Attractions in Italy

Italy, a founder member of the EU, is a relatively young country which was only unified as a nation in 1861. It has land borders with Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland while the Vatican City is a separate state within Rome. The country's long coastline, stretching some 7,600km, has contributed to problems with immigration control. Besides deep rooted problems, such as the need to import most raw materials, the country is also plagued by corruption and crime.

The economy is divided by the industrial north and less developed and poorer agricultural south.

As in much of Europe, property prices have been rising. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor's European Housing Review 2005, the housing market has been on 'a sustained upward swing for five years'. Last year 'agents were reporting that market activity was still brisk - although it had fallen below its peak'. Most Italian property is sold as freehold although Italian property law recognizes various other property rights and tenures. Usufruct is a right to use the property of another for a fixed period but not to change its nature.

Leasehold rights, which may be for a fixed period of 20 years or more or in perpetuity, allow the lessor to use the property as if he or she were the owner, subject to a requirement to improve the land and pay a rent. Building rights entitle the holder to construct a building on land belonging to a third party, or maintain a building standing on land belonging to a third party. Building rights may be for a limited or unlimited period of time, but if for a fixed period, ownership of the building reverts to the owner of the land on their expiry. Italian property transfer processes have some similarities to France. Based on land registration, the state regulated process involves both purchaser and seller using the same state appointed notary to complete the transaction.

The process begins with a formal and nominally binding offer to purchase arranged through an estate agent. If accepted during the set period of the offer, this is followed by a preliminary contract signed by both parties (at which point a deposit will be paid). Finally comes formal completion. The notary, in front of whom the completion documents must be signed, will verify that the documentation is correct, that the property is free from registered encumbrances and checks the identities of the parties involved. Searches beyond what is included in the registry are unlikely to be exhaustive.


The notary also collects the taxes and duties involved. These vary between Non-resident property purchasers are treated differently to resident purchasers in a number of ways. In particular they will be obliged to pay higher registration fees, although residence can be claimed within a fixed time subsequent to the purchase. Total fees and charges are likely to amount to between 5 per cent and 20 per cent, including estate agents fee, if applicable, registration fees or VAT if a new property, and the notary's fee. Fees in the order of 8 to 10 per cent are also payable on sale of a property.

Some charges are based on the registered value of the property, which is likely to be less that the actual purchase price. This also applies to local property taxes, the amount of which varies from region to region. The Imposta Comunale surgli Immobili is paid by both resident and non resident owners - although the amount is halved for property that is not habitable. In addition there are likely to be charges for local services. Italian taxation is undergoing reform. From the start of 2005 personal tax rates have been set on a graduating scale ranging from 23 per cent to 39 per cent, with a 4 per cent supplement for income in excess of 100,000 euro.

Property owners are obliged to file annual tax returns but are only taxable on income arising in Italy. However, there tax is levied on the notional rental value of the property (based on its registered value) whether or not it is rented out. Both residents and non-resident property owners are subject to Italian inheritance law and tax. But the good news is that currently there is no capital gains tax to pay on property gains.

Mostly, travelers go on a trip recommended by friends, but is this what they really want? It's never too early to plan for your trip and to do what your heart really desires. Here are several questions to ask yourself before starting to plan your vacation. Do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.

Vacations are needed for our emotional, physical and mental balance. Vacations give a person a chance to relax, renew his energy, and free him from his daily routine. Vacations can be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It provides satisfaction, which is far more important than the destination itself. Generally, there are some different types of travel according to the activities involved. Here are some of them:

1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people.

2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while experiencing everything there is to know about nature.

3. Tribal cultures. In today's world of high technology, it is wise to experience the simpler life of the tribal people who have lived close to nature in the same way for thousands of years.

4. Responsible Diving. Diving not only lets travelers appreciate what is in the sea but also helps make the traveler more aware of efforts concerning conservation of our natural resources.

Plan your travel to a country that will leave a great mark in your traveling diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:

1. Thailand. Thailand is also known as Siam. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being used in farming.

2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourists; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourists. First class hotels now offer the highest class of amenities and dozens more are still being built.

3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.

4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. It has nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.

The success of any vacation will not depend on how much money the traveler spent or the destination. The final outcome will depend on the degree of enjoyment experienced by the traveler.

 Visiting Italy will always be an unforgettable experience, but those heading to this amazing country for the first time should be sure to hit all the major highlights before returning home, armed with hundreds of pictures, souvenirs, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The best way to get a taste of Italy is to be sure to include the Big Three on your itinerary; Rome, Venice, and Florence. These three cities have and always will be Italy's most popular tourist spots, each offering something unique for those who vacation there. With just 7 to 14 days of vacation time, travelers can get a good idea of what each city offers. In addition, travel between the cities whether by car or by coach provides a look at more of Italy's beautiful terrain since the cities are each located in a different region of the country.

The best way to see these three lovely cities, especially on a first visit is to book an escorted tour with a company that knows Rome, Venice, and Florence inside out and backwards. This way, you're hitting all the major attractions but also those little out-of-the-way places, like a favorite cafe or gelato shop you might not find on your own.

