Tipping

Tipping is always one of the most controversial travel topics.  Customs and expectations vary by country and by person, so it's hard to know what to do.

In general, tipping in Italy is not as common nor as generous as it is in the United States.  According to the Italian Tourism web site, at a restaurant "tips are not compulsory and in Italy there are no generally established rules, although it is common practice to leave a sum amounting to around 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service you have received."  (Italian Tourism Web Site)

It is fairly common to leave a tip for the chambermaids in a hotel, particularly for a longer stay (more than one night).  Our agency recommends one Euro per night, per person.

Since breakfast and dinner are included in our package, the agency also suggests a tip for waiters of one Euro per person, per meal.

For taxi drivers in Italy, it is common to simply round up to the next Euro or, if the fare is close to the next Euro, to tip one additional Euro.

Keep in mind that these are merely suggestions and what what you give, or if you tip at all, is entirely up to you.