Parmesan Cheese Tour From Milan? Yes Please! Stazione AV MEDIO PADANA.

Stazione Medio Padana Reggio Emilia, trains from Milan in 45 minutes

Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour: Experience the Culinary Gems of Italy

Are you a food lover and looking for an authentic Italian food experience? Look no further than the Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour departing from Modena or Bologna. But did you know that you can also take this tour starting from Milan, Parma or Reggio Emilia, Venice and Verona or Turin? By taking the Italo train or Freccie high-speed trains, you can arrive at Stazione Medio Padana, which is conveniently located near the starting point of the tour.

Stazione Medio Padana is a modern train station that offers various services to travelers, including a food court, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Once you arrive at the station, We can pick up from there!

The Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour offers an unforgettable culinary experience that includes three stops: Parmesan cheese production, balsamic vinegar producer, and Villani’s Salami, famous for its Parma ham, mortadella, and prosciutto San Daniele. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and purchase these delicious products at bargain prices.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the tour is automatically upgraded to include a visit to the prosciutto factory, where you can see the full production process of this famous Italian cured meat. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, you can upgrade your tour to include a visit to Prosciuttificio Leonardi or Guerzoni instead of MUSA, for a full prosciutto production tour.

Additionally, you can add on a winery brunch or cooking class at an organic winery to extend your foodie adventure. The tour ends at around 13.00 hours, but with the add-ons, it can last until 15.30 or 16.00.

The Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour is available 7 days a week and is conducted in English only. Private tours are not available, but the groups are small, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

If you’re coming from Milan, Parma, or Reggio Emilia, take advantage of the Italo or Freccie high-speed trains to arrive at Stazione Medio Padana, and then join this fantastic food tour.

If you’re coming from Milan, you can take the Italo train, which takes about 40 minutes to reach Stazione Medio Padana. From Parma or Reggio Emilia, the train ride takes around 15-40 minutes.

Stazione Medio Padana is a modern and stylish train station located in the northeastern part of the city of Reggio Emilia, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is an important transportation hub that connects various cities in Italy, including Milan, Bologna, Verona, Venice, and more.

The station was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who is known for his innovative and futuristic designs. The station building features a large and airy atrium with a glass roof, which allows plenty of natural light to filter in. There are also several shops, restaurants, and cafes within the station, making it a convenient place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping while waiting for your train.

Stazione Medio Padana is well-equipped with modern facilities and amenities, including free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, ticket offices, and information desks. It is also fully accessible to people with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available throughout the station.

If you’re planning to take the Foodie’s Delight 3 Food Tour departing from Modena, Bologna, or any other nearby city, Stazione Medio Padana is an excellent place to start your journey. The station is well-connected to the rest of the city and the region, with several public transportation options available, including buses and taxis.

Timetables available form The Trainline.

Travel restrictions in Italy during covid19 outbreak

It is hard not to open a news channel or some sort of social media platform without hearing or reading something related to the new outbreak that is shaking the world. In Italy, the situation has become surreal, something that was far from anybody’s imagination. While the virus initially seemed very far away, in a matter of weeks, Italy’s inhabitants found themselves confined in their homes, not allowed to leave without a valid (and certified) reason and living a situation that most of us only saw on TV or read in books. Suddenly, the presence of the virus is feeling real. The speed at which it spreads required immediate action, to avoid a catastrophe.

The decree of lockdown declared by the Italian government is asking Italians several sacrifices, all aimed at containing the virus as much as possible. While people are trying to adapt to this new lifestyle, working from home, getting used to not being able to leave their homes for a while, it can be hard for a visitor to get a clear picture of the situation in Italy. Indeed, news and social media tend to aliment citizen’s fear rather than giving clear information about the Coronavirus situation.

But what is allowed and what isn’t during the new covid19 outbreak in Italy? What are travel restrictions affecting the country and its visitors and what do they entail? Here’s everything you should know about the 11th March’s decree created to stop the outbreak and to limit the spread of the disease.

Stay At Home

The basic rule of this decree is “Stay at home”. Many Italians are following it, aid by a massive social media campaign incentivizing people to stay at home and organizing alternative activities to deal with this new situation (such as free online courses, for instance). Leaving one’s home is allowed only for health reasons, to go to work (if working from home is not possible) and for other kinds of necessities, which include the purchase of food or medicines.

