Thursday, March 18, 2010

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Why do we find Italy so inviting? Just ask any Italian - it can be summed up in three little words: la dolce vita, the sweet life. Italy is pasta, Pavarotti, and the Pope; it's fashion, Ferrari, and films; it's vino (wine), Venus, and villas - it's all of our favorite things that culminate in la dolce vita. Most visitors are aware of Italy's predominantly Catholic heritage, but not many are aware that Italy also has a rich Jewish heritage dating as early as 140 B.C. Most Italian Jews are descendants of the group Sephardim, who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries. Many outstanding synagogues and other Jewish sites are most evident in Florence, Rome, and Venice. © 2009, The Globe Pequot Press, LaVerne Ferguson-Kosinski Information by Europe by Eurailhttp://www.ciaotours.com/sites/all/themes/ciaotours/images/front2.jpg

The Italian State Railways provides excellent and frequent train services linking all of Italy. Keep in mind that Italian trains are not just for tourists; the Italians are heavily dependent upon their rail systems, and second-class railcars are often crowded. We recommend traveling in first class when in Italy. There is a supplement required for Eurostar Italia, Artesia, and some other premium trains. Milan has several railway stations, but rail pass holders need be concerned only with one, the Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale). Milan's Central Station is enormous. Rail pass validation requires that you descend to street level via the escalator in the middle of the station, make a right turn, and look for a sign, Biglietteria Ovest. Then proceed to window 20 or 22, marked International Tickets. Rome has several suburban stations, but the InterCity and express trains stop only in the main station - Roma Termini, which has undergone extensive renovation. Rail pass validation may be made at a window labeled in English in the FS information Office located in the center of the train station near the main entrance facing the bus station. The Italian State Railways accepts the variety of Eurail passes. © 2009, The Globe Pequot Press, LaVerne Ferguson-Kosinski Information by Europe by Eurail

Allegro - Daily services connecting Italy and Austria.

Artesia Day and Night Trains - Artesia Day and Artesia Night trains – services linking Milan, Florence, Rome, Turin and Venice to Lyon and Paris in France.

Cisalpino - Train Service Operating daily between Italy and Switzerland. Reservations Required.

Elipsos - Elipsos Trenhotel – the most civilized way to travel overnight between Italy and Spain.

Eurail France Italy Pass - Explore France and Italy by train.

Eurail Global Pass (consecutive travel days) - The Premier European Rail Pass traveling in 21 countries!

Eurail Global Pass (flexible travel days) - Explore Europe by Train!

Eurail Greece-Italy Pass - Travel by train in Greece and Italy.

Eurail Italy Pass - Train travel throughout Italy.

Eurail Italy Promotional Pass - Train travel throughout Italy.

Eurail Italy-Spain Pass - Travel by Train in Italy and Spain.

Eurail Select Pass 3 Countries - Travel by Train in 3 European Countries, you choose which ones.

Eurail Select Pass 4 Countries - Explore Europe by Train with a Select 4 Country Pass.

Eurail Select Pass 5 Countries - Train Travel in Europe with a 5 Country Pass.

Eurail Select Pass Saver 4 Countries - Explore Europe by Train with your Select 4 Country Pass.

Eurostar Italia - The Italian services of high speed premier trains operating on routes connecting Italy’s main cities and towns. Reservation is compulsory and included with your ticket.

Riviera - Train services between Italy and Monaco/Montecarlo & Nice in South France.

TGV - Travel in comfort at 320 mph!

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London - The legendary travels of the Bygone Era!

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice - Venice-Paris-London.

Trains via Brennero - Trains via Brennero: Train service from Italy to Austria, Germany and Holland.

Trenitalia Domestic Ticket - When you know where you are going, there's no better way to get there than with a domestic ticket. It's low-cost, efficient, and beautiful as the italian countryside passes by.