Day 24 (Tuesday 25th November) From Florence to Milan

 Today we set off for Milan—or as the locals proudly call it, Milano.

The last time we passed through was back in 2008, en route to Venice. That experience, already captured in the blog, left us hoping for a smoother encounter at Milano’s station this time around.

After a late wake-up (a well-earned rest from our Florentine adventures), we recalled last night’s dinner just steps from our hotel—literally 25 metres away. A simple yet perfect meal: one pizza shared between us, still table water, a shared dessert, and a bright limoncello nightcap.

Dinner in Florence 

At the next table sat three travellers from Hong Kong, and soon conversation flowed. For half an hour we exchanged stories—our Rome highlights for their tips on Japan, where we’ll be heading in October 2026. Encounters like this remind us that meeting new people is one of the great privileges of travel.

This morning we checked out of the Mercure and made our way to the station. While waiting, a young woman with a small dog asked for change. We’ve heard that many Mediterranean beggars are caught up in organised networks, reminiscent of the street gangs of Victorian London. It’s a painful reality, underscored by the strong police presence both inside and around the station.

Florence Station

Florence Station

Florence Station

Florence Station 

Our train, Trenitalia 9520, whisked us northward in business class comfort. At speeds of up to 300 km/h, the ride was smooth and quiet—more like an airline cabin than a train. A fitting way to begin our next chapter in Milano.

300km per hours

Italian countryside flashing past

Our journey into Milan began with a smooth train ride—fast, efficient, and surprisingly indulgent.

300kmh

Sitting in business class, we were treated to a small snack and complimentary drinks, the kind of thoughtful service that makes travel feel effortless.

Milano Centrale

Milano Centrale

Milano Centrale

Milano Centrale

Arriving at Milano Centrale, I couldn’t help but notice how much the station had changed since our last visit in 2008. Once a grand but slightly tired landmark, it has now been modernised into a sleek hub that reflects Milan’s role as a gateway to Italy’s north.

A short taxi ride brought us to our hotel, the NH Collection, just outside the historic center. Check-in was seamless, and our spacious room even included a small annex for luggage—a detail that made settling in feel organised and calm.

It took us about 30 minutes to walk from the hotel into the historic core of the city. The stroll was a gentle immersion into Milanese life, with cafés spilling onto sidewalks and elegant façades lining the streets. Eventually, the city opened up into its grand stage: Piazza del Duomo, a vast square dominated by the Cathedral and flanked by the world’s first shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in the 1860s in high Victorian style.

Galleria

Galleria

Standing before the Duomo di Milano is like confronting a dream carved in marble. Its spires rise like frozen flames, each adorned with statues that seem to guard the city. Construction began in 1386 and stretched across centuries, blending Gothic ambition with Renaissance patience.

Inside, the cathedral is a forest of stone columns, soaring upwards like trees, while stained glass windows shimmer with biblical stories in jewel tones. Several bishops rest in clear caskets, dressed in ornate robes and silver masks—a reminder of the cathedral’s role as both a spiritual and civic centre.

One of the most moving relics is a nail believed to be from the True Cross, retrieved by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Suspended high in the ceiling, it is marked by a glowing red light, a beacon of faith that has endured through centuries.

Tip for travellers: take the lift to the rooftop. Walking among the flying buttresses, you feel the cathedral’s Gothic engineering up close. The view stretches across Milan’s rooftops, and we were told on clear days,  the Alps shimmer on the horizon.

Just steps away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers a different kind of grandeur. Built in the 1860s, it is often called Milan’s “living room”—a palace of commerce beneath a soaring iron-and-glass dome. Key points include:

• Architecture: mosaic floors, frescoes celebrating Italian cities, and a dome that floods the arcade with light.

• Experience: luxury boutiques like Prada and Gucci sit alongside historic cafés. We paused at Camparino, sipping cappuccinos while watching the steady rhythm of Milanese life.

• Quirk: don’t miss the mosaic bull on the floor. Tradition says spinning on its testicles brings good luck. The constant line of visitors trying it adds a touch of humor to the elegance.

