Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts

10 Must-Visit Museums and Galleries in Italy

Italy is a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs, boasting a rich cultural heritage and artistic treasures. The country is home to numerous museums and galleries that offer visitors an immersive journey through time. In this article, we highlight ten must-visit destinations for a remarkable cultural experience in Italy. From the renowned Vatican Museums to the esteemed Accademia in Florence, these institutions provide glimpses into Italy's artistic brilliance and historical significance. Explore the Vatican Museum's vast collection of over 20,000 artworks, including the iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Accademia Gallery in Florence. These ten destinations offer an unforgettable exploration of Italy's art, history, and culture.

1. Vatican Museum, Rome

Vatican


A visit to the Vatican Museum is an incredible experience that should be on the must-see list of every art enthusiast. Housing a vast collection of over 20,000 artworks, including the renowned Sistine Chapel frescoes by Michelangelo, the museum offers a mesmerizing journey through art history. Enhance your visit by opting for a Vatican Museum guided tour, providing valuable insights into the masterpieces and their historical significance. Admire the breathtaking beauty of the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere Torso, and numerous other treasures that grace the halls of this revered institution. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Vatican Museums and witness the extraordinary artistic achievements it proudly displays.

2. Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The Uffizi Gallery, situated next to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, is a true treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Italian Renaissance, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci, and Caravaggio. To fully appreciate the intricate details and symbolism in paintings like Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" or da Vinci's "Annunciation," a guided tour is recommended. With its unparalleled collection, the Uffizi Gallery has rightfully secured its place among the world's most important art museums. It is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and significance of the Italian Renaissance.

3. Accademia Gallery, Florence

The Accademia Gallery in Florence is a treasure trove of iconic sculptures, with Michelangelo's David being the highlight. This magnificent marble masterpiece showcases meticulous craftsmanship and awe-inspiring details. To make the most of your visit, consider pre-booking Accademia Florence tickets to bypass long queues and fully immerse yourself in Michelangelo's genius. Alongside David, the museum houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, featuring works by renowned artists like Giambologna and Filippo Lippi. Explore the gallery's rich artistic heritage, marvel at the sculptures, and witness the transformative power of Michelangelo's David up close.

4. Pitti Palace, Florence

Pitti Palace

Formerly the Medici family's lavish residence, the Pitti Palace now hosts a variety of museums and galleries. The Palatine Gallery is a highlight, displaying an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque artworks, featuring renowned artists such as Raphael and Titian. Additionally, visitors can explore the Costume Gallery, Silver Museum, and Boboli Gardens, all integral parts of the palace complex. The opulence of the interior and the beauty of the gardens provide a captivating insight into the extravagant lifestyle of Florence's ruling elite. A visit to the Pitti Palace is a window into the grandeur and cultural heritage of the city.

5. Palazzo Reale, Milan

Located in the heart of Milan, Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) stands as a symbol of the city's grandeur. With its rotating exhibitions, the palace presents a diverse range of art collections, spanning from ancient artefacts to contemporary installations. Explore the opulent halls to encounter renowned masterpieces and thought-provoking exhibits that provide insights into Milan's cultural landscape. From Leonardo da Vinci to Salvador Dalí, Palazzo Reale offers an immersive experience, captivating art enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Discover the rich artistic heritage of Milan as you step into this majestic palace, where a world of artistic wonders awaits.

6. Museo Egizio, Turin

Discover the fascinating world of ancient Egypt at the Museo Egizio in Turin. This museum houses an extensive collection of Egyptian relics, rivalling even those found in Cairo. Immerse yourself in the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans as you encounter mummies, sarcophagi, and intricate hieroglyphic texts. Gain a deeper understanding of their religious beliefs and cultural practices through the museum's comprehensive exhibits and interactive displays. The Museo Egizio is a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of ancient civilizations, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the captivating history of ancient Egypt.

