Italian for Travelers is a new service offered by Emilia Storytellers designed for travelers and college students preparing for their trip or stay in Italy.
Would you like to be more prepared than just saying “Buongiorno,” “Buonasera,” or “Grazie”?
We can make that happen together!
Based on your specific needs and itinerary, I will create a series of customized online lessons to equip you with essential Italian language and cultural knowledge. This will enhance your experience, allowing you to interact with locals, enjoy local authentic cuisine like real foodies, and minimize inconveniences during your stay—though some surprises are, of course, impossible to anticipate in Italy!
You may have heard the phrase “No cappuccino after 11.” Italians typically enjoy cappuccino for breakfast, and there are reasons for this. In Italy, we take food, wine, and drinks quite seriously, including when and where to enjoy them. Cappuccino is traditionally paired with a sweet cornetto (the Italian croissant), which in Modena and Bologna we sometimes refer to as “pasta.” – Did you know that? The cappuccino itself is creamy and contains a lot of milk, which we consider a bit heavy for digestion after lunch or dinner since the meal is already quite filling. Instead, local coffee lovers tend to opt for something lighter, such as an espresso or a macchiato (espresso with a little hot or cold milk served in a small espresso cup).
The climate also plays a significant role in culinary options. For instance, I once had guests on a food tour in Modena who really wanted to enjoy hot chocolate in November, but it was still too warm for that. The waiter kindly declined their request, and no one was offended; it was simply too early in the season or not cold enough. In contrast, in sunny and hot Sicily, a typical breakfast that one should not miss is Granita Siciliana—creamy like gelato—served with a brioche, known as “a granita câ brioscia” in Sicilian dialect. Locals enjoy this sweet and refreshing treat to start their day, especially considering that temperatures can rise to 40°C (104°F) by midday!
I personally disagree with some Italians who promote the idea that “we are the best.” What is true is that Italy’s culinary variety is impressive, thanks to its rich historical background. Don’t miss out on this aspect!
During my numerous trips when I was younger, I found that being somewhat prepared beforehand was very useful. I’ll always remember an episode during my trip to Malaysia when a waiter burped while serving us our meal. In their culture, this is not considered bad manners; rather, it signifies appreciation for the food. How amazing and interesting the world can be!
“Italian For Travelers” : why it’s worthy
A very popular commercial in the 90s’ in Italy was “No Alpitour? Turista Fai da te? Ai ai Ai” (meaning Are you Traveling alone with no tour operator? Uhhh, you’re in trouble).
Tourism has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today’s travelers are more informed and independent than ever, thanks to the wealth of information available online through the Internet, blogs, and social media – though one should do research properly among the tons of information available. At the same time, many still value the expertise of travel agents who can craft personalized itineraries that showcase the diverse beauty of Italy.
Imagine deepening your travel experience by enrolling in a customized Italian course with a knowledgeable local tour guide based in the enchanting region between Modena and Bologna, with a deep focus on gastronomy of course. This unique opportunity will not only enrich your understanding of the culture but will also allow for a more immersive adventure.
Remember, “Italian for Travelers” is not designed to preview your journey; rather, it aims to preserve the delightful surprises that await you on your trip.
Embrace the chance to connect more deeply with Italy—your unforgettable adventure starts with just a few words… and a gesture in Italian!
About me
I am a certified Italian tour manager and native speaker with 15 years of experience as an interpreter, translator, and language consultant. Leading food and wine tours for English-speaking guests from around the world has given me valuable insights into what visitors to Italy may need to know in advance. Since childhood, I have been fortunate to travel extensively, and I have a passion for languages. My primary work languages are English and Spanish, along with basic knowledge of French and Portuguese.
Some topics we may go through
- Why a starter salad is never in the menu?
- Which days are public holidays In Italy?
- Why Eating and drinking local is always recommended
- Italian Gesture: a huge world. Italians’ sense of humor
- How to interact with Italians in a polite way even if you don’t know Italian or know just a few words?
- Does Uber work in Italy?
- Is it customary to tip in Italy? In which cases?
- How to enjoy food and wine and avoid being too full after 3 days?
- Rent-a-car. Drive not like Italians, but get used to Italians drivers and street signs, speed cameras.
Please email info@emiliastorytellers.com to schedule a free online call (Zoom or another platform) to plan your customized remote online lessons “Italian for Travelers.”
Finally, if you plan to visit Bologna or Modena renowned as true foodie destinations and take a food tour or cooking experience with Emilia Storytellers, we will offer you a discount on “Italian for travelers” course!
Learn more in our dedicated session How is your Italian.
Katia – Founder of Emilia Storytellers
