There are sunny isles and electric blue surf, glacial northern lakes and fiery southern volcanoes, rolling vineyards and an urban landscape that harbours more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world. Few places offer such variety and few visitors leave without a fervent desire to return.

Further south lies Rome, Italy’s capital city. Within its precincts is the Vatican City. The south of the country is hotter, wilder and much, much drier than the north, characterised by dry sierras, rocky mountain ranges and volcanic outcrops, including three of Europe’s most active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli. Puglia, the ‘heel of the boot’, is a mixed landscape of fertile plateaus, expansive olive groves and flat, ochre-coloured plains. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia lie offshore to the southwest and west respectively.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Standard time zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two round-pin type.

2018

Capodanno (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2018
Epifania (Epiphany): 6 January 2018
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018
Lunedì dell’Angelo (Easter Monday): 2 April 2018
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day): 25 April 2018
Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day): 1 May 2018
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day): 2 June 2018
Assunzione di Maria Vergine (Assumption):
15 August 2018
Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2018
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2018
Natale (Christmas Day): 25 December 2018
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2018

All information subject to change.

In honour of their patron saint, Pisans line the streets along the Arno River with candles, with more candles floating on the river. As night falls, the candles are lit and all streetlights are turned off, making for a magical sight. Fireworks and street parties add to the fun atmosphere later on.

As part of day-long celebrations in honour of Pisa’s patron saint, the four historical quarters of Pisa – Santa Maria in blue, San Martino in red, Sant’Antonio in green and San Francesco in yellow – compete in the colourful Regata of Saint Ranieri race.

Italy’s four main ancient maritime republics of Pisa, Amalfi, Genoa and Venice take turns to hold this historic boat race between beautiful, colourful crafts that are modelled on those of the 12th century. Festivities and parades take place in the city.

Dating from the 16th century, this traditional annual event sees battles between teams from the north and south banks, including the pushing of a seven-tone carriage across the Ponte di Mezzo, Pisa’s old Roman bridge.

Anima Mundi celebrates sacred music with a series of exquisite concerts held in some of Pisa’s most atmospheric venues, including the Cattedrale (Cathedral) and Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery).