Viva L'Italia! Part One: Northern Italy
(Milan, Vicenza and Venice)
Regions: Lombardia and Veneto
Yesterday, we said goodbye to Paris and boarded a night train (Thello) from the Gare de Lyon railway station to Milan. Not knowing what to expect, the event was a nightmare. Having been a little more prepared, I would have chosen a 4-berth ladies only compartment as our 6-berth couchette was occupied by all men, making my daughter and I feel uncomfortable. Reading the look of terror on our faces, Philiipe and Julianna became our new friends from Brazil when they invited us to share their 4-berth couchette. We were so thankful and relieved. For all the questions you can possibly have on taking the train, this website answers them all: www.seat61.com.
Tips:
1. Book your train ticket as early as possible, as they are cheaper the earlier they are purchased.
2. Spend a little bit more money to stay in a 4-berth instead of a 6-berth couchette. You can even ask for Ladies only.
3. If you have the time, take the day train to enjoy the scenery.
4. Bring your own food to eat on the train. You are allowed to bring your own wine!
Day 9: Milan
The night train dropped us off in Milan very early in the morning, which made it easy to navigate through the city to our accommodation, Ostello Burigozzo 11, a clean and brightly decorated hostel with comfortable beds and helpful staff.
Milan shouts class. The smartly dressed Milanese accentuate the beautiful city. High-end shopping and dining, clean, busy streets with ample cyclists, and a fair share of art and culture, modern and ancient combine to make up this second largest city in Italy. With having only one day in Milan, we chose to spend it walking from our hostel to the spectacular Doumo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral and to its neighbor, Galleria Vittorio Emanuel ll to satisfy our fashion and food cravings.
While wondering through the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, we stopped to savor our first of many gelato in Italy, choosing Pistachio, dramatically recommended by my sister. Although deliciously made, this is not my favorite flavor.
Milan Tourist Website: https://www.turismo.milano.it/wps/portal/tur/en
Tips:
1. The only way to see Leonardo Da Vinci's mural, 'The Last Supper', on the wall of the Old Refectory is to pre-purchase your tickets.
2. You will be denied entry if your shoulders and knees are not covered when you enter a church.
Day 10: Vicenza
Our next destination was Vicenza. We did not spend a lot of time in this northeastern city. Rather, it was chosen as a place to spend the night and take the train for a day trip to Venice. Arriving in the evening, we spent a lazy time strolling through the city and eating the first of many pizzas. Our stay at Ostello Olimpico was expected; basic, affordable accommodations, nicely situated close to Teatro Olimpico.
Vicenza Tourist Website: https://www.vicenzae.org/en/
Day 11: Venice
Beautifully surreal, Venice is an enchanting fairy tale dream that we embarked upon once exiting the train station early in the morning from Vicenza.
Feeling a little like Alice in Wonderland, our first course of action was to take the main vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal all the way to Lido di Venezia so that we could go to the beach. Rain poured down on us as we huddled together on the sand, happy to have quiet time.
Contended and refreshed, we returned to visit the bustling city. As usual, my fear of being lost crippled me and this place was a daunting maze, but after running into our Brazilian friends, Philiipe and Julianna from the night train, and witnessing their giddiness as they explored the winding paths, I followed suit. Tas and I wandered aimlessly, absorbing the sights and sounds, which were many and diverse: a quintet of young musicians playing on a bridge, a singing gondolier slowly rowing his gondola at a steady snail-like speed, colorfully adorned venetian gothic buildings, canals in place of roads and boats in place of cars. We happened upon a quaint, jam-packed trattoria and devoured a plate of pasta and insalata mista (mixed salad). Distinguished pieces of Murano glass pendants were purchased as we strolled from store to store, savoring every last minute of our day in Venice.
Venice Tourist Website: https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/visit-venice-0
Tips:
1. Stay longer than a day.
2. Buy the Venice City Pass for all-inclusive transportation and sight-seeing
3. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking everywhere.
4. Know how to get to your accommodations. I'll never forget the sight of three lost, frustrated girls aggressively dragging their suitcases complaining about the vague directions to their hotel.
5. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Saint Mark's Basilica
Related Blogs:
Viva L'Italia! Part One: Northern Italy
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