7. National Archaeological Museum, Naples

Explore Italy's ancient past at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, where a remarkable collection of artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum awaits. These two cities were preserved in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offering valuable insights into Roman life. Marvel at the intricately preserved frescoes, mosaics, and statues that have survived for centuries. Notable among the exhibits is the Farnese Collection, showcasing the iconic Farnese Hercules statue. A visit to this museum takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of ancient civilizations, allowing you to witness firsthand the cultural and historical significance of these archaeological wonders.

8. Galleria Borghese, Rome

Galleria Borghese

Located within the scenic Villa Borghese Park, the Galleria Borghese is a haven for art enthusiasts. It houses a remarkable collection of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Admire the exquisite sculptures by Bernini, including the iconic "Apollo and Daphne" and "David." It is advisable to pre-book tickets due to its popularity. The serene atmosphere of the villa perfectly complements the art, creating an enchanting ambience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the sheer beauty of these extraordinary works. Lose yourself in the artistic brilliance of the Galleria Borghese for an unforgettable experience.

9. Galleria dell'Accademia, Venice

The Galleria dell'Accademia, located in Venice, houses an impressive collection of Venetian art spanning from the 14th to the 18th century. As you wander through the gallery's elegant halls, you can admire masterpieces crafted by renowned artists such as Titian, Veronese, and Bellini. Among the collection's highlights is Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Vitruvian Man," a testament to his extraordinary knowledge of human anatomy. A visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia offers a unique opportunity to delve into Venice's artistic legacy and witness its profound impact on the world of art.

10. Capitoline Museums, Rome

The Capitoline Museums, the world's oldest public museums, provide a captivating glimpse into the rich history and art of ancient Rome. Spanning centuries, the collection showcases Roman and Greek sculptures, ancient coins, and medieval antiquities. Visitors can admire iconic statues such as the Capitoline Wolf and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, marvelling at their timeless beauty. Situated on Capitoline Hill, the museums offer breathtaking views of the Roman Forum, enhancing the historical significance of this remarkable destination. Delve into the ancient world and immerse yourself in the fascinating legacy of Rome at the renowned Capitoline Museums.

So here are 10 must-visit museums and galleries in Italy. Have you been to any yourself?

*Collaborative post
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5 Of The Best Cultural Experiences In Tuscany Italy

Tuscany, the beautiful region of central Italy, is an amazing place to visit. It has a diverse natural landscape with lush rolling hills, green mountain peaks and soft sand beaches as well as historical cities with architectural marvels such as Florence and Sienna. 

If you are planning a trip to Tuscany there are so many things to do and places to explore. Top of my list is the many cultural experience and attractions.  Tuscany is known for its many UNESCO world heritage sites as well as its art galleries and its strong cultural identity.  Let's have a look at 5 of the best cultural experiences in Tuscany Italy.

Explore Cultural Florence

Florence

It goes without saying that Florence is worth visiting and is a popular destination in Tuscany. This historical city known as the birthplace of Renaissance art has so many iconic sites, such as the Duomo cathedral, the Galleria dell’Accademia home of Michelangelo's David sculpture and the Uffizi, an outstanding Renaissance art gallery that houses the Birth of Venus. It's a must-see city to visit if you are into culture and art and was the first place in Tuscany to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site.  Allow two to three days to explore and soak up the atmosphere.

Wander Siena's Streets


Siena in central Tuscany is one of Italy's most intriguing medieval cities. A UNESCO world heritage site it's a place where it's easy to walk, discovering little shops and cafes as you go and enjoying the outstanding architecture. Piazza del Campo is the main square where you can people watch as you stop for a glass of Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine from this region. Siena is a city in Florence's shadow, but it shouldn't be as it's just stunning. 

Travel Slowly In The Val d'Orcia Valley 


If you think of the typical postcards of rural Tuscany, the chance is you are thinking of the Orcia Valley or Val d'Orcia. Known for its cypress trees, olive trees and vineyards this truly beautiful area has several quaint villages where life goes slow. Montalcino, a classic hilltop town is known for its Brunello red wine, while Pienza, a tiny village is another World UNESCO heritage site with 15th-century architecture. Explore  The Orcia Valley for slow travel when you want to be immersed in the everyday life of the Tuscan people.


