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Located on the River Tiber, among the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome, the capital of Italy, this place is one of the world’s oldest cities as well as one of the principal centers of European culture. With the enclave of the Vatican City within its territory, Rome is also the center of Roman Catholicism.

The city was founded during the eight century BC on an important trade route between the Etruscans to the north and the Greek colonies to the south. The legendary origins of Rome are related in the tale of Romulus and Remus. Princess Rhea Silvia, ravished by Mars (the God of War), gave birth to the twins and abandoned them to fate. The River Tiber carried them to the Palatine Hill, where a she-wolf mothered the babes until their discovery by a shepherd. Romulus later killed Remus, before going on to found Rome in the marshy lowlands of seven hills. As the centre of a massive Roman Empire, Rome was already a large city by the second century A.D. At its peak in the 3rd century, Rome had a population of 2 million! Its fortune fluctuated with the times and its population dropped in the middle Ages until the renaissance ushered in a new era of growth.

The city was chosen as capital after the unification of Italy in 1870. Rome has stayed as the political, administrative and cultural center of Italy. Situated among Italy’s North and South, and thoroughly detested by both, Rome is perhaps the perfect capital for a country like Italy. Once the seat of a great empire, and later the home of the papacy, which governed its dominions from here with a distant and autocratic hand, it’s still seen as a place somewhat apart from the rest of Italy, spending money made elsewhere on the corrupt and bloated government machine that runs the country. Romans, the thinking seems to go, are a lazy lot, not to be trusted and living very nicely off the fat of the rest of the land. Even Romans find it hard to disagree with this analysis: in a city of around four million, there are around 600,000 office-workers, compared to an industrial workforce of one sixth of that.

As other large cities, the inner city deteriorated somewhat but most city inhabitants who fled this deterioration did not completely sever their ties with Rome. Rather, they commuted to their jobs and took advantage of the many cultural and social opportunities offered by the city.

The economy of Rome is characterized by the deficiency of heavy industry, but commercial activities especially banking and the development of tourism are exceptionally important to its economy. Universities, national radio and television and the movie industry in Rome are also important elements of the economy. A phenomenon particular to Rome is the widespread incidence of double employment, people working two jobs.

Rome is situated almost in the center of the Italian peninsula and therefore is easily accessible either from the north or from the south of the country. The capital is well related to the rest of Italy and the world, thanks to the two airports and the excellent highway and train systems.

Rome By train
Regular trains from the central Railroad Station, Stazione Termini, and the Tiburtina Station connect to the major cities in Italy and Europe. The capital’s main station is Roma Termini: from here depart the majority of fast long distance trains (Eurostar, Intercity, Espressi) to all points in Italy. The Eurostar trains are the most rapid, next are the intercity trains and last are the local trains. From Termini buses take off for all destinations and there is a subway stop also. Some trains, particularly night ones, come and go from Roma Tiburtina. It is the second train station in Rome and is reachable from Termini by bus and by metro. For times please consult the Trenitalia site or call the green number 89 20 21.

Rome By plane
The main airport, Leonardo da Vinci (also known as Fiumicino), is located 26km (15 miles) southwest of the city center, with flights for Italian, European and Intercontinental destinations. The airport is very well linked to Roma Termini station by the Leonardo Express train, with departures every 30 minutes or by metro FM1, with some stops, to Roma Tiburtina. Between 11.30pm and 5am there is a Cotral night bus linking Fiumicino to Stazione Termini and Stazione Tiburtina. A shuttle bus connects the parking with arrivals and departures from terminal A, B and C. Ciampino (CIA) is the second airport of Rome and is mainly used by low-cost airlines. To get to the city you must first take a Cotral bus (every half hour) and then subway A from Anagnina station. Also available is the Terravision Shuttle in conjunction with Ryanair and Easy-Jet flights.

