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Opera in Milan

During our online chat (most Mondays at 2 p.m.), you ask and we answer your travel questions -- mostly. Here's one we couldn't get to last week.

I'd like to go to the opera at La Scala in Milan. What's the best way to get tickets?

As you might imagine, tickets for the world's most famous opera house are hard to come by, especially as seats don't go on sale until -- on average -- two months before a production's opening night. Your first stop should be the "Sales Calendar" page at the La Scala Web site (011-39-02-860-775, http://www.teatroallascala.org), which will tell you the exact date and time tickets will be released for purchase online and by phone. They will go quickly. Last-minute seats are often available on performance days, but you'll need to queue up early. If all else fails, consider taking a tour offered by the theater. -- S.V.