Self certification.

Those that have a reason to move should compile a document referred to as “self certification” (autocertificazione) that certifies the presence of a good reason to be leaving one’s home, despite the limitations. Such a document’s validity might be checked by the police (and controls are rising), with strict consequences for falsifying such documents. Indeed, the work needs have to be “certified” by a valid proof.

What Is Open In Italy?

While the whole country is in lockdown, some activities are still open to the public. Finding information might be hard, so here you can find what you need to know about shops and other kinds of services and their availability during this situation.

Supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores will be open, but some restrictions apply. For example, only a limited amount of people is allowed to enter at the same time, meaning that people usually wait outside and will be called by the staff when the time comes. When entering a store, it is essential to respect the 1-meter distancing rule. Penalties apply to those not complying with the new decree. Local markets, including food markets, are suspended, but the direct selling of fruits and vegetables is still allowed, as long as the safety regulations are followed.

Shops selling personal hygiene items, including perfumes and cosmetics are still open, as well as small stores selling pet food and technology. However, all restaurants, pubs, and bars are closed. To supply the lack of restoration, food deliveries are allowed, as long as the sanitary requirements are followed both concerning the transportation and for the packaging.

Beauty centers and barbershops are closed.

What Is Allowed to Do?

Only necessary movements, defined as the need to shop for food and to go to work are allowed. However, citizens are also allowed to exercise outdoors and to take their pets for a stroll, as long as social distancing rules are respected. They are advised to do so when not many people are around. Parks and public gardens are open, for allowing citizens to take short walks and exercise outdoors. No groups are allowed to train together.

Can I Return to My Home Country During the Lockdown?

It is allowed to return to one’s home country or city. After all, returning home is considered an essential region. However, you should be aware that the majority of countries are restricting entrance from Europe and Italy in particular. Some flights are being canceled and travelers should check flight details with their airlines. Most airlines might offer you a refund or arrange a rebooking.

Keep in mind that you might be required to isolate yourself temporarily when entering another country from Italy. Usually, the isolation needs to last 14 days. You are not advised to travel if you present some symptoms of the coronavirus. Even if you don’t present any symptom, you might be subjected to controls both when leaving Italy and at arrival, so be prepared.

What Airports Are Open In Italy?

In such a weird time, your traveling plans might be disrupted. Today, only 18 airports are open in Italy, including Palermo, Rome, and Milano. However, most services are limited to state flights, emergencies, and transport. Some connection flights are still operating. The open airports have been selected for their geographic location and their capacity and because considered essential. Many airlines have stopped operating flights in Italy. Reducing mobility and transports is one of the main measures taking by the Italian government to stop the spread of covid19 in Italy. In total, 23 airports have been closed in Italy. The open airports will be, after the 13th of March, only dedicated to essential movements.

The Bottomline

In such an unrealistic situation, it is normal to feel scared or uncertain. However, it is important to try to respect the limitations, follow the regulation and limit one’s movements. By working collectively towards the goal of reducing the number of contagions, it will be easier to put a stop to the outbreak and to give the sanitary system enough time to deal with the current situation.

You Have Tried Osteria Francescana Now You Should Try Tokuyoshi

When a restaurant is good, and it is worth to visit, the atmosphere, the ambiance all play a role but what makes the difference is the menu and the chef. And when a great chef decides to open a restaurant, why not try it out?

We have already talked about Osteria Francescana and its Michelin’s Star Award Winner chef Massimo Bottura. We did not mention the great sous chef of that restaurant. Of Japanese origins, Yojii Tokuyoshi, after working for years side by side by the great Bottura, decided to move to Milano and open his restaurant. If you Osteria Francescana in Modena, then you should not miss out Tokuyoshi in Milan. The main chef of this newly restored restaurant with a Japanese sounding name, but with Italy and its cuisine still at the center of attention, was sous chef of Osteria Francescana, meaning that he must have learned a great deal about high-quality cuisine. However different in styles and menus, Tokuyoshi must have gotten some inspiration from the talented Massimo Bottura. We can easily say that the bar of expectations for Tokuyoshi is quite high. The restaurant has already gained its own Michelin Star, but is visiting it worth it?

Should you visit the restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal at Tokuyoshi? Give yourself an idea by reading this review and then make up your mind.

