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ITALY VACATION PLANNER – 2013 Index Part #

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Front cover Letter to traveler and INDEX Presentation of Italy (excellences in vary fields) The art : cities The art : museums and historic sites The art : performing arts Food : feast for the senses What to do: shopping What to do : outdoors activities What to do : spas Nature Weather, seasons, climate Regions - North Regions - Center Regions - South General information Advertising Total

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Dear traveler,

INDEX

Your dream of Italy has arrived. We want to give you a glimpse of a country rich in beauty, culture, art and unforgettable sensory experience. A country blessed with a variety of extraordinary gifts to share with her guest and visitors. A country waiting to welcome you all year around. Wheather you want to explore her living past, sample her intoxicating flavor or simply relax beneath her calm blue skies, everything you need to start planning your trip is in the following pages. You’ll also find that the Italian welcome remains one of the warmest in the world. And you’ll immediately know that the time to realize your dream is right now! Italy is awaiting…

See you soon!

1 Italian excellences 2 General information 3 The art : cities 4 The art : museums and historic sites

Eugenio Magnani Director – The Italian Government Tourist Board North America

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4.1 Italy’s Museums 10-12 4.2 Remains to Be Seen 12

5 The art : performing arts Concert Halls & Theaters 13 Music Festivals 14-15

6 Food : feast for the senses 7 What to do: shopping 8 What to do : outdoors activities 9 What to do : spas 10 Nature, weather, seasons, climate 11 Map of Italy 12 Italy by region Regions of the North Regions of the Center Regions of the South

ITALY WAITS FOR YOU WHIT ITS EXCELLENCES

It is very well known that Italy has always inspired the artist of all over the word, which means that who in seeking for beauties knows that in Italy there is more and more to admire. The great appeal of the country has strong reasons: first of all in every region, in every city also in small towns in the centuries a great heritage of art objects and buildings has cumulated for the people to come; second a nature that has the best on mountains, lakes, beaches, small and big islands, and peaceful hills covered with grapes and olive trees…. And a very warm people. Art, nature, people, are always and everywhere present with an evenly harmony which is unique. In effect we can surely say that we need beauties, but we need good food, and we want a possibility for buy art craft and dressing goods, and we want drink the best wine and we want eat the best food … and all we need is in Italy like is nowhere else in the same level. A vacation in Italy will give you splendid encounter with immortal masterpiece of Greek and Roman civilization, of Medieval Age, of the Renaissance; a vacation in Italy will give you a possibility to enjoy regional food and excellent wines; a vacation in Italy can give you the opportunity to participate to events as Italy , above all in certain periods of the year when all around the country take place thousands of events in an enormous stage.

So : art, history, nature enogastronomy, events , lifestyle, opportunity for quality shopping, all this components of an offer that never else can be equal …. Italy waits for you.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVEL SEASONS (average) High June – September-Easter-Christmas to New Year holidays.

Shoulder April - May September - October Low November 1 - December 20 January 2 - March 31 DOCUMENTATION Passports A passport is valid for 3 months beyond the date of the return flight. USA and Canadian citizens with a valid passport can stay in Italy 90 days. If a longer period is required they must obtain a visa.

Note: Minors under 18 years of age not traveling with their parents require a declaration from both parents, or their legal guardian, authorizing their independent travel.

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NON STOP FLIGHTS FROM US AND CANADA TO ITALY

CANADA Airline Alitalia Air Canada Air Canada Rouge Transat

From - To

Code Share

Period

Toronto-Roma Toronto-Roma Montreal - Roma Toronto - Venezia Toronto-Roma Toronto - Venezia Montreal - Roma Montreal - Venezia

Delta Lufthansa Lufthansa -

All Year Apr-Oct May-Oct Begins July Apr-Oct May-Oct Apr-Oct May-Oct

USA Airline

Alitalia

Emirates American Airlines Delta

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From - To

Code Share

Period

New York - Milano

Delta

All Year

New York - Roma

Delta

All Year

Boston - Roma

Delta

All Year

Chicago - Roma

Delta

Begins May

Los Angeles - Roma

Delta

Begins May

Miami - Roma

Delta

All Year

New York - Milano

-

Begins October

New York - Milano

British Airways, Iberia

All Year

New York - Roma

British Airways, Iberia

Apr-Nov

Chicago - Roma

British Airways, Iberia

Apr-Oct

New York - Milano

Alitalia

All Year

New York - Roma New York - Pisa New York - Venezia Atlanta - Milano Atlanta - Roma Atlanta - Venezia

Alitalia Alitalia Alitalia Alitalia Alitalia Alitalia

Begins 27Mar Jun 1- Sep 1 All Year All Year All Year Jun 1-Aug 31

Meridiana United US Airways

Detroit - Roma Alitalia New York - Napoli New York - Palermo Newark - Milano Newark - Roma Washington - Roma Philadelphia - Roma Charlotte - Roma

Jun 1-Sep 2 Jun-Sep Jun-Sep Lufthansa -

NOTE: The above listing of various airlines services from key gateways in US and Canada to Italy.

Please check with the airlines or your travel agent to confirm service availability.

MAJOR ITALIAN AIRPORTS Rome Fiumicino (FCO) Leonardo da Vinci www.adr.it Ciampino (CIA) www.adr.it Florence (FLR) Amerigo Vespucci www.aeroporto.firenze.it Milan Malpensa (MXP) www.sea-aeroportimilano.it Linate (LIN) www.sea-aeroportimilano.it Naples (NAP) Capodichino www.gesac.it Palermo (PMO) Punta Raisi www.aeroporto.palermo.it

Bologna (BLQ) Guglielmo Marconi www.bologna-airport.it

Venice (VCE) Marco Polo www.veniceairport.it

Catania (CTA) Fontanarossa www.aeroporto.catania.it

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Genoa (GOA) Cristoforo Colombo – Sestri www.airport.genova.it Bergamo (BGY) Milano Orio al Serio www.sacbo.it Pisa (PSA) Galileo Galilei www.pisa-airport.com Turin (TRN) Citta di Torino www.aeroportoditorino.it

All Year All Year All Year All Year May-Oct

Alghero (AHO) www.aereoportodialghero.it Bari (BRI) Bari Palese o Karol Wojtyła www.aereoportidipuglia.it Cagliari (CAG) Elmas www.cagliari-airport.com Lamezia Terme (SUF) www.sacal.it Salerno (QSR) www.aereoportodisalerno.it Pescara (PSR) Aereoporto Internazionale d’Abruzzo www.abruzzoairport.com Verona (VRN) Villafranca www.aereoportoverona.it

Ancona (AOI) Falconara www.ancona-airport.com Brindisi (BDS) Casale www.aereoportidipuglia.it Olbia (OLB) Olbia Costa Smeralda www.geasar.it Perugia (PEG) San Francesco d’Assisi www.airport.umbria.it Trieste (TRS) Ronchi dei Legionari www.aereoporto.fvg.it Reggio Calabria (REG) Aereoporto dello Stretto www. Aereoportodellostretto.it

DUTY FREE The following goods may be imported into Italy without incurring customs duty by passengers over 18 years of age arriving from countries outside the EU. • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco 2 liters of wine and 1 of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine

• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

• 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)

• 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract

• gifts not exceeding $200.00 (if entering from a non-EU country)

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TRAVEL WITHIN ITALY Air Domestic airlines connect all country’s airports as well as some European cities.

Among them: Meridiana www.meridiana.it Air Dolomiti www.airdolomiti.it Alitalia www.alitalia.com Air Europe www.aireuropa.com

Ferries Regular boat and hydrofoil services run to most of the islands, including Capri, Elba, Giglio, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. There are also some links along the coast. Ferry service from main ports connects most of the ports of the Mediterranean countries, included Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Malta, and the island of Corsica. www.ferriesonline.com

Rail There are nearly 16,000km (9,400 miles) of track in the country. The Italian State Railroad, Trenitalia, runs a nationwide network at very reasonable fares, calculated on the distance traveled, and there are a number of excellent reductions. A new rail pass, the Trenitalia Pass, is the only pass available to people resident outside of Italy (it supersedes the old Italy Flexicard, Railcard and Kilometric ticket). This allows from 4 to 10 days of unlimited travel within a two-month period. Any train in Italy can be used, although a mandatory seat reservation is necessary on high speed trains, with a reservation fee. The pass also entitles the holder to discounts on some Italy-Greece ferry routes, hotels and other special offers. Both firstand second-class passes are available. Children aged from four to 11 pay half the adult fare, and

Road The highway (AUTOSTRADA, symbolized by AA) has tolls and charge according to distances and size of the motor vehicle. Some stretches, the Salerno-Reggio Calabria, Palermo-Catania and Palermo-Mazara Del Vallo, are toll-free. Gas stations along the highway are open 24/7. State roads (SS) are also very good and require no tolls.

Gas stations on the secondary roads are usually closed from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Visitors should check locally about exact hours of operation.

The road signs are usually international. Italian highways do accept credit cards: pick the lane that reads Via Card and any major credit card will be accepted by the machine.

More information on the Italian motorway network is available from the SocietĂ Autostrade at www.autostrade.it

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there is a reduced-rate Youth Pass for travelers aged under 26. Please note that once you purchase your train ticket you must validate it at the yellow box at the beginning of the train tracks, otherwise it will be invalid and a ticket violation will be issued.

For further information, www.trenitalia.it

TRAFFIC REGULTATIONS Traffic drives on the right.

Important change to renting cars in Italy: Please note, that rental conditions regarding the driving license policy for ALL Car Rentals in Italy have changed as follows: 1) Non-Roman script driving licenses must always be accompanied by an International Driving License.

2) International Driving Licenses are only valid outside the country of origin and when presented along with the original driving license.

3) International Driving Licenses are mandatory for renters who present a Non-EU driving license.

AAA is the ONLY organization in USA and CAA in Canada, authorized to issue an International Driving Permit.

Passengers are required by law to wear seat belts. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, 90/110kph (55/65mph) on country roads, 130kph (80mph) on highways. High beams are prohibited, especially in towns and cities, but are permitted when an emergency arises, when driving through darkness but only when no vehicles are coming in the opposite way. Lights are required by law to be ON at all times by law. Red warning triangle on board is mandatory.

Note: Fines for speeding and other driving wrongdoings are particularly heavy and on-the-spot.

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Limited traffic areas (Zona Traffico Limitato) Limited traffic areas have been created in most of the historical centers of Italian cities. This measure has been taken to increase pedestrian areas, commercial activities, and reduce pollution to preserve historical sites. In these limited traffic areas only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive, such as: buses, police cars, ambulances, etc. Residents have access as well. All of the authorized vehicles have their license plate registered with the Municipal Police.

If a vehicle crosses a limited traffic area, cameras will take a picture of the license plate.

The photo is automatically sent back to a computer of the Municipal Police and if the license plate is not registered a violation ticket is generated and sent to the owner of the vehicle.

The limited traffic areas are clearly indicated with a sign marked with a white circle with red borders, stating the hours in which the area is restricted.

Please Note: Due to the law and the authority that is held by the local Municipal Police, the Italian Government Tourist Board cannot act as an intermediary in settling disputes over traffic violations.

Road service: In case of vehicle breakdown, dial 116 at the nearest telephone and tell the operator your location and car description and the nearest Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) office will be notified for immediate assistance.

Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (hour.minutes) from Rome to other major cities in Italy.

From ROME to Florence Milan

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AIR 0.45 0.65

ROAD 2.30 6.00

RAIL (High Speed) 1.30 3.00

Venice Naples Palermo

0.65 0.45 0.60

6.00 2.00 10.00

3.40 1.10 12.00 (Not High Speed)

TRANSPORT All Italian cities rely on trams and bus transportation: the fare structure is integrated between the various modes. Tickets can be purchased from tobacco shops or newsstands.

Taxi: Available in all towns and cities. Government-regulated taxis are either white or yellow. Avoid taxis that are not metered. There are extra charges for night service, luggage and taxis called by telephone. All charges are listed on a rate card displayed in the cab with an English translation. Taxis can only be hailed at strategically located stands or booked by telephone. One cannot hail a cab from the streets. A 10% tip is expected by taxi drivers and this is sometimes added to the fare for foreigners.

MONEY MATTERS Single European currency (Euro) The Euro is the official currency. The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Italian lira was still in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Check the exchange rate before traveling. www.eurocambi.it The Euro is divided as follows: bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1 & 2 Euro and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Currency exchange Travelers’ cheques and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports, and very often at major hotels (generally at a less convenient rate, depending on the denominations of currency being bought or sold). Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit cards Most reputable establishments will accept major credit cards. Those establishments accepting credit cards will post the logos in their front windows, just as they do in the USA and Canada. Most of the credit card companies charge a fee for overseas purchases.

Travelers cheques In major Italian cities and tourist areas traveler checks are accepted. Please note that the amount exchanged is subject to a service fee (5 - 6.5 %

Currency restrictions Check with the embassy before departure. Import and export of both local and foreign currency is limited to Euro 12,500. If it is intended to import

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varying from bank to bank).

or export amounts greater than this, the amount should be declared and validated in Italy on form V2.

Banking hours These vary from city to city but, in general, MonFri 8:30am-1:30pm and 3:00pm-4:00pm, Sat 8:30am-1:00pm, although many banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

ATM card Using your ATM card is the easiest and most convenient way to get cash when needed. Just make sure that your card has logos on the back reading NYSE – MAESTRO and PLUS or CIRRUS, and that your pin code is numeric only. Check with your bank for restrictions and fees.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephones Full IDD (International Direct Dial) service is available.

• Italy country code is 39, so from the USA and Canada, dial 011 39 followed by 06 for Rome, 02 for Milan, 011 for Turin, 081 for Naples, 041 for Venice and 055 for Florence), drop the 0 if calling an Italian cellular number.

• Outgoing international code: 001, USA or Canada city area code and telephone number. Calling cards can be purchased at post offices, tobacco shops and certain newsstands are available for 5,

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Mobile Telephones GSM 900 and 1800 networks.

Network operators are TIM - Telecom Italia Mobile www.tim.it, Vodafone www.vodafone.it, Wind www.wind.it and H3G www.h3g.it.

If you are traveling to Italy and want to use your cell phone, you most likely won’t be able to do so.

Unless you have a GSM tri-band phone, you will need to make special arrangements with your cellular carrier. Another alternative is to rent a cell phone or purchase a SIM card from one of the network operators listed above.

10 and 20 euros.

Internet Internet corner booths operated by Telecom Italia are available for public access and can be found at airports, major hotels and in other public places.

Many Internet cafes are scattered throughout all main towns. Wireless connection is available in same cafes, restaurants and public places.

Post Offices Letters between Italy and other countries usually take 4 to 7 days to arrive.

Stamps are sold in post offices and tobacco shops.

Hours vary but usually are as follows: Mon-Fri 8:00/8:30am-1:00/1:30pm 2:00/2:30pm-5:30/6:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm.

ELECTRICITY In Italy the current is 220 volts, compared to the North America 110 volts. If you plan on using your own 110-volt appliances, you will need a voltage converter, unless your appliance is designed to also work with 220 volts electricity (dual voltage). For example, most laptops and some electric shavers are designed to work both at 110 and 220 volts. Plugging in an appliance that is not designed to run on 220 volts electricity without using voltage converter will damage it. Regardless of voltage, you will need an adapter.