Rome By car
Rome is circumscribed in its entirety by a ring road (Raccordo Anulare) where highways coming from all parts of Italy meet. Those coming from Naples and from the South generally must travel the whole length of highway A1. For those coming from the North of Italy, from Tuscany or Umbria, follow A1 “Autostrada del Sole” up to the capital. From Genoa, Pisa and from the Tyrrhenian coast take A12 up to Rosignano and continue on Superstrada S1 “Aurelia” up to Rome. From Pescara and from the Adriatic coast you must take A24/A25 up to destination.

Information by http://www.justitaly.org

EU citizens can take advantage of Italy’s health services under the same terms as the residents of the country, but you’ll need form E111, available from any main post office. The Australian Medicare system also has a reciprocal health-care arrangement with Italy.

Vaccinations are not required, and Italy doesn’t present any more health worries than anywhere else in Europe; the worst that’s likely to happen to you is suffering from the extreme heat in summer or from an upset stomach (shellfish is the usual culprit). The water is perfectly safe to drink and you’ll find public fountains (usually button- or tap-operated) in squares and city streets everywhere, though look out for acqua non potabile signs, indicating that the water is unsafe to drink. It’s worth taking insect repellent, as even inland towns, most notoriously Milan, suffer from a persistent mosquito problem, especially in summer.

Pharmacies
An Italian pharmacist ( farmacia ) is well qualified to give you advice on minor ailments and to dispense prescriptions (most speak good English too), and there’s generally one open all night in the bigger towns and cities. A rota system operates, and you should find the address of the one currently open on any farmacia door or listed in the local paper. Condoms ( profilático ) are available over the counter from all pharmacists and most supermarkets; some pharmacists have late-night dispensers too. The pill ( la píllola ) is available by prescription only.

Doctors and hospitals
If you need treatment, go to a doctor ( médico ); every town and village has one. Ask at a pharmacy, or consult the local Yellow Pages (under Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale or Unità Sanitaria Locale ). The Italian Yellow Pages also list some specialist practitioners in such fields as acupuncture and homeopathy, the latter much more common in Italy than in some countries. If you’re eligible, take your E111 with you to the doctor’s: this should enable you to get free treatment and prescriptions for medicines at the local rate – about ten percent of the price of the medicine. For repeat medication, take any empty bottles or capsules with you to the doctor’s – the brand names often differ.

If you are seriously ill or involved in an accident, go straight to the nearest hospital and go straight to Pronto Soccorso (casualty), or phone 113 and ask for ospedale or ambulanza. Throughout the Guide, you’ll find listings for pharmacists, hospitals and emergency services in all the major cities. Major train stations and airports also often have first-aid stations with qualified doctors on hand.

Incidentally, try to avoid going to the dentist ( dentista ) while you’re in Italy. These aren’t covered by the mutua or health service, and for the smallest problem you’ll pay through the teeth. Take local advice, or consult the local Yellow Pages.

If you don’t have a spare pair of glasses, take a copy of your prescription so that an optician ( óttico ) can make you up a new pair should you lose or damage them.

Information by http://www.justitaly.org

Portofino and Tigullio Gulf
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are emblems representing Italy throughout the world. The coast is a serie of fashionable resorts with their marinas, colorful houses, first-rate sports facilities and the attractive atmosphere of the Dolce Vita. But perhaps the most spectacular thing for the traveller is the beauty of the seascapes, with some of the most celebrated views in Italy, suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains.

Café Florian
Caffè Florian is a coffee house situated in the Procuratie Nuove of Piazza San Marco, Venice. It was founded in 1720, and is a adversary for the title of the oldest coffee house in continuous operation. It is home to the Venice Biennale, an exhibition of contemporary art that has been running since 1893.

Palazzo Te
Palazzo Te or Palazzo del Te is a palace in the suburbs of Mantua, Italy. It is a fine sample of the mannerist style of architecture, the recognised masterpiece of Giulio Romano.