Visit A Vineyard Or Two On The Chianti Wine Trail

Chianti wine

With some amazing wines and extraordinary scenery, Tuscany's Chianti Classico Wine Route is definitely worth exploring. Known throughout the world, Chianti red wine is a red blend made primarily with Sangiovese grapes. from this region. Make time to visit some of the ancient little towns along the Chiantigiana scenic road and stop in one of the many vineyards for a tour, soaking up the history of the winemaking process. Fontodi is a well known organic vineyard following biodynamic principles and others include Villa Pomona and Van del Corti. Some are free whilst others charge a small amount and the area has some amazing little restaurants too.

Take In A Thermal Spa

Saturnia Spa

Tuscany has several thermal spas where the water is heated naturally underground and has been for thousands of years. Some like the Saturnia Spa are very well known and offer a range of treatments too whilst others are more rustic and simple. Spa waters are rich in minerals and vitamins and can be beneficial for a range of conditions including skin conditions reducing inflammation and soothing. Some of these spas have gourmet food experiences too. 

Accommodation


Tuscany has a range of farmhouse accommodations, bed and breakfasts and hotels. For a little luxury stay in one of the Tuscan luxury villas available in the beautiful Italian countryside and experience your very own Under The Tuscan Sun moment. 

Let me know, have you visited Tuscany?

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72 Hours In Florence

This is a guest post by Claire who blogs about lifestyle over at Ninja Killer Cat.

72 hours in the beautiful city of Florence what should you see? Florence will truly capture your heart and never let it go, there is something magical about Florence it is such a vibrant city full of art culture food and wine and so very mellow well mellow as an Italian city can get! Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance where there was great wealth and so began a great collection of art between the 14th and 17th century.

It pays to get the Firenze card which allows you to visit as many museums and churches etc as you can manage within the 72 hours. The card is activated as soon as you go on your first visit make sure you get your card from the local tourist information at is 10 Euros cheaper than if you buy it form a museum.

We flew straight into Florence as Mr T wanted to be nearer but there is easy access from Pisa airport and that is where most people fly into. You can get a train direct from Pisa to Florence and the Italian trains are efficient and some even have double-decker carriages.

The Magnificence Of The Medici 

The Medici ruled Florence for 300 years they had a meteoric rise to power and put their money into arts, the churches and monuments and this makes Florence a truly spectacular city.

Make your way to the Palazzo Vecchio which is the main square Piazza Della Signoria. Building was started in 1299, the medieval place has a 94 -metre high tower ( which I didn't climb but let my husband and son climb though ). There is a stately room to visit which seats 500 members. The Medici used to have their apartments here till the mid -1500s.



Meander then down to the Palazzo Pitti this is where the Medici came to when they had outgrown the Palazzo Vecchio ,The Palazzo Pitti soon doubled from its initial size. From the outside the Palazzo Pitti looks very much like a fortress yet when you're inside this melts away to reveal paintings by Rubens, Raphael Titan and many many more. There are so many fine rooms to see it is a veritable feast upon the eyes and there are often other exhibitions to see when we were there was one on fashion and Italian motor racing.

Right next to the Palazzo Pitti is the Boboli gardens which are fine Italian gardens and they stretch for acres upon acres they are more than just a garden they are an architectural inspiration for Florence. They are the greatest open-air museum there is in the world, they are the gardens they inspired Versailles.


David

You can't come to Florence and not see David and you find this in the Galleria dell' Accademia for almost 370 years this world famous statue stood outside Palazzo Vecchio there is a copy outside there now.



David stands 17 feet tall and weighs in at 6 tonnes and there is a lot more to see around the Galleria dell' Academia too.


Doumo

This is a must and you see tantalising vistas of this almost everywhere you go in Florence we had a view from our hotel L'Orlogia which is not far away. Admire the facade of the Duomo it took them 16  years to complete the famed Dome (in 1436).


