Arrival Day |
Milan |
We're off on a Delta flight from BHM to ATL and then we waited on a plan repair/replacement for two hours before taking off for Rome. We missed connections to Milan, but fortunately there were additional flights and upon arriving at Milan's Linate airport, we took the bus to the Centrale Station and walked the few blocks to our hotel. Leaving our bags - yes, only a carry-on and personal bag each - at Hotel Garda we took the metro yellow M3 to the Doumo.
We were adjusting to the Italian time zone on Thursday after the day of travel and decided to visit the exterior of the Duomo so Denise could climb to the roof while Bill people-watched from the piazza. The Duomo rooftop view was great and the spires have many different designs. The Victor Emmanuel Galleria was adjacent to the Duomo and was a good spot for a pizza dinner before heading back to the hotel via metro for an early night.
Pre-Tour Day 1 |
Milan |
We slept late on Friday morning, relaxed, procured Euros from the nearby bank ATM, headed to our Viator city tour, stopped on the way for lunch of crepes, explored Largo Cairoli park and the exterior of Sforza Castle.
We met up with our large group city tour and first up was The Duomo. It is the fourth largest church in Europe with the high canopy, the massive pillars, large stained glass windows and pipe organ.
As we walked through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Denise took time out for the traditional spin on the mosaic floor. Next we saw the renowned opera house La Scala and Leonardo di Vinci's statue in the Piazza della Scala.
Milan was a good introduction to Italy, the but reason we visited this city - The Last Supper by Leonardo di Vinci. Painted on the wall of a small church by one of the great artists, it survived World War II and is carefully preserved today with controlled viewing which enhances a worshipful experience.
As we walked through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Denise took time out for the traditional spin on the mosaic floor. Next we saw the renowned opera house La Scala and Leonardo di Vinci's statue in the Piazza della Scala.
Milan was a good introduction to Italy, the but reason we visited this city - The Last Supper by Leonardo di Vinci. Painted on the wall of a small church by one of the great artists, it survived World War II and is carefully preserved today with controlled viewing which enhances a worshipful experience.
Pre-Tour Day 2 |
On Saturday we travelled from Milan to Venice via the frecciarossa train and enjoyed the countryside including a glimpse of carrara marble quarries.
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