Italy is one of the most popular wine regions when traveling abroad, and its charm, people, wine and cuisine envelop visitors. They still delight me too, no matter how often I have traveled there. And since the country reopened this summer, many are prepping for their trips.
The scenario often goes like this. You start to check off your list – everyday shoes, snazzy shoes, umbrella, passport, laxatives, allergy medicine and international driver’s license. Wait – no license? Well, you must have this license unless you want a potentially hefty fine.
Here are tips for traveling in Italy so you can easily make your way around, maybe like a local.
Driving in Italy. When you rent a car, look at the car’s description. Many European cars are manual (stick shift), not automatic. The “M” or “A” on the rental options indicates this. Unless manual cars are in your skill set, choose an automatic, which will help you navigate rural, steep hills, one-lane roads and rotaries smoothly.
Learn Italian phrases. Before you travel, learn some key Italian phrases that will assist you in ordering a caffè or wine or speaking to locals at the bar. When I first started learning the language, I memorized key sentences to demonstrate that I was putting forth the initiative. Your efforts will go a long way with the locals.
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THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS: Drinks and food are served at a café in Turin, Italy, for aperitivo, a traditional time for post-work relaxation in Italy.
/ COURTESY JESSICA GRANATIERO[/caption]
Caffè = espresso. Italians refer to espresso as caffè. If you saunter up to the bar’s counter and order a caffè, you will get an espresso. If you want something akin to U.S. coffee, then ask for a caffè Americano. But this is not the same as the coffee that Americans are accustomed to. And Italians only drink cappuccino in the morning at breakfast. If you order one later in the day, the locals may give you the look like, “What is wrong with you?”
The Italian bar. An Italian bar serves alcoholic beverages, like American bars. But Italians often go to “the bar” in the morning to get a caffè or cappuccino. Some might also fancy themselves on a caffè corretto, which is a “corrected coffee” or coffee with alcohol. This is when they put something else, like grappa, into the caffè to “correct” it.
Coffee shops. International coffee chains such as Starbucks are not prevalent on Italian street corners, and I would suggest not asking if there is one in the local village. You know that Italians are known for making some of the best coffee. So enjoy the authenticity of what you find there – local cafés with espresso, cappuccino, culture, bread, jams and local conversation, even if you don’t understand it. Take it all in.
Water, spritz, wine. Italians typically drink espresso, wine, water or spritz, the latter being a mix of sparkling wine, Italian red bitter liqueur, club soda and orange wedge. A spritz is enjoyed typically before a meal. (My favorite bitter liqueur is Contratto by the Rivetti family.) You will find spirits such as vodka, gin, vermouth and whiskey in some bars, though not in abundance unless you are in a bigger city.
Aperitivo time. Italians love to spend time together, and aperitivo time allows another possibility for this. It is a relaxing, social time in the later afternoon/early evening when friends meet at a café, often sitting outside to enjoy complimentary small bites with wine, a spritz or water.
Walk and more walking. Walking is a way of life in Europe. Certainly, you must drive or take a train if you are not living or staying in a city. (You do not see locals walking on the highway.) Italians like to stroll and take in all that is around them, including the person with whom they are walking. So, ensure you pack comfy, yet stylish, shoes. Italians love their fashion.
Jessica Norris Granatiero is the founder of The Savory Grape, a wine, beer and spirits shop in East Greenwich.
