Italy is all about food.  It is one of the greatest pleasures during a trip to Italy.  There are a few things that are a little bit different in a restaurant than what you might be used to.  Here are our tips for how to order food in Italy.

Where to Go

Bar: Go to the bar for your morning cappuccino and cornetto (pastry)  At lunch or snack time you can get readymade sandwiches. At the bar you pay for purchases before you eat and the prices are often different of you sit at a table or eat standing at the bar.  Remember: panino – one sandwich, panini – more than one sandwich

Tavolo Caldo Casual, inexpensive places that serve prepared food, often cafeteria style. These are great because you can see exactly what is on offer and just point to what you want.  Perfect for kids who have had enough of politely sitting for long restaurant meals.

Osteria/Trattoria/Ristorante In days gone by there used to be distinct variations between these three classifications.  Now they are sometimes used interchangeably.  You can find a quite formal trattoria and an informal ristorante.  All three are sit down, waiter service establishments.

Meal times are not very flexible in Italy.  Lunch is from 1:00-3:00 and Dinner from 8:00-10:00. Bars and Tavola Calde are great alternatives for off hour eating.

Bread and Water

As soon as you sit down in a restaurant in Italy you will probably be brought a basket of bread and/or breadsticks and asked if you would like water.  Pane e Coperto is an Italian tradition that dates back to the middle ages when patrons would bring their won food to inns and taverns and pay a fee for the use of the table and utensils.  Similar to how some restaurants today charge a corkage fee to bring your own bottle of wine. This charge must be indicated on the menu and is charged weather you eat the bread or not.  It is a surcharge and not a tip and if you sit down and order in a restaurant you agree to this charge.

Italians drink bottled water in restaurants.  You can ask for tap water (acqua del rubinetto) but you may not have much luck. The words in Italian  Frizzante/Gassata are for  sparkling water and Lisca/Naturale are for still water.

Tipping

How to tip in Italy ties in with the idea of coperta that we discussed above.  The coperta goes towards the cost of operating a restaurant and does not go to your server.  Waiters in Italy are paid a monthly salary and do not rely on tips the same way that servers in America do.  Some restaurants will put servizio on the bill , particularly if you are a large group and you do not need to add a tip.  For all of these reasons, Italians, as a general rule, do not tip.  Forget about the 15/20% rule you are used to. If you had really great service or you ate in a formal, fine dining establishment a small amount is much appreciated.  At a more casual trattoria, a few euro coins is customary.

Eat Your Vegetables

In Italy, vegetables do not usually come as a side dish as part of your order.  You have to order them separately.  Look towards the end of the menu for the word contorni.

The Order of Your Order

You are not required to order the full antipasto, primi, secondo and dolce deal.  What is important is the order that you request your food.  If you just want a plate of pasta and desert that’s ok, but if others at the table ordered an antipasto, you may have to wait until that is served and eaten before your pasta is brought to the table.  You can order a antipasto and a primi and tell the waiter you will decide after you finish your pasta if you would like a secondo.

If you are a large group, you might be asked to limit your selections, particularly your pasta choices to just a few.  Kitchens and kitchen staff is much much smaller than in North American and often it may just not be able to handle 8 different pasta orders at the same time.

The Table is Yours

It is not the Italian custom to turn a dinner table over two or three times in a evening.  You have the table for the night.  Relax and enjoy your meal at an Italian pace.

Ask About Specials

Very often, In an Italian restaurant,  the very best things prepared in the kitchen are not on the menu.  Make sure you ask your server what the specials of the day are.

Do Your Research

Visit a market to learn what fruits and vegetables are in season, that is what you should find on your menu.  Learn what the regional specialties are, ask your hotel front desk clerk or your taxi driver what is their favorite local dish.

Ask for the Check

The check for your meal will not e brought to you when you finish your main course. or even after dessert; or coffee.  You have to ask for it.  Sometimes more than once.

Vocabulary

A small phrasebook is your friend.  You want to make sure you ordered the tripe on purpose and were not expecting a steak.

Colazione – breakfast

Pranzo – lunch

Cena – dinner

Merenda – after school snack

Antipasto – Appetizers

Primi – Pasta

Secondo – Main Course

Contorno – Sides/vegetables

Dolce – Dessert

Da Bere? what would you like to drink?

Vorrei….  I would like…

Per me… I will have….