Trattoria Corrieri
Tuck into the world-famous culinary masterpieces of immaculate Parma – emphasis on five kinds of prosciutto and real parmesan cheese – at the memorable, but not overpriced, Trattoria Corrieri.

Galleria dell’Accademia
The Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia is a Italian museum, founded in 1784, hosts a collection of sculptures and paintings. This museum owes its own popularity due to the presence of David by Michelangelo (completed around 1504), which was moved there in 1873.

Assisi
Assisi in Italy extends out on the hills of the Monte Subasio, above the plain where the Topino and Chiascio rivers flow. Although this city can boast Roman origins, its present-day aspect, because of the buildings and also the urban structure, is surely due to the city’s development during the Middle Ages. In Assisi, attend one of the fairly frequent concerts in the Upper Church of the Basilica di San Francesco, a space so beautiful and uplifting the music truly takes on celestial dimensions.

Abruzzi
Abruzzo or Abruzzi is a town picturesque in its scenery. Many old villages were abandoned and continue largely complete and the country side is rich with historic sites. It is often said that Abruzzo has as many castles as it does sheep. Most of this sleepy region has remained lock in medieval times making Abruzzo the first stop for those seeking to take a glance at the past or a chance to see nature as it was hundreds of years ago, unspoiled and perfect.

Da Michele
This famous place was described by experts and journalists as “The sacred temple of pizza”. Michele opened his first pizzaria in 1906, since then, five generations of master pizza makers have carried on the work of the founder, respecting the tradition and being loyal to Michele’s instructions, there are only two types of Neapolitan Pizza, the “Marinara” and the “Margherita”; and no “junk” should be used in making the pizza that could alter its world famous genuineness and taste.

Monte Solaro
From Piazza della Vittoria a chairlift takes you up Mount Solaro to the highest point of the island (1932 feet). You should take the scenic chairlift ride up to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island of Capri, for stupendous views of the entire Bay of Naples.

Mount Etna
Mount Etna or Mongibeddu in Sicilian and Mongibello in Italian, it is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the highest mountain in Italy south of the alps and Europe, currently standing about 3,326 m (10,910 ft) high, though it should be noted that this varies with summit eruptions.

Information by http://www.justitaly.org

A graduate business degree is earned by completing a graduate business school program, in which students engage in traditional academic coursework and instruction based on real business challenges.
Through this intensive experience that lasts one to two years (or more), the degree program prepares you for a lifetime of management responsibilities in business.

Why MBA programs?
Earning a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree, can provide you with management skills and business expertise that can open new career opportunities for you.
If you are working in business and are looking to move up the ladder or to move from your current area of expertise to a new one, an MBA program can help you achieve your goals.
An MBA program will also launch you into the much higher pay range that upper level managers and executives enjoy.
Furthermore, in the high-level positions an MBA degree will allow you to hold, your work will often be more interesting and rewarding.

Now, more and more MBA courses provide training that goes beyond general business management to provide subject area expertise.
So, for example, if your career interests are in the field of e-commerce, you can find MBA programs with a strong focus in that area.
In addition, many MBA programs will allow you to earn joint degrees, so you can combine business administration training with training in another field, like law, health, or even social work.

Why Study Abroad?
According to 2008 Graduate Survey, 24% attend a school outside their countries of citizenship. Historically, their main reasons for seeking a degree internationally have been to:

* Get a better quality education than was available in their own country.
* Improve career opportunities.
* Broaden their international experience.
* Gain exposure to different cultures.
* Attend a school with an international reputation
* Improve language skills.

Genoa or Genova is as multilayered as the hills it clings to. The Genoa’s name comes from Genua, founded by the two headed Giano, protector of ships and coins. This was a city of two faces, which looks both inland and towards the sea. Genoa, as well as being full of mythical origins, has always been a crossroads of traffic and culture, between continental Europe and the Mediterranean, thanks to it natural position and the initiative of its inhabitants.

