d. Sannio
Regional border
MOL ISE Provincial border

Italy Now
Dear American Traveler,
I am here to talk about my favorite subject – my land, Abruzzo, Europe’s green heart.
Only a few words are needed to describe this region, which is rightly considered a splen-
did national park.
Nature is maybe the main wealth of a territory that even now seems to stand unconta-
minated from the big and contagious industrial nightmares of urban sprawl. The land-
scape goes from excessive to majestic. Vast green fields are stretched out as far as the eye
can see, creating a panorama that is never the same.
Abruzzo is considered, in Italy and abroad, a clean and pure heaven, but most of all a
livable paradise. These are the strengths of our territory and also what set it apart from
the rest of the country. It goes straight to the heart with its suggestive scenery, beautiful
beaches fully equipped with all comforts, a bustling day and night life that takes away the
stress of the city and brings freshness and enthusiasm. Hilltops in blossom and rolling
hills go as far as the rocky massif, at times severe and rugged, at times extraordinarily har-
monious. In the background of this marvelous route inhabited by bears, chamois, and
wolves, one can admire the picturesque lakes that reflect the outlines of mountains such
as Maiella and Gran Sasso.
Nature, untouched areas, and a balanced urban development represent the main
appeals of this region, which is also a land of history and tradition. This is where the
region’s excellence is recognized unanimously: from the uncontaminated medieval vil-
lages to the monumental complexes where you can still read the signs of a great and noble
history, besides the peculiarity of the popular traditions with unique events capable of
attracting the attention of the world’s greatest anthropologists. A trip through the
provinces, the cities, and the ever-surprising nature is accompanied by strong sensations
that will stay with you forever.
Tourism and hospitality are important features of Abruzzo. With these credentials, rec-
ognized by everybody and reinforced by time, the region introduces itself to the national
and international tourist market with all its charms. Only a few weeks ago, a scientific
study on the region Abruzzo appeared in the international press that certified the highest
approval rating among all the Italian regions. In a word, to the international press,
Abruzzo is considered a top region, where it is possible to find the best conditions of
restoration and hospitality. It is now on the same level as central Italian regions like
Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria.
All these elements make of Abruzzo the unique place that we are about to present, an
authentic region, perhaps the last of the Bella Italia.
Enrico Paolini
Deputy Governor
and Minister of Tourism
of the Abruzzo Region

Magical Abruzzo Italy Now
Magical Abruzzo
A great open-air museum
A
remote region often overlooked by
The combination of an outstanding
tourists, Abruzzo is a special place of
natural environment and different
spectacular natural scenery, castles
cultures has produced
and medieval villages, monasteries, and a unique heritage.
Roman ruins. Artistic crafts, pastoral tradi-
tions, and exquisite food specialties abound.
Two-thirds of the land is mountainous; the
rest is hills and coast. One-third of the area is
designated as a national park. The region is
bordered by the Marche region to the north,
Lazio to the west, Molise to the south, and
the Adriatic Sea to the east. The combination
of an outstanding natural environment and
different cultures (the Romans, the
Longobards, the Normans and the Spanish all
have left their mark) has produced a unique
Photo courtesy of Regione Abruzzo

heritage made up of archeology, architecture
and tradition, as illustrated by the ancient
necropolises of Fossa, the Roman settlements
of Alba Fucens, and Romanesque churches.
L’AQUILA — Built on a slope to the left of the

river Aterno, L’Aquila is located on the main
route between Naples and Florence, known as
the Via degli Abruzzi. At the highest part of the CHIETI — Chieti lies on a crest along the town, Teate (founded by Achilles and named
town is the massive fortress Forte Spagnolo, Pescara river with the high bell tower of San after his mother Tetis), was an important
erected by the Spanish viceroy Don Pedro de Giustino looming against the sky, just a few medieval center. Walking through the city you
Toledo in 1534. It is currently home to the miles from the Adriatic Sea, with the Majella see Roman and medieval ruins side by side.
National Museum of Abruzzo. and Gran Sasso in the background. A Roman PESCARA — The sea, mountains, rivers,
The Cathedral (Duomo) was built in the 13th valleys, history, art and culture — the
century, but fell during the 1703 earthquake. province of Pescara offers all of this to those
The current façade is from the 19th century. COME TO ABRUZZO who come to this area nestled between the
The church of San Bernardino di Siena blue Adriatic and the green Apennine moun-
(1472) has a fine Renaissance façade by tains. This is a predominantly modern city
Nicolò Filotesio (commonly called Cola Abruzzo’s airport in Pescara currently has with two hearts: that of the ancient Pescara
dell’Amatrice), and contains the monumental direct flights to and from Rome, Milan, (now Portanuova) south of the port, and that
tomb of the Saint, decorated with sculptures Turin, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Paris, of Castallamare Adriatico to the north.
done by Silvestro Ariscola in 1480. The town Toronto, and Tirana. Driving to Abruzzo TERAMO — This is a very old city, founded
also has palaces and a museum, with a col- is easy by taking the A14 (Bologna/Bari in pre-Roman times, though with a more
lection of Roman inscriptions and some illu- highway), A25 (Rome/Pescara), or A24 modern feel, due to many 19th- and 20th-
minated service books. The Palazzi (Rome/L’Aquila/Teramo). century buildings. Two great monuments, not
Dragonetti and Persichetti hold private art It can also be reached by train, bus, far from one another, could be the symbols
collections. and ferry. of the town and its history: the majestic
Outside the town is the Fontana delle Once there, a must see is the Park Cathedral, built in 1158 by Guido II, and the
novantanove cannelle, a fountain with ninety- Train, an historic train that runs on an Roman theater, built about 30 B.C., where
nine jets distributed along three walls, con- ancient railway track through the heart sports and cultural events still take place.
structed in 1272. The source of the fountain of the region. The Valley Train winds its
is still unknown. The surrounding area way from the Adriatic Sea to the Maiella Abruzzo’s 1000 castles
boasts Roman ruins (the important Roman through breathtaking scenery, old Over the centuries, hundreds of castles were
city of Amiternum), ancient monasteries, and towns, lakes, and castles. built to protect the cities and communication
numerous castles. routes. These castles and castle-type defense

Italy Now Magical Abruzzo
View of Celano, in the

province of L’Aquila.
structures, which range from simple, archaic

towers to mighty fortresses, are spread out
around the region, making it a permanent
open-air museum.
From the Rocca Calascio fortress, which
has a square plan with four circular towers, to
the Celano castle, which has a rectangular
shape and a wide inner court, Abruzzo offers

treasures of military art.
THE FORTRESS OF CIVITELLA

DEL TRONTO
The majestic Fortezza, the medieval forti-
fied borough towering above the village and
surrounded by walls, is a unique example of
medieval military architecture in Abruzzo,
and one of the largest in Europe. From the
top of the Citadel it is possible to enjoy a
spectacular view encompassing the
Montagna dei Fiori, Campli, Monte
Ascensione and the Adriatic.
THE CASTLE OF CELANO

This castle is rectangular and has three
floors. In the courtyard you see a double row
of galleries and in the center there is a well
which collects rain water in the underground
cistern. On the loggia of the piano nobile
there is the excellent chapel portal of Saint
Andrea (fifteenth century) which bears the
coat of arms of the Piccolomini family. Today
the castle is the seat of the Museo di Arte
Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) of the Marsica
region.
Some castles have been turned into resi-
dences and hotels, such as the Chiola castle
in Loreto Aprutino.
The distant origins of Chiola Castle date
back as far as 864, and it is now luxuriously
refurbished.
A hotel and conference center of highest
quality, it nevertheless still preserves its
charm, its mystery and its architectural sig-
nifigance.
Abruzzo is a special place of

spectacular natural scenery,
castles and medieval villages,
monasteries, and Roman ruins.

The Green Face of Abruzzo Italy Now
The Green Face of Abruzzo

Nature parks and protected areas
I
n Abruzzo, bears and chamois, rocky Waterfalls found inside
cliffs and forests, gentle rolling hills, and the National Park of Abruzzo.
stunning sandy beaches set between the
towering peaks of the Gran Sasso, Majella,
and Velino mountains abound. Abruzzo has
diverse and charming natural riches in every
season.
The lushness and wide variety of the natu-
ral landscape make Abruzzo a trove of eco-
logical and environmental treasures.
The towering peaks of the Apennines run-
ning down to the sea, low population densi-
ty, a heritage of biodiversity paired with the
ideal habitat for protected species, combine
to make Abruzzo a haven for enviromental-
ists. The pride of the region are two species
saved from extinction: the Marsican Bear and
the Apennine Wolf. Abruzzo’s wild country-
side, the wolves’ protected status, and the
local people’s age-old relationship with these
wild animal have guaranteed their survival.
Excursions can be organized to view the
wolves. Bears, who prefer to live in isolation,
can seldom be seen. They live on the Majella,
the Gran Sasso, and the Simbruini moun-
tains. Otters and lynxes are rare but have
been spotted. The Apennine chamois is often
seen in the Val di Rose and on Mount Amaro,
in the National Park. Boars, introduced to the
woods for hunting purposes, are everywhere.
Reptiles are numerous, as are some special
amphibians, such as the emerald toad. These
beautiful animals thrive in the vegetation to
which they are indigenous. Beech trees are

SCIENCE
Abruzzo has several centers for scientif-

ic research and technological develop-
ment. The Astronomical Observatory at
Campo Imperatore is near the hotel
where Mussolini was imprisoned, and
the village also boasts the highest the kings of Abruzzo, along with silver firs, These unique landscapes have brought the
Botanical gardens in the Apennines. black pines, hazels, turkey oaks, and cherry creation of many National Parks that form a
The National Institute for Nuclear trees. Wonderful wildflowers abound; close network of regional and state-con-
Physics is housed under the Gran Sasso between spring and summer, gentians, wild trolled nature reserves, real life oases that
mountain. orchids, peonies, cyclamens, buttercups, and ensure that the natural world of Abruzzo is
violets bloom and add color to the idyllic well protected and can be enjoyed by all.
landscapes.

Italy Now The Green Face of Abruzzo
Abruzzo is a haven for enviromentalists

and animal lovers.

The National Park of Abruzzo was estab- ing, biking, animal spotting or skiing on the Wonderful wildflowers
lished by Royal decree on January 2, 1923. mountains. abound, adding color
Its present-day area of 44,000 hectares, to the idyllic landscapes.
which is the result of several enlargements, The Majella National Park was founded
includes 22 towns in the provinces of in 1993. It extends for 86,000 hectares in the
L’Aquila, Frosinone and Isernia. provinces of Pescara, Chieti, and L’Aquila,
The oldest in the Apennines, with an comprising 39 communes. The rounded
important role in the preservation of species massif of the Majella is very characteristic;
such as the wolf, chamois and brown bear, similar to a magnificent, elliptical dome, it
the park is roughly two thirds beech forest, dominates the Abruzzo countryside rising up
though many other trees grow in the area, between the sea and the Apennine range.
including the Silver Birch and Black and In addition to the main mountain, Mont
Mountain pines. The highest mountain Amaro, there are another thirty peaks.
peaks within the park are Mount Petroso The charm of the Majella is increased by
(2247 m) and Mount Marsicano (2242 deep valleys, real and true “canyons” and by
m). The Sangro River rises near the Devil’s vast plateaux. The vegetation consists of
Pass, and runs south-east through the artifi- 1700 species, among which the icon is the
cial Lake of Barrea before leaving the park wolf. There also are bears, golden eagles and
and turning to the north-east. The park is lanner falcons.
ideal for excursions on foot or on horse-
back, trekking, natural photography, bird The Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga
watching by the lakes, canoeing, windsurf- National Park is the largest national park in

The Green Face of Abruzzo Italy Now
The vegetation of
the Majella National Park.
CAVES
Caves abound in the Vileno-Sirente

Regional Park, but perhaps none is as
interesting as the one at Stiffe, near San
Demetrio ne’ Vestini. For about one-
third of a mile, visitors follow the
course of an underground river, with
unusual rock formations, gigantic sta-
lactites and stalagmites and subter-
ranean waterfalls. Openings in the cave
walls create dramatic natural lighting
effects, while subtle artificial lights illu-
minate lakes, canyons and rapids. The
walk ends as beautifully as it begins,
when visitors emerge to face the out-
door waterfall that is the underground
river’s final destination. The caves are
easily located on the road from L’Aquila
to Molina Aterno.
The caves of Cavallone, made famous
by Gabriele D’annunzio, are equally
stunning, and the cave of Beatrice Cenci
is full of stalactites ad stalagmites.
the Abruzzo area, and one of the largest in busier area which has a greater number of
Italy (368,018 acres). Founded in 1995, it towns and amenities.
is a truly impressive environmental pre- Three mountain groups define the entire
serve. Its landscape of mountains, rivers, park: the Monti Gemelli chain in the north
lakes and waterfalls is enlivened – particu- of the park, and the central Monti della Laga
larly in autumn – by the region’s clear light range which connects with the vast Gran
and the vibrant colors of the forests and Sasso massif, itself dominating the remain-
fields. With its fair share of castles, her- der of the territory.
mitages and stone villages, it is as captivat-
ing as all the other parks. The land is divid- The Sirente-Velino Regional Park is
ed into two zones: an internal area which is located in the heart of the Abruzzo moun-
strictly protected because of its special envi- tains. Set up in 1989, it hosts the Cratere del
ronmental and cultural importance; and a Sirente, the only meteor crater in Italy. The

Italy Now The Green Face of Abruzzo
The Apennine chamois

is often seen in
the Val di Rose and
on Mount Amaro.
The parks are ideal

for excursions ARCHEOLOGY
on foot or on
horseback.
Romanesque churches and castles,

ancient necropolises and museums,
hermitages, and old fortifies centers
bloom among the nature of Abruzzo’s
protected areas. Some sites are well-
known, such as the Basilica of S. Maria
di Collemaggio, the ancient streets of
Scanno, and the Archeology Museum of

Chieti. But there are numerous less
famous wonders spread around the
region. Every year the number of attrac-
tions increases as new and diverse sites
are renovated and improved. In Aielli,
Italic walls circle the summit of Mount
Secino, in Amiternum, just a few miles
great variety of environments characterizing In 1979 the regional protected areas policy from L’Aquila, there are the ruins of this
the Park give the area a richness of floral brought about the creation of 15 nature Sabine city that was conquered by
species. Among the most common is the reserves, 7 parks with facilities, 2 protected Rome in 293 BC, while in the heart of
narcissus, which covers the plateaux of the biotopes, and the WWF owns six protected old Teramo, the imposing ruins of the
Rocche during the late spring. There are also areas. All these oases are not just fenced-off Roman theater stand out. The possibili-
many medicinal plants, fruits, mushrooms, areas but exceptionally powerful habitats to ties are endless, and each corner has
and truffles. There are numerous projects safeguard with commitment. The community something unique to offer.
underway, including the creation of muse- of Abruzzo has acknowledged this fact and
ums. protects its riches with ambition and pride.

Sea and Ski Italy Now
Sea and Ski

Sandy beaches vs. snowy mountains
Abruzzo owns exactly 133 kilometers of

golden beaches, bays, and cliffs running
along a sparkling coast.

A
bruzzo makes everybody happy – no there is always something to do. reach and is close to the city. Lying at the foot
matter what your favorite sporting The province of Teramo boasts hundreds of the Atri hills, we find Silvi Marina, a busy
activity, this land can offer it to you. of hotels and beach establishments, but its beach resort close to Silvi Paese, a lovely
Though Italians and international travelers best features are the warm shallow water of town with a beautiful 14th century church.
alike traditionally think of Abruzzo as a the sea and the beautiful vegetation. This area Famous for its history and for its historic
remote, mountainous region, its eastern bor- is considered ideal for children, as it is safe monuments (the Aragonese castle is a must-
der is marked by vast sandy beaches stretch- and fun, with many parks created just for see), Ortona is one of the best-loved resorts
ing along the Adriatic Sea north and south of kids. on the Chieti coast. Its commercial port is the
Pescara. They are exactly 133 kilometers of One of the most popular and well-loves most important in Abruzzo and it can be seen
golden beaches, bays, and cliffs running seaside areas in the region is Roseto degli from the Passeggiata Orientale (the prome-
along a sparkling coast lined with pine Abruzzi. Set between the mouths of the nade), an impressive scenic road. There are
forests, dotted with towns, and backed by Tordino and Volmano Rivers, it offers miles of the wide, curved, sandy white beaches of
green hills. From the mouth of the Tronto golden sand and some interesting destina- Lido Riccio and of Lido Saraceni, and the
River on the border with Marche, to the tions, such as the medieval church of S. Maria rougher rocky stretches and amazing inlets
mouth of the Foro River just below Pescara, di Propezzano. Old Pescara offers a nice day that are ideal for canoeing. So many beautiful
the coast is a succession of beautiful beaches on the beach and a fun night in its taverns, places to see, the list is endless. They are so
graced by crystal clear water. All coastal wine bars, and restaurants. It is known as the close to each other that the best bet is to have
resorts offer windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, home of the Dolce Vita, as it was the birth- a car and just drive around.
diving and other water sports. On the beach- place of Flaiano, the writer of Fellini’s famous Driving along one can see small towns that
es, outdoor gyms, swimming pools, and work. On the Pescara coast there are many like precious jewels dot the spectacular coun-
water parks give visitors the chance to meet hotels, campsites, agriturismos, and other tryside. Abruzzo has been nominated the
people and have fun in the warm sun. major facilities, such as sailing clubs. Linked region with “the prettiest villages in Italy,”
Many entertaining events, such as open-air to Pescara by a road that hugs the coast, from Anversa degli Abruzzi, the village
markets, and craft and food festivals take Montesilvano Marina is one of the most pop- described by Gabriele d’Annunzio, to
place in or around these seaside villages, so ular beaches with the locals as it is easy to Carunchio, perched on a hill top like a

Italy Now Sea and Ski
All coastal resorts offer windsurfing,

canoeing, fishing, diving and other
water sports.
ITINERARY
Here’s an example of a fun cross-

country ski route: Departing from
Cesacastina, the skier follows the road
that climbs toward the mountain,
then crosses to the Macchie Piane
Plateau where there is a great view of
the Gran Sasso. From there the road
leads to Fosso dell Acero and a stretch
of trail along the slope with yet more
splendid views, bringing the skier to
the Baleverde Refuge, a good spot to
take a break. Here the route carries
into the woods, crosses the deep
ravine of the Fosso di Ricognolo, then
climbs again towards the Colle della
Pietra Pass where there is another
refuge. The trail ends here and it’s
time to return home for a well-
deserved evening of relaxation.
mirage, to Guardiagrele, with its splendid ancient glacier, Campo Imperatore is home
Cathedral, and to Pacentro and its cave paint- to one of Italy’s oldest ski resorts, which
ings. As we continue driving we arrive at the began commercial operation in the 1920s
ski resorts, where the sun still reigns but the and continues to thrive. The considerable
blue of the sea is substituted by the pure altitude ensures good snow for most of the
white of soft snow. winter and the location is ideal for cross-
The Gran Sasso, the Majella, Velino- country skiing.
Sirente, the mountains of the National Park, In addition, Campo Imperatore has been
the Cinque Miglia plateau, the Carseolani, popular with filmmakers, a location used in
and the Simbruini Mountains form a dense more than twenty major films, among them
network of ski resorts that are well equipped The Name of the Rose, starring Sean Connery.
and cater to all the needs of snow lovers. Right below, there is the Monte Cristo basin,
The slopes of Mount Piselli wind down equally beautiful and fun for snow sports.
along the trail that divides Abruzzo from In the province of L’Aquila stands
Marche, and near Corno Grande, the highest Abruzzo’s most famous resort, Roccaraso.
peak of Gran Sasso and of the Apennine After the extensive destruction in WWII
range, Campo Imperatore reigns as the high- bombings, the small center is today com-
est ski resort in the region. Sculpted by an pletely modern, except for the district called

Sea and Ski Italy Now
No matter what, all over Abruzzo, at the sea-

side, in the mountains, in the hills and even
beyond the protected areas, nature is always
the protagonist.

