10 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Italy: By an Italian Travel Agent
Curated By
Alice Cozzi
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Curator’s statement
Traveling to Italy is a fantastic experience, but like any popular tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of the cultural differences and Italian norms you might not be used to. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes by an Italy travel agent to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Italy
Hotel de Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel
An unabashedly luxe stay from Rocco Forte near the Spanish Steps, set apart by the service and sprawling gardens.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Grand Hotel Tremezzo
An iconic accommodation sitting on the western shores of Lake Como with three pools, a lakeside private beach and a lavish private park.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Monteverdi Tuscany
Cobblestone streets and a lush gardens make way for this relaxing boutique hotel set on a rooftop overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milan
Located in the heart of Milan, this 5-star property has marble floors and is filled with light spaces.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
Your Italian coastal sanctuary on the Amalfi Coast, where historic charm, breathtaking views and luxury converge for a blissful stay by the Mediterranean.
Fora Perks
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Breakfast daily.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Alice to book your trip.
Things to do in Italy
Dressing for the season:
Italians tend to follow fashion trends based on what month they're in, instead of the temperature of that day. Wearing a short-sleeve t-shirt in March would make it obvious that you're not Italian.
Mondays and Sundays are closing days:
If you plan on exploring any Italian cities on these days, you might want to check their opening days, as they might be surprisingly closed.
Lunch break is from 1 pm to 3 pm:
Several local businesses close for lunch, so it might be hard to plan or visit something during these hours.
No one orders a cappuccino past 11 am:
Cappuccino is considered a breakfast drink in Italy. A true Italian would never order a cappuccino after 11 am — you can instead order a macchiato (an espresso with a tiny splash of milk).
Italians walk everywhere:
While there are options for transportation, walking is the most popular way to get from place to place in Italy.
You have to ask for the check at restaurants:
In Italy, it's considered rude to rush customers by handling them a check as soon as they finish eating. Eating is seen as a social activity in Italy, so Italians take their time.
Places to eat & drink in Italy
Tipping is not expected in Italy:
While Italians definitely appreciate any tips they get, they do not expect them as most jobs have equal salaries. So tips are not essential to them.
Ice is not common in Italy:
Establishments do not offer ice with every drink, whether it is in your coffee, wine or any other drink, it would be hard to find ice in Italy.
Do not accept free things:
A lot of times when people on the street try to offer a free bracelet or flowers, they expect money in return.
Travel Advisor
Alice Cozzi
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Things to Do in Florence: Where To Go, Eat & Sleep Like a Local.