Ok, not asking how to get them back into States. Knowing that Europeans are not hung up on the Cuba thing as we Americans, where in Italy do I get Cuban cigars? Is there a counterfeit market like in Mexico that I need to worry about?
Everything in Europe is authentic and nothing is counterfeit. Make sure they know you are from the U.S. so you get the top shelf stuff.
If you're going to Rome, go to Fincato's. Here's their website: http://www.fincatolacasadelhabano.com/index.html
Be sure to note the 4/1 date of Richard's response.
Okay, Michael. That took a minute before I got it!
Thomas, While this doesn't answer your original question, Cuban Cigars are also readily available in Canada, as we're also "not hung up on the Cuba thing". Cuba is a very popular vacation destination in the winter with direct flights from many cities, so it's relatively easy to buy "top shelf" Cigars right at the source. Fidel seems a bit "annoyed" with our Prime Minister at the moment, so hopefully that won't affect the travel situation. Here's an article on the subject (some of the comments are "interesting") www.torontosun.com/2012/04/09/castro-bashes-canada Cheers!
Always check the duty free shops at the major airports upon your arrival. Gen c cigars are avail there altho they may not upon your exit of country. They wil be pricey but I suppose you know that.
Actually had forgotten about the duty free shops, but that would only be if trying to bring them back (I'm not). Thanks to Chicago Tom for the Rome location, its actually about 6 blocks from my apartment!!!