TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING ITALY
Italy has been popular with tourists ever since the days of Wolfgang von Goethe (who wrote a whole journey book on his “Italienische Reise”). Culture and art in all of its forms are married into a unique combination.
No matter what time of year you choose to explore Italy and all of its treasures, keep these travel tips in mind to ensure you have the best vacation possible!
Diversity.
You could spend a lifetime in Italy and not see everything. During each visit, pick only one or two regions to do them justice: Piedmont & the Italian Riviera, Milano & the Lake District, Trento & the Dolomites, Venice & Veneto & Friuli, Florence & Tuscany, Umbria, Rome & Lazio, Naples & Campania, Puglia and the south, Sicily, Sardinia.
Etiquette.
Shake hands and say buongiorno (good day) or buona sera (good evening) to strangers; kiss both cheeks and say come stai (how are you) to friends. Use lei (you) in polite company; use tu (you) with friends and children. Only use first names if invited. Say mi scusi (excuse me) to attract attention; and say permesso (permission) when passing someone in a crowded place. Draw the attention of a waiter by saying per favore (please). When visiting churches, cathedrals and other religious sites, dress modestly (covered shoulders and thighs), please be quiet, and never forget to turn off your cell phone.
In the restaurant.
Eat spaghetti with a fork, not a spoon. Eating bread with your pasta is considered a bit strange, but using it to wipe the remaining sauce from your plate is fine. If you want vegetables with your main course, you will need to order it as a side dish (contorno) because the meat of fish often comes by itself. Splitting the bill is common enough, though itemizing it is not done. If there is no service charge added to the bill, consider leaving a 10% tip.
Italy – with all of its many, distinct regions – offers incredible adventure and sightseeing opportunities outside of our itineraries and our Adventure Travel Consultants would be happy to help you add on more days of activities or travel.
Italy Seasons & Climate
Southern Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters perfect for growing olives, grapes, almonds and figs. Average daily high/low is 85F/72F in summer and 55F/44F in the winter.
Northern Italy also has hot and dry summers, but winters tend to be a bit cooler and wetter. Average daily high/low is 90F/67F summer and 50F/37F in the winter.