Visiting the Duomo and the Galleria back-to-back felt like reading Milan’s story in two chapters:

• The Duomo speaks of faith, endurance, and centuries of craftsmanship.

• The Galleria celebrates modernity, elegance, and Milan’s rise as a capital of fashion and commerce.

Together, they embody the city’s dual spirit—sacred and stylish, ancient and forward-looking.

After our two-hour guided tour of the cathedral, we ended the day in true Italian style: a bar tucked away from the square, where we enjoyed a Passion Spritz and a plate of pasta. The perfect close to a day where history and everyday life intertwined seamlessly.

Day 23 (Monday 24th November) Exploring Florence

 Florence greeted us with grandeur the moment we stepped into Piazza del Duomo.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore rose before us, its marble façade of pink, green, and white glowing in the morning light—a structure so ornate and massive it seemed to embody the city’s soul. We lingered over breakfast at a café in sight of the cathedral, savoring a warm spinach-and-cheese slice, pancakes with fruit and cream, and of course, two strong espressos to set the tone for the day.

Breakfast 

Our tickets gave us fast access into the cathedral itself, the archaeological excavations beneath, and the museum nearby. Inside, the vast nave felt simpler than we expected—especially after seeing St. Peter’s in Rome—but still awe-inspiring.

Santa Maria del Fiore

Santa Maria del Fiore

If we hadn’t visited Rome, Florence’s Duomo would have left us utterly speechless. Externally, though, we found it even more impressive than St. Peter’s, with Brunelleschi’s dome towering above the city.

Under the cathedral 

Beneath the cathedral, the archaeological site revealed layers of history: remnants of earlier churches dating back to the 7th century, and even the spurs of a knight from the 13th century.

The Opera del Duomo Museum was another highlight, with relics, sculptures, and even works by Michelangelo on display. One room, steeped in medieval tradition, held relics of martyred saints—including the finger of St. John the Baptist.

Finger of John the baptist

Afterward, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a nearby café: roast pork and salad for Cos, lasagne with bruschetta for Melissa, all paired with two glasses of Chianti and finished with coffee.

Ponte Vecchio Duck

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

From there, we wandered through Florence’s leather markets until we reached the Ponte Vecchio. Crossing the bridge felt like stepping into a painting: jewelers’ shops glittered on either side, musicians played softly, and the golden light danced across the Arno River. It was more than a crossing—it was a stroll through centuries of history, with the Vasari Corridor hidden above and the promise of gelato at the other end.

Michelangelo’s tomb

Basilica of Santa Croce

Our final stop was the Basilica of Santa Croce, Michelangelo’s resting place. The Gothic interior was solemn yet inspiring, lined with memorials to Italy’s greatest minds—Galileo, Machiavelli, and more. Michelangelo’s tomb, designed by Vasari, was adorned with figures representing Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, the arts he mastered in life. 

Christmas Markets of Florence 

After paying our respects, we stepped into the festive square outside, where Florence’s Christmas markets offered mulled wine and European-style bagels. 

Leather Markets 

The evening ended with more leather shopping, a reminder that Florence is not just a museum of the past, but a living, breathing city where history and daily life intertwine.

Day 22 ( Sunday 23rd November) Departure to Florence

 This morning we traded the bustle of Rome for the promise of Florence. With bags packed last night, we allowed ourselves a rare indulgence—a slow start to the day. It’s hard to believe we’ve crossed the halfway mark of our adventure, with just under two weeks left. Rome, in all its contradictions, deserves a moment of reflection: the good, the bad, and the fascinating.

The Good

Rome spoils anyone who loves carbs—and luckily, we do. Pasta, pizza, bread… each meal felt like a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to perfection. instincts. 

 Beyond the food, the warmth of the people stood out. Even as English-speaking tourists fumbling through conversations, we were met with patience and friendliness. And then there’s the culture: living in Rome feels like walking through a museum that’s constantly updated with modern life. sharp

 History is everywhere, yet it never feels frozen. Despite the chaos, I never once felt unsafe—police presence is strong and assuring.

