Engaged a tour guide for me and my wife to see the Vatican. Just us two for a three hour tour. Even though it's somewhat pricey i'm happy to tip if its a local custom. If so how much?
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
If the price is high I would say nothing. If the person does a very, very outstanding job I would say a few euros. Tipping is something Americans seem more in tune with than most other folks, and it isn't always necessary.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11517 posts
Yes tipping is a very north american thing.. the same importance on it is simply not common in Europe. If tour is GOOD, if guide is good, then perhaps 10 euros would be nice.. but I guess it depends.. I have never paid for a private tour but I have taken a bus tour or two where I saw some people passing the guide 5 -10 euros after,, but it was a FULL day tour,, not 2-3 hours like yours. On the other hand, I would tip a big fat nothing if the guide is self employed,, meaning he gets full fee. No way . If you hired him through an agency then of course he only gets a cut of fee.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Tipping is not the custom in Italy. There is no need to tip unless you wish to. If you do decide to tip it doesn't need to be more than a few euros. Donna
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
In agreement with the previous three posters. Esp. since it's pricey, I would be inclined not to tip at all. It's certainly NOT a local custom to tip.