Visiting Italy

Best Restaurants in Pisa Italy

2008-10-07T10:32:00.001-07:00

Pisa: Duomo
Originally uploaded by manelzaera

Pisa's restaurants aren't as famous as their counterparts in nearby Florence or other Italian cities. However, Pisa has a number of restaurants that are worth visiting, especially for those making a day trip to Pisa.

Here is my list of the best restaurants in Pisa, Italy:

Trattoria Sant'Omobono
Trattoria da Bruno
Cafe dell'Ussero

Relais dell'Orologio Hotel in Pisa

2008-10-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

Leaning Tower of Pisa
Originally uploaded by irene.

Relais dell'Orologio Hotel, Pisa
Address: Via della Faggiola 12-14, Pisa, 56126 Italy

The Relais dell'Orologio is the best hotel in Pisa. The hotel is Pisa's best and is located very close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and many of Pisa's best shops and restaurants.

The Relais dell'Orologio Hotel has an outdoor terrace restaurant where guests can enjoy great food and quality service.

Rooms at the Relais dell'Orologio Hotel in Pisa cost $341 per night on average.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements

2008-08-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

it's that time again...
Originally uploaded by lukemontague

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in Italy (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). Stays exceeding 90 days do require a visa.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for Australian Citizens: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in Italy (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). Stays exceeding 90 days do require a visa.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for Canadian Citizens: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in Italy (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). Stays exceeding 90 days do require a visa.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for Irish Citizens: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in Italy (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). Stays exceeding 90 days do require a visa.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for New Zealand Citizens: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in Italy (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). Stays exceeding 90 days do require a visa.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for South African Citizens: Passport and Schengen* visa required for travel to Italy.

Italy Visa and Passport Requirements for UK Citizens: Passport required. There is no visa requirement for passport holders endorsed British Citizen. Visa exemption is for 90 days for passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or 'holder is entitled to readmission into the UK', or 'holder has the right of abode in UK' (90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries*). In all other cases, a visa is required.

*Schengen Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Note: Requirements are subject to change, so be sure to check the website of your country's embassy or consulate before you travel.

NYT 36 Hours in Palermo Italy

2008-07-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

NY Times: 36 Hours in Palermo

36 Hours in Palermo, Italy
By ARIEL FOXMAN

IN its 2,700-year history, the port city of Palermo has undergone three golden ages: the Carthaginians, Arabs and Normans all found glory along its rugged shores. And now, after decades of post-War neglect and mafia corruption, the often overlooked Sicilian capital is poised for a fourth — or at least a well-deserved comeback. Crumbling roads are being repaved, landmarks scrubbed clean and a newfound pride can be felt. But the essential charms of this mysterious and intoxicating city thankfully remain intact. There are still seductive old neighborhoods, a delightful patchwork of architecture (what’s the word for Arab-Norman-Spanish-Baroque?), and a belching chaotic mess known as Palermo traffic.

Continued on nytimes.com

Florence Left Luggage and Bag Lockers

2008-07-22T04:13:00.001-07:00

Florence train station
Originally uploaded by Matt Browne

Florence Train Station Left Luggage
Florence Train Station Left Luggage Phone: +39 055 2352190

The main train station in Florence has left luggage facilities and bag lockers.

The left luggage office at the Florence train station is located at the start of track 16. Opening hours for the left luggage facility are from 6 am - 12 am.

Left luggage rates at the Florence train station are 3.80 EUR for the first 5 hours, 0.60 EUR for each additional hour from the 6th-12th hour and 0.20 EUR for each additional hour after 12 hours.

Best Ways to Get to Alba Italy

2008-07-21T09:16:00.001-07:00

Truffles(2)
Originally uploaded by mattgrant99

Getting to Alba, Italy from Milan, Turin or Genoa (Genova) can be easily done by train or car.

The best way to get to Alba is to choose one of the following options:

Train or Drive from Milan

Train or Drive from Turin

Train or Drive from Genoa

How to get to Alba from Genoa

2008-07-21T09:15:00.001-07:00

Genoa, Italy
Originally uploaded by Johnny Shaw

To get to Alba from Genoa, fly to Genoa, from where it is a 1.75 hour drive to Alba on the A10/E80, A26, A21/E70, and the A33.

