Visiting the Vatican City during your Italy Vacation

One of the most popular destinations for people on a vacation to Italy is the Vatican City. Most people do not know that this is a sovereign city-state. This means that it makes its own rules and has its own governing system independent of the Italian system. The Vatican City is a walled state within the city of Rome. It is the smallest independent state in the whole world with only a little over 100 acres. It was formed in 1929 under an agreement between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See. The Holy See refers to the central governing system of the Catholic Church headed by the Pope. The Pope is also known as the Bishop of Rome. The Vatican City houses the official residence of the Pope and it is visited by millions of people each year on an Italy vacation.

You can enter the Vatican City through the famous St. Peter's square. This square is characterized by great Baroque architecture from the 1600s to include symbols of the church motherly embracing its people in its arms. St. Peter's Basilica is another place you can visit in the Vatican City while on your Italy vacation because it is also found in St. Peter's square. It is the most notable building in the Vatican City and this church's dome can be seen for miles around Rome. St. Peter's Basilica seats 60,000 and is said to be the largest building in the Christian church. It is noted for being the burial site of St. Peter who is said to be the founding father of the Catholic Church by being the first Bishop of Rome. The discovery of his tomb was announced in 1950 after a decade of archeological research.

Catholic tradition says that St. Peter is buried under the altar of this Basilica and therefore all the Popes since then have also been buried in the Basilica the most recent being Pope John Paul II in April 2005. At the entrance of the Basilica are statues of Christ, St. John the Baptist and 11 of the 12 apostles. You can enter the Basilica for free during your Italian vacation if you are properly dressed with no bare shoulders or knees. If you would like to attend mass you should go to the Basilica on a Sunday.

There are several other places to see here during your Italy vacation. The largest museum in the world is also found in the Vatican City. It has over 1400 rooms and galleries that represent 3000 years of art. The Sistine Chapel is also found here and is known for being the private chapel that the cardinals go to when electing a new Pope.

So what is the best way to see all the sights that the Vatican City has to offer during your Italian vacation? There are guided tours available that can be taken for half a day or longer. You can take a guided tour of just the museum or a guided tour to include all the important places of interest in the Vatican City and this will ensure that you don't miss a thing here on your Italian vacation.

Italian People and your Italy Vacation

One good reason to go to Italy for your vacation is the people. With over 58 million people in an area about the size of the state of Arizona, Italians are said to be some of the friendliest people in the world. Their love of life, food, people, art and their great culture steeped in thousands of years of history makes an Italy vacation a great choice for leisure travel. You will find that the people are charming and charismatic. They love family life and music and tend to be freely giving of their affection. During your Italy vacation you will notice that Italians are proud of their heritage and are passionate about everything they do. They are very welcoming to strangers and quick to share their food and offer their wine or even a joke or a story. So who are some of the famous Italian people that may be featured at some of the sites you may visit on your Italy vacation?

One of the most famous Italian people is Leonardo da Vinci. Not only did he paint perhaps the most recognizable picture of all time "The Mona Lisa" but most people around the world have heard of him because of his painting "The Last Supper." This has become the source of several controversies such as the one portrayed in the book and the movie "The DaVinci Code." During your Italy vacation you will undoubtedly come across several places that are tied to the name of this famous Italian. For example he was born and spent much on his youth around Florence in the Tuscany region and later on moved to Milan. Unfortunately you will not find the Mona Lisa on your Italy vacation but the Last Supper is found in a famous church called Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Galileo is another famous Italian also from the Florence area known for his contributions to math, physics and astronomy. You can visit the University of Pisa during your Italy vacation if you are curious to know where things began for Galileo. You can also visit the bronze chandelier in the Cathedral of Pisa that is said to be where Galileo first started thinking about his swinging pendulum theories. He is said to have timed the swings with his pulse while sitting in this cathedral.

Marco Polo is another famous Italian. He was a Venetian who traveled and explored the world. He was buried in the Church of San Lorenzo in Venice and the house that is said to be his actual birthplace in Venice also exists and is frequented by people on vacation in Italy.

