Italy Trip Guide & Tips for First Timers

7 Italy Tips for First Time Travelers

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It is known for its art galleries, unique historical sites, magnificent churches, stunning art galleries, picturesque towns, and incredible food and wine.  If you are a first-time visitor to Italy, Tours of Distinction has put together a short list of travel tips to keep in mind so that you can make the most of your visit. 

1) Coperto 

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Italy is to people-watch while enjoying a delicious pastry and coffee at a cafe. One of the things most first-time visitors don’t realize is that some cafes and restaurants charge for sitting at a table. According to the law, a coperto or cover charge must be printed somewhere on the menu or displayed at the counter. They are not easy to spot and are usually in very small print. This cover charge is applied to each person who sits at your table.  Not every restaurant or cafe charges a cover fee but many do, especially in areas that are popular with tourists. The coperto is thought to cover everything that is used for the meal from plates, glasses, and cups, to cutlery and napkins. 

Typically, a coperto is one to three Euros. If you purchase a takeout pizza or want to indulge in a quick snack and coffee and are standing at a service bar, there is no cover charge.

When dining in Italy, make sure to ask if bread is included in the coperto or if it is an extra charge. 

2) Tipping

Tipping isn’t customary in Italy, however, like anywhere else, it is appreciated. The current rule of thumb for tipping for outstanding service is 10%.  Waiters in Italy are paid well and are not dependent on tips.  In Italian, a tip is called a mancia. Some restaurants add a service charge (servizio) to the total bill. It is most commonly added to a bill of a group of eight or more people. On average, a service charge can be up to 10% of the total bill.

Free Time | Book Attractions in Advance

When planning a trip to Italy it is important to do your research and decide the things that you are most interested in visiting during your free time.  A benefit of taking a small group tour with Tours of Distinction is that we book all of the top attractions included in our tour in advance for you. In your free time, if you decide to visit a major attraction, it is best to book it in advance to avoid waiting in lines.

3) Pickpockets

Italy is considered a safe country, however, there are pickpockets in certain crowded tourist areas. The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings, especially when waiting in line at major attractions. It is wise to carry only those things you absolutely need.  Leave your passport, extra credit cards, and cash in the hotel safe, always carry your bag or knapsack in the front, wear a money belt, and never put your wallet in your back pocket.

4) Regional Diversity of Food

Italians love food and they love to eat. Dining in Italy is one of the greatest pleasures of any trip to this country which is about the size of Arizona. Italy is divided into twenty different regions and each has its own unique cuisine centered around the fresh local produce of the area. Tuscan and northern cuisine features a variety of cheeses, rich sauces, creamy risotto, meat dishes, beans, and some of Italy’s best olive oil. Southern cuisine is what most of us think of as Italian food and features tomato sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, eggplant, figs, and lemons. Along the coast, seafood is king and in Naples pizza rules the day. Be adventurous and try the food of each region that you visit with Tours of Distinction.

5) Learn A Few Words in Italian

Although most people in Italy speak English, it is always fun to learn a little bit of Italian. Most Italians will appreciate your effort to try to speak their language. Some keywords include Ciao (hello), Buongiorno (good morning), Buonasera (good night), Grazie (thank you), Prego (you’re welcome), and Quanto (how much). 

6) Chiuso & Riposa

In Italian, chiuso means shut and refers to the afternoon siesta or riposa when many businesses including shops, restaurants, grocery stores, banks, and bakeries, close for a rest. This riposa usually begins around noon and lingers until 3 p.m. In some small towns, the riposa can last until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Large supermarkets and shopping malls stay open.

7) Dress Code for Churches

 When visiting churches and cathedrals, dress respectfully. Women shouldn’t wear tank tops, low-cut, revealing shirts, dresses with spaghetti straps, short skirts, dresses above the knee, shorts, or midriff tops. Men shouldn’t wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops. Per a recent article in Forbes, dress codes are being enforced at Florence’s Duomo, St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Museum of the Dead, and the Vatican. It is considered a sign of respect not to show your knees or bare shoulders. If in doubt, bring a shawl. 

If Italy is on your bucket list, check out our tour of Italy, which goes from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sunny south Amalfi Coast and includes many of the highlights that this beautiful and historic country has to offer.