Abruzzo’s mountains form a dense Terra Vecchia (the ancient fortified borough).
network of ski resorts that are well EXTREME The whole ski area offers many miles of
equipped and cater to all the needs slopes of varying difficulty, and modern
of snow lovers.
sports facilities. The flatter areas have chal-
In addition to traditional winter lenging cross-country routes.
sports, the Abruzzo mountains are ideal At the foot of the western slope of the
for all sorts of adventures and new Majella, the lifts of Campo Giove go up to the
snow activities. There are snow parks Tavola Rotonda, the highest point in Abruzzo
for snow boarders (www.snowborad- reachable by mechanical means. Furthermore,
planet.it), a ski school for the blind there are smaller skiing destinations, hundreds
(www.roccaraso.net), and an amazing of routes, possible excursions, and endless
cross-country marathon (www.marcia- possibilities for fun.
campoimperatore.com). The quality of No matter what, all over Abruzzo, at the
the rock makes of Abruzzo an ideal seaside, in the mountains, in the hills and even
location for climbing, especially on beyond the protected areas, nature is always
Gran Sasso. There are several airfields the protagonist. The sandy shores of the north
ideal for gliding (www.aeroclubaquila.it) coast contrast with the rocks and cliffs along
and areas suitable for hang-gliding. the southern coast, while the unbroken rows
of nearby hills conceal holiday farm centers
and art towns full of authentic masterpieces.
All of this is protected by its mountains, the
highest summits of Apennines.

Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Eat
Abruzzo: a Land to Eat

A taste of local cuisine
T
here are oils, cheeses, meats, cured mountain water. The abundance of pork con- proportions. The meal consists of 35 to 50
meats, honeys, wines and liquors, tributes to the production of several kinds of courses and lasts all night, enabling guests to
and many more delicacies that come cured meats – from sausages to hams and mor- partake of every dish at a leisurely pace. The
from the pristine and uncontaminated moun- tadella. Sheep breeding is even more wide- mountain town of Villavallelonga has pre-
tains, lakes, and hills of Abruzzo. All these spread, thus allowing a large production of served its panarda traditions more fervently
ingredients are fresh and healthy and savored cheeses – from pecorino to sheep ricotta, and than others, and local families still host the
in a simple yet wholesome cuisine, which is cacio marcetto (it literally means rotten cheese feast on an annual basis.
also varied and refined. and it consists of Pecorino fermented in sheep’s
Pasta, vegetables, and meat (especially milk). Cheeses are also made with cow’s milk, SOME OF THE MOST LOVED SPECIALTIES ARE:
lamb and pork) are the staples of local cui- often mixed with goat milk in the production
sine, and many delicious lamb dishes and of scamorza (called mozzarella in Abruzzo). Agnello alle olive: Lamb cooked in an earth-
aromatic cheeses, such as Pecorino and The region’s fertile lands yield excellent enware pot with olive oil, black olives,
Scamorza, are rooted in the everyday life of fruit and vegetables such as cherries from lemon, oregano, and hot peppers.
the region’s shepherds. Raiano, grapes from Ortona, potatoes, car- Cicoria, cacio e uova: Soup of wild chicory
The hills of the provinces of Teramo, rots, fennel, and lentils from Santo Stefano di with pork in chicken broth thickened with
Pescara, and Chieti produce a flavorful olive Sessanio, chestnuts from the Roveto Valley, eggs and grated pecorino.
oil that complements the regional dishes. wild asparagus, and much more. The areas of Coda di rospo alla cacciatora: monkfish
Generally speaking, this oil is lighter com- Marsica and Teramo are rich in truffle pro- cooked with garlic, rosemary, anchovies,
pared to others made in most parts of the duction, mostly of black truffles that are used and peppers.
country, but it is equally good. Olio santo is a locally but also sold around the country and Maccheroni alla chitarra: Pasta served with
concoction that originally was only home- exported worldwide. Last but not least, the a ragout of lamb stewed in wine and olive
made but now can be found in restaurants most fruitful traditional crops of Abruzzo are oil with tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, and pep-
and stores. This is a first press oil in which in the Navelli plateau between the Gran Sasso pers. The name is due to the tool used to
hot chillies are left to marinate and spice and Sirente massifs. The area produces pre- make the pasta called la chitarra, a wooden
things up. cious saffron that is used in many local dish- loom with thin steel threads.
Almost everywhere around the region it is es (such as in scapece). Ragù all’Abruzzese: Sauce made with beef,
possible to buy fresh pasta, which is unique The most interesting culinary tradition is la pork, mutton, and duck ground meat.
because of one special ingredient: extra pure panarda, a multi-course feast of gargantuan Indocca: Stew of pork ribs, feet, ears, and
Bruschetta made
with red garlic.

Abruzzo: a Land to Eat Italy Now
Garlic is a staple
of the cuisine of Abruzzo.

rind with rosemary, bay leaf, peppers, and The Val di Sangro, a mountain valley in Roveto), and porchetta, or roast pig
vinegar. the province of Chieti, is renowned for pro- (Fresagrandinaria).
Pizza rustica: Pie of pork sausage, mozzarel- ducing generations of chefs, who have
la, eggs, and Parmigiano Reggiano. turned Abruzzo’s simple yet sophisticated The Wines
Polpi in purgatorio: Octopus cooked with regional foods into culinary wonders. In cel- Abruzzo produces one DOCG and three
tomato, garlic, parsley, and diavolicchio hot ebration, this festival draws chefs from all DOC wines that have won many internation-
peppers. over the world to share their expertise and al awards and are served in the best restau-
Scapece di Vasto: Pieces of raw fish pre- sample the delicacies of local restaurants rants around the world. These four wines
served in earthenware vases with vinegar, from special stands lined up along the vil- are: Controguerra, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo,
salt, chili peppers, and saffron. lage’s main street. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Montepulciano
Scrippelle ‘mbusse or ‘nfusse: Fried crepes BEANS FESTIVAL OF POLLUTRI, 5th d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane (DOCG). The
coated or filled with pecorino and served and 6th of December best production areas are the Pescara valley,
in chicken broth. Pollutri, in the province of Chieti, holds between Popoli and Pescara and the Teramo,
Timballo di crespelle: Crepes layered with this yearly festival, during which beans are Pescara, and Chieti hills.
spinach, artichokes, ground meat, chicken boiled all night long in nine large cauldrons In the official classification of Italian DOC
giblets, mozzarella, and grated Parmigiano that line the streets of the town. wines, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is in sixth
Reggiano baked in an elaborate mold. place, behind Chianti, Asti, Oltrepò Pavese,
Zuppa di cardi: soup of giant cardoons from Among the many other foods celebrated with Soave, and Valpolicella.
L’Aquila with tomatoes and salt pork. special annual festivals in Abruzzo are cher- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made almost
Zuppa di lenticchie e castagne: tiny moun- ries (Raiano, first Sunday of June); sweet exclusively with grapes from vines of the
tain lentils and fresh chestnuts in a soup chestnuts (Carsoli, first Sunday of October); same name, with the possible small addition
with tomatoes, salt pork, and herbs. grapes and wine (Vittorio, a Sunday in of other grapes from recommended and/or
October); prosciutto (Basciano, second authorized red grape vines (up to 10%
Food Festivals in Abruzzo Sunday in August); Pecorino cheese (Macchia Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the
da Sole); chick peas and saffron (Navelli, first blend). The top of the range has a brilliant
INTERNATIONAL CHEFS’ FESTIVAL OF Sunday after August 15), truffles (Casoli and ruby red color and a dry, mellow, pungent,
SANGRO, 2nd Sunday of October Acciano, July), mutton (San Vincenzo Valle slightly tannic taste. It is a robust wine that

Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Eat
The products of the land and sea are key

ingredients of traditional local cuisine.
ditional wines and the more modern varieties

that are the key, nowadays, to success on the
international market.
The IGT denominations are: Terre di
Chieti, Colline Teatine, Colline Frentane,
Colli del Sangro and del Vastese o Histonium
in the province of Chieti; Colline Pescaresi in
the province of Pescara; Colli Aprutini in the
province of Teramo; and Alto Tirino and Valle
Peligna in the province of L’Aquila. They
cover a range of colors and styles from white,
pink and red through sparkling, “novello”
and “passito.” Monovarietal red or white
wines have the option of using the name of
the grape variety on the label.
Centerbe
It literally means “hundreds of herbs.” We
are talking about Abruzzo’s favorite digestive
liqueur. Made by infusing a variety of medic-
inal herbs, some say as many as one hundred
(such as orange leaves, basil, chamomile,
rosemary, sage, juniper, cloves, cinnamon,
toasted coffee beans, saffron, mint, lemon
leaves, mandarin leaves, thyme blossoms,
and marjoram), in alcohol, it has a very high

alcoholic content and is an excellent digestive
drink. It is mainly made in Tocco da Casuria
at the foot of the Majella.
Other local liqueurs are genzianella (made
with flowers), nocino (walnut liqueur), and
ratafià, (made with sour cherries).
ages well. The DOCG Montepulciano

d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane is produced in
the hilly territory of Colline Teramane, in the
province of Teramo, where the best fruit
grows. This limited production, which sets
itself apart from the wines produced in other
areas of the region thanks to its distinct
organoleptic qualities, was crowned with its
own D.O.C.G. appellation in 2003.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a delicate white
wine made from Trebbiano d’Abruzzo grapes
(Bombino bianco) and Tuscan Trebbiano as

well as some other grapes from the same area.
Controguerra, the region’s other DOC,
was created in 1996. It applies to a range of
reds and whites produced around five vil- Precious saffron that is used in many
lages in the area north of Teramo. These local dishes (such as in scapece).
products can compete with both the best tra-

Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate Italy Now
Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate

Tradition flourishes in colorful feasts
A
bruzzo is rich in history. Every sea-
Parade of the
son has feasts and festivals that make Giostra Cavalleresca
Abruzzo an ideal location for travel- in Sulmona.
ers interested in the traditions of folklore and
faith. In addition to these special events, piaz-
zas, parks, castles, and beaches in big cities
and small towns are the venues of perform-
ances all year long.
JANUARY – January is filled with religious

events such as the Nativity Play in
Rivisondoli (on the 5th) and The Kiss of
Photo courtesy of regione Abruzzo

Baby Jesus in Lama dei Peligni (on the 6th).
During the Nativity Play, all the citizens of
Rivisondoli take part, dressed as shepherds,
the Three Kings, Roman soldiers, or pil-
grims, bring the nativity scene to life. The
most sought after role is that of the Virgin
Mary, and for the selection of the girl to play
the part there are hard-fought contests with
strict juries and long, secret conclaves. For Lacework from Scanno.
the latter, on the evening of the Epiphany,
the villagers, especially the children, in cos-
tume of 1759, go to the church to kiss the
statue of Gesù Bambino, kept inside a pre-
cious silver urn.
Equally entertaining events are the
Panarda in Villalonga, a ritual banquet (on
the 17th), and the reenactment of Saint
Joseph’s Wedding in San Martino sulla
Marrucina (on the 23rd).
FEBRUARY – On the 3rd, the town of Taranta
Peligna hosts the festival of the Panicelle of San
Biagio. Special breads called panicelle are
Photo courtesy of regione Abruzzo

baked in the shape of a four-fingered hand.
For carnival, the most fun event is the Fancy
Dress Procession in Francavilla al Mare.
MARCH – On the 18th and 19th, the town
of Monteferrante celebrates the Tables of
Saint Joseph, where families set out a feast
table, upon which sits the image of St Joseph.
This holiday is celebrated in nearby
Molise, too. the Suffering of Christ in Gessopalena. extremely interesting Procession of the
EASTER – Many spectacular events are held On Easter day we should mention the cel- Serpari (snake hunters) of Cocullo. During
for this special holiday: in Vasto, on the ebrations of the Good Day in Panella. the procession the statue of St. Dominick is
Friday before Good Friday, there is the APRIL – The festival of the Loads in San covered with live snakes, symbols of unpre-
Procession of the Holy Thorn. The relic is Salvo (on the 29th) and the festival of the dictability. In Pretoro, on the first Monday in
said to come from Christ’s thorn crown, and Splendor of Mary in Giulianova (on the May, another gathering of snake hunters
for centuries it was kept in a chapel in Santa 22nd), are the only non-Easter related events. takes place immediately before the sacred
Maria Maggiore. On Good Friday the festivi- MAY – This spring month hosts numerous play Lu Lope (The Wolf). On the same day
ties are many, including the reenactment of unique events including the scary but there are the feasts of Mary of the Cross in

Italy Now Abruzzo: a Land to Celebrate
LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Abruzzo abounds with artists of all

types, including ceramists, stone-cut-
ters, goldsmiths, engravers, carvers,
weavers, and coppersmiths. Their beau-
tiful products are available across the
region at very reasonable prices. The
saddles from L’Aquila are so well crafted
that they are used by the British royal
family for all the horses at Buckingham
Palace.
The abundance of wool in Abruzzo
has always encouraged textile art.
Tarante are beautifully colorful blankets
from Taranta Peligna, and tapestries are
produced in Penne. In many places in
the region, reeds are collected along the
banks of the waterways to be woven into
baskets and other wicker objects. The art
of jewelry making is common through-
out the region. In Pescocostanzo, Scanno
and Sulmona, visitors can find beautiful-
ly crafted jewels and filigrees. Among the
most treasured is the presentosa, a brooch
often presented by a man to his fiancé or
wife, made of two intertwined silver
hearts.
OCTOBER – October features a Grape

Every season has feasts and festivals that
make Abruzzo an ideal location for travelers
Festival in Nocciano, and the delicious
interested in the traditions of folklore. Sagra delle Scrippelle (a famous Abruzzese
recipe) in San Giovanni Lipioni.
NOVEMBER – In Lettomanoppello, the
Pietranico, Mary of Libera in Pratola Peligna, Sant’Omero, to the Pilgrimage from Fornelli Feast of All Saints lasts four days and ends
and Forgiveness in Ortona. to Villalago, to the Festival of Trescatura of with a procession in honor of San Rocco.
JUNE – The Miracle of San Domenico is Collecorvino, in commemoration of ancient Sant’Egidio alla Vibrata hosts a fun Festival of
commemorated on the first Sunday of the wheat harvesting. children’s songs called Fiore d’Oro, and in
month in Palombaro. The month hosts other SEPTEMBER – On the 23rd, it’s time to Scanno, during Le Glorie, high piles of wood
religious festivals, including the Pilgrimage dance at the Ballo dell’Insegna in Forcella. are burned in honor of Saint Martino.
to the Hermitage of San Onofrio, which Only the men of the town can take part in DECEMBER – In Atri, on the 8th, during the
starts from Serramosca and climbs upwards. this event of masculine solidarity. The Faugni, fires of dry canes are burned in front
JULY – The Miracle of Santa Margherita is Insegna is a large flag carried by a medieval of the Cathedral at dawn, while on the 10th
celebrated in Villamagna on the 12th, while bearer who is accompanied by two. The in Torino di Sangro, a Night Wake is organ-
the Triumph of Peace is commemorated in dance involves throwing the flag in the air in ized to wait for the birth of the Madonna di
Teramo on the 26th. loops and catching it before it touches the Loreto; a procession of torches is held
AUGUST – This month hosts events of many ground. All the men have a go, and the win- through the night, and songs are sung in the
kinds – from the beer festival of ner is chosen by common consent. morning.

Italy in a Nutshell Italy Now
Italy in a Nutshell
General Information for the detail-oriented
I
ts dreamy light and sumptuous country- Calling Code: +39
side seem made for romance, and its Exports: $371.9 billion (f.o.b., 2005 est.):
three millennia of history, culture and engineering products, textiles and clothing,
cuisine seduce just about everyone. production machinery, motor vehicles,
You can visit Roman ruins, drink in transportation equipment, chemicals, food,
Renaissance art, stay in tiny medieval hill beverages and tobacco, minerals and non-
towns, ski the Alps, explore the canals of ferrous metals.
Venice and stand in awe in beautiful church- Imports: $369.2 billion (f.o.b., 2005 est.):
es. Naturally you can also indulge in the engineering products, chemicals, trans-
pleasures of la dolce vita: good food, good portation equipment, energy products,
wine, good shopping, and maybe a little bit of minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles
flirting. In Italy everything is possible. and clothing, food, beverages and tobacco.
Photo courtesy of the Turin Tourist Office.