Michelangelo is also a famous Italian whose name will come up during your Italy vacation. As a painter and sculptor he was said to be a rival of Leonardo da Vinci's. "The Last Judgment" is a huge mural he took 6 years to paint that is on a wall at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. It describes the apocalypse or second coming of Christ. Michelangelo also designed the dome of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City which you will be able to see on your vacation in Italy.

Going on an Italy Vacation to Milan

Milan is one of the largest cities in Italy and one of the most highly developed areas of all of Europe. If you like to be in a city when you go on vacation then you must visit Milan when you are in Italy. It makes for a great combination of a city vacation amidst cultural and historic relevance. There are over one million people living in Milan. Not only is this where you will find Da Vinci's famous painting "The Last Supper" but this city is also one of the best shopping centers of the world. Many fashion designers have their houses here and you will find opportunity for a lot of window shopping or real shopping while in Milan for your Italy vacation.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II is said to be the oldest shopping mall in the world. It was designed and built in the 1800s and features a huge glass and steel arch covering a long street. At its center is a large glass dome and to this day the oldest shopping mall in the world continues to be a bustling retail center with shops selling everything from books to haute couture and numerous restaurants serving tourists and residents of Milan. During your Italy vacation in Milan you will find that the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II connects 2 of Milan's most popular attractions. These are the Duomo and the Teatro Ala Scalla.

The Duomo is the cathedral of Milan that you may visit while on vacation in Italy. This is where the Archbishop of Milan resides. With its amazing gothic architecture this cathedral played an important role in establishing Catholic traditions and spreading the Catholic faith. In Italy, the only church that is larger than the Duomo is St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City in Rome. Most guided tours of Milan will feature a visit to the Duomo and you will get a chance to see this beautiful feat of Italian history.

The Teatro Alla Scala is a world famous opera house in Milan that you must visit on your Italy vacation. It was built in the late 1700s after a carnival fire destroyed the previous opera house. It was known to be the gathering place of the rich in Milan and had a gallery area above the boxes where the less wealthy were allowed to come to also enjoy the opera performances. After much controversy the theatre was renovated a few years ago. Most of the controversy was regarding a concern with whether the historical details would be lost. But during your Italy vacation here if you see the Teatro Alla Scala you will find that an excellent job was done in preserving the history of this great opera house.

When in Milan on your Italy vacation, you must also visit the Sforza Castle. It took 10 years to build this in the 1300s. It was built to be a defensive fortress and has undergone several reconstructions, additions and transformations over the centuries. There are several museums here that you can visit on your Italy vacation and most of them feature castle art such as defensive armor and furniture from its royal inhabitants. This castle also holds Michelangelo's final work of art, a marble sculpture known as the Rondanini Pieta.

Cheap Italy Vacation

For the budget conscious traveler an Italian vacation may seem far out of reach. But many people are surprised to find that visiting this destination may be well within the cards. One of the most expensive aspects of a vacation is usually the airfare and hotel. So what are the options available for those who want to enjoy Italy and save at the same time?

Well for starters you may want to go on your vacation to Italy during the off season. This will mean that you will find cheaper airfares. There are great prices to be found for airfare especially if you plan to fly directly from a major international airport such as New York or London. All airfare rates drop dramatically after the summer. Hotel rates per night will also be more affordable. After the summer many hotels are recovering from the large numbers of people that came through their doors. You will find out that during your cheap Italy vacation most places are happy for customers that provide them with business during the off peak season.

Service could be even better simply because there are fewer people to serve and focus on. The lines are also shorter for almost everything. Peak season is the summer months of June through August. So why not plan to go in September if you can? You will still enjoy all the sights and the remnants of great summer weather. For example Rome in July can go up to 92 degrees but may be 80 degrees in September. The advantage of going on your Italian Vacation during the off-peak season is that the crowds are not there, the weather is slightly cooler and Italy becomes more of itself. You can really experience Italy and its people if you go in the off season and you will save some money too. Not only are hotels and airfares cheaper in the off season but you will also find discounts available for guided tours and concerts.

Another way to save on your cheap Italian vacation is to take public transportation whenever possible rather than a taxi. Of course this needs some planning in advance or you could spend numerous hours lost and wasting valuable time. But with an adventurous spirit and an Italian pocket dictionary in hand it can be done! Italy is well known for its extensive rail network. You can get a rail pass or buy tickets as you go. Either way this option will help you save if you are on a budget.

