My son will be travelling on a Study Abroad trip to Montepulciano, Italy. A large group will be going on weekend trips to both Venice and Sorrento. He will be cooking two-three nights on these trips. All of his recipes will require olive oil, but he won't be using it during the week as much. Can he purchase the olive oil in Venice, then just carry the open bottle back with him on the train to Montepulciano? Do the trains check your bags? He will only be using maybe 1/2 cup each time, so it is difficult to justify buying a new bottle for each of the weekend trips.

Any advice would be appreciated.

There will be NO checks such as you envision (a la at the airport) and believe me, in Italy, people bring all kinds of things aboard to include pets, food, wine, etc., etc.

<and believe me, in Italy, people bring all kinds of things aboard>
Oh lord, yes!

Only thing he has to worry about is possible leakage of liquid. I find some olive oil containers in Italy have weak tops and leakage is possible whether you close the top tightly or not. I suggest your son should slip the bottle into a plastic bag (perhaps two) and tie up the top securely.

There is no checking luggage on trains in Italy. You have to manage your own luggage - small bags can go overhead - larger ones have to stay at the end of the car.

His only problem is making sure the bottle is tightly sealed and doesn't break.

Trust me, those kids are NOT going to be worried about anything spilling and coffee is probably not what they will be drinking, either, at least I hope not...on a train? with friends? in ITALY????? Envy lurks.

You guys are all great! Thanks so much for the quick (and humorous) responses. To Dukey: I am quite jealous myself (having flashbacks of my trip to Italy in my early 20(s).