Do you need to tip in Italy?
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
8 Days
From
27856
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
28948
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
From
45148
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
14 Days
From
45148
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
10 Days
From
41788
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
From
19984
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
8 Days
From
53692
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...
8 Days
From
27036
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
8 Days
From
43236
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
8 Days
From
34924
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
29272
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
From
29272
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
From
29424
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
10 Days
From
32636
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
10 Days
From
32636
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
9 Days
From
46644
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
From
29136
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
4 Days
From
13927
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
13927
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
13695
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
10 Days
From
22600
Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...
4 Days
From
13695
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
7 Days
From
26826
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
7 Days
From
26826
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
15 Days
From
53040
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
15 Days
From
41355
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
10 Days
From
41355
Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...
15 Days
From
30112
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
15 Days
From
31424
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...
16 Days
From
84512
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
8 Days
From
27500
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
8 Days
From
32592
Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...
22 Days
From
84452
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
17 Days
From
59120
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
8 Days
From
37132
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
36 Days
From
101224
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
29 Days
From
81848
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
10 Days
From
55376
Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...
16 Days
From
97352
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
23 Days
From
136480
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
22 Days
From
49868
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...
19 Days
From
43708
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
26 Days
From
65804
Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...
17 Days
From
41644
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...
8 Days
From
32185
Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...
17 Days
From
71315
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
58272
From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...
