Tipping isn’t the norm in Italy like it may be in North America and some other countries in Europe, but it is still appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. In taxis, tipping is not expected, but if rounding up the charge makes life easier, go for it.
There are a couple of service charges to keep an eye out for in Italy which are often already included in your bill.
A coperto is a small per head cover charge (around EUR 1–3) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal. If this charge isn’t mentioned and you still are served bread, expect to see an item for ‘pane’ (Italian for bread) on your bill.
Some restaurants will add a servizio or a service charge to your bill. This is often added to the account for groups of around eight people or more. If this is already on your bill, there is no need to tip again.
If you are after a coffee on your travels, you may notice a considerable difference in the price for bar service (standing) and table service (sitting). Seating space is in high demand in Italy and comes at a cost, so if you’re just after a quick coffee, standing is probably your best bet.
Participate in a tipping kitty
On the first day of your trip your local leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty, which everybody contributes an equal amount to at the start of the tour. Your leader then uses this to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassle of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is optional, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader.
Tipping your local leader in Italy
You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however the equivalent of USD 2–4 per person, per day, is a commonly used guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Click here to return to Italy FAQs
Our tours in Italy
4 Days
From
815
See a different side to the Veneto region with this four-day Intrepid Retreat based in...
8 Days
From
1525
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
From
2585
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
8 Days
From
1240
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
15 Days
From
1890
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day Lonely Planet...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
From
1675
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
10 Days
From
2505
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
1610
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
8 Days
From
1525
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia, exploring rugged coastlines, wild...
8 Days
From
2345
Take a small-ship adventure cruise along Croatia's northern coast from Split to Venice....
7 Days
From
1560
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
10 Days
From
1360
Travel with Lonely Planet and Intrepid from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at...
8 Days
From
1690
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
15 Days
From
3100
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
1800
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
4 Days
From
805
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
805
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
15 Days
From
3195
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
1746
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
8 Days
From
3050
Cruise the Adriatic coast, navigating the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania,...
8 Days
From
2010
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
22 Days
From
3040
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience...
8 Days
From
2345
Intrepid's 8-day adventure cruise down Croatia's northern coast. Visit Krk, Zadar,...
19 Days
From
2390
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
8 Days
From
1755
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
2025
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
1230
Travel from Venice to Rome and the Vatican via Florence and Italy's riviera. The...
8 Days
From
1820
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
17 Days
From
3240
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
36 Days
From
5855
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
15 Days
From
4380
Take in Croatia’s beauty while sailing from Dubrovnik to Italy's Venice, dropping...
17 Days
From
2525
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by...
26 Days
From
3595
Set out from Hungary with Lonely Planet and Intrepid to the cultures and cuisines of...
8 Days
From
1970
Indulge your taste buds on a tour of southern Italy, visiting Rome, Bari, Matera and...
29 Days
From
4650
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
22 Days
From
4620
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
15 Days
From
4380
Meet your group in Venice and then set sail from Opatija, dropping anchor at Krk, Rab,...
