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Prior to Visit • Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. • Italy is in the Schengen Area, so border checks are straightforward if you’re coming from another Schengen country. • Keep a digital copy of your passport and travel insurance. Travel • Italy’s rail system is one of Europe’s best. • High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) connect major cities quickly and comfortably. • Regional trains are slower but perfect for smaller towns. • Driving is great for Tuscany, Sicily, Puglia, and the Dolomites—but avoid cars in big cities where parking is scarce and ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) are strictly enforced. Money & Payments • Cards are widely accepted, but small cafés and rural shops may prefer cash. • ATMs are easy to find; avoid currency exchange kiosks. Eating out • Meals are structured: antipasto → primo → secondo → contorno → dolce. You don’t need to order everything. • Restaurants often charge a coperto (table fee). It’s normal. • Tipping is appreciated but not required—rounding up is enough. Timing & Daily Rhythm • Many shops close in the afternoon (roughly 1–4 pm), especially outside major cities. • Dinner starts later than in the UK or US—8 pm is typical. • Sundays can be very quiet, plan accordingly. Museums & Historic Sites • Book major attractions in advance (Colosseum, Uffizi, Vatican Museums). • Smaller museums and churches often hold extraordinary art with no crowds—wander and you’ll be rewarded. • Dress modestly for churches (shoulders covered, no short shorts). Language & Etiquette • Italians appreciate politeness and warmth; abruptness is frowned upon. • Queuing is… flexible. Stay alert and assertive, but friendly. Summer Heat & Crowds • July and August can be extremely hot, especially in Rome, Florence, and the South. • Visit early morning and late afternoon. • Stay hydrated—public fountains in many cities provide safe drinking water. • If possible, travel in May–June or September–October for ideal weather. |
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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