Trento is located in the north east corner of Italy – close to the Austria border and about 3 hours north west from Venice.

It is great because it is incredibly picturesque – nestled in the Italian Alps, and is really not crowded or filled with tourists.  That means better quality meals at affordable prices.  Be sure to visit the Castello di Buon Consiglio and order the local happy hour drink “hugo” in the main city square – overlooking the 15th century cathedral.

 

To be honest – I’ve only spent half a day on Venice.  There is obviously a lot to do.  I suggest just walking around and getting lost.  Obviously at some point make sure you wander your way towards St. Mark’s Square, the Ponte di Rialto (pictured), and the Ponte di Sospiri (the famous “bridge of sighs” – the walkway which prisoners headed to the cells had to walk across and from which they glimpsed their last look on the outside world).

Unfortunately no restaurant recommendations, as the city is flooded with tourists.  More tourists = worse food served (since majority of American/British tourists don’t know/care about authentic food if it wacked them upside the head).

Another tidbit – regardless of the hype, Venice IS a romantic city.  Visiting it alone will be OK, but you may be lonely.  Visiting with friends does it no justice.  Go with someone you care about/have intimate feelings for – the experience will be all the more better.

MILAN

Upon arriving in Malpensa (Milan’s International Airport), you can either take the train or the bus (around 10 euro) to the Stazione Centrale (or central train station).  When exiting this magnificent and huge building, the main street of the city, Via Argentina, will be directly ahead of you yet still a kilometer or so away.  This Via Argentina is the street to go down to access the most of Milan’s attractions, namely its Piazza (Square) and Duomo (Cathedral).

*Tip* You can find fairly inexpensive lodging all around the train station, so if you choose to stay near the station expect to walk a while to the Piazza, Duomo and other attractions which are a few kilometers away – Milan is certainly wide and spread apart.  As for public transportation I’ve never taken it so I cannot comment on it.

You can view the original of Da Vinci’s “L’Ultima Cena” (the famed “Last Supper”) at the Church of St. Mary of the Rose.  Just be sure to reserve a spot for viewing a day or half-day at least in advance.  Da Vinci’s masterpiece is huge – I think 25′ by 10′ or something close (look it up if you’re a nitpicker) and the details exposed on each apostle’s facial expressions is simply stunning.  The Dude was truly from a different planet.

*Tip* On dress and fashion in Milan – everyone there looks like they stepped off the Givenchy runway.  I know the typical American dress is sneakers and jeans – and yes, you will stand out.  Invest a little in some respectable clothing while visiting, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Place to eat:

Il Carpaccio

Address: via Lazzaro Palazzi, 19

For those of you who care about eating “authentically”, this restaurant is the traditional “hole-in-the-wall” local place with inexpensive,  authentic Italian food, house wine and grappa, etc.  Make a reservation for Friday/Saturday evenings.  If you are staying at a hotel close to the Stazione Centrale, this place is within walking distance.

A few points about Italy before I get into the specifics, as I’ve traveled there 6x in the last two years (about 2-3 weeks duration of stay each time), and also had a brief relationship with an Italian woman.

(1).  When dining out – order the HOUSE WINE.  It is the cheapest and most likely the best tasting wine on the menu.  Don’t fall for the expensive crap.  The more local the place the better the house wine will be.  Yes they will bring it to you in a carafe – that’s how you know it was actually made in-house.

(2). North and South Italians do not really like each other – the north think south Italians are lazy, and live off the government (which rings true because the south does get most of the tourism and nice weather) and the south thinks the north Italians are cold and unfriendly (because of their hard-work ethic – most of Italy’s industries are headquartered in the north).  Decide for yourself.  In my experience – they are all nice.  Maybe people from the South are indeed a bit lazy…

(3).  Espressos are good for any time of the day, even right before bed.

(4). Happy hour drink is Spritz Aperol – a combination of prosecco and orange liqueur, definitely a girls drink but absolutely fantastic.  I’d have at least two/day when there.

(5). Grappa, or the strong Italian brandy, is to be drunk after dinner on an incredibly full stomach.  What it does is reduce bloating.  Normally, if you are out to eat somewhere, the host may offer it to you AFTER you’ve paid the check and are getting ready to leave (i.e. on the house).  Otherwise you’ll have to order it, but who cares.  Do it if you’ve eaten a big meal (and chances are you will – duh you’re in Italy).

(6). Never mind the economic figures (as an economist, I can tell you that technically they are in a “recession” and that things are supposed to be terrible, blah blah blah).  Italian people are warm, friendly, and incredibly cultural.  They really do care about their next meal and/or espresso, and could not care less about their next paycheck or lack thereof.  Theirs is a true culture – that of the importance of being around friends, family, as well as good food and drink and merry spirits.  Screw the unemployment statistics.

GETTING THERE

Emirates Airlines has fairly cheap round trip flights from New York’s JFK to Milan’s Malpensa (MXP).   Doesn’t hurt that they also serve free alcohol in coach and that their stewardesses are above-average looking foreigners from various countries around the world.   But anyways.

*Just a quick side-note on airlines – from USA to Europe and back I’ve flown Emirates, Delta, AirBerlin, LOT Polish, Austrian Air, Swiss Air, KLM Dutch, and AlItalia.  Above and beyond the most comfortable flights have been on Emirates and Delta (I’m rating comfort based on seat space, cost, food and drink – free alcohol in coach – and their in-flight entertainment system – movies, music, etc.)  Additionally, in excessive turbulence, Emirates acts incredibly strict (“everyone take your seats now!”) whereas on a bumpy Delta flight the captain making the announcement literally sounded as he had just awoken from a nap and went to state quote…hi folks, so yeah, there’s really nothing we can do, so uh, just hang on.  See you. end quote.