Pane – bread

Olio extra vergine di oliva – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Formaggio – cheese

Pomodoro – Tomato

Carne – meat

Pesce – fish

Pollo – chicken

Maiale – pork

Cinghiale – wild boar

Di stagione – in season

Guanciale – cured pork jowl (similar to bacon)

Acciughe – anchovies

Peperonicni – red chilis, often dried and in flakes

Peperoni – bell peppers

Salame picante – pepperoni or spicy, cured sausage

Cipolle – onions

aglio – garlic

Want to know more about food in Italy?  Read our posts about gelato and pizza or book a market tour or cooking class.

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Pisa is an easy day trip from Florence and many other Tuscan and Umbrian towns.  A visit to the famous leaning tower is a must, but there is much more to see in this other Tuscan town located on the river Arno. Here are our recommendations for what to do in Pisa.

Piazza dei Miracoli. The Square of Miracles is home to some of Pisa’s most important and famous monuments.  In the boundaries of the walled and grassy space you will find  four incredible monuments; the Cathedral- Duomo, Bell Tower – Campanile, the Baptistry and the Camposante.  The entire area is a UNESCO protected site.

The Leaning Tower.  Known in Italian as the Torre Pendente, of course you have to see this iconic site.  A poorly constructed foundation built on too-soft soil, in the 1100‘s, made the tower lean from the very start. Climb to the top and get a sense for the rest of the town.  Make sure you take the silly picture of you or your traveling friends, propping up the tower. You will regret it when you get home if you don’t.

Duomo.  The gleaming gray and white medieval cathedral sites at the heart of Pisa’s main piazza.  This striking building, built in 1093, is a prime example of what is now known as Pisan Romanesque style.

Camposanto.  Located on the edge of the main square, this space is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.  The vast white building was designed by the same architect that designed the famous leaning tower and constructed on soil that was brought back from the crusades in the 1200’s.  See traces of the original frescoes and the remaining Roman statues.

Baptistery.  This round, romanesque structure is often overlooked.  It was constructed in the mid-12th century in honor of St. John the Baptist.  It is the largest baptistry in Italy and if you count the statue on the top, is taller than the nearby leaning tower.

Keith Haring Mural.  It is not all medieval architecture to see in Pisa.  American street artist Keith Haring painting his last public work in the form of a large mural on a convent wall.  the name of the piece is “Tuttomondo”, meaning the entire world.  You can find this artwork at the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate on the other side of the river Arno.

New Years in March?  the Pisans have followed a different calendar than the rest of the world since the year 1200.  On March 25, at 12:00,  ray of sunlight coming through a stained glassed window in the Duomo strikes a specific spot where a marble egg sits, marks the start of a  new year.  There is a historical parade with Pisans dressed in medieval costumes, concerts and special exhibits for the days before and after the ceremony..

La Luminara and The Regatta of San Ranieri. June 16-17 marks the feast days for the patron saint of Pisa.  On June 16 is La Luminara, an enchanting festival of lights where  buildings, streets and all along the river and bridges are illuminated by thousands of flickering candles. Late in the evening there is a spectacular fireworks display. On June 17, the feast of San Ranieri is celebrated with an elaborate boat race along the Arno river.  The cities four different neighborhoods compete not only by racing in 8 man boats, but the winner is decided at the finish line where the is a rope with a large silk flag attached.  A montatore, climber, must climb the rope and grab the correct flag that corresponds to his team.

Borgo Stretto.  This is for the shoppers and is the most elegant shopping street in Pisa.  This where you can find all of Italy’s big name designers and chic independent boutiques.

Palazzo Agostini.  It is not just the famous tower that leans in Pisa.  This 14th century red brick building is one of PIsa’s oldest structures.

Botanical gardens.  Established by the Medici family in the 1500’s this was Europe’s first university botanical garden. There is an arboretum, an impressive succulent collection and a very interesting section dedicated to pharmaceutical plants.

Take a Ride.

Don’t have a lot of time or maybe you are you tired of walking?  Pick up the CitySightseeing bus at the Piazza Arcivescovado and you can hop on and off at the numerous sites or relax and see everything in seated comfort with an english language audio guide.

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Less than an hours flight from Rome, this wild, beautiful island has some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.  It is not all lounging in the sun here, though.  Tour Italy Now shares our favorite picks for what to do in Northern Sardinia.

