ITALY ~
Last year on my way to Egypt, I had a layover in Rome for about four to six hours. I asked around to see if there were any short tours I could do, but there were none available to get me back in time for my next flight. I said to myself that day, “It’s okay, you will be back,” and those words came to fruition! Just believe, and you shall achieve!
I got a deal for six days in Italy for $499 (per person) that included flight and hotel. I couldn’t believe it! However, the price was based on double occupancy, so I brought along my cousin Carmia and two friends, Ashley and Jaunell. Our flight was with Emirates Airline, and we stayed at the Leonardo Hotel Milan City Center located in Chinatown of Milan. The flight was pleasant, and it only took seven hours to arrive in Italy. The hotel was decent; nonetheless, we did have some trouble while we were there. The hotel staff wasn’t that friendly, and they wouldn’t adequately accommodate our needs. We didn’t like our room that much because of the layout and the furniture, but we made the best of it.
We spend two days in Milan and one day each in Rome and Venice; all of them were wonderful places to explore, and we had so much fun! I provide further details on each city, general information, photos, and a video below:
TRANSPORTATION
The Good thing about Europe is its transit system. You can fly, but if you are flexible on time I think you would save more money going other routes (e.g. bus, subway, and train); although, I would not tell you to pass up a flight deal if one becomes available to you. 
You can travel to nearly all European countries by railroad with a Eurail Pass but there are some restrictions. There are a variety of passes you can purchase. You can get a Global Pass if you want to explore five or more countries. There are passes for two, three, and four-countries as well. For a one country pass, the minimum is three days you can purchase. Also, reserve seats are not available to you until booked for an additional small fee.
After doing much research and the time constraints we were on, we chose just to buy straight roundtrip tickets for both Rome and Venice. We saved more money that way compared to getting a Eurail Pass. I went with these companies: Italo and Trenitalia. Italo has excellent trains that are clean and comfortable no matter what section you sit. We didn’t like Trenitalia trains, but it will get you to your destination for a low price.
The buses, subways, and cabs are reasonable. To travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan Centrale, we chose the bus. It was a round-trip ticket and was the most cost-efficient to put us close to our hotel. We paid 14.00 Euros($17). It took about 45 minutes. While in Rome, we spent 1.50 Euros ( around $2) for 100 minutes that allowed us to use the subway to get to each historical site. Cabs were 12.00 Euros max (Around $15). You can do Uber, but in Milan, it’s all luxury vehicles that pick you up which costs more. If you want to rent a car, they also have something like Zipcar in America.
Here are some websites I used during my research for trains:
https://www.eurail.com/en
https://www.italiarail.com/
https://www.italotreno.it/en
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/italy-rail-passes
EUROS (MONEY)
I don’t know if anyone told you or not, but Europe is expensive! (Haha) Nevertheless, there are ways you can still ball on a budget while there. Right now the Euro is more than the Dollar, so you can’t make your dollar go a long way as if you were traveling in a third world country. Plus, when you do exchange your money in Italy there are fees from taxes and commission. Just to give you an example, I wanted to trade $10 at an exchange booth and the lady told me I would get 4.75 Euros back. No, thank you! It’s tough to find an exchange booth with a reasonable rate, but it’s possible. We found one in Rome. 
To help you save, I would recommend using your credit card. Your money will be converted over to the exact rate it’s supposed to be. That’s is what we did a majority of the time we were in Italy. Mostly everyone accepted credit cards, but some places wanted Euros strictly, so it’s good to have a few on hand. You can use the ATMs to get cash, but there are fees for that method too. Also, going in groups saves you money as well. You can divide everything.
MILANO (MILAN)
Milan was very modern. It reminded me of New York City. Milan is well known for its art, food, history, and as the fashion capital of the world and New York City is right behind Milan with fashion, so you can see one aspect where they correlate. 
On the two days we were there, we didn’t get a chance to roam until late afternoon; therefore we weren’t able to do in-depth tours like we wanted to. Mostly all the historical sites and art museums were closed, but we still got a chance to see some things. We also met a local person named, Hicham, who helped us with getting to know Milan a bit better than what we were doing. Moreover, he saved one of my friends from being pickpocketed in the subway station. Thank goodness! It would have been a lousy way to end the trip. That’s why it is always great to meet locals in any place you travel to!
