ITALIAN LANGUAGE BASICS
Wondering how to pronounce Italian words? Unsure how to ask for directions in Italian? Want to be able to decipher an Italian menu when you visit?
For free online instruction see Italian For Beginners at About Italian Language. Learn the alphabet, review basic grammar lessons, study verbs, build your vocabulary, and practice with workbook exercises. There's also an illustrated primer on Italian hand gestures in case you want to speak Italian with your hands.
Greetings
Click on the highlighted links to hear the phrases spoken by a native speaker.
Salve!: Hello!
Pronto!: Hello! (when answering phone)
Ciao!: Hi! (Bye, bye!)
Buon giorno!: Good morning!
Buon pomeriggio!: Good afternoon!
Buona sera!: Good evening!
Come sta?: How are you?
Come va?: How're you doing?
For more Italian phrases with audio, see Italian Survival Phrases for Travelers at About Italian Language.
FAQs
Discounts
Q: If my friends and I book our trips together will there be a discount? And what if I book two tours myself?
A: Couples and friends who book together are eligible for a discount, as well as travelers booking more than one trip during the same vacation. See our Reservations page for more information.
Booking a Flight
Q: Your tours sound terrific, and I want to book a trip this spring. How do I find a flight? I'm also concerned that since I don't speak Italian and I've never been to Italy before that it will be difficult to get around.
A: Cantalupo Tours To Italy works closely with several travel agencies that can assist you with flight arrangements. Please contact us and we will be glad to help you. In addition, all of our bilingual guides can offer help in translational services.
Florence in the Fall
Q: I'm visiting Florence in the fall. What's going on then that I shouldn't miss?
A: Autumn is the season of la vendemmia, the grape harvest, which is often used as an excuse for village festivities at which the local wines flow in quantity. The Tuscans are also passionate about fresh funghi (mushrooms), which will appear on restaurant menus and be sold in the markets. The first frosts will occur at any time from the end of October, and at this point the great tracts of woodland all over Tuscany begin to turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
Please see the Tours to Italy page for a complete description of our escorted group tour to Florence in the fall.
BOOKS ABOUT ITALY AND ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Everything Learning Italian
Learning Italian has never been so quick and easy—or so much fun! Learning a foreign language can be both challenging and intimidating. Lucky for you, Everything Learning Italian makes the "language of romance" easy to grasp and provides you with step-by-step instruction on the phonetics and pronunciation that makes Italian one of the most beautiful spoken languages.
Features easy-to-follow vocabulary lists, complete instruction on written and spoken grammar, and clear dialogue examples that help you carry on basic conversation. Includes information on: the Italian alphabet and pronunciation; the correct ways to greet people; proper usage of nouns, verbs, pronouns, and articles; and how to ask questions in Italian.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture
You're no idiot, of course. You know there's more to Italy's rich tapestry than spaghetti or Chianti, but you also know you have a lot to learn about the country that brought you the painting of Michelangelo, the poetry of Dante, and the Ferrari of your dreams.
Get ready to indulge! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture will satisfy your thirst for all things Italian with its in-depth information about Italian art and literature, wine and cooking, and famous Italians and Italian Americans.
LINKS
Essential links for planning your tour to Italy.
About Italian Language
Autostrade
FIERI
The Informer
Italian Government Tourist Board
NIAF
NOIAW
Poste Italiane
Trenitalia
MAP OF ITALY
Italy has 20 regions
