Tourism in Italy

Tourism in Italy Mediterraneo Palazzo Ducale – Genova – November 26th, 2010 – May 1st, 2011 www.lineadombra.it The exhibition at the Palazzo Ducale uses eighty paintings from museums and collections throughout the world to explore this magical journey through colour, which Van Gogh described as “always changing – you don’t always know if it’s green or purple – you don’t always know if it’s blue – because a second later its changing reflection has taken on a pink or grey hue.” Rodin, the origins of genius Spazi Arte – Legnano (MI)– November 20th, 2010 – March 20th, 2011 www.mostrarodin.it The largest exhibition that Italy has ever dedicated to Auguste Rodin (Paris 1840 – Meudon 1917), opens to the public in Legnano (Milan), at the Palazzo Leone da Perego. Rodin, le origini del genio (1864-1884), a route 120 works of art that he revolutionized the art of plastic. The masterpieces are: John the Baptist, the Thinker, the Kiss, the great shadows and more works, on a journey connecting the first experiences of the artist to the full achievement of his personal and disruptive poetics. Giorgio De Chirico Castello di Miramare – Trieste – December 4th, 2010 – February 27th, 2011               www.castello-miramare.it The Scuderie del Castello di Miramare host the exhibition “Giorgio De Chirico. A Majestic Silence”, introducing almost 90 works – 70 paintings and 20 drawings, watercolors and ink drawings – made in the first half of Nineteenth century by one of the greatest masters of contemporary art. Caravaggio - An impossible exhibition Palazzo della Ragione – Milano – November 10th, 2010 – February 13th, 2011 www.turismo.milano.it Is it impossible to reunite all the masterpieces of the great Lombard maestro? At Palazzo della Ragione it is possible, thanks to modern technologies. 65 masterpieces by Caravaggio reproduced in high definition keeping original size, colours and light, are at last reunited making a long awaited dream by scholars, critics and art lovers come true. Visitors will be welcomed by performers in the shoes of Caravaggio and will be conducted into his world through real life anecdotes and stories on his artworks. Coliseum New Spaces Roma www.turismoroma.it The third-floor levels have finally been opened, a unique standpoint offering a spectacular view of not merely the Coliseum's internal spaces, but also of the whole of Rome. Access to the last upper ring is crucial in order to gain an understanding of the relationship between the Coliseum and the vast area of the Forum, Imperial Rome’s other monuments as well as the layout of the city. King Vittorio Emanuele ll, the Gentleman Torino - October 2nd, 2010 - March 13th, 2011 www.fondazionednart.it The Albertine Statute of 4 March 1848, valued at over 2 million euro, forerunner of the Republican Constitution, transported to the nearby Royal Palace of Turin State Archives with a lot of armed escort. The original uniform Vittorio Emanuele II wore during the famous Battle of Solferino, the bedroom and the private study of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first ever open to the public. These are just some of the ideas offered by the first major event for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Eurochocolate Ski Cortina d'Ampezzo (BL) - 16th - 19th December, 2010 www.eurochocolate.com Chocolate, this delicious food of the Gods, in the temple of La Dolce Vita, Cortina D'Ampezzo, a sought after resort by mountain lovers, skiers and celebrities all year round. From 16 to 19 December 2010, there will be yet another reason to visit this famous and Beautiful Dolomite ski resort: Eurochocolate Ski. Paris: the Wonderful Years Rimini - 23th October, 2010 - 27th March, 2011 www.lineadombra.it For the first time in Italy, with approximately ninety works from museums and collections from all over the world, the Rimini exhibition aims to examine this fascinating story, when innovation was introduced but an enormous wall was raised to oppose that innovation, but also when what crossed that wall – the wall of the Salon – was the allure that sparks and accompanies painting. Baroque art in the Marche San Severino (Mc) - July 25th - December 12th, 2010 www.meravigliedelbarocconellemarche.it The charming town of San Severino Marche, in the heart of Macerata's province, is the setting for a major exhibition celebrating Baroque art in Le Marche Region. The show, entitled Meraviglie del Barocco nelle Marche, features around 90 works from the 1600s including pieces by great artists like Bernini, Guercino and Pomarancio. The exhibition is being curate by celebrated Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi and runs from 25 July until 12 December in three of the town's finest buildings.  Vinum Nostrum Firenze – July 20th, 2010 – April 30th, 2011 www.uffizi.firenze.it From Mesopotamia to our tables, from the rite of communion to avoidable drunkenness, from distasteful habit to gate of spirituality, wine and the grapevine are the protagonists of the exhibition. Original showpieces, sculptures, frescoes and mosaics, accompanied by multimedia and video installations will recount the millenarian history of the grapevine and of wine, and the important influence they exerted on the culture of the ancients.   Miro' Pisa - 8th October, 2010 - 23rd January, 2011 www.miropisa.it After the successful Marc Chagall exhibition, from October 8th to 2011 January 23rd, Pisa will be hosting at Palazzo Blu the next stop in its suggestive route through art, culture and the Mediterranean Sea: "Joan Miró. I miti del Mediterraneo", a retrospective on the works of the great, polyhedric Catalan artist. The exhibition, which will offer 110 Miró works including paintings, drawings, litographies, sculptures and illustrations, will be held at Palazzo Blu in Pisa. Restaurated and run by Pisa Cassa di Risparmio Foundation, the culture promoting centre is conceived as a modern opportunity to enrich the city's cultural offerings, as well as a part of a turistic valorization project for the museums on the lungarno, a watery line of the greatest historical and cultural relevance crossing the city from the east to the west. Dali' Milano - September 22nd, 2010 - January 30th, 2011 www.mostradali.it After 50 long years, the talented surrealist artist Salvador Dalì is back in Milan. His last personal exhibition in the Lombard capital city dates back to October 1954 and was held in the Caryatids Room of Palazzo Reale. From tomorrow the same Milanese venue, which for the artist was a source of inspiration for his house in Figueras, will be hosting an exhibition dedicated to him entitled “The dream is closer”. Indeed, some unexpected and significant considerations emerge from this exhibition, even with regard to the relationship between the artist and Italian renaissance painting, as well as surrealism and metaphysics, highlighting a more intimate and spiritual Dalì.  