USEFUL INFORMATION - Italian Embassies and Consulates in USA and Canada

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Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) 630 Fifth Ave – Suite 1965 New York, New York 10111 Tel: 212 245-5095 Fax: 212 586-9249 newyork@italiantourism.com www.italiantourism.com

Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 575 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Tel: 310 820-1898 Fax: 310 470-7788 losangeles@enit.it www.italiantourism.com

Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) 175 Bloor Street East - South Tower Suite 907 Toronto (Ontario) M4W 3R8, CANADA Tel: 416 925-4882 Fax: 416 925-4799 toronto@enit.it

Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) 500 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 506 Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: (312) 644-9335 Fax: (312) 644-3019 chicago@enit.it

www.italiantourism.com

www.italiantourism.com

Italian Embassy of Canada 275 Slater st., 21esimo piano Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 CANADA Tel. +1.613.232.2401 Fax. +1.613.233.1484

Italian Embassy of USA 3000 Whitehaven Street, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20008 Tel (202) 612-4400 Fax (202) 518-2154

www.ambottawa.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Ottawa ambasciata.ottawa@esteri.it Italian General Consulate Toronto 136 Beverley St Toronto (Ontario) M5T 1Y5 Tel: 416 977-1566 Fax: 416 977-1119 consolato.toronto@esteri.it www.constoronto.esteri.it

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www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it visti.washington@esteri.it

Boston Consulate General of Italy 600 Atlantic Ave. Boston, MA 02210 Tel.: (617) 722-9201/02/03 Fax: (617) 722-9407 www.consboston.esteri.it/Consolato_Boston archivio.boston@esteri.it

Italian General Consulate Montreal 3489 Drummond St Montreal (Quebec) H3G 1X6 Tel: 514 849-8351 Fax: 514 499-9471 consolato.montreal@esteri.it www.consmontreal.esteri.it

Chicago Consulate General of Italy 500 North Michigan Ave. Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 Tel.: (312) 467-1550 Fax: (312) 467-1335 www.conschicago.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it

Italian General Consulate Vancouver 1100 - 510 West Hastings Street Vancouver (British Columbia) V6B 1L8 Tel: 604 684-7288 Fax: 604 685-4263 consolato.vancouver@esteri.it www.consvancouver.esteri.it Miami Consulate General of Italy 4000 Ponce de Le贸n Blvd., Suite 590 Coral Gables, FL 33146 Tel.: (305) 374-6322 Fax: (305) 374-7945 www.consmiami.esteri.it/Consolato_Miami italconsulmiami@gmail.com

Detroit Consulate General of Italy Buhl Building , 535 Griswold, Suite 1840 Detroit, MI 48226 Tel.: (313) 963-8560 Fax: (313) 963-8180 www.consdetroit.esteri.it/Consolato_Detroit inform.detroit@esteri.it Houston Consulate General of Italy 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 660 Houston, TX 77056 Tel.: (713) 850-7520 Fax: (713) 850-9113 www.conshouston.esteri.it/Consolato_Houston italcons.houston@esteri.it

Newark Consulate General of Italy One Gateway Center - Suite 100 Newark, NJ 07102 Tel.: (973) 643-1448 Fax: (973) 643-3043 www.consnewark.esteri.it/Consolato_Newark consolato.newark@esteri.it

Los Angeles Consulate General of Italy 12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Tel.: (310) 826-6207 Fax: (310) 820-0727 www.conshouston.esteri.it/Consolato_Houston consolato.losangeles@esteri.it

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New York Consulate General of Italy 690 Park Ave.New York, NY 10065 Tel.: (212) 737-9100 Fax: (212) 249-4945 www.consnewyork.esteri.it/Consolato_NewYork info.newyork@esteri.it

Philadelphia Consulate General of Italy 1026 Public Ledger Building 150 S. Independence Mall West Suite 1026 Philadelphia, PA 19106-3410 Tel.: (215) 592-7329 Fax: (215) 592-9808 www.consfiladelfia.esteri.it/Consolato_Filadelfia segreteria.filadelfia@esteri.it San Francisco Consulate General of Italy 2590 Webster St. San Francisco, CA 94115 Tel.: (415) 292-9200 Fax: (415) 931-7205 www.conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/Consolato_SanFrancisco it.sanfrancisco@esteri.it

USEFUL INFORMATION – USA and Canada Embassies in Italy

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Canadian Embassy Via Zara 30 00198 Roma - Italy Tel.: (+39) 06-85444.2911 (recorded information only) Fax: (+39) 06-85444.2912 email: romevisa@international.gc.ca

US Embassy Roma via Vittorio Veneto 121 - 00187 Roma (+39) 06.46741 fax (+39) 06.4674.2244 www.italy.usembassy.gov uscitizensrome@state.gov

Consulate of Canada 4, Via Elio Monpurgo - 33100 Udine (UD) Tel.: +39 06-85444-2911 Fax: +39 06-85444-2912 E-Mail: consul.canada.udine@gmail.com

US Consulate General Florence Lungarno Vespucci, 38 - 50123 Firenze (+39) 055.266.951 fax (+39) 055.215.550 www.florence.usconsulate.gov uscitizensflorence@state.gov Consulate General Milan via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 - 20121 MILANO (+39) 02.290351 fax (+39) 02.2903.5273 www.milan.usconsulate.gov uscitizensmilan@state.gov Consulate General Naples Piazza della Repubblica - 80122 NAPOLI (+39) 081.583.8111 fax (+39) 081.583.8275 www.naples.usconsulate.gov uscitizensnaples@state.gov

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Consular Agency Genoa via Dante 2 - 16121 Genova (+39) 010.584.492 fax: (+39) 010.5533.033 usconsge@libero.it Consular Agency Palermo via Vaccarini, 1 – 90143 PALERMO (+39) 091.305.857 fax: (+39) 091.625.6026 uscitizenspalermo@state.gov Consular Agency Venice Venice Marco Polo Airport General Aviation Terminal viale Galileo Galilei, 30 – 30030 TESSERA (VE)(+39) 041.541.5944 fax: (+39) 041.541.6654 USCitizensVenice@state.gov

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The Art: Cities “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

Michelangelo Buonarroti

Italy is a huge living museum. Her public structures comprise vivid, visible art and architecture that stand as testaments to the country’s history and culture. The Roman and Greek empires influenced early Italian design with their mighty temples and impressive amphitheaters, while Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic design later played important parts in inspiring both architects and artists in the centuries to come. Their tangible, timeless legacies can be witnessed in every major Italian city and town.

ROME Founded in 754 BC by orphaned brothers Romulus and Remus, a walk through Rome is a walk through time. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon to the immaculate aqueducts and roads, the Roman Empire influenced design, 18

VENICE Venice is a feast of magnificent churches, lavish palazzi and stately bridges, all built upon a labyrinth of waterways and streets that are works of art in themselves. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge for an eagle-eye view

engineering and architecture for centuries to come. The Vatican offers the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, housing enormous collections of art and the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

From Bernini to Bramante, Raphael and Caravaggio, marvel at the masterpieces that embellish and define the Eternal City: paintings, sculptures, palaces and ever-flowing fountains.

of the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Delight in the Byzantine wonder of St. Mark’s Basilica, watch St. Mark’s Square bell tower pierce the sky and revel in the riches of the city’s museums. The Gallerie dell’Accademia showcases Venetian masters such as Tintoretto, Bellini, Giorgione and Carpaccio, while the Peggy Guggenheim Collection presents modern giants like Picasso, Dali, Pollock and Mirò.

FLORENCE Built by the Romans and immortalized by the Renaissance, Florence affords an unforgettable voyage through timeless art and architecture. Savor the contrast between the Boboli Garden’s green, groomed perfection, Brunelleschi's bold, red-tiled Duomo and Giotto's 14th-century Campanile in red, white and green marble. Gothic and Romanesque facades joust for attention on the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Priceless works by Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci fill the halls of the Uffizi Gallery. Within the Brancacci Chapel Masaccio's Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, their shame and despair palpable. Meanwhile, on the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation of craftsmen fashion unique art one can wear. It’s as if the Renaissance never ceased: Florence’s

BOLOGNA This enchanting medieval city in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region is peppered with red-brick roofs and miles of porticos, around which waft intense aromas of Bologna’s famous culinary delights. Visitors will be tempted by plump tortellini, scrumptious tagliatelle with ragu, fragrant mortadella and more. These hearty, savory dishes literally capture the true flavor of this wonderful old town – as well as giving guests the fuel to explore it! Stroll through the Piazza Maggiore or scale the Torre Asinelli, one of Bologna’s Due Torri (Two Towers), a monumental reminder of its historic past. The city is also home to the western world’s oldest university, which fills the atmosphere with a vibrant and passionate spirit. A trip to Bologna is an absolute treat for all the senses.

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enlightenment continues to enchant the world.

NAPLES In the 17th century Naples reigned as the undisputed cultural capital of Europe. Within its National Museum of Archeology lies a bountiful collection of artifacts, sculptures and mosaics recalling its past as well as that of Rome, Greece, Egypt, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Music and song has long defined this sunny city: Naples is home to the San Carlo opera house, Europe’s oldest working theatre since 1737. Architecturally, the jewel in the crown is the Galleria Umberto I; its elegant glass dome and barreled vaults now host shops and restaurants. Nearby, the vast Piazza del Plebescito embraces the Royal Palace and the church of St. Francis of Paola.

At day’s end, the sun glints on the towers of the 13th-century Maschio Angioino fortress.

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PALERMO This ancient Phoenician seaside colony features a spectrum of architectural styles reflecting many civilizations: Greek, Roman, Arabic, Norman, Spanish, French and Byzantine. Each built upon and embellished buildings created by successive cultures, creating a wonderful harmony of designs.

From the stunning Royal Palace to the Palatine chapel’s lustrous Byzantine mosaics; from St. John of the Hermit’s original Arab crimsoncolored domes and its serene cloisters to the three-tiered Baroque sculptural magnificence at the intersection of Quattro Canti. Palermo’s artistry also finds expression in its theaters: at The Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, concerts and ballet have been performed for centuries.

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The art : museums and historic sites Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression. To experience Italy’s art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country.

From archeological sites to architecture, museums and galleries, you will discover the many ways Italy’s craftsmen and artists have articulated their passion over thousands of years.

“Art is never finished, only abandoned” Leonardo Da Vinci ITALY’S MUSEUMS FLORENCE Galleria dell’Accademia Founded in 1563, the first school in Europe to teach the methods of painting, drawing and sculpture. www.polomuseale.firenze.it Bargello Museum Formerly a town hall and prison, this houses Italy’s finest collection of Renaissance sculpture. www.polomuseale.firenze.it Archeological Museum Home to a vast collection of Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts. www.archeotoscana.beniculturali.it Museo dell’Opera del Duomo Features works, carvings and tools by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Luca della Robbia, plus a section dedicated to the history of the Duomo. www.operaduomo.firenze.it Galileo Museum 22

Dedicated to astronomy, mathematics and navigation. www.museogalileo.it Pitti Palace Built by Brunelleschi for banker Luca Pitti, later purchased by the Medici, contains several museums including The Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Silverware Museum, the Modern Art Gallery and the Boboli Gardens. www.polomuseale.firenze.it

Uffizi Gallery Italy’s supreme art gallery, created by the architect Vasari, contains an unparalleled collection of paintings from Italy's best known masters. www.polomuseale.firenze.it San Lorenzo The Medici family parish church contains the Medici Chapels and mausoleum, as well as works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. www.firenzeturismo.it Brancacci Chapel Built inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, famous for the frescoes on the Life of St. Peter started by Masolino and his pupil Masaccio, and completed by Filippino Lippi. www.museicivicifiorentini.it/brancacci Santa Croce A Gothic church containing the tombs of famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. Alongside is the Pazzi Chapel designed by Brunelleschi. www.santacroceopera.it/it/default.aspx MILAN Pinacoteca di Brera 23

Milan’s most esteemed museum, where the Accademia di Belle Arti was founded in the 1700’s, its 38 rooms host a fine art collection covering Renaissance and Baroque art from the 15th to 20th century. www.brera.beniculturali.it The Museum of Contemporary Art (CIMAC) Opened in 1984, located on the 2nd floor of Palazzo Reale, showcasing the cream of modern Italian and international artists. www.visitamilano.it Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II A glorious glass- and steel-covered arcade connected to Piazza della Scala, known for its high-end stores and restaurants. www.visitamilano.it/turismo Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral) This grandiose Gothic Cathedral in the city’s main square is made of white marble, with a roof of 135 spires and countless statues and gargoyles, and can hold up to 40,000 worshippers. www.duomomilano.it Teatro alla Scala Perhaps the definitive opera house, opened in 1778, the theatre also houses the Museo Teatrale, featuring a remarkable array of opera costumes, paintings, scripts, statues and other materials. www.teatroallascala.org Santa Maria delle Grazie Built between 1465 and 1482, this Renaissance church is famous for the fresco depicting the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. www.cenacolovinciano.net NAPLES Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte This museum holds the works of Raphael, Perugino, Titian and Botticelli. www.cir.campania.beniculturali.it 24

National Archeological Museum One of the world’s most important archeological museums, rebuilt in the late 1600’s as the core of Naples University. www.cir.campania.beniculturali.it The Royal Palace Behind its beautiful façade are great halls of furniture and paintings, the Biblioteca Nazionale and a small private theater. www.palazzorealenapoli.it Filangieri Museum Built within the Renaissance Palazzo Cuomo this museum offers collections of porcelain, paintings, archeological finds, manuscripts and embroidery. www.cir.campania.beniculturali.it Duomo di San Gennaro Within the Duomo is the very lavish San Gennaro Chapel housing the relics of the patron Saint of Naples. www.duomodinapoli.com/it/main.htm ROME Capitoline Museums Two palaces designed by Michelangelo, The Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, containing numerous paintings and classical sculptures. www.museicapitolini.org The Palatine One of the city’s premier ancient sites of Rome, displaying ruins ranging from the simple to the very luxurious. www.turismoroma.it Palazzo Corsini and the National Gallery of Antique Art 25

Originally the Palace of the Corsini Family who, upon the state’s acquisition, donated their many paintings, essentially founding the national art collection. www.galleriaborghese.it Museo Nazionale One of the world’s leading museums of Classical art housing many antiquities. It has five branches: Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, the Aula Ottagona, the Crypta Balbi and the Palazzo Massimo. www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it Vatican Museums Residence of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, including many of the most important and unique art collections on earth. www.vatican.va Roman Forum The central area around which the commerce of ancient Rome developed in the 2nd century BC. Its vivid remains demonstrate the use of municipal places during the era. www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it The Pantheon Completed in 27 BC this circular temple, dedicated to “all the gods,” is Rome’s most well-preserved ancient building. www.turismoroma.it The Colosseum Rome’s greatest amphitheatre, capable of seating 55,000 spectators. It was used for deadly gladiatorial combats and ferocious animal fights staged by the emperors and wealthy citizens. www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it MACRO The Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, built at the beginning of the 20th century on a large industrial complex, is now a dynamic center of cultural activity. www.macro.roma.museum 26

TURIN Palazzo Reale The seat of the royal Savoy family until the 1861 unification of Italy took place, displaying ornately decorated apartments, and splendid ceilings painted by Seyter, Miel and Morello. www.beniarchitettonicipiemonte.it Armeria Reale A wing of the Palazzo Reale, opened in 1837 containing one of the richest collections of arms and armory. www.artito.arti.beniculturali.it Mole Antonelliana This is Turin’s awesome and original symbol. The Mole was designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli and built between 1863 and 1889.

Since 2000, the building houses the National Museum of Cinema. www.italiadiscovery.it/news/piemonte/torino/torino/mole_antonelliana/950.php Museo Egizio The Egyptian Museum of Turin (the second in the world after the Cairo Museum) was established in 1824, with antiquities from about 4000 BC to 639 AD. www.museoegizio.it Museo dell’Auto One of the largest auto museums in the world and the only one of its kind in Italy, this stylistically modern building houses a collection of 170 cars. www.museoauto.it Pinacoteca Agnelli Architect Renzo Piano built this structure atop the Fiat building, featuring the private collection of Giovanni and Marella Agnelli, including works from Canaletto, Canova and Matisse. www.pinacoteca-agnelli.it

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VENICE Accademia An incomparable collection of paintings spanning five centuries through the Byzantine, Baroque, Renaissance and International Gothic periods. www.gallerieaccademia.org Ca’ d’Oro Sitting on the Grand Canal, the “House of Gold” is a public gallery boasting an ornate, gold-leaf Gothic façade. www.cadoro.org Basilica di San Marco The most famous church in Venice, set in St. Mark’s Square, famous for its elaborate Byzantine exterior, façade mosaics and the four bronze horses that sit atop the entrance. www.basilicasanmarco.it

Museo Correr The heart of this museum comprises the magnificent collection of Theodoro Correr, donated to the city of Venice. www.museiciviciveneziani.it Doge’s Palace A Gothic work of art on the Grand Canal, founded in the 9th century, this is the official residence of each ruler (“doge”) of Venice, with the offices of several political institutions within. www.museiciviciveneziani.it Peggy Guggenheim Collection A small museum in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, home of the art collection of the niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim.

