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 39956

Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....

14 Days From 62913

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

8 Days From 30679

See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...

8 Days From 26967

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

10 Days From 103667

Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

10 Days From 60444

Travel to Italy on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of...

8 Days From 37944

Soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi Coast on this tour through Naples,...

8 Days From 52497

Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...

9 Days From 80279

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...

8 Days From 58721

Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...

8 Days From 46470

From Venice to Rome, you’ll indulge in the best things to eat in Italy, with stops in...

10 Days From 34389

Visit Venice, Verona, Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome with like-minded 18...

8 Days From 37723

Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...

8 Days From 44388

Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...

8 Days From 38790

Take an active adventure to experience the gorgeous Cinque Terre area in Italy in the...

10 Days From 42449

Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...

15 Days From 76301

Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...

8 Days From 78375

Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...

15 Days From 45113

Venture from Berlin to Venice, stopping through some of eastern Europe’s most iconic...

8 Days From 35301

Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the Maddalena...

15 Days From 33624

Discover Central Europe from Germany to Italy, covering Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Cesky...

5 Days From 21741

Explore the Amalfi Coast on board a real yacht on this idyllic small group adventure in...

8 Days From 21935

See iconic European sites in gorgeous cities like Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Bled and...

4 Days From 17546

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

7 Days From 40341

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...

9 Days From 46121

Discover the secrets of Calabria 9-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National Park...

8 Days From 43277

From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...

10 Days From 26172

Travel from Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia to Venice in Italy, stopping at Plitvice...

8 Days From 83895

See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...

15 Days From 170001

Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...

16 Days From 147051

Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...

22 Days From 66951

Experience the best of eastern Europe on a journey from Berlin to Rome, stopping in...

23 Days From 136344

Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...

17 Days From 87082

Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...

8 Days From 45543

Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting family holiday through...

36 Days From 129281

Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...

15 Days From 83844

From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...

21 Days From 105844
16 Days From 85421

Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 16-day adventure...

20 Days From 48693

Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and...

8 Days From 38115

Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...

29 Days From 104725

Tour through some of Europe’s most famous cities, including Barcelona, Prague, Budapest...

17 Days From 193221

Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...

24 Days From 278442

Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...

16 Days From 168665

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

23 Days From 233276

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

17 Days From 189108

Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...

26 Days From 74792

Set out from Hungary on a European adventure and discover the cultures and cuisines of...

17 Days From 50036

Enjoy a delicious-tasting platter of Europe on a trip that takes you from Dubrovnik to...

15 Days From 83430
24 Days From 65943

Explore all the best Europe has to offer with this adventure through Germany, Austria,...