Bologna - Motorshow Bologna - December 4th - December 12th, 2010 www.motorshow.it The passion for engines has won another time: the 5 days special edition of Bologna Motor Show 2009 has been visited by  460,158 people. The “Motor Show people” have proved to be stronger than adversities, crisis and rain, too. They have crowded the pavilions of Bologna Fiere, confirming their great enthusiasm for cars. The appointment with the companies, the professional operators and all the enthusiasts is from December 4th to 12th at the 35th edition of the Bologna Motor Show, inserted in the OICA calendar.  Genova Mediterranea 2010 Genova - September 9th - May 31st, 2011 www.palazzoducale.genova.it Throughout the centuries the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa was regarded as the seat of power of the Republic and the Doge's residence. After a long and important restoration lasting ten years, the palace is today not only a historical building but also and, above all, an intelligent structure, the beating heart of cultural and social activities of Genoa and its territory. Inside the Palace the show rooms, the libraries and historical archives, the research and engineering workshops connected to the city are harmonically located in illustrious historical spaces; the halls for congresses, conferences and concerts are placed within the 17th century spaces; an original and young music club can be found in the medieval cisterns, and a café is located in the large vaulted entrance hall of the Palace. Craftsmanship Feast  Milano - December 4th - December 12th, 2010 www.artigianoinfiera.it Artigiano in Fiera is the event aimed at promoting crafted products from across the globe and the key player in this event is the artisan and the authentic and original products representing superior crafting and prime quality. Each single product, unique and innovative, expresses the creativity of a tradition and a crafting culture of a region and its people. The Rho fiere structure and the services provided offer exhibitors and visitors all the benefits and advantages of an important international trade exhibition centre accommodating a broad range of exhibitors and a substantial number of Italian and international visitors.   Pisa Marathon Pisa - December 19th, 2010 www.pisamarathon.it New course for the 12th of International Pisa Marathon. Start of the 42,195km in Pontedera (Bellaria sport center), then the passage into Calcinaia and Vicopisano, Fornacette and the center of Cascina (start of half-marathon at 9.00, as the marathon in Pontedera). The marathoners will run in Lugnano ed Uliveto Terme until to Caprona. Along the Vicarese road (Colignola, Mezzana and Ghezzano), the runners can enter in Pisa at 36km, will run in the middle of the old town and along the river Arno (along to Lungarni) for their finish under the leaning tower. First help and services in Manin Square and showers at the stadium Arena Garibaldi (800 mt.)  Vincent Van Gogh: Roma - October 8th,  2010 - January 30th, 2011 www.romatoday.it Rome will be protagonist of one of the huge exhibition at the Vittoriano in Rome; it will run a prestigious exhibition devoted to Vincent Van Gogh. The exhibition will be curate by Cornelia Homburg, among the most experienced critics of Van Gogh and will be supported by an international scientific committee of very commendable prestige. More than 110 painting will show for the audience pleasure. From Canova to Modigliani  Padova - October 2nd, 2010-February 27th, 2011 www.turismopadova.it Palazzo Zabarella will host an exhibition which celebrates the portrait. The theme of the portrait will be analyzed in the broadest sense, image of face, the full length, Group, family and, officers in situations, intimate or mundane. Canova and Modigliani were symbolically placed in a witness to the great classical, the second and the eruption of new. To say that the artists of this century have, perhaps more than any other, had to compete with the identification of original art of portrait mode, given enough: entry into the scene of a new medium, competitive and challenging, photography. Lucas Cranach: The Other Renaissance  Roma - October 15th, 2010 - February 13th, 2011 www.galleriaborghese.it The works of the great German painter Lucas Cranach will be shown for the first time in Italy. The Borghese Gallery will host the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder, who, along with Albrecht Dürer, is the greatest representative of the renaissance of German painting in the sixteenth century. The Gallery will host about 45 of Cranach’s most significant works, which come from the leading public collections in Europe and the United States. Dante’s Hell at Pertosas’ Caves Salerno - July 24th 2010 - May 28th, 2011  www.grottedipertosa.it Every Friday and Saturday in the grotte (caves) of Pertosa in the province of Salerno, "Dante" guides a tour through his Inferno, introducing guests to Paolo and Francesca of Rimini, Ulysses, Minos, Count Ugolino, and other characters you'll find in the first book of The Divine Comedy. The entertainment underground is made of more than 30 actors and dancers with the Tappeto Volante Company and directed by Domenico Maria Corrado, who also came up with the idea. Munch and the north spirit 8 Villa Manin – Udine - September 25th 2010 - March 6th, 2011 www.villamanin-eventi.it For the first time in Italy, Villa Manin proposes an extraordinary artist journey through the Scandinavian countries as Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Especially dedicates to landscape, composed by 130 works of art from different north museums. It will divide in five sections, the first four reserved to national school of mention states and the closed section will dedicates to Munich. A collection composed from youth to mature period of the artist.

