We are planning a cruise to Rome-Monaco, to stop in Rome, Sorrento, Porto Cervo, Portofino, Livorno, Cannes, Monaco, and Nice.<BR>Never having been in this area, of course I am very excited. When traveling I try to discover what each area is best known for; i.e. olive oil, pottery, etc. <BR><BR>Does anyone have advice as to what I should seek out in each area and the best manner in which to ship back to the States?<BR><BR>Thanks for any advice - <BR><BR>Susan

I was in Italy last Sept and regret not bringing back more wine! The value is unreal....roughly half price. If you ship it you will end up spending about the same on shipping as if you were to buy it in the states, I recommend taking a separate suit case.

Limoncello, a digestif/apperitif made on Capri, along Amalfi coast. Delicious; should be easy to find in Sorrento.

I just left rome last Tuesday. By and large I regret not buying an absolutly beautiful oiling painting I found from a street vender. If you have a chance buy local art. On an other note I did buy a beautiful cermaic platter. I had it shipped back. It is sitting in my dining room and everytime I look I it I remember buying and the time spent in San gimignano.

We've done 2 med cruises and been to Italy several times. I always take an empty suitcase because there are so many wonderful things to buy there.<BR> My first word of advice is - when you are on a cruise and in different places and each for a short time - if you see something you like - buy it. You may never see it again - I have learned this the hard way. You can't really shop around fr the best price - like I like to do - because many things are to be found only in one area.<BR> That said, Sorrento is wonderful if you like Italian pottery. I bought some beautiful things there last summer - some that were too big to carry, and the store shipped them for me. I've bought pottery all over Italy and this one shop in Sorrento was the most reasonable on the shipping of all places I've shopped. I can't tell you why -but shipping can vary greatly from store to store. However, if you find something you love that's too large to carry - then the shipping is worth it-(in my opinion)<BR> Livorno is the port for Florence - but remember it will take you about 11/2 to 2 hours to reach Florence. There are wonderful street markets in Florence - San Lorenzo for one - where you can buy Florentine trays - scarves - shawls - sweaters - lots of touristy items and lots of leather. <BR>I don't buy leather at the market but a lot of people do - there are lots of leather shops. I like to buy gold in Florence - if you're interested I can tell you my favorite shops.<BR> Nice is great for the Provence fabrics - tablecloths, napkins, placemats - bright colors and patterns.

ooops - ran out of room and had to start again.<BR> Monaco had lots of designer shops - Gucci, Hermes, etc. <BR> Rome also has lots of designer shops - tons of them- and lots of leather, shoes, gloves, etc.<BR> Go to Piazza Navona in Rome - it's my favorite place in Rome - there are lots of cafes and restaurants and several interesting shops - especially for ceramics - There are also artists that you can buy paintings from. <BR> Portofino is beautiful - but tiny - you can do it all in a couple of hours. You can take a bus to Santa Margherita Ligure - about 15 minutes - for 1 euro- there are many more shops there. Rapallo is another 15 minutes or so by bus - is a bigger city - and has lots more shopping. You can also reach Santa Margherita Ligure by boat- it's about 25 minutes from Portofino.

Don't forget embroidered towels and bath robes from your favorite hotel! Invaluable memory!

Do not stop in Livorno. it is one of the very few places in tuscany that has almost nothing interesting except lots of industries.