The restaurant is very well located in the historical center of Milan, less than 500 meters (or 0,3 miles) from the famous Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio. That’s already a plus.

Let’s continue with the ambiance. Please be aware that the restaurant will re-open in February 2020 after some refurbishments and reconstructions so, some of the details of this review might be different.

The Tokuyoshi restaurant is, without doubt, stylish, but classic and not excessively formal in its design and setting. The tables are blacks and not covered by the “classical” cloth, which gives the room a more minimalistic look. But what is special about it is the presence of some individual tables, all centered around a bigger so-called “social table”, allowing for better interactions and a “better sharing” of the restaurant experience. The lights are soft and there is a sense of relaxation and intimacy at the same time which goes against the classical stereotype of “high-cuisine” restaurants.

What about the menu? The entire menu is strictly Italian, characterized by the presence of some of the most traditional classic dishes such as the amazing cannolo or the rich and creamy risotto, only to mention two of them. On the other hand, the Japanese influence is discrete and not invasive, silent on the menu but that can make a big difference to some of the most traditional flavors thanks to many accompanying sauces or the dish composition. As it mentions on the restaurant’s website the idea of the restaurant is to propose an “Italian cuisine seen through the eyes of a Japanese”.

The restaurant was offering three different “fixed” degustations before which have now been replaced by a single one called “Omakase”, which in Japanese means “I will leave it up to you”. It is a fixed price experience directed by the chef who will choose the menu and the dishes for your degustation case by case and depending on the ingredients available for the season. The restaurant also offers its clients the choice to opt for the a la carte menu and there is a different degustation for sake.

To give you a sense of how could be a degustation at this restaurant, here is an example of one degustation called “Italy means Japan” and it is supposed to present a Japanese-Italian fusion version of some classical dishes. It starts with some entrees, including a revisited version of fish&chips, delicious home-made bread with butter, anchovies, and olives and a vegetable broth. There is then a cannolo filled with stockfish. But the real king is the Mackarel filet Gyotaku, which is supposed to be the most representative dish of the restaurant. The presentation is simple and beautiful at the same time and it is a delight both to the eye but especially in terms of flavors. There is then a strong version of eel, followed by a classic traditional broth and a tasting of a special oyster- risotto. It follows a beautiful dish of pork meat and some pigeon. All the dishes are studied in all of their details which makes you feel attended and cared at this restaurant. It is then the time for the dessert, really contemporary and modern, but delicious as everything else.

As you can read, the degustation includes quite a lot of dishes and the portions are quite big and filling.

The degustation costs around 135 euros per person and if you are a lover of high-cuisine or just want to have a different experience at a great, superior restaurant, it is money well spent. You will have to book in advance, but you can easily do so by calling or by visiting the restaurant’s website.

All in all, if you loved Osteria Francescana, you should visit Takuyoshi in Milan too. The two restaurants are different in style but the quality is excellent in both. Not only that, if you want to taste classic Italian recipes with a slight Japanese taste and great attention to details, Takuyoshi is the place for you.

In Takuyoshi the food is not only delicious, but also beautifully presented. The staff at the restaurant is kind and cordial, they describe and explain the dish with details with professionalism but it also knows when to leave you in peace enjoying your meal without being too intrusive. If you are a wine lover, the sommelier does a great job suggesting you the best wine for your good

Are you still not convinced? What are you waiting for? The restaurant re-open soon, consider going there for a sublime food experience that will not pass unnoticed or forgotten! Many people claim that Takuyoshi is a must-go restaurant when in Milan, why would you want to miss it?

Milan walking tour, see all in a day

The Italian city of Milan is a great place for a city break on a budget. Here you will still have an incredible holiday even if your budget is lower. Brimming with free museums, cheap restaurants and hotels at low prices, it’s a great choice when looking into a cheap holiday. Whether you’re into art, history, architecture, people watching or visiting the legendary stadium of AC Milan – there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself during a trip to Milan. There are a number of sightseeing options and tours available for reasonable costs. One option is the Milan walking tour that enables you to see everything in a single day.

