Traveling in Italy: by train or car?

Traveling in Italy is always a holiday, regardless of where you are going to spend your vacation - in the mountains, at the resorts or on a trip to the cultural "capitals": Rome, Florence, Venice.

Italy is the largest country in Southern Europe. Along with Greece, it is recognized as the birthplace of Western European culture. Here is the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, attracting millions and millions of tourists every year. Attractions can be seen in all corners of the country. In addition, Italy is famous for its beautiful and diverse cuisine, is a trendsetter in the world of fashion and design, not to mention the fantastically beautiful landscapes. Not surprisingly, it is called "Il Bel Bel Paeze" (Beautiful country).

Traveling in Italy for people living in EU countries is not overshadowed by some special formalities. After all, this country is a member of the Schengen agreement. Accordingly, there is no border control between the signatory countries. Tourists from countries outside the EU and the EEA (European Economic Area) can visit the country on a visa that is valid for 90 days, but must inform the police about their presence in Italy within eight days after arrival. As a rule, registration at a hotel in which a person stops will be enough. Otherwise, you need to go to the police office and fill out the proper form. Failure to comply with this requirement can seriously overshadow the hope for a magnificent journey through Italy, not excluding and deportation from the country. Tourists staying more than 90 days on the territory of the state do not need to fill out a declaration, but they must have an appropriate visa and obtain a residence permit.

You can travel around Italy by train, by plane, by bus, by boat and by hitchhiking.

Trains are generally of good quality and reliable. There are several types: high-speed, long-distance, regional and international. Regional - the cheapest, but they stop at all stations. Traveling in Italy on high-speed trains is a real pleasure. They are the most convenient, speed - up to 360 km per hour, stops at major stations. These trains connect Rome, Turin, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Naples and other cities. But the fare in them is great. It is necessary to pay a "tax" in addition to a standard ticket, which includes a reservation fee.

Traveling in Italy by car is a good alternative to the train. The motorway system is well developed in the north, but in the south, things are a bit worse (on the quality of roads). Most highways are toll roads, but some paid sites provide access to the whole section (in particular in the region of Naples, Rome, Milan), but usually have to pay at the entrance and exit to them.

People who plan to travel alone can be sure that Italy is an absolutely safe country. Traveling in Italy on your own is a very useful and interesting experience that will bring incomparable pleasure and will be the brightest moment in your life.