Rome

Rome remains Italy's most visited city. After all, The Eternal City is so full of things to see and do, no matter what your particular interest. Of course, if you're a history buff, you'll probably head straight to the buildings and remains of the Roman Empire and other early civilizations. You'll want to visit the Colosseum, built by Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus in 80 A.D.; the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 A.D.; St Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's renowned frescoes; the extraordinary Pantheon, the first temple built for the common people; and the Roman Forum, once the center of political and commercial life in ancient Rome.

Museums abound, including the wonderful Vatican Museums, housing the most extensive and impressive collection of fine art found anywhere in the world. You'll also want to include visits to The Spanish Steps, the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way), Castel St. Angelo, and Rome's beautiful churches.

Dining is a joy, whether you're in search of a five-star restaurant experience or would prefer to take a seat in a small outdoor cafe on the Piazza della Rotonda and do a little people watching. Either way, the food is stellar!

Try to allow at least 4 full days to enjoy the capital city and if you're on an escorted tour, do a little research ahead of time to decide which sights you'd like to explore during your free time when specific activities are not scheduled.

Venice

Situated in Northern Italy, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and is often a top choice for honeymooners. But, of course, anyone can enjoy this spectacular city, which stretches across about 110 small islands along the Adriatic Sea.

You'll need at least two full days to see all the highlights. First time visitors to Venice will certainly want to hop aboard a gondola or a vaporetti (water taxi) and explore the city's system of canals, which take visitors past most of Venice's prime attractions. (The canals serve the same function as roads because Venice is a car-free city.) While on your canal tour, you can decide what you'd like to see once you're back on foot.

Top attractions include pigeon-filled St. Mark's Square, home to St. Mark's Basilica, the magnificent gothic Doge's Palace, and many other buildings and sites. You'll also want to make your way to the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's many bridges, known as such because it passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was often the last place prisoners could view the city before their incarceration or death.

Be sure to sample the local seafood as well as the innovative pasta dishes. Venice is also known for its wonderful sweets, so you'll want to include a stop at a patisserie or two while exploring this breathtaking city.

Florence

Florence, the gateway to Tuscany, has become more and more popular during the past few decades. Always Italy's most cultural city, it's been as such since the Renaissance, when Florence families such as the Medicis sponsored artists like Michelangelo and others.

The centerpiece of Florence is the Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiore. A must see, with its magnificent dome and baptistery, this is the architectural jewel in Florence's crown. After you've seen the cathedral, head to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only to survive World War II, lined with interesting shops help up by stilts. And stop at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world, or visit the Academia to view Michelangelo's David.

Wherever your first (or second or third) Italy tour takes you, you're sure to be mesmerized by all this wonderful country offers, from its vibrant cities to its bucolic countryside to its friendly people who welcome you with open arms. Take time to savor the moments!

For more than a century, international travelers have recognized the warmth and beauty of Italy's famed Liguria region and the magnificent Italian Riviera. Long the place where the rich and famous would gather to enjoy warm water, wide sandy beaches, and posh resorts, the heyday of some towns in the Italian Riviera has passed but the area still maintains a certain upscale atmosphere that beckons discriminating travelers to come and explore.

Liguria is located in the northern portion of Italy, between the French Riviera, Piemonte, and Tuscany. The weather in the Liguria region is nearly always nice and can best be described as balmy. Thanks to its location, it's protected from most nasty weather by the mountains of the Alpine range. The average summertime temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees fahrenheit and in the winter, it rarely dips below around 50 degrees. The sun is abundant and the vegetation is lush. That's why, for decades, it's been attracting the rich and famous who come to play in San Remo's famed casino, enjoy the harbor at Portofino, or explore quaint seaside towns like Camogli and Rapallo.

Liguria is generally divided into two areas or coasts. West of Genoa is where you'll find traditional wide, sandy beaches and the resorts that make it a much-visited vacation spot. This area is known as Riviera di Ponente or Shore of the Setting Sun. Stretching all the way to the French Riviera, this side of Liguria boasts towns such as turn-of-the-century Bordighera, with its beautiful seaside promenade; the famed resort of San Remo; the medieval town of Masone; pretty Alassio with its 2-mile long beach; and the hill town of Sassello.

On the eastern side of Genoa is Riviera di Levante, Shore of the Rising Sun. The towns here are less developed, the coast more rugged. You won't find the huge resorts on this side of Genoa, but what you will find are some of Italy's most charming small towns, all lined up within just a few miles of each other and eager to welcome visitors. Head for little Portofino, perfect for those who require a little glitz with their vacation, or if you're looking for something less pretentious, travel just a few miles to pretty Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming town that was once a well-known retreat but is now quiet, boasting a pristine beach and lots of friendly locals.

If you're a city person, however, and you're visiting the Italian Riviera, don't miss an opportunity to spend some time in Genoa, one of Italy's least-visited cities but definitely worth a stop. Quite a historic city, Genoa's history can be traced back to the Etruscans of the 5th century BC and the city is simply full of wonderful archeological and architectural gems.