Any time of the year is ideal to enjoy Italy’s Capital: Rome, “The Eternal City” (popula-
treasures; history and beauty are always in tion 2,553,873, city only), calling code 06.
season. Major Cities:
Milan (4,280,820), calling code 02
Italy's Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Turin (902,255), calling code 011
Turin’s Mole
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). Italy is Genoa (620,316), calling code 010 Antonelliana
six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Venice (271,663), calling code 041 at dusk.
in the U.S. Daylight savings time goes into Florence (366,488), calling code 055
effect at the end of March and ends in late Naples (4,200,000), calling code 081
October. Palermo (675,501), calling code 091 Trentino and Belluno. The highest point in
Official Language: Italian. German is spoken Italy is Mont Blanc, in the Alps, at 15,770 feet.
in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto The Italian Peninsula is divided into 20 The largest of its many northern lakes is
Adige; there are small French-speaking regions, two of which are islands. Each region Garda (143 sq mi; 370 sq km); the Po, its
populations in the Valle d'Aosta region to is host to different customs, traditions, and principal river, flows from the Alps on Italy's
the northwest. dialects. Five regions have a Statuto Speciale western border and crosses the Lombard plain
Origin of the Name: The first Greek settlers, (special statute): Valle d’Aosta, Trentino-Alto to the Adriatic Sea.
who arrived in Calabria in Southern Italy Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicily, and Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, is the only
from Euboea island in the 8th century B.C., Sardinia. The top travel destinations in Italy active volcano on the European mainland.
named their new land Vitulia ("land of include the three cities of Rome, Venice, and Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, is one of
calves"). This name spread slowly north- Florence, the region of Tuscany, and the the world's largest volcanoes.
ward, and it was only under Augustus that Amalfi Coast.
the whole country adopted the name. THE TEMPERATURE
Area: 301,323 km2 (116,303 square miles) The Land
Population: 58,751,711 (2006), an increase The Italian Peninsula is bounded by France, Italy enjoys a predominantly
of 0.5% from 2005, mainly supplemented Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the Mediterranean (mild) climate with a
by immigrants, and an increasing life north. Italy juts into the Mediterranean Sea, colder Alpine climate in the mountains
expectancy of 79.81 years. and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on the to the north and a hot and dry climate
Government: Republic east, the Ionian Sea on the west, the in the south.
Constitution: Adopted January 1, 1948 Tyrrhenian on the west along most of the Average Average
National Holiday, Festa della Repubblica: peninsula, and the Ligurian Sea on the north- City Latitude winter summer
temperature temperature
June 2nd. west.
Nickname: Italy is sometimes called Belpaese The Apennine Mountains form the penin- Milan 45°28’ 3 C–37 F 23 C–73 F
(Italian for beautiful country) by its inhabi- sula's backbone, with the Alps on its northern Turin 45°2’ 2 C–35 F 22 C–71 F
tants, due to the beauty and variety of its boundary. The Alps are divided into regions
Genoa 44°25’ 8 C–46 F 23 C–73 F
countryside and for the world's largest called, from west to east the Occidentali, the
artistic heritage. The country is home to the Centrali, and the Orientali, and they border Rome 41°52’ 8 C–46 F 24 C–75 F
greatest number of UNESCO World with France, Austria and Switzerland. The Palermo 38°5’ 11 C–51 F 24 C–75 F
Heritage Sites (40 as of January 1, 2006). Dolomites, which are really part of the Alps,
Sassari 40°45’ 9 C–48 F 23 C–73 F
Currency: Euro. are located in the regions of South Tyrol,

Italy Now Transportation
Transportation
How to get around the Belpaese
A vacation in Italy is a total sensory and

cultural immersion, a series of experi-
ences and memories to last a lifetime.
Traveling to and around the country is much
easier than one might think. There is a myth
side of the city, but they offer transportation,
shuttle buses and trains, that for a small fee will
take you into the city. In Rome the “Leonardo
Express” will take you from the airport of
Fiumicino to the rail station, Stazione Termini.
BERGAMO
Milano Orio al Serio; www.sacbo.it
TURIN
Città di Torino; www.airport.turin.it
GENOA
that Italian drivers are crazy…untrue! They are From there you can take a taxi to your final des- Cristoforo Colombo – Sestri;
certainly aggressive, but they are also very tination. Airports are filled with signs that will www.airport.genoa.it
skilled. When you first arrive in Italy everything lead you to the shuttle’s station. Tickets can be BOLOGNA
looks different. The cars are very small, the bought on the premises. The Volainubus Guglielmo Marconi;
streets are very narrow, everything looks like it Airport Shuttle connects Vespucci Airport to www.bologna-airport.it
is going at super-fast speed and you are in slow downtown Florence. Tickets are purchased on VENEZIA
motion. This may happen because of jet-lag board and cost 4 Euros. Galileo Galilei, Pisa’s Marco Polo; www.veniceairport.it
but, honestly, things are rather different there. airport, has direct train services to Florence. FLORENCE
Amerigo Vespucci;
Italy has 133 airports, www.aereoport.firenze.it
all located outside of the PISA
major cities. Galileo Galilei; www.pisa-airport.it
NAPLES
Capodichino; www.gesac.it
PALERMO
Punta Raisi; www.gesap.it
Trains
Trenitalia is the name of the Italian State
Railroad which runs a nationwide network at
reasonable prices calculated on the distance
The 80 km trip costs around 5 Euros. traveled.
Once you have arrived at your final The best way to get to and from Milan There are several categories of trains; each
destination, you need to decide how you Malpensa airport to the downtown area is by category is differentiated by the level of com-
are going to get around.
MalpensaExpress Train. The standard fare is fort, the speed, the price, the accessory serv-
9 Euros. There is also a deluxe bus which ices offered and the number of stops.
BUT FIRST LET’S FRESHEN UP leaves every 30 minutes to Milan railway sta- The Eurostar is the top category of trains.
ON SOME VOCABULARY: tion and downtown Milan. The fare for the They are the most costly and the most com-
bus is 5 Euros per person. Buses are available fortable. They only stop at the major cities.
Train Treno from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Several charter For instance, between Milan and Naples,
Train Station Stazione Ferroviaria flights arrive in Bergamo instead of Milan. Eurostar trains only stop in Bologna,
Taxi Taxi Buses leave regularly and will take you to Florence, and Rome. Eurostar trains only
Bus Autobus Milan’s Central Station. travel by day and require a reservation, so the
Subway Metropolitana Palermo International Airport is on the tickets are better bought in advance.
Car Macchina northern coast of the island of Sicily and is the Reservation is free and issued with the ticket.
Rental Car Autonoleggio main air hub for the island. There is one mod- Intercity and IntercityPlus trains are
Bus Stop Fermata dell’Autobus ern and well-equipped terminal that handles quite comfortable and fast, traveling between
Airport Aereoporto international and domestic traffic, and public all major and important Italian towns and
transport to the city is provided by buses. cities. Intercity trains stop more often than
Eurostar trains, but they still do not stop in
Airports ROME small villages and towns. Bar service is avail-
Italy is simply loaded with treasures, so it is Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci or able. Intercity Notte trains travel by night.
not hard to see why Italy is one of the world’s Ciampino; www.adr.it Eurocity and Eurocity Notte trains, similar
most heavily visited countries. For this rea- MILAN to Intercity trains, travel on international routes.
son Italy has many international airports. Malpensa or Linate; Espresso trains are the cheapest trains
The country has 133 airports, all located out- www.sea-aereoportimilano.it traveling long distances. They have both

Transportation Italy Now
PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
Basic Youth Saver

Days 1 class 2 class 2 class 1 class 2 class
3 140 112 94 119 95
national and international service and usual- 4 158 126 106 134 107
ly stop only in the main cities and towns. 5 176 140 118 149 119
Interregionale, Regionale and Diretto are
6 194 154 130 164 131
trains that travel medium distances, from
cities to small towns. 7 212 168 142 179 143
Discounts are available for students, dis- 8 230 182 154 194 155
abled, and seniors. Special fares are often
9 248 196 166 209 167
applied on national holidays (last summer,
for example, traveling on Ferragosto cost 10 266 210 178 224 179
only 1 Euro no matter what destination).
TIP: All train tickets must be validated before boarding the train at those yellow boxes at the
Trenitalia offers all non-residents a new rail entrance of the tracks. If they are not, the tickets are invalid and you will be charged a fee.
pass, the Trenitalia Pass, which replaces the Smoking onboard is not permitted. www.trenitalia.com
old Flexicard. Available in both first and sec-
through the years by Naples, Genoa and

Catania. On February 4, 2006, subway serv-
ice was inaugurated in Turin.
Milan offers three subway lines, M1 (red),
M2 (green), M3 (yellow), and three more
lines are in the works. All three lines take you
to the city’s landmarks and to different towns
on the outskirts. The M1 is the line that will
take you to Milan’s spectacular center where

you can see the Duomo and the surrounding
shopping area, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. A
booklet of 20 tickets costs 20 Euros. Upon
validation, tickets are valid for 75 minutes.
Trenitalia is the name of the Italian State Railroad which
www.atm-mi.it
runs a nationwide network at reasonable prices. Rome has two subway lines, A (orange)
and B (blue). The former cuts through the
city on the north-west and south-east sides,
ond class, this pass allows three to 10, con- street, but can be found at specific taxi stands while the latter on the north-east and south
secutive or not, days of unlimited travel with- on the street, or they can be called by phone. sides. The A is the line that offers stops at
in a two month period. It can be used on any All charges are listed on a price chart displayed more famous locations such as Piazza di
train in Italy, with the exception of the inside the cab. Extra charges are in effect at Spagna, Fontana di Trevi, San Pietro and
Eurostar Italia, where a small supplement is night, for luggage service, and phone booking. Musei Vaticani. The BTI ticket is offered to
due. This pass also offers discounts at certain A 10% tip is expected but not mandatory. visitors, and it is valid for three days after
hotels and other special offers. It is available having been validated. It can be used on
in three versions; Basic, for adults traveling in Buses buses, subway and local trains. It costs 11
first and second class; for those under 26 Local buses are a great way to get around the Euros. www.atac.roma.it
there is a Trenitalia Youth Pass; and a city. All Italian cities have a well organized Naples has five lines, all under renovation.
Trenitalia Pass Saver for small groups of two bus and tram system that will take you to The Linea 1 has been renamed Metrò
to five people. Passes can be bought at travel most destinations. Prices vary according to dell’Arte as a permanent display of modern
agencies and at the rails stations. the city you are in. Tickets can be purchased art has been installed at every stop. This line
at newsstands, tobacco shops and subway constitutes the central ring of the Neapolitan
Taxis stations. All tickets must be time stamped subway system. Single tickets cost 1 Euro and
Government-regulated taxis are either white or using the machines on board the buses. are valid for 90 minutes. All tickets are valid
yellow. Avoid taxis that are not metered and for buses, funiculars, metro and local rail-
have no official signs. They are private cars Subway ways in Naples and adjacent municipalities
that will charge you an expensive fee. Unlike In Italy, just a few cities offer subway service. (Uniconapoli). Naples also has a suburban
in the States, taxis cannot be hailed on the Rome and Milan were the first two, followed train line, the Ferrovia Circumvesuviana, that

Italy Now Transportation
white is for free parking, blue is for paid

parking. There will be a payment machine or
a place to buy tickets close by. You get a

receipt telling you how long you can stay (the
time your parking expires is usually printed
on the receipt). Put this receipt in the car
window.
If parking is free but time limited, you
Highway to Naples. must use a disco orario (a parking disk) to
indicate the time you parked. When you rent
a car in Italy, they may already have a parking
will get you to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and signs have a green background, while the state disc. If they do not, you can purchase one at
Sorrento. roads use the color blue. a tobacco store or gas station. They are not
expensive.To use the parking disc, set it to
Road Rental Cars indicate the time you parked and place it
The Autostrada (AA), the national highway, When choosing to rent a car, go with the best inside your car in the windshield so it can be
stretches along the entire peninsula. It has car rental companies in Italy. seen by the parking police.
tolls which are applied according to distances There are many agencies: AutoEurope, Some cities offer special Parking Cards,
and size of motor vehicle. Some stretches are Hertz, Avis, Europcar, to name a few. such as Milan. Prices range from 12 to 50
toll-free such as the Salerno-Reggio Calabria In making your car rental arrangements, Euros.
and the Palermo-Catania. Payments can be consider and compare the following impor-
made by credit card if you are short on cash. tant pricing points: Ferries
At the toll station, get into the Via Card lane.
Road signs are international and easy to read
• The lowest, all inclusive car rental rates
with no hidden charges, just pay for gas
Regular boats and hydrofoil services run to
most of the islands, local and international.
for all. On major highways, gas stations are
open 24 hours.
• Includes all the insurance, including the
deductible
Service is available to Capri, Ischia, Elba,
Sardinia, Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Greece,
Autogrills are rest stops along the highway.
The smaller ones are cafés while the bigger
• Over 400 pick up and drop off points in
Italy
Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Malta, and
Corsica. www.ferriesonline.com
ones are also restaurants that offer delicious
snacks and even meals.
• Reliability, late model fleet (rental cars
change every six months)
The larger Autogrills have stores where you • 24 hour road side assistance
will be able to buy all kinds of specialty foods • No drop off charges
(cheeses, meats, snack foods) and beverages • All taxes (Airport and IVA) included
(wine, beer and liquor). They also have trav- • Toll-free telephone number in Italy
el supplies from drug store items to electron-
ics.
• An International Driver’s license is
required for driving in Italy, and it’s advisable
Italian law requires that all passengers to get insurance.
wear a seat belt, and to respect the speed When you pick up your car, be sure to find
limit which is 30 mph in urban areas, 55 out from the rental company which type of gas
mph on country roads and 80 mph on high- it takes. Sometimes the larger rental cars are
ways. Tickets for speeding are high. For vehi- diesel. Diesel gasoline is less expensive, so that
cle breakdown, dial 116, and the nearest makes a larger car more affordable to drive.
Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) will send
assistance. www.autostrade.it www.aci.it Parking 101
If you don’t like paying the tolls on the The more tourist-oriented towns and cities
autostrada, you can usually find a road labeled have large parking lots (a pagamento) with
“ss” on your map, paralleling the autostrada. parking rates just outside the historic centers.
Those are “strade statali” or state roads. The Street parking is organized and designated
speed limit is 90-110 km when it’s clear for a with signs and by the color of the lines for the
stretch, and 30-50 near towns. They are twisti- parking spots. The color of the lines on the San Remo harbor.
er and usually far more scenic. The autostrada parking space indicates the type of parking;

City Cards Italy Now
City Cards
No worries...everything is included!
Photo courtesy of the Turin Tourist Office.

City cards are valid on public
transportation and include passes
to museums and historic sites.
•18,00
F
or years now, the companies that run The Torino Card, in Turin, is available for from 5 through 29). You’ll need to reserve
public transportation in the big cities (2 days), 20,00 (3 days), ms, urban your card at least 48 hours before arriving in
have created some special cards to public transportation (except the subway), Venice. The easiest and cheapest way buy the
assist visitors during their stay. The concept the elevator in the Mole Antonelliana, and Venice Card is to order it online. You then
behind it is that the visitor arrives and does reductions on many shows, concerts, and print out your receipt/voucher and use it to
not have to worry about anything, either bicycle rentals. www.turismotorino.org claim your card when you arrive in Venice.
where to buy tickets or which fare should be www.venicecard.com
paid. Instead, by purchasing these cards, he • The Milan Welcome Card allows entry to
can start exploring the city while saving a lit-
tle money. These cards are valid on all public
Milan’s main cultural attractions. The Milan
Welcome Card is on sale for 8 Euros at the
• The Genoa Museum Card permits its
holders to visit 22 town, public and private
transportation, and include passes to muse- Information Offices of the Tourist Office in museums in Genoa. It can also be used to
ums and historic sites. They can be bought at via Marconi, 1. www.milanoinfotourist.it purchase discounted tickets for Palazzo
the local tourist offices. Ducale, Acquarium of Genoa, Città dei
•chasing
The cheapest way to visit Venice is by pur- Bambini e dei Ragazzi (Children’s City), the
•EurosTheandRoma Archeologia Card costs 20
is valid for seven days. It includes
the Venice Card. The Venice Card
comes in two colors, blue and orange, each
Bigo, Luzzati Museum at Porta Siberia,
Pallavicini Park of Pegli, Villa Durazzo at
the entrance to nine major sites in Rome available for one, three, or seven days. The Santa Margherita Ligure, Palazzo Imperiale,
including the Colosseum, Terme di Caracalla, Blue card offers unlimited transportation on the Carlo Felice Theatre, the Genoese Teatro
Terme di Diocleziano and Villa dei Quintili. waterbuses and autobuses. It also provides Stabile, the Teatro della Tosse, the Teatro
The card is valid for a week and is available perks such as discounts at various attractions, dell’Archivolto, the Teatro Cargo. The 48
from the attractions themselves and the shops, restaurants, and cafés, a discount on hour Card costs 16 Euros while the 48 hour
Visitor Center of Rome Tourist Board (APT). the Chorus Pass, which offers cheap admis- MUSEUMS+BUS Card is 20 Euros.
The Appia Antica Card (6 Euros) covers sion with free audio guides at 15 historic
entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, the Tomb
of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the
churches, and special rates at the Tronchetto
parking garage. The Orange Card includes all
• The Napoli Artecard is a ticket valid for
3 days that grants a line-free entrance to the
Quintili. The Capitolini Card (9 Euros) of the above plus admission to the Doge’s most significant Neapolitan museums and
gives you access to both Capitoline Palace and other municipal museums. The the archaeological area of the Campi Flegrei.
Museums. Venice Card is sold in two versions: Senior It also gives access to public transportation
(for adults over 30) and Junior (for visitors and special discounts. It costs 13 Euros.