Alternately, take a train from Genoa to Alba. Trains from Genoa to Alba take 2.25-2.5 hours and require a change at Asti train station.

Second class train tickets from Genoa to Alba cost 13.70 EUR, first class 17.70 EUR.

How to get to Alba from Turin

2008-07-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

Turin - Mole Antonelliana
Originally uploaded by funadium

To get to Alba from Turin, fly to Turin, the closest major city to Alba. From there, drive from Turin to Alba, which is a 1.25 hour drive on the A55, A6, A33 highways (toll roads).

Alternately, take a train from Turin to Alba. Trains from Turin to Alba take 1.5 hours from Turin Porta Nuova train station. Some trains require 1 or 2 changes.

How to Get to Alba from Milan

2008-07-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

milano, italy
Originally uploaded by sarmax

To get to Alba from Milan, fly to Milan, from where it is a 1.75-2.5 hour drive to Alba on the A7 and the A21/E70 highways.

Alternately, take a train from Milan to Alba. Trains from Milan to Alba take 3-4 hours from Milano Centrale train station. The route requires 2 or 3 changes.

Alba Italy

2008-07-21T08:55:00.001-07:00

Un Grappino? - Alba - 19.10.02
Originally uploaded by mastino70

Located in the Piedmont region of Italy, Alba is close to the transport links of the major cities of Milan, Turin and Genoa (Genova).

A small and beautiful medieval town, Alba features some interesting historic towers and churches, and is the home of Rocher Ferrero chocolatiers. However, most visitors come to Alba for the famous White Truffle Festival, which takes place every October.

Alba White Truffle Festival

2008-07-21T08:51:00.001-07:00

Alba Truffle Market
Originally uploaded by donjuanna

Alba White Truffle Festival 2009 Dates: Early October - Early November, 2009 (exact dates TBA)

The annual White Truffle Festival in Alba ("Fiera del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba" in Italian) takes place each weekend in October and is the highlight of the white truffle season.

The Piedmont region, where Alba is located, is considered to have the best white truffles ("tartufo bianco" in Italian) in the world. As such, visitors come from all over to take part in the White Truffle Festival in Alba's central square. The festival features not only the truffles themselves, but also arts and cultural events and spectacles that revolve around the celebration.

Chefs and foodies come from afar for the White Truffle Festival in Alba, where the world's largest truffle auction and market take place amid a vibrant festival atmosphere. The auction is private, but the white truffle market in Alba is open from 9am-8pm, and sells all sorts of truffle-related goods.

Book your trip to the White Truffle Festival early, as Alba is a small town and hotels, restaurants, and transport get busy on the weekends.

Low Cost Airlines that Fly to Genoa Italy

2008-07-18T05:34:00.001-07:00

_MG_8941.JPG
Originally uploaded by angel decay

The following low cost airlines fly to Genoa (Genova), Italy:

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Genoa from France:
MyAir has flights to Genoa from Paris

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Genoa from Germany:
TUIfly has flights to Genoa from Cologne and Hamburg

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Genoa from other cities in Italy:
MyAir has flights to Genoa from Bari

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Genoa from the UK:
Ryanair has flights to Genoa from London

Low Cost Airlines that Fly to Pisa Italy

2008-07-18T05:26:00.001-07:00

Frecce tricolori Pisa
Originally uploaded by Kap Photo

The following low cost airlines fly to Pisa, Italy:

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Austria:
Sky Europe has flights to Pisa from Vienna

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Belgium:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Brussels

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from the Czech Republic:
Sky Europe has flights to Pisa from Prague

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from France:
Ryanair and EasyJet have flights to Pisa from Paris

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Germany:
Ryanair and EasyJet have flights to Pisa from Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Ireland:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Dublin

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from other cities in Italy:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Sardinia, Bari, Cagliari, Lamezia Terme and Palermo

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from The Netherlands:
transavia has flights to Pisa from Amsterdam

