Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean like a women's leg firmly planted in a sleek stiletto, so it's hardly surprising that Italians are known for their impeccable style and fashionable dress sense. They're also known for once having an empire that stretched across the globe, and for having the most spectacular churches, frescos, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe.

The Italy of today is littered with the relics of more than 3,000 years of history, and an atmosphere that ranges from the Armani-wearing-scooter-driving-espresso-drinking buzz of its cities to the quiet, pastoral existence of its hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages.

From the depths of the canals in Venice, which floats on a series of islands in an Adriatic lagoon, and the bleached sands of San Remo on the Riviera, to the rocky crags of the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts.

Italy's cities reveal awe-inspiring architecture from the curved arches of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the crumbling magnificence of the Colosseum in Rome. Home of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvaggio and Botticelli, its artworks are a visual delight to all visitors.

Nestled into the outskirts of Rome is the independent Vatican City, the seat of the Pope and home to the famous St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The influence of the Holy Catholic Church on the people of Italy is still evident today in a series of holy festivals, carnivals, and parades involving young and old alike in almost every city, town and village.

MILAN:
Sophistication reaches new levels in Milan. The financial and commercial centre of Italy attracts fashion fundis, opera lovers, the young, the beautiful and the bold. Shopping, eating and clubbing is serious business here and it is no surprise that the city boasts the world's most beautiful shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Equally vying for admiration are the Milanese icons of La Scala Theatre (Teatro della Scala) and the Gothic Duomo, one of the world's largest churches.

Milan's frenetic pace surges ahead in its drive towards progress, forsaking the lengthy siestas enjoyed in other parts of the country. The city's urban tentacles stretch for miles, although the significant historical attractions are contained between the two landmark sites - the Duomo and the Sforzesco Castle. These reside within the inner loop of the city's concentric design, which is split into four squares: Piazza Duomo, Piazza Cairoli, Piazza Cordusio and Piazza san Babila.

The modern civic centre lies to the northwest, around Mussolini's colossal train station built in 1931. The area around here is dominated by a skyline of skyscrapers from which the sleek Pirelli Tower emerges. The Fiera district that stretches around Porta Genova station is the nub for trade and fashion fairs.

ROME:
The eternal city of Rome, constructed of ruins and in whose name the Caesars sought to claim the world, opens for the visitor as a living museum. The centuries peel back with each new vista in this great city of gladiators, lunatic drivers and well-rounded pasta posteriors. Vespas, nippy little Fiats and red sports cars speed past trendy sidewalk bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's La Dolce Vita. The chillingly stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico complex bring back Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendour is perhaps best revealed in the Pope's residence, the Vatican Palace, or in Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas to the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the height of the Roman Empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced with new ones, but Rome remains..

VENICE:
Elegant Venetian buildings and palaces peer over the ancient maze of narrow streets and labyrinth of canals that contrive to make this a unique city. Tourists naturally flock to Venice to experience its inimitable charm. The downside of this can be felt in the narrow streets and cramped piazzas of its sought-after areas. A good way to get to know a more personal side of Venice is to saunter through its romantic back streets and residential quarters.

Venice rests on one of a series of 117 islands distributed throughout the Venetian lagoon at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea. This strategic position conferred on Venice economic and defensive advantages over its trading rivals. As the wealth of the city increased and its population grew, the composition of the city grew ever more dense and today only a handful of the islets that constitute the historic centre are not entirely developed.

The historic centre is divided into six quarters (sestieri). These are: San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. The city's main thoroughfare is the Grand Canal that intersects each district as it meanders through the length of Venice from the railway station to San Marco. An alternative to walking the bewildering streets of Venice is to cruise the waterways onboard the motorboat buses known as vaporetti. These are the less romantic but also less expensive substitutes for the famous gondolas.

Venice extends beyond its six sestieri to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. These are known for glass and lace-making respectively and Torcello is noted for the magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta that rests on its soil. Trips by boat to the islands provide a pleasant diversion from the busier historic quarters.

TUSCANY:
Tuscany's rolling hills are garlanded with cypress trees, lush vines and olive groves that make way here and there for sleepy villages and medieval hill towns. The area rests languidly in the middle of the Italian peninsula, with parts stretching to the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Snaking through the Tuscan landscape from Florence to Pisa and soaking its thirsty banks is the Arno River. Akin to the gentle flow of a river is the ebb of life in the region.

People work in the fields in much the same way their ancestors did before them, producing some of Italy's finest wines and olive oils. From this same landscape emerges a profusion of art and architecture that has fashioned Italy onto the cultural map. Tuscany was the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of unprecedented innovation in art, architecture and humanist scholarship. The grandeur of the High Renaissance was enjoyed during the Medici family's reign when they commissioned the art and architecture that lives on within the elegant precincts of Florence.

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Time:
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).

Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug.

Language:
Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.


Health:
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).