Another great tip for a cheap Italy vacation is to forgo the hotel altogether. Rent a house or an apartment for a few days if you are in a group and you will save tremendously. This is especially true if you also factor in the presence of a kitchen that can allow you to make some of your meals rather than rely on dining out for every meal. Even if you have to stay at a hotel you should also consider fixing some simple meals such as sandwiches when you can especially if you come across a grocery store during your cheap Italian vacation.

Fashion and Your Italy Vacation

Along with London, Paris and New York, Milan and Rome are on the list of the famous fashion centers of the world. When you are on your Italy vacation you may not be able to help yourself but to indulge a little in this aspect of Italian culture. By all means make sure you visit the rolling hills of Florence, take a gondola trip through Venice and visit a vineyard in Tuscany. But don't forget that you are in the country of the likes of Armani, Versace, Fendi, Prada and Valentino. If this at all interests you do find out if your visit coincides with any fashion exhibits or public fashion shows in Rome or Milan.

When you are in Rome make sure you visit the Vatican City but you must go to the original stores of all the Italian designers. You will not only see little old ladies in Italian villages while on vacation in Italy but when you arrive you will quickly realize that Italians have a very high fashion sense, care very much about their looks and are very sophisticated especially in Rome and Milan. You must visit the famous shopping strip Via Montenapoleone in Milan. Here you will find boutiques for Chanel, Dolce e Gabbana and Fendi along with numerous others. Even if your budget does not allow you to purchase anything, this will make for an unbelievable window shopping experience during your vacation in Italy. Many of these boutiques are open from 10 am till 7 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays with shorter hours on Mondays and are closed on Sundays.

Italy is especially known for its high fashion industry or "haute couture" and the runway fashion shows that the designers use to debut their new collections each season. The houses of Valentino and Fendi originated in Rome while the houses of Prada, Versace and Armani originated in Milan. With near perfect craftsmanship, Italian fashions are said to rival those of France and many people even feel the Italian fashions are superior.

During your Italy vacation you may hear of AltaRoma, an organization that has been responsible for putting Italian designers on the map over the years through its yearly fashion shows. These fashion shows feature established designers as well as new designers. They are closed to the general public but AltaRoma also organizes another event that is open to everyone. If your Italy vacation is in mid July the Donna Sotto del Stelle is worth catching. It means "Woman under the Stars." It is an open air fashion event that takes place at the Piazza de Spagna in Rome and features several newer designers.

To further take in the couture culture during your vacation in Italy, you should also visit the most prominent fashion school in Rome. This school has produced some very talented new designers and usually has fashion exhibits and shows open to the public. Valentino also opened a fashion school in 1990 which also hosts some fashion and art shows open to the general public.

Guided Tours of Beautiful Italy

If you know a little Italian, you may want to visit the beautiful country of Italy on your own. If, however, you’re looking to sit back and pack in as much of the country as possible, try one of the guided tours of Italy offered by many travel services. You’ll generally get a cheaper deal and you’ll enjoy the country on an air-conditioned coach, complete with an Italian-speaking interpreter.

There are many ways to take guided tours of Italy but many of them start near the top of the country and go southward. The tour can begin in the watery canals of Venice or in the fashion capital of Milan. In Venice, visitors can take a gondola ride and eat in one of the many fine restaurants in the city. The lovely city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon that opens into the Adriatic Sea in the northeast part of the country. The city conveniently lies between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers.

In Milan, a tourist on one of the guided tours of Italy can take a few hours to shop the expensive shops in downtown Milan. Your guides might have purchased tickets for the group at the famous La Scala Theater. The Duomo in Milan is the second largest cathedral in the country. Many guided tours of Italy then head south, through the Tuscan hills and into the ancient and beautiful city of Florence, called “Firenze” in Italy. The Arno River runs through the city, also a location of many museums and churches.

Many go to Florence to see the Ponte Vecchio, a unique old bridge crossing the river that contains many quaint shops and eateries. The Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore is the magnificent domed cathedral within the city. On some guided tours of Florence, you’ll be given time to see its many lovely churches or to see the Uffizi Galleries or the Pitti Palace. Outdoors, one can see a copy of the famed statue of David by Michelangelo or the original one, in the Uffizi Museum.

