• St. Peter's and the Vatican:  Take a day to see the Vatican... be sure to include enough time to really see St. Peter's Basilica, climb to the top of Michelango's Dome, and tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.  For a truly moving experience, book in advance to take the tour of the Vatican Necropolis which will take you down three levels beneath the basilica to see the excavations of ancient Christian burial grounds and the tomb of St. Peter.  You can apply for a tour by sending an email to:  uff.scavi@fabricsp.va  This is a special experience that you'll remember for a lifetime.
• Ancient Rome I:  The Colosseum and the Foro Romano (Roman Forum)  Join one of the many free guided tours given by walking tour companies such as Walks of Rome.  These tours are really informative and fun, and they really are free.  Just join in at any time and at the end the guide will give you information on some of their other tours.  If you don't join in with a tour, be sure you have an audio guide or a really good book, so you don't miss out on understanding the true awesomeness of what you are seeing.
• Ancient Rome II: Trajan's Markets, the Palatine Hill, Nero's Domus Aurea (Golden House)
• Romantic Rome:  Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Trevi Fountain... see these at night to experience the true romance of the eternal city.
• Little Known Rome:  Trastevere, the medieval part of the city where you can meander the small alleys and experience the SoHo of Rome.  There are many fun pubs and caffe's in this area.  Campo dei Fiori, where each morning the local market for fruit, vegetables and of course flowers takes place.  Aventine Hill -  walk up the road just west of the Circus Maximus up towards Santa Sabina to the park on the top of the Aventine Hill to take in a great view of the city and escape into a peaceful oasis. 
• The True Experience:  Gelato at Giolitti's - a little North of the Pantheon, near the Santa Maria Maddalena church, you'll find a magic gelato experience awaits you... you'll never have another gelato like it, Cappuccino at Caffe Sant' Eustachio - a little west of the Pantheon in Piazza Sant' Eustachio, known to be the best espresso and cappucino in the city, if not all of Italy, Aperitivo (Cocktails) on the rooftop of the Crowne Plaza Minerva - enjoy a drink and a great view around sunset at the rooftop restaurant of the elegant Crowne Plaza Hotel, located in Piazza Minerva just behind the Pantheon. 

• Duomo (Cathedral): The Milan cathedral is a gothic masterpiece and is the third largest church in the world.  It took 500 years to complete and when you see it you'll know why.  With its 135 carved marble spires and some 2,000 statues, it is definitely impressive.  You should be sure to take the stairs or elevator to the rooftop so that you can truly admire the intricacy of the elaborate exterior features.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II:  The Galleria is a cross-shaped arcade leading from the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) to the Piazza della Scala.  It is a beautiful piece of architecture featuring a large glass dome at the crux of the two walkways that features some of Milan's most prestigious shops and restaurants.  You should definitely take a stroll through the arcade and stop to admire the galleria's interior on your way over to the Scala.
• La Scala: La Scala Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and has been home to some of the greatest artists of opera and ballet.  You can visit the museum and take a peak in at the theatre interior or you may even want to try to see a performance at the theatre.  For a complete schedule and online ticket office, go to www.teatroallascala.org/eng/homepage.htm

• The Last Supper (Leonardo DiVinci's Masterpiece):  Leonardo's masterpiece which has recently been restored is now open for viewing.  However, you'll need to make a reservation in advance.  To do so, call 011 39 02 894 211 46... the operators will speak english. Once there, you'll need to give the receptionist your reservation number and if you want an audio guide in english (walkman style) you can get one at that time... we highly recommend this. 

• Castello Sforzesco:  The Sforzeco castle is a huge fortress that sits right in the center of Milan.  It is an amazing structure to visit in and of itself and also houses a museum with works of art by Leonardo and Michelangelo. One of the most notable pieces is Michelangelo's Pieta Rodanini.  
• City Walking Tour: A Friend in Milan offers very affordable custom, private tours of Milan in english.  They can take you on tours that include the Duomo, La Scala, Castello Sforzesco and more.  They can even organize a shopping tour if you're interested.  If you would like to set up a tour with them, let us know and we can give you the contact info.

Links