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Essential Italy: Language & Logistics

It's the question behind every first Italy trip: what if nobody speaks English?
The honest answer: you'll be fine. And here's why.

English in tourist Italy is widespread

In Florence, Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and throughout Tuscany, restaurant staff, hotel concierges, and tour guides speak English as standard. Menus in trattorias frequented by visitors are routinely translated — sometimes charmingly, occasionally creatively. In smaller villages, you'll encounter more Italian and less English. But a smile, a few attempts at basic phrases, and a willingness to point at what you want will carry you further than fluency ever could. Italians appreciate the effort. They'll meet you halfway.

Trains, tickets, and timetables

Trenitalia and Italo both offer English-language websites and apps. You can book tickets weeks in advance or minutes before departure — availability permitting. High-speed trains between major cities rarely sell out except during August and Easter. Regional trains are more relaxed; you can often buy tickets at the station. The apps display real-time schedules, platform numbers, and delays. Download them before you arrive.
 

Restaurant reservations

For high-demand restaurants — Michelin-starred, celebrity-chef, or particularly beloved locals — book ahead through their websites or via email. Many use English booking systems. For everywhere else, reservations are often unnecessary or can be made same-day. Your villa concierge can handle this entirely.

Payments and currency

Italy uses the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere — restaurants, shops, museums, taxis. Contactless payments are standard. Small cash amounts remain useful for markets, tiny cafés, and the occasional parking metre, but you won't need to carry much. One exception: some agriturismi and very traditional establishments prefer cash. We'll let you know which.

 

The real secret

The logistics of Italy are simpler than they appear from abroad. The train system works. Restaurants want your business. And Italians, despite the stereotypes, are remarkably accommodating to visitors making an effort. What feels uncertain from a distance becomes intuitive within days.

Further Reading

Gastronomy

Florence's "Wine Windows"

A Whimsical Tale of Tuscany's Vinous Legacy

Gastronomy

Italian Culinary Symphony

Essenza's guide to gastronomic adventures and dining etiquette

Leisure

European Entry Exit System & ETIAS

Starting October 12, 2025, the EES registration system comes into force. This is a digital, biometric border‑control system for non‑EU nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen area and some non-EU countries.