Here are some suggestions to act like an Italian, be a responsible traveler, and get the most enjoyment from your trip to Italy.

• - Try to learn few words in Italian. It's a way to make Italians realise that you are really interested in Italy! Just few words, like "Grazie - Thank you", “Salve- Hello", "Scusi – Sorry or excuse me”.
• - Italy has more cultural heritage than any other country in the world! help us to preserve it! Don’t touch paintings, frescoes or statues and respect the signs that in some places advise that is forbidden to take pictures or to use the flash because they can ruin the antique paintings.
• - When entering churches remember that most of them are places of worship, so be appropriately dressed. Some churches indicate on the door that you have to enter properly dressed, no shorts, no miniskirt, no sleeveless T-shirts. Even if not written, please dress properly. If it is very hot, you can bring with you a pareo to wear on your shorts and a shawl to put over your shoulder.
• - Don’t take pictures in the church if a Mass is being celebrated.
• - Don’t take pictures of people without asking their permission!
• - When you are biking or walking in the countryside, or you are in a small village, it is a good thing to acknowledge other people you meet with a “Salve” or a gesture with your hand or with your head and a smile.
• - In Italy there are precise times for lunch and dinner. They are usually written outside the restaurant. please don’t try to enter a restaurant at 2,45 PM asking to have lunch if the restaurant closes at 3! however you will be able to eat something in a nice bar at any time!
• - Don’t ask for a cappuccino in a restaurant. Italians only drink cappuccino in bars (and usually only before lunch!) and asking during lunch or dinner could amazingly upset the cook!
• - Respect the natural environment as you would do in your country. Don’t pick fruits from trees; don’t enter gates even if they are open unless you are looking for someone to give you some information.
• - If you can avoid it, don’t print the info and the materials we are sending to you. Download them directly to your phone or your tablet if possible. If not, print on recycled paper!
• - Don’t leave any waste around; if there are no bins take it with you and discard it when you return to your accommodation. Italy is working hard on separating waste to be able to recycle it. So where there are different bins, read or look at the drawings to understand where to throw your garbage!
• - In your hotel or B&B don’t leave the lights on or the air conditioning on when you are not there. Electricity is very expensive in Italy and we are trying to cut our dependence on non renewables, so try to help us!
• - Do the same for water, use it but don’t waste it!
• - When buying a souvenir, check that it is made in Italy! at this time of economic crisis, it might be more convenient to buy a product imported from a cheaper country, but it will not be genuine and you will not being supporting the country you are visiting!
• - Enjoy Italian restaurants and local food. It will be easy, Italian food is marvelous.
• - Remember that Italians do not walk and eat or drink at the same time, except for “gelato” (ice cream) and pizza al taglio!
• - It is no longer necessary to give a tip at the bar or at the restaurant, but if you think that the person has given you extra service, more than you expected, leave something if you wish.
• - Always say “Grazie”, when your are paying and leaving.