Europe Travel 101 -

Europe Map - European Travel Planning Map - Europe for Visitors  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Continental Europe Travel Planning Map Start your travel planning with this interactive map of Western Europe How to Use the European Travel Planning Map Place your mouse cursor over a country with map and traveler essential coverage and it'll turn orange. Click it and you'll be whisked off to that country's map and essentials page, listing all the resources on this site for that country, including tourist destinations, pictures, rail maps, and information that tourists need to be informed: languages, eating out, tipping, weather, and transportation. The red circle on the left represents a distance of 200 miles from the center to the circle's edge. The diameter of the circle represents 400 miles of course, and that's 643.6 kilometers. Position your mouse over the center of the circle (until it changes into a hand) and you can drag it over the map to get a closer approximation of distances. You'll need the flash plugin if you don't see the picture. Countries in yellow use the Euro (€), countries in green use local currency (see our European Currency Quick Guide for more). Map of Europe © 2003 by James Martin, Licensed to About. If you don't see the map and don't want to download the plugin, a non-interactive map of Europe with distances between major cities is available here . List of all the Maps on Europe for Visitors: European Travel Planning Map Germany Map Baden Baden Map Italy Map Rome Travel Map Cinque Terre Map Tuscany Map Lunigiana Map Spain Map Switzerland Map Austria Map France Map Paris Interactive Map Netherlands Map , Belgium Map Portugal Map Turkey Map United Kingdom Map From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Cruise Vacations Family Cruises

CruiseDirect | Family Cruise Vacations Site Shortcuts Home _________________ Deal Finder Last Minute Cruises Group Cruises Special Cruise Offers Top Ten Cruises Online Exclusives _________________ Port Excursions Ship Activities _________________ Accessories Apparel Books Insurance Luggage Currency Converter _________________ About Us Cust Service Questions Price Guarantee Privacy Review Trip Security _________________ CRUISE SEARCH Destination: Any destination Africa Alaska Australia Bahamas Baltic Sea Bermuda Canada/New England Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Southern Caribbean - Western Costa Rica Cruise To Nowhere Europe Europe - Northern Europe - Western Far East Greek Isles Hawaii Mediterranean Mexico New York New Zealand Orient Pacific Coastal Pacific Northwest Panama Canal Red Sea South America South Pacific Southeast Asia Tahiti Transatlantic Transcanal Transpacific World Cruise Embarking Between: to: Length of Cruise: Any cruise length 1-2 Nights 3-6 Nights 7-9 Nights 10-14 Nights Over 14 Nights Cruise Line: Any cruise line Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruise Lines Cruise West Crystal Cruises Cunard Line Ltd. Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Italian Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Oceania Cruises Orient Cruise Lines P&O Cruises Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Royal Caribbean Seabourn Cruise Line Silversea Cruises Viking River Cruises Windjammer Cruises Windstar Cruises Departure Port: Any port Acapulco, Mexico Adelaide, AUS Alexandria, EGY Amsterdam, NL Anchorage, Alaska Antigua, WI Antwerp, Belgium Aruba, NA Auckland, NZ Avignon, France Baltimore, MD Bangkok, TH Barcelona, Spain Basel, CH Bayonne, NJ Beijing, China Bergen, Norway Bordeaux, France Boston, MA Barbados, WI Bourgogne, France Brisbane, AUS Budapest, HUN Buenos Aires, ARG Cairns, AUS Caldera, CR Cape Town, SA Charleston, SC Christchurch, NZ Civitavecchia, ITA Colon, Panama Columbia Glacier, AK Copenhagen, DNK Cozumel, MX Curacao, NA Darwin, AUS Dover, England Dubai, UAE Durban, South Africa Ensenada, Mexico Fort Lauderdale, FL Freeport, Bahamas Fremantle, AUS Galveston, Texas Genoa, Italy Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Great Bahama Bank Grenada, WI Guadeloupe Hamburg, Germany Harwich, England Ho Chi Minh, VNM Honfleur, France Hong Kong, China Honolulu, Hawaii Houston, Texas Istanbul, Turkey Jacksonville, FL Juneau, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska Kiel, Germany Kobe, Japan La Paz, Mexico Laem Chabang, TH Lima, Peru Lautoka, Fiji Leith/Edinburgh, SCT Lisbon, Portugal London, England Long