Italy

Italy - Territory from the Alps Mountains down to the Mediterranean Sea - about 300 thousand sq. km. In the northwest it borders on France, in north - with Switzerland, in east - with Slovenia. While predominantly on a penninsula, it is equally sea and mountain country. Within the limits of Italy the states San-Marino and Vatican are located. The Capital - Rome.

Climate - The country settles down in moderate and subtropical belts(zones). The seasons are basically spring and autumn. In the area around Milan the foggy winters and hot summers are characteristic. In other portions of the territory of Italy the winter is mild, and the summer is hot and dry. The greatest number of solar days are registered along the southeast coast of Sardinia.

Population - Current population of Italians is about 60 million.
Religion - Roman Catholic, however there are supporters of other religions, but they are limited.

Language - Official language is Italian. In hotels, restaurants, and tourist centres English, French and German are widely understand particularly at resorts on the Northern Adriatic and in mountains.

Festivals and exhibitions - Carnival in Venice - before a post (February - March). In April in Milan the world exhibition is scheduled. The international film-festival is held in Venice at the end of August. There is a biennial - exhibition of modern international art in Venice from June till September on even calendar years.

Transport - the trains and buses are most convenient for trips between cities. The underground railroad is in Rome, Milan, Naples. The tickets on a tram and bus can be purchased in newspaper and tobacco boothes, and these tickets are valid for trips with changes within 90 minutes. The taxi can be ordered on the phoneand can be found in special parking or can be flagged to stop on a road by sticking pointing (not middle) finger high into the air. The standard tariff is often displayed on the screen in a taxi, plus surcharges are customary for night time, luggage, and trips to the airport.

Public telephones are available on streets and are operated on toll cards bought in tobacco or journal boothes. Coins can also be directly deposited into some of the older public telephones. The wirless service has wide use of cellular systems GSM - without problems.

Customs rules - No duties are charged for up to two cartons of cigarettes, 5 litres wine, 1,5 litres of strong alcoholic drinks, or 750 ml. of alcoholic spirits.

Tips - Waiters, taxi drivers - expect up to 10 %, This is also common expectation in hotels for tips to a parlourmaid and the senior waiter of restaurant, the hotel porter - before departure, and private guides in museums and galleries - for personal display of exhibits.

Clothes - Since May till September - light and casual clothes are everywhere but in October-November do not forget umbrellas (parasols) and raincoats because of rainy season. Women should be aware that in the church or cathedral guards will not let in short shorts and too openly exposed dresses. Conservative dress is appreciated at church and business.

Credit cards - Visa, American Express, Master Card, Dinner's Club, and Carte Blanche are most popular. At filling stations cash is required.

Rules of behaviour - If the young woman travels without the man in the south of Italy, she still can expect to be confronted by the macho Itallian men with the raised man's attention; it is bothersome at times but is not really dangerous. They have wonderful humor and just love to watch and compliment pretty ladies. It is their way and they appreciate a quick wit, a flirty smile and harmless but playful banter.

Water - Is is possible to drink public water safely even from public fountains, and if it is impossible - you will see an inscription Acqua non potabile. Often if you want to purchase bottled water it is sold virtually everywhere there is a retail outlet or small roadside storefront.