Visit vineyards around Florence...

I would like to suggest Grapeadventures (my company's) half- and full-day wine tours into the Chianti countryside. Leaving from Florence, you travel with a trained wine expert, in small groups of eight, in an air-conditioned van. These tours visit one wine estate per half. You get to visit the estate, its grounds, cellars and learn of its wine. Tours end with a tasting of all the wines of the estate and other products such as prosciutto, cheese, honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar etc. There is always a light meal served. Estate visits vary daily; passengers who reserve are picked up at Piazzale Michelangelo by the statue of David. Morning tour is from 9:00 -1:00 PM , afternoon from 2:00 - 6:00 PM (these tours can be combined for a whole day). Price: $US80.00 P.S. We also do special programs in wine for women only. Website: http://www.grapeadventures.com
Gail, USA/Italy

Italy By Train...

I'd like to recommend an excellent book called, Italy by Train, written by Tim Jepson, published by Fodor's Travel Publications in 1993. It maps out all sorts of journeys, and has good recommendations about Museums, like the Diocesan Museum in Cortona (which everyone misses), which has the most beautiful painting of the Annunciation by Fra Angelico. Good history, too!
Lyn, Regina, Canada

Ed. note: For anyone who's interested, JW checked at Amazon.com and there were several used paperback copies of this book available at their website.

Not expensive in Rome ...

I live in Italy and have an interesting accommodation tip for other JourneyWomen. There is a user-friendly pensione where we have sent family and friends for nearly 30 years -- the Pensione Coronet, Pza Grazioli 5, just one block from Piazza Venezia. Ask for a room overlooking the courtyard -- that should ensure a quiet experience. Most rooms have baths but my cousin stayed in one with the bathroom in the corridor next door and was quite happy. Tel. +39--6-678 5971. Expect moderate to inexpensive rates.
Julie, Rome, Italy

Designer outlet in Milan...

This is a tip most visitors to Milan would not know about. In my city of Italian fashion, the best designer outlet spot has to be Salvagente. Let's face it, getting that top-name designer gem in your size, in your color, exactly when you want it, is not an everyday occurrence -- but it does happen here. And, if you end up not finding the Versace of your dreams, console yourself with keenly-priced boutique-level clothes. You can't go wrong at this spot! Via Bronzetti 16 (tel: 02 76110328) on the 60 bus route. Open 10-12.30, 15.00-1900 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; Wednesday and Saturday 10-1900, Closed Monday AM.
Roberta, Milan, Italy

Ripped-off by cute Italian soldiers...

The Colosseum has Roman soldiers who will charge you an arm and a leg to have your souvenir photo taken with them. I want other JWomen to know that they can be bargained down. The soldiers originally quoted my pal and I a fee for posing and we naively paid without trying to bargain. On the way back, we heard them quoting someone else half of what they originally charged us. My traveling companion was more than a bit angry at these fellows. Despite the rip-off, I'm still glad we captured that "Italian moment." Every time I look at the photo I remember how we were fooled and I have to laugh. Not only was it fun at the time posing with a couple of cute "Roman soldiers," but it has provided a good many giggles since. We learned a valuable lesson and it's always part of any story I tell when I talk about my experiences in Italy.
Carol, Toronto, Canada