Go Back in Time

If you thought the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the city of Pompeii were old, just wait until you visit one of the 8,000 Nuraghe scattered all over the island of Sardinia. Dating back to the Bronze age, these incredible stone structures, called Su Nuraxi in Sardinian dialect, are a fascinating look at another time.  Ancient temples, housing complexes, and tombs are all easily accessible from the main road near Arzachena.

Visit Guiseppe Garibaldi’s Home.

Guiseppe Garibaldi is a cherished and very important figure in Italian history.  Garibaldi is credited with the unification of Italy and is often called the father of the republic. The Compendio Garibaldino on the island of Caprena includes the home, stables and gardens where Garibaldi lived with his family and beloved horses until his death in 1882.

Go on a Boat Trip

Cruise in the Crystal blue waters to some of the 60 small islands and countless hidden coves near Palau and La Maddelena. You will be served lunch on board your boat and be able see and visit many sites that are not accessible by car or foot.

Feel the Wind in Your Hair

Head to Porto Pollo for a day of sailing, surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. A smattering of casual beach bars lend a very laid back, almost California vibe to this spot.

La Maddelena 

The largest town in the Maddelena archipelago, this charming town is a perfect day trip.  Stroll the street of the old town near the ferry port for tourist trinket shopping, visit the national park for green wild spaces, diving spots and empty beaches and pay a visit to some important Italian history. (See Garibaldi’s Home, above)

La Costa Smerelda

In high summer mingle with glitterati in the very glamorous Porto Cervo.  This tiny town set in a cove was created by the Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960’s, you can shop the biggest designer labels, count the yachts and super yachts moored in the harbor and play spot the celebrities while you are having a drink at one of the many outdoor cafes.

If the glitz and glamour of Porto Cervo are not your speed, head to Porto Rafael.  This casual resort is the epitome of hippy chic. Visit the tiny charming chapel of Santa Rita, admire the white houses built directly into the rocks leading down to the sea. Enjoy, for a small moment, the town’s philosophy of Sognare e Vivere – Dreaming is Living.

Sardinian Specialties

Saedas. Saedas are a salty, sweet dessert creation that is made with pasta dough, pecorino cheese that is deep fried and drizzled with local Sardinian homey.

Bottarga.  Considered to be the caviar of Sardinia, this dried fish roe is a don’t miss delicacy.  Grated onto pasta or thinly sliced with lemon juice, this is a terrific item to take back home with you.  You will find it vacuum packed in shops, markets and even the airport.

Pecorino Cheese.  The name Pecorino is derived from the Italian word for sheep – pecora - and is the ubiquitous cheese of Sardinia.There are almost double the number of sheep than the permanent human population on the island of Sardinia.  This long haired breed produces milk that is then turned into delicious pecorino cheese.  Ranging in soft and sweet with the youngest aged about 6 month to sharp and crumbly for a much more mature cheese.  At the cheese counter and in local market they are more than happy to let you sample to find the one you like.

Mirto.  The berry from the myrtle is used in many ways in Sardinia, the most famous being in the after dinner liqueur called Mirto.  Served icy cold, a small, inky purple, glass of this is Sardinia’s answer to limoncello.

Carasau. Sometimes called carta musica this whisper thin, crispy bread is found on every restaurant table.  It is particularly delicious when it is served warm and sprinkled with locally produced olive oil.

Put a Cork in it

Centuries old oak trees that grown on the island, produce a bark that is used for so much more than sealing your wine bottle.  Cork harvesting is done entirely by hand and takes about 6 months of aging before it is ready for processing.  85% of Italian cork is found in sardinia.  Look for magnet, coasters, trivets, even earrings and handbags that make a wonderful, very light, souvenir.

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The colorful Duomo

Even with the Euro crisis, the European currency is strong against the U.S. Dollar.  Here are some of Tour Italy Now’s best tips on how to tour Italy on a budget.

Eating and drinking

Picnics are a great way to practice some Italian, eat like the locals and relax in a pretty, green space. Find a local market, or alimentari – grocery store and stock up on cold meats and cheese sliced to order and fresh bread and local fruits and head to a park for your foraged feast.

