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 Eurail
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
