Destination guide
Travel guide: Italy
Julia Karam | August 6, 2018
)
Whether you’re wondering what to pack, what foods to try, or anything else while on an EF Italy tour, our travel guide has you covered.
The basics
Weather: Fall 50-72° F | Winter 37-56° F | Spring 45-67° F | Summer 61-87° FLanguage: ItalianCurrency: € EuroCash or card: CashExchange Rate: $1 = €.85What that really means: $20 = €17.05 EuroWhat €1 will buy you: An espresso€ to bring per day: €25
Packing
Spring/summer packing list: Sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, breathable clothing, something to cover shoulders/kneesWe wished we packed: A quick-dry towel—dryers don’t really exist in Italy. A water bottle—the water they sell near the Colosseum is a robbery, and almost all of the water fountains in Italy have safe drinking water (Trevi not included)!We wished we left behind: Uncomfortable shoes. You may want to fit in with all the fashionable Europeans, but it turns out walking on cobblestones is HARD.Fall/winter packing list: Comfortable/warm shoes, a jacket, layers, hat, scarfWe wished we packed: Water resistant shoes, thicker socksWe wished we left behind: A heavy jacket—it's really not that cold
[caption id="attachment_20002" align="aligncenter" width="683"]
)
Ian Espinosa/ via Unsplash[/caption]
The food
Average cost of lunch: €15–€20Tipping: There’s really no need. Feel free to round up or leave a euro or two.Atmosphere: Food is life. You are encouraged, if not expected, to take your time while eating.The best place to have lunch: Any restaurant in any piazza in any city. Definitely worth the higher prices!You HAVE to try: Gelato, pasta, pizza, cannoli, cappuccino. I could go on.Advice: You’ll have to ask for the bill. Cappuccinos are usually just for the morning. Meatballs don’t exist. Don’t ask for extra cheese. Pizzas do not come by the slice. [caption id="attachment_20001" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
)
Bertrand Borie/ via Unsplash[/caption]
Everything else
Total spend on souvenirs: €30–€50Coolest thing you bought: Lava jewelry from Pompeii, a bag from the leather market, super cool pants from a local boutique, and pasta (obviously)Free time: Go shopping! There’s tons of markets depending on the city, and Italy always has the newest trends first.Best cheap/free thing to do: Grab a cup of coffee and people-watch—your feet could definitely use the restTips/advice: Aggressive Italian drivers are not a myth—be carefulBest part: That first bite of gelato after a super hot day
)
Julia Karam
Julia traveled with EF in 2015 and started in a content marketing co-op at EF Tours while in college. She has since studied abroad in Florence, Italy, traveled to 10+ countries, and now works as a Tour Consultant with EF Tours.
Ready to make the world your classroom?
Explore our unique tour collections that bring learning to life across inspiring destinations.
)
)
