Italian GP 2013 ?'s

[budaman]

By a coincidence my wife's birthday trip to Italy just so happens to coincide with this year's F1 race at Monza. Unfortunately, since this is her trip & not a dedicated F1 trip, I'll only be able to attend the race on Sunday. So, I want to make the most of the limited time I have. Hence, I am asking for opinions & recommendations.

First...transportation. We are staying in Milan close to Milan Central. I know they have a free train to Lesmo gate, but am leaning on getting seats in 26A of the Right Lateral. So, I'm thiking of taking a regular train to Monza Station and I've heard that busses 204 & 221 drop off much closer than the free Black Line bus. Is this true & where exactly are the stops? Also, will I need change for the regular buses or do they have kiosks? If so, euro's or what.

Grandstands: I'm thinking 26A as the part I missed at the USGP was the pre & post race festivities. It appears that section should be almost directly across from where the Ferrari pits should be this year. Can you actually see the pit activity or will it be blocked by the barrier seperating the track & pit lane. How high up in the stands should I try to get? Also, after the race starts, I'd like to maybe go to one of the GA areas where maybe I can get some better pictures than I would from the GS. Any ideas?

Are there any nice cafe's close to Monza station I can hit before going to the track.

Final question for now.....what time should I head for Milan Central in the morning?

Thanks & hopefully I'll be able to help with questions for anyone who may be coming to the USGP as I live about 12 minutes from CoTA.

[wisepie]

Would love to help budaman, but it's a while since I went to Monza and didn't come from Milan but from Lake Como, so not sure I can give any advice which would be detailed enough to help you. There must be someone out there who can, or you could look on the Autodromo di Monza website. Your wife is a lucky girl if she's attending the race, doesn't know what she'd be missing if she isn't! Buona fortuna!

[hudson77]

Try here Budaman, http://www.thescuderia.net/forums/sh...o-the-Monza-GP

[budaman]

Thanks for the link....lot of good info in there, especially places to take pics. Didn't really answer some of my questions about the local Monza bus system & how I would actually pay for them.

As far as the wife.....she is not a fan at all! Couldn't even get her to go to the USGP & we live in the Austin area. Went ahead & rented a 40' RV and parked it within a mile of the track & still couldn't get her out there. Myself, son & brother sure had a great time though! my pics here: http://www.mmtravelpics.com/Our_Worl..._U.S.G.P..html

On a good note...looking more like our friend from Dusseldorf will be meeting us in Milan & she will be able to occupy my wife on Saturday so I can go both Sat. & Sun!

[wisepie]

Impressive Austin pics and atmosphere, budaman and glad you now get to have 2 days at Monza. Definitely try Monza website regarding bus travel options in the area specifically for race weekend, alternatively ACI website, usually pretty detailed info. Buon viaggio.

[fratelliferrari]

Hi budaman! I went to the Monza GP last year and it was fantastic! I stayed in Milan and went with the train to Monza station. From there I took bus 221 which stops quite close to the circuit. I bought the busticket for that trip in a local lunchroom close to the Monza station. We took the bus from the Monza station on race day about 9:30. You should have some places but I pushed some people aside to make sure I could take the bus . I should do that because otherwise you have to wait for another bus. After the race I walked back from the track to the Monza station. It's very busy after the race but this walk will take at least 1,5 hours. I hope you I have helped you some bit.

[GrndLkNatv]

By a coincidence my wife's birthday trip to Italy just so happens to coincide with this year's F1 race at Monza. Unfortunately, since this is her trip & not a dedicated F1 trip, I'll only be able to attend the race on Sunday. So, I want to make the most of the limited time I have. Hence, I am asking for opinions & recommendations.

First...transportation. We are staying in Milan close to Milan Central. I know they have a free train to Lesmo gate, but am leaning on getting seats in 26A of the Right Lateral. So, I'm thiking of taking a regular train to Monza Station and I've heard that busses 204 & 221 drop off much closer than the free Black Line bus. Is this true & where exactly are the stops? Also, will I need change for the regular buses or do they have kiosks? If so, euro's or what.

Grandstands: I'm thinking 26A as the part I missed at the USGP was the pre & post race festivities. It appears that section should be almost directly across from where the Ferrari pits should be this year. Can you actually see the pit activity or will it be blocked by the barrier seperating the track & pit lane. How high up in the stands should I try to get? Also, after the race starts, I'd like to maybe go to one of the GA areas where maybe I can get some better pictures than I would from the GS. Any ideas?

Are there any nice cafe's close to Monza station I can hit before going to the track.

Final question for now.....what time should I head for Milan Central in the morning?

Thanks & hopefully I'll be able to help with questions for anyone who may be coming to the USGP as I live about 12 minutes from CoTA.