Following are the main attractions to visit when having a walking tour to Milan.

a) Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

If you’ve been to Milan before then you’ve probably visited the unmissable cathedral Il Duomo situated in the city center. However, there is also a refreshing alternative, the fascinating Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. The antithesis of Milan’s famous cathedral dates back to 379-386. The much smaller church is in complete contrast with the magnificent Il Duomo. The ancient Basilica Martirum is colloquially known as “Ambrosia”, and is considered as the most important example of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. The Basilica is home to a world-famous, precious work of art, like the late Roman sarcophagus that “Stilicho”, the golden altar of Volvinio, and the dome plaster of IX-X century. Be sure not to miss this important part of Italian history when you visit the city.

b) Zona magenta – Santa Maria Delle Grazie

Saint Mary of the Graces (Santa Maria Delle Grazie) is a World Heritage Site protected by the UNESCO and is famous for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper located at the refectory in the convent of the church. Ordered by the Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, Santa Maria Delle Grazie was started in 1469 and completed in 1490. The convent was the first to be completed and housed Dominican friars and nuns. Later, the church was added and Ludovico Sforza, the succeeding duke decided to make the church the family’s official burial ground. Today, visitors can go in and view da Vinci’s masterpiece which, due to the wars that ensued, reduced the painting only to one-fourth of the original.

c) Last supper

The Last Supper, or Il Cenacolo, as it is called in Italian, is one of the most popular attractions on the Italian tourism circuit. So buy your Last Supper Painting Tickets before to ensure you are able to view the painting and don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

d) Monumental Cemetery

The Monumental Cemetery is where many famous people have been buried. However, the cemetery is better known for its fabulous design and the chapel that remembers the 800 inhabitants of Milan who were killed in the concentration camps during World War II. Monuments cemeteries provide a connection to the past and documentary of the evolution of human history, perceptions, and emotions as captured by the changing architecture ranging from simple, weathered 18th-century tombstones, elaborate (sometimes eroding) 19th-century mausoleums and sculpted angels and allegorical figures.

e) Navigli

Navigli in Milan allows shipping from Ticino to the center of Milan city. Navigli Pavese and Navigli Grande join Milan to Pavia city and forms one of the great charismatic scenes in Milan. There are numerous roadside shops and clubs on the banks of these rivers. Navigli is a happening place for youth in Milan. You will find most of the youth crowd at Navigli where you will find lots of cafes, clubs, bars, restaurants, and discos.

Other places to visit while in Milan

1. Centro Storico

Centro Storico (the historical center) is full of life, with many things to see and do. In this area, you will find the huge Piazza Duomo and Duomo Cathedral, the castle Castello Sforzesco, the world-renowned opera house La Scala, and stunning shopping gallery. Also, just a few minutes walk away from Piazza Duomo, are Via Montenapoleone and Via Della Spiga. These two streets are the most influential fashion streets. These streets are rich and concentrated with furries and fashion designers. Every designer has maybe one or two shops in these fashion streets: Armani, Iceberg, Louis Vitton, Dior, and Bottega Veneta.

2. Brera

Brera is a very fashionable district not far from the center, which used to be known as the ‘artists’ quarter’, and very bohemian in its day, inhabited and frequented by poets and artists. It remains a very ‘in’ area today, and is a very fashionable and exclusive district, with boutique shops, ‘sophisticated bohemian’ homeware shops, bookshops, restaurants, and bars. This place is also where you can find the popular Pinacoteca di Brera which is one of Milan’s fashionable art museums, showing works from well-known artisans, including Canaletto and Rubens. This art gallery is housed in the 18th-century palace Palazzo Brera. This city is also the home to exclusive 10 Corso Como, this 10 Corso Como can also be found along uniformly stylish Corso Como or many restaurant and bars visited by the beautiful and rich. 10 Corso Como is a shop, restaurant, and bar housed in a beautiful courtyard lit up with candles and fairy lights at night, and definitely somewhere to go if you want to impress anyone, such as business clients for a meal, or maybe a romantic date….the shop sells and exhibits luxury high fashion designer wear, jewellery, shoes and other various items. It remains open most nights with the bar and restaurants, and you are offered complimentary glasses of champagne while you browse.

Conclusion

Milan is ultimate for fashion freaks and a paradise for shoppers. Additionally, it is a city with diversities, it offers a delightful experience for tourists with varied taste. Everything from modern art to contemporary architecture is the pride of the city. Whether you are interested in art, architecture and culture, food and wine or fashion and want to be seen with the crème de la crème of the fashion world, Milan is the place for you. It offers everything that makes a city trip enjoyable and you are sure to have a very memorable experience.

