

Useful Italy holiday informationHere are some useful tips and information for your self-catering holiday in Italy.
Travel tips for visiting Italy on HolidayItaly combines elegant art, history and contempory fashion with stunning natural landscapes. With clear blue coastlines, the Costa Smeralda offers one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Europe. In teh north, the snow-covered mountains offer a wonderland for winter sports enthusiasts. Getting to Italy by planeMany international airlines fly directly into Italy, including some of the no-frills airlines. However prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice all have thier own airports and travel times from the UK are approxomatly 2 hours and 50 mins. Getting to Italy by carThe quickest route when traveling by car is via the Eurotunnel to France. There is also a second tunnel running under the Alps and Apennines to access northern Italy. Alternative routes are via Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. When driving in Italy it is the law to carry your driver’s license, registration documents and proof of insurance at all times. Driving is on the right and you should observe the Highway code. Getting to Italy by ferryThere are many connections to Italy. There are many operators connecting the UK to Italy as well as direct routes from other ports including Portugal, Naples, Ancona and Turkey. Italian languageItalian is the official spoken language, however French is spoken in all border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan. German is spoken on the Austrian borer while English is recognised in the main City areas or where tourism is popular. Climate for ItalySummers are very hot in the south of Italy with dry and warm winters. Further north in the mountain regions, the weather is much cooler in the summer and there are heavy snowfalls in the winter. Food in ItalyItalian food traditionally is well known for its famous pizza and pasta recipes, however Italian food is among the richest and most varied in Europe. The extensive vineyards of Italy will also provide great days out if you want to break away from the busy city atmosphere. Timezone for ItalyGMT +1. Daylight saving time (GMT +2) from March to October. Italian currency and holiday moneyThe Euro is now universally accepted. Virtually all establishments will accept payment by credit card and cash can be drawn from cashpoints in all main centres. Visa and health requirements for your holiday to ItalyEU citizens do not need a visa. If you are planning a long trip or working experience, contact the Italian embassy for more information. UK: Italian Embassy 14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, UK (020 7312 2200) Italy: 3rd Floor, Immeuble "Les Harmonies" Angle Boulevard Carde et Avenue (225 20300800) No vaccinations are necessary. |

