Milan in half a day

Easy. Go to see the Duomo, go up on its roof, and then walk through the large covered Galeria and peek into La Scala. the world's foremost opera theater.

I agree with Doug's recommendation. Definitely go to the Duomo.

Also, if you will get there early enough, make a reservation to see the Last Supper at Santa Maria della Grazie.

Definitely the Duomo Roof. Unbelievable. It borders on the indescribable in its complexity.

The Sforza Castle is also a fun place to explore.

Oh, and keep your Subway Ticket handy. Sometimes they have check points in the subway to catch ride freeloaders. I didn't expect this and almost discarded the "spent" ticket.

Many people that take the train from Florence to Venice, or any place that transfers in Milan, should stop in Milan and at least see these two sites.

I also recommend trying to get tickets to see The Last Supper. Because the tickets are timed and you get only 15 minutes or so in the room with the painting, it doesn't take very long. I had taken the pages from an art guide to have as a reference while looking at the painting, which really enhanced the experience for me.

Ditto re the Duomo, Galleria and Last Supper. We didn't have tickets for the Last Supper, but it was late in the day and there was no line, so we got in. Could have just been lucky. Just stroll the streets around the Duomo, much to see. Visit Peck's--great food store.

We had only about half a day in Milan also. Someone on one of these boards suggested www.viator.com it is a tour company and they have a 1/2 day tour of Milan that covers the Last Supper, Duomo, La Scala, and the Galleria. I think also the castle too. The reviews on this tour company were great. So, that is what we have booked. Also, we were unable to reserve tickets to the Last Supper, because they were booked. But the tour company gets you those tickets as well. We are really looking forward to having someone else deal with carting us around and giving us info.

Martha