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Italy >
Italian Travel Tips
Travelling Italy
BY AIR
The main gateways to Italy are Rome and Milan. Romes Leonardo da Vinci airport is located at Fiumicino (35 km from the centre). For your convenience, CIT can arrange private transfers directly to your hotel from the airport, or vice versa. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, Italian Railways operate hourly departures from the airport to theT ermini Railway Station in the centre of Rome.
Milan has two airports and CIT can arrange transfers from either directly to your hotel. Journey time from Linate (10 km from the city) takes 15 minutesand Malpensa (46 km from the city) takes about an hour. There are also coach services which operate from both airports to city centre and a rail link from Malpensa to Milan station (Cadorna) every 30 minutes.
BY ROAD OR RAIL
If you are travelling around Europe, Italy is easily accessible via major motorway links between France and Switzerland. Regular rail services link Italy with other European cities. First or second class travel is available. Most of the services are non-stop fast trains (Rapidoand Pendolino) or Trans Europe Express Trains (TEE).
START WITH A CITYPACK
When you visit Rome, Florence or Venice, the CIT Citypacks provide the widest choice of accommodation, combined with a popular sightseeing tour, to help you make the most of your stay.
TRANSFERS
In most major cities, CIT can arrange transfers to your hotel from the airport or main railway terminal, or vice versa. In certain cities, vehicular access is limited, but with CITs experience and knowledge of Italy, you can be assured that the selection of your hotel, will best suit your needs.
EXPERIENCE THE COUNTRYSIDE BY CAR
For total freedom, why not hire a car and see the picture postcard countryside, at your leisure. Driving in Italy is on the right hand side, overtaking on the left. We recommend you carry an international driving license.
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
Travelling by rail is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to travel around Europe. CIT provides a choice of rail passes, including Eurail, Eurostar, Britrail, Italian Rail Passes and most of the single country European Passes. Individual sectors within Italy and Europe can also be booked before you depart Australia.
NORTH FROM ROME
Airlines, trains and buses link all major cities with Rome, however, once at your destination, if you plan to see more of the region, car rental is strongly recommended.
CENTRAL ITALY
The heartland of Italy, this region is one of the most popular, beckoning tourists with its historical cities and wonderful countryside.
From Bologna: Explore the fascinating Emilia-Romagna region, with interesting cities, including Ravenna, Modena, Parma and the popular Adriatic Coast. In Tuscany you are spoilt for choice on where to stay and the style of holiday experience. Here, CIT offers hotels or apartment/villa accommodation in a variety of styles.
If you are intending to travel around, taking in all the key destinations, choose a Citypack in Florence, then see Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano. It is worth adding some extra days to your itinerary, to see the vineyards, villages, hamlets and farmhouses that Tuscany is so famous for. Neighbouring Umbria, offers more medieval towns and villages, surrounded by landscapes of rolling hill vineyards and farmland. It is a little more off the beaten track than Tuscany. Stay in Assisi, Spoleto or Orvieto, or one of the many villas CIT offers throughout the region.
NORTHERN ITALY
From Genoa: Base yourself in the exclusive harbour resort town of Portofino, or Santa Margherita to discover the rugged Ligurian Coast and the beautiful villages nestled beneath vine covered hills. A popular destination along this coastline is the region of Cinque Terre an area which refers to five unique villages that cling to the edge of steep cliffs. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore where once accessible only by sea, however, you can driven arrow roads to each, with Monterosso and Riomaggiore being the most accessible.
From Milan: You have quick access to the dramatic alpine scenery and the stunning lakes of Northern Italy - Lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda.
From Venice: It is a relatively short trip to famous Dolomite Mountains and Lake Garda, or the delights of historic Verona.
From Turin: Explore the a diverse area of traditional villages, alpine valleys and the breathtaking scenery of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso.
SOUTH FROM ROME
Travelling around Southern Italy involves many contrasts. Wherever you travel, you will enjoy a breathtaking scenery. Join the cosmopolitan set around Naples and the Islands of Capri and Ischia one day, then be in the middle of a remote landscape the next.
AROUND THE AMALFI COAST Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi
From Naples: Once you are in Naples, you can travel easily by car, bus or rail around this area. Pompei is a short bus ride. Sorrento can be reached by local private train or bus from Naples and there is also a Hydrofoil service. From Sorrento you can travel on to Positano and Amalfi by bus. If you want to see as much of the Amalfi Coast you can, in the shortest time possible, we recommend the one day tour or two or three day duration coach holidays CIT offers from Rome. The Islands of Capri & Ischia can be reached by boat from Naples (Mergellina), Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi or Salerno.
SICILY
If you are looking for something different, Sicily is the place to explore. Here you will find famous archeological sites, magnificent beaches and spectacular scenery including the infamous Mount Etna. Travel to Sicily by car, rail and/or ferry from Reggio di Calabria to Messina and from Genoa or Naples to Palermo.The major cities of Sicily are also linked to the north and centre of Italys mainland by frequent air services.
