Milan

We visit the Cathedral, Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, The Scala Opera House and its square, the Sforza Castle and the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II

At the left side of the Duomo there is the imposing department store La Rinascente.  From the snack bar on the 8th floor you can enjoy the view of the Duomo consuming a strong Italian espresso coffee.

The Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II connects the Cathedral's Square with the La Scala Square. 

Built in 1877, the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II is Milan's most elegant lounge with luxury boutiques and restaurants. The roof of the gallery forms a cross that is well visible from the cathedral's roof.

In the centre of the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II the charming mosaic floor with the aspect of a carpet shows in the center the symbol of the Savoia Royal Family. 

The 4 symbols in every part on the floor represent the capitals of the Kingdom of Italy in various periods: Milan, Turin, Florence and Rome.

The top of the central octagon demonstrate the four continents Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

The 24 statues in the Gallery represent Italian important personalities, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Galileo Galilei, Alessandro Volta a.o.m. the main entries of the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II  have the form of triumphal arches.

You may see the Castello Sforzesco, the seat of power for the mighty Sforza family who ruled Milan in the 14th and early 15th Centuries.  The building was started in 1368, but was extended and renovated continually throughout the family's reign.

Other landmarks, old and new, that we recommend for your "must see" list, include:

• Arco della Pace (The Arch of Peace) – Piazza Sempione
  

• Archi di Porta Nuova (The new gate) on Via Manzoni, in the old medieval wall.
  

• Porta Ticinese (Ticinese Port)Via Molino delle Armi.  During Roman times, this gate opened to a small port at the convergence of the Norone and Seveso Rivers.
  

• Stazione Centrale - Piazza Duca d'Aosta.  Done in the Art Nouveau style, this is one of the largest and most impressive train stations in all Europe.
  

• Grattacielo Pirelli (Pirelli Tower) - Piazzale Duca d'Aosta.  Built in the 1950s on the site of the original Pirelli tire works, the tower is a symbol of the modern city.
  

• Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Theatre) Piazza della Scala.  Built in 1776, the theatre is used for live theatre, ballet and, of course, opera.

While the architectural heritage of Milan is of considerable interest, Milan is also a paradise for those who enjoy haute cuisine and haute couture.  Along with Paris and London, Milan is one of Europe's most powerful fashion centers.  The importance of design, however, is not limited to fashion, but extends to furniture and industrial design of all kinds.  Shoppers, with money to burn, will not be disappointed with what they find in the beautiful shops that line the central commercial zone.

Milan is Italy's most important financial center, featuring international-scale banks and  brokerages, and also Italy's largest stock exchange.   Most of Milan's major media groups, advertising agencies, and commercial head offices are located in Milan.

Topping it all off, Milan is also one of Italy's most important educational centers, with more than a dozen universities and a Polytechnic Institute of international repute.

It is also a city of considerable refinement and sophistication.   It is, as some say, a European city, not an Italian city.   But, that is a superficial assessment.   Milan and the Milanese are Italian, through and through.

Top

Como - Bellagio

• Morning: Como to Bellagio Boat Tour
  During the cruise we will show you the most interesting spots and Villas.   Between Como and Bellagio, we will find Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa D’Este, Villa Pizzo, Villa Fontanelle, Villa Rosa, Villa Passalacqua and Villa Hocevar.   We stop for lunch in Bellagio.

• Afternoon: Como at Leisure
  Walking along the narrow streets of the Medieval town you can reach Porta Torre and its walls.   Promenade along the lake to Villa Olmo (once summer residence of the Visconti Family) to admire the neoclassic villas on the beautiful lake shore 

Top