Country facts![]()
Population: 60 million
Capital: Rome
Spoken language: Italian and in limited areas French, German and Slovenian
Unit of currency: Euro (€)
Train information
The national railway company is Trenitalia: www.ferroviedellostato.it, www.trenitalia.it
Train types: Eurostar Italia Alta Velocita (AV), Eurostar Italia (ES), Eurostar City (ESc) (high speed trains), reservations are required; EuroCity (EC); InterCity (IC), Intercity Notte (ICN, night trains) reservations required. R and E (local trains), reservations are not required.
If you wish to take a train with a required supplement and reservation, select the ’Global pass’ rate when booking on the automatic ticket machine or website.
Bikes are only allowed on suburban and regional trains marked with a bike symbol in the timetable and upon purchase of a special bike ticket.
Ferries, ships, buses… everything but train
*Bus services are available for those areas not served by the railway network. Check services from the local tourist offices.
Food and drink
Eat pasta, and try the local pastries. Pizza and ice-cream are widespread, but particularly delicious in the Southern regions. Vegetarians will find plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Besides these general indications consider that the Italian cuisine is articulated in many different regional variations, each one offering typical local products and delicacies.
Be sure to sample the local wine and enjoy an espresso after you’ve eaten.
Accommodation
Always book in advance during the high season, especially for the most popular destinations.
Local Hostel Association: www.aighostels.com
Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts are everywhere. Be careful of unauthorised hawkers in the biggest railway stations and always refer to official tourist offices.
Camping: www.camping.it
Travel information
- Local Tourism Board: www.enit.it
- National Parks: www.parks.it
- Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) is the National Mountain Association: www.cai.it