Pizza and gelato are both delicious and inexpensive.  A pizza is rarely more than 10 euros a person and even the smallest scoop of gelato is a pretty generous serving size.  During the day look for pizza a taglia, pizza by the slice or tramazzini filled triangle shaped sandwiches.

At restaurants, look for the Menu de Giorno.  This is often a 3 course set menu meal at a very reasonable price.  Make sure to ask if drinks, even water, are included in the price.

Enoteche, wine bars, are great places for an affordable, light meal.  They are also open slightly earlier than a restaurant so a good option for hungry children and tired travelers. In Venice look for chichetti, the Venetian version of tapas.

Bottled Water

Bring your own, reusable, bottle or get one when you arrive and refill it at one of the many fountains.  The water is cold and clean and very safe to drink.

Treasure Hunt

In culturally rich Italy, some of the most famous sites are free.

For the art lover, go to churches. In Rome seek out the Caravaggio’s and Michelangelo’s. In Florence, Tuscany and Umbria,  Brunelleschi architecture and Giotto frescoes are plentiful.  In Venice it’s Titians and an ever changing collection of contemporary art installations.

The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are don’t miss spots in Rome.  Throw your coins and ensure your return to the eternal city and take a break sitting on the spanish steps an watch the world go by.

Napoleon declared the Piazza San Marco to be the drawing room of Europe. In St. Mark’s Square you can see the Byzantine basilica, the Doges palace, the clock tower and bell tower.  A coffee at the famous and elegant cafe Florian is worth the splurge.

In Florence sit in the shady, sculpture filled, Loggia della Signoria in the Piazza della Signoria. In the piazza, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of Michelangelo’s famous David.

Get Carded

Discount passes and combined tickets area  great way to save money of you are planning on visiting many sites and museums in a short period of time.

In Rome there is the RomaPass which includes 2 museum or archaeological site visits and all public transportation for the period the pass is valid.  Additional museum and site visits are at a reduced price.  There is a dedicated entrance to colosseum for RomaPass holders.

For visiting many sites in and near Naples, like Pompeii, the Campania ArteCard can save you some Euros.  This card includes entrance to two sites and all public transportation and reductions on admission for other sites visited.

In Florence chose the FirenzeCard, which is valid for 72 hours and includes entrance to 2 of 60 museums, villas, churches and historical gardens in Florence and also includes all public transportation. At some sites there are dedicated entrances for cardholders s you can skip long lines.

Via the Venice Connected website there are several options to plan ahead and receive discounts for some of Venice’s most popular sites and timed tickets for the vaporetto, water bus.

Around the corner

Sometimes a cold flute of prosecco in one of Italy’s main piazza’s is exactly what you spend your money on. That table real estate comes at a premium price.  Better value for your euro can be found when you walk a few blocks away from the main tourist sites.

Having your coffee or iced tea (the freddo) standing up at the bar is usually half the price as if you sit down.

Book Ahead.  Train tickets between major Italian cities can be discounted as much as 70%  if you book at least a month in advance.  There are now two options if you wish to travel by train.  You choices are the state run, Trenitalia which has the most extensive network and options and the snazzy new Italo founded by the chairman of Ferrari, which sports the best of Italian design and is regularly adding new cities

Saldi

July and January is sale season in Italy.  Look for drastically marked down items of even the most glamorous designer names

Go Off Season

Off season accommodation will be less expensive and attractions less crowded.  The weeks after Christmas and before Easter you can get very lucky with cold, clear sunny skies.  In early Autumn when the Italians are back at school and work, the sunny summer weather usually continues well into October.

One of the best ways to get the most value for money is to book your trip to Italy with us here at Tour Italy Now.We have long, personal relationships with hotels and guides throughout Italy and can guarantee the best prices in the best hotels.  We would love to help you plan your dream Italian Vacation.  Email, Facebook or Skype with us.

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There is always something happening in Venice.  Here are some of Tour Italy Now’s picks for the best things to do in Venice right now.

Biennale 

On June 1, Venice became the “it” spot for contemporary art with the opening of the 55th Biennale. The theme for this Biennale is The Encyclopedic Palace. Led this year by the 39 year old Massimiliano Gioni, the 188 year old festival is expected to be receive over half a million visitors during the five months that it runs.  For the very first time the Holy See representing the Vatican will be one of the 88 national participants.  There are 150 artists represented and 47 associated events.

The  55th edition of the Biennale runs until November 24.