When you think you’ve seen enough churches, many guided tours of Italy take you to Rome and the Vatican—both places where the churches and cathedrals are extremely wealthy and amazing to see. You’ll also see the Coliseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon — all parts of ancient Roman times that have been somewhat preserved. You may also be able to see some catacombs, which were places where early Christians worshipped and buried their dead.

No good visit to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican, including the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. These are wondrous sites that make you wish it were possible to take pictures. You can take as many pictures as you wish of St. Peter’s Square and St. Paul’s Basilica. Hopefully, you’ll be on one of the guided tours of Italy that includes Southern Italy and a visit to the very ancient village of Pompeii. Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, it is currently a life-sized museum of what life was like in the average city a millennium ago. It may prove, in fact, to be the highlight of your guided tour.

Agritourism In Tuscany At Forte dei Marmi - A Peaceful Place To Spend Holidays

For Agritourists, a relaxing holiday is a must and what better place than agritourism in Tuscany. Agritourism is the new way to spend a holiday. Agritourism allows farmers and those living in the tuscan countryside to supplement their income by allowing tourists to visit or stay at their farm or plantations. Tourists will experience the tuscan lifestyle just as the natives did.

If you are a city person who hustle and bustle all day, a quiet stay in a tuscany farmhouse in a peaceful countryside can be a time where you can relax yourself away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse in nature's beauty. Forte dei Marmi in the beautiful Tuscany offers that and so much more.

Italy has always been a popular tourist destination because of its gorgeous art, intriguing history, beautiful landscape, and amazing food and wine. The region of Tuscany is thought to be an area frozen in time because of its old world charm and slow pace. Forte dei Marmi, now a beautiful agri-tourist area along the Tuscan coast, was once just an import center for marble. The ruins of the historic Marble Warehouse built in 1618 by Cosimo de Medici still look over the now booming tourist town.

The center of Tuscany is closed to traffic, so visitors can take a leisurely tour through the prestigious boutiques and art galleries or lunch at one of the open-air cafes without the distractions of noisy cars. In the Tuscan's summer, there are artistic events held every day and an agritourist don't have to miss the children's theater that puts on puppet and marionette shows.

Tuscany is the perfect place for travelers to spend Farm vacations at Forte dei Marmi and for those who want to forget their real lives for a while, come and enjoy forte dei marmi. Most agritourists take a seven-night getaway in a completely furnished apartment decorated with the old world Italian charm. The cost varies though depending how luxurious the apartment is and the amenities that are available. Typically it cost anywhere from $800 to $10,000. You can stroll through the private gardens in Tuscany that are fully equipped with everything an agritourist guest could want for their Italian holiday.

Tuscan tourists will enjoy the breathtaking view that, on a clear day, reaches the Spezian Islands and Corsica. For a more athletic trip, mountain bikes are available for some private country touring.

A Farmhouse Holiday Florence Style

A farmhouse holiday in Florence is sure to be the vacation you never forget. Many old farmhouses in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan region were once the estates of the country’s nobility. Now they are the places where families and friends can all get together in one large, warm, friendly place and make it their home base for discovering all that Tuscany has to offer.

Amenities and Activities at a Florence Farmhouse

The farmhouse holiday Florence style is one that is filled with adventure and relaxation all at once. Situated in the hillsides of Tuscany, a farmhouse is central to some of the region’s best tourist attractions. You are close to cities for their museums and culture, yet away from the noise and hustle and bustle of the nightlife. You are short walk or bike ride from the best pizzerias, cafes, and restaurants, or you can choose to eat a quiet meal at “home.”

Many farmhouse rentals come with some meals included. Also included are the equipment and “toys” round at the homestead. For example, bicycles, swimming gear, even motorcycles can often be borrowed or rented. You can also have use of the pool or drive or walk a short distance to the beaches along the coast, depending on where your farmhouse rental is located.

Both long and short term rentals are possible at a Florence farmhouse. The rates are generally between 400 and 800 Euros per week depending on how many people are in your party. The price will also be higher if meals are included.

