Summer Lovin': Milan, Cinque Terre and Venice, Italy

"The Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo." Mark Twain

I was privileged enough to be a guest at a beautiful wedding in Milan, Italy.  The universe truly plotted to ensure my presence at the wedding, allowing me another opportunity to see Italy.  This time I would see more of Northern Italy and wow - North or South - Italy is simply gorgeous!

My first time in Italy was by way of a cruise.  There were several ports of call and I left the boat for every single one in Italy! Read all about that adventure in this entry: My Maiden Voyage: Lessons Learned During my First Cruise

This time, during my brief time in Northern Italy (all on land) I was able to eat delicious food, sip bold wines and be sun-kissed while taking in gorgeous views in not only Milan but also Cinque Terre and Venice.  Every city was different and known for a special something - something that guarantees my return when I have more time and money to spend!

*PRO TIP: Bring comfy, super comfy walking shoes when visiting Italy! During my time in Italy I averaged waking over 11,000 steps a day! In Venice alone, I walked over 17,000 steps! Hmm maybe that is why even with all the wine, pasta, pizza and desserts, I still managed to lose 2lbs that week!*

Milan

Milan was very interesting. As soon as I stepped out of the train station, I immediately thought, "New York" - I was surrounded by tall buildings, hotels, taxi cabs, women in heels running for the train and men in suits reading the newspaper.  It is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome and is known to be a fashion and design hub. What to buy when in Milan:  when in Milan pause for a moment to have an espresso.  After you have renewed energy, find your way to Fashion District, also known as "Quadrilatero della Moda." You will find Dolce&Gabbana, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Ermenegildo Zegna, Versace and more! Just remember the exchange rate and do not forget to budget ha

Villa Borromeo, where two became ONE 💕

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wills

Witnessed a gorgeous wedding!

Cinque Terre

Whenever in Italy, please visit Cinque Terre!! Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. We visited 3 of the 5: La Spezia, Vernazza and my fave, Manarola. Each boasted of colorful houses, great food, amazing wine and bring your walking shoes because you will be hiking steep terraces to enjoy these gorgeous views! What to buy when in Cinque Terre: PESTO!! It is absolutely amazing!! It is good on pasta or on toasted focaccia bread with a variety of cheese, olive oil and salami. 

*PRO TIP: Once you have planned your trip to Cinque Terre, take a few weeks to train your body for uphill cardio! The views are gorgeous but they are earned by hiking up stairs and/or cement walk ways on a steep incline.  As you can see, the hike is 100% worth the view!

Vernazza

Vernazza at night

Manarola

Manarola

Pause for a photo in Manarola

Nicole taking a moment in Manarola

Venice

Venice is serene, mesmerizing, gorgeous, romantic and full of history. Venice is actually 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. What to buy when in Venice:  Venice is known for romantic gondola rides but did you also know it is known for: lace, hand-blown glass, handmade Venetian masks and prosecco! Small souvenirs I purchased were hand made and painted Venetian mask magnets, hand blown wine, tumbler and shot glasses and of course I bought plenty of prosecco!   Venice is a sexy destination and I definitely plan to return!

A typical "street" -- or alley. Either way it has a name so
do not get lost!

Fun fact: 80% of Venetian residents own a boat. I think the
reason is obvious ha

One of many bridges that link the islands

The water was quite green and clean.  The city may appear to be sinking but
wow was it a calming experience to ride the calm waters.

The gondola ride is quite pricey at 80 Euro for 30 minutes but WORTH IT!

Time to ride!

My gondolier was funny and we spoke completely in Spanish.
He also kept singing in Spanish. Very nice experience!

You must be licensed by a guild to become a gondolier and this is not
easy -- usually only 3 or 4 new licenses are issued a year!

Where to Eat

When in Italy -- pasta, pizza and wine! 