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Norway:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Oslo

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Portugal:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Porto

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Spain:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Alicante, Gerona, Sevilla and Valencia

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from Sweden:
Ryanair has flights to Pisa from Stockholm

Low Cost Airlines that fly to Pisa from the UK:
Ryanair, EasyJet, jet2 and thomsonfly have flights to Pisa from London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and other UK cities

Driving from Cinque Terre to Nice

2008-07-18T05:09:00.001-07:00

Via dell'Amore - Cinque Terre - 1
Originally uploaded by Rob Inh00d

Nice is a 290 km drive from Cinque Terre.

Driving from Cinque Terre to Nice takes around 3.75 hours, and the route follows the A12 and A10 roads in Italy and France.

Trains from Cinque Terre to Nice

2008-07-18T05:04:00.001-07:00

Cinque Terre train
Originally uploaded by FS2004

Trains run regularly from Cinque Terre to France. First take a north-bound train from one of the five towns in Cinque Terre, changing at Levanto. From there, take a train from Levanto to Genoa (Genova). Trains run regularly from Genoa to Nice, sometimes with changes at Ventimiglia (on the French border).

The total travel time for trains from Cinque Terre to Nice is around 5 hours.

Cinque Terre Italy

2008-07-17T06:18:00.001-07:00

Cinque Terre
Originally uploaded by StrudelMonkey

Cinque Terre in Italy is located in the Liguria region and is part of the province of La Spezia. The Five Lands, as it is called in English, is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five small towns.

Cinque Terre's towns, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, are all connected by the Via dell'Amore trail and by local train. Buying a Cinque Terre Card is essential if you plan to get between towns on your visit.

Cinque Terre is known for its great seafood, which can be sampled at restaurants in the towns. The region also produces its own wine, the grapes for which are grown on the terraced hillsides.

Cinque Terre also has great hotels, and visitors can choose which town is right for them to stay in. Most times of year are good for visiting Cinque Terre, as the weather and climate are mild.

Getting to Cinque Terre is easy, and is best approached by train from Pisa or Genoa airport.

Cinque Terre Wine

2008-07-17T06:07:00.001-07:00

Cinque Terre wine
Originally uploaded by fugutabetai_shyashin

Cinque Terre's terraced hills are covered in grape vines, and the region is well-known for its great Cinque Terre wine.

Cinque Terre white wine is dry and mineraly, and pairs well with seafood. The region also produces its own unique varietal, Sciacchetrà, a sweet white dessert wine.

There are a lot of Cinque Terre wines for sale in restaurants and local shops, so make sure to pick up a few bottles to take with you when you leave.

Best Restaurants in Cinque Terre

2008-07-17T06:01:00.001-07:00

Cinque Terre
Originally uploaded by StrudelMonkey

While there's no shortage of good restaurants, focaccerias and gelaterias in Cinque Terre. Here are a few of what I consider the best restaurants in Cinque Terre:

La Lanterna Restaurant in Riomaggiore

Marina Piccola Restaurant in Manarola

Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola

Bar e Vini Restaurant and Wine Bar in Corniglia

Bar e Vini Restaurant and Wine Bar in Corniglia

2008-07-17T05:58:00.001-07:00

red door in corniglia_01
Originally uploaded by ezioman

Bar e Vini Restaurant and Wine Bar
Bar e Vini Phone: +39 0187 921037

Bar e Vini Restaurant and Wine Bar in Corniglia is a great place to sample some of Cinque Terre's famous wines and nosh on local olives and other good food.

Located on the main street in Corniglia, Bar e Vini Restaurant and Wine Bar is a the perfect place for a mid-day snack, a light lunch or a pre-dinner drink. The restaurant doubles as a wine shop, so make sure to pick up a bottle of Cinque Terre wine on the way out.

Trattoria dal Billy Restaurant in Manarola

2008-07-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Manarola, Italy
Originally uploaded by HopeTom

Trattoria dal Billy Restaurant in Manarola is a great place for seafood, Cinque Terre's most famous dish.

