FAQs

Question

What is Piadina?

Answer

Piadina [pjaˈdiːna] or Piada [ˈpjaːda] is a thin Italian flatbread, typically prepared in the Romagna region. It is usually made with white flour, lard or olive oil, salt and water. It's served at most meals instead of typical bread, and what makes it so tasty and flaky is the strutto (or lard) that is included in the dough. Piadina can be served empty, or can be stuffed (farcita) with ingredients like cheese, prosciutto, vegetables, etc. and eaten like a sandwich.

Question

What time is lunch? and dinner? and aperitivo? What happens if I get hungry in between?

Answer

In Italy, eating is a sport. It is taken extremely seriously. Italians adhere to a strict meal schedule. If tourists try to dine-out outside of these hours, restaurants may be closed - inducing hanger. While the food in Italy is plentiful and amazing, make sure to plan accordingly... - Breakfast: wake-up until 10AM (mostly sweets, baked goods or fruit, rarely savory) - Lunch: 12 - 3PM (most restaurants stop seating at 2:15/2:30) - Merenda: 3PM-6PM (after lunch snack, like gelato, piadina, fruit, purchased at grocery or a stand) - Aperitivo: 6PM-9PM (Italian Happy Hour, with free snacks. Drinks are lighter than in the US: hard alcohol is not typical; Spritz, beer or wine are the drinks of choice) - Dinner: 8PM-11PM If you truly can't make it to the next dining occasion, grocery stores or fruit stands are stocked with seasonal "spuntino" (i.e. snacks that are eaten between any meal); however they may close for lunch (12-4PM). Gelato is also always an option.

Question

Should I tip?

Answer

No. In this part of Italy, tipping is NOT typical and definitely NOT expected. At restaurants, service fees are usually covered in your "coperto" or per person cover charge that you MUST pay; this will be included in your bill whether you like it or not. In other places (like bars, taxis or salons), it is just not necessary, typical or common. It may feel weird at first, but you'll get used to it. If you choose to tip someone here, it would be like tipping a store associate in Macy's or a cashier at Duane Reade in the US....it just isn't what is done. If you can't control yourself, and really want to leave a tip somewhere, please do so at the hotel.

Question

Is driving in Italy easy?

Answer

Jen drives in Italy...so it can't be that hard. Americans do not need to obtain an international drivers license if they stay in Italy for less than 1 year. Car rental is similar to the US. Rental cars are typically manual, but automatic can be reserved (usually a bit more expensive). We recommend getting the smallest car possible, as parking in tight spots (or making your own spot) is unfortunately typical. But - Hotel Carducci has reserved parking for guests! For directions, Google Maps works well (like in the US). Tolls are a little more old school. When entering the highway, "Telepass" is the equivalent of E-Zpass (rental car companies may or may not offer this option). If you cannot use Telepass, take a ticket (biglietto) upon entering the highway at the toll. When exiting the highway, enter a toll lane that accepts cash or credit (depending on payment preference), insert ticket, then payment. A voice then says "arrivederci", and allows you to pass.