I would appreciate ideas for a first time trip to Milan. We will be there about 3 days in November.

Well, of course, it depends upon your interests. According to Suzy's book, it can be a shopper's paradise. But, don't leave Milan without wandering around the "big axis" of the Duomo, through the Galleria and at the other end, La Scala. Whether you tour the cathedral or its museum or take the elevator to its roof for a spectacular view is up to you. The Sforza castle, not far from the Duomo, is a nice destination as well, and has the Michelangelo Rondanini Pieta, beleived to be the sculptor's last. You can also go see Da Vinci's Last Supper, but I'd recommend you get a ticket for a time before going. Try the search function here for the number to call. La Scala has a small museum next to it and it is worth a visit. Usually, the connecting door into LaScala is open and you can walk into a box to view the theater's auditorium. Perhaps if you could give people here an idea of your interests, you'd get more useful responses! But, Milan can be fun. It can be foggy & rainy, though. Just be prepared & have a great time.

I'm not a museum person, but the Castle Sforizo (I forget the spelling) has a very interesting museum. I'd also suggest a day trip to Bergamo, easily done by train. Buon viaggio!

Peggy: To call Peck a food and wine store is a total understatement. After you see the sights around the Cuomo walk a few blocks to this mecca. You'll never see its likes again.

Thank you for all the great ideas. Any suggestions for a good, reasonable hotel?? We will not have a car.

My husband and I stayed at Hotel Speronari. Here's what I wrote on my travel page: <BR> <BR>HOTEL SPERONARI: Via Speronari 4, 2023, Milano. Phone: 02-86-46-1125. L130,000 with bathroom and t.v. ($75 per night). MC, V. This hotel is your basic, simple, clean hotel in a good location. The only gripe Tony and I had was the bathroom. Very small! Because this hotel is in a good location, I'd probably stay here, but would ask to see the room first. The hotel is on a small pedestrian street, which has a wine shop and a bakery. The Duomo is just around the corner as well as the underground. <BR>

Peggy: Just got back from Milan. We stayed at and were very please with Antica Locanda Dei Mercanti, Via San Tomaso 620123 Milano <BR>Phone: 011 39 02 805 4080 <BR>Fax: 011 39 02 805 4090 <BR>www.locanda.it <BR>[email protected] <BR>It was very centrally located, a few blocks from the Duomo and Galleria shopping. <BR> <BR>The owner of the hotel recommended a restaurant to us which was the highlight of our 3-1/2 week trip. The name of it is Nabucco. The food was scrumptious and the atmosphere (we ate outside was peaceful and romantic). <BR> <BR>We had a blast in Milan -- found some of the best shopping (prices!) on our whole trip!

We stayed one night in Milan after a week in the Apuanian Alps and checked into the Tulip Arizona, near the slip road for the airport, own parking, on a tram route to the city centre.£40 per person per night, clean and airconditioned. <BR> <BR>Caught a tram into the town- tickets are bought from shops and cafes which display a badge and are dirt cheap. They are time stamped when you get on the tram and valid for 90 minutes. <BR> <BR>Had an adequate lunch in a sidestreet near the castle (an Osteria- unfortunately I can’t remember the name, but it’s the closest there is to the American Bookstore). Good wine. I had spicy pasta. The food police wouldn’t let me put parmesan on it. Ah well, when in Rome…. <BR> <BR>Walked to Santa Maria delle Grazie on the off chance we could get into the Last Supper. We couldn’t. Book in advance, peeps. I saw it in 1975, and I suspect it hasn’t changed much anyway. Walked (taxi driver wouldn’t take us-“E vicina Signora”)to Pinoteca Brera (recommended by Italian friend. Gem of an Art Gallery. Well worth a visit. Walked to the Duomo- past La Scala, through the Victor Emmanuel galleries- couldn’t get in because I was wearing shorts. Walked to the Castle. (Have you got the theme of this particular afternoon yet?- Lord, I was hot). Headed back over to Brera to try to find somewhere for supper. Found a stunning little “Formaggio e Salume” where Olive Oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan was bulk bought for the return trip. Then they recommended a restaurant round the corner “Trattoria Torre di Pisa” for a last meal. Terrific. <BR>

Navigli area - sort of an artsy/Soho area in the southwest; canals designed by da Vinci (at least, that's what I read) <BR> <BR>Castle Sforzesco - pretty interesting; a tapestry hung in the middle of the room so you can see both sides <BR> <BR>daVinci Museum - it's all his inventions and drawings, some of them recreated in miniature. 3 years ago, all the descriptions were in Italian, but you could mostly figure out what everything did. Cool museum shop. <BR> <BR>La Scala - even if no opera is on, there are often other concerts. Go. Very cool to sit in your own box! <BR> <BR>Montenapoleone has all the designers, but if you've been to Rodeo Drive or 5th Ave, you won't be impressed. <BR> <BR>Discount/Outlet shopping (try on EVERYTHING; Italians apparently are butt- and hipless): <BR>http://www.dolcevita.com/fashion/stockhouse/stock.htm <BR>