Things To Do and Know In Milan:
In the USA, most places close on Sundays, well it’s Mondays for Milan. Make sure you call or check websites for dates and times when going to art museums or historical sites. If you want to see “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie, you have to reserve tickets way in advance of your trip. It’s in very high demand, so book early! Also, again watch out for pickpocketing!!! That goes for anywhere in Italy. We were told this warning by a man on our train to Venice, so be careful. Make sure you have a secure bag and if you are going to wear a backpack, wear it in front of you!
Here are some things to do and a few places to check out that you may find interesting.
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetary of Milan)
Porta Sempione (The City Gate Of Milan)
Sforza Castle
Duomo Di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
Walk The Streets Of Milan
Watch A Film At The Movie Theater Or Go To An Opera At The Teatro Alla Scala
Leonardo da Vinci Statue
Shopping
You can’t talk about Milan without talking about fashion! To reiterate, its the fashion capital of the world! You see it everywhere once you are in mid-city. The younger people showing off the latest and what will be the new trend. If you are into all that, check out these locations for shopping. I’m pretty sure there are other places to shop that won’t break your pockets, but I didn’t get a chance to go to them.
Emporio Armani Caffe
Monte Napoleone (Famous Upscale Fashion Street)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Shopping Mall)
Don’t forget to step and spin on the Bull’s balls for good luck! (haha)
Our Tour Guide And New Friend, Hicham
Nightlife
Milan has a great nightlife. We found the Borj Lounge on Yelp, and I’m glad we did because that is where we met Hicham and his friend Camelia! Borj Lounge has nice drinks, food, hookahs (Shisha), and music. If you go, make sure you try the food. It was delicious!
Borj Al Arab
If you are not into lounge bars and you are more into dancing then there is:
The Beach Milano
Loolapaloos Milano
Cool clubs that will definitely make you move on the dancefloor!
Food
Oh, the food!!! I’m sorry, but not sorry! The food tasted authentic and real compared to the artificial stuff they are giving us in America! Now, we did have some places that were not so good on the taste barometer, but overall the food was not bad in Italy, and the wine was on another level! You know I had to bring some bottles back home with me! You can’t go all the way to Italy and not bring back some wine! Shame on you! (Haha)
In addition, every restaurant we went to in Italy was reasonably priced.
Also to note, when it comes to food, Italians do it differently. There is breakfast, lunch, appertivo (beverages and light snacks), and then dinner. Remember that!
Mercanti Caffe’
Great for hot chocolate, coffee, and desserts. It’s still cold and rainy in February, so a hot beverage will help you stay warm. Carmia and Ashley really liked the hot chocolate.
Duomo Est 1952
Duomo had a buffet for 10 Euros ($12) with a free drink. You can’t beat that! The food was so-so, but you can expect that with any buffet. The beverages made up for it though!
Manuelina
Manuelina was one of the best things we had in Italy! We chose the Focaccia Genovese Pomodorini, Stracchino & Rucola. It was so tasty that I want another one right now! I’m certainly going to learn how to make it! It was that good!
Taverna Del Borgo Antico
http://www.tavernadelborgoantico.it/
We went to Taverna on our last night in Italy! The staff was so kind to us! For appertivo, we had two different focaccias and a white Riesling Tuscany wine. It was perfect! Please visit them if you are ever in Milan. You will love it!
ROMA (ROME)
You know Rome ruled the entire world at one point. I would say they may still have a foot in how things work on this planet, especially when it comes to religion. In fact, you still can see traces of their history no matter where you go. Their empire was big and expanded far.
There is so much to explore in Rome that you could not do it all in one day, but we tried! We got a workout in for a lifetime! Our feet and legs were killing us by the end of the day, but so worth it! Rome was so beautiful with the architecture. We loved every minute in the city. It was the highlight of our trip!