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www.guggenheim-venice.it Museo Vetrario (Murano) This breathtaking museum showcases wonderful antique pieces of glass from the 16th and 17th centuries, when Murano was the main glass-producing center in Europe. www.museiciviciveneziani.it REMAINS TO BE SEEN Pompeii, along with Herculaneum, was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. www.pompeiisites.org Metapontum is an ancient city on the Gulf of Taranto settled by Greeks around 700 BC, where Pythagoras taught in the sixth century. www.aptbasilicata.it Segesta, in northwest Sicily, was first a Trojan colony, then a Carthaginian dependency after 400 BC. www.turismotrapani.it Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples are majestic Greek structures, dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. www.parcovalledeitempli.it Cerveteri is a vast Etruscan necropolis in Lazio; this spectacular network of mysterious tombs, shadowy crypts and burial mounds dates back to the 7th century BC. www.comune.cerveteri.rm.it/turismo-e-cultura Ostia Antica, with its colorful frescoes and detailed mosaics, show how life once was in this thriving port on the Tiber river. www.ostiaantica.net The Matera Sassi is an intricate labyrinth of ancient rock dwellings in the Gravina of Matera, comprising alleys and stairways, caves, arches, galleries, gardens and terraces.

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www.sassidimatera.it Nuraghi, these extraordinary Bronze Age towers of stone, spiraling upward into cones, number over 7,000 and span the island of Sardinia.

How they were actually built and maneuvered into place remains a mystery. The nuraghi group Su Nuraxi, near Barumini, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its complex network of towers linked to walls and ramparts were probably used as dwellings, fortresses, tombs and meeting places for ancient peoples. www.sardegnaturismo.it

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The Art: Perfoming Arts Nowhere on earth are the performing arts celebrated so joyously as in Italy. From drama to opera to music to film, here are just some of the places where you can indulge your particular passion.

CONCERT HALLS & THEATERS Anfiteatro Romano (Cagliari) A 2nd century Roman amphitheater carved out of the quarry rock, complete with underground cages attesting to its gladiatorial history. www.teatroliricodicagliari.it Teatro Carlo Felice (Genova) A perfect example of the traditional Italian horseshoe design originally built in the early 1800’s, refurbished in the 1990’s after damage from World War 11, with a scenic triangular tower and striking façade. www.carlofelice.it Teatro Comunale (Bologna) Built by Antonio Galli Bibiena in 1763 and decorated with paintings by Luigi Busi and Luigi Samoggia from the mid-19th century, this theater reopened in 1981. www.tcbo.it Gran Teatro la Fenice (Venice) Destroyed in a fire in 1996, for the second time, this Venice landmark was rebuilt entirely in a 19th-century style. www.teatrolafenice.it

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Teatro Massimo (Palermo) Designed by a father and son team in the 1800’s, combining a classical exterior and Liberty-style interior, the theater was renovated and reopened to the public in 1997, after almost 20 years of disuse. www.teatromassimo.it Teatro Massimo Bellini (Catania) Renowned for the acoustics of its extravagant interior, and one of Europe’s most beautiful entrance halls, this glorious venue was built to pay homage to composer Vincenzo Bellini. www.teatromassimobellini.it Teatro Dell’Opera (Rome) Also known as Teatro Costanzi. www.operaroma.it Teatro Regio (Parma) A 19th century opera house, built in 1821-29, this neo-classical building is considered one of the most important and famous shrines of Italian music. www.teatroregioparma.org Teatro Rossini Lugo (Ravenna) The theatre, named Rossini in 1859, still sports in its 18th century style, an austere façade with ornamental pillars and plaster cornices at each story. www.teatrorossini.it Teatro San Carlo (Naples) After being destroyed by a fire in 1816, the theater was 32

rebuilt within ten months and now boasts an orchestra pit conceived by Giuseppe Verdi in 1872. www.teatrosancarlo.it Teatro alla Scala (Milan) This famous neo-classical theater, originally built in 1776 on the site of Santa Maria della Scala, boasts an imposing façade and has one of the world’s largest stages. www.teatroallascala.org Teatro Verdi (Florence) Established in 1854, this theater has undergone three separate restorations over the past 50 years, while retaining its classical Italian structure. www.teatroverdionline.it MUSIC FESTIVALS March Ravello Classical Music Festival One of the oldest Italian festivals, this conceptualized the idea of the “cultural event” and gave Ravello its reputation as a “Città della musica.” www.ravelloarts.org San Remo Festival The world-famous celebration of the Italian Popular Song takes place on the Italian Riviera at the Teatro Ariston, attracting guests and renowned artists from all over the world. www.sanremostory.it 33

May Maggio Musicale Fiorentino The city’s biggest arts festival was founded in 1933 and is hosted at the Teatro Comunale, featuring an international program of drama, dance, opera and orchestras. www.maggiofiorentino.it June Arena Summer Festival in Verona Each year over 500,000 people flock to see opera in this 20,000-seat Roman arena, the world’s third largest amphitheater, and among the most well-preserved. www.arena.it Festival Internazionale Dell’Operetta Held at Trieste’s Teatro Comunale “Giuseppe Verdi,” this festival of Light Opera features world-renowned performers. www.teatroverdi-trieste.com/verdi2009a/ New Opera Festival of Rome Featuring performances of all classical genres from concerts to operas in the magnificent Courtyard of the Basilica of San Clemente. www.newoperafestivaldiroma.com Ravenna Festival This multifaceted music event – also including opera, concerts, dance, jazz, ethnic music, drama, film, 34

conventions and exhibitions – finds expression in the town’s theaters, piazzas, basilicas, and other public spaces. www.ravennafestival.org Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds A unique celebration, conceived to embrace all aspects of the performing and figurative/visual arts, including opera, concerts, jazz and dance. www.spoletofestival.it July Arezzo Wave Festival In the heart of Tuscany, the “Woodstock of Italy” is the nation’s oldest rock concert, featuring many different stages for music, literature, sports and more. www.arezzowave.com Estate Musicale Chigiana Siena’s Santa Maria della Scala and the church of Sant'Agostino are just two of the beautiful venues providing the stages for the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. www.chigiana.it Festival Pucciniano The Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago Puccini (Lucca) began in 1930 according to Puccini’s own documented wishes: “…once I would like to come here and listen to one of my operas in the open air..” www.puccinifestival.it

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Festival della Valle d'Itria An annual opera and classical music festival held in the town of Martina Franca in Puglia, specializing in reviving unknown works, with supporting talks, recitals and oratorios. www.festivaldellavalleditria.it Macerata Opera Festival One of the world’s most famous opera seasons, held in the Sferisterio, an old ball game court. www.sferisterio.it Pistoia Blues Since this festival started in the early 1980’s, legends from Muddy Waters to Dylan, Patti Smith to Santana have graced its stage. www.pistoiablues.com Summer Opera Season at Caracalla Rome's opera house relocates to the magnificent Baths of Caracalla for outdoor opera and ballet performances among the ruins. www.operaroma.it Umbria Jazz Festival This renowned event brings hundreds of artists to the “green heart” of Italy, and offers street parades and midnight clubs celebrating excellent jazz, opo and salsa. www.umbriajazz.com Porretta Soul Festival Top jazz, soul and R&B musicians gather at this festival 36

located in the spa town of Porretta, in Emilia Romagna. www.porrettasoul.it Pescara Jazz Festival Since 1969 the city hosted this sophisticated international jazz happening. www.pescarajazz.com August Baroque Music Festival Held in various churches and palaces in the historic city of Sutri, where the popes once resided, these concerts encompass classical, symphony and chamber music.

Cortona Festival del Sole a combination of concerts performed by the world’s most acclaimed musical artists, exhibitions with leading visual artists, discussions with top literary figures and culinary delights with the finest chefs and winemakers. www.festivaldelsole.com Rossini Opera Festival Inspired by fresh editions of Rossini’s works, this festival of operas and concerts is beautifully set in Pesaro, on the Adriatic coast. www.rossinioperafestival.it Roccella Jonica Jazz Festival This major event, held in Roccella Jonica (Reggio Calabria), is known for its cutting-edge crossover artistic performances, and experimental theater shows, all in an acoustically splendid arena within the natural rock landscape.

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www.roccellajazz.net Stresa Musical Weeks Magical music on picturesque Lake Maggiore, where the “Settimane Musicali” presents the world’s leading performers, major symphony orchestras and chamber musicians. www.stresafestival.eu September Roma Europa Festival This exciting event brings together music, dance, theater and visual arts with performances by over 300 artists from 20 countries in various locations throughout the city. www.romaeuropa.net Torino September Music Piedmont’s famous classical music festival concentrates on the core of the classical repertory, avant-garde, jazz, and world music, all at the Teatro Regio. www.teatroregio.torino.it

Food and Wine : A Feast for the senses Italian food is an extraordinary feast for the senses. Ranging from simple to hearty, sweet to spicy, subtle to strong, each dish and delicacy is prepared with the freshest of ingredients. It’s no secret that Italy’s cuisine is incomparable, but you may not know quite how to enjoy it to the fullest. Here’s a helpful guide to exploring and savoring Italy’s culinary bounty.

“Pizza al taglio” - Pizza by the slice, typically a lunch item found at bakeries and offered in many different varieties.

Spuntino - a snack, usually eaten in-between meals.

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Aperitivo - an aperitif type of drink, usually wine, which is drunk in order to stimulate the appetite before the meal.

Prima colazione - breakfast, the first meal of the day.

Pranzo - lunch, the midday meal from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, when activity stops.

Merenda - an afternoon snack.

Cena - dinner, usually eaten late, between 8pm and 11pm.

Scarpetta - whatever is left on your plate is “scooped” up with a morsel of fresh bread.

MAKE A MEAL OF IT, ITALIAN STYLE Italian meals consist of 3-4 courses: Antipasto - a starter (hot or cold), meant to stimulate the appetite.

Primo - the first course, usually a soup, rice or pasta dish.

This can be topped with a variety of sauces.

(Taste Tip: Never put cheese on any pasta containing seafood. Never chop pasta with a knife, twirl the strands on your fork like an Italian!)

Secondo - the main dish, meat or fish served with a contorno (side dish) of vegetables or salad.

(Taste Tip: Don't mix meat and seafood in the same meal. If your first course is sauced with fish, don’t order a second course of meat.)

Dolce - Dessert or fruit and cheese, followed by coffee or a digestivo such as grappa.

TIPS ON TIPPING

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A coperto is a cover charge, an unavoidable “add-on” that basically covers bread and water and is charged per person. Even though tax and services are usually included in the menu prices, it is typical and courteous to leave a small tip of around 10 percent.

THE ART OF COFFEE Making caffé is an art in itself and ordering un caffé in Italy usually means an espresso. This means “to press,” and refers to the pressure applied to the hot water forced through the ground beans, creating this strong, flavorful mixture, whose main variations are listed below.

Lungo - More water (about double) is filtered through the grinds, giving a weaker taste, but still stronger than normal coffee.

Ristretto - Less water, yielding a stronger taste.

Doppio - Simply two espressos in one cup.

In Italy, barmen who save coffee by serving a lungo when a doppio is ordered are frowned upon.

Corretto - With a dash of liquor.

Americano - Diluted with hot water.

Macchiato - With a drop of steamed milk.

Con panna - With cream on top Affogato - Served over ice-cream Tip: When ordering a coffee in a bar, pay at the cash register first, then take the receipt to the barista (bartender), who will then make your brew.

THE COOL OF GELATO Gelato (ice cream) is the true taste of an Italian summer. Here’s the scoop on the terms you need to learn before you lick.

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Cono - cone Coppa - cup Con panna - with whipped cream on top Gelateria - ice cream parlor Granita - shaved ice with assorted fruit juices and sugar Tip: Pay first at the cassa (cash register), then present your receipt when you order.

THE PLEASURE OF FOOD SHOPPING Although there are many supermarket chains, shopping for food in the specialty shops makes for a richer, more interesting experience.

Panetteria, il Forno or Fornaio - bread shop Macelleria - for meats Pasticceria - cakes, pastries and cookies Salumeria or Alimentari - pasta, ham, cheese, milk, general food and other meat products Enoteca or vinaio - wide selection of wine Mercati - markets, mainly for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and meat products Food is sold by the etto (100 grams = 4 oz.), the chilo (kilo: 1 = 2.2 lbs), or simply in numbers, such as 2 bananas.

WINE - ITALY’S GLORY IN A GLASS Home to an astounding 2,000 home-grown grape varieties, Italy produces and exports more wine than any other country, also offering the largest variety of categories. To guide consumers and ensure quality control, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata or DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) was introduced in the early 60’s. Responsible for a significant enhancement in the quality of Italian wines, this regulation bears a little explanation to assist your discovery of one of Italy’s true treasures. DOC wines are produced in specific welldefined regions, according to precise rules designed to preserve the traditional wine-making practices. For example, the rules for making Barolo differ markedly from that of Chianti Classico. In 1980, however, Italian authorities established a superior classification of DOC wines: DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin).

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DOCG wines spring from the wine regions recognized as the finest in the country. They produce less yield, but with superior quality, DOCG wines must pass a tasting committee before they can be bottled. Among the DOCG regions are: Barbaresco, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti (in seven subzones), Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Albana di Romagna, Gattinara, Carmignano (red only) and Torgiano Rosso riserva. You can find most wines at an enoteca or a vineria. An enoteca is a public or private place where a variety of wines are displayed, sold or tasted. A winery, or vineria, is a regional establishment with sales, wine and food tastings.

OLIVE OIL, OUR LIQUID GREEN GOLD Olives are grown all throughout Italy, from the northern shores, to as far as Sicily and Puglia, meaning each region naturally claims to be the best producer of olive oil. Here’s a brief look inside this fascinating industry, to help you pick out the perfect bottle on your next trip.

How do oils differ?

Within 24 hours of harvest, olives are crushed whole to maintain their naturally low acidity. The pulp is pressed and the liquid obtained comprises water and several oils, the two most common of which are: Extra-virgin olive oil - The highest quality oil, noticeably green, with acidity of less than 1%, made by cold-pressing the olives - though the use of heat provides more quantity of the oil, the lack of it provides for a better quality.

Virgin olive oil - Produced with no chemical treatment, occasionally cold pressed method, with slightly higher acidity between 1% and 3%.

There are three distinct categories of extra-virgin olive oil, each suited to specific dishes and preparations.

Mild - Light and buttery, ideal for raw meats and carpaccio, fish, vegetables, soups and pasta sauces.

Fruity - Slightly stronger and fruitier flavor, complements grilled meats, pastas or rice in mild sauces, cooked vegetables and bruschetta.

Fruity-Spicy - Aggressive taste, perfect for accompanying rustic dishes like the panzanella, Tuscan bread and tomato salad; ribollita, Tuscan vegetable soup; or pasta with beans.

Tips: How to taste oil 42

Like wine, olive oil is a high-quality product with body, acidity and fruitiness that vary from product to product. Experts recommend tasting it before you buy, so it helps to train your palate to distinguish one from the other. In general, good olive oil is sweet with a peppery tone to it. Olive oil tasting should be carried out in a controlled environment. Begin by purchasing a couple of top-quality extra-virgin olive oils produced in different parts of Italy along with one of inexpensive brand to compare.

1. Look at the oil against the light to get an idea of the color. For example, greener oils are usually pressed from early-season olives.

2. Smell the aroma of each of the oils and sort them from mild to strong to establish the ideal order for tasting.

3. Taste them either on a piece of unsalted bread or from separate glasses, using about a teaspoonful of each oil. Cup the glass in your hand to warm it and rotate the oil to release its aromas and flavors. Sip and inhale to vaporize the oil in your mouth.

4. Do not swallow. Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with some water, or have a small piece of fruit to cleanse your palate before the next sampling.

How to buy Buy olive oil in small quantities, since it ages and oxidizes. Check where the olive oil was bottled, and ensure that the color is green or a dark green. Look for the DOP label, a standard organization that defines the various grades of olive oils: this signifies improved quality. The best place to buy olive oil is in frantoi in Italy, where olive pressing takes place. You can also find top quality oils on estates throughout Italy, from the farms, or from other specialty shops such as an enoteca where you buy wine as well.

