When you travel in Italy, you must know that …

• Most shops and museums are closed on Mondays!
• All shops (including most supermarkets) are closed from about 1 PM intil 4/4:30 PM.
• The restaurants stop serving food from about. 2/2:30 PM to 19:30 PM – so be sure to find a table for lunch before then!
• Most Italians have their summer vacation in August, which means that many shops and stores are closed. We have come across lots of restaurants, ice cream shops and swimwear shops that have closed throughout August!
• Most Italians are not good at English. It is a good idea to find an app for your mobile phone that will help you translate words you don’t know – it can really come in handy – especially if you’re traveling in areas where there are fewer tourists.
• When you order food or drinks, it is courteous to start with; “Vorrai avere …” followed by your order and finishing with a “per favore”. And just go ahead and try to use the Italian glossary – even if you feel deep waters you attempt will be appreciated no matter how bad it is.
• It is not normal for an Italian to have cappucino after 11 AM in the morning – unless there is a very special occasion. But do not you like to drink espresso, then just go ahead and order a cappucino. You are on vacation!
• There are REALLY many speedtraps in Italy, and although they are not always on, the fine will be sent if you are caught on one of them. So, respect the speed limits. That is the only way to avoid unpleasant surprises when you come home.
• When you greet an Italian, you will most certainly either use: ciao, buongiono or buonasera. However, it is worth mentioning that it is considered courteous to greet with an “salve” when you greet people you do not know – especially if it is a person from the older generation.