Franciacorta: Italian Lakes, Italian Sparkling Wines.

From the wonderful vineyards to the beautiful Lake Iseo: discover the magic of Franciacorta.

The softness of the hills, the mild climate, the Alps, which can be seen from far away, as a precious frame: Franciacorta is a very special and unique land.
In our journey we’ll be with www.myownitaly.com a travel and tourism website where you can discover unusual and different itineraries in Italy.

View from Monte Isola, Italy — Monte Isola – Lake Iseo – Italy – source

Bubbly wines on Lake Iseo.

Let’s start from Franciacorta, renown for the products of its land and in quality oenology. energies, enthusiasm, passion and innovation drawn by the great international success that these splendid bubbles have obtained. In 1995 Franciacorta was given D.O.C.G. (Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed) status, a significant testimonial to its winemakers? continuing commitment to excellent work and to further improving the quality of Franciacorta wines. Because saying Franciacorta today means proudly and confidently declaring a great love for wine. Franciacorta has been named the official sparkling wine of the upcoming Expo, a terrific success for the Lombardy winegrowers of the DOCG that is the fruit of the world’s most exacting Production Code for its wine category.

We can visit the most famous italian wineries in the world for sparkling wine production: both Berlucchi and Ca ‘del Bosco are excellent wine cellar. Each visit is focused on wine tasting and gives also the opportunity to buy the precious bottles that here are produced.
We will continue the journey with a transfer to Lake Iseo, where I suggest to stay at the Hotel Rivalago, delightful and charming relais overlooking the waters of the lake and in front of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.

Touring Lake Iseo

You can relax with a drink from the bar service on one of our sun beds on the dock and watching the sunset: this will make your romantic and suggestive stay unforgettable.
The next day, after a rich and tasty breakfast, we are ready for the hike to island Monte Isola. You can walk to the pier not far from the hotel and take the ferry boat directly to Peschiera Maraglio.

On the island you can admire the characteristic medieval villages and appreciate the food specialties of the place: the Monte Isola salami and also the dried fish served with polenta; then of course you can buy local products, such as all the net artifacts, famous and appreciated all over the world. I suggest to take advantage of the beauty of the island for a walk along the shore or rent bicycles for an exploration to fully admire the beautiful views offered by the circumnavigation of Monte Isola.

After lunch, come back to hotel where you can have a fresh shower and enjoy an Italian pizza just on your terrace tasting it sitting in the chaise lounge: a very relaxing time.
The last day, the suggestion is to do another beautiful day tour that you can’t miss before going home: lake Endine, a little lake (only 14 km long!) surrounded by wonderful reed beds. Lake Endine is located in Valcavallina in Bergamo: here the stillness of the lake allows you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape directly from the quite water aboard the paddle boats, rented on site.

Market Tour and Cooking Class in Milan

You will meet the guide early in the morning for a market visit in the center of Milan followed by hands-on cooking class at Atelier dei Sapori School. Here you will be welcome by Cristina, Paola e Patrizia chefs and food lovers who will lead you step by step in preparing recipes of the Milanese and Italian tradition.

What will you cook?

You will prepare a complete menu Appetizer, First dish, Main dish, Dessert.
THE BEST PART? At the end you get will sit down and eat all you made.
To remember your experience you will be given a cooking diploma.

Food Market Tour in Milan.

Milan continues to be a haven for tourists and visitors that love world class cuisine and fine wines. From local eateries to posh and elegant cafes, the city is blanketed by a myriad of restaurants and food markets. The latter are perfect for those than want to sample local favorites, while shopping for fresh Italian produce and delicacies.

Mercato V Alpini

Mercato V Alpini is one of the tiniest yet top food markets in the city. Situated in a lavish and wealthy area, the market is known for its choice selection of fresh fruits and veggie stalles. Tourists can also stroll at a leisurely place, while shopping for genuine leather bags, wool, cashmere, and lovely floral arrangements. As a central hub for locals and visitors, the market features a classy outdoor café with steaming coffee, tasty snacks, and tantalizing beverages. Largo V Alpini is also adjacent to the market, and showcases a range of shops within a newly renovated area. With convenient underground parking and two residential towers that date back to 1955, you will simply love the immaculate weather and the history that surrounds this popular 19th century locale.