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What to do : Shopping SAY HELLO TO SOME GOOD BUYS Italian goods are renowned for their quality, design and style, with every town offering unique craftsmanship. From Milan’s peerless fashion designs to Como’s silk and Cremona’s violins; from the marble of Massa Carrara, Murano’s timeless Venetian glassware and the genius of Piedmont’s goldsmiths to Ravenna’s mosaics and the ceramic beauties of Vietri sul Mare; Italy is a shopper’s and gift-giver’s wonderland where you always find more than you bargained for.

Main street shopping Italy’s main avenues and boulevards are vital to the country’s shopping scene, and a long-observed social convention. Here you can browse store windows with the Italians, checking the prices and the latest trends as they stroll and enjoy one another’s company.

Sale months Set sale dates are established twice a year by the local authorities, so they can vary from city to city, but are normally in January and July.

Seasonal stock is marked down to clear and make way for new merchandise.

OPEN-AIR MARKETS ROME Porta Portese (every Sunday) This enormous flea market specializes in clothing, shoes, music CDs, house and kitchen wares, outdoor gear, luggage, tools and much more.

Campo de' Fiori (daily except Sundays) The day’s freshest food produce and meats are the main attraction on this exuberant Roman piazza.

FLORENCE Piazza San Lorenzo (daily) Stroll this famous market specializing in clothing, souvenirs and leather goods.

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Mercato Centrale (Mondays through Saturdays) Steps from the Piazza San Lorenzo, this two-level indoor market features fragrant cheeses and fresh meats and a kaleidoscope of vegetables and fruit.

MILAN Fiera di Senigallia (Saturdays) Set by Navigli’s charming canals, the numerous stands contain new and used articles from the ethnic and modern to the vintage and collectible.

Mercato di Viale Papiniano (Tuesdays and Saturdays) This gigantic market hosts plenty of vendors hawking their wares, especially clothing and shoes.

NAPLES Mercato di Antignano (Monday through Saturday) Food, clothing and housewares await the eager shopper at this engaging marketplace, located in the Vomero district.

BOLOGNA La Piazzola (every Friday and Saturday) Clothing, shoes and more are found at this labyrinthine shopper’s paradise.

TURIN Porta Palazzo (Monday through Saturday) This celebrated market, one of Europe’s largest, is held in the Piazza della Repubblica, highlighted by a vast selection of delectable food items.

Gran Baloon (Second Sunday of each month) 45

The savvy collector will love this market of antique furniture, books, clothing and more, all from a time gone by.

AREZZO Piazza Grande (first weekend of each month) Antique buffs will enthuse over the selections of collectible items and heirlooms.

PALERMO La Vucciria (daily) An energetic, memorable market offering the finest food, including freshly caught fish from local waters. Perfect for preparing picnic lunches.

MILAN FASHION WEEKS These are core events on the couture calendar. In mid-March, the fall/winter collections are previewed. The spring/summer collections are unveiled in October. www.cameramoda.it DERUTA Everyone wants to bring home a “piece” of Italy as a reminder of their travels. The hill town of Deruta, in Umbria, has been famed for its glazed and glossy majolica earthenware since the 15th and 16th centuries. Today’s shopper will marvel at the elegant, vivid and regal pieces created in the workshops and bottegas by talented artisans.

OUTLETS A more economical way of keeping up with the trends and a relatively new concept here, these suburban centers located within warehouses or in shopping villages offer discounted designer labels from factory surplus or previous seasons.

Fifty Factory Stores are located throughout the northern part of Italy with two malls in Aosta, Biella, Meda near Milan, and Modena near Bologna. The malls contain mostly contemporary fashions with brands like Cerruti, Henry Lloyd and Guy Laroche.

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www.fifty.it Franciacorta Outlet Villane. Guess, Gianfranco Ferre and Frette’s famous Italian linens are just a few of the top fashion brands in this hightech mall featuring an Autogrill food court and located in Rodengo Saiano near Brescia. www.franciacortaoutlet.it Fashion District offers an array of designer labels, with mall outlets in Bagnolo San Vito in Mantova; Valmontone, south of Rome; and Molfetta, near Bari. www.fashiondistrict.it McArthurGlen Designer Outlets has three locations, Serravalle Outlet near Alessandria, the Castello Romano near Rome, and Barberino di Mugello near Florence, Noventa di Piave near Venice and La Reggia Outlet near Naples. The malls contain over 150 stores including clothing, footwear and accessories, all at significant savings. www.mcarthurglen.com Castel Guelfo Outlet is just 15 miles from Bologna, specializing in designer labels and accessories priced up to 70 percent off. There is a playground for kids. www.outletcastelguelfo.it Fidenza Village, near Parma, mixes bargains like Reebok and Quicksilver for the younger shopper, with Versace, Pancaldi and Furla for the brand name seekers. www.fidenzavillage.com Valdichiana Outlet Village is surrounded by charming villages in the heart of the Val di Chiana near Arezzo and offers over 20 thousand square meters of designer shopping heaven.

www.valdichianaoutlet.it

TAX-FREE SHOPPING IN ITALY (V.A.T. Refund) The tax (VAT) on the purchases you make in Italy and is included in the sales price. All visitors residing outside of the European Union are entitled to claim back part of the tax, if they spend 154,94 Euro (VAT included) or more in one shop in one day (except accommodations, dining or tourist services).

The goods need to be exported within three months plus the month of purchase. Example: If you make your purchases on April 10th, you must leave the country no later than July 31st.

The store must participate to the tax free program. Look for stores displaying Tax Free Shopping sign in the window.

When paying for your purchases ask the shop staff for a Tax Free Form.

47

Fill in all the required fields in block letters, using the Latin alphabet.

Remember: Incomplete Tax Free Form = No refund.

Tax Free Shopping only applies to goods that are bought at affiliated stores and exported in your luggage, Tax Free Shopping does not apply to goods that are shipped, sent by courier or bought on the Internet.

At the airport please allow enough time for the refund process before your flight departs.

Before you check in for your flight, go to the Customs desk and present your completed Tax Free Form, passport, receipts and purchases to get a stamp on your form.

Make sure the goods are unused. Don’t pack them away in your check-in luggage as you will need to show them to the Customs Officer.

Remember: No Customs Stamp = No Refund Go to the Refund counter displaying a Tax Free Blue logo.

Present your stamped, completed Tax Free Forms to receive the refund in cash or to credit card.

Important: Countries in the European Union have different rules on the Tax Refund. Italy will not allow to mail the tax free form once you leave the EU and the Italian Consulates don’t process Tax Free applications.

At the airport please allow enough time for the refund process before your flight departs.

For further information www.globalblue.com.

SIZE CHARTS WOMEN’S DRESS USA Canada Italy

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

36

38

40

42

44

46

48

50

52

54

56

WOMEN’S SHOES USA Canada Italy

4

4.5

5

5.5

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

10.5

34

34.5

35

35.5

36

36.5

37

37.5

38

38.5

39

39.5

40

41

MEN’S SIZES USA Canada Italy

48

34

36

38

40

42

44

46

48

44

46

48

50

52

54

56

58

MEN’S SHIRTS USACanada Italy

14

14.5

15

15.5

16

16.5

17

17.5

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

MEN’S SHOES Usa Canada Italy

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

10.5

11

11.5

12

12.5

39

39.5

40

40.5

41

41.5

42

42.5

43

43.5

44

44.5

45

45.5

USA Canada

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Italy

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

CHILDREN’S SIZES

What to do : outdoors activities SOCCER Maybe the true religion of Italy, calcio is passionately followed, debated and played nationwide. Nothing compares to seeing a major league (Serie A) match, so try to get a ticket: the season runs from September to May. The modern game was said to be invented in Florence during the 16th century; it was played in the biggest square of the city in teams of 27 players using feet and hands. www.lega-calcio.it (in Italian) AUTO & BIKE RACING From legendary Grand Prix sites like Imola, Monza and Mugello to the museums of revolutionary brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati, Aprilia, Augusta and Alfa Romeo; Italy is a mecca for speed freaks of the two- or four-wheel variety.

CYCLING The “Giro d’Italia,” held in March, is second only to the “Tour de France” in importance, and Italy has a proud tradition of cyclists. For the amateur, there are myriad challenging bike trails, both on- and off-road. Tuscany, Umbria and Sicily are just some of the many regions where you can safely ride while enjoying the scenery.

49

EXTREME SPORTS Recent additions for the more adventurous visitor to Italy include hand-gliding, rock climbing, rafting and caving. Friuli, Trentino, Umbria and Abruzzo lead the way in catering to the thrill seekers.

SAILING AND SCUBA DIVING Italy’s 5,000 miles of coastline offer glorious sailing and rich marine life for the divers, particularly a round Panarea, Vulcano and Lampedusa in Sicily, or Portofino, Capri and Porto Cervo.

GOLF The ancient game combines the love of nature, precision and competition. The Romans used to play a variation, the "paganica," with a stick and a leather ball stuffed with feathers. Today, Italy offers the modern golfer a selection of magnificent courses in unspoiled landscapes all over the country, of which Palazzo Arzaga and Villa Condulner (Mogliano Veneto) are just two superb examples. www.federgolf.it MILLE MIGLIA Not to be missed is the famous Mille Miglia, the Thousand Miles Race, a wonderful historical re-enactment of the 1927 epic vintage car rally from Brescia to Rome and back. www.1000miglia.eu

NATURAL THERAPY: ITALY’S SPAS Rich in thermal and mineral waters, with a mild climate and stunning scenery, Italy has long been a destination for spa tourism, for therapeutic or pampering reasons. Since Roman times taking care of and cleansing the body has been a central part of the culture, as borne out by famed, popular spa sites such as Abano, Salsomaggiore, Chianciano, Montecatini, Fiuggi and Ischia. These are ideal holiday resorts in their own right, close to historical artworks and places of great beauty, featuring world-class accommodations.

Thermal Hot Springs: focuses on health problems and medical healing, detoxification and anti-stress treatments, weight loss programs, rest relaxation.

50

Health and Beauty Spas emphasize beauty treatments, massage and holistic medicine and are usually available in most luxury hotels and resorts and the thermal spas.

Thermal Baths feature mineral-rich mud and water treatments from natural hot springs and are usually visited for medical purposes.

Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.

Sophia Loren

ITALY A LAND FOR ALL SEASONS What to do in: Winter - skiing & snowboarding, Christmas and Carnevale.

Summer – beaches and boating, alpine hiking, wine tasting.

Spring - Hiking & biking, the art and culture trail.

Fall - Grape harvest, truffle hunting, olive picking.

SUMMER Italy blossoms during the summer, the time to go wild, to show some skin and have long walks along the beach. Of all the coastline’s different resorts and enchanting ports, Rimini and Riccione are for partying; Viareggio and Gargano are for families; Cinque Terre and Amalfi for new and old lovers; Sardinia and Sicily for the more expert sailors and divers. But, as you’ll discover, there are so many more to explore. Italians celebrate the Ferragosto Festivity which marks the hottest day of the year, August 15th. Everything closes and everyone heads to the beaches – so get your towel ready!

SPRING Springtime begins with the Easter holiday. In Italy, this is celebrated with friends rather than family as the famous quote says: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with the family, Easter with whomever you want) Easter Monday (Pasquetta) is all about recovery after the Sunday feast. Spring is also when Italian nature bursts with fragrances and colors. It’s a time to explore art cities, to marvel at surrounding beauties and enjoy all the cafés waiting for you in the middle of ancient squares.

FALL 51

September marks the breaking of the heat and the return from the holidays. Cities become more vibrant, and harvests dot the countryside - grape and olive picking, truffle and porcini mushroom hunting, making for a season rich in culinary delights. This is a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains, woods, remote towns and local wine festivals. And the weather is ideal for seeing the south in its best light: Sicily, Puglia or Campania, to name a few.

WINTER The Alps, the Apennines and the Dolomites comprise a white wonderland for skiers. December also contains great historical celebrations, including Naple’s nativity sets, created in all the churches by various artisans. Christmas festivities begin after December 8, and continue through January 6 (Epiphany) when the Befana (a witch) pays a visit to deserving children, giving them gifts.

The Sun, with all the planets revolving around it, and depending on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it had nothing else in the Universe to do.

Galileo Galilei BEFANA (THE EPIPHANY) As the story goes, on the night between January 5 and 6, the Befana flies on her broom, clutching a heavy sack full of toys, chocolates and candies (plus coal and ashes), passes over the homes below and descends the chimneys to fill stockings hung by children. A plate of tangerines or oranges and a glass of wine is prepared for the arrival of the good witch. The next morning, along with their gifts, they discover that the meal has been consumed and the Befana’s hand print is traced in the ashes found on the plate. This tradition is typically Italian and has not yet been substituted by the “foreign” figure of Santa Claus. Sometimes, in poor communities, people used to dress as the Befana, going from house to house, bringing gifts in exchange for a smile and kind wish.

ITALY’S TEMPERATE CLIMATE Italy’s weather is mild, thanks to the moderating influence of the seas and the Alps that protect her from north winds, but conditions vary considerably according to how far one is from these two elements. The winter is very cold in the Alps, misty in the Po Plain and the central Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicily. The summer is hot and dry, but this is offset by coastal breezes, while in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool.

For last-minute forecasts log onto: www.eurometeo.com/english

52

MAJOR CITIES: AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Table 1 ( Celsius - C ยบ ) for principal Cities from January - June Alassio Alghero Amalfi Ancona Aosta Bari Bologna Bolzano Cagliari Capri Catania Como Elba Firenze Genova Imperia Ischia Livorno Messina

January Min. Max. 7.9 11.8 0 17 2 20 3.3 8.8 -2.4 5.1 4.8 12.1 -1.6 5.1 -5.1 5.2 5.5 14 6.8 13.2 5.6 15.2 0.4 6.6 1 16 1.8 9.3 5 10.2 6.7 12.3 7.4 11.8 5.9 11.2 9.2 13.8

February Min. Max. 7.4 12 1 18 2 24 4.2 9.8 -1.7 7.2 4.9 13.5 -0.5 8.7 -2.9 8.9 6 14.4 7 13.2 5.8 16.4 1.4 8.7 1 17 2.4 11.6 5.9 12 7.2 12.3 7.5 12.4 6.5 12.3 9.1 14.8

March Min. Max. 9.5 13.8 4 20 5 20 6.7 12.4 1.4 11 6.2 15.4 3.7 14.2 1.6 15.1 7.2 16.8 9 14.6 6.7 17.7 4.8 13.7 6 18 4.6 15.5 8.6 14.6 8.9 13 8.3 14.1 7.9 14.1 9.8 16.5

Min. 13.7 4 7 11.1 5.3 8.9 7.6 5.9 9.5 10.5 8 8.3 8 7.7 11.6 11.5 10.8 11 12

Max. 15.7 22 26 16.7 16.9 18.8 19.8 20.4 18.6 17.7 19.9 17.6 22 20.2 18.1 17.1 17.2 16.9 18.8

Min. 16.2 10 13 14.4 8.7 12.7 12 9.4 12.6 14.8 12.4 12.3 12 11.8 14 14.9 14.3 14.4 15.1

Max. 21.8 31 28 20.2 19.4 22.6 27.7 23.6 22.3 22.7 23.7 22.6 25 23.7 21.2 20.9 20.8 20.3 22.8

Min. 19.7 11 15 18.4 12.2 16.7 15.5 12.9 13.2 19.1 15.9 15.6 14 14.6 18.6 18 17.9 17.9 17.9

Max. 23.7 31 34 25 22.9 27 28 26.9 26.8 27.6 28.1 25.5 31 28.7 25.1 23.5 25.2 23.7 27.5

Milano Napoli Ortisei Palermo Perugia Pescara

-1.8 5.5 -7.3 8.3 0.4 2.8

0.3 6.3 -6.2 8.6 0.7 3.8

3.6 7.6 -2.8 9.6 4 4.5

8 10.2 1.3 11.8 8 7.7

19 19.4 12.4 19.4 16.8 16.8

12.3 13.6 5.5 15 11.5 11.6

22.4 22.5 17.8 28.3 20.8 21.9

16 16.5 8.5 18.9 14.8 15.5

26.7 27.2 20.6 27.7 24.5 25.8

53

4.2 12.1 -1.8 14.4 4.1 10.3

8.2 12.9 4.3 15.5 4.6 11.8

13.6 15.6 7.7 16.9 11.5 14.9

April

May

June

R.Calabria Rimini Roma San Remo Sondrio Taranto Torino Trento Trieste Venezia Verona Viareggio Viterbo

7.2 13.5 -0.1 7 3.7 12.3 6 11.8 -3.5 5.8 7.1 12.1 -3.6 4 -2.4 4.3 3.1 6.9 0.5 6.2 -1.2 5.9 6.5 12 0.8 8.3 Min. Max. January

8.6 14.6 1.3 8.7 4 13.6 6.3 12.4 -1.6 9.5 6.3 13.2 -1.1 8.2 -0.5 8.4 3.6 8.3 1.4 7.7 -0.9 8.9 4.3 11.1 1.4 1.6 Min. Max. February

10.4 17.1 3.7 12.1 5.6 15.6 7.9 14.2 2.5 14.6 8.7 16.6 3.8 13.9 3.6 14.1 6.6 12.3 4.9 12.3 3.2 14 6.4 10.1 3.6 14.5 Min. Max. March

11.3 7.2 7.6 10.7 6.6 13 7.9 8 10.9 9.6 6.7 10.1 6.7 Min.