Italy Now Currency
Currency Genoa’s stock

exchange.
How to handle Euros
Y
ou will need cash for some things, two most popular and widespread banking
such as taxis, newspapers, or a quick systems in the world so they are the best to
espresso, but just about everything have.
else can be charged. The Euro is a very After discovering the system is compatible,
strong currency at the moment. simply withdraw money as you would at
The old Italian Lira has been replaced by home. Be careful though when using credit
notes available in bills of 500, 200, 100, 50, cards, as many banks are now charging large

20, 10, and 5. While coins are available in fees of 2.5% to 4% for cash advances which
denominations of 2 and 1 Euros, and 50, 20, negate any advantage of using the Bancomat
10, 5, 2, and 1 cent. The exchange value is in the first place. One’s best bet is to use your
approximately 1 Euro = US $ 1.29, but for regular ATM card and simply withdraw
current rates check, www.eurochange.com or money from your account just as you would
www.xe.com do at your local bank.
You can exchange or get money at any ATM machines charge a commission fee
bank, ATM machine (Bancomat), exchange that varies from 3 to 5%. The bank charges a SOME USEFUL WORDS WHEN
office (Ufficio di Cambio) at airports and train fee as well, so it’s recommended to take more CHANGING MONEY
stations. When using ATMs, major hotels money at one time and limit the use of the ARE THE FOLLOWING:
offer an exchange service but usually for ATM machines.
higher fees. American Express, Mastercard, and Visa Where can I exchange some dollars?
There are many Bancomats in the large are accepted, as well as other cards. Check Dove posso cambiare dei dollari?
cities and even in small towns. The machines with your company what fees they apply for
operate just as they do in the US; at the international purchases. Many think that it is Is the bank open?
beginning of the transaction, it prompts the more convenient to use Travelers Checks, but E’ aperta la banca?
user for the preferred language. less and less places accept them. They can be Is there a currency exchange nearby?
Using a credit card, or even better, a debit purchased in the US and they should already C’è un ufficio di cambio qui vicino?
card or your local bank ATM card is very easy. be in Euros (small amounts) in order to avoid
How much is the dollar worth today?
One must first locate either the Cirrus or the application of additional exchange rates. Quanto vale il dollaro oggi?
BankMate symbol (on the Bancomat and on Travelers checks can also be purchased at
your card) to insure the card is usable on that Italian banks.
particular unit. Cirrus and BankMate are the
Banking hours vary from city to city, but in
general they are:
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
After a lunch break they reopen at 3.00 pm
until 4.00 pm. On Saturday they offer limit-
ed hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They
are closed on Sundays. Banks charge a flat fee
for exchange services.
ITALY’S MAIN BANKS ARE:
• Banca Agricola
• Banca Carige
• Banca Carime
• Banca Cariplo
• Banca Europea
• Banca Fineco
• Banca Intesa
• Banca Meridiana
• Banca Popolare
• Banca Nazionale del Lavoro

Communications Italy Now
Communications
Phones and other gadgets at your fingertips
I
n the past, staying connected to those These cards come in denominations of 25 or
back home seemed a daunting task. 50 Euro (sometimes they are available in
Prices were high and the coverage in Italy smaller amounts). The card costs 5 Euro
was poor. Nowadays there are options that more than it is worth (service charge).
not only are very inexpensive but are also
easy to take advantage of and extremely The card is a plastic card with a secret code
functional. on the back. Scratch off the silver covering
the secret code on the card. Call the
Cell phones provider, select the option to recharge the
First and foremost, in Italy, incoming cell phone.
phone calls are free. Also, since you can pre- Enter the secret code, wait for confirma-
pay your calls, you can control how much tion and you are all set. Keep in mind that if
money you want to invest in the outgoing you use an overseas carrier’s SIM card, your
call time without worrying about receiving phone will no longer answer calls to your
unexpectedly high bills. You can also contin- usual number — that’s one advantage of
ue to receive incoming calls with zero paying the higher rates for international
remaining credit. roaming with your original SIM card.
Network operators are Telecom Italia If you prefer, cellular phones can be
Mobile (TIM, www.tim.it), Vodafone Omnitel rented in Italy with a prepaid amount of
(www.vodafone.it), Wind (www.wind.it), and usage time. Arrangements can be made
H3G (www.h3g.it). If you want to use your directly at the airport. Malpensa, in Milan,
cell phone in Italy, it must be a GSM tri- has a Rentacell office at Terminal 1. To
band. Check with your cellular carrier to order Rentacell service before your
make arrangements before departure. The departure, contact the company by fax,
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 serv-
ice 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 tiny
SIM card is the phone’s life-support system:
without it, the handset won’t work. The card
is usually located one layer beneath the bat-
tery. Pop the battery out and you should see
the SIM card seated in a slot. Prepaid SIM
cards typically come in per-minute incre-
ments. Costs vary, so shop around. telephone or email. All information is avail-
Depending on the country you visit, you able on www.rentacell.it
should be able to find a few phone operators Many find it easier to rent a cell phone
selling prepaid SIM cards. When the amount before leaving the country. Some providers
of money on the card runs out, you have to with good deals are www.travelcell.com and
purchase more time. You can add more time www.acetelecom.com
on the phone using your credit card, but in
Italy most people buy more time with a Useful Extras
“Ricaricard” that can be purchased at a Power Adapter/Converter Kit. This is one
tobacco shop, phone store or media store. of those things that you need to take on an

Italy Now Communications
overseas trip but sometimes forget until you 112 Carabinieri If you require frequent access to the
need it. Before you go, purchase a complete 113 Emergency Police Help Number Internet for more than the occasional email,
kit, such as Belkin’s Business Traveler (also ambulance and fire) you may think about bringing your laptop
Converter Kit, which has both converters 115 Fire Department along. Many Internet Points will allow you to
and tips for several major cell phones and 116 A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) tap into their wideband networks through an
PDAs. It’s an indispensable tool. road assistance. ethernet connection or wireless nodes. Many
Spare Battery. If you don’t have a power 118 Medical Assistance hotels also offer these services as well. Ask
adapter, packing an extra battery is the next 186 Telegrams for their fee beforehand.
best thing. 4161 Time For a list of locations that offer WiFi hot
4114 Wake-up Call spots and wireless 802.11b internet access,
Codes and public phones 803116 Automobile Club Road Service check out www.Wi-fihotspotlist.com
Italy’s country code is 39, so from the US to 187 Telephone (Telecom)
call Italy you must add the number 39 after 119 Cellular Telephone
011. (TIM)
190 Cellular Telephone
Calls to land phones have a zero before (VODAFONE)
each city code: 155 Cellular Telephone (WIND)
Milan 02 Rome 06 Internet

Florence 055 Turin 011 Internet booths operated by Telecom are
Naples 081 Venice 041 available for public access at airports, major
Bologna 051 Genoa 010 hotels and other public places. The term
Internet Point is often used in Italy to define
The zero is dropped if calling an Italian a place where access to computers connect-
cellular number. Common codes for cellu- ed to the internet is provided. Usually a per
lar numbers are: 335, 347, 337, etc. minute or per hour fee is charged. Others
require the purchase of a card good for a
The outgoing international code to the US is minimum amount of time.
001, followed by the American city code and Keep in mind that keyboards in Italy
the phone number. are slightly different and that some let-
Public telephones are available through- ters aren’t anywhere near the places on
out Italy. These days most do not accept the keyboard your fingers expect them
coins and operate by use of a phone card to be.
(Carta Telefonica) which may be purchased
at any newsstand, post office, or local tobac-
co shop. They are available for 5, 10, and 20
Euros.
Emergency
Numbers
Simply dial these
numbers from any-
where in the country.
They are toll free.
12 Telephone
Directory Assistance
Number
170 Operator for
Collect Calls
4176 General International
Information

Communications Italy Now
There are American companies that you verter anyway as plugs are
can consult before leaving that provide shaped differently. For
Secured and Managed Internet access to more information,
travelers. With your Portable PC, PDA, www.laptoptravel.com
mobile phone or any Internet enabled Big cities have several
device, you will connect to their network Internet cafes, while in
through Dialup, ISDN, Toll Free, WiFi and smaller towns access may be
broadband. Technical support is available by less widely available. The
phone 24 hours a day in English, Spanish local tourist office will have
and French. a computer or two for you to
They offer billing as you go, which allows use.
you to control and manage your expenses on
a daily basis. www.italy.dialer.net Some internet
points:
FLORENCE
Italian Point, Via Ricasoli
19/r, tel. 055.280119 =
30 PC
VENICE
Net House, Campo
S.Stefano, s.Marco 2967,
tel. 041.5208128 = 30
PC
ROME
Rimanet Cafe, v. Portico
d’Ottavia 2,
tel. 06.68891356 = 20 PC
PALERMO
Everalways, Corso Tukory 198,
tel. 091.217652 = 55 PC
NAPLES
Multimedia, v.S.Giovanni Maggiore
Pignatelli 34, tel. 081.5514708 = 40 PC Weekdays – 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 or
TURIN 1:30 p.m.
Quinta Dimensione, Corso Svizzera 165, 2:00 or 2:30 p.m.. to 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.
tel. 011.2309033 = 70 PC Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MILAN
Mondadori Multicenter, v. Marghera 28,
tel. 02.48047311 = 16 PC COMMON EXPRESSIONS
BOLOGNA USED TO MAKE A TELEPHONE
Net Arena, v. de’Giudei 3/b, CALL INCLUDE:
To hook up the tel. 051.220850 = 13 PC
computer modem For more information: www.ecs.net/cafe
line one needs to Pronto? Hello?
purchase an adaptor Post Offices Chi parla? Who is speaking?
in the US designated for For snail mail, keep in mind that it usually C’è [Claudia],
Italy. In Italy, electricity is 220 takes from four to seven days for mail to per favore? Is [Claudia] in?
volts, compared to the US 110 volts. arrive at its destination. Stamps are sold in ArrivederLa Good-bye
You will need a voltage converter. post offices and in tobacco shops.
Regardless of voltage, you will need a con- Post office hours vary but usually are

Italy Now Accommodations
Accommodations First thing you notice when

you walk into an Italian hotel
is a sign with some stars on it.
A pleasant stay in one of Italy’s hotels
I
taly welcomes visitors with a varied range designating how many stars a hotel deserves.
of hotels to fit all needs and budgets – A three-star hotel in Milan can be more
each place is characterized by unmistak- expensive than a five-star hotel in Assisi, for
able Italian hospitality and warmth. example.
There are thousands of hotels in Italy, more Generally speaking, a four-star hotel will
than 40,000 to be exact, without counting indeed cost more than a one-star in the same
Bed & Breakfasts (an officially recognized city. The four-star hotel will have more serv-
guest room in a private home) and ices and amenities. The one-star will usually
Agriturismos (farmhouse accommodations). be very basic. In other words, they consist of
It’s also possible to stay in convents or other a bed, and the bathroom might have to be
religious institutions, castles, villas, youth shared.
hostels and even in trulli (a traditional Basic rooms in a two-star hotel offer pri-
Apulian stone dwelling with a conical roof). vate baths and most of the time include tele-
When looking for a place to stay, remem- vision, a phone and occasionally even a mini by region, that are open daily from 8:00 a.m.
ber that rates include taxes and service fees; bar. Each mini bar must be accompanied by to 10:00 p.m., including on festival days.
the IVA (added-value tax, currently 10%) a price list. Prices tend to be high if compared Not all hotels offer air conditioning, check
should be added to the total amount. to those of regular bars and grocery stores. before reserving a room.
Hotel rates are usually lower during the
Hotels - the star system off-season months – March to November in Electrical Appliances
First thing you notice when you walk into an resort centers and big cities; April to May and If you are carrying any electrical appliances,
Italian hotel, right next to the front door, is a September to November at ski resorts. like a hair dryer or a laptop, you should have
sign with some stars on it. These little stars The ITPC has selected hotels that perfectly a transformer because the voltage is different
are an indication of the quality of the hotel fit American standards. For more information (220). Check the local voltage with the hotel.
you are going to stay at. Most of the ratings, www.italyhotels.it In addition, plugs have two round-pronged
ranging from one-star to five-star, are provid- plugs, making an adapter plug necessary.
ed by the government and are a quantitative Extra Services
measure used to determine the price range Phone calls, fax and internet service, laundry, Discounts
(and sometimes the tax obligation) of a hotel. and other services, such as money exchange, Always check the hotel website for last
The “star system” can be a bit confusing as are available for extra fees. For self-service minute deals and special offers. Some hotels
different European countries, and even laundry, a much cheaper option, the site in Rome offer lower weekend rates, while in
Italian cities, have different procedures for www.ondablu.com lists laundromats, region Venice discounts are given for weekday stays.
Photo courtesy of Is Morus Relais.
There are thousands

of hotels in Italy, more
than 40,000 to be exact.

At the Restaurant Italy Now
At the Restaurant
The magic of an Italian meal
I
taly is rich with fabulous restaurants,
Photo courtesy of Is Morus Relais.

some fancy, some modest, some country,
some urban. They all have one thing in
common: they offer great food. In addition to
regular restaurants there are: the autogrill,
roadside snack bar; the osteria, an informal
place; the trattoria, which is a medium-
priced, often family-run eating establish-
ment; the pizzeria, specializing in pizzas of
the region; the paninoteca, where sandwich-
es and salads are often available, and the
tavola calda, which features a buffet of hot or
cold dishes to eat in or take out. Enotecas
Italian restaurants have one
were wine bars years ago, but now they they thing in common: they all
serve small portions of food (assaggi) along serve great food.
with samplings of local wines.
If you just want a sandwich, you can go to
a bar. A bar in Italy is similar to a café in the (soup). Pasta should be cooked Al dente referred to just as Hag.
U.S. People go to the bar for their morning (to the tooth), until it offers a slight resist- Caffè latte Hot milk mixed with coffee and
coffee and pastry, to grab a sandwich, and ance when bitten into, but which is not served in a glass for breakfast.
even to buy ice cream. Some bars also serve a soft or overdone. Caffè macchiato Espresso “stained” with a
few pasta or salad selections, so if you just Il secondo, or “second course,” is a meat, drop of steamed milk.
want one course, that’s a good choice. poultry, game, or fish dish. Caffè Ristretto Espresso with less water.
Dinner in Italy is often much later than in the Il contorno, or “side dish” which consists of Cappuccino Espresso infused with steamed
U.S. If you want to eat with the locals, eat late. vegetables such as melanzane (eggplant), milk and drunk in the morning, but never
And the farther south you move the later peo- spinaci (spinach), or insalata mista (mixed after lunch or dinner.
ple eat. Lunch, between noon and two, is some- salad), is ordered separately, as it does not
times followed by a quick nap. Restaurants come with the second course.
SOME USEFUL WORDS:
close between lunch and dinner. In larger cities, Il dolce, or “dessert,” ends the meal. It fea-
you may find restaurants open all afternoon. tures favorite sweets such as tiramisù, or
Both il servizio (service charge/tip) and il panna cotta. Il conto, per favore Check Please
coperto (cover charge for bread and water) are La frutta, fresh fruit is often served after L’apribottiglia Bottle opener
usually included in il conto (the bill). By dessert. Il bicchiere Glass
Italian law, the gratuity is included in the bill, Italians often say Buon appetito! or “Enjoy La bottiglia Bottle
and extra tipping isn’t necessary. If the service your meal” when the first course is served, La caraffa Carafe
deserves it, leave your waiter a little extra. and Salute! or “To your health” when toast- Il cavatappi Corkscrew
If your budget is tight, consider the prix ing with a drink. Il cestino del pane Bread basket
fixe menu, called menu turistico or prezzo fisso. A typical Italian meal ends with an espres- Il coltello Knife
It usually is a good buy as it often includes at so, a dark, strong coffee brewed to have a thin Il cucchiaio Spoon
least two courses, cover and service charges. layer of creamy, dark beige froth on the cof- La forchetta Fork
All eating establishments must, by law, fee’s surface. Il macinino del pepe Pepper mill
post a menu outside. It’s helpful to read it Il piatto Plate
before being seated. Try the daily specials and More Coffee Terms: Il portapepe Pepper shaker
the house specialties, as they are the best the Caffè Americano American-style coffee, but Il portasale Salt shaker
chef has to offer and they are often made with stronger; weaker than espresso and served Le posate Cutlery
seasonally fresh ingredients. in a large cup. La scodella Bowl
L’antipasto, which literally means “before the Caffè corretto Coffee “corrected” with a shot Lo stuzzicadente Toothpick
meal” and includes hot and cold appetizers of grappa, cognac, or Sambuca. La tazza Cup
such as crostini, bruschetta, and cold cuts. Doppio Espresso Double espresso. La tovaglia Tablecloth
Il primo, or “first course,” usually consists of Caffè freddo Iced coffee . Il tovagliolo Napkin
pasta, minestrone, risotto, or zuppa Caffè Hag Decaffeinated coffee, often

Italy Now Food and Wine
Food and Wine

The joys of Italian products
T
oday, Italian cuisine is cherished
around the world. It’s no secret that it
is incomparable, even though many
try to imitate it. Ranging from simple to
hearty, sweet to spicy, subtle to strong, each
dish is prepared with the freshest and health-
iest ingredients…plus a pinch of love.
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 ingre-
dients.
What is particular about Italian cuisine is
that it is regional. Almost every town has
something unique, and from one end of a Spigola, is a specialty from Naples.
region to the other the specialties can change
completely. The reason for this culinary frag-
mentation is simple. Before WWII, with the potatoes and sauerkraut. alla Romana). Bucatini all’Amatriciana
exception of the nobility and the clergy, most VENETO – Pandoro Christmas cake and are long pasta served in a tomato and pork
Italians simply didn’t travel, and as a result, tiramisu are the region’s favorite sweets. sauce, seasoned with grated pecorino
still today, every town and every valley has LIGURIA – Focaccia bread, pesto sauce, and cheese.
something different. Neighboring towns and olives. Farinata is a thin pancake made CAMPANIA – Mozzarella, lemons, fresh
valleys will also share techniques and recipes, with chickpea flour. seafood. Pizza was born here as well as
and add individual twists. EMILIA ROMAGNA – Balsamic vinegar, sfogliatelle, shell pastry filled with ricotta
Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella & cheese.
Regional Products & Specialties Prosciutto di Parma. Tortellini alla MOLISE – White celery, pasta filled with
VALLE D’AOSTA – Fontina cheese, Renette Bolognese in brodo are pasta filled with ricotta, and Picellati, honey pastries with
apples, Martin Spec pears, Tegole almond mortadella, prosciutto and veal served in a nuts and grapes.
cookies. Vitello alla valdostana, breaded meat broth. BASILICATA – Diavolicchio chili peppers,
veal cutlet, fried and topped with fontina TUSCANY – Bistecca alla Fiorentina is deli- Luganiga sausage, Ciaudedda, braised
and ham, then reheated in the oven over a cious T-bone steak. Other specialties are artichokes stuffed with potatoes and
slice of polenta. panzanella, salad made with vegetables stewed in tomatoes.
PIEDMONT – White truffles, Robiola and stale bread, and ribollita, vegetable PUGLIA – Orecchiette pasta, Taralli bread
cheese, rice from Vercelli, Gianduiotti minestrone with black cabbage. ribbons, and Cocomeri cucumbers.
chocolates. Bicerin, a blend of coffee, UMBRIA – Black truffles, honey and CALABRIA – Liquorice, chili peppers, cacio-
milk, and chocolate, is Turin’s signature Budellaccio salame are some of the region’s cavallo cheese and capocollo, cured pork
drink. favorites. meat.
LOMBARDY – Bresaola cured beef, Torrone, MARCHE – Some notable products are SICILY – Sea salt from Trapani, eggplant,
sweet nougat, ossobuco. Risotto alla Porchetta, roasted pork, and Salame di almond paste known as marzapane, deli-
Milanese is sauteed rice cooked in broth Fabriano. Fossa is amazing cheese aged cate olive oil, and succulent blood oranges.
and saffron. while buried in a pit. SARDINIA – Pecorino cheese, Fiore sardo
TRENTINO – Speck, smoked ham, Biroldi ABRUZZO – Saffron, Confetti di Sulmona, cheese, and wild boar. Porcheddu is roast-
blood sausages, goat cheeses. Orzetto is a sugar coated almonds, and black lentils. A ed suckling pig flavored with herbs (myr-
barley soup made with onion, garlic, veg- traditional dish is Maccheroni alla tle berries) and spices.
etables, and herbs simmered with speck. Chitarra, handmade pasta cut in thin
FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA – San Daniele strips similar to the strings of a guitar. Favorite Ingredients
prosciutto, Montasio cheese. Iota is a tradi- LAZIO – Puntarelle salad, artichokes, and Although every region has its own treasures
tional soup from Trieste made with beans, lamb (a lamb specilty is called Abbacchio and signature dishes, there are some staple