Why Choose a Farmhouse

A farmhouse offers the space and flexibility to explore the region at a relaxed pace. It is also great for families with smaller children who may need the room for running and playing. A quieter atmosphere and the close proximity to attractions, make a farmhouse an attractive alternative to hotel living for families with young children.

If you prefer nature and the outdoors to city life, then this is a vacation where you can hike, ride horses or bicycles, and swim by day and then eat, drink, dance, and get a good night’s rest by night. The owners of the farmhouses have usually had the homes in their families for generations and make visitors feel like long lost relatives with their warmth and hospitality.

What is Included?
More advantages to staying in a farmhouse are the home like amenities that are included with your rental. You will access to the kitchen, more than one full bath, laundry facilities, and the room for family members to have their own space, instead of crowding into a couple of small hotel rooms.

The best of both hotel life and home life are combined at the farmhouse. You will have housekeeping services that change bed linens and take care of making sure you have plenty of clean towels. You will also be able to get to know your hosts, many of which will cook meals according to your preferences and requests. There is nothing quite as inviting as an Italisan Mama making the pasta just the way you like it!

Holidays On A Farmhouse In Tuscany Italy

Tuscany, Italy is a popular destination for holiday travel. The region offers many choices in accommodations, including hotels, apartment rentals, farmhouses and luxury villas in Tuscany. Large city hotels or a rural Tuscany villa offer two completely different styles to fit every personality. Several large websites offer information including pictures and descriptions of various rentals in the region. Reviews can help you chose the best accommodations for your vacation needs.

Farmhouse Vacations in Tuscany Italy

Farm holidays in Tuscany are a very popular way to travel, especially if you prefer the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You get to relax in tranquillity in one of these Tuscany vacation rentals. Farmhouses are often large, with six bedrooms and several bathrooms. They are large enough to accommodate a few couples or two families with children. Rent one with another family and split the cost of the rental.

The typical farmhouse in Tuscany has thick walls, terra cotta floors and raftered ceilings. Most are furnished in older furniture that is about the same age as the house, which adds to the authentic feeling of a farm holiday in Tuscany. The décor will often contain older paintings and photographs on the walls.

Most have been modernized enough to be comfortable, without losing the traditional feeling. The kitchen will most likely have a wood burning hearth. You will be able to cook your meals here, or enjoy some at the many restaurants scattered throughout the region. The plumbing may not be totally modernized in many farmhouses. In addition, there tends to be low water pressure.

Spas in Tuscany Italy

Tuscany, Italy is well known for its thermal baths. These are hot waters supplied by deep springs in the ground. They have been valued since ancient times for their healing properties and are great for back pain, stress relief and some skin disorders. Each has different minerals in the water, such as carbon dioxide or sulphur and is thought to help heal a variety of ailments. Mineral mud baths are another popular attraction. Some smaller baths are open seasonally. Other, larger baths are open year round. An admission fee is charged to bathe in the waters.

A variety of large and small spas have been built around these baths. Some smaller ones are day spas. A few nearby resorts and hotels allow you to stay in the resort and enjoy the spa atmosphere. These vacations are great for relaxation and relieving stress.

Best Times to Visit Tuscany Italy

Summer is a popular time to visit this area, as it is throughout Europe. If you are planning to visit at this time, you will want to book your trip at least a year in advance. August is vacation season for residents of the area. Many shops and restaurants close for the month.

Holidays are also busy times in Italy. Easter is busy for holiday vacation rentals in Tuscany. There are a wide variety of celebrations and festivals scheduled throughout Easter week. December holidays include Christmas and the day after, which is the Feast of Santo Stefano. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th is another popular holiday. Most shops are closed on these days and some restaurants as well.

All About Traveling To Italy

When considering a trip to Europe, Italy is often one of the main places of interest. In particular, Rome is a really popular destination and it is packed full of history. So if you are looking to go on an interesting vacation which is packed with plenty of ancient ruins and places of interest then Rome is certainly a place which you should consider.

Why Choose Rome?

In Rome there are approximately 2.7 million people. Its climate is extremely hot and dry within the summer months but incredibly rainy in the winter. If you are thinking of traveling there you will need a passport but if you only intend to stay for around 90 days then you will not need a visa.