19.1 17 19.8 18.2 19.3 20 18.6 19.8 17.5 17.3 19.3 16.6 19.2 Max. April

15.2 11.4 12.6 13.9 10.2 14.5 11.9 11.6 14.9 13.9 11.3 12.6 10.8 Min.

22.8 20.7 23 20.2 22.2 22.2 20.8 22.9 21.6 21.5 22.9 19.1 22.7 Max. May

19 14.9 15.4 17 13.3 19.4 15.2 14.7 18.4 17.6 14.5 16.9 13.6 Min.

26.8 24.8 28 24 25.3 26.9 26.7 27.1 25.7 25.3 27.5 22.9 27.7 Max. June

Table 2 ( Celsius - C ยบ ) for principal Cities from July to December July Alassio Alghero Amalfi Ancona Aosta Bari Bologna Bolzano Cagliari Capri Catania

54

Min. 22.6 12 20 21.4 8.7 19.1 18 14.6 13.6 20.8 18.8

Max. 27.5 35 35 27.8 24.9 29.6 30.7 29 29.8 29.5 30.8

August Min. Max. 22.8 27 16 34 21 34 21.1 27.7 13.3 24.6 19.1 29.4 17.9 30.2 13.9 28.5 19.6 29.5 20.3 29.2 19.1 31.5

September Min. Max. 19.9 24.6 12 32 16 30 18.5 24.4 10.5 21 17.1 26.8 15.5 26.4 11.1 25.9 17.6 26.9 19.2 27.3 17.6 29.3

October Min. Max. 17.2 20.4 10 30 10 29 13.6 18.8 6.3 15.2 13.1 21.5 10.2 18.4 5.3 18.9 14 23.3 14.8 21.5 13.7 24.4

November Min. Max. 12.5 14.7 9 21 10 24 8.8 13.7 2 9.9 9.9 17.1 4.9 11.7 -1.9 11.8 10.1 18.8 13.6 19.1 10 20.4

December Min. Max. 8.9 11.8 5 18 8 20 5.7 9.8 -1.1 5.9 6.5 14 0.6 6.4 -3.7 6.6 7 16.8 9.9 15.4 6.6 16.8

Como Elba Firenze

17.9 18 17.1

29.5 30 31.8

17.6 18 16.6

28 32 31.2

14.5 15 14.5

24.4 28 27.5

9.9 10 10.7

17.9 28 20.7

5.3 10 5.8

11.3 22 14.4

1.9 6 2.8

7.7 18 10.2

Genova

21.2

27.9

21

27.9

18.8

25.6

14.5

20.3

10.1

15.5

6.9

11.8

Imperia

20.6

27.6

20.4

25

18.3

24.6

14.2

20.6

10.5

14.9

7.8

13.1

Ischia Livorno Messina

20.4 20.5 22

28.1 26.4 30

20.8 20.4 22.6

28.3 26.6 30.2

19.1 18.4 20.7

25.8 24.5 27.7

15.5 15.6 16.8

21.1 20.3 23.1

12 10.4 13.3

16.7 15.9 20

9.3 7.3 10.3

13.5 12.5 15.5

29 30 23.3 30 28.5 28.2 30.3 27.6 31 27.1 28.7 29.3 29.2 29.9 28.4 27.9 29.7 25.6 30.8 Max.

17.1 19.3 10.3 22.3 17.2 17.8 22 17.3 18 19.4 14.8 21.6 17.3 16 20.3 19.3 16.2 20.1 15.6 Min.

28 29.9 23.1 30.3 26.9 28.3 30.3 27.4 31.2 26.8 27.1 30 27.9 28.8 28 27.8 28.8 26.4 30.2 Max.

14.2 17.4 7.7 20.4 15.2 15.5 19.8 15 15.6 17.9 12.3 19.1 13.9 13.5 18 16.6 13.3 17.7 13.5 Min.

24.7 27.5 19.7 28.2 23.8 25.7 27.4 24.2 28.1 24.8 24.1 27.5 24.6 24.9 24.7 25.5 25.5 23.9 26.5 Max.

9.4 13.4 3.3 16.5 10.7 11 15.3 10.9 11.6 14.2 7.2 15.6 9.3 8.5 12.6 11.1 8.4 13.1 9.7 Min.

17.7 22.2 14.6 23.7 17.6 18.3 22.2 18.2 22.7 20.5 18 22.3 18 18 18.2 18.3 18.7 20.1 19.7 Max.

3.9 9.6 -1.5 12.9 9.3 7.3 14 6 7.7 10.2 1.9 12.8 2.9 3 8.3 6.1 3.2 8.1 4.8 Min.

10.7 17.1 5 19.4 15.5 15.5 20.7 12.6 17.1 16 12 18 11.1 10.3 12.5 12.3 11.9 14 13.4 Max.

0.3 7.1 -5.6 9.8 3.5 4 11.6 2.2 4.8 7.7 -2 8 -2.5 -0.6 5.3 2.5 -0.4 6.7 1.8 Min.

5.4 13.8 -1.2 16 7.5 12.4 17.5 8.3 13.6 13.1 6.6 13.2 5.1 5 8.9 7.7 6.8 10.6 9.2 Max.

Milano Napoli Ortisei Palermo Perugia Pescara R. Calabria Rimini Roma San Remo Sondrio Taranto Torino Trento Trieste Venezia Verona Viareggio Viterbo

18 19.4 10.4 21.6 18.9 18 22.5 17.5 18 20 15.4 21.2 18 16.5 20.5 19.6 17 19 16.1 Min. July

55

August

September

October

November

December

Table 3 (Fahrenheit - F ยบ ) for principal Cities from January - June January

February

March

April

May

June

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Alassio

46.2

53.2

45.3

53.6

49.1

56.8

56.7

60.3

61.2

71.2

67.5

74.7

Alghero

32.0

62.6

33.8

64.4

39.2

68.0

39.2

71.6

50.0

87.8

51.8

87.8

Amalfi

35.6

68.0

35.6

75.2

41.0

68.0

44.6

78.8

55.4

82.4

59.0

93.2

Ancona

37.9

47.8

39.6

49.6

44.1

54.3

52.0

62.1

57.9

68.4

65.1

77.0

Aosta

27.7

41.2

28.9

45.0

34.5

51.8

41.5

62.4

47.7

66.9

54.0

73.2

Bari

40.6

53.8

40.8

56.3

43.2

59.7

48.0

65.8

54.9

72.7

62.1

80.6

Bologna

29.1

41.2

31.1

47.7

38.7

57.6

45.7

67.6

53.6

81.9

59.9

82.4

Bolzano

22.8

41.4

26.8

48.0

34.9

59.2

42.6

68.7

48.9

74.5

55.2

80.4

Cagliari

41.9

57.2

42.8

57.9

45.0

62.2

49.1

65.5

54.7

72.1

55.8

80.2

Capri

44.2

55.8

44.6

55.8

48.2

58.3

50.9

63.9

58.6

72.9

66.4

81.7

Catania

42.1

59.4

42.4

61.5

44.1

63.9

46.4

67.8

54.3

74.7

60.6

82.6

Como

32.7

43.9

34.5

47.7

40.6

56.7

46.9

63.7

54.1

72.7

60.1

77.9

Elba

33.8

60.8

33.8

62.6

42.8

64.4

46.4

71.6

53.6

77.0

57.2

87.8

Firenze

35.2

48.7

36.3

52.9

40.3

59.9

45.9

68.4

53.2

74.7

58.3

83.7

Genova

41.0

50.4

42.6

53.6

47.5

58.3

52.9

64.6

57.2

70.2

65.5

77.2

Imperia

44.1

54.1

45.0

54.1

48.0

55.4

52.7

62.8

58.8

69.6

64.4

74.3

Ischia

45.3

53.2

45.5

54.3

46.9

57.4

51.4

63.0

57.7

69.4

64.2

77.4

Livorno

42.6

52.2

43.7

54.1

46.2

57.4

51.8

62.4

57.9

68.5

64.2

74.7

Messina

48.6

56.8

48.4

58.6

49.6

61.7

53.6

65.8

59.2

73.0

64.2

81.5

Milano

28.8

39.6

32.5

46.8

38.5

56.5

46.4

66.2

54.1

72.3

60.8

80.1

Napoli

41.9

53.8

43.3

55.2

45.7

60.1

50.4

66.9

56.5

72.5

61.7

81.0

Ortisei

18.9

28.8

20.8

39.7

27.0

45.9

34.3

54.3

41.9

64.0

47.3

69.1

Palermo

46.9

57.9

47.5

59.9

49.3

62.4

53.2

66.9

59.0

82.9

66.0

81.9

Perugia

32.7

39.4

33.3

40.3

39.2

52.7

46.4

62.2

52.7

69.4

58.6

76.1

Pescara

37.0

50.5

38.8

53.2

40.1

58.8

45.9

62.2

52.9

71.4

59.9

78.4

R. Calabria

45.0

56.3

47.5

58.3

50.7

62.8

52.3

66.4

59.4

73.0

66.2

80.2

Rimini

31.8

44.6

34.3

47.7

38.7

53.8

45.0

62.6

52.5

69.3

58.8

76.6

Roma

38.7

54.1

39.2

56.5

42.1

60.1

45.7

67.6

54.7

73.4

59.7

82.4

56

San Remo

42.8

53.2

43.3

54.3

46.2

57.6

51.3

64.8

57.0

68.4

62.6

75.2

Sondrio

25.7

42.4

29.1

49.1

36.5

58.3

43.9

66.7

50.4

72.0

55.9

77.5

Taranto

44.8

53.8

43.3

55.8

47.7

61.9

55.4

68.0

58.1

72.0

66.9

80.4

Torino

25.5

39.2

30.0

46.8

38.8

57.0

46.2

65.5

53.4

69.4

59.4

80.1

Trento

27.7

39.7

31.1

47.1

38.5

57.4

46.4

67.6

52.9

73.2

58.5

80.8

Trieste

37.6

44.4

38.5

46.9

43.9

54.1

51.6

63.5

58.8

70.9

65.1

78.3

Venezia

32.9

43.2

34.5

45.9

40.8

54.1

49.3

63.1

57.0

70.7

63.7

77.5

Verona

29.8

42.6

30.4

48.0

37.8

57.2

44.1

66.7

52.3

73.2

58.1

81.5

Viareggio

43.7

53.6

39.7

52.0

43.5

50.2

50.2

61.9

54.7

66.4

62.4

73.2

Viterbo

33.4

46.9

34.5

34.9

38.5

58.1

44.1

66.6

51.4

72.9

56.5

81.9

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

January

February

March

April

May

June

Table 4 (Fahrenheit - F ยบ ) for principal Cities From July to December July

August

September

October

November

December

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Alassio

72.7

81.5

73.0

80.6

67.8

76.3

63.0

68.7

54.5

58.5

48.0

53.2

Alghero

53.6

95.0

60.8

93.2

53.6

89.6

50.0

86.0

48.2

69.8

41.0

64.4

Amalfi

68.0

95.0

69.8

93.2

60.8

86.0

50.0

84.2

50.0

75.2

46.4

68.0

Ancona

70.5

82.0

70.0

81.9

65.3

75.9

56.5

65.8

47.8

56.7

42.3

49.6

Aosta

47.7

76.8

55.9

76.3

50.9

69.8

43.3

59.4

35.6

49.8

30.0

42.6

Bari

66.4

85.3

66.4

84.9

62.8

80.2

55.6

70.7

49.8

62.8

43.7

57.2

Bologna

64.4

87.3

64.2

86.4

59.9

79.5

50.4

65.1

40.8

53.1

33.1

43.5

Bolzano

58.3

84.2

57.0

83.3

52.0

78.6

41.5

66.0

28.6

53.2

25.3

43.9

Cagliari

56.5

85.6

67.3

85.1

63.7

80.4

57.2

73.9

50.2

65.8

44.6

62.2

Capri

69.4

85.1

68.5

84.6

66.6

81.1

58.6

70.7

56.5

66.4

49.8

59.7

Catania

65.8

87.4

66.4

88.7

63.7

84.7

56.7

75.9

50.0

68.7

43.9

62.2

Como

64.2

85.1

63.7

82.4

58.1

75.9

49.8

64.2

41.5

52.3

35.4

45.9

Elba

64.4

86.0

64.4

89.6

59.0

82.4

50.0

82.4

50.0

71.6

42.8

64.4

Firenze

62.8

89.2

61.9

88.2

58.1

81.5

51.3

69.3

42.4

57.9

37.0

50.4

Genova

70.2

82.2

69.8

82.2

65.8

78.1

58.1

68.5

50.2

59.9

44.4

53.2

57

Imperia

69.1

81.7

68.7

77.0

64.9

76.3

57.6

69.1

50.9

58.8

46.0

55.6

Ischia

68.7

82.6

69.4

82.9

66.4

78.4

59.9

70.0

53.6

62.1

48.7

56.3

Livorno

68.9

79.5

68.7

79.9

65.1

76.1

60.1

68.5

50.7

60.6

45.1

54.5

Messina

71.6

86.0

72.7

86.4

69.3

81.9

62.2

73.6

55.9

68.0

50.5

59.9

Milano

64.4

84.2

62.8

82.4

57.6

76.5

48.9

63.9

39.0

51.3

32.5

41.7

Napoli

66.9

86.0

66.7

85.8

63.3

81.5

56.1

72.0

49.3

62.8

44.8

56.8

Ortisei

50.7

73.9

50.5

73.6

45.9

67.5

37.9

58.3

29.3

41.0

21.9

29.8

Palermo

70.9

86.0

72.1

86.5

68.7

82.8

61.7

74.7

55.2

66.9

49.6

60.8

Perugia

66.0

83.3

63.0

80.4

59.4

74.8

51.3

63.7

48.7

59.9

38.3

45.5

Pescara

64.4

82.8

64.0

82.9

59.9

78.3

51.8

64.9

45.1

59.9

39.2

54.3

R. Calabria

72.5

86.5

71.6

86.5

67.6

81.3

59.5

72.0

57.2

69.3

52.9

63.5

Rimini

63.5

81.7

63.1

81.3

59.0

75.6

51.6

64.8

42.8

54.7

36.0

46.9

Roma

64.4

87.8

64.4

88.2

60.1

82.6

52.9

72.9

45.9

62.8

40.6

56.5

San Remo

68.0

80.8

66.9

80.2

64.2

76.6

57.6

68.9

50.4

60.8

45.9

55.6

Sondrio

59.7

83.7

58.6

80.8

54.1

75.4

45.0

64.4

35.4

53.6

28.4

43.9

Taranto

70.2

84.7

70.9

86.0

66.4

81.5

60.1

72.1

55.0

64.4

46.4

55.8

Torino

64.4

84.6

63.1

82.2

57.0

76.3

48.7

64.4

37.2

52.0

27.5

41.2

Trento

61.7

85.8

60.8

83.8

56.3

76.8

47.3

64.4

37.4

50.5

30.9

41.0

Trieste

68.9

83.1

68.5

82.4

64.4

76.5

54.7

64.8

46.9

54.5

41.5

48.0

Venezia

67.3

82.2

66.7

82.0

61.9

77.9

52.0

64.9

43.0

54.1

36.5

45.9

Verona

62.6

85.5

61.2

83.8

55.9

77.9

47.1

65.7

37.8

53.4

31.3

44.2

Viareggio

66.2

78.1

68.2

79.5

63.9

75.0

55.6

68.2

46.6

57.2

44.1

51.1

Viterbo

61.0

87.4

60.1

86.4

56.3

79.7

49.5

67.5

40.6

56.1

35.2

48.6

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min. July

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August

September

October

November

December

Regions of the North Italy’s northern regions are a symphony of breathtaking contrasts. Liguria stretches along the Mediterranean, and the jagged peaks of the Alps extend throughout Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont, complemented by Lombardy’s rolling plains. The snowy Dolomites provide the backdrop to the Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto regions, while Venice and the sea maintain their delicate, dramatic relationship and the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia yields a treasure trove of Roman remains.