Tourism in Lebanon

Tourism in Lebanon

 

Country Profile

After years of unrest, Lebanon is regaining its former reputation as «The Switzerland of the Middle East». Its mountains and its scenic beauty were almost untouched. Lebanon was visited by nearly one million visitors during 2000, 1.4 million during 2002, and the number is expected to grow a lot within the next five years.

One who visits Lebanon is fascinated by the 7,000 year old little country. The weather is always moderate, the prices are very reasonable and, most of all the people are friendly.

            

As a republic since 1943, it is a compact country of 10,452 square kilometers with a population of 3.57 millions (year 2000). The capital is Beirut.

GEOGRAPHY

Lebanon falls on the Eastern Mediterranean sea, between 33° 34'.40 latitude north and 35° 36'.40° longitude east. The country is located at the meeting point of three continents, and over the centuries it has been the cross roads of many civilizations whose trace may still be seen today.

In winter, the high peaks are covered with snow and in summer the limestone slopes glimmer white in the distance. Two rocky ranges traverse Lebanon parallel to the seacoast, separated by the high plateau of the Bekaa Valley. Its countryside is a place of rocks, cedar trees and magnificent ruins that look down from the mountains to the sea.

            

LOCAL TIME 

Local time in Lebanon is GMT +02 in winter and GMT +03 in summer (April to September). Winter days are short with daylight from 6 AM until 5 PM. In summer, the days are longer, from 5 am until 8 PM.

GOVERNMENT   

Lebanon is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government and a cabinet headed by a Prime Minister. Its constitution is based on the separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers, with a president elected every 6 years.

PASSPORT AND VISA   

Passports: Passports valid for 6 months are required by all except nationals of Syria arriving from their country with a valid national ID.

Visas: Visas are required by all, except for the nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE for stays of up to 3 months. Nationals of the European Community, Common Wealth, American Continent, Russia and Japan can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border. Other nationals of East Europe and Asia should contact the consulate at the Lebanese Embassy for details about how to obtain their visa.

Cost: Visitor or Business visas cost 50,000 Lebanese Pounds (US $33).