Mercato Garigliano

Located in the heart of Quartiere Isola, this lively street market features continental cuisine and the latest in Milan fashions. Tourists can also purchase house-ware tools at unbelievably low prices. With live music and street vendors at every turn, the market showcases the perfect blend of historic and contemporary architecture. No truer is this than when it comes to the recently revamped Porta Nuova skyline.

Mercato Papiniano

This is the largest food market in town, which is set in a trendy and upbeat neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy the wide selection of high quality wood products and clothes. With fresh fish, fruits, dairy products, meats, and veggies daily, the market is a simply a must for all tourists and locals. There is also an Italian delicatessen and a variety of Indian and South American stalls for your convenience.

Walking Leonardo Da Vinci Tour in Milan

I’ve been a guide in Milan for over 15 years now and in spite of the fact that Italy is a marvelous country no matter where you go, I wouldn’t be living anywhere else.

What will you see in Milan?

Meeting place: Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Artistic introduction, visit of the Church and visit of what used to be the place where Leonardo lived while in Milan. 15 minute walk to the castle Sforzesco. More art and historic information. possible visit of sala delle asse (designed by Leonardo) if interested (5 euros per person); 15 minute walk towards the Scala opera house (with Leonardo’s statue right in the middle of la Scala square) and end of tour with the cathedral of Milan for which Leonardo submitted some ideas for the dome.

leonardodavincitourmilan — Discover Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan – source

Who is guiding this tour:

Alessandra

I’ve been a guide in Milan for over 15 years now and in spite of the fact that Italy is a marvellous country no matter where you go, I wouldn’t be living anywhere else.

Length of the tour: approx 2.5 hours.

Options: It is possible to add a wine and food tasting to this tour. Please enquiry for details.

What to eat in Milan – Colours and Flavours of traditional Milanese cuisine

Eating at a Milanese restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Milan traditional cuisine is typically rich in ingredients: on the one hand this provides colourful dishes; on the other hand these foods are always very tasteful.

Take Minestrone for example. Peasant dish par excellence, this is a rainbow of vegetables, a soup made with carrots, zucchini, cabbage, onions, and beans; but it’s also an intensely flavoured dish because according to the ‘perfect recipe’ it must contain even lard and pork rind.

And Risotto alla Milanese. Just try and find another dish of this colour Ok, it’s a single shade of colour nothing to do with the rainbow of Minestrone, but in its simplicity it is extremely particular. Saffron is the element that gives colour to rice, filling it with an unmistakable flavour at the same time. In some restaurants in Milan, saffron rice is served along with a delicious piece of meat called osso buco, cross-cut veal shanks cooked in butter and a little stock. At that point, even Yellow Rice becomes a multi-colour dish.

And what about the tasty Cotoletta alla Milanese, better known as “la Milanese” in all the restaurant menus around the World. That crispy, golden breadcrumb crust contains a veal cutlet with bone: if it is cooked to perfection, when you cut it you will still see blood-red meat at the centre and close to the bone, which offers a nice contrast. Also its taste is unique: a meat slice covered with a crust of bread and eggs.

If you happen to visit Milan in the cold winter (December to February) and you wish to try one of the most classic Milanese dishes, Cassoeula (pronounced Càsola) is the answer, to delight your eyes and nose with a preparation that bears the typical colours of autumn/winter: the straw yellow of fallen leaves, with shades of beige and brown. The main ingredients of Cassoeula are cabbage and all the less ‘noble’ parts of the pig, those scorned by the Lords in the past, which therefore ended up in the peasants’ pots: the rind, feet, ribs and head of the pig. That said: can you only imagine what a strong, extremely tasty flavour this popular dish now proposed in the best Milanese restaurants or served in many trattorias in Brianza and Lodigiano may have?

Talking of colours & flavours we cannot miss to mention Panettone, another cult in Milan with regards to traditional cuisine. On the outside it looks like a big bread with a thousand shades. When you cut it open, the inside is yellow due to the great number of eggs used in the preparation. Each slice is poetry for the eye, due to the presence of this storm of coloured drops: dark raisins, and multicoloured pieces of candied fruit. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth explosion of taste, which always sounds of Christmas carols as soon as you close your eyes.

So if someone tells you that in Milan you will only eat Polenta (hint: polenta with Gorgonzola cheese, mmmhh mouth-watering,) just remember that they are wrong. Milanese cuisine offers plenty of traditional dishes, that satisfy the palate and the eyes, too.

