Practical information for travelling in Italy

 

Luggage & preparation

Travel light. For a two-week trip, one or two medium suitcases are plenty. Put your name and contact details inside and outside your luggage, and add a ribbon or tag to spot it easily. Keep valuables in your carry-on or backpack. During the tour we will attach a Cicloposse name tag.

 

Currency

Italy uses the euro (€). ATMs (bancomat) and credit cards work almost everywhere. Check your bank's fees in advance.

 

Banks & exchange

Banks usually open until 13:00, though some in cities also open in the afternoon. It is handy to change a few hundred euros on arrival at the airport. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

 

Insurance & healthcare

We recommend travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellation and theft. The emergency number in Italy is 112. Every hospital has an emergency department (Pronto Soccorso).

 

Trains

Italian trains are efficient and punctual. Strikes are announced in advance. Check timetables and book at www.trenitalia.com. Validate your ticket in the (yellow) machine before boarding.

 

Maps

Touring Club Italiano maps are the most reliable. Local maps are available at bookshops and tourist offices.

Google Maps is also very useful.

 

Eating in Italy

Meals follow a set order: antipasto, primo (pasta or soup), secondo (meat or fish), contorno (vegetables), dessert, then coffee. At home people don't always eat this way, and light lunches are common.

 

Hotels & accommodation

By law, hotels must register your passport. Ratings go from 1 to 5 stars, and all rooms except at 1-star hotels have private bathrooms. Breakfast (prima colazione) is usually included: bread, pastries, jam, cereal, fruit, yogurt, coffee or cappuccino. Some places also serve eggs and cheese.

 

Agriturismo (farm stay)

Accommodation on a working farm in the countryside, some serving meals made with their own produce. Some offer comfortable facilities and private pools: a way to stay that lets you experience local culture.