Things To Do and Know In Rome:
Once more, for historical sites, check for days and hours they are open and prices too. The subways will take you to every location, but some places are within walking distance of each other. If not, you can take a cab. All the signs were in Italian, so it would be a good idea to know some of the language. The Italians were friendly, so you can ask for help as well. We didn’t have a problem. Stay for two or three days! You can not, you can not do Rome in a day! Trust me! Here are some places to check out:
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Vatican City
Castel San’ Angelo (The Mausoleum of Hadrian)
Waiting In Line To Enter Vatican Museum And Sistine Chapel
Inside Vatican City, The Museum, And Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s 16th-Century Painted Ceiling
I had to sneak this picture because they did not allow you to take photos. I apologize for doing so, but I came a long way! Sorry for the blurriness, but I had to get what I can get! (Haha) However, this picture doesn’t do it justice anyway. It’s better for you to see it in person, but I wanted to give you a glimpse.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Piazza Venezia (Central Hub of Rome)
Colosseum
Food
Pasticceria
The desserts in Italy are a must-try! Make sure you go to a pastry shop to try some flavorful treats! I think we had Zeppoles or Bombolones. I can’t remember the correct name, but the chocolate filled ones we purchased was delectable! It’s shown in the lower bottom of the third photo.
Mamu
Another thing to be shamed is not eating pizza while in Italy! It is the birthplace of pizza! What’s wrong with you! (Haha) New York has their pizza spots that will have you coming back for more, but you can’t go all the way to Italy and not try the originator, and that we did! You can definitely tell the difference between America’s and Italy’s pizza. Very light, crisp, and so tasty! Mamu is a great place for an enjoyable lunch. They have a delicious lasagna too! Also, a friendly staff! The owner loved me!
VENEZIA (VENICE)
Now, they say Venice is the perfect place for lovers, and I can see why that may be. It’s a very wondrous and intimate place. Beautiful and enchanting with its scenery. The Gondolas (boats), in which Venice is well-known for, takes you through the Venetian canals to explore the old city. It’s a romantic thing to do. That is probably why I didn’t get a chance to ride one! Despite having enjoyed most of the time I was there, I was very bummed about that! I think it was God saying, “No, do this with your significant other.” I guess! (Haha) It’s an acceptable way to look at the ordeal.
While we were there, Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice) occurred. It’s an annual festival that I’m somewhat familiar with being from the New Orleans area with Mardi Gras. I indeed saw where New Orleans gets its influence. In Venice, they go all out with the costumes and masks! It was amazing seeing all the fabulous and stunning pieces they were wearing! If you have the chance, please go to Venice during this festival to see for yourself. It’s tons of fun with many activities!
Things To Do and Know In Venice:
Get a map! Find a map! Get a map of the city! You could get lost! I’m not lying. Be prepared to do a lot of walking because that is the only way to travel or by boat. The prices may vary for the Gondola ride depending on where you go, but the standard is 80 Euros (100 dollars) for 30 to 35 minutes and 100 Euros (125 dollars) for the exact timeframe but at night.
Also, when eating at a restaurant make sure you double-check your bill to make sure there wasn’t any extra cost added that doesn’t belong there! It happened to us and we got it corrected. I read an article before going on this trip that it occurs quite often with restaurants trying to take advantage of tourists. It’s true, so watch out!
Make sure to go onto the balcony of the St. Mark’s Basilica. It cost 5 Euros (6 dollars). You will love the view!
Wonder the Streets
Ride Gondolas Through The Canals
Grand Canal
Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square)
This photo was taken on St. Mark’s Basilica (Cathedral) balcony.
Visit The Saint Mark’s Basilica (Cathedral)
Colorful Masks
Get Your Own Mask Made
Beautiful Costumes For Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice)
Costume Contest
We didn’t stay for the whole thing to see who won but it was great watching some of the show!
More Spectacular Costumes
Food
Ristorante Al Burchiello
The food at this restaurant was okay. We had an omelet, pizza, and spaghetti. My dish, which was the spaghetti needed more sauce but it was tolerable. This is the restaurant that was trying to overcharge us. Check your bill!
Bella Venezia
At Bella, I loved the tortellini with ham! It was yummy! The service was sub-par and the host/manager was rude, but everything else was alright except the margaritas that Jaunell and Carmia ordered. You can find better restaurants in Venice. I’m sure!
Milan, Rome, and Venice were fantastic! I can’t wait to travel to Italy again to explore other cities but in the meantime, Grazie Italy! Arrivederci!
