Tips for a first-time traveler to Italy?
 

Hi everyone! I'll be going to Italy in a few weeks (my first time there) and wondered what tips/info/interesting stories anyone had based on their past experiences there? I have only Italy on my mind these days, so I would love to hear any thoughts related!
Thanks, Ciao!

Hi Katie_Mac,

Fodorites have posted a number of helpful, interesting, and inspiring stories on this board.

If you're interested in Italy, then search for the word Italy in the search box on the top of this page.

Or scroll down the left column and click on relevant subjects.

Check out this link "helpful information on Italy" it certainly answers a LOT of questions and was VERY helpful for us. (THANKS FODORITES!)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1

This should be the link to the 'superthread' for Italy...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34533730

A great resource that many of the 'regulars' put together for the rest of us!

Where will you be going? How long will your trip last?

If Venice is on your list, make sure to take the "Secret Itineraries" tour of the Doges Palace. We found it fascinating.

i've been to italy
if you want to get even more psyched, rent some movies with a lot of italy scenes in them. where in italy are you going?

Know what kind of water you want to drink,
what kind of coffee you want to drink, tipping rules,
to ask for the bill,
to know that sometimes you pay before getting the food,
know that eating & drinking costs less standing than seated.
Know that any of the above rules can be broken and the Italians will be kind and generous.

I'm working in Genoa as an au pair for at least 6mths. I'll also be staying in the lake district on several occassions. Anyone familiar with Lake Orta?
thanks for the links, i'll definitely check them out!
ciao!