Located high on a hill and offering amazing views of Manarola and the sea, Trattoria dal Billy is a the perfect place for a romantic dinner. The restaurant's outdoor seating area is small and gets crowded, so book a table in advance.

Make sure to try Trattoria dal Billy Restaurant's daily fresh fish and shellfish specials.

Marina Piccola Restaurant in Manarola

2008-07-17T05:52:00.001-07:00

Manarola, harbor
Originally uploaded by Pay No Mind

Marina Piccola Restaurant in Manarola is a great place for seafood, Cinque Terre's most famous dish.

Located right on the water and next to the Via dell'Amore Marina Piccola Restaurant is a the perfect place for a romantic sunset dinner. The restaurant's outdoor seating area is large, but gets crowded early, so book ahead.

Make sure to try Marina Piccola Restaurant's squid ink pasta with prawns for your first course. It's one of the best dishes on the menu.

La Lanterna Restaurant in Riomaggiore

2008-07-17T05:48:00.001-07:00

Along the Cinque Terre
Originally uploaded by Clark~

La Lanterna Restaurant
La Lanterna Phone: +39 0187 920589

La Lanterna Restaurant in Riomaggiore is a great place for seafood and pesto, two of Cinque Terre's most famous dishes.

Located right in the marina and busy all evening (booking is essential!), La Lanterna Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies visiting Cinque Terre.

Make sure to try La Lanterna Restaurant's pesto pasta dishes for your first course. For the second, check the chalk board for the fresh fish specials of the day. You won't be disappointed.

Via dellAmore in Cinque Terre

2008-07-17T05:36:00.001-07:00

Via dell'Amore
Originally uploaded by philTizzani

The Via dell'Amore is a hiking trail in Cinque Terre that connects the five towns.

An 11km stretch of trail, the Via dell'Amore is not for the faint of heart. While the short path between Riomaggiore and Manarola is easy and flat, the long trails between Corniglia and Vernazza, and Vernazza and Monterosso are steep, narrow and rocky.

Riomaggiore to Manarola on the Via dell'Amore - flat and easy; about a half hour walk

Manarola to Corniglia on the Via dell'Amore - flat until the end, at which point you must climb a long set of stairs; less than an hour walk

Corniglia to Vernazza on the Via dell'Amore - steep uphill and steep downhill, many stone steps, loose gravel; 1.5 hour walk

Vernazza to Monterosso on the Via dell'Amore - very steep uphill and very steep downhill, many stone steps, loose gravel and narrow trails, 2 hour walk

To hike the Via dell'Amore during the day you will need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card. Hiking the Via dell'Amore in the evening is free, as the checkpoint booths are closed.

Hikers in Cinque Terre are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes and to carry water with them at all times, particularly in the hot summer months.

The Via dell'Amore is sometimes closed in the rainy season due to wet and dangerous conditions.

Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre

2008-07-17T05:25:00.001-07:00

Riomaggiore
Originally uploaded by nyluke

Riomaggiore is the southern-most town in Cinque Terre. The town is large as Cinque Terre towns go (the other large town being Monterosso al Mare, the northern-most town in Cinque Terre).

Riomaggiore is right on the water, and extends up a steep hill. There is an elevator from the train station to the top of the hill, which can be used by holders of the Cinque Terre Card for free (otherwise a 0.50 EUR fee applies).

In addition to being a major hub for the Cinque Terre ferries, Riomaggiore is home to some good shops and restaurants.

Manarola in Cinque Terre

2008-07-17T05:20:00.001-07:00

Manarola - Cinque Terre - 1
Originally uploaded by Rob Inh00d

Manarola is the second southern-most town in Cinque Terre. The town is small as Cinque Terre towns go (the other small town being Corniglia).

Manarola is right on the water, and extends up a steep hill. The town is home to some small food shops and good seafront restaurants.

Manarola is one of the quietest of the five towns in Cinque Terre, so it is a great place to stay if you are looking for a romantic getaway or a less-touristy destination.

Manarola does not have a beach, but it does have a rocky/concrete area by the water that attracts boaters, swimmers and sunbathers.