tipping in Italy
 

one last quick question - what is the custom re tipping bell "boys" and taxis? Also for guides on day tours - I never know quite how to handle that one. advice appreciated. thanks

Bell “boys” (which is seen by some as an insulting term), waiters, taxi drivers etc do not anticipate tips (unless the clients are from the USA).

So maybe round up the tab to the next euro or two. Workers in Europe get a wage; they do not have to beg for tips.