So then, the land of spaghetti and vineyards...

Originally Posted by lily

If your account has changed into a graduate bank account, check with them about insurance as mine comes with travel insurance

I have got a graduate account, I did look briefly but will look more thoroughly now, cheers Lily

[Bri w]

Take your driving licence, both parts, just in case you need wheels in an emergency.

Camera, spare battery and spare memory card.

Buy a big brolly when you get there - it can be very wet this time of year.

And remember to enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by Bri w

Take your driving licence, both parts, just in case you need wheels in an emergency.

I can drive over there? (not passed yet lol). Was going to take my provisional as backup photo ID anyway

Originally Posted by Bri w

Camera, spare battery and spare memory card.

I spent a whole hour yesterday wiping photos of 2 2gig cards yesterday hehe. Also got another XD one to take, I'm not taking no chances. Also have a travel adaptor for my battery charger.

Milan is an awesome city, lived there for 5 years and really loved it, just watch out for the pick-pockets around train stations and main touristy areas as Milan and Italy in general is notorious for them. Great to see that you're taking in the lakes too, awesome up there.

If you do have spare time head over to a place near San Marino called Urbino (do a google search for images to see what kind of town it is). It's a university town but the views from the top are spectacular. Nice to see you're missing out Venice.....been there a few times and it was rammed full of tourists and the price of things there was just stupid.

Take a phrase book too and learn the basics. Like any other place where English isn't the native tougue, if you make the effort people will be much more friendly.

Enjoy!

EDIT -> ....and, if you say to Italians that you are English, expect the standard response to be "Ah, 'ooligan!" (something to do with football etc), don't be offended

Cheers Davies No worries about pickpockets, being northern we're born with paranoia as a 6th sense lol.

San Marino looks a bit out of the way but will certainly bear it in mind! Looks beautiful.

Already learning a bit of Italian, very nice language actually.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee so excited!

Plently duty free drink for me please on you're way back

[keith_d]

Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. Very pretty but not much happening, still worth spending a day or two around there browsing the galleries and enjoying the scenery.

Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculanium. All worth a visit though of course they're prime tourist territory so expect to pay a bit more for everything.

I've not been to Florence myself, but everyone says it's lovely.

Spring is a good time to visit Venice - the lagoon is pretty smelly later in the year. Try and pick up the water bus along the Grand Canal late in the day when the sun is shining across the buildings.

Have a great time, enjoy the food and especially the ice cream

Keith.

Cheers folks. Any recommendations for travel insurance? I'm a newbie

why aint u takin chris??

Get an EHIC card if you haven't got one already - entitles you to free medical treatment. It's not a substitute for insurance. Apply on line. Type EHIC into google and away you go.