The experts at Italy 4 Real understand the details that will make your trip smooth and hassle free. We have listed some of our most popular travel tips here. You will get even more useful travel information when you book your trip with us. Each booking gets our Trip-Pak which has maps, tips, guide books and information personally chosen for your exact trip; another reason Italy 4 real is a different kind of travel experience.

TIP #1:  Try to learn the basics of Italian for travelers. Don’t bother with the big university course because unless you are moving there you only need the basics. Try a community college course, teaching CD or conversation group.  Italy 4 Real can arrange for short term and long term language courses in Italy during your stay. Get a quote on learning Italian in Italy now.  

TIP #2:  Get ready to walk more than you normally do. Many cities and especially small towns in Italy and Europe are built to move around by foot. We recommend you prepare your body by walking at home before you depart

TIP #3: Dress comfortable during the day when you will be out sightseeing and dress in casual dark clothing in the evening to fit in with what locals wear. 

TIP #4: Cover up in churches. Shoulders, knees and midriff must be covered. Dress smart with zip off pants and carry a shawl for a quick cover up without being fully dressed while out and about. 

TIP #5: Shop Tax free! If the shop you are buying from participates in the "Tax Free for Tourists" program you can get the 19% IVA Tax (Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto) back at the airport before you depart. Ask all merchants about refunding your VAT tax as well for purchases over 155 Euro to save even more!

TIP #6:  If you rent a car, expect it to be a manual transmission which is the most popular and available in Italy and Europe. Expect to pay more for an automatic and have a limited car choice as well.  Italy 4 Real can book both automatic and manual cars throughout Italy and Europe. Get a quote on a rental car now

TIP #7: Tipping. People do not work for tips like they do in America, but if the service is good at a restaurant you can leave a small tip. Tip taxi drivers 1 Euro for short trips and bellman 1 Euro per bag. If you have a private guide showing you around; 10 Euro per person is sufficient. Book a private guide in any city in Italy now

TIP #8:  Daily Closures. In many Italian cities businesses close for a few hours between 1-4pm to go home for lunch; this is a great time to nap, eat or freshen up back at the hotel.

TIP #9:  Visit a supermarket. Buy things like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant; these items will make memories of your trip last longer when you use them back home. Supermarkets also have great snacks and good wine starting at 1.50 Euro per bottle.  

TIP #10:  Reservations required. If you know where you want to eat for dinner we recommend you call ahead to reserve. Italy 4 Real can also make advanced reservations for you before you arrive at restaurants we know and love. Make reservations in any city in Italy now

Have a travel tip we can share with our customers?  Send us an email to info@italy4real.com with “travel tip” in the subject line; and we may post it on our site.