Beach, CA Los Angeles, CA Lyttelton, NZ Madeira, Portugal Magdeburg, DEU Malaga, Spain Manaus, Brazil Marseille, France Melbourne, AUS Miami, Florida Mobile, Alabama Mombasa, Kenya Monte Carlo, MCO Montevideo, URY Montreal, Quebec Moscow,Russia Mumbai, India Mykonos, Greece Nassau, Bahamas New Orleans, LA New York, NY Nice, France Norfolk, Virginia Nuremberg, DEU Osaka, Japan Oslo, Norway Palm Beach, FL Palma de Mallorca, ESP Panama City, PAN Paris, France Perth, AUS Philadelphia, PA Piraeus, GRC Port Canaveral, FL Port Louis, MUS Port Said, Egypt Puntarenas, CR Quebec City, QC Reykjavik, ISL Rio de Janeiro, BRA Rouen, France Safaga, Egypt San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CR San Juan, PR Santiago, CHL Santos, Brazil Savona, ITA Seattle, WA Seward, Alaska Shanghai, China Singapore, SGP Southampton, UK St. Lucia St. Maarten, NA St. Martin, FWI St. Petersburg, RUS St. Thoma, USVI Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Tahiti, FP Tampa, Florida Tenerife, Canary Islands Tianjin, China Tilbury, England Tokyo, Japan Tortola, VGB Ushuaia, ARG Valletta, Malta Vancouver, BC Vancouver IS, CAN Venice, Italy Vienna, Austria Villefranche, FR W Palm Beach, FL Whittier, Alaska Wuhan, China Yokohama, Japan Deal Finder Departure Ports Group Cruises Last Minute Cruise Top Ten Bargains Online Exclusives Special Offers Cruise Sweepstakes Carnival Celebrity Crystal Disney Holland America Norwegian Princess Royal Caribbean Windstar Africa Alaska Asia Australia/N.Z. Bahamas Bermuda Canada/N.E. Caribbean Europe Hawaii Mexico Panama Canal South America South Pacific Western U.S. Family Cruises Golf Cruises Honeymoon Cruises Shore Excursions Onboard Accessories Logo Wear Books & Maps Luggage Travel Insurance Currency Converter Live Chat Email Questions? Member Login Get Specials via email! Home > Family Cruise Vacations Family Cruises Tired of long car rides, crowded amusements parks, unpredictable weather, and bored children? With a dizzying assortment of activities, both onboard and onshore, a cruise has something to offer for each member of your family: spas for Mom, golf for Dad, movies, games, and swimming for the kids (to name only a few possibilities). To help you plan your next family cruise vacation, we’ve provided our top picks for family cruises, as well as a sampling of activities and services offered by the major cruise lines. Family Cruise Activities & Services: Carnival | Celebrity | Crystal | Disney | Holland America | Norwegian | Princess | Royal Caribbean FEATURED FAMILY CRUISES Feb 5, 2006 Mexico 8 days Norwegian Norwegian Star Los Angeles, CA $459 * Mar 9, 2006 Bahamas 3 days Disney Disney Wonder Port Canaveral, FL $668 * Mar 9, 2006 Caribbean, West 4 days Carnival Holiday Mobile, AL $329 * Mar 19, 2006 Bahamas 4 days Carnival Fantasy Port Canaveral, FL $409 * Apr 17, 2006 Mexico 4 days Royal Caribbean Monarch of Seas Los Angeles, CA $354 * Apr 22, 2006 Caribbean, East 7 days Royal Caribbean Navigator of Seas Miami, FL $964 * Apr 29, 2006 Caribbean, East 7 days Carnival Carnival Glory Port Canaveral, FL $639 * May 4, 2006 Bahamas 3 days Disney Disney Wonder Port Canaveral, FL $668 * May 27, 2006 Bermuda 7 days Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas Philadelphia, PA $899 * Dec 7, 2006 Caribbean, East 10 days Norwegian Norwegian Dawn New York, NY $629 * 10 Cruises Found 1-10 | Show All FAMILY CRUISE WIZARD Sail Date: Select month All January February March April May June July August September October November December 2006 2007 2008 Destination: Select destination All Africa Alaska Bahamas Bermuda Canada Caribbean - All - Eastern - Southern - Western Europe - All - Mediterranean - Northern - Western Far East Hawaii Mexico New England New Zealand Panama Canal South America South Pacific - All - Australia/N.Z. - Tahiti Southeast Asia Transatlantic Transcanal Transpacific Western U.S. World Cruise Cruiseline: Select cruiseline All Carnival Celebrity Costa Cruise West Crystal Cunard Disney Holland America MSC Italian Norwegian Oceania Orient Princess Radisson Seven Seas Royal Caribbean Seabourn Silversea Viking River Windjammer Windstar CARNIVAL FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Babysitting** Cartoons Cribs available*** Daily papers Dancing classes (some ships) Escorted shore tours (some ships) Games/contests Ice cream bar/party Kids’ dining menus Movies Parties Ping Pong Pool—kids only (some ships) Quad/family cabins Teen center/disco (some ships) Teen counselors (seasonal) Video games Volleyball (some ships) Youth counselors Youth center/playroom (seasonal) back to top of page CELEBRITY FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Arts/crafts classes Babysitting** Basketball (some ships) Beach parties (some ships) Cartoons Cribs available*** Daily papers (seasonal) Dancing classes Games/contests History/geography lessons (some ships) Ice cream bar/party Kids’ dining menus Movies Parties Ping Pong Pool—kids only (some ships) Quad/family cabins Teen center/disco (some ships) Teen counselors (seasonal) Video games Volleyball (some ships) Youth counselors Youth center/playroom (seasonal) back to top of page CRYSTAL FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Arts/crafts classes (seasonal) Babysitting** Basketball (seasonal) Bridge tours (seasonal) Cartoons Cribs available*** Daily papers (seasonal) Dancing classes (seasonal) Games/contests (seasonal) Ice cream bar/party Movies Parties (seasonal) Ping Pong (seasonal) Quad/family cabins (no four-berth cabins, some triples) Teen center/disco (some ships) Teen counselors (seasonal) Video games (seasonal) Youth counselors Youth center/playroom (seasonal) back to top of page DISNEY FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Babysitting** Basketball Beach parties Cribs available*** Daily papers Dancing classes Escorted shore tours Games/contests Ice cream bar/party Kids’ dining menus Movies Parties Ping Pong Pool—kids only Quad/family cabins Snorkeling Teen center/disco Teen counselors Video games Volleyball Youth counselors Youth center/playroom back to top of page HOLLAND AMERICA FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Arts/crafts classes Babysitting** Basketball Beach parties Bridge tours Cartoons (seasonal) Cribs available*** Daily papers Dancing classes Escorted shore tours (some ships) Foreign language classes (some ships; seasonal) Games/contests History/geography lessons (some ships) Ice cream bar/party Kids’ dining menus Movies Parties Ping Pong Pool—kids only (some ships) Quad/family cabins Teen center/disco Teen counselors Video games Volleyball back to top of page NORWEGIAN FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Arts/crafts classes (some ships) Basketball (some ships) Beach parties (some ships) Bridge tours (some ships) Cartoons (some ships) Cribs available*** Daily papers (some ships) Dancing classes (some ships; seasonal) Escorted shore tours (some ships) Games/contests (some ships) Ice cream bar/party (some ships) Kids’ dining menus Movies (some ships) Parties (some ships) Ping Pong Quad/family cabins Snorkeling (some ships) Teen center/disco (some ships/seasonal) Teen counselors (seasonal) Video games Youth counselors (some ships) Youth center/playroom (seasonal back to top of page PRINCESS FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Air/Sea rate (same or less for full-fare psngrs.) Arts/crafts classes (seasonal) Basketball (some ships) Beach parties Bridge tours Cartoons Cribs available*** (some ships) Daily papers (seasonal) Dancing classes (seasonal) Games/contests (seasonal) History/geography lessons (some ships Ice cream bar/party (seasonal) Kids’ dining menus Movies (seasonal) Parties (seasonal) Ping Pong Pool—kids only (some ships) Quad/family cabins (some ships) Teen center/disco (some ships) Teen counselors (seasonal) Video games Volleyball (some ships) Youth counselors (seasonal) back to top of page ROYAL CARIBBEAN FAMILY CRUISES: ACTIVITIES & SERVICES Arts/crafts classes Babysitting** (seasonal) Basketball (some ships) Beach parties (some ships) Bridge tours (some ships) Cartoons Cribs available*** Daily papers Escorted shore tours Games/contests Kids’ dining menus Parties Quad/family cabins Teen center/disco Teen counselors Video games Youth counselors Youth center/playroom back to featured cruises | back to top of page **Where available, babysitting is arranged onboard, and not guaranteed. ***Where available, cribs are arranged for at time of booking. About Us | Security | Privacy | News | Affiliates | Travel Agents ©2002-2003 CruiseDirect, Inc. All rights reserved. CruiseDirect Terms of use | Privacy Policy Featured offers are for select dates only, are subject to availability, and are based on double occupancy. Your exact price depends on time of actual booking. All prices are in $US. To convert into other currencies, please see our currency converter . CruiseDirect, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites.