The Festa del Redentore

This spectacular event has religious roots and dates back to the late 1500‘s.  It is celebrated On the weekend of July 20-21.  It began as a celebration to mark the end of a terrible plague.  A church, Redentore (Redeemer) Church was constructed by Andrea Palladio in the neighborhood (sestiere) of Dosoduro along the canal.  On the Saturday night, the canal is lit with an incredible fireworks display.  The Sunday is filled with regattas of a various types of boats throughout the day.

Music

A terrible fire in 1996 left the La Fenice Theater in ruins.  10 years ago the historic theater reopened after a painstaking renovation.  the summer program is filled with opera classics like Puccini’s Madam Butterfly and Verdi’s Othello.  The charismatic conductor Diego Matheuz will present a Prokofiev concert and there is an international gala ballet scheduled.

Textile Dynasties 

Venice has been a center for luxurious textiles since the middle ages.  Historic names of textile firms like Fortuny, Gaggio and Bevilacqua all originated in Venice and are still operating today producing some of the worlds most sought after fabrics.  You can visit the showrooms and take a sumptuous piece of history back home with you.  Schedule a visit to the Palazzo Mocenigo.  This vast storerooms are opened to the public by reservation and include many examples of clothes and fabrics.  A special exhibit of the of the 18th and 19th century weaving techniques from the house of Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua can also be arranged.

Island Hop

Venice is made up of 117 islands.  Take a break from the crowds in St. Marks square and explore some of the other parts of the archipelago.  Colorful Burano with it’s peaceful canals and bright houses make it a photographers paradise.  Seek out artisans making lace. Murano is one of the most well known islands in te Venetian lagoon as is home to the glass artisans.  The nature reserve on Torcello Island is a welcome respite.  Don’t miss the stunning mosaics in the 7h century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta

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Here are some of our don’t miss highlights, tips and secrets for how to tour Pompeii.

The ruins of Pompeii are one of the most extraordinary sites in Italy. It is visited by millions every year. We recommend going with a tour guide to fully experience the wonder and mysteries of this archeological treasure.

Located on what was then the Bay of Naples, Pompeii was once a busy port and important Roman city of about 20,000 people.  It contained more than 40 bakeries, 30 brothels, and 130 bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Getting There

It is very easy to get to Pompeii from Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast and points farther north in Tuscany and beyond.  From the main train station in Naples look for signs to the  Circumvesuviana.  The Circumvesuviana is a light rail train that goes directly to Pompeii. Trains runs roughly every half hours and the trip from Naples to Pompeii takes about 30 minutes. The train stop for the archeological site is Pompeii Scavi.

Must Have’s

It is most important that you have comfortable shoes to traverse the uneven cobblestones and a bottle for water that you can fill at the ancient fountains scattered throughout the site. A map of the area will help you plan your visit. Give yourself at least half a day to explore this once thriving city.

If you are in the Naples area for a few days, and planning on visiting a few museums and sites, consider buying the Campania ArteCard.  This combined ticket includes entrance to many archeological sites including  Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum in additional to museums and other historic sites.

Time Travel

Take a trip back to 79 AD with a visit to the ruined city of Pompeii.  The site is so well preserved and intact, it doesn’t take much imagination to envision the busy city that Pompeii once was.  Stand at the crossroads of the large, main thoroughfares and imagine wooden wheeled carts filled with goods clattering against the large cobblestones, market vendors shouting, dogs barking and children playing. When Vesuvius erupted on that August day, it covered the city of Pompeii in ash and preserved much of what daily life in a Roman city looked like. Find the Via dei Sepolcri and look for the ruts cut into the stone from the carts. Like Modern Rome and Naples graffitti was commonplace in Pompeii.  Look out for graffiti scrawled on buildings.  Some is witty, some is lovelorn, some is downright raunchy.  You will need to brush up on your Latin to get the jokes.

Must See’s

The Forum of Pompeii

This was the center of city life. This is where businesses, government buildings and important religious sites were located.

The House of the Tragic Poet 

This is where the famous mosaic that says Cave Canem  – Beware of the Dog – is located.

The Amphitheater

The Ampitheater in Pompeii is  150 years older than the Colosseum that stands in Rome. It is the earliest amphitheatre to survive anywhere in the world. It is on the very far edge of the park, so plan your visit so you don’t tire yourself out before you get there.