Food and Wine Italy Now
What is particular about Italian

cuisine is that it is regional.
ingredients that are used throughout the

country. These ingredients are unique to Italy
in use, quality and quantity. They are import-
ed all over the world and are used in interna-
tional cuisines as well.
On Olive Oil
Italy is covered with olive trees, from the
northern regions all the way down to Puglia
and Sicily. The pressing of tree-ripened olives
extracts a tasty, monounsaturated oil that is
good for cooking and for salads. The flavor,
color and fragrance of olive oils can vary
greatly depending on distinctions such as
growing region (oils from southern Italy tend
to be more fruity) and the crop’s condition.
Olive oils are graded according to the degree
of acidity they contain.
The best oils are cold-pressed, a chemical-
In Italy, food may be free process that involves only pressure,

a necessity, but it has which produces a natural level of low acidity.
a higher meaning. EXTRA VIRGIN OIL is only 1% acid and is the
result of the first pressing of the olives. It
can range from a crystalline champagne
color to greenish-golden to light green. It is
the finest and most expensive. There are
three categories of extra virgin olive oil:
Mild – Light and buttery. Ideal for raw
meats, pasta sauces, raw vegetables and fish.
Fruity – Slightly stronger, it pairs well
with grilled meats, pasta sauces, cooked
vegetables and bruschetta.
Spicy – Strong taste, perfect for rustic
dishes.
VIRGIN OLIVE OIL is also a first-press oil, with
a slightly higher level of acidity (between 1
and 3%).
FINO OLIVE OIL is a blend of extra virgin olive
oil and virgin oils.
OLIVE OIL is a combination of refined olive
oil and virgin or extra virgin olive oil.
Always check the label to make certain the
oil is estate pressed and bottled, and only buy
olive oil in non-opaque glass, which will allow
you to see the oil. It should be green, though
Photo courtesy of Scata.
not too brilliant a green. Be wary, on the other

hand, of oil in cans that you cannot see
through, and also of very pale oils, or yellow
oils. Pale oils have certainly been filtered and
may have been cut with other less healthy

Uruguayan, Brazilian, and Mexican cuisine. Types of pasta sauces

Aglio, olio e peperoncino Tossed in garlic,
Ingredients: olive oil, and hot peppers
1 pound of coarsely ground cornmeal Burro e salvia With butter and sage
2 quarts boiling water Al sugo With tomato sauce
1ts. of salt Amatriciana Bacon or sausage, with toma-
toes, onion, and hot pepper
Set the water on the fire in a wide bottomed Arrabbiata Spicy tomato sauce
pot and add the salt. When it comes to a boil, Astice Lobster sauce
add the cornmeal in a very slow stream (you Bolognese Meat sauce, usually with tomato
don’t want the pot to stop boiling), stirring Bucaniera Seafood, tomato, garlic, parsley,
constantly with a wooden spoon to keep and oil
lumps from forming. Continue stirring, in the Cacciatora Tomato, onion, peppers, mush-
same direction, as the mixture thickens, for rooms, garlic, herbs, and wine sauce
about a half-hour (the longer you stir the bet- Cacio e Pepe Sheep’s cheese and ground
ter the polenta will be); adding boiling water pepper
as necessary. SERVES 4. Carbonara Cream, ham or bacon, egg, and
oils, whereas deep yellow oils could well be If you like polenta, you should consider parmesan cheese
old. Always check the expiration date; it purchasing a polenta maker, which is a pot Frutti di Mare Seafood
should be two years after bottling. with a motor-driven paddle that takes care of Matriciana Pork and tomato sauce
Olive oil is an excellent source of omega-3 the stirring for you. Norma Tomato, eggplant, and salted ricotta
fatty acid, the acid one also finds in caught (as cheese
opposed to raised) oily fish such as salmon, On Pasta Puttanesca Tomatoes, capers, red peppers,
which is important in preventing cardiovascu- The role of pasta has changed greatly anchovies, garlic, and oil
lar disease. In addition, olive oil reduces LDL throughout Italy’s culinary history. Once only Quattro Formaggi With four cheeses
cholesterol — which sticks to the arteries — eaten by Italy’s elite as a handmade specialty, Ragù Tomato-based meat sauce
and raises HDL cholesterol, which is instead today pasta is enjoyed by all and is the foun-
beneficial and it is a powerful antioxidant and dation of Italian cuisine both in Italy and In Italy, the pasta shape is an integral part of a
appears to inhibit colorectal cancer. around the world. meal – its building blocks – serving as the
In the days before industrialization, dry foundation for sauces bursting with each
On Polenta pasta made from durum wheat, water, and a region’s herbs, spices, meats, cheeses, and veg-
Polenta, the Italian version of cornmeal, is pinch of salt (spaghetti, rigatoni, and so on), etables. Thicker, flat, long shapes, like fettuc-
tasty, extremely versatile, and an ideal accom- was easier to make, and therefore more pop- cine, pair with extremely robust sauces. While
paniment to many dishes. Formerly a peasant ular, in the South, where warmer tempera- specialty shapes, like shells are great with
food, polenta has recently become quite tures and increased sunlight hastened the hearty dairy-based sauces (cheese or béchamel)
upscale, with polenta dishes served in fine drying of the pasta. and vegetable sauces (like beans, lentils, chick
restaurants, and prepared polenta is found in Central and parts of Northern Italy, espe- peas, pumpkin, or other chunky vegetables).
supermarkets at rather high prices. cially Emilia Romagna and Piedmont, are Cooking pasta is easy, but how much water
Polenta is often cooked in a large copper instead known for fresh pasta made with to use, which pot, and the right combination
pot known in Italian as paiolo. In northern eggs, flour, and salt, for example tagliatelle, of pasta and sauce must be chosen carefully
Italy there are many different ways to cook and pappardelle, both of which are flat forms. in order to prepare a perfect pasta meal.
polenta. The most famous Lombard polenta The center and north are also known for Use a tall, large pot filled no more than 3/4
dishes are polenta uncia, polenta concia, and stuffed pasta, for example ravioli or tortellini, with water.
polenta e gorgonzola; all are cooked with and one can find these kinds of pasta in areas Salt the water. This brings out the natural
various cheeses and butter. It can also be where they didn’t eat much flat or dry pasta flavor of the pasta. (Salt must be added once
cooked with porcini mushrooms, rapini, or until recently, for example Lombardia. the water has started to boil. Adding salt too
other vegetables or meats, as in the Venetian Risotto is eaten more in the northern early may lengthen the boiling time).
poenta e osei, with little birds. regions. Indeed most of the world’s best Do not add oil to the water. Olive oil does
Polenta is popular in also in Savoyard, short-grained strains of rice, including nothing for the taste of pasta and its usage
Swiss, Austrian, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone Nano, are will make the pasta slippery, allowing the
Romanian, Bulgarian, Corsican, Argentine, Northern Italian. sauce to slide off the pasta.

Food and Wine Italy Now
Ranging from simple to hearty, sweet

to spicy, subtle to strong, each dish
is prepared with the freshest
and healthiest ingredients.
Follow the cooking times on the package.

At boiling time, pour in the pasta and
increase the heat source to bring the water
back to a boil. When the pasta is cooked al
dente, there should be a slight resistance in
the center when the pasta is chewed.
Drain pasta immediately after it is done
cooking. Always save a couple of tablespoons
of the cooking water; it may be needed to
dilute the sauce.
Add sauce and serve immediately.
To finish the pasta, top with parmesan
cheese, a little freshly ground black pepper or
olive oil.
On Garlic
Italian food has a reputation of being garlicky,
and indeed that’s not completely undeserved.
Piedmont’s famous dipping sauce Bagna
Caoda is made with olive oil, butter,
anchovies and lots of garlic, while the
Neapolitan Pizza alla Marinara is made with
just tomato and sliced garlic (no cheese). Outdoor markets
However, there are large parts of the peninsu- offer plenty of fresh
la where garlic doesn’t play much of a role, fruit and vegetables.
appearing only in moderation and well
cooked. When sautéing garlic, take care lest it
overcook, because at that point its flavor
becomes quite unpleasant.
On Wine
The diversity of dishes that Italy has to offer
is also characteristic of its wines.
Italy is home to 2,000 home-grown grape
varieties and exports more wine than any
other country.
North 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 straight

forward: there’s the winery name, perhaps the
vineyard that the grapes came from, the year,
and an abbreviation (DOC, DOCG) or a
phrase (Vino Da Tavola). These denomina-
tions guide consumers in their choice and
ensure quality control.

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
Photos courtesy of Regione Campania.
Dolceacqua (DOC)
EMILIA ROMAGNA – Albana di Romagna,
(DOCG), Sangiovese di Romagna (DOC),
Trebbiano di Romagna (DOC)
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
VINO A DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE (DOC), Rosso Piceno (DOC)
CONTROLLATA (DOC) is the Italian answer ABRUZZO – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
to the French AOC. DOC wines are pro- (DOC), Cerasuolo (DOC), Trebbiano
duced in specific well-defined regions, (DOC)
according to specific rules designed to pre- LAZIO – Frascati (DOC), Montefiasconi Est!
serve the traditional wine-making practices Est! Est! (DOC) Torre Ercolana (DOC)
of the individual regions. Thus, the rules for CAMPANIA – Lacryma Christi (DOC),
making Barolo differ markedly from those Fiano d’Avellino (DOCG), Greco di Tufo
for making Chianti Classico. The DOC cat- (DOCG)
egory was introduced in the early 60s with MOLISE – Biferno (DOC), Pentro di Isernia
the purpose to improve the quality of wines. (DOC)
Italy is home to VINO A INDICAZIONE GEOGRAFICA (IGT) is a BASILICATA – Aglianico del Vulture
2,000 home-grown wine produced in a specific area. There’s PUGLIA – Primitivo di Manduria (DOC),
grape varieties
and exports more nothing special about most of it. Aleatico (DOC)
wine than any VINO DA TAVOLA. This is the lowest class of CALABRIA – Cirò (DOC), Greco (DOC)
other country. wine, a wine made by the producer as he sees SICILY – Nero d’Avola (DOC), Moscato
fit to make it. There are few rules, and the (DOC), Marsala
result is often insipid, thin, weak, and acidic. SARDINIA – Cannonau (DOC), Nuragus
(DOC), Vermentino (DOC)
Wines from North to South
There are four major categories of Italian VALLE D’AOSTA – Müller Thurgau (DOC) On beer
wines: and Torrette Superiore (DOC) Although wine reigns supreme, production of
VINO A DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE PIEDMONT – Barolo (DOCG), Barbaresco Italian beer is widespread.
CONTROLLATA E GARANTITA (DOCG). (DOCG), Barbera (DOC), Nebbiolo
These wines are from the wine regions rec- (DOC), Dolcetto (DOC) and Asti The most well known brands are:
ognized as the finest in the country. DOCG Spumante (DOCG) BIRRA MORETTI Founded in Udine in 1859
wines must pass an evaluation of a tasting LOMBARDY Franciacorta Spumante by Luigi Moretti. It is particularly known
committee before they can be bottled. The (DOCG), Bonarda (DOCG), Lambrusco for its Moretti Doppio Malto, an amber
nine DOCG regions are: Barbaresco, (DOC), Valtellina Superiore (DOCG) lager.
Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, TRENTINO – Marzemino (DOC), Riesling BIRRA PERONI, or simply Peroni. Founded
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Albana di (DOC), Pinot Bianco (DOC), Moscato in Vigevano in 1846. Its most famous
Romagna, Gattinara, Carmignano, and FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA – Tocai Friulano product is Nastro Azzurro, a pilsner-style
Torgiano Rosso Riserva. (DOC), Collio Goriziano Cabernet (DOC), beer, which is marketed worldwide.

For Shoppers Only Italy Now
For Shoppers Only

Welcome to shopping wonderland
Y
ou can easily combine a love for trav- Armani, Valentino, and Loro Piana. A www.franciacortaoutlet.it
el with a love for shopping in Italy if Fendi outlet is located in Rignano For more listings visit, www.bestoutlet.it
you know where to look! Plan your sull’Arno, in Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 9.
trip to give yourself considerable time to nav- www.valdichianaoutlet.it There are some services that upon subscrip-
igate your way through the streets (and In the small town of Montevarchi, one can tion send a free Spacci Card that gives addi-
shops) of the small towns, and extra time to find the Prada Outlet, officially named tional discounts at more than 500 locations.
do your bargain hunting. Some excellent pur- “Space.” The sign on the building is very For information, www.guidaspacci.com
chase options are clothes, especially designer small; look for the crowd of people waiting
dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts; lace- to get in. For serious bargain hunters, the book “Lo
work, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods NORTHERN ITALY – Fifty factory stores are Scopri Occasioni,” written by Theodora Van
(handbags, gloves, cases, boxes, luggage), located throughout the north with malls in Meurs and published by Editoriale Shopping
ceramics, alabaster, woodwork, embroidery, Aosta, Biella, Meda (near Milan), and near Italia S.R.L., serves as a guide map to finding
glass and crystal. Bologna. There’s something for everyone, the stores you want to visit, listing over 2,000
Italian products are known for their high from a cocktail dress by Cerruti to a kid’s shops along with directions and what to
quality, innovative design, and impeccable outfit from Trussardi kids. www.fifty.it expect when you get there. This book is
style. Stores are open daily from 10:00 a.m. The Armani Factory Store is in the town of printed in both English and bilingual edi-
to 1:00 p.m. They close for a lunch break and Vertemate, near Como. It’s a shopper’s par- tions.
reopen at 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. In larger adise with three stories of Armani fashions.
cities, stores do not close for lunch and are PROVINCE OF BRESCIA – The Franciacorta Sale Season
open later (until 10:00 p.m.). Most shops are Outlet Villane is an high-tech mall featur- Local authorities set annual sale dates.
closed on Sundays. ing an Autogrill food court where all the Normally there are two sale seasons, one in
top fashion brands can be found. January, right after the holidays, and one in
Fashion Sense
Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

Italy is famous worldwide for its fashion
industry and is always at the forefront of fash-
ion 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 sur-
plus 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, courte-
ous staff who speak a number of different lan-
guages.
TUSCANY – Valdichiana Outlet Village is a

real shopping heaven for designer brands.
Located in the heart of Val di Chiana,
near Arezzo. www.valdichianaoutlet.it
In Leccio Reggello, in the province of
Firenze, on Via Europa 8, there are a few
outlets for the high fashion lovers: Bottega Como produces beautiful
Veneta, Gucci, Ferragamo, Emanuel and colorful silk.
Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio

Italy Now For Shoppers Only
THE ITALIAN MATCH FOR YOUR AMERICAN SIZE
Women’s Women’s Men’s Men’s Men’s

Clothing Shoes Clothing Shoes Shirts
US ITALY US ITALY US ITALY US ITALY US ITALY
4 38 5 1⁄2 35 34 44 8 411⁄2 15 38 es. When purchasing items ask for an IVA

Refund Form and receive a validation stamp
6 40 6 1⁄2 36 36 46 8 1⁄2 42 15 1⁄2 39 from the Customs Office at the airport upon
8 42 7 37 38 48 9 421⁄2 16 40 leaving the country. www.globalrefund.com
10 44 7 1⁄2 38 40 50 9 1⁄2 43 16 1⁄2 41 Regional Crafts

12 46 8 38 1⁄2 42 52 10 43 1⁄2 17 42 Each Italian region produces unique objects
that can be bought locally for good prices.
14 48 8 1⁄2 39 44 54 10 1⁄2 44 17 1⁄2 43 ABRUZZO
9 40 46 56 11 45 Jewelry from l’Aquila and Sulmona. Gold has
earned Abruzzo a world-wide 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.
APULIA
The best-known items of Apulian craftsman-
ship 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 wealth for centuries.
BASILICATA
Among the many artisans of Basilicata are
ceramists, woodworkers, and textile crafts-
men. Some of the greatest products are car-
pets of sheep’s wool and enameled cow
Beautiful cameos from Torre del Greco. bells.
CALABRIA
Smoking pipes, made with the arboreal
July, in the middle of summer. During sale heather roots of Calabria, are the region’s
season, items are reduced up to 70% off their best-known product. Molding a pipe is
retail prices. Discount and outlet stores never hard work which requires ability and
have sales. Some of the items you’ll find in patience. Seminara is the most important
the outlets are factory seconds or showroom center for ceramics. It is well-known for its
pieces, and you will find garments colored masks and for its bottles.
from the previous years’ collec- CAMPANIA
tion as well. Torre del Greco, a small city near Mt.
Vesuvius, south-west of Naples, is well
Tax Free Shopping known all around the world for its produc-
(I.V.A. REFUND) tion of shell cameos. Everything started in
The IVA tax is 20% and is includ- the beginning of the 1800s and it has
ed in the purchase price of practi- always been a family business, handed
cally everything sold in Italy. Non- down from father to son. Near Torre del
European residents can claim a Greco are two historical cities, Pompei and
refund on each purchase over 154.94 Herculanum, which inspired the artists
Euros. Refunds cannot be taken for who began the traditional art of carving
accommodations, dining or tourist servic- cameos. Coral is popular as well. Another

Italian products are known

for their high quality,
innovative design, and
impeccable style.
local art is handmade paper from Amalfi.

EMILIA ROMAGNA
Ravenna is the center of mosaics. It possesses
the world’s richest heritage of 5th and 6th
century mosaics, superior in artistic quali-
ty and iconological importance to those of
any other city of the ancient and classical
worlds. Faenza is famous for its ceramics.
FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA
The region’s most popular products are
ceramics from Udine and wooden chairs
from Manzano.
LAZIO
In Ciociociaria, production of leather-
strapped sandals, just like the area’s peas-
ants 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 produc-
tion stretches back over six hundred years.
Lace and embroidery from Portofino are
particularly lovely.
LOMBARDY
Como produces 80% 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-quali-
ty silk merchandise along with a few facto-
ry outlets. Scarves, ties and shirts all make
good buys. For all music lovers, a visit to
Cremona and its violins is a must.
MARCHE
In Castelfidardo, state of the art accordions SICILY
are manufactured by the most experienced The lively colors of the nature of this region
artisans. The region also produces great are captured in its crafts: Medieval-style
lace pillows. puppets and fancy Sicilian carts.
MOLISE TUSCANY
Molise offers hand-crocheted pillows from Arezzo, in Tuscany, is renowned for gold
Isernia and steel objects from chain jewelry. Carrara continues to be the
Campobasso. largest producer and exporter of marble in
PIEDMONT the world, and is responsible for shipping
Valenza has over 150 years of hand-crafted 1.5 million tons of marble annually from
jewelry tradition and is known for the high its port in the Marina di Carrara. Caves are
level of technical expertise and knowledge. sprinkled throughout the communes of
Most of the gold jewelry with precious Massa, Fivizzano and Montignoso, where
stones is made in Valenza. various types of marble are extracted.
Another product is wicker from Alessandria. Leather goods are produced throughout
SARDINIA the entire region. Shopping
Filigree jewelry is typical of this sunny TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE in Bellagio.
region, as is cork production. This region offers great copper objects from

Italy Now For Shoppers Only
Cavalese and wrought iron from Malè. VENETO to handicrafts and used clothing. The mar-
UMBRIA Murano is the capital of glassmaking. It is an kets in Italy, from flea markets to antique and
The cultural and economic importance of exporter of traditional products like mir- craft ones, hold a variety of objects that never
craft activities in Umbria has ancient roots. rors and glassware, and its factories pro- fail to capture the attention of onlookers
The region offers a vast collection of crafts: duce modern items such as faucet handles, strolling by.
Orvieto lace, pillow lace, Assisi cross- glass lampshades, and electric chandeliers. It’s not uncommon to try to make a deal
stitching, hand-loomed beaten cloth, The glass shops in Murano and Venice with the seller to get a better price.
weapons for hand-to-hand combat, cross- showcase countless paperweights, glass
bows, ceramics, stone workmanship, ter- beads and necklaces, knickknacks, and AREZZO – first weekend of the month –
racotta, hand-made tiles, hand-decorated items of glass jewelry. While in the area, Piazza Grande market
glass and mirrors, inlaid wood and wood- don’t miss Burano and its lacemaking fac- A large selection of antiques and second-
en sculptures. tories. hand treasures.
VALLE D’AOSTA BOLOGNA – every Friday and Saturday –
This region offers rustic products, such as Open-Air Markets La Piazzola
wooden clogs from Val d’Ayas and hand- Shopping for a bargain in Italy is a lot of fun In Piazza VIII Agosto you get deals on cloth-
woven wool fabrics from Valgrisenche. and the country offers many outdoor markets ing, shoes, and fashion accessories.
that sell all sorts of products from fresh foods FLORENCE – daily except Sundays –
Shopping for a bargain

in Italy is a lot of fun
and the country offers
many outdoor markets.


