A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Fascinating Italy

Italy is a destination with popular must-visits like enchanting Rome, traditional Venice and artistic Siena. You can knock the doors of history with museums and churches, revel in the bustling city life and explore its vibrant nightlife. Tourists flock to its islands for their purity and to enjoy respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Why Visit Italy

Visit Italy for its classical architectural marvels that take you back to the medieval times. The faithful can visit its holy cities with a range of pious churches, or take its sanctimonious pilgrimages. Those interested in outdoor activities have a plethora of options - hiking, rafting, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, kite surfing.

With 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy has the highest number of heritage sites in the world. Nature lovers can have it all in Italy - picture-perfect sea, forests, lakes and mountains.

When to Visit

Italy's temperate climate makes it a comfortable place to visit all the year round. Here are the major seasons to visit Italy.

• Summer Season: The period from June to August is the peak season. The major disadvantage of visiting during this season is the crowds and high hotel tariffs. Hotel bookings are not easily available during this season. Hence, plan your travel.
• Winter Season: The festival of Christmas is another popular time to visit to country. The other winter months from November to February are a popular time to steal lucrative hotel deals.
• Shoulder Season: The season from February to early May is when you can have the best of both the worlds - the high and low season. Hotel tariffs are reasonable and they are willing to provide you good service because of the absence of rush.

Visa for Italy

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Italy. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Rail is a popular mode to travel between different cities. Check out lucrative discounts on rail travel available online. However, train strikes are a problem that may disrupt your travel plans. Italy is well connected by various airports. In many cases, airline travel works out to be cheaper than other modes of transport.

You also have the option to choose bus travel while moving from one city to another. Take a boat or ferry if you wish to enjoy your commuting with breathtaking scenery.

Where to Stay

Italy offers a range of accommodations like hotels, inns and hotels for different budget options. Besides these, a new rental accommodation called agriturismo is unique to Italy. Located in the midst of farmlands, it is a boon for travelers who are on a tight budget. Being at close quarters with nature, you can savor agricultural produce from the farmlands and local market.

Things to Do

• Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa (Tuscany)
  An architectural marvel that is renowned throughout the world, it symbolizes the epitome of medieval engineering. The medieval experience is complete when you visit its museums in the vicinity. These museums include Camposanto, Opera del Duomo and Museum of the Sinopie.
• Montalcino, Tuscany
  The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Montalcino is the beauty of nature. Such is the beauty and historical significance of the place that it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
  You can combine its world-renowned wine with delectable food like cheese to enjoy this village to the fullest.
• Dogi Palace, Venice
  Among the many masterpieces in Venice, the Dogi Palace takes you back in time to the period of Renaissance. Tourists are enchanted by its exhibitions and operas held from time to time. Take a ‘Secret Tour' to explore its hidden passages if you wish to delve into the secrets of the palace.
• Colosseum, Rome
  You can gauge its architectural brilliance from the fact that it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Musical geniuses like Elton John and Paul McCartney have performed here.
• Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
  Discover your soul at this Gothic structure par excellence, which is the fourth largest in the world. Its mosaic pavements are an epitome of mastery. Iconic artists heave designed the windows of this 15th century cathedral.
• St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
  Visit this colossal Basilica, two of the largest churches in the world. Maestros like Donato Bramante have designed its Renaissance architecture. Explore its priceless pieces of art and sculpture by geniuses like Michelangelo spread throughout the cathedrals. This cathedral includes a massive ten thousand square meters of mosaics.
• Natural World Heritage Sites
  Italy offers a few natural heritage sites too. Visit the Dolomites, a beautiful mountain range in the Italian Alps. These mountain ranges have served as a location for action films like Cliffhanger. If you wish to move back to pre-history, visit the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica.

Dos and Don'ts

Italy is a country that is used to interacting with foreigners. However, not all natives of Italy understand English. Listed below are a few more tips that you must know before you visit Italy.

• Italy, like other countries, also has some areas of the cities where pickpocketing is an issue. Be careful of your possessions while in a bus or a crowded place.
• If you are visiting churches or other religious sites, it is advisable to cover yourself up. Bare backs or even shoulders may not be appreciated in some places.
• Italian culture demands, food of any sort, even fruits be eaten with proper utensils like fork or spoon.
• Leaving during a meal is considered rude.
• Shake hands in greeting and do not use first names unless you are asked to.
• Bring your host some wine or gift-wrapped chocolates if you are invited for a meal.

Ensure peace of mind while travelling to Italy with a comprehensive travel plan.

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