It's best to leave early, we left the hotel at 0500 this last year, we stayed at the Novotel Aeroport Linate and we had to be at the track at 0730 and with all the people coming in, we made it just in time. I will check with friends on the Cafe next to the Monza Station for you as well as the bus information you are seeking.

In regard to what you can see from your section.. The wall is about 4 or 5 ft high from what I remember and you should be able to see pretty well depending on which row you are in. Hopefully this might help you see what it looks like:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

Ciao!

-Mark
P.S. My family and I will be there this year again too..

[budaman]

Thank you very much fratelliferrari & GrndLkNatv!

Looks like my hunch to leave as early as possible was the right one. We'll be staying at the Cristoforo Colombo which is right next to the Porta Venezia station. Could walk to Milan Central, but don't think I want to do that as early in the morning as I plan on leaving. Using the ATM interactive planner, looks like Tram Line 5 picks up there & goes to Milan Central with maybe 5 stops & no changes. I know there are not as many trains to Milan leaving MC besides the free one's on Sunday, but are there enough that I shouldn't worry about going to Girabaldi Station?

As I am not really familiar with the Euro, I've been researching. Looks like the coins are based on the 100 system. So a 50c coin would be a half Euro and such with the rest of the coins? I'm used to Mexico where when you pay in USD, they give you change in Pesos. Is that common practice in Italy with the Euro, or should we exchange before leaving or there? Don't really want to use credit cards for minor purchases. How about tipping? Totally unfamiliar with European practices.

Thanks for all the info!

[GrndLkNatv]

Thank you very much fratelliferrari & GrndLkNatv!

Looks like my hunch to leave as early as possible was the right one. We'll be staying at the Cristoforo Colombo which is right next to the Porta Venezia station. Could walk to Milan Central, but don't think I want to do that as early in the morning as I plan on leaving. Using the ATM interactive planner, looks like Tram Line 5 picks up there & goes to Milan Central with maybe 5 stops & no changes. I know there are not as many trains to Milan leaving MC besides the free one's on Sunday, but are there enough that I shouldn't worry about going to Girabaldi Station?

As I am not really familiar with the Euro, I've been researching. Looks like the coins are based on the 100 system. So a 50c coin would be a half Euro and such with the rest of the coins? I'm used to Mexico where when you pay in USD, they give you change in Pesos. Is that common practice in Italy with the Euro, or should we exchange before leaving or there? Don't really want to use credit cards for minor purchases. How about tipping? Totally unfamiliar with European practices.

Thanks for all the info!

You can either get your Euro's before you go or get them upon entry into Italy. I generally order my Euro's from AAA auto club and have them sent to my home via registered mail. They normally don't take dollars, only Euro's. Also you can use your debit card while you are there, just as you would here but there is a foreign currency transaction fee that goes with every time you do that. It's generally about 1 to 3 % of what you take out. But doing it that way, you can keep what you have on your person to a minimum. Credit Cards are accepted just as they are here. As for tipping, 5% or so is good, anymore is considered to much, 10% is almost insulting. A friend of mine, Piero, says he will provide detailed answers for you here in a couple days, he is heading over that way this weekend and lives in Momo so will check it out for us.

[Tifoso]

Thank you very much fratelliferrari & GrndLkNatv!

Looks like my hunch to leave as early as possible was the right one. We'll be staying at the Cristoforo Colombo which is right next to the Porta Venezia station. Could walk to Milan Central, but don't think I want to do that as early in the morning as I plan on leaving. Using the ATM interactive planner, looks like Tram Line 5 picks up there & goes to Milan Central with maybe 5 stops & no changes. I know there are not as many trains to Milan leaving MC besides the free one's on Sunday, but are there enough that I shouldn't worry about going to Girabaldi Station?

As I am not really familiar with the Euro, I've been researching. Looks like the coins are based on the 100 system. So a 50c coin would be a half Euro and such with the rest of the coins? I'm used to Mexico where when you pay in USD, they give you change in Pesos. Is that common practice in Italy with the Euro, or should we exchange before leaving or there? Don't really want to use credit cards for minor purchases. How about tipping? Totally unfamiliar with European practices.

Thanks for all the info!

Do the exchange. You can find a few merchants, etc that take dollars, but not many and they usually will soak you in the exchange (ie, you'll get less Euros for your dollars). If you exchange in a bank, it is usually a better rate.

[wisepie]

When eating out, beware cover charges (maybe 2-4Euros per person) just for sitting down, and if Venice is anything to go by (two weeks ago), they were all slapping 12% service charge on top, so it makes a difference when totting up the bill! Usually worth it for the food and vino, though!