Local crafts on sale in Val di Mello.
Piazza San Lorenzo Market

Shop for souvenirs and leather goods.
FLORENCE – daily except Sundays –
Mercato Generale
An indoor food market a few steps away from
Piazza San Lorenzo.
GENOA – first Saturday of the month –
Palazzo Ducale
Serious bargain hunting at the flea market.
TURIN – Monday through Saturday – Porta
Palazzo
A great market where you can find unique
food specialties.
MILAN – Tuesday and Saturday –
Mercato di Papiniano
This food market has become more and more
popular for being a designer-clothing par-
adise…and they aren’t knock offs!
MILAN – Saturday – Fiera di Senigallia
A vintage market set in the Navigli area.
ROME – Sunday – Porta Portese
Here you will find anything…they really have
everything.
ROME – daily except Sundays – Campo
de’ Fiori
Find the city’s best fresh produce and meats.

NAPLES – Monday through Saturday –
Mercato di Antignano
An open-air food and clothing market where
you will also find some cool housewares. Sugar coated almonds
from Sulmona.

Italy Now Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

Indulge in your particular passion
•BuiltTeatro
I
taly is like a vast living museum. Very few in Europe. La Fenice first opened in 1792 but Regio di Parma - Teatro Verdi.
countries have to offer such a rich her- was twice badly damaged by fire. It has in 1829, Parma’s neo-classical theater
itage of artistic creativity and craft. recently been renovated and reopened. holds opera, dance and drama performances
Whether visiting an archeological site, a www.teatrolafenice.it as well as concerts and special events. The
museum of modern art, or a local craft shop,
you will discover the expression of artists and
• Teatro San Carlo. The Teatro San Carlo
in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy,
audience is known to be quite demanding;
they even whistled at Pavarotti!
skilled craftsmen throughout the ages. founded in 1737. Some of the first ballet pro- www.teatroregioparma.org
Nowhere on earth are the arts celebrated so ductions were also performed here during the
joyously – from drama, to film and music, opera intermissions. Opera, ballet, and short For the Film Buff
and anything that requires man’s participa- comic opera are still performed at Teatro San Italy’s cities and villages are the most beauti-
tion. Carlo. A museum is in the planning stage. ful movie sets on earth — from the cobble-
There is something for everyone, no matter www.teatrosancarlo.it stones of Rome where Audrey Hepburn
what your taste. • Teatro Massimo. Teatro Massimo in
Palermo is the foremost opera house in Sicily
played a run-away princess to the Tuscan
countryside where Diane Lane found solace
For the Opera Lover as well as one of the finest in Europe. Its in a charming villa.
Italy is rich in beautiful, historic opera hous- opening in 1897 signaled the beginning of Italy is not just a backdrop, but also a
es, many still serving as theaters. Opera fans Palermo’s belle epoque. Year-round perform- country that loves cinema and shows films
should try to visit at least one opera house ances include opera, ballet, and music. from all over.
and enjoy a live performance while in Italy. www.teatromassimo.it Some movie theaters in Italy’s biggest
The opera season is generally October
through March or April but outdoor perform-
• Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Bologna’s
opera house is one of the top theaters in Italy.
cities offer screening of films in their origi-
nal language; most films in Italy are still
ances are held in the summer. Opera houses It is a stunning example of 18th century being dubbed. The best way to find out
hold theater and dance performances at other baroque architecture. Located in the heart of which theaters run movies in English is to
times of the year, as well. Bologna’s historic district, the Teatro check the local newspaper, as listings are
Comunale di Bologna holds opera, musical, updated daily.
•setting
Arena di Verona. The fantastic historic
for opera par excellence is the Verona
and symphony performances.
www.comunalebologna.it TURIN – Cinema Nazionale, via Pomba 7
Arena. The elliptical Arena was built in light zona Centro Tel. +39. 011 534614
pink marble around the year 100 A.D. and
stands in the very middle of town, next to
Piazza Brà. Built to accommodate more than
20,000 people, it is in remarkable shape
today. The opera season starts in June but
there are other performances during the year.
Before the show starts, patrons pick up a can-
dle from a box, unmarked, on the stairs. The
tradition is to light the candles as the opera
begins. www.arena.it
• Teatro Alla Scala. Milan’s famous opera
house, Teatro Alla Scala, reopened in
December, 2004, after an extensive renova-
tion. The original opera house, designed by
neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini,
opened in 1778, and many famous operas
were first performed 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.
www.lascala.milano.it
• Teatro La Fenice. La Fenice (the Phoenix)
in Venice is one of the most famous theaters
Chieti’s majestic Theater.

Arts & Entertainment Italy Now
There are over 4000 museums,

archeological sites, and galleries
in Italy.
Photo courtesy of the City of Turin.

MILAN – Cinema Mexico,Via Savona, 57 mentaries. Almost all Fellini’s films were son. You can avoid the lines and be sure of
Tel. +39. 02.48951802 made at Cinecittà, from Luci del varietà getting admission on the day you want by
(1950) to La voce della Luna (1990). In recent buying tickets ahead of time or buying com-
DVDs and video tapes of films in their origi- years, some important international produc- bination tickets. For example, in Rome, you
nal language can be rented at local video tions have used the studios: Midsummer can buy a combination ticket at the Palatine
stores and are available at public libraries. Night’s Dream, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Gangs Hill that also includes admission to the
Newsstands also sell videos: The English of New York, The Passion of Christ, and many Colosseum, allowing you to avoid all the long
Movie Collection is comprised of video and others. lines. If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s
original screenplay. Nowadays it is the television industry as Last Supper in Milan or the Uffizi Gallery in
much as the film industry that operates at Florence, you will need to reserve a month
• The Museum of Cinema of Turin, The
Mole Antonelliana, houses Italy’s National
Cinecittà. Italian talk shows and Real TV pro-
ductions are broadcast live, advertising spots
ahead. You can also avoid reservations by
signing up for a guided tour of the museum
Cinema Museum, founded by Adriana Prolo. are filmed and fiction series are shot for dis- or cathedral you want to visit.
It was designed in 1863 by Alessandro tribution in Italy and abroad. If you come to
Antonelli. Inside there are five floors of movie Rome in the summer, you may be able see Museums of Ancient and Fine
memorabilia. Films are continuously being inside Cinecittà, which is sometimes open to Arts
played and you can view them from specially the public between July and September. FLORENCE
designed lounge chairs with sound built into
the headrests.
www.cinecittà.studios.it • Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most
famous museums of paintings and sculpture
www.museonazionaledelcinema.org For the Museum Aficionado in the world. Its collection of Primitive and
• Cinecittà – The Cinecittà film studios, on
the south-eastern outskirts of Rome, are the
There are over 4000 museums, archeological
sites, and art galleries in Italy, so if art is your
Renaissance paintings comprises several uni-
versally acclaimed masterpieces of all time,
largest in Europe. They were founded in weakness you are in for a treat, although including works by Giotto, Simone Martini,
1937, when the Fascists’ power was at its choosing which ones to visit is not an easy Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo
height. Cinema was seen as an important task. Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio,
medium for propaganda, and the studios Buy tickets ahead of time. Many major Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo,
were closely connected with the Istituto museums and sites in Italy have long lines for and Caravaggio. German, Dutch, and
Luce, which produced newsreels and docu- ticket sales, especially during the high sea- Flemish masters are also well represented

with important works by Dürer, Rembrandt

The Egyptian Museum of Turin and Rubens. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:15
is the most important
Egyptian museum in the a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Closed Monday, New Year’s
world after the one in Cairo. Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.
www.uffizi.firenze.it
• 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.
www.polomeseale.firenze.it
• The Pitti Palace, which was formerly the
residence of the grand-dukes of Tuscany and
later of the King of Italy, now houses several
important collections of paintings and sculp-
ture, 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.
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 kept here
are Boy with a Thorn in his Foot, Dying Gaul,
Capitoline She-Wolf, an Etruscan bronze suck-
ling Romulus and Remus (later additions), the
original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus
Aurelius (the one outside is a replica), frag-
ments of a truly gigantic statue of the Emperor
Constantine. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m.
– 8 p.m. December 24 and 31, 9 a.m. – 2
p.m. Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1,

December 25. www.museicapitolini.org
• The Vatican Museums comprise the
papal apartments of the medieval Apostolic
Palace decorated with frescoes during the
Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the exhibi-
tion rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library,


Buy tickets ahead of
time. Many major
museums and sites in
Italy have long lines
for ticket sales.
and the museums themselves. Each museum Angels by Botticelli, and Lippi’s soft, sensitive objects. www.museoegizio.org
has different hours. Closed on Sundays, Annunciation. Open daily (except Monday) MILAN
except for the last Sunday of each month, 8:30 a.m. to7:30 p.m. www.musis.it • Pinacoteca di Brera. The gallery opened
unless it falls on Easter, on June 29 (St. Peter
and Paul), or on December 25 and 26
• National Archeological Museum – This
museum has one of the world’s best collec-
its doors in 1809 to exhibit the works gath-
ered from secularized religious institutions;
(Christmas Holiday). The closed sections in tions of Greek and Roman antiquities, includ- since then the museum has acquired many
the Museums are indicated at the entrance. ing mosaics, sculptures, gems, glass and sil- additional works. This gallery has some mas-
Access to the Museums is permitted only to ver, as well as many of the objects from exca- terpieces by Caravaggio, Bellini, Rapahel,
visitors with proper attire. www.mv.vatican.va vations at Pompeii, Herculaneum and other Mantegna, della Francesca, Tiziano,
• The Roman Forum is located in a valley
that is between the Palatine and the
nearby archaeological sites. www.napoli.com
VENICE
Tintoretto and the Veronese, among others.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to
Capitoline Hills. It originally was a marsh,
but the Romans drained the area and turned
• Academy Gallery. The galleries are in the
Dorsoduro district and they are an important
7:15 p.m. Closed Mondays, January 1, May
1, December 25. www.brera.beniculturali.it
it into a center of political and social activity.
The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and
collection of Venetian paintings from the
14th to 18th century, including masterpieces
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – Leonardo da
Vinci’s The Last Supper, commissioned to
also the business district and civic center. It of the most famous masters such as Bellini, him by Ludovico il Moro in 1496 and com-
was expanded to include temples, a senate Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tiziano, Tintoretto, pleted in 1498, can be found in the refectory
house and law courts. Much of the forum has Veronese and Tiepolo. of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria
been destroyed, but columns and stone TURIN delle Grazie. Open Daily, 8:15 a.m. to 6:00
blocks that formed some of the temples
remain. The arch of Titus and the arch of
• Galleria Sabauda. The collection includes
paintings by the Piedmontese artists Macrino
p.m. Closed Mondays.
Septimius Severus still stand and are in good d’Alba and Defendente Ferrari, the Venetians Museums of Modern and
shape. www.forumromanum.org Mantegna, Paolo Veronese, Tintoretto, Contemporary Art
NAPLES Tiepolo and Canaletto, the Emilians Guido VENICE
• The Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte was
built by Charles III of Bourbon as a hunting
Reni and Guercino, and the Tuscans Beato
Angelico, Lorenzo di Credi and Piero
• Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of
Modern Art houses important 19th and 20th
retreat, then expanded to house the art collec- Pollaiuolo. www.museitorino.it/galleriasabauda century collections of paintings and sculp-
tion he inherited from his mother, Elizabeth
Farnese. Today, the palace is home to the
• The Egyptian Museum of Turin is the
most important Egyptian museum in the
tures, among which are masterpieces by
Klimt, Chagall, and notable works by
Museo e Gallerie di Capodimonte, which hous- world after the one in Cairo. Carlo Felice Kandinsky and Klee, Matisse and Moore, as
es an outstanding collection of Renaissance founded the museum in 1824 after he well as a rich selection of works by Italian
paintings. Bellini, Caravaggio, Botticelli and El acquired the collection of Bernardino artists and an important graphic design labo-
Greco are all represented, along with a couple Drovetti, the French consul in Egypt. Today ratory. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5
of Bruegels, an elegant Madonna and Child with the museum houses a total of 30,000 ancient p.m. www.museiciviciveneziani.it

•Contemporary
MART, Museum of Modern and
Art of Trento and
Rovereto; www.mart.trento.it
• MACRO, Museum of Contemporary
Art of Rome; www.macro.roma.museum
• GAM, Gallery of Modern and
Contemporary Art of Turin;
www.gamtorino.it
• Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro in
Milan; www.fondazinearnaldopomodoro.it
Special Interest
PISA
• The Domus Galilæana was founded in
1942 by the philosopher Giovanni Gentile on
the occasion of the 300th anniversary of
Galileo’s death. The Institute holds a special-
ized library for the history of science, con-
cerned almost exclusively with Galileo and
his school. www.domusgalilaeana.it
VENICE
• Mocenigo’s Palace is the center of the
history of fabric and costume. It showcases
dresses and accessories of marvelous tailor-
ing. www.museiciviciveneziani.it
MURANO
• The Glass Museum follows the history of
Murano glass from the 15th century to the
current day.
TURIN
• Museo dell’Automobile. Given that
Turin is the headquarters of Fiat, it is not sur-
prising to find the Automobile Museum in
town. The collection begins with the earliest

self-propelled vehicles and carries through to
the present. www.museoauto.it
Teatro Ariston hosts the
MARANELLO
Festival of San Remo every year. • Galleria Ferrari. The Galleria Ferrari was
officially opened in 1990 at the Maranello
Municipal Civic Centre and it is run by the
PRATO Thursday, and Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Ferrari team. It holds exhibitions of some of
• Centro Arte Pecci offers an ample pro-
gram of temporary exhibits, artistic projects,
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10 a.m. to 7
p.m. www.centroartepecci.prato.it
Ferrari’s rarest cars along with displays of his-
torically important artifacts.
educational activities, and in-depth cultural www.ferrari-enthusiastic.com
analysis. It serves as an important center of Other listings:
information and documentation, exhibitions
of shows and multimedia events. The perma-
•www.fondoambiente.it
Villa Panza di Biumo in Varese; For the Socialite
Italians are warm, welcoming people who
nent collection groups important works pro-
duced in the ’80s and ’90s by Italian and
•Bologna;
GAM, Gallery of Modern Art of
www.galleriadartemoderna.bo.it
love to relax, celebrate and socialize with
family and friends. And celebration and
international artists, and today has more than
900 pieces. Hours, Monday, Wednesday,
•Udine;
GAMUD, Gallery of Modern Art of
www.comune.udine.it
relaxation usually take place around the table
either at home or in a restaurant, where they

enjoy the traditions of Italian cuisine.

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.
An aperitivo doesn’t necessarily have to be
alcoholic; there are nonalcoholic drinks, such
as the famous Sanbitter by Sanpellegrino,

with its unmistakable red color and fresh cit-
rus flavor. For those who want to try some-
thing different and not go to a bar, they can
enjoy special aperitivos held at the theater
before an evening show or at outings organ-
Italians are warm, welcoming people
ized by singles in search of love. There’s no who love to relax, celebrate and socialize
doubt about it; Milan is considered the Italian with family and friends.
capital of the aperitivo; following on its heels,
Rome and Turin also are rich in interesting
places that offer aperitivos, but we will list off their meal or head off for their evening a forgotten fruit flavored ice cream made with
some properties in Milan and Turin. engagements. A good place to meet is the cornel berry.
MILAN
gelateria for a delicious gelato, which can
be the sweet ending to a nice evening with
• The Gelateria di Piazza in SAN
GIMIGNANO is known for its saffron and
• Sheraton Diana Majestic, Viale Piave 42.
A historic landmark in the heart of the city
friends or the beginning of a wild night
out.
pine nut blend that is truly special, while
Pepino, in Turin, offers a delicious “Penguin”
center, this hotel is located a few steps from It is common practice to pay the cashier – pure vanilla gelato placed on a stick and
Via Montenapoleone and the Brera district. first, then present your receipt to the server dipped in rich milk chocolate.
Intimate, sophisticated, and charming, it is before placing the order. In smaller places The places are so many we just can’t list
the only hotel in Milan that is immersed in a where the cashier is also the server this rule is them all, but we do have a suggestion; a city’s
lovely garden, where the three bars of the not really enforced and whatever works for best gelaterias are often in the midst of
Diana Hotel Garden come together. Here, them also works for you. tourist-friendly areas.
aperitivo time has become the meeting place Don’t be daunted by long lines; they usual-
for Milan’s upscale fashion crowd. It ly mean that the gelato is good and worth
absolutely represents the place to be, a place waiting for. It is common to order two, max-
SOME USEFUL WORDS
that you cannot miss while in Milan. The imum three flavors, without adding any top-
Brera district and the Navigli area are filled pings. The menu often changes, as places like Cono Cone
with small bars where to meet for aperitivo. to use seasonal ingredients for certain flavors, Gusto Flavor
www.starwoodhotels.com especially the fruit-based ones. Coppa Cup
TURIN Granita Crushed ice drink
• Al Bicerin, Piazza della Consolate 5 and
Caffe Roberto, Via Po 5. The former is an
•stopROME is a gelato paradise; make sure to
at Gelateria Giolitti, Via degli Uffici del Sorbetto
fla vored with syrup
Italian Ice
ancient bar, founded in 1763, very decadent, Vicario 40, and try the panna montata Torta Gelata Ice Cream Cake
with delicious drinks, while the latter offers a (whipped cream). Semifreddo A mixture of gelato
large buffet of hot and cold snacks for aperitivo. • MILAN’S hot spot is Gelateria Marghera,
Via Marghera 33, with its fior di latte.
and whipped cream,
similar to a mousse
For the Sweet Tooth
After dinner, the streets of Italy come to life
• BOLOGNA’S Gianni Gelateria, Via
Montegrappa 11/a, offers a hell flavored ice
Tartufo Ball of chocolate gelato
covered in chocolate bits
as Italians stroll around the piazza to work cream made with mysterious ingredients and

Italy Now For the Gambler
For the Gambler

Blackjack or roulette, anyone?
F
or some excitement “James Bond” The largest casino in the country is Casino and Vittorio De Sica came to Saint Vincent for
style, there are four cities in Italy that de la Vallee, located in Saint Vincent in the the award ceremony of the national Cinema
have five legal gambling facilities avail- Valle d’Aosta region, 90 km from Turin. event hosted by the casino, known as the
able. The five gambling facilities consist Casino de la Vallee has 95 game tables and Grolle d’Oro. www.casinodelavallee.it
strictly of casinos. 512 casino slot machines, video poker games, Other casinos are in San Remo, Casino
The city with the most casinos is Venice and other video terminal gaming machines. Municipale di Sanremo (www.casinosanremo.it),
with two casino facilities — Casino In this region, the first game at the casino and in Campione, Casino Municipale di
Municipale di Venezia (Summer Casino – took place on March 29, 1947, at 9 p.m. The Campione d’Italia (www.casinocampione.it).
www.casinovenezia.it) and Casino Municipale roulette wheel spun for three Italian guests, San Remo’s casino is also known for its
di Venezia (Winter Casino). stopping its very first turn on number 9. annual series of concerts, operas, and plays.
Venice opened the world’s first casino in The Casino at Saint-Vincent has welcomed Campione is located within Switzerland’s
1638 and famous lothario Giacomo Casanova many famous guests throughout its history, Canton of Ticino, on the shores of Lake
chose the casino of Venice as the setting for for the gaming as well as the many presti- Lugano. The casino was founded in 1917,
his romantic exploits. At the casinos, sur- gious events that the casino hosts each year. opened in 1933, and is owned by the Italian
rounded by elegant Venetian buildings, class Actor Sean Connery won 20 million lire government. It offers roulette, chemin de fer,
and tradition blend to provide excitement as betting on lucky 17, which came out three baccarat, blackjack, poker, and slot
in no other place. times! Italian movie stars like Federico Fellini machines.
San Remo’s casino is also known for its annual

series of concerts, operas, and plays.

