Tipping Private Drivers
 

We are trying to hire a private driver for a day trip in Tuscany. I got some good
suggestions here, but it is getting pricey. Do you tip the driver even if he owns
the company ? Thanks again ...

We had a really exceptional driver, Luca from HillsandRoads.com ( I think that's the name?), so yes, we did tip him. And we enjoyed his company so much, that we also took him to lunch several times.

Yes, it's Luca, and he is very good.
I don't think he expects tips, but if you're so inclined, he'll appreciate it.

Either that or you can pretend to be German and not tip. No one will think it's odd.

We used Luca also. He is the owner of the company. But I actually didn't think of it until later.

Hey ddd,

Your driver is charging you what he thinks is a proper fee for his services. A tip is not in order unless you get really good service.

Have a nice visit.

((I))

We just returned from Tuscany. We used Suzanna from Chianti Da Scoprire who was absolutely wonderful. Even though she has planned tours, she is also flexible and will take you wherever you want to go. We did tip her and the driver because we were more than pleased with the service.

Europe does not have the tipping culture that the US has. It's getting to the point that tips are expected from American tourists, but not other tourists.