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Venice
Culture
Gastronomy
Romance
Walk the bridges
But there’s much more than canals. St. Mark’s square is the center of Venice, with its great Byzantine Basilica. Also the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile bell tower leave a mark. And make sure you do the most important thing: wander the streets and be surprised by the countless secret alleys and spots.
See a different Italy
The traghetto and vaporetto rides are a must. But so is the Carnival, the absolutely unique event with the Venetian masks and parades. Or the Biennale, one the most important international art exhibitions. If you plan to travel in the summer: don’t forget to pay a visit to the “golden island” of Lido.
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your identity card or passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, take care of your visa or other necessary documentation ahead of time.
Climate
The climate is generally of the Mediterranean type, with hot, dry summers and cold, rainy winters.
Time zone
GMT + 1
Geography & politics
Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic located in south-central Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the peninsula, it also includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as several other smaller islands. Italy is a member of the European Union.
Tipping & paying
Italy is part of the Euro zone, so the currency is the Euro (EUR). It is not common to tip in restaurants, as the bill already has a service charge added to the total. Nevertheless, if you are satisfied with the service you are welcome to leave some extra change.
Languages & useful phrases
Italian is the official language of the country. In Italian, "ciao" = hello; "per favore" = please; "Grazie mille" = thank you very much.
What you should do
Establishing a relationship of trust and respect is essential. Like most peoples in southern Europe, relationships are extremely important to the Italians.
What you shouldn’t do
Don’t be intimidated by the proximity of the Italians. They have very strong body language and use it to communicate.
What to wear
Being Italy one of the great fashion centres of Europe, try to find the balance between an elegant and conservative style. Make a good impression with a formal look for meetings, with a suit and tie for men and a suit or dress for women.
First impressions
When meeting someone in a business context, greet them with a handshake. In social situations, it is normal to give two kisses on the cheeks—but between men, continue with a handshake. If you are invited to someone's house, take a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of high quality wine.