The Great Outdoors Italy Now
The Great Outdoors

Quench your thirst for adventure
I
taly offers astonishingly varied physical
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) has become accessible to all.
It’s relaxing, healthy, it doesn’t require a spe-

cific training routine (just a bit of stretching
before starting), although it requires concen-
tration 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. For
a list of courses region by region, visit
www.italia-golf.it or www.federgolf.it Golfing in Bellagio.
• Lakeside golfing — Lake Garda, Lake

Maggiore, and Lake Como are three large ral oases. In the mountains, as on the golf
environmental beauties that give Italian golf- courses, walking is part of the game, a sort of
ing a good reputation. They offer flat rule which cannot be contravened if one
grounds, very gentle slopes, and small clear- wishes to enjoy to the utmost a vacation
ings surrounded by trees. One can walk for made of open-air sport and excursions.
hours, following the round of the game, in
truly fascinating surroundings, so different
from the traditional courses. But the lakes
• Golfing around the art cities — Golfing
in places where culture and art have deep
know how to enchant you too: a sail-boat or roots is to combine two rather irreconcilable
motor-boat ride along the coast, rod fishing, requirements: the need to practice a sport,
a lively evening in the night-clubs which giving in to the sweet mania of the green, and
abound on the shores, are all things to which at the same time the possibility of taking time
the golf lover will willingly give in. to entertain one’s spirit.
• Seaside golfing — A seaside golf course

is always an immense green balcony reaching
Extreme Sports
Rock-climbing, rafting, caving and other
out towards splendid panoramas and extreme sports are increasing in popularity.
enchanting beaches. Golf lovers may practice Friuli, Trentino, Valle d’Aosta, Umbria and
their favorite sport in international vacation Abruzzo are ideal locations for these activi-
spots in which the ancient sea villages blend ties. Snowrafting is usually called “white
in perfectly with the new strategies of hospi- fear.” It is a descent on steep ground, from
tality. the Olympic Ski-jump, on hard-packed snow
in a large rubber dinghy, at speeds of up to 60
•mountains
Golfing in the mountains — The Italian
offer you greatly fascinating natu-
miles per hour. It only lasts a few very, very
long seconds. It is one of the many extreme

Italy Now The Great Outdoors
Rock-climbing, rafting, caving

and other extreme sports are
increasing in popularity.
sports that can be enjoyed in Cortina

d’Ampezzo, along with extreme skiing down
steep narrow gorges, and “Crazy Sledge.”
Sailing and Scuba Diving

No matter where you are, Italy’s waters are a
paradise for divers and sailors. Some destina-
tions 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 is
vibrant social life, located off Sorrento and
the beautiful coast of Amalfi, both rich in his-
tory and folklore. Only 20 miles from Procida
you will find Ventotene, which awaits you in
its suggestive old port the Romans excavated
in the tufa-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 could go
on forever…
Cycling
For the amateur cyclist, Italy offers a myriad
of fun bike trails, both on and off road.
Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily are just some of
the regions that offer the more challenging
trails and the best scenery.
Camping
Camping in Italy means more than simply
saving money. There’s something about the
idyllic, open environment of a campground.
Nearly all Italian campgrounds are private-
ly owned, so rates can vary rather widely.
Practically all Italian camp sites offer hot
showers, very clean and modern restroom
facilities, and laundry and dish washing
rooms.
For more information: www.campeggi.com
Photo courtesy of Regione Trentino.

Just for Kids Italy Now
Just for Kids

Play, learn, laugh...have lots of fun
H
ow could we forget the little ones? tion education research. Available for private
Travel with kids is more fun when parties. www.bioparco.it
the whole family participates in PISTOIA
adventures and mysteries. A vacation is not a
real vacation without some fun that ideally is
• Parco Collodi. This fairy tale park,
immersed in the Tuscan countryside, is
just for the kids but in reality is for the par- entirely dedicated to Pinocchio and his
ents too. Here are some incredible locations adventures. The name is in memory of the
that are fun for the entire family. (These are author of the famous story, Carlo Collodi. In
Photo courtesy of Minitalia.

just a few; every region is rich with amazing the park, there is an area where all the adven-
opportunities). tures of the wooden puppet have been
depicted in sculpture, scenery and statues, Having fun at Minitalia,
ROME made from various materials and interpreted Fantasy World.
• Bioparco. Rome’s zoo welcomes a vast
array of animals in a natural setting. Bioparco
by several different artists. www.pinocchio.it
BERGAMO
houses 198 animal species that include rep-
tiles, birds, mammals and amphibians, which
• Minitalia, Fantasy World. This is the
place to visit for a stroll around the miniature
exhibition, 250 specimens of reptiles (includ-
ing some of the most fearsome), 200 kinds of
provide a good opportunity to study animals version of Italy and its regions. The park parrots, plus a fine variety of farm animals.
outside their natural habitat. Indeed they are boasts other attractions as well: hundreds of www.fantasyword.it
actively involved in scientific and conserva- fish from all over the globe, a gorgeous shell
Tigers at Rome’s zoo.
Photo courtesy of Bioparco.

Italy Now Just for Kids
Travel with kids is more fun when

the whole family participates in
adventures and mysteries.
the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci will

want to visit this museum, which features his
designs of war machines, flying machines,
architecture and production that display his
incredible foresight. www.museoscienza.org
Photo courtesy of Alessandro Gandolfi.
CANNETO SULL’OGLIO (MANTUA)

• Toy Museum. In 1870, in this beautiful
provincial town, Luigi Furga Gornini created
the first Italian doll and toy factory known as
Furga. Today it’s possible to visit it.
www.mantovabox.it
MURAZZANO (LANGHE REGION)
• Safari Park. More than 300 animals are
awaiting a visit. The park is accessible by car
LAKE GARDA PERUGIA and it also offers a picnic area, a reptile
• Gardaland. The largest amusement park
in Italy, Gardaland has rides for all tastes.
• Città della Domenica. A nature park and
zoo with hundreds of exotic animals. There is
house, and a small amusement park.
www.parcosafari.com
Boasting a fantastic dolphin park along with a reptile house for the most daring and a lit- LIGNANO SABBIADORO
38 roller coasters and family attractions, it
welcomes over three million visitors every
tle train for the kids. The rides include the
fantasy world of Pinocchio, Snow White and
• Aquasplash. A spectacular water park
with swimming pools, water rides, and other
year. Little Red Riding-Hood, Fort Apache, the fun activities. www.aquasplash.it
The highlight of the park must be the Horse of Troy, and the Castle of Sleeping SAVIO
Palablu — a dolphin pool with windows for
walls so visitors can see these lithe creatures
Beauty. Kids can also jump on the tummy of
an inflatable Moby Dick and visit the Space
• Mirabilandia. Great amusement park
with 36 rides, 14 waterfalls, fireworks, stunt
in action. A replica of the Ancient Egyptian Base. www.cittadelladomenica.it shows, gardens and much more.
ruins of Abu Simbel, and Blue Tornado, a MILAN It includes “Bimbopoli,” a town for the
roller coaster in which you ride suspended as
if in a fighter plane, are also featured.
• Leaonardo da Vinci’s Museo della
Scienza e della Tecnica. Those interested in
smaller ones. www.mirabilandia.com
www.gardaland.it
GENOA A vacation is not a real
• Aquarium. The biggest aquarium in
Europe features sharks, dolphins and hun-
vacation without some fun.
dreds of other beautiful fish. The Aquarium’s

59 tanks reproduce marine and terrestrial
habitats from throughout the world and pro-
vide a home for more than 6000 creatures
belonging to 600 different species. The
Aquarium has a mission to increase public
awareness of environmental problems.
www.acquario.ge.it
RIVOLTA D’ADDA
• Parco della Preistoria. It’s impossible to
say no to an adventure in this park filled with
reproductions of dinosaurs.
www.parcodellapreistoria.it
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. Available every night during
the summer months. www.pupari.com

National Holidays and Festivals Italy Now
National Holidays and Festivals

Inside look at Italy’s greatest celebrations
Photo courtesy of Italian Government Tourist Board, N.A.
Rich folklore and music or food

festivals are sure to make any trip
a special experience.
I talians are known as people who really

enjoy life and like to have a good
time…no better occasion to do that than
on a national holiday.
posed to bring money and prosperity in the
new year). People like to go out for dinner to
restaurants that offer a special menu …and
then on to dancing.
day to assert their rights, to obtain new
rights, and to improve their working condi-
tions.
• June 2 Republic Day. On June 2, 1946,
On a national holiday, businesses, offices
and schools are closed, or open for limited
• January 6 Epiphany. A good witch rid-
ing a broom brings sweets to all the good kids
Italy became a Republic after a national refer-
endum was held where citizens voted out the
hours. Public transportation such as buses and coal to the bad ones. According to the monarchy.
and trains may be operating on a reduced
holiday schedule.
Catholic religion, the Three Kings arrived to
pay homage to baby Jesus on this day.
• August 15 Ferragosto, Assumption of
the Virgin. Coinciding with the religious
If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or a
Thursday it is common for people to take the
• Easter Varies each year. The typical dish
of the day is roasted lamb followed by
feast of the Virgin’s rise to heaven on August
15, Ferragosto is the most important summer
intervening day to “make the bridge” (fare il Colomba, a sweet bread shaped like a dove. holiday in Italy, a time when all Italians get
ponte), for a long weekend.
These are days to be spent at home with
• Easter Monday. On the day after Easter,
the meeting between the Angel and the
out of the cities and head for the beach. It’s an
occasion to get together with friends, enjoy a
family and friends celebrating together with a women who went to the Sacred Sepulcher, fine meal and party until dawn. Ferragosto
big, scrumptious meal. Generally each holi- which they found empty, took place. This is marks the imminent end of the summer hol-
day has a culinary specialty, which becomes not a religious holiday but a social holiday idays.
the star of the dining table. that was added on to extend the Easter break. • November 1 All Saints’ Day. The
• April 25 Liberation Day. On this day in Catholic Church honors all its Saints with
•ningJanuary 1 New Year’s Day. The begin- 1945 Italy regained its freedom from the special Masses.
of the new year is celebrated with German occupation and reinstated democracy. • November 2 Day of the Dead. On this
Cotechino sausage and lentils (lentils are sup- • May 1 Labor Day. Laborers celebrate this day everybody goes to the cemetery to pay

Italy Now National Holidays and Festivals
homage to their deceased loved ones. Ossa dei but the festival was revived in 1979, in part goods. A procession takes place where holy
Morti are hard cookies, made differently to draw tourists during the slow winter. figures are carried through Spaccanapoli,
according to the region, that are traditionally Carnevale falls on a set date and every year it which is the heart of the historic center. The
baked on this day. has a different theme. ww.carnevale.venezia.it silver bust of Saint Gennaro leads the proces-
• December 8 Day of Immaculate
Conception. A day of celebration for the
• Carnival of Viareggio: This crazy parade
is known for its allegorical and satirical floats
sion, followed by others. The Neapolitans
like to bet on the sequence of these holy stat-
Virgin Mary and her role in the Catholic which depict (and mock) national and inter- ues, while applauding their favorite saint in
Church. national politicians, soccer players, starlets, the hope that these would get a place at front
• December 25 Christmas Day. Menus
vary but staples on each table are Panettone, a
and other celebrities. The parade is not free of
charge. Tickets must be purchased in
at the following procession. Afterwards, Saint
Gennaro’s silver bust is positioned next to the
cake filled with raisins and candied fruit, and advance; a regular ticket allows access to the altar and the ampoule with blood is shown to
Pandoro, a star-shaped sponge cake. boardwalk; a reserved seat in one of the the faithful. Traditional prayers are then said
• December 26 Saint Stephen’s Day.
Stephen was the first martyr killed for his
bleachers will cost an additional sum.
www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
by the “relatives of San Gennaro,” a group of
faithful women sitting in the front row. These
faith and actions in promotion of the Gospel. prayers heighten ecstatically until the blood
Usually, a special lunch is held, often made of PATRON SAINTS - In addition to national holi- liquefies. The wild rejoicing of the faithful is
the leftovers from Christmas dinner. days in Italy, each town has a feast day in cel- crowned by the sound of the cathedral’s bells
ebration of their patron saint. These holidays ringing. Legend has it that this blood miracle
STORES AND BUSINESSES ARE OPEN ON THE vary from city to city and town to town. takes place when no disaster is expected in
FOLLOWING FEAST DAYS: To honor such Saints, the population cele- the near future. According to writings, in
• February 14 Valentine’s Day. The day of
all lovers is celebrated with romantic dinners
brates in different ways. Following is a selec-
tion of a few religious festivals.
1528 the blood miracle didn’t take place.
This was the year the pestilence beset Naples.
and small presents. FLORENCE – June 24 – Saint John the
• March 8 Festa delle Donne. On March
8, all women are honored. There is no culi-
NAPLES – September 19 – Saint Gennaro.
The day of the “blood miracle” is an impor-
Baptist.
Special masses are held along with a pro-
nary specialty but giving a branch of mimosa tant feast for the city of Naples and the peo- cession.
flowers to all women is a must. ple celebrate it accordingly. The Cathedral is MILAN – December 7 – Saint Ambrose.
• March 19 Father’s Day. Saint Joseph is
the patron saint of all fathers.
surrounded by stalls selling sweets and other Schools and stores are closed on this spe-
cial day. Locals go to the Fiera degli Obei
• May 8 Mother’s Day Obei, an open-air fair where sweets and
crafts are sold. Traditionally, on this day
Curiosity: Since 2004, October 12 has the new season at La Scala opera house is
officially become Columbus Day. inaugurated.
ROME – June 29 – Saints Peter and Paul.
Carnevale Special masses are held at the Vatican.
Carnevale is celebrated 40 days before VENICE – Third weekend of July -
Easter, a day of fun before Ash Wednesday Feast of the Redeemer
and the rigors of Lent; it is a popular fes- Held every year to commemorate the
tivity, which juxtaposes with the strictness end of the plague that wiped out a third of
of religious holidays. It’s a celebration of the city’s population in 1576.
freedom where masks, laughter, and mate- It is tradition to have dinner on boats in
rial things have the upper hand. People St. Mark’s basin, watching fireworks on the
dress up in elaborate and colorful costumes lagoon. It all starts off with a line of gondo-
and go out on the town. las roped together, stretching across the
canal to the island. At sunset, hundreds of

SOME FAMOUS CARNIVALS: boats decorated with branches and multi-
• Carnival of Venice: It’s a unique, mes-
merizing, stirring, and ultimately dazzling
colored balloons enter the canal, while
large crowds gather on the banks and
experience which attracts people from the palace balconies to enjoy this great festi-
four corners of the world. After the fall of val of light and sound.
the Republic, Venice stopped celebrating it, People gather to
eat the specialty of that particular location.
National Holidays and Festivals Italy Now
Competition at the Palio is fierce.
TURIN/GENOA: 24 Jun (St John the ular folklore festivals in Italy. The Ceri are large THE PALIO OF SIENA
Baptist) wooden “candles” that weigh about 700 lbs. Every year on July 2 and August 16, the
SIENA: 2 Jul and 16 Aug, Palio horserace and are 10 feet tall. They have the statue of a beautiful medieval city of Siena comes alive
VENICE: 25 Apr (St Mark) saint surmounted on each cero: St. Ubaldo, for one of the world’s most breathtaking folk
BOLOGNA: 4 Oct (St Petronius) protector of construction workers, St. George, festivals. This isn’t a simple horse race, but a
BARI: 6 Dec (St Nichola). protector of businessmen, and St. Anthony, major event that the city works on for an
PALERMO: 15 Jul (St Rosalia) protector of farmers and students. Each wood- entire year. The 17 districts, contrade —
TRIESTE: 3 Nov (St Giusto) en structure is fixed on a stretcher-like wood- Tortoise, Wave, She-Wolf, Goose, Shell,
en support, which 10 ceraioli carry on their Porcupine, Dragon, Owl, Snail, Panther,
Folklore shoulders. At noon the ceri are carried through Eagle, Caterpillar, Unicorn, Ram, Giraffe,
To make things more fun, all Italian cities and the streets of the town center; the race begins Forest, and Tower — race against each other
towns have many festivals that don’t neces- at 6:00 p.m. when the ceri are blessed and frantically. The horses run around the Piazza
sarily have a religious connection. Rich folk- then carried up the hill to the basilica. del Campo at breakneck speed, with or with-
lore and music or food festivals are sure to FLORENCE – May 25 - Cricket Festival out jockeys on board, and wear the colors
make any trip a special experience. These fes- A market is held at the Cascine Park where and designs of their district. The actual horse
tivals are colorful and fun – people gather to crickets, believed to bring good luck, are sold race, is brief: a minute and a half, give or
compete, to eat the specialty of that particu- in colorful, hand woven cages. According to take ten seconds. It takes much longer to
lar location, or simply to see each other, gos- tradition, if a man decorates his beloved’s align all the horses and to all start at the
sip and laugh together. doors or windows with flowers and gives her same time. The evening before the race,
VENICE – First Sunday of October – a cricket, he will be lucky in love. On the everybody eats outside, as each neighbor-
Historical Regatta days leading up to the festival, children hunt hood stages a sumptuous banquet to
A procession of 16th century-style boats, for crickets to cage them and on the day of “rehearse” their expected victory celebration.
with the famous Buccintoro, the boat repre- the feast they release them in the park. www.ilpalio.org
senting the Serenissima, at its lead. It is fol- ASTI – September – Palio of Asti
lowed by a racing competition. During the Palio, historical events and Arts & Crafts
RIMINI – April – Paganello everyday life in Medieval times are recreated. All crafts have an interesting and unique
Hundreds of people compete on the beach There is a horse race, a historic procession in story to tell. Fit for bargain hunters and col-
for the ultimate Frisbee World Cup. medieval attire and spectacular sbandieratori lectors alike, these numerous craft festivals
GUBBIO – May – The Festival of the Ceri (flag-wavers). and markets have a curious appeal and many
The Race of the Ceri is one of the most pop- unknown gems awaiting to be discovered.

