During our stay in Milan, we were fortunate to find accommodation close to the magnificent San Marco Church, providing us with a delightful and convenient location. For anyone planning to stay in this area, I highly recommend parking at Autosilo San Marco, which proved to be a great choice for easy access to the city. Our two-night stay cost us a reasonable €40 for parking, making it a practical option.
On our first night, we had a memorable dinner at a charming restaurant in Via Brera, where we had the pleasure of tasting the renowned Risotto alla Milanese. This classic Lombardy dish left us enchanted with its creamy Arborio rice cooked in a delectable combination of beef broth, white wine, shallots, and saffron powder, creating a delightful culinary experience.
The following morning, we treated ourselves to a delicious breakfast at Pasticceria Rovida in Via D. Scarlatti before beginning our day of exploration. Making use of the efficient public transport, particularly the tram system, we set off to explore as much of Milan as we could in one day. Our journey began with a visit to the historic Santa Maria delle Grazie, once home to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, "The Last Supper." The kids were fascinated by the historical significance and artistic brilliance of this renowned artwork.
Next on our itinerary was the Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia, where the kids had a blast learning about science and technology through interactive exhibits. We then made our way to the famous Piazza del Duomo, where the majestic Duomo di Milano stood tall, along with the impressive Piazza della Scala and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. At Piazza Mercanti, we discovered a fascinating acoustic effect that intrigued both kids and adults alike.
We continued our adventure with a visit to the interactive Leonardo 3D Museum, which allowed the kids to engage and interact with a plethora of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions. Our exploration also took us to the historic Sforzesco Castle, a historic fortress that showcases impressive architectural beauty and houses various museums and art collections, and the serene Parco Sempione, where we marveled at the grandeur of the Arco della Pace.
Milan's vast array of attractions made it evident that a couple of days were simply not enough to fully experience all the city has to offer. Each place we visited provided invaluable learning experiences for the kids, making our time in Milan both enjoyable and educational.
As we bid farewell to Milan and continued our journey northwards, we couldn't resist making a brief stop in the enchanting city of Verona. Finding a parking spot at Piazza Francesco Viviani, conveniently close to the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, we set out to explore the city's rich history and iconic landmarks.
Our first stop was the majestic Torre dei Lamberti, from where we admired breathtaking views of Verona's rooftops and surrounding scenery. Continuing our stroll through the charming streets, we reached Piazza dei Signori, where the grand Palazzo della Ragione stood proudly, evoking a sense of the city's ancient past.
Of course, no visit to Verona would be complete without paying homage to the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet. We made our way to the iconic "Casa di Giulietta" where we immersed ourselves in the timeless tale of the star-crossed lovers.
After experiencing the romantic ambiance of Verona, we treated ourselves to a delightful meal at La Prosciutteria at Piazza delle Erbe, savoring the flavors of the region. With our appetites satisfied and our hearts filled with memories of Verona's allure, we continued our adventure-filled road trip, eager to explore more of the wonders that northern Italy had in store for us.