Restricted Entry: The Government of Lebanon refuses entry to holders of Israeli passports, holders of passports containing a visa for Israel, valid or expired, used or unused and passports with entry stamps to Israel.

CLIMATE

 

Lebanon enjoys an essential Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and longer warm summers. The country is rain free between June and October. Visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. However, mountains are cold and snowy in winter. Average annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm in Beirut (40 inches), but much higher in the mountains.
Warm clothes are essential in the winter. Lowest temperature may be as low as -4ºC in the mountains, and 10ºC on the coast.

TRANSPORTATION

Car rental companies provide self driven cars with or without a driver. Lebanese taxis are reasonably priced (Between 1000 and 2000 liras).

        

Bus service is also available to various destinations. However, don’t count on them if you have an appointment. They are not reliable. You can never know when you will get there !

Driving is the most convenient way to get around in the country. The road network is undergoing a massive reconstruction after the war. In and around Beirut, traffic jams are now a way of life. Beware of traffic lights that are rare and signs that are not always respected. Today Lebanon is saturated with cars (1.3 million), which means there is one car for every 3 persons ! However, driving , driving in the mountains is definitely fun and relaxing: fresh air and wonderful scenery.

CURRENCY AND BANKING 

Movement of currency and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or at one of the numerous money exchange shops.

The monetary unit is the Lebanese Lira (LL) or Lebanese Pound. One US Dollar is almost equal to LL 1505, depending on the exchange rate.
During the war and until recently, the whole economy was «dolarised». Still, most Lebanese calculate their transactions in US Dollars. Amazingly, the cellular phone system, privately owned, but somehow controlled by the government uses cents and dollars to charge their customers. All ski resorts accept US Dollars.

CREDIT CARDS   

Visitors may use credit cards in major establishments, such as Master Card, America Express, Diners Club and Visa.

WORKING HOURS  

• Government offices: 8 AM - 2 PM
• Banks, shops and other business: 8 AM - 5 PM

ELECTRIC CURRENT 

The electrical current is 220 Volts, but some areas are still on the 110 Volts level. Unification is on the way. It is best to check.

            

COMMUNICATIONS 

Land lines: International call facilities are provided by Lebanon’s own satellite stations. The country code is 961 and the outgoing international dialing code is 00.

Cellular phones are widely available and the cellular GSM 900 network is operated by both LibanCell and Cellis. Visitors may buy a "limited time" GSM card for their cellular phone at about LL 100,000 for the first month.
Internet connection is mainly provided by 3 ISPs: Cyberia, IDM and TerraNet. There are cybercafés in major towns of Lebanon.

Fax: International facilities are available. Faxes can be sent from most hotels.

Post: With the newly privatized LibanPost, post to Europe usually takes 2-4 days and to the USA between 4-7 days. Post offices are open Mon-Thurs 0800-1400 and Fri 0800-1100.

Press: There are more than 30 daily newspapers published in Arabic, Armenian and French and over 100 publications appear on a weekly or monthly basis. The Daily Star and Beirut Times are published in English and there are several English-language weeklies, primarily Monday Morning. The best-selling Arabic dailies are Al Anwar, Al Nahar, Al Liwaa, Al Safir and Al Dyar. The most important dailies in French are L'Orient-Le Jour and Le Soir. A wide choice of international newspapers and magazines are also available at bookshops.

RELIGION  

Christianity and Islam are the main religions. Christian denominations, mainly Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian and Protestant account for approximately 40 per cent. Islam (predominantly Shi'ite) accounts for another 40 per cent of the population's beliefs. Other religions account for the remaining 20 per cent.

HOLIDAYS 

Lebanon is the only country in the middle east following the western Sunday weekend style. The country celebrates both Christian and Moslim holidays.

LANGUAGE  

Arabic and French are the official languages of Lebanon and commonly spoken. English is very widely spoken. You can also hear Armenian on the streets and public places; and we Lebanese are well known for our talent to mix all of the first three languages in only one sentence!

How to say it in Lebanese

Thank You: Please: Welcome: Quickly: Where: What: Yes: No: Excuse me: The check: Good Bye: Hi: Good Morning: Good Night: How much does it cost

Shukran Min fadlak Ahlan Be sur’aa Wain Shou Eh La’a Afu-an Al hissab Bye Marhaba Sabah el kheir Masa’a al kheir Addeish ha'o

Visa and Passport Requirements   

Passports: Passports valid for 6 months are required by all.

