12 days guided tour in Italy.

Plan to pay cash in restaurants. It's 100% reliable and sometimes the only option. ATMs work great all over Italy to withdraw euros using your debit card (usually with Visa or MasterCard logo). See more at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/cash-machine-atm-tips and related links.

Also, even though you're taking a guided tour, I would also take a guidebook, such as Rick Steves' Italy or for the specific cities you visit. That will help you find prices, budget options, and other things of interest to you that your live guide might not mention.

I would modify Laura's advice slightly re paying in restaurants: Be prepared to pay in cash, but an increasing number of restaurants in Italy are accepting credit cards. Definitely get the RS Italy book. It will be the smartest money you spend on your trip.

I third the strong recommendation to get Rick Steves Italy. For any free time on your tour, as well as restaurant recommendations for your meals, it will be invaluable.

Restaurants in Italy post menus outside with prices, so even though you don't know the prices now, you won't be surprised once you're inside.

Thank you Harold for your reply. I ordered Rick Steves' Italy guide book and Italy phrase book... Really looking forward to reading all about the exciting cities that are included in my tour..... Ciao

patricia,

Which cities are you visiting on the tour? You'll notice that meals in Italy are arranged in different courses, and ordering the "full meal deal" will get very expensive. I usually just order a Primi item (Pasta) and a salad. You'll also have to get used to the "Coperto" in some places, and buying bottled water (if you like that with meals).

Good morning Ken ! Nice to hear from you. Here is a list of the cities included in our tour group at the end of September.

Rome ( 4 nights total ), Siena, Florence ( 2 nights ), Pisa, Venice ( 2 nights ), San Marino ( 1 night ), Assisi, Pompei, Sorrento ( 2 nights ), Capri and then back to Rome.......
All the included meals are buffet/breakfasts. Lunches, we're on our own and a couple of dinners are included.

By the way , what is the Coperta ? a cover charge ? I have a lot to learn before I leave. Anxiously awaiting the Italy tour guide book and phrase book in the Rick Steves' collection this Thursday... Buongiorno and grazie Ken !!!

The coperto is a cover charge, some restaurants have done away with it but many still have it. It can vary from 1-2.50 euro per person.

As stated, most places prefer cash.

Thanks Zoe, I'll make sure to remember that word " Coperta "

Wow, expensive !!!! Thanks for letting me know.

patricica,

As Zoe mentioned, "Coperta" is the cover charge that takes care of the silverware, charge for the table, etc. I believe this was eliminated in Lazio (Rome), but not sure of the other areas. You may also see the words "Servizio Incluso" listed somewhere. This article explains all that.....

http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/to-tip-or-not-to-tip-that-is-the-question.html

I've found that getting tap water with meals is not commonly done. Plan to buy bottled water if you want that (it's relatively cheap, and you can get carbonated (L'acqua gassata) or plain (acqua naturale) to suit your taste). If you're going to ask for tap water, BE SURE to use the correct words, unlike one hapless traveller who asked for "acqua di gabinetto", and couldn't understand why the waiter was giving him a puzzled look.

You may also find this article about the Nasoni interesting. I've always found the water quality to be excellent. If there's a sign on the fountain which states "Acqua NON Potabile", then don't drink it.....

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/lazio/nasoni-of-rome

I assume this is not a RS tour? Your "tour director" will likely provide a tutorial on using public transit, as there are some potentially expensive caveats to be aware of. If you need more information on that, post another reply here.

Wow, that's quite a list of cities to cover in 12 days. I assume they'll provide guided tours in the cities as well as some time on your own? The RS Italy guidebook will provide lots of good information on sightseeing on your own.

Hi Ken. Thanks again for all of this information. Indeed, there are a lot of cities to visit. We do have some free time ( 1st day in Rome ) and others, I hope ! . Once in Rome, I will walk to the metro station and take the metro, and explore...... ( a little bit of shopping is a must ). What an adventure ! I'm looking at R.S. trips for my next adventure.