Then go onto the Bargello the oldest building in Florence where you will see works by Michelangelo, Cellini and Donatello’s David. Also here you can see ceramics, textiles tapestries and coins also there is an armoury here as well.

This is but a snippet of what you can squeeze in 3 days and if you get the Firenze card which I strongly suggest you do then there is a complete list of all the places you can visit.

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Discovering Incredible Sicily

If you’re looking for your next holiday spot, Italy is an amazing destination that you and your travel companion should really consider. It really is an incredibly unique destination in that it has something to offer everybody at any time of year; sun, snow, sea, mountains, lakes, cities there really is something for any kind of holiday. Because of this Italy is, of course, a hugely popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world; meaning at certain times of year you may find the more popular destinations full of tourists.

One part of Italy that has managed to retain its incredible unspoilt nature and authentic traditional way of life in Sicily. Not only will your camera roll be full of photos by the end of your trip, you will also make some of the best memories of your life. Here are a few things to look forward to.

Beautiful Beaches


If you’re planning on visiting Sicily during the summer, you are in for a treat. Thanks to its crystal clear water Sicily boasts many of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy and indeed Europe. Its deep blue coloured waters are so transparent you can see some of the incredible sea life below.

The waters are great for scuba diving and water sports, though even a run of the mill snorkel will allow you to see the wondrous sea life below the waves. The beaches are definitely one of the highlights of the Italian island not only for the water but of course for the sunshine, clean sand and beachside bars serving the fresh catches of the day.

Amazing Accommodation


Leave the hotel behind and choose an original accommodation for your holiday. You can rent a place to stay owned by locals, which is often near the beach and will allow you plenty of room, privacy and a real home from home!

Local companies such as WishSicily have a really impressive array of Sicily villas with pools throughout the island meaning whether you fancy somewhere next to the beach, or in a little provincial town, you can find a lovely place to stay. Freedom if you have children and don’t want to book more rooms in a hotel; freedom if you want to buy your own food and eat some of your meals at home; and even just the simple freedom of feeling at home in another country!

Fantastic Food


Markets offering a selection of local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables and famously good Sicilian street food means you’re never going to go hungry on your trip - even if your budget is limited. Check out the food markets in Catania for example. If you have a villa it can be a smart move to buy local ingredients and cook at home in order to save money and cater to the kids, however eating at a restaurant at least once during your stay is an absolute must. You will find lots of delicious options on the menu.

Sicily is known for its fish dishes, freshly caught and cooked using ingredients local ingredients to make incredibly delicious meals. You also have many pasta options depending on what your taste is. If seafood isn’t your thing you needn’t worry as there are so many dishes it’s impossible not to find something you fancy. The flavours are out of this world when it comes to authentic Sicilian cuisine, and you can’t forget dessert either as many of Italy’s most famous sweets originate from Sicily.

Happening History


Of course, Italy is known for its fascinating historical heritage, and Sicily is no different from the rest of the boot, being full of important and perhaps surprising history. Not only does it have two volcanoes (that you can hike and visit) but it also has spectacular ancient architecture. Considering the various different cultures that have inhabited the island over the course of its long history, the architecture has been shaped and evolved along with it. All over the island, you will find unique monuments of those that were there before us, and realize how much Sicily was touched by them. Take a stroll through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, or visit the ancient Greek amphitheatre in Taormina- you will not be disappointed.

So, if you were questioning where your next postcard should be sent from, I hope I’ve convinced you that Sicily is where your plane needs to land. Obviously, you can’t see everything in one trip, but what you do see will have you looking to come back again for more!
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Hotel Ambra Cortina - Living La Dolce Vita




From the moment I set my eyes on the beauty of Cortina, in the Italian alps, it captured my heart.


Cortina d'Ampezzo, or Cortina as it's often called, is one of Italy's most charming ski resorts, but there is more to do here other than ski. Defined by a history of visiting Hollywood stars of a bygone era, think Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, and made famous by the 1956 Winter Olympics the resort had a style, chicness and class all of its own. A UNESCO world heritage site this area is perfect for hiking in the summer and exploring the beautiful Dolomite mountains, cute little restaurants, and exclusive fashion stores. 

