Duomo
This spellbinding Gothic cathedral is the third biggest in Europe and proudly dominates the piazza in which it stands. A staggering 600 years in the making, this impressive Candoglia marble cathedral boasts an extraordinary pearly white facade, adorned with 135 spires and 3,500 intricately carved statues that wow with their extravagant detail. Take a closer view of the spires and incredible detailed marble figures on the cathedral’s roof, from which you can also enjoy a truly brilliant view of the city. The interior is just as impressive, punctuated by the largest stained-glass window in Christendom.
The Last Supper
Milan’s (and possibly the world’s) most famous mural, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper can be found hidden away in the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting depicts the consternation amongst Jesus Christ and his disciples, during which he revealed his awareness of his betrayal by Judas. To view this incredible 15th-century mural, you must book in advance and, due to the fragility of the work, resulting from the technique that Leonardo da Vinci used to achieve this masterpiece, entry is only granted for 15 minutes – but it is so worth it!
Shopping
For a shopping experience like no other, stroll around the shops in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a soaring arcade of stone, glass and wrought iron that links Piazza del Duomo with La Scala. Opened in 1867 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, this upmarket shopping arcade is the world’s oldest shopping mall and is a brilliant place for some retail therapy. Also, whilst in Milan, a trip to the Gucci shop is a must! Wander along Via Monte Napoleone, the most famous street in Milan’s ‘rectangle of fashion’, and discover Gucci’s flagship store, along with other big fashion houses, including Roberto Cavalli, D&G, Prada, Valentino, Versace and Giorgio Armani.
La Scala
A trip to the one of the most famous opera stages in the world will certainly not disappoint! Visit ‘the home of opera’ during La Scala’s season, which runs from early December through to July, for truly spectacular shows. If you are visiting out of season then do not worry, as theatre, ballet and concerts are available year-round. There is also a great museum next door that delightfully displays the theatre’s rich history.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Housing Milan’s impressive collection of Old Masters, including many art works lifted from Venice by Napoleon - such as Rubens, Goya and Van Dyck - Pinacoteca di Brera is an art lover’s paradise. Spot masterpieces by iconic Italian artists, including Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto and the Bellini brothers.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Heathrow to Milan.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Milan: 1 hour, 55 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.