Tipping guides in Italy?
 

We'll be in Italy in a few weeks. One day we'll take a guided bike tour in the Chianti region. Should we tip our guides? If so, how much? The cost of the full day bike excursion is 80 Euros x two.

We've also hired a driver to take us on a full day auto journey from Florence thru Tuscany, with stops, to our hotel in Orvieto. The driver will not be the owner of the small company that arranges this but an associate. The cost of the trip is $320 Euros for the day, include gas, food, wine, English speaking driver.
Do we tip the driver? If so how much?

I did a bike ride and tipping should be what you feel is acceptable. I gave 30E because I had a wonderful time and thought the guide riding with me was fantastic.

As for the driver, I would personally tip him/her. I'd say 10% would be acceptable. Again, I'd think this is based on the experience you have and what you feel comfortable giving.

Steve this subject has come up here many, many times, so I suggest that you do a search for more opinions. The general consensus is that Americans are very big tippers! Do you plan to stop for lunch and if so, you need to think about whether or not you will invite the guide, especially if you eat at a place not of his choosing where he might have prior arrangement.

I've done some of your work for you; there are dozens of threads dealing with tipping for private drivers in Italy and France, especially.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...te-drivers.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-questions.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ate-driver.cfm

Thank you! Yes we will be stopping for lunch and plan to buy the guide lunch. I'm assuming he has a restaurant in mind.