Gladiator Barracks

This is where the gladiators of Pompeii trained.  The structure probably served as housing as well. Bronze helmets, swords and shield have been recovered from this spot.

The Lupanare

Lupanare is the latin word for brothel.  This very popular Pompeii site is located about two blocks from the Forum. If you are traveling with small children  or your in-laws, it is good to know this spot is R rated.

Extra Credit

Read read about the  House of Mysteries and the Temple of Jupiter.

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Whether you are planning an escorted tour or are doing a self-guided tour, here are some resources on how to tour wineries in Italy.

Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world. With 19 different wine producing regions located throughout the country you are never far from a vineyard, no matter where you are in Italy.

It is useful to know the names and regions of the top wine destinations

Rome: Lazio

Pisa or Florence: Tuscany

Venice: Veneto

Milan: Lombardy

Naples: Campania

Genova: Liguria

Buy the book – or App 

Wine guides such as the ones published by Slow Food and Gambero Rosso and Apps like the one by The Wine Traveller are packed with information on locations and hours of vineyards and cantinas that are open to visitors.  It is recommended that you plan your visit in advance.

Hit the Road

If you are not doing an escorted tour, you will need to rent a car to explore the hills and valleys where Italy’s best wine is grown and produced.

The Strade del Vino, or Wine Roads are official routes located in wine regions all over the country.  Look out for the brown signs along the road that mark the vineyards.  Each region is in charge of their own routes.  There are websites for each of the different regions that have maps, opening hours and event information.  You can also check with the local tourist office in cities and towns.  Make sure you know the opening hours and many places close n the middle of the day for a few hours.

The Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement) is a non-profit organization that has as it’s aim to to increase the national wine tourism industry in Italy.  The website has cellar information, itineraries and news about wine related events.

Festivals and Wine Events 

There are events throughout the year that make it very easy to try many different wines in one place. These are some of our favorites.

Cantine Aperto - For over a decade, on the last Sunday in May each year, many wineries in Italy open their doors to visitors. This is a very popular event with over a million visitors to almost a 1,000 wineries.  In addition to tasting the wines and purchasing them directly from the farm, you can visit cellars usually not open to the public and discover some of the secrets of wine making.

Calici di Stelle – Held on the 5-11 August 2013 in honor of San Lorenzo, and the time when many shooting stars can be spotted in the night sky, is the Calice di Stelle.  A wine tasting festival that happens in piazzas all over Italy.

Benvenuta Vendemmia – The grape harvest  -Vendemmia  – happens in early autumn.  This year on 8 September 2013 there is a harvest festival where you can visit vineyards and cellars and witness the earliest stage in the winemaking process.  There are often art exhibitions and concerts organized around this event.

If you are visiting the Piedimonte region of Italy in the spring, the don’t miss wine event is Vinum.  The annual Vinum wine festival event takes place in the last week of April in the city of Alba.  This small festival highlights some of the big names in the wine world, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as Barbera d’Alba.  There are also medieval festival events and the chance to experience the fabled truffles found in the area during this event.

Vinitaly.  This is probably the largest wine event in Italy.  It is held in early spring in the city of Verona in the Veneto region and over 4,000 exhibitors attend. There are four days of tastings, workshops and events with winemakers and professions from around the world.

Stay in Town

Don’t have time to tour the countryside in search of Italy’s great wines?  Don’t despair, Just look for an Enoteca.  You will find an Enoteca – Wine shop – in every large city and just about any small town in Italy.  They serve wine and light meals and are very knowledgeable about wines and regions and happy to share their wealth of knowledge with you.

Learn more about wine in Italy and our organized wine tours of Italy.

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Dragging a heaving suitcase around can really put a damper on your Italian vacation.  Here are some of our best tips on what to pack for a trip to Italy.

Italy is one of the fashion capitols of the world. Italians are chic, pretty much all the time.  There is no running around all day in your yoga clothes here.

Comfortable shoes.  Italians don’t wear flip-flops anywhere other than the beach. They don’t wear their running shoes for anything other than the gym.  They do wear sneakers, very stylish sneakers. The brand you will see most often is Hogan, a luxury brand associated with Todds. You will probably be doing a lot of walking on your trip to Italy so pack a comfortable pair of ballerinas or flat sandals.

Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses.  The summer sun in Italy can be brutal.  Many of the most popular sites are outside. There will probably be some waiting in line in the sun. Your visit to Pompeii or the Colosseum will be much more comfortable if you have some of your own personal shade.

Scarf. Some of Italy’s most important art treasures are inside churches.  Shoulders, knees, and midriffs must be covered to enter.  Make sure you have a light scarf in your bag to cover bare arms and you are set.

Ziploc Bags.  These are great to stash a wet bikini after a day at the beach and to keep toiletries from leaking inside your suitcase.  The larger sizes can be used to keep traveling companions items separate. They are great for keeping passports and e-ticket organized and un-crumpled. Bring extras, Ziplocs are a rare commodity in Italy.

Earplugs.  Many homes in Italy do not have air conditioning.  This means people often stay outside late into the evening.  If your hotel room faces a street, you will be happy to have a set of earplugs to block out the late night conversations.

Insect Repellant.  Summertime can mean mosquito time. Save your self from itchy bites with a small spray-on bottle of insect repellent.

Medicine. Any prescription medicine you need for the duration of your trip to Italy should be brought with you in your hand luggage.  Over the counter remedies are available throughout Italy, but they are much more expensive than at home.  For example, Motrin, called Moment in Italy, can cost as much as 1 per pill!

Tissues/Wet Wipes.  Public bathrooms do not always have toilet paper.  You may not always be able to find a sink to wash your hands.  Keep a travel sized packet of tissues and or wet wipes, and you will never be caught short.

Device Chargers/Connectors and Plug Adapters.  It would be a terrible disappointment to get back to your hotel at the end of the day with your battery in the red and realize that you forgot your charger, or the cord that connects your digital camera to your computer. Make sure you have all the cords and plugs so that you can  to upload the incredible photographs you have taken.  Most devices now do not need a voltage converter (make sure to double check before you plug anything in!) You will need a plug adapter for a 2 prong European or 3 prong Italian plug.

Flashlight. Light switches are not always where you expect them to be, doorways can be dimly lit and locks difficult to see. Our favorite flashlight is a free app you can download to your phone. Whether it is virtual or a keychain version you will never be in the dark.

Italy is one of the worlds best shopping destinations.  Pack an extra, foldable, soft bag to use for anything extra you have bought along the way.

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photo credit: American Battle Monuments Commission

Today Americans will celebrate Memorial Day and on June 2, Italians will celebrate Festa della Republica.  Volumes have been written on World War II history in Italy.  Here, Tour Italy Now will share some little known places and facts about this important time in our shared histories.

History is on every corner in Italy, from Etruscan relics to Renaissance treasure.  Some history is more recent.  The memories of World War II are still evident in many everyday places throughout Italy.  Most of Rome was spared the German’s bombs.  However, the cities of Milan and Florence suffered great damage.

Ponte Vecchio.

The oldest bridge in Florence, built in Roman times and was long the only bridge to cross the Arno river and connect the two sides of Florence.  Over the centuries, four other bridges were constructed along the length of the city and the river. There is a secret passageway that was built by Vasari for Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565 that links the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace.  During World War II, when Florence was controlled by The Germans, it was inside the Vasari corridor that the priceless art from the Ufizzi gallery was hidden.  In 1944 when the allied forces liberated the city, the retreating Germans bombed every bridge except the Ponte Vecchio.

Art Heroes

As the Axis forces advanced onto Italy, it’s artistic and cultural heritage was in grave danger.  General Dwight Eisenhower tasked Americans to rescue, hide and protect some of the world’s most important pieces of art.  Known as the Monuments Men, the group of about 400 service members and civilians worked with military forces to safeguard historic and cultural monuments from war damage, and as the war came to a close, to find and return works of art and other items of cultural importance that had been stolen by the Nazis or hidden for safekeeping.

American War Cemeteries and Memorials 

World War II too took an enormous toll on the country and the people defending it.  The sacrifice of more than 15,000 U.S. servicemen and women are memorialized at The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial and The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery.

The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial represent is located on the outskirts of the city of Florence. The servicemen buried there represent 39 percent of the U.S. Fifth Army burials originally made between Rome and the Alps. Most died in the fighting that occurred after the capture of Rome in June 1944. Included among them are casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines Mountains shortly before the war’s end. On May 2, 1945,  the enemy troops in northern Italy surrendered.