If you want to have the best possible vacation in Rome then it would be best not to go during peak times. Off peak times are between October-March and it is generally a lot quieter then and you can enjoy your trip a little bit more than you would in the summer months. It would be a good idea to book a hotel which is situated within the historic district of Rome and the Hotel de Russie is one which should certainly be considered. There you will get to see the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps too.

Generally it is a lot better to go by foot to most places in Rome. That way you do not miss anything and you will be able to go at your own pace. Due to the fact that there is plenty to see, it would be better if you made a list beforehand of where exactly you want to go. There will usually be a few things which you would really like to see and so if you see them first you will be able to see other things too in your own time. Without a plan of action you could end up missing out on some of the things which you wanted to see and so it is always better to be prepared. It may be a good idea to book a guided tour as these can easily be arranged at the hotel which you are staying in and they will help you to see things you would not necessarily see yourself.

No matter where you decide to go in Rome, there are some places which you should definitely opt to see. These include the Coliseum, the Foro Romano and the Pantheon. The coliseum is by far one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Europe and you can choose to go around it on your own or take a tour with a guide. It is advisable to phone ahead to see what the opening times are during your stay as it does vary throughout the year.

Overall there is plenty to see and do in Rome and it is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations within Europe.

Travel Tips to European Countries: Italy

About the county

Italy, the birthplace of pasta and pizza provides a wide range of choices for artwork lovers to experience. A temperate climate exists here with very hot summers and not so cold winters. The weather is the best in spring and autumn with pleasant temperatures and scenic views. At that time of the year, the place isn’t crowded much and things can be enjoyed in leisure. Incase of emergency call 112. For fire call 115 and for ambulance call 118.

Culture

Italian is widely spoken and is the official language. English isn’t very familiar to the locals. Family ties are of utmost importance here and hence social courtesies mean a lot to the locals. There is a great impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the culture here. There is a high content of chlorine in tap waters, so bottled water is recommended for staying fit during the trip. Since Italian is spoken on a wide scale, it is highly recommended to learn few common Italian phrases which can be of great use. Social gatherings call for formal wear, but one can dress in casuals otherwise. At some religious places, sleeveless shirt and shorts are frowned upon. So they are better avoided. Purses and wallets should be well guarded and in case of any theft, police should be informed about the incident.

Site Seeing

The first thing to check out is the leaning tower of Pisa, where Olympics originated. At places like museums and art galleries, photography, especially flash photography is restricted. Check out the ticket counter for more information. Italy should be majorly discovered on foot for a thorough viewing of all the beautiful buildings and monuments. Coaches and trains are a good option to get to a tourist spot.

Shopping

Shops here are open from 9am to 8pm, closed for lunch. Quality of goods is great although the prices are very less. Items like crystals, lacework, leather good, and jewelry can be bought at the stores. Remember to hold on to the receipt. Tipping of 10% is customary along with the service tax levied on the bill. Italy is famous for top designers of the world, so do buy clothes and accessories to update your wardrobe. Cruises have formal gatherings in the evening, so ensure to buy a cocktail dress or some formal wear, though casuals can be worn at other times.

Electricity

The voltage used is 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency.

Getting there

Alitalia is the national airline of Italy. Many other flights connect to Italy from USA, Canada and Australia and there is big competition to attract passengers giving a wide range of offers to travelers. Rome airport is located 26 km away from the city and it takes 45 minutes to get there from the airport. Trains connect directly to Termini Station from where one can take taxi to get to their destination. Duty free shops, bank, car hire and restaurants are the other services provided at this airport. Milan has another famous airport here, which is at a distance of 45km away from the city.

Brindisi, Ancona, Naples and Venice are the major seaports of Italy. Italian State Railways connects many European cities. But, Eurostar provides the fastest train service.

If choosing to drive, don’t forget to carry international driving license and international insurance certificate. Roads connect Italy to France, Austria and Switzerland. Many coach services are provided from the neighboring countries.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 2liter of wine and 1liter of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2liter of fortified or sparkling wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. Gifts not exceeding €89.96 (if entering from an EU country), €175 (if entering from a non-EU country).