Welcome to Italy

There aren’t words enough to fully capture Italy’s scope of art, architecture, wine, cuisine and beauty. From the Mediterranean seashore to the Alps of the north, this is a country that stirs the soul and satisfies the senses.

Experience la dolce vita as you explore the Vatican with an expert guide or spend hours gazing upon the artistic treasures of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Last Supper. Be serenaded on a romantic gondola in Venice. Venture out of the city for hiking in the Dolomites, skiing in Courmayeur, sailing off the Amalfi Coast and falling in love with Tuscany.

Bring an appetite – there will be delicate pastas, delicious cannolis and more, all vying for your taste buds’ attention. Of course, you’ll wash it all down with some of the world’s best wine, whether you’re sitting in a bustling bacari (wine bar) in Milan or sipping the best vintages at an Umbrian vineyard.

Unique Facts

• There is a free wine fountain in the town of Caldari di Ortona. Locally grown red wine flows freely 24 hours a day from a fountain in the Dora Sarchese vineyard on the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage route.
• Italy is one of the countries with the world’s most UNESCO Heritage Sites. There are 55 total sites, including the Colosseum, the city of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
• Italians have been feasting on pasta since the 4^th century BC. Historians found paintings in a pre-Roman Italian tomb thought to depict pasta-making equipment.
• Italians love their food, wine and their espresso. In fact, it is estimated that Italians enjoy 14 billion espressos annually. More than 20,000 Italians work as baristas!
• Vatican City is the tiniest country (city-state). It’s completely housed within Italy, within Rome, actually, and contains countless famous monuments, as well as St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel.

Language

Italy’s official language is Italian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Italy is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is nice, the crowds fewer and the prices lower. In August, much of the many establishments are closed as Italians are on their own vacations.

Airports

Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, Rome
Malpensa Airport, Milan
Marco Polo Airport, Venice
Peretola Airport, Florence
Naples International Airport
Catania Airport , Sicily

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Italy: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, F and L. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Traffic and road conditions may differ significantly from those in the United States. Rural roads are often quite narrow, with inconsistent speed limits and no guardrails. Be aware that on the superhighways (autostrada), the average speed is very high.

Italy has a well-developed rail system for traveling about the country. Many major cities, including Rome, Naples and Milan, have a multi-line metro system. When using public transportation, such as train, bus or metro, you must purchase your tickets and validate them by inserting into a validation machine prior to boarding (usually found near the train or metro entrance station or on the bus). If you do not validate your ticket, you may be subject to a fine.

If you are traveling in the countryside, consider renting a car.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 06-4674-2244
uscitizensrome@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

You can find regional tourist offices in most of the provincial capitals, which will provide information about the local region. Most large towns and cities each have their own tourist information office as well (look for Informazioni e Assistenza ai Turisti or Azienda Autonoma de di Soggiorno e Turismo). At these offices, you can find information about the local area, maps, public transportation information and details of local attractions. The smallest towns typically have a Ufficio Turistico or Pro Loco tourist office.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Italy, including theft and economic crimes.

Be aware that many cities have local restrictions with regards to activities that take place in fountains or on monuments. There may be a ban of eating, drinking, sitting, bathing and/or consuming alcohol, so check with local authorities about specific regulations to avoid a fine.

Do not leave personal belongings unattended. Be aware of pickpocketing at major tourist destinations, in cafes and bars and on public transportation.