Tipping:
Tipping is customary in Italy and 10% of the bill is acceptable in restaurants (unless a service charge has already been included). Hotels add a service charge of 15-18%, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers, but 5-10% is usual. Most other services expect some small change.

Safety:
The Italian Government has warned that the risk of an international terrorist attack in the country has increased, and tourists should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites. Domestic terrorism continues, but targets are usually Italian authorities, however there is a possibility of being caught up in attacks. Tourists are vulnerable to pick-pocketing and muggings in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites, and should exercise caution when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Strikes by transport workers are taking place throughout Italy and delays are possible.


Communications:
The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Airports: Bologna G Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Location: The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of the city centre. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Information desk: +39 051 647 9615. Transfer to the city: The Aerobus service (fare €4.50) connects to Bologna's central railway station, which is a few miles from the airport. From the station local buses, trains and taxis are available. There are also bus connections available from the airport to Modena and Siena. Taxis are also available at the airport for transport to the city centre.

Facilities at the airport include bars, restaurants and shops (including duty-free), left-luggage facilities, Internet access and VIP lounges. There are also banks, ATMs and bureaux de change. Disabled facilities are good and wheelchairs can be arranged through the airlines. Website: www.bologna-airport.it

Milan Linate International Airport (LIN)
Location: The airport is situated four miles (7km) from downtown Milan. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Telephone: +39 02 74851. Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for the Central Station in Milan and the Piazza San Babila underground station; the journey takes 30 minutes and costs €2. Taxi services are also available; the journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around €20. Car rental:

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks and bureaux de change, ATMs, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. In addition, as one would expect in Milan, the shopping is excellent. Website: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it

Milan Malpensa Intercontinental Airport (MXP)
Location: The airport is located 28 miles (45km) northwest of Milan. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Tel: +39 02 2680 0613 or 7485 2200. Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus. Transfer to the city: Buses leave every 60 minutes to Porta Garibaldi Station and Stazione Centrale (the central rail station); the journey takes around an hour, and costs around €5. Trains run every 30 minutes from Terminal 1 to Milano Cardona Station; a ticket costs €9, and the journey takes 50 minutes. Taxis are also available outside Arrivals.

Facilities: Facilities include a bank, bureau de change, and a wide variety of snack bars and other eateries throughout the airport. In addition, as one would expect in Milan, the shopping is excellent. Other facilities include airline lounges/travel clubs, left luggage, business services, disabled and first aid facilities, a pharmacy, child facilities, a post office and a tourist information desk. Website: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it

Naples International Airport (NAP)
Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) north of the city centre. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Flight enquiries: +39 081 789 6259. Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other. Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for Napoli Centrale railway station and the city centre. Taxis are also available. Car rental: The following car hire companies are represented in Arrivals: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore, Sixt and Thrifty.

Facilities: There are ATMs and exchange bureaux in both Arrivals and Departures. Other facilities include VIP lounges, meeting facilities, hotel reservations, fax and telephones. Website: www.naples-airport.com

Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA)
Location: The airport is located one mile (2km) northeast of Pisa. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Switchboard: +39 (0) 50 849 111. Flight Information: (0) 50 500707. Transfer to the city: A bus service travels regularly to Pisa city centre, and trains go to Pisa Centrale station, from where connections can be made to other cities. Taxis are also available, the average fare within Pisa ranges from €4 to €8. Car rental:

Facilities include left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks, bureau de change and ATMs, bars, duty-free shops, a post office, restaurants and tourist information. Website: www.pisa-airport.com

Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport (FCO)
Location: The airport is 19 miles (30km) southwest of central Rome. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: Telephone: + 39 06 65 951. Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle service connects the international and domestic terminals. Transfer to the city: An express train departs every hour for Termini Station in the centre of Rome; the trip takes 30 minutes and the fare is around €10. There is a late night bus service to Tiburtina Station. Taxis are available and should cost around €25 to the city centre. Before you leave, make sure the meter is running, and if not, agree a fare in advance. The journey will take 40 to 60 minutes to central Rome.

Facilities include lounges/travel clubs, left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, bars, duty-free shops, restaurants and tourist information. Website: www.adr.it

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Location: The airport is located 10 miles (16km) northeast of Venice. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September). Contacts: General information: +39 (0)41 2609240 or 2609250. Flight information: +39 (0)41 2609260. Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle service connects the two terminals. Transfer to the city: A waterboat service and water taxis run from the airport to Venice. Taxis are also available. A bus service runs every 20 minutes to Venice-Mestre railway station. Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar Italia, Hertz and Thrifty.

Facilities: Facilities include lounges/travel clubs, baggage/left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks/bureau de change, bars, duty-free shops, a chemist, restaurants and tourist information. Website: www.veniceairport.it

Currency:
Money: The Euro (€) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days
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Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders, irrespective of endorsement regarding national status, do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visas are required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to travel to Italy.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Travellers are advised to have a return or onward ticket plus all documents required for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay in Italy.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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