my general thoughts on this subject are that if you can afford to make the base surface very good then expensive branded paint is the best option... if you are planning to patch and try and blend in things i would think medium quality is what to aim for... could well last a good few years...
have always used my local paint shop and have never bought any really expensive brand name paints... he sells paints in big tubs which he either recommends for what you are doing... and offers you a choice of qualities within... the other good thing is that if you take in a color sample...either photo or material he will scan it and match it...
the other point is that Italian painters should not be charging day rates but per sq meter rates... its how things are normally priced
anyway here is my favorite Italian site with a list of normal charges for work on exteriors for both plaster work,making good work and painting... its 3 pages...will take time to make sure you have included it all in
LAVORINCASA.it Spendincasa: Prezzi per Intonaci e pitturazione
another point to note is that above a certain level a worker here has to work off a stable platform...not a ladder... which can either mean a lift platform or scaffolding... and when he/she quotes this should actually be made clear as to what they intend to work off...as scaffolding or any fixed equipment if its not on your own land might well involve planning applications...of a light nature and safety measures to restrict entry...