“I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish.”

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 - 1564) AOSTA VALLEY This is the most mountainous region of Italy, dominated by Alpine peaks, glaciers, valley streams, pine forests and high pasturelands, and accessed by the tunnels at the historic passes of Monte Bianco and Gran San Bernardo. The capital, Aosta, recognizes both Italian and French as its native tongues, and offers visitors such sights as the 11th century Romanesque Cathedral, Sant'Orso Church and the perfectly preserved forts of the Aosta Valley.

Temptations • Valle d’Aosta Müller Thurgau (DOC), white • Valle d’Aosta Torrette Superiore (DOC), red • Chambave Passito (DOC), dessert wine • Genepy, herbal alpine liqueur Tastes • Fontina, a semi-soft, smooth whole milk cheese • Renette apples and Martin Sec pears • Chestnuts from the Lillianes municipality • Tegole almond cookies from Aosta • Beefsteak alla valdostana, a breaded veal cutlet fried and topped with fontina and ham, then reheated in the oven on a slice of polenta.

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Arts & Crafts • Sabots, the famous wooden clogs from Val d’Ayas • Hand-woven wool draps (covers) and rustic upholstery fabrics from Valgrisenche • Lace clothing, curtains and tablecloths from the Cogne valley Just For Kids Gran Paradiso National Park, set in the Valleys of Cogne, Valsavarenche and Rhemes, is rich in chestnuts, oaks, white fir and locust-trees, as well as wildlife such as royal owls, woodpeckers, martens, partridges and the alpine finch. www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.gran.paradiso/Eindex.html Red Letter Days January 30/31 Feast of Saint Orso in Aosta, an important artisan fair featuring the mountaineer art of the alpine bow.

May, second Sunday Festival du “Vien de Nus,” in Nus, celebrates the excellent local wines, Rouge and Malvoise, with tasting in the afternoon.

June 23/24 Feast of San Giovanni, Gressoney Saint John, beginning with the Fires of St. John, the town’s patron saint, the night before a mass, followed by the “Walser” procession with the blessing of the lambs.

September, Last Sunday Grape Festival, Chambave, a seasonal event honoring the wine harvest with public sales and tastings.

November 1 Cantes Festival, Cogne, wherein the community’s bachelors offer each other wine and food, and sing until sunset.

PIEDMONT A region rippling with Alpine streams flowing into the Po, and dominated in the east by the lakes of Maggiore and d'Orta. The capital, Turin, features cultural and artistic influences from the Romanesque-Gothic and Baroque styles, while Sestriere and Bardonecchia offer fantastic skiing resorts.

Temptations • Barolo (DOCG), red • Barbaresco (DOCG), red • Barbera (DOCG), red • Nebbiolo (DOC), red 60

• Dolcetto (DOC), red • Asti Spumante (DOCG), sparkling white Tastes • White truffles from Alba • Risotto with rice from Vercelli, a dish made with beef stock, veal bone marrow and saffron • Castelmagno cheese is a cylindrical pressed, semi-fat semi-hard cheese tinged with blue mold • Robiola from Murazzano is creamy fresh cheese, superb with olive oil and fresh herbs • Bicerin is Turin’s signature blend of coffee, milk and chocolate Arts & Crafts • Wickerwork from Alessandria • Ceramics and stoves from Castellamonte • Silverware and jewelry from Valenza Just For Kids Safari Parks in Murazzano, in the Langhe region, with a variety of 300 animals to observe, and in Pobia, showcasing various endangered species.

Red Letter Days February 10 - 26, 2006 XX Olympic Winter Games, hosted by Turin and the surrounding Alps.

September, second Weekend Douja d’Or, Asti, where prestigious wine producers (a douja is an old decanter) host a celebration involving food stands and a parade in traditional costume with carts, wagons and vintage tractors.

October, first Sunday Palio degli Asini, Alba, is literally The Race of the Donkeys, a comical contest dating back to the medieval rivalry between the cities of Alba and Asti, which coincides with the Feast of the Truffle and a historical recreation of the Giostre delle Cento Torri, or Tournament of the 100 Towers.

September, Third Sunday The Palio of Asti recreates historical events and everyday life in medieval times, with Italy’s oldest horse race, a historic procession in medieval attire and spectacular sbandieratori (flag-wavers).

LOMBARDY

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Spreading over the Po Valley and bordered to the north by the Alps, this region is a veritable lake district, including eastern Maggiore, Varese, Iseo, Como and northern Garda. Each major city contains striking monuments to Romanesque and Gothic architecture, such as the Cathedral of Milan, while sumptuous Renaissance palaces and churches abound – some containing examples of the Lombard painting movement, which peaked during the fifteenth century.

Temptations • Franciacorta Spumante (DOCG), sparkling white • Bonarda (DOC), red • Lugana (DOC), white • Valtellina superiore Inferno (DOCG), red Tastes • Torrone from Cremona, a traditional sweet made of almonds, nougat and honey • Risotto alla Milanese, sautéed rice cooked in broth and saffron • Ossobuco, shank of veal with its bone and marrow • Pavese Soup, a clear broth served with toasted bread and eggs • Bresaola from Valtellina, a cured thin-sliced meat Arts & Crafts • Violin-making in Cremona, home to the world-famous Stradivari • Legendary accordions from Stradella • Pottery from Lodi, suppliers to many European noble houses • Printing and dyeing silk in Como Just For Kids The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan is a wonderful way to witness the inventions of the great man; the fabulous Toy Museum in Canneto sull’Oglio near Mantua; Fantasy World provides a miniature version of Italy for children to play in; they also love climbing the spiral stairs to the top of the Duomo Cathedral, the world's largest Gothic cathedral.

Red Letter Days

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Year-round, last Sunday of every month, except July & August, Naviglio Grande Antiques Fair, one of Milan’s most charming sections is transformed into a bustling market.

December 7-9, Feast of Saint Ambrogio, Milan, celebrated for three days in the Piazza of St. Ambrogio with antiques, crafts, food delicacies, sweets, wine, and a market on the third day. Coincides with the Opera season premiere at La Scala.

TRENTINO AND SOUTH TYROL A dramatic Alpine province, rich in rivers and lakes, and clusters of mountains and valleys, bisected by the Adige river. Three natural parks, Adamello-Brenta, Paneveggio-Pale of S. Martino and Stelvio conserve the native flora and fauna, including bears. Straddling Germany and northern Italy, the capital Trento combines both diverse cultures to create a fascinating artistic aesthetic.

Temptations • Caldaro (DOC), red • Santa Maddalena (DOC), red • Marzemino (DOC), red • Teroldego Rotaliano (DOC), red • Riesling (DOC), white • Muller Thurgau (DOC), white • Merlot (DOC), white • Pinot Bianco (DOC), white • Bianco Val d’Adige (DOC), white • Moscato, amber dessert wine Tastes • Speck, a smoked ham • Biroldi, blood sausages filled with nuts, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon • Gemsenfleisch, Alpine chamois goat with red wine vinegar, salt pork, herbs and sour cream • Orzetto, a barley soup with onion, garlic, vegetables and herbs simmered with speck Arts & Crafts • Wooden sculptures and masks from the Moena and Pozza are hand carved and hand painted, called faceres and used in the Ladin Carnival period 63

• Copper articles from Cavalese • Wrought iron from Malè Just For Kids Topolino Junior Ski Trophy, Madonna di Campiglio, second week of February 2006, with races, competitions and displays hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Kids Fun Park in the Alta Badia is a winter wonderland, including a toddler’s play area and a solarium for adults.

Visit the Clifftop Castles, such as the Churburg (Castel Coira) in Sluderno, Castle Tyrol in Merano, Schloss Runkelstein in Bolzano and the Castle Kastelbell west of Merano.

The Archeology Museum of the Upper Adige in Bolzano specializes in the Stone, Copper and Bronze Ages, and is home to the 200-year-old mummified Ice Man. Red Letter Days October, first week Festa dell’uva, Merano, celebrates the harvest with a grape festival and a parade in Tyrolean costume.

December, first Saturday Festa dei Klosen, Passo dello Stelvio, dedicated to Santa Claus, where costumed locals wander the streets until the church bells are rung and everyone unites in prayer.

February, second Weekend Carnevale Asburgico (Hapsburg’s Carnival), Arco, began in 1876 to unite the population with their imperial rulers, the Hapsburgs. On the Friday, a concert is held in the hall of the casino; Saturday sees a tribute to traditional artisans and craftsmen, with an evening gala ball; Sunday, is a masked parade, celebrated with floats.

FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA A broad, flat province stretching from the Tagliamento River and to the Adriatic coastline, dotted with lagoons, interesting geological formations and countless grottoes. The regional capital is Trieste; major towns include Udine, Gorizia and Pordenone. Evidence of older civilizations is abundant: Aquileia is a noted Roman archeological center, also with magnificent mosaics in its Romanesque Gothic Basilica.

Temptations • Colli Orientali del Friuli: Tocai Friulano (DOC), white • Collio Goriziano Cabernet (DOC), red • Ramandolo (DOCG), dessert white Tastes • San Daniele Prosciutto, renowned sweet air-cured ham 64

• Montasio, a creamy, rich, hard cheese made from cow's milk • Musèt, a spicy pork sausage • Iota from Trieste, a traditional soup with beans, potatoes and sauerkraut Arts & Crafts • Hand-crafted wooden chairs from Manzano • Ceramics from Udine • Mosaic work from Spilimbergo Just For Kids Aquasplash in Lignano Sabbiadoro, is a spectacular water park that suits thrill lovers and families. www.acquasplash.it (in Italian only).

Take in the Punta Verde Wildlife Park, Lignano Sabbiadoro, home to 1500 animals, plant life and small lakes. www.parcozoopuntaverde.it Red Letter Days January 6 Epiphany of the Thaler, Gemona del Friuli, a historical parade of dames and knights accompanying the mayor to the duomo for the celebration of the Mass.

End of June “Aria di Festa,” San Daniele, a San Daniele promotional event, with tastings, music shows and exhibitions. www.prosciuttosandaniele.it September, 2nd Sunday Provincial Grape Festival, Cormons, offers samplings of the area’s finest wines and typical dishes, with a market, an allegorical parade, folk groups and bands.

October, second Sunday “Barcolana” Autumn Cup, Trieste, a spectacular sailing event, open to large yachts and thousands of smaller boats, creating a regatta where famous champions and Sunday sailors compete together. www.barcolana.it VENETO Bordered by the eastern part of the Po Valley, this extensive plain comprises the majestic Dolomites of Cadore and the lagoon zone, including Venice, the region’s agelessly beautiful capital. Here, Byzantine influences abound, in San Marco’s and the Cathedral of Torcello, while there are innumerable glorious examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance art and architecture. Other unmissable treats include the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello; Chioggia; the canals of the Brenta and the Veneto villas.

65

Temptations • Recioto di Soave (DOCG), a golden, fruity white • Bardolino Superiore (DOCG), red • Prosecco di Valdobbiandene (DOC), sparkling white • Tocai (DOC), white • Amarone della Valpolicella - (DOC) dry, light, harmonious red Tastes • Pandoro, a Christmas bread cooked in butter, sprinkled with fine white sugar • Fegatio alla Veneziana, calf’s liver sautéed in onions, parsley and sage with butter, oil and a hint of vinegar • Pasta e Fasoi, noodles and beans in a thick broth flavored with onion, carrot, celery and pork rind • Sardele in Saor, fried sardines in oil with onions and vinegar, marinated with pine nuts, raisins and lemon peel • Tiramisu, coffee-flavored cream of mascarpone and eggs layered with ladyfingers and topped with bitter chocolate Arts & Crafts • Murano glass, uniquely hand-blown, fused and tinted • Burano lace, crafted entirely by needle • Venice Carnival masks, made with papier-mâché and hand painted Just For Kids Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda, is the largest amusement park in Italy.

CanevaWorld, also on Garda, is another theme park with movie studios, water rides and themed restaurants.

Red Letter Days February Venice Carnival, the highlight of the year, with masked balls and decorated costumes of the 18th century.

June 12-13 Festa di San’Antonio, Padua, a historical, costumed parade, a torchlight procession on the Bacchiglione and lots of fireworks!

June 17-August 31 Summer Theater in Verona, the world’s third largest Roman amphitheater hosts its annual opera season.

July, third Sunday Feast of the Redeemer, Venice, Holy Mass is held followed by a religious procession and fireworks.

The Saturday night before, St. Mark’s Basin features a kaleidoscopic play of lights and reflections against the city’s silhouetted spires, domes and bell towers.

66

September, first Sunday Historical Regatta, Venice, a procession of 16th-century style boats, with the famous Bucintoro, the boat representing the Serenissima, at its head, followed by a racing competition.

September, every even numbered year A human chess game is played on the square of Marostica every second Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This tradition dates back to 1454.

December, second Sunday Fiera del Radicchio, Treviso, honors the uniquely long-shaped radicchio in the Piazza dei Signori.

LIGURIA Centered around the Gulf of Genoa on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Liguria is a mountainous region formed by the Maritime Alps and the Apennines, leaving only a narrow coastline. The region is divided at Genoa, the capital, into the Riviera di Ponente (west to Ventemiglia), and the Riviera di Levante (east to La Spezia) – the tail end of which is the beautiful, unspoiled “Le Cinque Terre” (the Five Lands).

Throughout Liguria, you can find superb examples of Roman ruins, Romanesque and Baroque architecture and many medieval forts, towers, walls and castles.

Temptations • Sciacchetrà (DOC), white • Pigato (DOC), white • Vermentino (DOC), white • Rossese di Dolceacqua (DOC), red Tastes • Basil Pesto, a cold sauce of fresh basil, olive oil and pine nuts • Focaccia, a flat bread with salt and olive oil • Farinata, a thin pancake made of chick pea flour and baked in wood ovens.

Arts & Crafts • White and blue ceramics from Albisola • Handmade lace, macramé, from Chiavari • Plush velvet from Zoagli • Lace and embroidery from Portofino Just For Kids 67

Genoa Aquarium is the biggest in Europe, featuring sandbar sharks, seals and dolphins. Also visit Le Caravelle Water Park, in Ceriale.

Red Letter Days July, every weekend Sagra del Muscolo (Cozze) held on Portovenere’s seashore is the Feast of the Mussels organized to help fund Cadimare’s rowing team during the regatta Palio del Golfo in La Spezia. Renowned for delicious mussel-based dishes, dances and other entertainment.

May and July Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, this rotating yearly celebration comes to Genoa (the other venues are Amalfi, Pisa and Venice), beginning with a historical costumed parade and starring a 2,000-meter boat race.

May, second weekend Sagra del Pesce (Feast of the Fish), at Camogli, is over 50 years old, a competition between the districts of Porto and Pinetto, that build large wooden structures on the beach which become night bonfires. On Sunday, in an enormous pan in the town square, almost two tons of fish are fried and consumed.

