You MUST have a cell phone in Italy: you will notice that a vast majority of the population there walks and talks on the phone at the same time. When I am in Italy, I too am compelled to use my phone much more than here in the U.S. I use what 90% of all Italians use -- a pay-as-you-go solution. This is perfect for tourists since you are always in control of the charges and there are no contracts or bills.
Some travelers can use their own cell phone overseas; others should either rent or buy one for use in Italy. In any event, whether your current phone works or not, read on to find the most economical approach for your personal needs.
Are you going to travel or stay in Italy? Common sense can take you far, but here is a list of useful things that only a native born and raised in Italy would know.
When people ask, "What should I see that will make my trip to Italy special?" my answer is always the same: Calcata. While there are many charming, forgotten places in Italy, Calcata stands out from the rest. Perched high atop a 150 meter hill of volcanic tuff rock, this fortified castle surrounded by dense forest immediately gives you the impression of having accidentally launched a time machine. What makes Calcata extra special, however, are its unique residents - an international community of painters, sculptors, writers, artisans, craftsmen, performers, and artists of all sorts.
Rome is a very good choice for a trip if you are a single woman. The city is quite safe overall and offers a range of entertainment and excitement that can satisfy all your needs.
Italy is considered to be a popular destination known for some interesting tourist spots including religious institutions with its deep Catholic roots. However, the majority of the population in Italy have much more open views about expressing their sexuality. Hence, you will be able to find nudist or naturist beaches in Italy though they may be less in number as compared to other European and Mediterranean countries.
There are plenty of splendid and beautiful rivers across Italy where one can a glimpse of the natural scenic beauty located amidst calm surroundings.
They are famous for their history, for the scenery, the lovely little towns along their banks or the sports and activities, like rafting, you can do on their waters.
Here is a look at some of the top 10 rivers in Italy:
For those travelers thinking of seeing Italy by rail, there are many options available. From stand alone tickets purchased at the station or on the train to discount cards for frequent use to rail passes with unlimited travel. In order to determine which option is right for you, first determine the length of your stay. Second, consider your itinerary and decide which mode of transportation makes the most sense for your party - keeping in mind that trains do not always connect the small villages.
All Italians are purists when it comes to coffee. Not for them the frivolously flavoured drinks at Starbucks – in fact, you will find that there are no Starbucks shops in Rome. Not a single one. Instead, the Italian coffee culture flourishes in snug, casual little bars found down cobblestone side streets. Here, regulars prop themselves up on the marble counter while the Gaggia coffee machine, a sleek, hissing silver behemoth, spits out the dark, aromatic brew.
( the sign on the left in proper Italian should read Cappuccino Espresso Latte Macchiato, te', cioccolato caldo )
Majestic towers, crenellated battlements, stone fortresses perched upon rocky crags, romantic ruins, sumptuous palazzos and much more. These are the images that come to mind when picturing the Castles of Italy.
The political instability of Italy during the middle ages has left its countryside and cities full of testaments to this turbulent time period. While the familiar castle formations are found throughout Italy, the range of castles, forts, towers and walls date from pre-Roman times all the way to the state-of-the-art “star” forts of the gunpowder era.
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com & Bookpleasures.com is delighted to have as our guest, travel author, writer, and photographer, Rebecca Ford.
Rebecca is a contributor to several British newspapers and magazines, as well as some websites. She is also the author of several guidebooks, and is member of the British Guild of Travel Writers.
Recently, Rebecca launched her most recent guide- book, Sienna & the Heart Of Tuscany.
Good day Rebecca and thank you for participating in our interview.
Today,
Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as a
guest, Philip de Bruin.
Philip is originally from South Africa and for many years had been involved
in the Information Technology sector.
In 1998, Philip and his wife Catrien moved to Europe and have been doing
a great deal of Traveling, particularly in Italy.
From April 9th through April 16th, 2003 I was in Italy visiting my brother-in-law. He is currently a Master's student in the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University. We mainly spent time in Sicily (Siracusa and Taormina), Bologna and Rome. Here are some of my raw impressions of Italy. Enjoy!
Well, the experience trying to buy train tickets on Trenitalia has been very informative. The web site is well designed, in both English and Italian, and easy to use, finding the schedules, choosing the train, class and choice of seat. Of course, first you have to set up an account, change the site-issued password to one of your own, and create your client space, but even this is easy. In fact, everything flows quite smoothly. Until it's time to pay.
Italy. The very idea of it can spark thoughts of romance and passion in the mind of any red-blooded American. What most of us have learned of Italy, we have learned through movies, books, travel documentaries and brochures. It is presented, and rightly so, as a place to open up to the passions and desires that lie within ourselves. Beautiful villas next to sparkling seas, quaint little outdoor cafes where soft, sweet music flows through the streets like a part of the very air you breathe.Starry nights filled with strolling lovers and passionate history.
.jpg "View of Siena")
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com & Bookpleasures.com is delighted to have as our guest, travel author, writer, and photographer, Rebecca Ford. 
Today,
Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as a
guest, Philip de Bruin. 
From April 9th through April 16th, 2003 I was in Italy visiting my brother-in-law. He is currently a Master's student in the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University. We mainly spent time in Sicily (Siracusa and Taormina), Bologna and Rome. Here are some of my raw impressions of Italy. Enjoy!
