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Italy

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Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Italy

3000 years of history, culture and cuisine means perfect conditions for a romantic honeymoon in Italy. Italy has been shaped by a deep, rich and varied cultural history that has left its mark in the cities' architecture, museums, ancient ruins and even the restaurants.

Highlights
The Italian honeymoon can be very busy with Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and exploring the sites which include everything from mountains to beaches. If you like to shop, many Italian products are world-famous for their style and quality. Rome offers a wide choice of shops and markets. Venice is still famous for its glassware and Florence boasts some of the finest goldsmiths. If you'd rather relax, you can do so with the best pasta and wine in all of Europe. Italians will always warm your heart and soul with their great food and sincere appreciation for the art of hospitality.
Geography/Environment
Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy is a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic, Ionian, Sicilian, Tyrrhenian, Sardinian and Ligurian seas. France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia share its borders to the north. The islands of Elba, Sardinia, Ischia, Capri, the Aeolians and Sicily lie offshore. Italy is very beautiful and offers a great deal of variety in its landscape. It has 5,310 miles of shoreline and mountains with peaks as high as 14,000 feet.
Activities
If the museums, galleries, historical buildings and espresso are not enough to occupy your time, there are plenty of options for outdoor fun. The Italian Alps are great for the long-distance hiker and are packed with plenty of excellent ski resorts. Camping is also a favorite activity enjoyed by both Italians and visitors. On the water you can windsurf and sail. Most beach resorts rent boats and all the gear you need. You can also grab a bicycle and see the country, which is a great way to work off the pasta and wine you'll be consuming since 75% of Italy is very hilly.
Climate and Weather
The climate in Italy varies with its geography and location. In the mountains, temperatures can range from warm during the day to cold at night. Summers in Italy tend to be hot and dry, but the coastal areas are cooled by gentle sea breezes. During the summer months, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from all over the world mingling with vacationing Italians at famous resorts. If you would like to enjoy Italy at a more leisurely pace, it is best to visit during the Spring (April-May) and Fall (October-November). This is a great time to see big cities that are rich in art treasures. The temperatures are pleasant, the crowds have abated and the scenery is beautiful!

Other Important Information
More Italy resources at Amazon.com.
Destination Wedding Information
  1. VALID U.S. PASSPORT or if a member of the Army forces and identification card;
  2. A certified copy in "long firm" of the BIRTH CERTIFICATE containing the name of both mother and father. Birth certificate has to be TRANSLATED into Italian and be legalized with an APOSTILLE which is a seal affixed to a public record by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where the document was originated from. The translation has to be certified by a Consular Officer and then Apostilled by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where it was certified.
  3. A FINAL DIVORCE DECREE (if applicable) OR DEATH CERTIFICATE of the previous spouse. A TRANSLATION of this document into Italian is required as well as its APOSTILLE. When obtaining the required birth certificate or divorce decree if applicable ASK THE ISSUING OFFICE FOR INSTRUCTION AND FEES FOR OBTAINING AN APOSTILLE.
  4. ATTO NOTORIO (to be done in the States or in Italy if time doesn't allow): Is a declaration sworn by 4 witnesses before an Italian Consular Officer stating that there is no obstacle to his/her marriage. You must call your nearest Italian Consulate and set up an appointment for this to be done. Ask how many witnesses are needed. IMPORTANT: This can not be issued more than 3 months before the wedding otherwise it will expire.
  5. NULLA OSTA OR SWORN STATEMENT (To be done in Italy): This document has to be done it before an U.S. Consular Officer (can be done in Milan, Trieste near Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples). This is a declaration stating that there is no obstacle according to USA laws for the marriage to take place in Italy. Witnesses are not required. Once this document has been issued has to be authenticated at the Prefecture.