SOUVENIRS & SHOPPING
Ceramics from Umbria, Tuscany and Faenza: glass and laces from Venice: alabaster from Volterra: marble From Carrara: leather goods silk-wear, jewellery, shoes, textiles, clothing and copperware are much sought after. Shops are usually open from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Some shops may be closed on Monday mornings.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Travellers to Italy can receive additional information regarding their stay at any of the public tourist organisations, which are located in many cities. These offices can be identified by the initials: APT, IAT or AAPIT. For more information on road systems and traffic, contact the ACI (Automobile Club Italia). Their office in Rome is at Via Solferino, 32. Telephone: 06 44595
BANK & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
During Public Holidays or Religious Feasts, banks, shops and commercial businesses are usually closed: 1 Jan - New Years Day; 6 Jan - Epiphany; 14 to 18 April - Easter; 25 Apr - Liberation Day; 1 May - Labour Day; 15 Aug - Assumption; 1 Nov - All Saints Day; 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception; 25 & 26 Dec - Christmas Holiday. In addition to these dates, each city or town will celebrate a public holiday for its own Saint Day.
MUSEUMS & ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
All museums have different opening hours. Most of them are closed on public holidays and many are closed every Monday. The Vatican Museumin Rome is closed on public holidays and every Sunday, with the exception of the last Sunday of each month, its opening hours vary between 0845-1300 or 0845-1600. Generally throughout Italy, museums charge an admission fee. We suggest that you check with the museums before planning your visit.
HONEYMOONERS
We have selected a number of properties that would provide ideal honeymooner accommodation and who will offer extra benefits for guest son their honeymoon or silver wedding anniversary. Look for the hearts, which indicate a free bottle of sparkling wine for honeymooners or silver wedding anniversary travellers.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
We understand that travelling with children can mean extra hidden costs, so CIT has negotiated special discounts at many of the hotels throughout Europe. In fact some of our properties will allow children free or at 50% of the adult price. Some of our hotels cater for families by offering quad rooms. Check the policy against each hotel.
CLOTHING
The temperatures vary greatly between the North and South. For Sightseeing around the major cities and towns during winter, were commend a light topcoat or raincoat. In the summer, light, tropical attire is recommended. However, strict dress codes apply in many places of worship, where your torso and upper arms must be covered. Shorts and skirts must reach the knee.
Currency
AUD $1 is approximately Euro 0.56 Traveller cheques and/or credit cards are recommended.
DISTANCE CHART (IN KILOMETRES)
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Rome |
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| Bologna |
383 |
Bologna |
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| Florence |
278 |
106 |
Florence |
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| Genoa |
510 |
291 |
225 |
Genoa |
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| Milan |
575 |
210 |
299 |
145 |
Milan |
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| Naples |
219 |
594 |
489 |
714 |
786 |
Naples |
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| Turin |
673 |
332 |
395 |
170 |
138 |
884 |
Turin |
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| Venice |
530 |
154 |
255 |
397 |
273 |
741 |
402 |
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TEMPERATURE AVERAGES (C)
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| City |
Height |
Jan. |
Feb. |
Mar. |
Apr. |
May. |
June. |
July. |
Aug. |
Sept. |
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
Annual |
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Above |
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Rainfall |
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msl (ft) |
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(mm) |
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| Venice |
13 |
3/6 |
5/8 |
6/12 |
13/17 |
16/22 |
22/26 |
24/28 |
24/28 |
21/18 |
16/18 |
9/12 |
5/8 |
726 |
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| Florence |
121 |
6/9 |
7/12 |
10/16 |
14/20 |
18/24 |
22/29 |
24/32 |
24/31 |
21/27 |
16/21 |
10/14 |
6/10 |
819 |
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| Rome |
377 |
8/12 |
8/13 |
11/17 |
14/20 |
18/23 |
22/28 |
24/31 |
24/31 |
22/28 |
17/23 |
13/17 |
9/13 |
653 |
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| Two figures are given, e.g. 9/13. This first figure is the 24 hour average obtained by taking an average on the lowest night and the highest day temperatures. The second figure is the average temperature in the early afternoon. |
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THE CIT HOTEL GUIDE
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HOTEL STAR RATINGS Against each hotel we have shown the official star rating:
 Deluxe First Class Standard Budget Pensione
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EXPLANATION OF HOTEL SYMBOL
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Air conditioning (These hotels are equipped with air conditioning, subject to the period and times of operation, which is at the discretion of the hotels management.) |
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Telephone in rooms |
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TV in the rooms |
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Satellite TV in the room |
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Radio |
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Fridge-Bar |
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Hairdryer |
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Safe Deposit Box |
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Restaurant |
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Bar |
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Elevator-lift |
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Garden |
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Swimming Pool |
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Garage or parking (extra charge) |
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Honeymoon Offer includes a bottle of sparkling wine or otherwise stated |
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Silver Anniversary Offer includes a bottle of sparkling wine or otherwise stated |
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Gondola access direct to hotel (Venice) |
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VILLA/APARTMENT SYMBOLS
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Final Cleaning (all villas are not cleaned daily and final cleaning charges apply) |
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Bed Linen and Towels extra charge |
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Power Cost extra charge for electricity, gas, water or heating |
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Water |
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Swimming Pool |
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