This coming September, we will be going to the Italian Gran Prix in Monza and will be staying in Milan for four nights. We may want to rent a car for a couple of those days for day trips. Any recommendations as where to stay? What part of Milan? And the best way to get to Monza the day of the race? We will be arriving in Milan by either car or train (not decided yet.) Thanks!!! <BR>Steve

Steve, <BR> <BR>I took a small group of people to Italy last September, and we made a day to the Grand Prix part of a four day stay in the Lake Como area. Hotels book up very heavily - - perhaps in a 50 mile circle (I can only tell you about the Lake Como area - - where we were lucky to find four rooms, four weeks out). <BR> <BR>We went to a qualifying day (Friday), not "race" day (Sunday), and the price was very reasonable (not sure I can precisely remember - - 25.000 LIT or maybe it was 45.000). The track is in a heavily wooded area - - almost like a state forest here in the US. I know very little about racing tracks here in the US (I have been to Indy once), but this seemed unusual to all the others who were with me. It was a very pleasant atmosphere over all. There were literally hundreds of stalls of vendors of paraphernalia along a 1000-1500 meter walk from where a shuttle bus dropped us off (we just followed signs, and essentially parked on side streets in areas served by this shuttle bus - - about a 5 minute ride from where we parked to the drop-off point). The exit to go to Monza off the autostrada is NOT at all obvious; I would have to get out a map to consult for the name of the exit. <BR>I can also find you some websites with info showing the layout of the track, the locations of various seats (not really relevant on qualifying days), and so forth. <BR> <BR>As for where to stay, you will find many opinions here on places to stay in Milan (the majority of them not necessarily praising lodging in Milan, for value or nice features). I can tell you that the "bigwigs" stayed out at Lake como (for example, Schumacher's whole entourage at Villa d'Este, or so we heard). There were FOUR Ferraris parked parked on the front circle of GH Villa Serbelloni on Saturday night (high-roler fans, one might assume?) <BR> <BR>I think you might want to investigate Monza itself, or maybe Bergamo - - not more than 30 minutes away from Monza. <BR> <BR>As an aside, on race day, we were in Bellagio, and the race was quite clearly on the minds of locals (shopkeepers, bar-owners, etc). It was generally a festive day - - similar to a major "game day" in a college football town. <BR> <BR>I predict that you will like it. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex Bickers <BR>Westerville, Ohio <BR>

Went back to this thread by searching "Monza" Steve. It's okay to start a new thread now that the focus of your question has changed, but not necessary. <BR> <BR>Expanding on my earlier answer, I definitely DO recommend getitng a car for this. You can generally see the route using www,euroshell.com, but I feel like it doesn't actually tell the name of the exit from thr autostrada to get to Monza. I'll work in some additional info tomorrow. <BR> <BR>Kinda late (went to see "Chocolat" tonight!)

Rex, <BR> <BR>I appreciate your help on this. Sounds like we will want a car. Our plans (four of us), as of now, are to pick up a car in Milan or Bellagio as we will be arriving from Florence by train. Any thoughts about where (what city) to pick up a car? <BR> <BR>Steve

Milan is fine. You can't drive in the "inner, inner city" (maybe five blocks by five blocks), it is as benign a big city as you are gonna get. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't advise Florence as a better alternative, necessarily - - though there would be nothing wrong with renting at the airport there. I have never had a car INside inner Florence. Very restricted. <BR> <BR>Maybe Piacenza instead (south of Milan) - - but then, there is the problem of what to do with the car if you want to see some of Milan (and you should consider at least a half day there). I would train on into Milan, put the bags in your rental car, but then leave the car there and use a cab (might require two - - hard to get one cab driver to take four people) to see a little of Milan. <BR> <BR>Yous should depart Florenec ver early to see some of Milan. Allow a good two hours (maybe three) to get to your destination on Lake Como (since you will be a novice driver) - - maybe a little less if you are going to spend the big bucks and stay at Villa d'Este (closer than Menaggio or Bellagio). Sunset will be about 7 pm in September. It is much easier to drive into someplace you have never been before to get in before dark. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR>Sounds like you need me as your tour guide (wink...) <BR>

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