A city rich in art and a major seaport, of flourishing trade and commercial exchange, Genoa is one of the most extraordinary cities in Italy. Long ignored by conventional tourist routes, Genoa offers its visitors incredible attractions and a stunning artistic heritage. Maybe it’s this ancient port’s earthy atmosphere that puts the tourists off, or maybe it’s just that in Italy they are spoilt for choice. Whatever the reason, visitors are missing out on somewhere special. Genoa, once the equal and arch-rival of Venice, has a medieval old town to rival any in Europe.

The main features of central Genoa include Piazza de Ferrari, around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges. There is also a house where Christopher Columbus putatively was born. Its medieval old town, the biggest in Europe, is an intricate labyrinth of alleyways, where among the shops, restaurants, and local stores, visitors can catch sight of the city’s noble past in its 16th century palazzos, baroque edifices, and Romanesque churches, looming over the little piazzas.

Strada Nuova (now Via Garibaldi), in the old city, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2006. This district was designed in the mid-16th century to accommodate Mannerist palaces of the city’s most eminent families, including Palazzo Rosso (now a museum), Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Grimaldi and Palazzo Reale. The famous art college, Musei di Strada Nuova and the Palazzo del Principe are also located on this street.

The city center is a manageable extension but it’s a bit of a steep climb from the port to the old town (centro storico) via narrow, unmapped caruggi, medieval streets punctuated by treasure-filled churches and stylish boutiques. Gorgeous antiques are displayed in the frescoed entrance to a 16th-century palace at Galleria Imperiale, at the bottom of via Scurreria, off piazza di Lorenzo. Eventually, the caruggi lead to the city’s main squares: piazza Banchi, once a grain market, now filled with flower compartments and second-hand record shops; the revamped piazza de Ferrari, with the Palazzo della Borsa, a major exhibition center, on its south-east corner; and the neighbouring piazza Matteotti, with the imposing Palazzo Ducale, once home to Genoa’s ruler, the Doge, and now an exhibition hall. Rubens has two works in the Gesù church nearby, itself a 16th-century baroque masterpiece.

Information by http://www.justitaly.org

Naples is located between the world’s most famous volcano and the deep blue sea, is beautiful and ugly in same measure. It can be an intimidating place, anarchic and occasionally law-abiding. The traffic is severe and the peace and the quiet is hard to find. But it’s an extraordinarily vivacious city, the food (especially pizza) is great, opera, classical music and jazz are ingrained in its culture and the treasure trove of sights hidden away here is at times overwhelming.

The city, the volcanos and its surroundings are also geographically blessed, the ever-present giant of Vesuvius bears down on the city, with the fruitful hills of the Sorrento Peninsula plunging to the well-endowed Amalfi Coast on one side and the ornamental beads of Capri, Ischia and Procida out to sea on the other, you’re never far away from captivating scenery. Towns and villages cling to cliffs or cluster around harbours in true picture- postcard style and views are colourful and panoramically spectacular. And if it’s history you’re after, the once-buried wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the east are only slightly more amazing than the ruined marvels of the Campi Flegrei to the west, while to the south, crumbling Paestum is the most majestic of them all.

Naples has a lot of history to get over before it can feel properly at ease with itself. It possess a strong but also confused sense of civic pride and tradition: its dialect betrays its mixed parentage, particularly its Spanish and French influences. For hundreds of years it was tossed from one set of rulers to another, and still has a profound anti-establishment feeling, and a distrust of outsiders.

Contrasted to other European cities, Naples is an ample, chaotic and sometimes “overbearing” city, but in all these things lies the city’s charm. It has its share of petty crime, and derelict areas that visually detract a tourist’s point of view. In spite of this, most of Naples‘ inhabitants know how to enjoy the joys of life. Naples has been compared to Marseilles and referred to as the “Bombay” of Europe. This reputation should not deter potential travellers from visiting Naples, as it is safer than most large American cities and the chaos has been steadily subsiding over the last few years.

Information by http://www.justitaly.org