Our base for three days was the fashion boutique Hotel Ambra Cortina. 

Hotel Ambra Cortina is situated perfectly just behind the main square in Cortina. From the outside, the hotel looks like an impeccable Austrian style building, with hard-carved wooden balconies, window boxes and wooden shutters and we were excited to see inside. 


We were greeted warmly by Elisabetta, the owner of Hotel Ambra Cortina. Elizabetta is a third-generation hotelier with experience of owning hotels all her life. Born in the Veneto area, ten years ago she took over the hotel. Within the last six months, the hotel has had a complete makeover with the emphasis on a boutique ambience, every room is decorated in a unique way, with the best furnishings, and little luxuries and themed around fashion, cinema, theatre and nature. 

There is a small lounge with stylish works of art and a small bar area near reception, where the professional and welcoming staff will make you the latest cocktail or a warming hot chocolate or cappuccino.

We were shown to our room, which was beautifully presented with a canopy bed and themed around nature in colours of greens and golds. The room had an ensuite marble shower and toilet as well as two seating areas and windows looking out onto the town and the beautiful mountains.






The shower had two shower heads, and as Elisabetta had explained earlier this was for 'romance'.

We had a lovely balcony which had our own Christmas tree, which was a beautiful touch, and an area with a table and chairs on which you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

Looking through this window we could see the beautiful Dolomites (see below)

We were greeted with a bottle of sparkling wine and a fruit basket in our room, and these sort of touches make you realise you are in a luxury hotel, as well as the glamorous surroundings of course!


As I was invited to review the hotel with my husband, Elisabetta invited us out that night to a lovely little restaurant called Dok which was almost next door. As we chatted over dinner she spoke to us about the hotel, which she described as a fashion boutique hotel. Elisabetta's vision is to sell a dream, somewhere you can visit that is special, romantic, artistic, fashionable, unique. You could see she has a real passion for her work and a love for her hotel. Being a hotelier is in her soul.


That night we slept well, being woken up by the chimes of the local church the next morning. To look through the windows and see the beauty of Cortina was the perfect start to our day.
“I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment. “ Audrey Hepburn



Breakfast was served in a traditionally styled Tirolean breakfast room. The breakfast was ample with a choice of pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cured meats cheeses and cereals with egg dishes made to order. One day we even had chocolate cake, so if you wanted to indulge in that for breakfast then why not, you are on holiday after all?  

After breakfast, Elisabetta showed us around the hotel. The 24 individually styled rooms are all subtly themed, think amazing furnishings, fresco paintings, and hand wood carvings. The 5 luxury roof rooms are designed with antiques and furnishings by local artisans. The 11 superior rooms are classified as 'emotion' and 'relax' rooms with canopy beds, with a double shower or double airpool bath and balcony. The 8 classic rooms are divided into themes of 'cinema'. 'fashion', 'nature' and 'theatre' . I will let the photos do the talking here as I cannot simply describe how gorgeous each room was.


The Sissi room, a super luxurious and fashionable room in a traditional style


 The Hockey room has a mezzanine level, perfect if you are sharing with your family or friends


Many rooms have an airpool bath big enough for two

'Cinema' and 'theatre' rooms are full of drama

Amazing tiles in this bathroom

A room that is in a more classic style and a favourite of men


The hotel is full of chic touches like this photo of Clark Gable in one of the 'cinema' rooms

This 'fashion' room is so unique, modern and slightly quirky

A sexy touch!

An interesting feature in some of the rooms is the window in the bath and shower area, designed for couples to add some spice to their love life. However, you can adjust the blind if you don't want everything on show.