Spain Travel

Spain Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Spain Spain The Spanish passion for living is deliciously contagious. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Spain Alicante Andalucia Balearic Islands Barcelona Gibraltar Granada Ibiza Madrid Malaga Mallorca Murcia San Sebastián Seville Valencia View Map Click here Feature Attraction Alcázar Let your imagination run wild with Rapunzel towers, turrets topped with slate witches' hats and a deeeeep moat. Visiting this castle, the inspiration ... more Once away from the holiday costas, you could only be in Spain. In the cities, narrow twisting old streets suddenly open out to views of daring modern architecture, while spit-and-sawdust bars serving wine from the barrel rub shoulders with blaring, glaring discos. Travel is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate benign, the people relaxed, the beaches long and sandy, the food and drink easy to come by and full of regional variety. More than 50 million foreigners a year visit Spain, yet you can also travel for days and hear nothing but Spanish. When To Go Spain can be enjoyable any time of year.The ideal months to visit are May, June andSeptember (plus April and October in thesouth). At these times you can rely on good-to-excellent weather, yet avoid the extreme heat - and the main crush ofSpanish and foreign tourists - of July andAugust. But there's decent weather in some partsof Spain virtually year round. Winter alongthe southern and southeastern Mediterraneancoasts is mild, while in the height ofsummer you can retreat to the northwest, tobeaches or high mountains anywhere to escapeexcessive heat.The best festivals are mostly concentratedbetween Semana Santa (the week leading up to Easter Sunday) and Septemberto October. Factoid Pablo Ruiz? Spaniards have three names: a given name ( nombre ), and two surnames ( apellidos ). The first surname is the persons' father's first surname, the second is the mother's first surname. So Picasso's full name was Pablo Ruiz Picasso. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › On the Road Read an Iberian road tale. Drive there › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Cruise Vacations - SuperClubs

IneedaVacation.com - Disney Vacations - Disneyland Vacations - Walt Disney World Vacations - Disney Cruise Line Vacations - Disney Cruise Discounts and Special Offers - Disney Trips and Packages - Authorized Disney Vacation Planner - Universal Studios Orlando Vacations - San Diego Vacations - Cruise Vacations - SuperClubs and Beaches Caribbean All Inclusive Vacations - Alaska - Hawaii - Mexico - Vacation - Cruises Home TRAVEL SPECIALS Disneyland® Walt Disney World® Disney Cruise Line® Universal Orlando® Cruises Alaska Hawaii Mexico Caribbean San Diego More Destinations Client Feedback About Us Home Destinations Disneyland Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Universal Orlando Cruise Vacations Hawaii Mexico Caribbean Alaska San Diego, CA. Other Destinations What Our Clients Say Online Travel Store Register With Us Company Information Thank you for visiting IneedaVacation.com ™. As a member of Signature Travel Network, with over $1 billion dollars in vacation sales, we are proud to offer you special pricing and exclusive amenities on your next vacation getaway. How this benefits you... Our Featured Destinations: Disneyland® Walt Disney World® Disney Cruise Line® San Diego, California Universal Orlando® Cruise Vacations Alaska Hawaii Mexico Caribbean Beaches®... A Truly All-Inclusive Family Vacation Our company has been providing quality travel services since 1982. Each of our consultants have visited the destinations, experienced the cruises, and possess the in-depth knowledge required to plan the vacation you've always dreamed of! Once again, thank you for visiting us here at IneedaVacation.com™. We look forward to assisting you with your travel arrangements. Disneyland® Resort 50TH ANNIVERSARY Disney Cruise Line® LIMITED TIME OFFERS Walt Disney World® FALL SAVINGS Universal Orlando® SPECIAL OFFERS Cruise Vacations Alaska Vacations © IneedaVacation.com™ a division of Vagabond Cruise & Travel, Inc. As to Disney Images and Logos - ©Disney Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use IneedaVacation.com™ is a trademark of: Vagabond Cruise & Travel, Inc. 211 E. March Lane #E Stockton, California USA 95207 Information: (209) 951-9512 California Seller of Travel #2027208-10 Looking for more information on a vacation offer you received by mail or email? If so, simply enter the Offer ID number above. *Pricing and availability provided through our website cannot be guaranteed until the time of booking. Pricing and information is subject to change without prior notice. Our Vacation Specialists are available by phone Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Pacific Time). IneedaVacation.com™ is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner offering Disney Vacations to Disneyland® and Walt Disney World®, and Special Discounts on the Disney Cruise Line®. We also specialize in other popular vacations including Universal Orlando®, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, and the Caribbean. Sandals®, Beaches®, and SuperClubs® All-Inclusive vacation packages, as well as cruise vacations on the following major lines; Disney Cruise Line®, Royal Caribbean® Cruises, Carnival® Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises® and Celebrity Cruises® are also available. Whether you're planning a Disney Vacation to Disneyland® or Walt Disney World®, a trip to Universal Orlando®, a fabulous cruise getaway on Disney Cruise Line® or Princess Cruises®, or an escape to Hawaii or Mexico, IneedaVacation.com™ can make your dream vacation a reality!