The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, which is located in between Rome and Naples. The majority of the men memorialized at this site died in the liberation of Sicily (July 10 to August 17, 1943); in the landings in the Salerno Area (September 9, 1943) and the heavy fighting northward; in the landings at Anzio Beach and expansion of the beachhead (January 22, 1944 to May 1944); and in air and naval support in the regions.  Every year, Boy and Girl Scout troops made up of Rome and Naples international schools students, help prepare the grave sites and participate in official Memorial Day services.

These two official memorial sites are overseen by the U.S. Government agency, The American Battle Monuments Commission, established by the Congress in 1923.

Museum of Piana delle Orme

About 90 kilometers from Rome near the beaches where Allied forces landed in January 1944, there is an impressive collection of World War II ear vehicles, aircraft and memorabilia.  A visit to the very well curated Museum of Piana delle Orme will give you rarely experienced insight into the Allied landing at Anzio and the battle of Montecassino.

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Inspired by the recent list of do’s and don’ts for tourists, compiled by the city of Venice, we here at Tour Italy Now have come up with a few insider tips of our own for how to tour Venice.

“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go” Truman Capote

With almost 20 million visitors a year, the watery city of Venice is one Italy’s most popular destinations. Venice can be confusing and crowded and even a little overwhelming. With our advice, you can make the most out of your visit to Venice.

The city is known as La Serenissima, meaning The Most Serene Republic of Venice, recalling a time when Venice was a powerful, independent, city state.

Sestieri: Venice is divided into six neighborhood districts called sestieri.. Each one has a different feel and flavor.

San Marco is where most of the famous tourist sites like Saint Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace, are located.

The commercial district of San Polo is where you can find the Rialto market which has been operating since the 11th century.

If it is art you are seeking, head to the elegant Dorsoduro. Overlooking the island of Giudecca, this is where the Accademia galleries and the Peggy Guggenheim collections are. Take an evening stroll on the nearby Zattere promenade.

Cannaregio is home to the Jewish ghetto.  The word ghetto originates from this place, where in 1516, the Venetian Republic instituted restrictions on the Jewish community. Don’t miss the Tintoretto filled church, Madonna dell’Orto.

Escape the maddening crowds and head to residential areas of Santa Croce and Castello. Wander the quiet calle (streets) and campi (squares).  The Biennale Pavillions and The Arsenale are in Castello.

Getting Around: There are over 400 bridges in Venice.  Only four of these bridges cross over the Grand Canal. They are the Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge and the Scalzi Bridge and the newest, the Calatrava Bridge. You may find yourself want to cross at different points or longer distances.  Since there are no cars anywhere in Venice, you will have to go by boat.

The most economical choice is a Vaporetto, the public water bus.  Buy a ticket at the dock station or from a tabacchi or newsstand.

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry you might want to take a private water taxi. Make sure there is an official taxi number displayed and a working meter.  The established fare rates can be found here.

One of the most iconic images of Venice is of a couple being piloted slowly along a picturesque canal in a Gondola. Built from nine different types of wood and little changed since the 12th century, a ride in a gondola, in Venice, is on most people’s must do list.  Rides are regulated and last for 40 minutes for up to 6 people for €80.  Full details here.

In the Squero di San Trovaso, you can see the last remaining gondola workshops.

Andare alle Ombre: The story goes that wine seller used to place their barrels in the shade of the bell tower in Saint Marks Square to keep them out of the heat of the sun.  This is how the phrase andare alle ombre – let’s meet in the shade – came to mean meeting for a drink and a snack in Venetian dialect.

Cocktail hour in Venice happens in Bacari, simple wine bars are where you go for a glass of wine, ombre  or a spritz, and a snack, cicchetti. A spritz is a refreshing mix of Campari or the less bitter Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water, orange peel and ice.  Cicchetti are small plates of snack.  As Venice is so close to the sea, you will find many seafood dishes like, fried calamari and baccalà mantecato, a creamy blend of codfish, olive oil and garlic.   Tiny meatballs and small dishes of risotto are also popular. This a great option for an early dinner, as Bacari are open from about 6:00 – 9:00pm.

Now that you know which neighborhood is which, how to move around and where to eat like a Venetian, stay tuned for some of Tour Italy Now’s picks for our favorite summer events and museums.

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