Italy Now National Holidays and Festivals
national wine exhibition for the trade, with

more than 4,000 exhibitors from 31 coun-
tries and more than 140,000 visitors from
around the world, is held in Verona every
April. www.vinitaly.com
Music
To delight both locals and visitors, each Italian
region often organizes musical events, official
In Italy the sagra, food or wine
and impromptu. Major symphonic series and
festival, is extremely popular. recitals are organized at all times during the
year.
FLORENCE – May – Maggio Musicale
ROME – December and January – Truffle Festival Tickets: $14 to $114. Box Office: Teatro
Mercato della Befana This festival marks the start of the hunt for Comunale, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, 15
Christmas fair held in Piazza Navona. the Tuber Magnatum Pico, or the white truffle, Via Solferino — 50123, Florence,
Stalls showcase sweets, toys and small works a luxurious ingredient of Italian cuisine. The www.maggiofiorentino.com.
of art. streets are filled with an almost carnival atmos- PESARO – August - Rossini Opera
MILAN – Last Sunday of Every Month – phere, stalls sell truffle products for incredible Festival
Antique Fair prices, and the live auction, the culminating Tickets: $20 to $150. Box office: Rossini
The market is held on Milan’s Naviglio point of the fair, is extremely entertaining. Opera Festival, 37 Via Rossini I-61100
Grande. The area is filled with nice restau- MERANO – First week of October - Pesaro, www.rossinioperafestival.it.
rants and cafés where one can stop for a bite Grapes Feast RAVENNA – June – July – Ravenna Festival
or a drink. Celebration of the harvest with a grape fes- Renowned conductors leading opera and
MONTELUPO (Tuscany) – Last Week of tival and a parade in Tyrolean costumes. concert performances in the open-air theater
June – Pottery Festival ROME – March – Gnocchi Feast of Rocca Brancaleone are the trademark of
This beautiful Tuscan town is filled with The delicious potato dumplings are served Ravenna. Tickets: From $12 to $150.
outdoor craft shops where everything is for in many different recipes for small prices. www.ravennafestival.org
sale. There are glassblowers plying their trade BRA (Piedmont) – September – Cheese ROME – July – August - Festa Musica Pro
and all manner of artisans throwing pots, festival Mundo Uno
painting, and sculpting. All over town, peo- It features more than 150 stalls for cheese This festival, previously held only in
ple set up temporary restaurants in court- and cheese products, as well as free tastings Orvieto and Assisi, is now based in Rome for
yards and empty buildings where good food with samples from different regions of the concerts in major churches, but some pro-
is available for excellent prices. country. grams will still be presented in the Basilica of
BOLOGNA – January - Arte Fiera TEVISO – Second Sunday in December St. Francis in Assisi and the Palazzo
International contemporary art fair show- – Radicchio feast Simoncelli-Petrangeli in Orvieto.
cases works in new galleries, bookstores and The city’s square, Piazza dei Signori, hon- PERUGIA – July – Umbria Jazz
institutions. ors long-shaped radicchio in succulent dishes The Umbria Jazz Festival, which has been
VENICE – June every two years in odd available to all. held annually since 1973, is one of the most
years – The Venice Biennale MODENA – May – Cherry Week important venues for jazz in Europe.
Major contemporary art exhibition. Vignola cherries are among the most www.umbirajazz.com
prized in Italy. SPOLETO – June – July - Festival of Two
Food & Wine BARDOLINO – May - Chiaretto Bardolino Worlds
In Italy the sagra, food or wine festival, is Classico festival Operas, symphonies and chamber music.
extremely popular. Each city, and even small Delicious wine is tasted on the waterfront Tickets: $6 to $90. www.spoletofestival.it
towns, have more than one a year, mostly of Lake Garda. FESTIVAL OF SANREMO
during the warmer months when it’s fun to CORTONA (Tuscany) – August – Steak The Festival della Canzone Italiana is a pop-
eat and drink outdoors. They are so many, we Feast ular Italian song contest running since 1951
can only list a few. For more on Italian Food A steak festival featuring Chianina beef. and held annually in the city of Sanremo, in
& Wine Festivals, visit www.prodottitipici.com VINITALY Liguria. The Festival is transmitted live on TV
ALBA – Month of October – White The largest and most comprehensive inter- Rai Uno. www.festivaldisanremo.com

Religion Italy Now
Religion

Worship is accessible to all
W
hile every major religion is rep-
resented in Italy, Roman
Catholicism remains the coun-
try’s dominant faith. 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. 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, hot pants 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 shoul-
ders and legs, as needed. Flashless photogra-
St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of
phy is permitted in most churches. Food and Roman Catholicism and the most
beverages are not. noted landmark of Vatican City.
A PARTIAL LISTING OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES

WITH SERVICES IN ENGLISH: originally built by Emperor Constantine over ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest
the tomb of Saint Peter. Today, the main altar who, according to Greek mythology, tried to
• St. Patrick’s, Via Boncompagni 60, Rome sits directly above the tomb housing Saint convince the people of ancient Troy not to
• Santa Susanna, Via XX Settembre 14 ,
Rome (the national church of the USA)
Peter’s remains.
Construction of the imposing edifice we
accept the Greeks’ “gift” of a hollow horse,
was discovered January 14, 1506, in a vine-
• Ssi. Martiri Canadesi, Via G. B. De Rossi
46, Rome (the national church of Canada)
see today began in 1506 and took 120 years
to complete. Numerous Renaissance archi-
yard near the basilica of Santa Maria
Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent
• Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
(Saturday service at 5:00 p.m.)
tects contributed to its construction,
Bramante among them. In 1546 Pope Paul III
Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo
Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican,
•di Church of the Hospital of San Giovanni
Dio, Borgo Ognissanti 16, Florence
appointed Michelangelo Buonarroti, already
in his sixties, as the official architect.
to check out the discovery. On their recom-
mendation, the pope immediately purchased
(Sundays and holidays at 10:00 a.m.) Michelangelo’s Greek cross plan of Saint the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The
Peter’s was completed by Della Porta, who Pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his
•contact
Italy’s Jewish heritage – For information
the Jewish Community Center;
also designed the dome, and by Carlo
Maderno, who built the façade. Saint Peter’s
sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public
display at the Vatican exactly one month after
www.jewishitaly.org Basilica was finally consecrated on November its discovery.
18, 1626. Within the Vatican Museums, special per-
For all other religions, please consult your mits are required for the Vatican Library
local place of worship for locations and Vatican Museums & Sistine Archives and the Raphael Loggia.
times. Chapel Hours
The Vatican Museums comprise the papal From April 1 to October 31, 8:45 a.m. to
St. Peter’s Basilica apartments of the medieval Apostolic Palace 4:45 p.m.
Immortalized by the welcoming arms of decorated with frescoes during the From November 1 to March 31, 8:45 a.m.
Bernini’s colonnade , St. Peter’s Basilica is the Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the exhibi- to1:45 p.m.
seat of Roman Catholicism and the most tion rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Closed Sundays and holidays, except for
noted landmark of Vatican City, an independ- and the museums themselves. the last Sunday of each month when admit-
ent country within the city of Rome. The Vatican Museums trace their origin to tance to the museum is free of charge.
Inaugurated in 396 A.D., the basilica was one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years For additional information: www.christusrex.org

Italy Now Useful Addresses
Useful Addresses
Places to turn to when in need for assistance
American Embassy and States with a valid passport can stay in Italy Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 - 3470
Consulates in Italy up to 90 days. If a longer period is required, Tel. 215.592.7329
Consult embassies for assistance regarding you need to apply for a visa. Fax 215.592.9808
lost or stolen passports, emergency transfer of
funds, doctors and hospitals, and more seri- ITALIAN EMBASSY ITALIAN CONSULATE OF HOUSTON
ous matters. 1601 Fuller St. N.W. Washington, 1300 Post Oak Boulevard -Suite 660
DC 20009 Houston - TX 77056
AMERICAN EMBASSY IN ROME Tel. 202.328.5500/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Tel. 713.850.7520
Via Veneto, 119/A - 00187 Fax: 202.328.5593 Fax 713.850.9113
Tel. 06.46741 Fax: 06.46742356
The U.S. Embassy in Rome offers a full ITALIAN CONSULATE OF NEW YORK Italian Government Tourist
range of services for U.S. citizens in the 690 Park Avenue - New York, NY Boards in the US
regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, 10021/5044
and Sardegna Tel. 212.737.9100 and 439.8600 Consult for travel tips and useful information
Fax 212.249.4945 for your planning of an Italian vacation.
AMERICAN CONSULATE IN MILAN
Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 - 20121 ITALIAN CONSULATE OF BOSTON www.italiantourism.com
Tel. 02.290351 Fax: 02.29001165 100 Boylston Street - Suite 900 - Boston,
The U.S. Consulate General in Milan offers MA 02116 NEW YORK
a full range of services for U.S. citizens in the Tel. 617.542.0483/4 Fax: 617.542.3998 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1565
regions of Valle D’Aosta, Piemonte, New York, NY 10111 Tel. 212.245.5618
Lombardia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, ITALIAN CONSULATE OF CHICAGO
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Emilia- 500 North Michigan Avenue - Suite 1850 CHICAGO
Romagna (Provinces of Piacenza and Parma - Chicago, IL 60611 500 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 2240
only). Tel. 312.4671550/1/2/3 Chicago, IL 60611 Tel. 312.644.0996
Fax: 312.467.1335
AMERICAN CONSUALTE IN LOS ANGELES
FLORENCE ITALIAN CONSULATE OF LOS 12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550
Via Lungarno Vespucci, 38 - 50123 ANGELES Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel. 055. 266951 Fax: 055.284088 12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300 - Los Tel. 310.820.1898
The U.S. Consulate General in Florence Angeles, CA 90025
offers a full range of services for U.S. citizens Tel. 310.8200622 Fax: 310.820.0727 Tourist Boards in Italy
in the regions of Tuscany, and Emilia- Italy is dotted with public tourist offices,
Romagna (all except the Provinces of ITALIAN CONSULATE OF MIAMI each based around a certain area and all
Piacenza and Parma). 1200 Brickell Avenue - 8th Floor - Miami, providing general information.
FL 33131
AMERICAN CONSULATE IN NAPLES Tel. 305.3746322 Fax: 305.374.7945 ABRUZZO
Piazza della Repubblica, 2 - 80122 Via Passolanciano, 75 - 65124 Pescara
Tel. 081. 5838111 Fax: 081.7611869 ITALIAN CONSULATE OF SAN Tel. 085.7671 Fax 085.7672067
The U.S. Consulate General in Naples FRANCISCO E-mail: turismo@profesnet.it;
offers a full range of services for U.S. citizens 2590 Webster Street - San Francisco, www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/
in the regions of Campania, Molise, CA 94115
Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicilia. Tel. 415.9314924/5 Fax: 415.931.7205 BASILICATA
Via Anzio, 44 – 85100 Potenza
Limited consular services provided in the ITALIAN CONSULATE OF DETROIT Tel.0971.448647 www.regione.basilicata.it
Consular Agencies of Genoa, Palermo and 535 Griswold - 1840 Buhl Bldg. – Detroit,
Venice. MI 48226 CALABRIA
Tel. 313.963.8560 Fax 313.963.8180 Via S. Nicola, 8 – 88100 Catanzaro
Italian Consulates in the US Tel. 0961.720260
Consult for special permits, mostly concern- ITALIAN CONSULATE OF PHILADELPHIA E-Mail: turismo@regione.calabria.it;
ing weddings in Italy. Citizens of the United 1026, Public Ledger Bldg. 100 South 6th www.turismo.regione.calabria.it

Useful Addresses Italy Now
CAMPANIA SICILY The toll-free medical emergency telephone

Via S. Lucia, 81 – 80132 Napoli Via E. Notarbartolo, 9 – 90141 Palermo number in Italy is 118. You may get an ambu-
Tel. 081.7962034 Tel. 091.6968033 lance by calling this number, or if you do not
www.regione.campania.it www.regione.sicilia.it/turismo require transport to a hospital, the First Aid
Service (Guardia Medica) will be sent. First
EMILIA-ROMAGNA TUSCANY Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) is available at
Viale Aldo Moro, 64 – 40127 Bologna Via di Novoli, 26 – 50127 Firenze airports, ports, railways stations, and hospi-
Tel. 051.283353 Tel. 055.4382111 tals.
www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it www.turismo.toscana.it
Night/Weekend Pharmacies
FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
Via Miramare, 19 – 34135 Trieste Via Romagnosi, 9 – 38100 Trento ROME
Tel. 040.3775747 www.turismo.fvg.it Tel. 0461.496535 Primavera (24 hrs) 06.7016971
www.provincia.tn.it FLORENCE
LAZIO Farmacia Numero 13, located in the Central
Via R.R. Garibaldi, 7 – 00145 Roma UMBRIA Train Station, 055.289435
Tel. 06.51681 Corso Vannucci, 30 – 06100 Perugia MILAN
www.regione.lazio.it/turismo Tel. 075.50433676 Via Boccaccio, 02.4695281
www.umbria-turismo.it NAPLES
LIGURIA. Carducci, 081.417283
Via D’Annunzio, 64 – 16121 Genova Tel. VALLE D’AOSTA
010.5485553 Piazza Narbonne, 3 – 11100 Aosta For minor aches and pains, cold or flu, and
www.turismoliguria.it Tel. 0165. 236627 “little” non-critical emergencies, your best bet
www.regione.vda.it/turismo may be to head over to your local Farmacia.
LOMBARDY. You’ll go to a Farmacia for aspirin and even
Via Sassetti, 32 – 20124 Milano Tel. VENETO vitamins. Italian pharmacies will often carry
02.67561 Palazzo Balbi-Dorso Duro, 3901 – 30123 homeopathic and herbal remedies as well.
www.inlombardia.it Venezia Tel.041.2792832
www.turismo.regione.veneto.it
MARCHE
Via G. Da Fabriano, 9 – 60125 Ancona Local Hospitals
Tel. 071.8062165
www.le-marche.com ROME SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED
Fatebene Fratelli, Isola Tiberina
MOLISE 06.6837299;
Via Mazzini, 94 – 86100 Campobasso Policlinico Gemelli, Largo A.Gemelli, Ask your tour operator for assistance.
Tel. 0874.4291 www.regione.molise.it 06.30151; A few cities have offices specializing
San Camillo, Circ. Gianicolense, 06.58701 in assistance for the disabled.
PIEDMONT FLORENCE In Rome you can find the “Rome for
Via Magenta, 12 – 10128 Torino Hospital of S. Maria Nuova, Piazza. S. Everyone” Information desk
Tel. 011.43211 Maria Nuova, 055.27581; (+39.06.57177094). From 9 to
www.regione.piemonte.it/turismo Careggi Hospital, Viale Morgagni 85, 5 information on accessibility for
055.4277111 monuments, hotels, museums,
APULIA MILAN restaurants, and movie theaters, are
Via Bozzi, 45/c – 70121 Bari Fatebenefratelli, 02.63631; Niguarda, available in Italian, English, French,
Tel. 080.5401111 www.regione.puglia.it 02.64441; and Spanish. www.romapertutti.it
Policlinico, 02.55031 The telephone line Co.In.Tel.
SARDINIA NAPLES (+39.06.23267695) is open 24 hours
Viale Trieste, 105 – 09124 Cagliari Anna Rizzoli (Ischia), 081.5079267; a day. www.coinsociale.it
Tel. 070.6061 Capilupi (Capri), 081.8381111;
www.regione.sardegna.it Cardarelli, 081.7471111

Italy Now Useful Phrases and Words
Useful Phrases and Words

Become part of a fascinating culture by diving into its language
I
talian is a beautiful language full of con- Saturday Sabato It doesn’t matter Non importa
tradictions. Its roots go back thousands of Sunday Domenica See you soon A presto
years, and yet, it has only been the See you later A più tardi
national language of Italy since the nine- Useful Phrases Do you speak English? Parla inglese?
teenth century. Learning a few words will How are you? Come sta? I don’t speak Italian Non parlo italiano
help you order food with confidence, ask for How do I get to? Come faccio per Please speak slowly Per favore parli più
directions without getting a confused glance arrivare a…? lentamente
in return, and improve your cultural under- How far is? Quanto dista Please repeat Per favore ripeta
standing and global communication. da qui...?
Where is the phone? Dov’è il telefono? A question of luck
The Basics I am allergic Sono allergico/a To wish someone good luck, never say
Hello Ciao Do you have? Avete...? auguri (best wishes). This is thought to bring
Good morning Buon giorno Do you accept credit Accettate carte di bad luck. Say instead in bocca al lupo (in the
Good afternoon Buon pomeriggio cards? credito? mouth of the wolf), and the response must
Good evening Buona sera May I get through? Permesso be, crepi il lupo (may the wolf die).
Good night Buona notte
Nice to meet you Piacere
Good-bye Arrivederci
Please Per favore
Thank you Grazie
Excuse me Mi scusi
Sir Signore
Madam/Mrs Signora
Ms Signorina
Yes/No Si/No
Where is? Dov’è?
I don’t know Non lo so
Here Qui
There La
Near Vicino
Far Lontano
Left Sinistra
Right Destra
Up Su
Down Giù
Morning Mattina
Afternoon Pomeriggio
Evening Sera
Help Aiuto
Police Polizia
Police Carabinieri
Traffic Police Vigili Urbani
Passport Passaporto
Plane tickets Biglietti aerie
Photo courtesy of Davide Vagni
Weekdays
Monday Lunedì
Learning a few words will help you
Tuesday Martedì order food with confidence, ask for
Wednesday Mercoledì directions, and improve your cultural
Thursday Giovedì understanding.
Friday Venerdì

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Italy Now

The Official Guide to Italian Tourism 1

2 The Official Guide to Italian Tourism

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your return home.

8 The Official Guide to Italian Tourism

A Land for all Seasons

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from a carefully vetted quality

selection to ensure a wonderful