Regions of the Center Central Italy abounds with diverse landscapes and towns rich in art, architecture and culture. From Tuscany’s transcendent treasures amid countless towers, palaces and churches, to the “green heart” of Le Marche and Umbria, to the lush Po Delta in Emilia Romagna and Lazio, home to Rome and the independent papal state, Vatican City.

EMILIA ROMAGNA Half mountain range (the Apennines), half coastal plain along the Adriatic Apennines, this region’s capital is Bologna, a famous university town. Historically, important Roman traces can be found in Rimini and Ravenna, once capital of the Western Roman Empire. Romanesque Lombardian style is showcased by the Cathedrals of Modena and Piacenza e Ferrara, while Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles are all well represented in the main towns.

Temptations • Albana di Romagna (DOCG), white • Sangiovese di Romagna (DOC), red wine • Trebbiano di Romagna (DOC), sparkling white • Lambrusco di Sorbara (DOC), sparkling red and rosé 68

• Castell’Arquato Nocino walnut liquor Tastes • Aceto Balsamico vinegar from Modena • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Parma • Tortellini in Brodo, pasta filled with Mortadella, prosciutto and veal, in a meat broth Arts & Crafts • Ceramics from Faenza • Graffito ceramics from Ferrara • Clay pots from Montetiffi • Golden mosaics from Ravenna Just For Kids Mirabilandia is an amusement park in Savio with 36 rides, 14 waterfalls, ice skaters, fireworks, acrobatic parrots, stuntmen, flowers and gardens, plus a small town, “Bimbopoli” for very little ones. www.mirabilandia.com/index_en.htm Italy in Miniature in Rimini is the most famous miniature park in Italy, with rides, games, monuments and great food. www.italiainminiatura.com Red Letter Day January “Arte Fiera,” Bologna, a large international contemporary art fair at the Piazza della Costituzione devoted to young galleries, publishing houses, bookstores and institutions. www.artefiera.bolognafiere.it April “Paganello,” Rimini, sees hundreds of people compete on the beach for the “Ultimate Frisbee” World Cup. www.paganello.com May, last weekend Palio di Ferrara, Ferrara, is a dramatic horse race between the eight town districts around the oldest town square in Italy, complemented by a Historical Renaissance Parade. www.paliodiferrara.it/ August, last week Palio di S.Reparata e della Romagna-Toscana, Castrocaro Terme, is another wonderful horse race, offset with Renaissance pomp, entertainment and decorations.

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TUSCANY Stretching gently down the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea, this region is a geographically charming mix of hilly landscapes and long sandy expanses, headlands and archipelagos. With Florence as its capital, Tuscany is unrivaled as a cradle of art and monuments to Italy’s many eras and civilizations: Etruscan, Roman, Gothic and Romanesque. From Fiesole to Chiusi, Volterra to Siena, Pisa to Elba, Tuscany’s beauty and appeal is as varied as it is enchanting.

Temptations • Bianco di Pitigliano (DOC), white • Vernaccia di San Gimignano (DOCG), white • Chianti (DOC & DOCG), red • Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG), red Tastes • Ribollita, a popular Florentine vegetable soup with black cabbage • Bistecca Fiorentina, a regionally unique T-bone steak • Pecorino & Raveggiolo cheeses, from sheep’s milk in the Sienese hills Arts & Crafts • Ceramics and terracotta from an ancient tradition dating back to the Etruscan era • Jewelry from Florence and Arezzo • Marble from Massa Carrara • Il Toscano, a long, slim cigar with an intense, strong aroma • Any leather goods, from jackets to handbags Just For Kids Parco Collodi near Pistoia is a park devoted to Pinocchio (named after his creator Carlo Collodi) www.pinocchio.it.

The Viareggio Carnival Parades, with floats and papier-mâché puppets take place each February. www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com.

Near Siena is the Museum for Kids, to introduce children to the world of visual arts through labs, excursions, visits and arts and crafts.

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www.comune.siena.it Also Cavallino Matto, near Livorno, is an exciting theme park deep in the pine forest along the Tyrrhenian coast. www.cavallinomatto.it Red Letter Days Easter Sunday Scoppio del Carro, Florence, is a spectacular Easter celebration involving a cart with fireworks set up in Piazza del Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore, and the liberation of a dove of peace. www.comune.firenze.it April - June Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence, is the city’s biggest arts festival, including international music, drama and dance. www.maggiofiorentino.it June 2 Festa di Sant’Erasmo (Feast of St. Erasmo), Monte Argentario (Porto Ercole), sees the town’s Spanish fortresses adorned with lights while an evening procession of boats dressed with flags is held on the sea.

June, third Sunday and September, first Sunday Giostra del Saracino (Saracen’s Game), Arezzo, is an ancient festival with eight riders, two from each of the city’s districts, each galloping towards the “Saracen,” an “armed,” revolving mannequin in a fight for the most points.

June 16 Luminara e Regata Storica per San Ranieri (Illuminations and Historical Regata for St. Ranieri), Pisa, is notable for the evening before, when a display of candles embellishes the contours of buildings and monuments; floating candles also light up the Arno river. The day after, the true festival begins with a rowing regatta with four competing teams.

June last Sunday Il Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Battle), Pisa, is a grand military parade in 17th-century costume, followed by a competition between two teams pushing a cart on the bridge in opposite directions. www.comune.pisa.it July 2 & August 15 Palio di Siena, perhaps Italy’s most famous and colorful horse race in the historic town square. www.ilpaliodisiena.com September 13 Luminara di Santa Croce (Illuminations of the Holy Cross), Lucca, is a centuries-old procession carried out on the eve of the recurrence of the Holy Cross through a city decorated with thousands of lights, from the Church of St. Frediano to the Cathedral of St. Martino.

UMBRIA The “cuore verde” (green heart) of Italy comprises an undulating landscape dominated by woods, valleys and water – most notably the lake known as the Trasimeno, and Falls of the Marmore, which are the highest in Italy. Etruscan traces are abundant in Todi, Bettona, Orvieto and Perugia, while Spoleto and Spello feature impressive Roman remains; Spello is a city, where the Romans left some impressive

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remains. Beautiful examples of Romanesque style are embodied in the Cathedrals of Assisi, St. Silvestro and St. Michele in Bevagna. The Renaissance still lives through magnificent monuments in towns like Perugia and Gubbio, to name but two.

Temptations • Colli Perugini (DOC), red and white • Torgiano Rosso Riserva (DOCG), red • Sagrantino (DOCG), dry dessert wine Tastes • Black truffles of Norcia, Cascia, and Spoleto; earthy, distinct and strong flavor • Honey from Valnerina, a delicate, mixed flower fragrance and flavor • Budellaccio salami from Norcia, flavored with salt, pepper, and fennel seeds, dried fireside • Porchetta, pork, cooked on a spit over a wood fire, stuffed with minced liver, heart and lungs, pepper, garlic, salt and wild fennel Arts & Crafts • Pottery from Deruta, with a unique color scheme • Pottery from Gubbio, based on a 16th-century luster technique that causes red-golden reflections • Tablecloths from Perugia woven in the “occhio di pernice” (eye of a partridge) design of white linen embellished with blue bands and geometric decorations Just For Kids Citta’ della Domenica in Perugia is a nature park and zoo with hundreds of wildlife and exotic animals, even a reptile house, a huge play area and a little train to tour visitors. www.cittadelladomenica.it Red Letter Days February, last weekend Black Truffle Fair, Norcia, has local and national food producers showing off their specialties, with frequent tastings of truffles, the cheese and lentils of Castelluccio and forest fruits.

May, last Sunday Palio della Balestra, Gubbio, consists of a medieval crossbow contest between the Società Balestrieri Eugubina and San Sepolcro.

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October, first Sunday Palio dei Terzieri, Trevi, boasts a contest between three districts and a historical, costumed procession, commemorating the reconstruction of the town destroyed in the 13th century.

MARCHE A rugged region, facing the Adriatic Sea, with narrow valleys, deep gorges and numerous rushing streams that meet a coastline of gently rolling hills and flat plains. The regional capital is Ancona, and remarkable Roman remains exist in Ascoli, Fano, Ancona, Fermo, Urbisaglia and near Macerata. The presence of local artists such as Raphael and Bramante made this area one of the hotbeds of Renaissance art.

Beauty can also be found in natural form in the stunning views from cities such as Pesaro and Urbino.

Temptations • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi (DOC), white • Piceno Red (DOC), red Tastes • Olive all'ascolana, delicious deep fried stuffed olives • Brodetto, a simple, tasty fish soup • Arrosto segreto, a fish dish, cooked on both sides at the same time • Porchetta, a very flavorful dish of roast pig • Fabriano Salame, very spicy cured beef from Fabriano • Fossa, cheese aged while buried in a pit, great with jam Arts & Crafts • Lace pillows, a delicate, timeless art • Accordions and other high-quality musical instruments from Castelfidardo • Engraved and decorated furniture Just For Kids Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park, in Casa del Parco di Arquata del Tronto. www.parconazionalegransasso.it Red Letter Days 73

July 15 – August 15 Macerata Opera Festival, Macerata, one of the world’s most famous opera seasons held in the old arena called Sferisterio. www.sferisterio.it August Summer Jamboree Festival, Ancona, an eclectic musical festival with bands from all over the world. www.summerjamboree.com August, third Sunday Festa del duca (The Duke’s Festival), Urbino, held in honor of the Duke Federico da Montefeltro, begins on the 15th with heralds, drummers, games, crafts and foods recalling the Renaissance, followed by tournaments on the Sunday.

ABRUZZO The region embraces the highest and hugest massifs of Central Italy, with peaks which often are higher than 2,000 meters, as well as a steep and rocky Adriatic coast. The capital L’Aquila has strong Roman and Renaissance influences, but the most creative period was during the Middle Ages, as seen in many wonderful cathedrals, abbeys and sculptures. Goldsmithing is also a renowned craft, dating back to the 16th century. Adding to the drama of this area, the National Park of Abruzzo is home to species like the Marsican Bear and the Gray Wolf.

Temptations • Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (DOCG), red • Cerasuolo (DOC), rosé • Trebbiano (DOC), white • Centerbe, a liqueur from various aromatic plants Tastes • Saffron, the pride of the Navelli plains • Purple-red garlic, exclusively from the fields of Sulmona • Black lentils from Santo Stefano di Sessanio • Maccheroni alla Chitarra, a handmade pasta cut in thin strips using a fine wireframe similar to the strings of a guitar • Confetti, sugar-coated almonds, a traditional wedding treat from Sulmona • Parrozzo, a rich chocolate cake, a Christmas favorite Arts & Crafts • Laces from Scanno, artfully crocheted 74

• Blankets, rugs and tapestries from Taranta Peligna, with flowers, birds, vivid sceneries artistically woven in • Gold and silver jewelry from Sulmona and L’Aquila’s goldsmiths • Iron and copper artifacts: gates, housewares from Guardiagrele, Manoppello and Pescocostanzo Just For Kids The National Park of Abruzzo, The National Park of Gran Sasso-Laga, the Regional Parks of Sirente-Velino and Maiella-Morrone, numerous State Reserves and three World Wildlife Fund Oases, are all natural sanctuaries where stunning landscapes house recognizable and rare animals, extraordinary flowers and plants to enrapture a young traveler.

Red Letter Days May, first Thursday Procession of the Snake Catchers, Cocullo (L’Aquila), takes place in a picturesque mountain village, where the inhabitants celebrate St. Dominick by draping his statue in live snakes.

July, first Sunday Sagra dell’Agnello (Feast of the Lamb), Rocca Pia, a food festival with a traditional contest called solco dritto, involving a ploughing competition.

September, first Sunday La Corsa degli Zingari (The Gypsies’ Race), Pacentro, has participants meeting on a crag of the Ardinghi hill facing the town. When the bell rings, the racers rush barefoot down the slope, towards the town finish line at the church altar.

LAZIO Billowing between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea, this varied region combines coastal flatlands, and extinct volcanoes that form the lakes of Bolsena, Vico, Bracciano, Albano and Nemi. Rome is, of course, the capital of Italy, as well of the region, which itself is incredibly rich in outstanding relics of all the different periods, and has always been the center of an intensive artistic life from the Middle Ages to the 18th century – and contains the hub of the Papacy in Vatican City.

Temptations • Frascati (DOC), white • Montefiascone Est!Est!Est! (DOC), white • Torre Ercolana (DOC), red • Fiorano (DOC), red • Colle Picchioni (DOC), red • Peroni beer

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Tastes • Puntarelle, spears resembling endives • Bruschetta, homemade bread oven toasted and topped with garlic, tomatoes, olive paste • Carciofi alla Giudea, artichokes deep-fried in olive oil and garlic, seasoned with mint • Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a cream sauce with bacon, garlic and chili peppers mixed in a bowl with raw eggs • Bucatini all’Amatriciana, slender pasta tubes with tomato sauce and salt pork, and grated pecorino cheese • Abbacchio alla Cacciatora, baby lamb cooked with rosemary, garlic, anchovies and vinegar • Porchetta, roasted pork from the Castelli Romani, an area south of Rome Arts & Crafts • Ciocia, a local peasant leather sandal from Ciociaria • Wrought iron from Veroli Just For Kids Pulcinella Puppet Theatre, on the Gianicolo Hill in Rome has free daily shows, though donations are appreciated.

Bioparco, the Rome zoo has a vast array of animals in a natural setting.

For older kids, head to the Capucin Crypt, an eerie secret vault filled with monks’ skulls!

Outside of Rome, try the Giardini di Bomarzo, a garden located near Viterbo, featuring statues of mythical monsters in a surreal setting.

Red Letter Days February 2 Festa delle stuzze, Fiuggi, honors the miracle of San Biagio, who in 1928 chased out the enemies intent on attacking the town.

Large tree trunks, stuzze, are carried from the forest and lit in the main square.

March 26 Rome Marathon, Rome, sees the city come to life with music, events, concerts and more all along the race route.

June 16-24 Festa de’Noantri Trastevere, Rome, has the image of Madonna de Noantri moved by a procession on the eighth day. This takes place on the Tiber, where the statue was discovered, and food banquets with local products abound in Trastevere and its surrounding neighborhoods.

August 5 Festa della Madonna della Neve, Rome, celebrates the legend that in year 352 it snowed on the Esquilino, now home to Santa Maria Maggiore Church. Today white petals are thrown from the Borghesiana Chapel of the dome.

December 15 - January 15 Mercato della Befana, Rome, is a well-known Christmas fair held in Piazza Novana.

December 25 A public blessing on Christmas Day by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square, Rome.

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Regions of the South Blending sheer spectacle with a plethora of architectural remains, the south of Italy presents much to enchant today’s visitor. See the breathtaking Roman ruins preserved at Pompeii, the Greek influence and magnificent beaches of Sicily and the mystifying ancient structures in Sardinia called nuraghi. Admire the Romanesque and Baroque style from Puglia to Campania. Bliss out on the Amalfi Coast or lose yourself in the forested landscape of Abruzzo and Molise, the rugged countryside and bustling fishing ports of Basilicata and Calabria.

CAMPANIA This region is renowned for having one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines, backed by irregular massifs punctuated by valleys and plains.

Among Campania’s riches are the isles of Capri, Ischia and Procida in the Gulfs of Naples (the regional capital) and Salerno, as well as examples of classic antiquity, such as those in Herculaneum, Pompeii, Paestum and Cuma, where amphitheaters, triumphal arches, villas, bridges and tombs are plentiful. Baroque design is strikingly expressed in The Royal Palace of Caserta, and even Paleolithic Art is represented in Naples and Nocera, while relics of the Longobard Age can be found in Capua and Benevento.

Temptations • Biancolella (DOC), white • Falerno del Massico (DOC), red & white • Lacryma Christi (DOC) red, white & rosé • Limoncello, a popular golden citrus liqueur from Amalfi Tastes • Mozzarella, moist, fresh and pungent, from Campania buffalo’s milk • Sweet, fragrant lemons from Sorrento • Zuppa di vongole e cozze, a savory clam and mussel soup flavored with tomatoes and spices.

