Can I please get some opinions on tipping tour guides, private drivers, food tour guides, etc., in Italy?
Do you tip a flat amount, or a percentage of the tour/trip cost? We will be traveling in October and trying to plan on how many Euros to have with us.
Thanks
Give whatever you want.
Tipping is not necessary or expected
I don't tip any of them. If the guides know that you're American, they may give you puppy dog eyes trying to work a tip, but you don't have to.
If you are arriving at a price with any individual then no need to tip.
An exception might be if you take a "free walking tour", then the tacit agreement is that the guide is doing it for tips.
Other tours though, do not be surprised if the guide mentions that "tips are not included" especially if the group is heavily American.