Italy Travel

Italy Travel Tips Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Italy & Switzerland Travel Tips Climate / Clothing Language Code of Conduct Currency Holidays Travel Insurance Car Regulations Luggage Local Emergency/Phone Health Precautions Passports and Visas Driving Electricity Shopping Tipping Venice Transfers Departure Tax Papal Audiences Climate /Clothing Italy : Spring and Fall: 55 - 75F; Summer: 70 - 85F; Winter: 40 - 55F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. On the cruises, informal dress is the general rule but there may be some occasions were formal dress is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts or sleeveless tops). Italy Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/italy-weather.htm . Switzerland : The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Switzerland Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/switzerland-weather.htm . Language Italy : Italian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well. Switzerland : German, French, Italian, and Raeto-Romance are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. Passports and Visas Italy : Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Switzerland : Passport required. Visa not required for tourism/study stay of less than 90 days. For more information, please see www.gate1travel.com/visas.htm . Currency Italy : Euro Switzerland : The Swiss Franc Tipping Italy : This is a matter of personal discretion. Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Although restaurant bills often include a service charge, this amount is not typically for the waiters/staff. A typical tip is approximately 10%. Switzerland : A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required. For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gate1travel.com/tipping.htm Electricity Italy & Switzerland : The voltage used is 220 volts. *Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Shopping Italy : Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods is very high. Department stores such as La Rinascente, Coin, Upim, and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns. Things to buy: Clothes for men & women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cards are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept. Switzerland : Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours usually run Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30 -6:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings. Health Precautions Italy & Switzerland : No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Italy or Switzerland from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.*For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov Conservation/Code of Conduct Italy : The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual in most places, though beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, transport and cinemas. Visitors are warned to take precautions against theft, particularly in the major cities. Switzerland : Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Luggage *Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. Departure Tax Italy & Switzerland : There are currently no departure taxes in Italy or Switzerland, please see www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/departure_tax.htm for more information. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. Local Emergency Phone # Italy : ambulance/medical: 118 fire, disasters: 115 police & general emergency: 112 Switzerland : general emergency: 112 Holidays Italy : January 1 New Year's Day January 6 Epiphany Mar 28 Easter Monday April 25 Liberation Day May 1 Labor Day June 2 Anniversary of the Republic August 15 Assumption of the Virgin November 1 All Saints Day November 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day December 8 Immaculate Conception December 25 Christmas Day December 26 St Stephens Day *Note : In addition, local feast days are held in honor of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include: Turin/Genoa/Florence: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Milan: Dec 7 (St Ambrose) Siena: Jul 2 and Aug 16, Palio horserace Venice: Apr 25 (St Mark) Bologna: Oct 4 (St Petronius) Naples: Sep 19 (St Gennaro) Bari: Dec 6 (St Nicholas) Palermo: Jul 15 (St Rosalia) Rome: Jun 29 (St Peter) Trieste: Nov 3. Switzerland : Public Holidays: January 1 New Year's Day January 2 Berchtolds Day Mar 25* Good Friday Mar 28* Easter Monday May 5* Ascension May 15* Whit Monday Aug 1 National Day Nov 1 All Saints Day Nov 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 26 St Stephens Day *Note : (a) *These holidays may not be observed in certain cantons. (b) There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only. Driving Italy : Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 185,500 miles of roads in Italy, including over 3700 miles of motorway (autostrada) which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the SalernoReggio Calabria, PalermoCatania and PalermoMazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times. Switzerland : Traffic drives on the right. Road quality is generally good. Many mountain roads are winding and narrow, and often closed in heavy winter conditions; otherwise chains and snow tires may be necessary. Rail is often more efficient than driving. Car Regulations Italy : Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer ( 1 km = 0.621 miles). An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Gasoline : Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free (95 octane) and diesel fuel. The fuel distribution network for gas-propelled vehicles is reasonably developed (ask for information at the Automobile Club d'Italia offices). Service stations are open from 7 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Automatic pumps, which accept 10,000 and 50,000 lire banknotes, function in the evenings and at night. Carrying gasoline in gas cans is prohibited. Traffic Tips : On highways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment. In cities and towns, the speed limit is 50 km/hr. Papal Audiences, Vatican City General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colors are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket. Return to the Italy brochure More TravelInformation Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . 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