The most visited sight in Genoa is probably The Palace of the Doges, dating from the 13th century (not to be confused with the one in Venice). Other must sees include the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo); the Old Harbor area; the Museo d'Arte Oriental with its excellent collection of Oriental art; and the fun and educational Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe. You'll also want to take a stroll down the Via Garibaldi. This street, lined with palaces, is a fascinating World Heritage Site.

No matter where you go in Italy, you'll want to be sure to taste the local food. Liguria is no exception. Seafood, of course, is quite popular, given the region's location, so expect most restaurants to have an excellent selection including fish that was just plucked from the sea hours before dinner is served. The produce in Liguria is equally as tantalizing and - like the seafood - you'll often find fruit or vegetables on your plate that were picked that very same day. Be sure to try the orata, a tasty local fish, usually cooked with olives and potatoes; or the gattafin, pasta stuffed with beetroot, onion and parmesan. Liguria is also the birthplace of pesto sauce so remember to order a dish that includes this popular topping.

Want to travel to Italy but nobody you know wants to go? Have specific dates for your holiday in Tuscany but none of your traveling friends can get away then? You're not alone--you're part of the fast growing single traveler market. As a frequent single traveler in Italy for many years, here are my tips on companionship, safety, money matters, and quality of life for traveling solo in Italy.

Companionship

1. Look for restaurants or hotels with communal tables. Sit down, relax, eat with whoever is there, smile and start a conversation. Sharing food and wine around the table opens people up and conversation flows easily. Also look for restaurants with tables close together so it's easy to strike up a conversation with fellow diners. For example, I've enjoyed staying a family-run B & B in Sorrento where I've happily chatted to people from all over the world around their big dining tables.

2. Offer to help other travelers as a spring board to start a conversation. For example, while traveling on the Amalfi Coast on a bus to my hotel in Praiano, I overheard a man asking about the area. Knowing the coast, I gave him directions and advice. It turned out we were staying at the same hotel. That evening we shared a lovely dinner of fish and cool, white wine and a good conversation on a restaurant patio at the sea's edge.

3. Break up your time alone with half or full day guided tours that focus on something you're passionate about like food, art or gardens so you have fun with people with similar interests. For example, in Florence you'll find city walking, cycling, garden, leather & gelato, history and food tours.

4. Find tours that cater to single travelers. For example, two Italian families offer cooking tours, one in the Chianti hills and one in Sorrento, and accept solo travelers for any dates they request. Generally other people are staying in their B & Bs so you have congenial company. A family member takes the single traveler on the same excursions as a group.

Safety For Solo Women

5. Use your common sense and intuition. No matter what hour of the day, if a street is deserted you may not want to walk there. In general, stick to streets where other people are walking. Strolling along the Arno River in Florence at 10:00 p.m. admiring the reflections of illuminated buildings along with lots of people is wonderful. Walking down a deserted little street in Palermo in mid-afternoon may not be wise.

6. Out and about, dress down in ordinary clothes and leave your jewelry at home, so you avoid becoming a lone and profitable target for theft. 

7. Take a handbag with a shoulder strap you can put diagonally across your chest. Wear a money belt under your pants. Be alert to who is around you, especially in crowded places where pick pockets thrive.

8. Walk with a strong, confident bearing, so you don't look like a victim. All the above apply in any big city. In small country towns you can relax, since little happens there.

9. What about men chatting you up? Just like at home, stick to public places until you're comfortable with him. If you're not interested in him, politely say "no thanks" as many times as it takes.

Over the years, I've found Italian men respect my boundaries. I only got into one "tight" situation in my 20s where my fast running made up for my clueless behaviour. Other times I've met new friends and big loves of my life.

Money Matters

10. Find tours that have no single supplement. They do exist. Many tour companies in Italy match you up with a roommate. For example, I went on walking tours in Tuscany and Sicily, shared rooms and found hikers are generally a nice, down to earth, fun bunch. Be open to new people, make new friends by getting to know your roommate and avoid the supplement.

11. When looking for a hotel in Italy, I like to e-mail the hotel directly about a single room and not book online. When you email, fax or call them, you can ask for a double room for single use (often a small double at a lower price than a double room) or for a single room. Since single rooms are scarce, asking for a double for single use will often get you a room.

By email or phone you can also make other special requests like a quiet room not overlooking the street.

Quality of Life

12. To give yourself the best eating experiences in Italy, go to restaurants on the early side (12:30 for lunch, 7:30 for dinner or 7:00 in big tourist cities) and get the best seat. For example, at these hours in the beautiful Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, I find no one minds if I occupy a table for two with a front row view of the sea at a restaurant patio on the main piazza.

13. Accept help and reach out to other travelers. If someone offers to help you carry your suitcase up the stairs in a train station, say yes, thank them and give them a big smile. Look around for other travelers who may appreciate your help in small ways.

As a single traveler, if you extend your friendship to fellow travelers or local people, especially in places conducive to conversation, look for people with your interests on tours, take sensible safety precautions and pay attention to your quality of life, you'll have a fabulous time and some fun adventures in Italy.