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Enchanted, romantic and renaissance Florence. Book your trip to Florence, and...

Take a journey back in time to the birth of the renaissance
Discover the historical hangouts of the Medici and “collect” the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Florence has the greatest concentration of works of art of any city in the world. Spend hours each day in the museums, monuments and churches found throughout the city, cross the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita bridges and be amazed by the ever-present beauty of the Duomo.

Then return to the present day and discover the city’s cuisine and fashion.
Make the most of your time in Florence to get to know the best of Italy and of Tuscany, because to live is to learn. Try traditional local food and enjoy the many fine wines, as you sit outside the cafes and restaurants in any one of the city’s fine piazzas. Be inspired by a modernity that is rich in history and don’t forget to stroll along Via de Tornabuoni street and discover the best of Italian fashion in a city that has been one of the world’s leading fashion centers since the 19th century.
 

Culture and Business

On a business trip, knowing the culture and customs of the country you are visiting can have a big impact on the success of your business.

Before leaving

Make sure you have your citizen’s card or passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, arrange your visa or other required documentation well in advance.

Climate

The climate is generally of the Mediterranean type, with hot and dry summers and cold and rainy winters.

Geography and 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 and several other smaller islands. It is a member of the European Union.

Tips and Payment

Italy is part of the Eurozone, so the currency used will be the Euro (EUR). It is not customary to leave a tip since the bill in restaurants already contains a service charge. However, if you are satisfied with the service you can leave a little extra.

Language and expressions to memorize

Italian is the official language throughout the country. In Italian, “Ciao" = hi; "Per favore" = please; "Grazie mille" = thank you very much; “Prego” = don’t mention it, or it can be used as a colloquial expression for "with your permission" or "please“.

First contact

When meeting someone in a business context, greet him or her with a handshake. It is considered normal to give two kisses on the face in social situations; the handshake continues to be the appropriate greeting between men. If you are invited to someone's house, bring a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of good quality wine.

Time zone

GMT + 1

What to wear

As Italy is one of the great fashion centers of Europe, try to find the balance between an elegant and conservative style. Make a good impression with a formal style for meetings - suit and tie for men and a suit or dress for women.

What not to do

Do not be intimidated by the proximity of the Italians. They are people with extremely enthusiastic body language and use it as a way of communicating.

What to do

Establishing a relationship of trust and respect is essential. Like most of the peoples of Southern Europe, relationships are extremely important to Italians.