Hi omveganyogi,
Eh? I think I just went to the tour itinary you mentioned... is it by Ananda? I went on the 6th April batch...
For decent meals, you'll need about 5-7Euros (abt SGP$10-$15)... though if you drink beer, it cos about 3Euros (coke is about 2.5Euros). I didnt notice the vegeterian food there, though if you are travelling quite a lot, then likely you'll get to have a few meals at their AutoGrills (petrol kiosk cum supermarket cum fast food outlet) These are about 15min-30mins stops along the highways...but usually you'll get to eat pizzas and pizzas and pizzas lor...
Overall I think their pizzas are nice and big, esp when compared to their pasta (same price, but portion not that big), but this is personal opinion. Drinks are expensive too, so if you can find mineral water at 0.85Euros, try to top up a few bottles. Usual price at AutoGrills are about 1.20Euros... thats quite reasonable lah. As for food in restaurants, we didnt try western ones cos heard their real ex. Chinese Rests are cheaper.. if you can organise your tour group to go together 1-2tables, may be able to get 5dishes 1soup plus rice for about 8-10Euros/pax.
Oo...though toilet tips are optional, they are about 0.5-1Euro (SGP$1-2)
they dun really speak English, and they dun really bother about learning cos, yes, they are racists. They'll just blabber to you in Italian and expect you to understand. I felt rather pissed off initially, and so totally irritated, but just treat this tour as an eye opener... For me, I just remind myself that every place has a different culture, and we're there not only to see the scenery, we're also there to learn about the people and culture lor....
As for shopping, if you're buying branded goods, I heard their cheaper abt 20%. If going for normal normal stuff, then try not to spend too much... cos exp...