The fashion-conscious Italians spend much time and thought on looking good. Dressing appropriately means no shorts in cities. If you do show too much leg or arm, you won't be allowed to enter churches.

Inevitably, Italy's star attractions in Rome, Venice, Florence and other major cities become packed during the hot summer. Get out early to avoid the main rush or, better still, visit in the late fall or winter when it's quieter and cooler.

Nowadays, many of the major sights in the larger cities throughout the country stay open all day, but in rural towns everything closes down still from around 12:30 until 4:30 or 5 while most of the population eats a large lunch and has a siesta. Plan your day around this, remembering that museums, churches, galleries and stores will all be closed for several hours.

Italians enjoy wine, which they drink at all meals, but they disapprove of people who drink to excess.

It is unusual to eat dinner before 7:30 or 8, and lunch is served from around 12:30 to about 2:30. Vegetarians will find plenty of choices in most restaurants. As for children, Italians genuinely love them, and most restaurants - even upscale ones - welcome them. Italian coffee is extremely strong, so if you want it weaker just ask for a caffe americano.

Bars are much more than the name suggests. They are open from dawn until midnight or later, and offer coffee, tea, soda, snacks and pastries, as well as alcohol. All bars have restrooms and a public telephone.

Smoking is common in public places at the moment but this may change as a popular bill banning smoking in public places becomes law in several countries in the EU.

One of the joys of Italy is shopping in little local stores and at the colorful street markets. However, shopping habits are slowly changing and out-of-town shopping centers are becoming more common. Shop and market prices are fixed.

Facilities for visitors with disabilities are improving, but are not yet as good as those back home. If you need help it's best to check ahead with local tourist offices.