Let's start with Milan:

Ristorante Pizzeria Maruzzella: a small, quaint restaurant with delicious pizza and pasta. Also, I love the family style way in which they serve their house wine - in clay pitchers! Fun fact: the chef explained that pizza in Italy should apparently take no more than 3 minutes because they are fired to perfection in wood fire ovens! 

The pizza (diavola) was hot and delicious! 

Pass the wine please!

Noblesse Oblige (http://www.ristorantenoblesseoblige.com/en/): wow the food here was delicious! They also have half bottle of wine for a very reasonable price.  The dish I enjoyed (pictured), hear me out ha, was DELICIOUS! I enjoyed the Filet Noblesse which was a tender filet topped with a mustard brandy peppercorn sauce and bacon. The flavors were amazing!

Filet Noblesse

A great compliment to dinner!

Dry Milano (http://www.drymilano.it/):  This restaurant is so comfortable and yet sexy - perfect for a date night! I went way outside of my box to try pizza which actually had no sauce but was topped with salted scallions and Italian sausage crumbles. It was amazing! My friend was not full so she ordered pistachio ice cream - it was DIVINE! It was perfectly sweet, not salty and complimented with an almond cookie crumble. Do yourself a favor and save room for this dessert when at Dry Milano!

The menu is a rotating menu so get your favorite pizzas
while they are still on the menu!

The perfect way to end the night!

Next up, Cinque Terre:

The Wine Experience in Vernazza:  At the top of a very steep set of stairs you will find this gem! Something you should know: they only take cash so bring plenty of euro as the wine here is amazing and prices range per tasting and by the glass.  The sommelier, Alessandro, is friendly, knowledgeable and simply gracious! The view is gorgeous and the atmosphere is relaxing.  Now, do not drink too much at the top...it is a steep walk down!

Saluti from the top!

Enjoy a nice cheese, meat and bread tray for 10 Euro!

Nicole enjoys the wine and the view!

That after wine glow haha

Ristorante Gianni Franzi in Vernazza (http://www.giannifranzi.it/): Once we walked down safely from The Wine Experience, we were hungry and looking for something delicious.  As we walked to view the menu for Gianni Franzi, a gentleman from Vernazza raved about their food and insisted we eat here, so we did! Suggestion: if you want to eat outside, make a reservation in advance. Unfortunately, we did not have a reservation so we ate inside and after my meal, I was happy no matter what the view! The pasta is light, the pesto was PERFECT and the BEST I have ever had and finally, the tiramisu was a culinary delight! This is one place I would return to anytime I am in Vernazza!

Pasta with mussels, olive oil, basil, fresh pepper and tomatoes.
Nothing else was necessary!

MY GOODNESS THE PESTO IS SO GOOD! Did I mention
I bought 3 jars home???

The absolute best tiramisu I have ever eaten!

Reasonably priced bottle of rose which went perfectly
with our meal.

Nessun Dorma in Manarola (https://www.nessundormacinqueterre.com/):  Another steep climb to find a treasure at the top! We stood in line for 20 minutes but once seated we enjoyed the view, wine and cocktails! They are known for their Limoncino Spritzer so make sure you enjoy one with the view at the top!

Saluti with a Limoncino Spritzer

Notice the pesto? It was delicious with the salami, toasted bread and asiago cheese!

Let's end with Venice:

On my way to the train station, after walking all over the city for 7 hours, I was tired, my feet hurt and I was thirsty! I tiredly stopped at a cafe next to the train station and enjoyed a glass (or two) of perfectly chilled prosecco.  It was so good, I bought a bottle! Do not leave Venice without a bottle of prosecco!

Treat yo self with some PROSECCO when in Venice!

If you have favorite places to eat, see or have a nice glass of wine when in Milan, Cinque Terre or Venice, I would love to hear about it! How else will I know where to go the next time I am in one of those cities? (Hear that Universe?)

Finally, I would like to thank my friend, Nicole, for being such a gracious host and tour guide! She truly helped to make this experience unforgettable (and affordable)! May God bless her abundantly!

Until the next time loves, CIAO 💋

XOXO