As a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Italy observes numerous public holidays. National public holidays on which shops and offices remain closed are listed below.

1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: The Feast of the Epiphany
March/April: Easter and Easter Monday
25 April: Liberation Day
1 May: Labour Day
15 August: The Assumption of the Holy Virgin
1 November: All Saints' Day
8 December: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25/26 December: Christmas
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Expect to be pushed and jostled in places where it's busy. It's not considered impolite, so try not to let yourself be irritated by it. During dinner, the man always pours the wine. Italian men think it's unfeminine for a woman to do this. Shake hands whenever you meet or say goodbye to someone, regardless of how short the meeting has been. Women are expected to cover their heads when they enter a church and suitable clothing must be worn. This also means no shorts or sleeveless shirts for men. [Read more]

As in many other European countries, the universal emergency telephone number in Italy is also 112. The operator who answers speaks Italian, but also speaks English. Speak calmly in English and the assistance required will be sent to the location. There are also numbers for specific emergency services: ambulance 118, police 113 and the fire brigade 115. Florence has its share of thieves and pickpockets. Be extra vigilant at busy places. [Read more]