Saturday, October 31, 2009
After another early morning wakeup call, we boarded the bus and departed the Florence area. The A-1 autostrade took us northward four hours through the Apuan Alps, offering winding canyons and mountain tunnels as far as Bologna. From there, the landscape flattened out into the Po River Valley, punctuated by vineyards, orchards and farms.
After the obligatory highway rest stop at an Autogrill, we carried on to Milan, the second largest city and economic capital of Italy. Taking advantage of a relatively short visit, we explored the city centre on foot, noting the modern feel and generally more wealthy and sophisticated atmosphere of the city.
From the main square, Piazza del Duomo, we saw the impressive Galleria shopping mall, and wandered several blocks down to explore the Sforza Castle. Opting for a relatively quick lunch at McDonald's, if only to use their washrooms without paying, we headed back to the Duomo to visit the mighty gothic cathedral that dominates the city centre.
The massive structure was stark in contrast to the grand churches of Rome and Florence, with sharp lines and pointed spires, each topped with different statues, some 2000 in all. The sheer size made even the huge Duomo in Florence seem small. This time, we opted for the elevator partway up, and then walked around the roof and enjoyed views out over the city skyline before hiking back down the stairs to meet the group.
Back aboard the bus, the journey northward continued until we reached Baveno and the Grand Hotel Dino on the idyllic shores of Lago Maggiore (Lake Major), the second largest lake in Italy. The hotel was much nicer than any we had stayed at, and we eagerly unpacked our bags for two nights at this lakeside resort.
We once again relied on Sabina's advice for dinner, and dined at La Trappola just a short walk along the water, enjoying the lights around the lake as we walked in the cool night air. As before, she did not steer us wrong - the pizza, pasta and Barbera was surpassed only by the warm service. We finished the night enjoying some seaside solitude on a lovely stroll back to our fabulous accomodations.
After another early morning wakeup call, we boarded the bus and departed the Florence area. The A-1 autostrade took us northward four hours through the Apuan Alps, offering winding canyons and mountain tunnels as far as Bologna. From there, the landscape flattened out into the Po River Valley, punctuated by vineyards, orchards and farms.
After the obligatory highway rest stop at an Autogrill, we carried on to Milan, the second largest city and economic capital of Italy. Taking advantage of a relatively short visit, we explored the city centre on foot, noting the modern feel and generally more wealthy and sophisticated atmosphere of the city.
From the main square, Piazza del Duomo, we saw the impressive Galleria shopping mall, and wandered several blocks down to explore the Sforza Castle. Opting for a relatively quick lunch at McDonald's, if only to use their washrooms without paying, we headed back to the Duomo to visit the mighty gothic cathedral that dominates the city centre.
The massive structure was stark in contrast to the grand churches of Rome and Florence, with sharp lines and pointed spires, each topped with different statues, some 2000 in all. The sheer size made even the huge Duomo in Florence seem small. This time, we opted for the elevator partway up, and then walked around the roof and enjoyed views out over the city skyline before hiking back down the stairs to meet the group.
Back aboard the bus, the journey northward continued until we reached Baveno and the Grand Hotel Dino on the idyllic shores of Lago Maggiore (Lake Major), the second largest lake in Italy. The hotel was much nicer than any we had stayed at, and we eagerly unpacked our bags for two nights at this lakeside resort.
We once again relied on Sabina's advice for dinner, and dined at La Trappola just a short walk along the water, enjoying the lights around the lake as we walked in the cool night air. As before, she did not steer us wrong - the pizza, pasta and Barbera was surpassed only by the warm service. We finished the night enjoying some seaside solitude on a lovely stroll back to our fabulous accomodations.
Beautiful fall colours from the A-1 motorway
Inside the courtyard at Sforza Castle
The Galleria for haute couture shopping
The gothic Duomo of Milan
View of the city from atop the Duomo amongst the spires
Our washroom at fabulous Hotel Dino
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment