Milano in the holidays

Here it is, last post of 2013 and it couldn't be more Christmassy than this! 3 days in festive Milan with family for our Christmas shopping!

As you already know Milan is an industrial city and the capital of fashion, so don't expect to see many sights and touristy things in the city center and especially in winter time. But be prepared to be blown away by beautiful and quite expensive window displays!

Lets get started then my lovelies! A short list of what to do in the city with limited time in your hands!

Getting in town
-We arrived at Milan Malpensa airport which is about 45 minutes from the city center. There is a shuttle bus leaving every 20 minutes from the airport and drops you off at Milan Central train station. From there it is fairly easy to find your destination. Prices for the shuttle bus are 10 euro for a one way ticket and 16 euro for a round trip.

In town
- What you must see and cannot avoid is the Cathedral  known to everyone as the Duomo. A magnificent structure in the center of the city which is definitely worth a visit.
-Visit the Galleria Emanuele Vittorio, the oldest mall in the world! Right next to the Duomo this shopping arcade will surely amaze you at night time!
-Shop Shop Shop! Locating the stores and shopping malls in Milan is no hard job as they are literally everywhere! Designer brands from Louis Vuitton and Prada to Balenciaga and Givenchy all lined up together in beautifully decorated streets. Even if you don't buy something you must visit the window displays!
-Now if your budget is for something less expensive you can always visit Corso buenos aires for a little something cheaper!
-If you have time locate the outlet malls and grab yourself a good bargain!
-Christmas Markets in Piazza Duomo is a pleasent break from the high end brands around the Duomo. Try local delicacies, sweets, cheese and wine and take something with you as a suvenir.
-Visit Teatro alla Scala and if you're a big fan of the opera go ahead and book a ticket.
-Art lover or not line up at the museum and visit Leonardo da Vinci's painting ''The Last Supper''.

Eat and drink
-We all know what Italy is famous for, pizza and pasta! Every foodies paradise including myself!
-Try Mozzarella, Parmesan, Prosciutto, salami and savour the flavors.
-Local wine.
-Have an espresso, i warn you, its strong!

Surely a great escape, this city is recommended for those who love good food, great shopping and hectic city life.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Spend it with people you love and enjoy your time!! Sending love and wishing happy travels to everyone! xxx

Florence: A Love Affair

Il Duomo di Firenze

The Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio Bridge Shops

Boboli Gardens

Giardini di Boboli

Ferrari Cavalcade

Italy is bound to be on everyone's destination list. After visiting it for the first time, Florence, was one of the cities i  definitely had to see.  Having heard all about how beautiful this city is, i must it did not let me down.

Being the most popular city in Tuscany, Florence or Firenze, attracts millions of tourists each year. The city is famous for its history, culture and arts, but you have to be no expert nor have a trained eye to fully appreciate it's beauty. The city center is very easy to access and nearly all the sights are within walking distance. Having only a few hours before leaving, we definitely made the most of our time. Arriving by train from Bologna, we grabbed the first map that came in sight and began experiencing the city first hand.

First stop of the tour is the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore (The Duomo), and believe me you couldn't miss it if you tried! You will stand  in awe as you sink in the beautiful  Duomo which looks like a piece of art and is the city's  most recognizable icon. Not so far down is the famous Piazza della Signoria, a square full of cafes and restaurants. Wandering down the alleys you finally reach the Ponte Vecchio. Florence's first bridge now full of little shops and buzzing with tourists. And this would be the point where you start thinking about moving here for life!

Want to reassure yourself that this place is heaven on earth?! Just cross the bridge to Giardino di Boboli, a huge park full of fountains and breathtaking gardens. And like all this wasn't enough, we were lucky enough to experience the Ferrari Cavalcade 2013. A parade of Ferrari's counting back to the very first models to the latest!

Having spent only 6 hours walking and wandering around the city, i can confess i am truly in love with it. Florence, it may have been  brief, but we are definitely meeting again! x