With every room, you get the use of bathrobe and slippers, luxury toiletries and a vanity set, minibar, high-speed wi-fi and a personal safe. Individual rooms have marble bathrooms, classic wooden flooring, stone cladding, and intricate wood panelling. Every room is different in its own way, super stylish, incredibly chic.
Mr W enjoying the view after a cable car trip up the mountains

Hotel Ambra Cortina is a perfect hotel for a romantic stay with your loved one, and Cortina is a place where you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous fresh air and alpine scenery. To read and see more of this beautiful alpine region check out our article A Weekend In Cortina D'Ampezzo, on our dedicated travel blog Fly Drive Explore.
To give you a better taste of the hotel here is a video Mr W made to show you the stylish rooms.
As Audrey Hepburn said “I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment. “ If you are staying at Hotel Ambra Cortina all your exquisite moments will come at once. 


Highly recommended.

Hotel Ambra Cortina
Via XXIX Maggio,
28 - 32043
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Italy

+39 0436 867344
http://www.hotelambracortina.it/eng/

* we were given complimentary accommodation but all words and opinions are my own
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Puglia: The Luxury Unspoilt Travel Destination

While there are many beautiful holiday spots worth visiting in Italy, it can be hard to find a quiet unspoiled area, yet there are still places that are untouched by mass tourism. One of these is the region of Puglia. Located in the “heel” part of the country, it is home to several cultural, artistic, and historical attractions as well as a beautiful coastline with stunning scenery.  



Puglia is simply beautiful, with both the Adriatic and the Ionian creating its coastal areas,  A luxury holiday destination for those 'in the know', it has much to offer the traveller. Home to more than 700 kilometers of shoreline characterized by turquoise waters, golden or white sand, craggy coves, and picturesque fishing towns. A type of destination the luxury modern traveller is craving for.


The rocky coves of the Gargano area are worth seeing.  The bizarre rocky outcrops emerging from the shimmering waters of the Tremiti Archipelago will definitely be a marvelous respite from the beach and a great place to explore. While there, don’t miss the chance to admire the medieval towns and castles located atop. Also, don’t skip the beaches of the Salento Peninsula with its shores rivaling each other in beauty. 


According to Trip Advisor there are more than 162 museums in the area too, including 24 art museums and 14 art galleries, so those that love culture are well and truly spoilt.

However, Puglia is not only popular for its amazing coastal scenery and its museums; it is also known for its fabulous cuisine, where many of Italy’s traditional dishes originate. The deeply-rooted tradition of 'La Cucina Povera', literally meaning 'poor kitchen', is grounded on simplicity and taste. Foods from this area are fantastic, with the emphasis on fresh local produce. You can snack on traditional Salentine delicacies such as Puccia, Taralli, Pizzette, or Frisella while admiring the rows of “Trulli,” a traditional dry stone hut, characterised by conical roofs, very common in the town of Alberobello. 



In order to explore all the beautiful places of the region, why not hire a car from a car rental company like Primerent and enjoy the freedom and the luxury of a convertible car that will make your trip around this area, extra special?

Thanks to the mild Mediterranean weather of Puglia, a visit to this region is possible the whole year through. With the diverse attractions, it is no wonder that it is becoming one of the more popular luxury travel destinations for an amazing Italian holiday.

Have you been to Puglia? Is Italy a destination you would like to explore?

*in collaboration with MaryJ  
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Surprise... I'm Going On An Adventure

I have to admit, I'm not one for surprises, so when I won a holiday with Surprise Trips, at the Traverse blogging conference in Cardiff it took me by...well surprise!

 Surprise Trips is a company run by Expedia. The premise being you pick a date, an airport and 3 places you don't want to go as well as the length of time and a maximum price and they book it for you. Sounds scary? It is, but fun all the same.

Your surprise destination is revealed via a message when you get to the airport two hours before. If you are wondering what to pack, they also send you a weather update approximately 72 hours prior to your departure time. All packages include flights and a minimum 3-star hotel, and luggage is just hand luggage. Now that's a scary proposition for me on its own.

 As I was going with my husband, we decided to embrace the adventure and go with the flow. Mr W said to me, don't try to work it out, it ruins the fun.
So we promptly put the holiday in the back of our mind until a few days before.

 72 hours before the phones pings, and an email saying our destination weather has been updated. Yikes! We look, it says it will be hot and humid but wet. Queue frantic Googling of weather forecasts, flights that leave from Birmingham two hours after our arrival time there and an overall feeling of slight panic. Mr W was worse than me!

