Destination: ITALY
Things To Know Bella Italia Diverse Regions The People Country of Contrasts Exploring Italy Culinary Traditions Pastimes The Etruscans	Exploring Italy Prosperous Italy has one of Europe's highest standards of living, making traveling easy and pleasurable. Tourism is a major industry, so you'll find English widely spoken in city hotels and restaurants, although not away from the main tourist areas. Italian engineering prowess has produced an excellent road network, with both toll roads and good highways. Minor roads are often unsurfaced. Italians drive fast and aggressively but mostly safely, and once you're accustomed to the style of driving you should have no problems. All major cities have an airport, with frequent internal flights. Trains are cheap and punctual, although cross-country routes can be slow and complicated; it's safer to stick to the inter-city services. Buses connect even the smallest villages. Italian hotels are all rated and inspected by regional authorities; regardless of the price range, they are spotlessly clean. Bathtubs are rare except in deluxe establishments, and showers frequently dribble when turned on; water is precious in many parts of the country. Air-conditioning is becoming more widespread but is by no means universal, and buildings can be stifling in summer. By law, heating in public places is not turned on until November 1.	COUNTRY Introduction Things To Know Survival Guide TimeLine Essential Info REGION Tuscany & Florence CITIES Rome Florence Naples Venice MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK