I'll add a few.

While you will find plenty of people in large cites that speak English, you might find few people if any that speak English in smaller towns. Learn a few phrase like do you speak English, how how much, where is, do you have a room. etc. Don't worry about following the response. Instead carry a pad and pen. Learn to ask for them to write a map or write down the cost etc. A number is a number and a map is a map in any language.


Try your Italian on people. You will be surprised how many people that will tell you that they don't speak English but try after you try speaking Italian. You will be surprised how much conversation you can have with limited vocabulary in two languages and hand gestures.

When you board a train with a bike you are supposed to place the bike in the marked bike car. Sometimes this car is locked, if that is the case, you can place your bike in the companion way between cars.

Remember to stamp you ticket in one of the boxes (if I remember yellow) before getting on the train.

If you do not understand Italian then keep close watch on the monitors at the platform. Italians just love to change platforms for the trans arrival. You will need plenty of time because you need to carry you bike down stairs, through a tunnel and back up stairs again. These tunnels are often crowded with people and few get out of the way.


Most small towns have a market. You can find, fresh bread, cheeses, cured meats, roasted chicken, fruits and vegetables, This makes for a cheap and easy lunch.


No need to worry about water. Most towns (at least in the north) have at least one public water fountain. The water is drinkable and very delicious.