• Neapolitan Pizza, crisp yet soft to the bite, inimitable • Sfogliatelle, shell pastry filled with ricotta cheese, scallop-shaped and dotted with candied citrus peel Arts & Crafts • Ceramics from Vietri sul Mare, dazzling majolica earthware • Handmade paper from Amalfi 77

• Coral cameos from Torre del Greco • Leather sandals from Positano, Capri or Palinuro; original designs or crafted to order Just For Kids Vesuvio National Park, in San Sebastiano al Vesuvio (Naples) offers a “hands-on” sensory trail where kids can discover, touch, smell and observe the diverse colors and scents of the local plant life. www.vesuviopark.it Edenlandia, in Naples, is a theme park with a host of rides, live music and dance shows, 3-D theatre, games and more. www.edenlandia.it (only in Italian) For an educational excursion, Citta della Scienza, Naples, is a science center and planetarium with workshops and displays exploring nature, science and the environment. www.cittadellascienza.it The Villa Comunale Aquarium in Naples is one of the oldest in Europe (1873) and houses many varieties of marine life.

Red Letter Days Monthly, third Sunday except August Villa Comunale Antique Fair, Naples, is held in the Villa Comunale gardens. In December it is open every weekend for the pre-holiday shopping season. www.fieraantiquarianapoletana.it (only in Italian) September 19 Feast of San Gennaro, Naples, commemorating the “miracle” of the liquefying of the saint’s blood, followed by eight days of other celebrations including processions and prayer.

MOLISE Molise is a hilly continuation of Abruzzo’s landscape, crossed by many rivers that flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region’s place in the history of Italian art is secured by the cycle of ninth-century frescoes in the crypt of San Lorenzo in San Vincenzo al Volturno. Elsewhere there are plenty of examples of Romanesque, medieval and Baroque-style architecture – of which Roman- and Neapolitan-influenced design can be seen in the civic palaces.

Temptations • Biferno (DOC), red, white & rosé • Pentro di Isernia (DOC), red, white & rosé

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Tastes • Giant white celery from Campobasso • Calcioni di ricotta rustici, rounds of pasta dough filled with ricotta, provolone and prosciutto fried in olive oil • Picellati, honey pastries with nuts and grapes Arts & Crafts • Engraved church bells of Agnone • Zampogne, homemade bagpipes called from Scapoli • Steel fretwork, such as firearms, knives, scissors from Campobasso • Hand-crocheted pillow lace from Isernia Just For Kids The Association of Folklore and Culture in Vinchiaturo gives kids 5 years and up experience of the local traditions with local dances and songs.

Red Letter Days May 19 & 20 Festa di San Bernardino da Siena, Vinchiaturo, celebrates the saint whose statue was found intact and undamaged after the 1805 earthquake, and who saved other citizens from harm.

Gioco Tradizionale “La Pezza de Casce” In this lively carnival game, volunteers toss a hefty wheel of cheese along a tricky route in Vinchiaturo, full of inclines and descents, eventually to return back in front of the Castle of Vinchiaturo. The winner, positioning the cheese on a specified spot, yells out the crucial phrase, “A la ‘n ‘ tutta!” or “It’s all here!”

BASILICATA An arid, rocky region of two coastlines, one in the center of the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea, and a tiny one on the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the famous resort of Maratea. Potenza is the capital of this archaeologically blessed area. Relics of the Greek era can be found in Metaponto (the Palatine Tables), while ruins of the Roman Age can be seen in Venosa. Medieval art is featured in Venosa and Cerenza (Romanesque style), with Arab-Byzantine and French-influenced architecture in Melfi and Lagopesole and Matera – where visitors can also see the “Sassi,” typical houses and churches literally dug into the “tufa” crag.

Temptation • Aglianico del Vulture, red 79

• Moscato del Vulture, dessert wine Tastes • Diavolicchio, a chili pepper found in many local recipes • Luganiga, a salt-cured meat kept in lard or olive oil • Ciaudedda, artichokes braised and stuffed with potatoes and stewed in tomatoes • Pignata di Pecora, ewe cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, pork and pecorino in a clay pot called pignata Arts & Crafts • Carpet woven from sheep's wool • Enameled, patinated brass cowbells from Stigliano • Hand-carved wood, in chestnut, oak, beech, fir, cherry and pear depicting pastoral life and historical traditions • Clay for the manufacture of majolica, porcelain and ceramics Just For Kids Walk through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Sassi of Matera, or take a tour with the pollicino bus.

Lago di San Giuliano is surrounded by a thick forest and is a breeding ground for water birds and the ideal habitat for many kinds of fish.

Red Letter Days May 29 La Sfilata dei Turchi, Potenza, a parade in costume, food and entertainment to recall the legend of San Gerardo, who saved the city from a Turkish invasion.

June 15 Festa di San Vito, Castelmezzano. San Vito’s statue along with Sant’Antonio and patron San Rocco are paraded from the church through the streets amidst food stands and fireworks.

July 2 Festa della Madonna Bruna, Matera, entails a painting of the Madonna being carried on a cart through the streets by costumed horsemen, then returned to the church where the cart is demolished, and faithful followers obtain a small relic to take home.

APULIA Occupying the easternmost part of the peninsula with a long coastline on the Ionian and the Adriatic Seas, Apulia is essentially flat and dry, with occasionally plunging cliffs. Of great cultural interest are the megalithic monuments at Dolmens and Menhirs, as well as the great archeological complexes at Canne della Battaglia and Ignazia. Roman remains are especially noteworthy throughout the region, and there

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are superb Romanesque cathedrals at Trani, Barletta, Molfetta, Bitonto and Ruvo di Puglia and Bari – where majestic castles of thirteenthcentury Byzantine-Arab style can also be found. Also unmissable is Alberobello with its typical “trulli” houses.

Temptations • Aleatico (DOC), red • Moscato di Trani (DOC), white Tastes • Orechiette e rape, the classic pugliese’s pasta course • Tarallucci e vino, a simple appetizer of salty and spicy donuts, great with wine • Cosciotto di capretto in creta, an ancient recipe featuring a goat cooked on clay Arts & Crafts • Nativity figurines made out of clay • Pietra Leccese, a soft stone perfect for intricate detail work; visible all over Lecce throughout its baroque architecture Just For Kids Zoosafari, the largest safari park in Italy, and Fasanolandia, an amusement park, are both located in Fasano, Brindisi, steps away from one another. www.zoosafari.it Red Letter Day August 27 Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo, Ostuni, a parade of costumed horsemen carry a giant statue of Saint Oronzo through the streets.

September 20-23 Anniversary of the Stigmata and death of Padre Pio, San Giovanno Rotondo, remembers and celebrates a popular figure from Pietralcina with religious ceremonies, prayers and a torchlight procession.

December 13-24 Fiera dei presepi e dei pupi, Lecce, is an 11-day antique market displaying hand-crafted nativity figures.

CALABRIA The extreme south-western region of Italy, washed by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, dominated by a high central Apennine ridge, overgrown with thick woods, and wild coastal landscapes. Catanzaro is the capital of this region, which yields abundant evidence of previous artistic civilizations and ancient colonies in Sibari, Crotone, Catanzaro, Locri, Vibo Valentia. In Cosenza and Reggio Calabria are 81

baths, theaters and bridges of the Roman Age, while the religious buildings show Byzantine influences, reflecting the region’s time under the Empire of Byzantium. Gothic, Renaissance and baroque influences and styles are also well represented in art, design and monuments.

Temptations • Cirò (DOC), red, white & rosé • Greco (DOC), white • Savuto (DOC), red • Lamezia (DOC), red, white & rosé Tastes • Aubergines, pickled, fried, stuffed or added to scrumptious pasta sauces • Maccaruni and lasagna, stuffed with cured meats, sausage, hard-boiled eggs and cheese.

• Soffritti and morsello, a distinctive dish of tripe and innards boiled and cooked with tomatoes and spices • Capocollo, cured, aged pork tenderloin from the neck or upper shoulder, seasoned with salt and spices • Caciocavallo silano, cheese from cow’s milk, formed and strung oval-shaped pairs • Bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit whose essence is used in teas, candies and liqueurs CALABRIA Unique Arts & Crafts • Colorful pottery from Seminaria; vases, tableware, urns and masks • Tapestries and blankets from Longobucco, created on looms worked by hand and foot • Chestnut wood wickerwork from San Giorgio Morgeto • Briarwood smoking pipes from Reggio di Calabria, hand crafted and carefully carved Just For Kids Natural Museum Libero Gatti Copanello, has a botanical garden overlooking the reefs of the Ionic Sea with over 1,000 specimens of beautiful shells from all over the world.

During the summer kids can enjoy the Aquarium and Marine Park of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, observing fish and marine life while learning about the protected zones of the Calabrian coastline. www.riservamarinacaporizzuto.it 82

Zambrone Aquapark and Odissea 2000 in Rossano are two of the largest water parks in the south, filled with thrilling water slides and various pools. www.aquapark.it or www.odissea2000.it Red Letter Days Easter Week Rito dei Vattienti, Nocera Terinese, is highlighted by the Easter Saturday procession, in which a statue of the Addolorata is carried, followed by several rituals of the “Vattienti.”

May 3 Feast of the Tri da Cruci, Tropea, commemorates the end of the Saracen occupation during the Middle Ages with fireworks and symbolic acts such as the explosion of a galley and the burning of the dove.

July 1-7 Sagra della Cipolla Rossa, Tropea, or “the feast of the red onion,” honors the queen of the gastronomy of Tropea. Many farm stands display and sell their home made specialties, while the feast concludes with games and musical shows.

August, last week La Festa del Turista, Vibo Valentia, celebrates the end of the summer holidays with the gathering of the “giants” (huge papier-mâchè depictions of the Saracens) and tastings of delicious regional specialties.

SICILY Less than two miles from the Italian mainland, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the southernmost region of Italy.

Famous for its blue skies and mild winter climate Sicily is also home to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. This fertile paradise was settled by Siculi, Phonecians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Spaniards and Bourbons among others, and the remnants of these astounding cultures cover the entire island; from the temples of Agrigento to the priceless mosaics of Piazza Armerina and the ancient capital of Siracusa. Smaller islands, such as the Aeolian, Aegadean and Pelagian chains as well as Pantelleria, just 90 miles off of the African coast, are also part of Sicily, offering superb beaches and local lore.

Temptations • Nero d’Avola (DOC), red • Aglianico del Taburno (DOC), red & white • Sambuca di Sicilia (DOC), red & white • Cerasulo di Vittoria (DOCG), rosé • Bianco Alcamo (DOC), white • Moscato (DOC), white • Gold, Amber and Ruby Marsala, dessert wine

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Tastes • Delicate and fruity extra virgin olive oils • Sea salt from Trapani • Sicilian honey, pistacchios and succulent blood oranges • Almond paste marzipan shaped into colorful miniature fruits • Ricotta-filled cannoli • Delicious cassata cake with ricotta and pistacchio Arts & Crafts • Red coral artwork from Trapani • Hand-painted tambourines • Medieval style puppets on a string • Highly collectable ceramics from Caltagirone • Fanciful Sicilian carts in all sizes • Artistic objects made from glazed bread in Salemi Just For Kids The creepy catacombs of San Giovanni beneath Siracusa date back almost 3000 years.

Il Piccolo Teatro dei Pupi, also in Siracusa, showcases medieval puppetry most summer evenings.

In Bagheria, near Palermo, is the Museo dei Giocattoli Pietro Piranio with over 700 toys from the last four centuries.

In Palermo itself, discover the Museo Internazionale delle Marionette, an entire museum dedicated to the Sicilian art of puppetry.

Midway between the temples of Agrigento and the Roman-era mosaics of Piazza Armerina kids can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the Parco Acquatico Conte, a waterworld theme park in Sommatino.

In the town of Belpasso, near Catania, the zoological and waterpark Etnaland is the best place to live precious moments of fun and relax.

Red Letter Days February 3 – 5 Catania hosts three days of festivities in honor of St. Agatha, revolving around sweets made from marzipan.

May 9 – 10 Tre Castagni enjoys two days of celebrations complete with local specialties, processions and Sicilian Carts in honor of Santi Alfio, Filadelfio e Cirino.

July 9 – 15 Palermo offers seven days of non-stop excitement in honor of Santa Rosalia, featuring a huge fireworks display on the 14th and a magnificent parade on the 15th.

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July 25 In Caltagirone, thousands of olive oil-bearing torches (coppi) connected by a fuse are lit at once in commemoration of a day-long festival honoring San Giacomo.

August 13 – 15 La Cavalcata dei Giganti, Messina, stars 30-foot-tall papier-mâché knights leading a parade of bands and Sicilian carts through the city in a three-day celebration.

December 13 Siracusa is home to a huge celebration in honor of Santa Lucia, the city’s patron saint, involving pageantry, parades and plenty of pushcarts filled with tempting delicacies.

SARDINIA The second largest island in the Mediterranean, formed by a series of mountainous massifs, hills and narrow highlands, has jagged, rocky coasts concealing marvelous beaches and countless picturesque inlets and islets. Cagliari is the capital, ruled by a special statute. Pre- and post-historic eras are expressed by the megalithic “Tombs of the Giants”; the “domus dejanas” (houses of the witches), tombs dug into the rock; and the mysterious “nuraghi,” around 7,000 truncated cone towers found all over the island. Phoenician and Roman remains have come to light at Tharros and Nora; there are Roman relics at Porto Torres and Cagliari and the Gothic-Catalonian style survives from the rule of the Spanish House of Aragon.

Temptations • Vernaccia (DOC), white • Malvasia (DOC), white • Nuragus (DOC), white • Cannonau (DOC), red & rosé Tastes • Pecorino, cheese made from sheep’s milk, eaten either fresh or aged to a sharp, piquant flavor and grated • Porcheddu, roast suckling pig flavored with herbs and spices and then spit-roasted • Fiore sardo, golden cheese from sheep’s milk Unique Arts & Crafts • Wrought-gold or filigree creations make lovely jewelry • Filet lace from Bosa and Osilo, with delicately embroidered flowers, fruits, geometric shapes and folk scenes • Basket-making from the Campidano area, where straw is woven into spirals around a small brocade fabric center

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Just For Kids Aquarium Laguna di Nora in Pula reveals the fish and flora of the Sardinian seas.

Aquadream in Baja Sardinia is a major water theme park with twisting slides, games, miniature golf and more. www.aquadream.it (only in Italian) Water Paradise in Sorso offers pools with artificial waves as well as “kiddie” pools, water slides, whirlpools and more. www.waterparadise.it (only in Italian) To better understand this extraordinary island, visit a perfectly detailed, scaled-down model at Sardegna in Miniatura, Barumini. www.sardegnainminiatura.it Red Letter Days May 1 Festival of Saint Efisio, Cagliari, is a celebration including the longest procession in the Catholic world, including decorated carts, musicians, worshippers, knights and more.

May second to last Sunday Cavalcata Sarda, Sassari, or the “Sardinian Ride,” recalls the victory of the Sardinian and Pisan forces over the Saracens around the year 1000. Hundreds of horses and knights from all parts of the island show off their skills.

Regional Tourist Boards Abruzzo

L'Aquila

www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo

Aosta Valley

Aosta

www.regione.vda.it/turismo

Apulia

Bari

www.viaggiareinpuglia.it

Basilicata

Potenza

www.aptbasilicata.it

Calabria

Catanzaro

www.turiscalabria.it

Campania

Naples

www.incampania.com

Emilia-Romagna

Bologna

www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Trieste

www.turismo.fvg.it

Latium

Rome

www.turislazio.it

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Liguria

Genoa

www.turismoinliguria.it

Lombardy

Milan

www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it

Marches

Ancona

www.turismomarche.it

Molise

Campobasso

www.regione.molise.it/turismo/

Piedmont

Turin

www.regione.piemonte.it/turismo

Sardinia

Cagliari

www.sardegnaturismo.it

Sicily

Palermo

www.regione.sicilia.it/turismo

Trentino

Trento

www.regione.taa.it

Alto Adige

Bolzano

www.suedtirol.info

Tuscany

Florence

www.turismo.toscana.it

Umbria

Perugia

www.regioneumbria.eu

Veneto

Venice

www.veneto.to

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