 We thought we narrowed it down to Athens or Bucharest. Exactly two hours after we arrive at the airport there are two flights leaving, Milan or Lyon. Milan would be amazing but it doesn't correspond to the weather forecast. 

So on the morning of the trip, we arrived at the airport, excited but nervous, we sat down and waited for the email. Almost exactly on time, it arrived,  we clicked on the message and a little video played out. Here is a video of the experience leading up to the trip




We were going to Milan! The fashion, shopping and food mecca.




Yay! I do a little happy dance and then get Mr W to check the rest of the details. We are flying with FlyBe and we are staying in a converted monastery not far from the train station. The hotel on TripAdvisor has a mixed review but it looks ok, and the stay includes a buffet breakfast, which is a huge plus point so we don't have to pay for that.

 We go over to the FlyBe check-in and use our passports to scan in the machines to print our boarding pass, which works perfectly. We only have hand luggage so no need for bag drop. We then go through security, stopping off in Pret-A-Manger for a coffee and a snack. Before long it's time to board the plane. The plane journey goes smoothly and after a short flight we touch down in Milan. 

 Mr W researched how to get from the airport to the hotel while we were in the Uk and it was straight forward as the train station is attached to Milan airport. That is what is great about Surprise Trips, although no transfers are included they make it easy for you to get to your destination hotel. As we got off the train in Milan north a short 5-10 min walk later we arrive at the hotel. 

 The hotel is beautiful from the outside, a bit quirky inside. It's an old monastery, now a conference centre. The room is a bit dated but clean. Wi-fi is free but spotty and there is a small flat-screen TV in the room with an English channel and a fridge. Breakfast was included and was actually a very good buffet breakfast with hot and cold options, a definite plus point to the short break.

 Milan is an interesting compact place, and the hotel was placed perfectly to walk to the major attractions. The museum housing Leonardo Da Vinci's'  The Last Supper was very close to the hotel but we couldn't manage to get tickets in time, although we did some of the other attractions like the Duomo Cathedral which was beautiful

 My Thoughts On Milan


 All the locals are dressed very smartly.
It appears a wealthy city, certainly in the centre.
Waiters are either very friendly or abrupt.
You can eat fairly reasonably although there are lots of pricey cafes too.
You will get bitten by mosquitos so bring some repellant. 

What To Do In Milan

 Visit the stunning Duomo cathedral
Window shop At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for designer goods
See The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece
Take a day trip to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore

My Top Tips For Booking A Holiday with Surprise Trips

 Try and let go of that inner control freak. I normally plan a holiday to an inch of its life but I couldn't here. Enjoy being liberated of the planning.

 As you can only take hand luggage think of clothing in layers. I took dresses that I could wear with leggings and cardigans and left the many handbags and shoes I normally take at home. Think simplicity. 

Pack for most weather conditions. The only slight disappointment was that our weather forecast was simply wrong, however, most of Europe is hot in August so we decided to pack the heat. It was hot in Milan but not humid and clear and with no rain. I wonder if this aspect could be improved.

 Most of Europe is in Euros so we decided to chance it and buy some before we go, we were right to buy but if it was a country that doesn't take Euros (like Switzerland or Budapest) you would have to buy currency at the airport or at your destination. 

 Check your data plan on your phone before you go and use free wi-fi and apps such as Tu-Go from O2 to make texts and phone calls.

One thing I learnt from the experience is that life is liberating with only hand luggage, no waiting for your suitcase on the carousel, no having packed too much that you don't wear and much easier to carry your small case to the destination. Check out this post on what to pack in a carry-on bag.

Milan probably isn't a place I would have visited but I am glad I did.

Here is Mr W's video of Milan, from the travel blog we write together, FlyDriveExplore.

 

So if you decide to book a trip with Surprise Trips I would say embrace your new adventure. So what if it's somewhere you wouldn't have gone normally, you are there now so enjoy!
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