October 10, 2007

Helpful Tips For Touring Italy

Italy has a long and rich history which spans several centuries.  The country is located in Southern Europe, and borders with Slovenia, Switzerland, France and Austria.  Italy includes Sicily and Sardinia, and  many tours to Italy will explore a number of regions, giving you a taste of the variety and depth of the country.

Your Travel Arrangements

You can fly directly to Italy from the United States – the official Italian airline, Alitalia, operates to and from a number of countries, and there are lots of other carriers that service Italy too, offering you travel options at a variety of price points.  You could also fly to somewhere else in Europe and then use a low cost airline, or the train, to get to Italy, letting you see two countries in one holiday.

American and Canadian citizens using passports from their respective countries will not need a visa to initially enter Italy. Usually, you are given a maximum of 90 days to stay in the country. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to get an extension and secure a visa.

The Weather

Italy can get quite hot in the Summer months, so the shoulder peak times – April and May, and September – October, can be good times to visit – the weather is mild but pleasant, and since there are less holiday makers, you should enjoy a quieter time too.

Accommodation

Pricing for hotels can vary a lot in Italy – low cost pensions, hostels, and low star hotels can be relatively inexpensive, but the better hotels can cost a lot more than you may be used to.  Try to select somewhere that is located close to some form of transport –  this should not be a problem, however, as Italy has a good public transport system, with buses and trains servicing most places.

Remember that Italy uses a 220 volt electrical system, so you may need adapters or converters to make your electrical goods work over there.  

Crime in Italy is relatively low, although petty theft does occur – so as with all other holiday destinations, keep your valuables close to you, don't carry too much money with you at once, and don't walk around flashing expensive items you do not want to lose.

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Filed under European Tours by Darlene.
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