[sagi58]

Do the exchange. You can find a few merchants, etc that take dollars...

There's always the option of using Interac / Mastercard, at least, some of the time!

[Massimo]

Thank you very much fratelliferrari & GrndLkNatv!

Looks like my hunch to leave as early as possible was the right one. We'll be staying at the Cristoforo Colombo which is right next to the Porta Venezia station. Could walk to Milan Central, but don't think I want to do that as early in the morning as I plan on leaving. Using the ATM interactive planner, looks like Tram Line 5 picks up there & goes to Milan Central with maybe 5 stops & no changes. I know there are not as many trains to Milan leaving MC besides the free one's on Sunday, but are there enough that I shouldn't worry about going to Girabaldi Station?

As I am not really familiar with the Euro, I've been researching. Looks like the coins are based on the 100 system. So a 50c coin would be a half Euro and such with the rest of the coins? I'm used to Mexico where when you pay in USD, they give you change in Pesos. Is that common practice in Italy with the Euro, or should we exchange before leaving or there? Don't really want to use credit cards for minor purchases. How about tipping? Totally unfamiliar with European practices.

Thanks for all the info!

In Italy try to pay as much as you can with your creditcard, don't use ATM's, the exchange rate you get by using a credit card is on average 9% better than that charged by U.S. banks to get cash out of an ATM
That's like throwing away a $10 bill for every $111 withdrawn from an ATM!
When you want to change dollars to euro's, the best way to do this is at an American express office (if you're a cardholder) or at a bank, that way you'll get the best rate and pay the lowest fee or commissions.

[REDARMYSOJA]

I told Budaman he would get some great answers to his questions here. I see our fellow members did not disappoint.

[budaman]

And I appreciate it along with everyone's insight & suggestions!

Heading out to CoTA soon to catch the first ProMazda race & GT/DP qualifying. Two 458's topped the practice times yesterday in GT.

Keep the suggestions & insider details coming!

[brembo man]

to As for tipping, 5% or so is good, anymore is considered to much, 10% is almost insulting. A friend of mine, Piero, says he will provide detailed answers for you here in a couple days, he is heading over that way this weekend and lives in Momo so will check it out for us.

Wow, you have a great memory! You are talking about the 1940s. Great memories, Carlo Buti was the golden voice of Italy! Forget 5%, 10% is enough to get you hurt. Better wear a kevlar vest especially anywhere near Napoli tipping 10%.

[GrndLkNatv]

Wow, you have a great memory! You are talking about the 1940s. Great memories, Carlo Buti was the golden voice of Italy! Forget 5%, 10% is enough to get you hurt. Better wear a kevlar vest especially anywhere near Napoli tipping 10%.

Well I wasn't there in the 40's! My friend Lorenzo's Dad was there when the allies bombed Treviso in the square, but I was referring to what I was told in Padova last year when I was going to tip 20% and was told to not do that, and that 5 to 10% was more than enough and that more was insulting.. I have no idea about the kevlar vests!

[budaman]

I had previously read that most Italian Restaurants had an included service charge, but it was customary to leave an additional 1 or 2 Euro gratuity or your loose change from the bill. It apparently was rude to leave more.

But, I have been researching since the past few comments got me thinking and it appears you are both right. Italians usually don't tip, but they expect Americans to tip....stereotypes & all...see this link:http://travel.usatoday.com/destinati...-rome/704352/1

[brembo man]

Tip included on the bill sounds right. Leaving more is not rude, it's bad for the owners, fearing the waiters will make more than them. That's more like it! Imagine a waiter mad at making yoo much $$.

[wisepie]

Well I wasn't there in the 40's! My friend Lorenzo's Dad was there when the allies bombed Treviso in the square, but I was referring to what I was told in Padova last year when I was going to tip 20% and was told to not do that, and that 5 to 10% was more than enough and that more was insulting.. I have no idea about the kevlar vests!

Like I mentioned previously, cover charge is standard, then in Venice the other week they were adding 12% service on top, Maybe it was just Venice but I've visited Italy a lot and don't often recall having service added automatically and certainly not at 12%. I always work on 10% tip maximum and prefer that the waiters get it. And your reference to Treviso and Padova was interesting, I visited both when in Venice and they're great cities for a quieter travel experience. Salute!

[budaman]

Finally all set!

Tickets came by courier yesterday....26B,Row K, Seat 176! Ended up renting a condo in Fiumelatte on Lake Como for the weekend. Wife can explore Varenna, Bellagio & Mennagio while I go to the races. Train station in Fiumelatte is right next to condo with just 1 change in Lecco.

Monday following, we'll be off to Sestri Levante for the rest of the week.

Can't wait & thanks for everyone's help & suggestions!