See if they have a Fazoli's and get the bread sticks.

Tempus Edax Rerum said:

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Ghostrider said:

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Own a business off Lake Como. Milan is nice but the countryside around it is even better.

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Yeah, right. Own a business off Lake Como!! Such a bs artist.

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minority interest.....20%

Lived in the Czech Republic for a year and made it down to Italy a couple times. Don't see Rome or Florence on your list but both are definitely worth visiting if you have the time. Granted heard only positive things about the spots on your list. There's a lot to see in Italy.

The food is amazing. The best Italian you've eaten in the states won't hold a candle to it over there. Definitely try and find spots where locals go. Be respectful when eating at local places. Behave like a local. It's always fun when no one in a restaurant speaks English.

As mentioned the pick pockets in Europe are for real. Violent crime is low but you've gotta be careful on public transit and in crowded areas. They can empty a backpack and be gone before you notice. On transit put your bag in your lap. Wearing any fancy watches or jewelry or looking like Mr. American tourist is also a quick way to get targeted for petty theft.

Enjoy the culture. Get on their wavelength. The cheap table wine is better than most wine you buy in the states. Research what areas are known for and try their local speciality. Walk everywhere you can and take the metro if needed(pretty sure Milan has a metro system). Public transport is great in Europe.

Europeans move slower and take time for deeper talks over food. Try to do the same. It's fun. They don't try to run you out of the restaurant to flip the table. Gorging yourself in 10 minutes and asking for the check is considered rude. Enjoy the slower pace. Plan your days but don't lock yourself into a time crunch of a schedule. Need a break? Stop a cafe and have a cappuccino or some table wine. They may bring you out a bowl of olives to snack on at no extra charge.

I'd recommend Lonely Planet as far as travel books. Rick Steves is good but LP has some better local restaurant advice and would have some more fun recommendations for your daughter(guessing she's high school or college aged).

Flying out Wednesday!

Turin:
Museo Egizio
Mole Antoneliana
Basilica di Superga
Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista (Holy Shroud)
Palazzo Madama

Milan:
Duomo di Milano
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Castello Sforzesco
Pinacoteca di Brera
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Lake Como

Portuguraro (Venice):
Meeting exchange student's family
Eat her grandma's homemade Italian cooking every meal!
Venice
Other small towns

Kid is on a hot streak for soccer as well. As a sophomore on varsity, he has 12 goals in his last 10 games and they are currently 1st in district. Now let's see how he does against the Italians!

Rental car for a week was only 280.

good luck and have a great time!

sbarro.

to.die.for.

- KKM

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I assume you saw the Last Supper when you went to Santa Maria delle Grazie. Pretty amazing......where are the pics?

We did! Idk how to post pics in here...I'm a free member.