Visas: Visas are required by all, except for the nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Jordan for stays of up to 3 months.

Nationals of the European Community, Common Wealth, American Continent, Russia and Japan can obtain their visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border. Other nationals of Romania, Czech Republic and Thailand should contact the consulate at the Lebanese Embassy for details about how to obtain their visa.

Nationals of Arab countries but non-GCC (Algeria, Comers Island, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen) can obtain their visa at the airport provided they are in possession of the following:
- A round trip non-refundable ticket
- A hotel reservation or residence address
- A US$2000 in cash or a check from a recognized bank

Cost: For those coming for tourism, a free visa is granted for one month, renewable for up to three months.

Restricted Entry: The Government of Lebanon refuses entry to holders of Israeli passports, holders of passports containing a visa for Israel, valid or expired, used or unused and passports with entry stamps to Israel.

To remain on the safe side and irrespective of your nationality, we highly recommend you check with your local Lebanese Consulate or Embassy prior to boarding the plane. Please do so as soon as you decide to come in order to have enough time to prepare and submit all requested documents.

Terms and Conditions of Booking  

By registering as a member and using the Site, you agree to be bound to its terms and conditions. The terms and conditions currently applying are set out below, but you should note that the Site and Grey Matter SARL (''''the Company operating the Site'''') reserve the right to modify the terms and conditions at any time and your continued use will be conditional upon acceptance of the terms and conditions in force at the time of any visit. Our liability and that of our Travel Affiliates shall be limited in respect of direct loss to a maximum of the price of the product or service to which the claim relates.

Age  

You agree that you are of sufficient legal age to create binding legal obligations for any liability you may incur as a result of your use of this Site. You understand that you are financially responsible for all activity at this Site by you and anyone using your account password.

You also warrant that all information supplied by you, or those authorized to use your account, is true and accurate. In order to book via this web site, you must be at least 18 years old, and by completing the ''''Book Process''''you warrant and confirm that this is the case.

Passports and Visas 

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary passports, visas and any other regulatory requirements (for example, with respect to goods which may be taken with you) before departure. We cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry into any country due to failure on your part to carry the correct documentation.

If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on any supplier, or us you will be responsible for making repayment. The company will not be held responsible for any denial of entry to any country by the country''''s authorities. In such case cancellation charges will then apply.

Responsibility and Exclusion of Warranty 

The Site acts solely in its capacity as a marketing agent in making and securing all arrangements for transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations for the tours it sells. The Site does not own, manage, control or operate any transportation vehicle, hotel, restaurant or any other supplier of services. The Site shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly owned by it, or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party.

The Site shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person, property, or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangers, incident to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars declared and undeclared, hostilities, civil disturbances, riots, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, default of any third parties, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, acts of terrorism, sickness, strikes, epidemics, criminal activity, or from any other causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas or other documents.

The Site shall not be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses of liability sustained or incurred by tour member as a result of any of the above mentioned causes.

Insurance   

You agree to carry appropriate travel insurance to cover you for medical treatment and if necessary, winter sports. We will need to see a copy of the insurance policy documents in case you wish to make your own arrangements; otherwise, you may ask for the insurance that we propose for our trips.

For further information relating to the legal issues contained in these
Terms and Conditions, or to submit questions or problem reports regarding this Site, please contact us.

Beirut International Airport

Beirut International Airport (BIA) is a vital facility that plays a major role in linking Lebanon with the outside world and enriching the business and tourist sectors of the economy. Its latest development is resulting in a substantial increase in the number of tourists, and attracting major airline companies and increasing transit traffic.

BIA is located in the Khaldeh suburb south of the capital and around 8kms distant from Beirut downtown. It became operational in 1954 and is the only civil airport of the country.

The old airport was renovated in 1977, and the present runways were rehabilitated between 1982 and 1984. The execution of the first phase of the new airport started in 1994 and was inaugurated in 1998.

However, the second phase was inaugurated on the fifth of July 2000 and the operation started on the sixth of June 2002. The total area covered by BIA is around 7 million square meters and the overall area of the terminal building is 150,000 square meters.

BIA has been redeveloped to handle 6 million passengers per year and to receive 30 aircrafts at the same time. It has 84 passenger counters, 21 passenger gates, and the parking area has a capacity of 2250 cars. Future development plans aim at handling 16 million passengers by the year 2035.