The Bad

Taxis in Rome are a gamble. Sometimes you get a smooth ride, other times you’re left wondering if you’ve stepped into a comedy sketch. Road rules seem more like suggestions, even for the police, so crossing the street requires

The historic streets, beautiful as they are, are clogged with cars and scooters parked in creative (if questionable) ways, often pushing pedestrians into traffic. And then there are the street vendors—persistent enough to approach you even inside restaurants, which quickly wears thin.

The Interesting

Rome’s quirks are part of its charm. The cobblestone streets demand sturdy footwear, but they also remind you of the centuries that shaped them. reassuring.

Mouth of truth

Landmarks are surprisingly close together, making exploration easy and rewarding. What fascinated me most was the way Romans reuse their city: ancient buildings repurposed for modern life, blending past and present seamlessly. Even the everyday details—like rubbish collected from communal bins on the street—felt like a glimpse into how history and practicality coexist here.

Next stop: Florence. A new chapter, another city, and more stories waiting to be written.

On Tuesday, we found ourselves funneled out of the station through what felt like a tradesman’s back entrance—narrow, unremarkable, and a little sketchy. Today was a completely different story. We stepped into a grander, more fitting gateway for a capital city: clean, modern, and impressively well run.

Termini station 

Boarding was seamless, though the station itself carried a noticeable air of authority with a heavy police and security presence. Once aboard, the business class carriage was bustling, luggage racks stacked like those on an aircraft. Despite the crowd, the seating was thoughtfully arranged, offering ample legroom and a comfortable setup for the journey.

Our ride today was aboard an Italo 250km high-speed bullet train, sleek and efficient, whisking us across Italy with the kind of precision and speed that makes rail travel here such a pleasure.

Just five minutes before arriving at Florence’s main station, our train came to a halt at Campo di Marte. Word spread that an unfortunate accident had occurred at the central station, causing a major disruption to rail traffic. Authorities were on site managing the situation, and until clearance was given, all trains were held in place.

After an unexpected one hour and twenty minutes of waiting, our train finally crept the last five minutes into Florence’s main station. The bustle of the crowded platforms greeted us, but relief came quickly—the Mercure Hotel was just a short five‑minute walk, only a block away. As Gold members, we were delighted to be upgraded to a spacious apartment, a welcome surprise after the long day. 

Painting of the Medici’s

Venus rising

Leonardo da Vinci

With little time to waste, we set off on foot for the Galleria degli Uffizi, a 15‑minute walk through the historic streets. Commissioned in 1560 and completed in 1584, the Uffizi stands proudly beside Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence. Today, it is not only Italy’s most visited museum but also one of the largest and most renowned art collections in the world, housing priceless masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance.

The gallery’s history is as fascinating as its art. When the Medici dynasty ended, Anna Maria Luisa—the last Medici heiress—ensured the family’s treasures remained in Florence through the Patto di famiglia (“family pact”). This act transformed the Uffizi into one of the first modern museums. Though visitors were allowed by request as early as the sixteenth century, it officially opened to the public in 1769 and became a formal museum in 1865.

Despite spending two and a half hours wandering its vast halls, we barely scratched the surface of its immense collection.

After our cultural immersion, we settled into Osteria dei Leoni for dinner. The highlight was a massive 1.3kg Florentine steak, accompanied by potatoes, fried vegetables, bread, sparkling water, and two glasses of Chianti. We finished with coffee, all for €150 (around $290 AUD). While the meal was enjoyable, we couldn’t help but feel we’d stumbled into a tourist trap—especially after spotting a similar steak nearby for just €70. Most of the diners were fellow tourists, and though the food was good, it didn’t quite live up to the price tag. 

Back at the hotel, we rounded off the evening with two complimentary glasses of wine, courtesy of our membership perks.

From train delays to Renaissance masterpieces and indulgent dining, the day was full of contrasts—challenging moments balanced by unforgettable experiences. Florence had already proven itself to be a city of adventure, and this was just the beginning.