We first became interested in Italy a few years ago when my wife attended a cooking course in a small Tuscan village. This inspired her to take up an Italian course when she returned, because she felt that she would have gotten a lot more out of the course  and her visit had she known some basic Italian.While many Italians especially in urban areas can speak English, it just seems that the local folk are more friendly and helpful when you can speak a little Italian.

Many people in Venice don’t speak English. You’ll get by in hotels and restaurants, but knowing a few Italian words and phrases to spice up your conversation will definitely go a long way in Venice. Take along a phrasebook or flashcards and try to memorise a few phrases and words while on a plane or train there.

Here are a few suggestions around Italian phrase books in handy pocket formats for you to consider. Also, why not do a short Italian course? We recommend looking at  Rocket Languages, who has a reputation for excellent course material.