Private Milan tour and make the most out your time in Italy

Milan is often an underestimated destination of the average traveller. When visiting Italy people too often plan only for Venice, Florence and Rome. Surely Milan is an important transport hub with its 2 airports like Malpensa and Linate but there is more even if the city has an unappealing industrial look. Milan is the fashion horsepower of Italy, the milanese night life is hectic and the city is an innovative gastronomic centre. With no doubt it is Italy’s trendiest city and will not fail to impress you. Here below we will discover how to make the most of out of your time in the northern capital of Italy. A private Milan tour will help to discover all the beauty and hidden gems of the city.

The Duomo di Milano is certainly the most famous landmark in the City – Image source.

Private Milan tour, food wine tasting.

If you are looking for some day trips idea from Milan read on. If you are interested in sparkling wines and stunning scenery you should consider taking a tour of a boutique winery in the picturesque wine region of Franciacorta. With an incredible lake panorama the day will not fail to impress if you are organising a romantic outing. Many of the Franciacorta winery are in the southern part of lake Iseo, the guided visits will introduce you to the pleasures of Italian “champenoise method” wines. The wine markers here exploit the moraine soil composition and they produce wines that have been set to compete with important champagne houses in France.

Festival del Franciacorta 2009, Milano — Be ready for some serious bubbles with the Franciacorta wines – image source

But if do not have time for a day tour from Milan do not despair, Italian says “Milano da Bere” literally you can drink the city of Milano. With a Milan wine tasting you could discover the tradition of aperitivo. The Milanese people before going to dinner meet in trendy bars and have a mini meal composed often by generous buffets and a cocktail or a glass of wine, this might ideal as a light dinner before heading to the la scala opera house. For an innovative gastronomic lunch you could try Cracco Pek. The Chef has won 2 Michelin stars for its outstanding cooking style. For a fabulously fashionable dinner you should visit the Navigli quarter. An area that makes Milan with no doubt Italy’s trendiest city. Navigli with its bohemian feeling has many small and interesting restaurants where you can sample local specialities. Along the canals you can also find many second hand clothes and furniture shops, which are ideal for your last minute shopping.

Milan sightseeing tours

An other interesting idea for a private Milan tour is to visit the famous la Scala opera house, the management organises daily tour of the beautiful building with guided visits in English or other languages. La Scala opera house is one of the world’ most famous theatres and it should not missed for any reason during your visit in Italy. The building is adjacent to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is a shopping gallery where many famous milanese brands can be found. La scala opera house also offers an extensive operatic season featuring all Italian and many foreign composers, in the list we find Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. La scala Opera house has a museum that it is open most days and for only 6 euros you can explore the history of the theatre, of course the management also organises guided tours on demand that need to be booked in before hand.

If you take a private Milan tour you might also consider to take an intriguing walking tour around the Sforzesco castle which is known as one of the most historical construction in the city. Also known as the Sforza castle, it was the home of the duke of Milan and one of the largest citadels in Europe. At presents hosts many art collections and exhibitions, making it an interesting destination for the art lover.

Your stay will not be completed without a visit to the arty Brera quarter. In the area you will find the Milano Brera museum also known as the Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most complete and astonishing art collections in Europe with classic and modern paintings from several periods and styles. If you set up a private Milan tour we also recommend to save some time and reserve your Leonardo last supper tickets which must be booked well in advance. The fresco painting needs no introduction and it represent the renaissance period at its pinnacle.

Private Milan tour of shopping outlets.

Did you know that Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was the first shopping mall in Italy? Milan is the Italian power house for brands and it makes a superb shopping experience for the discerning traveller. Milan tradition of labels is outstanding. Trussardi fashion Empire was born in this city. But the list can be rather long with names like Prada, Valentino, Versace, Krizia, Moschino, Docle and Gabbana, Luxottica. Taking a private fashion tour of Milan Italy can be a unique experience where you could learn the history of Italian labels and go home with many bargains.

Milan Italy is an outstanding place.

If you are heading for Milan sightseeing tours, a wine tasting, or a shopping tour, the city is the perfect destination for all of this. Let us organise an intriguing walking tour of the city centre, a guided visit to the Duomo di Milano, plus a dinner at the Navigli di Milano, you will not be disappointed.

The world renowned La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)