Bikes are a pretty central fixture of Italian life and the visual character of the country from the image of Audrey Hepburn speeding, carefree, through the streets of Rome, to the iconic scenes of a man and his son desperately combing the streets for his stolen bicycle in, “The Bicycle Thieves.” You may have even imagined cycling through the historic streets of an Italian city or the open countryside. That can be readily achieved but if you're a serious cycling and bicycle enthusiast and want to learn more about the history of it in Italy or experience more cycling related activities, then you'll also find lots to see and do. If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, for example, you need to make time to head to Bianchi Café & Cycles. Read More
Archive for 'Milan'
A Café For Bicycle Lovers: Bianchi Café & Cycles Milano
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Come Visit Milan's Crazy Cat Café
Monday, January 7, 2019
You would be forgiven if Japan was the first place that came to mind when you were talking about cat cafés but if you are a cat lover who has found a vacation rental in Milan then rejoice, as the city is home to its very own kitty coffee shop; the Crazy Cat Café. Full of feline friends, delicious treats and feline-friendly menu options, this highly Instagrammable cafe has become a firm favourite amongst those in the know and really is a must-see if you love cats.
Located very centrally, on via Napo Torriani, the café was opened in the October of 2015 and is home to a clowder (yes, that is the collective term for cats, though “clutter”, “glaring” and, “pounce” are all also used) of rescue cats that have been adopted and taken care of by the owners. The first and only such establishment in Lombardy, it has taken a Japanese idea and adapted it to the tastes and pace of Italians. Read More
Located very centrally, on via Napo Torriani, the café was opened in the October of 2015 and is home to a clowder (yes, that is the collective term for cats, though “clutter”, “glaring” and, “pounce” are all also used) of rescue cats that have been adopted and taken care of by the owners. The first and only such establishment in Lombardy, it has taken a Japanese idea and adapted it to the tastes and pace of Italians. Read More
See Santa Claus On His Boat On Lake Maggiore
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Paying a visit Santa is a must for kids in the run up to Christmas and, if you have found a vacation rental in the Lake Maggiore area, you will be presented with the unique opportunity to see him on his very own boat!
According to local legend, Santa Claus has arrived in Milan at the end of November each year since 1400 to deliver toys and gifts to each child in the city. Next, he is said to hop on his boat, leave the city, and head up the Navigli and Ticino River to make his way to Lake Maggiore. He visits all of the lakeside towns before stopping and settling in the village of Intra until Christmas. Read More
According to local legend, Santa Claus has arrived in Milan at the end of November each year since 1400 to deliver toys and gifts to each child in the city. Next, he is said to hop on his boat, leave the city, and head up the Navigli and Ticino River to make his way to Lake Maggiore. He visits all of the lakeside towns before stopping and settling in the village of Intra until Christmas. Read More
Pasticceria Marchesi: A Picture-Perfect Café In Milan
Friday, November 30, 2018
We have discussed stunning cafes in Milan before but it would be remiss of us to not also mention Pasticceria Marchesi. An important and historic patisserie in Milan, it was established in 1824 and became well known for its elegant aesthetic and incredible specialties, including their Panettone, which they claim is the best in the country. With its impossibly charming interiors and tasty treats, it is a wonderful place to wile away time with a good book or head for a coffee pitstop if you have found a vacation rental in Milan and are exploring the city. Read More
Visit Leonardo Da Vinci's Very Own Vineyard
Thursday, November 29, 2018

La Vigna di Leonardo (Leonardo’s Vineyard) in Milan is, as you may have guessed from the name, a vineyard that used to be owned by Leonardo da Vinci. Given to da Vinci by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, in 1498, during the artist's tenure in the city and while the Duke was his main patron, it was very precious to him and something he maintained even after leaving the city. Da Vinci actually came from a family of winemakers and was a haven that he returned to after long days of working on projects such as the last Supper in the nearby convent of Santa Maria della Grazie. Today, it is open to be toured by the public and provides a fascinating insight into the great Renaissance man's private life. If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, it is a wonderful and unique attraction to make time for in your itinerary. Read More