To celebrate the TikTok Women's Six Nations, we’re providing some inspiration for your next city break with Aer Lingus, flying to over 100 routes across Europe, including some of Italy’s most popular destinations. Choose from flights to Rome, Venice, Bologna, Verona, Milan and more. Need some ideas for your to-do list when you’re in Milan? We’ve rounded up some unmissable Milanese adventures for you to consider.
Test your kayaking coordination at Idroscalo
This artificial lake has a host of water sports available for you to choose from. Whether you fancy kayaking, rowing, sailing, canoeing or water skiing, be sure to spend a few hours at the old seaplane airport site. Or if you’d rather stay dry, they also have land-based activities, with walking, running and mountain biking paths available. For the activity averse, Idroscalo’s bars and restaurants will keep you fed and watered while you wait for the others to tire themselves out. You’ll find Idroscalo located between Segrate and Peschiera Borromeo, near Linate Airport.
Gaze up at the city forest at Bosco Verticale
What’s a city forest? Exactly as the name suggests - a forest in the city! Situated in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, these residential tower blocks boast over 900 different species of trees on their terraces. The two towers are hard to miss, as they stand at 364 ft and 249 ft tall, and have been improving air quality in the city since their completion in 2014. The buildings’ use of heat pump technology is helping to reduce its heating and cooling costs, making it an environmentally-friendly as well as visually-pleasing addition to your trip. Plus, you’ll be able to say that you visited 2015’s award-winning 'Best Tall Building Worldwide’.
Take a day trip to Parma for a foodie’s feast
Consider heading south-east of Milan to beautiful Parma during your stay. You’ll get there in about 90 minutes for as little as €11 by train. It’s a paradise for foodies, as it’s the home of Prosciutto di Parma, also known as cured pork ham. Locals recommend you pair it with Parmigiano Reggiano, or ‘the true parmesan cheese’ for an authentic bite. The province of Parma also specialises in stuffed pasta, notably ‘tortelli d’erbetta’ (egg pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and chard) and ‘anolini in brodo’ (beef-stuffed pasta in a rich meat broth). Pair it with some local Parma wine and you can’t go wrong. Just be sure to make the return train back to Milan afterwards!
Indulge in an Ancient Roman spa experience
Experience the more relaxed side of life at QC Termemilano. With its heated pools, thermal baths, saunas and steam rooms, you’ll be treated to a slower pace of life compared to the hustle and bustle of the busy city. QC Termemilano offers a number of relaxing treatments in the picturesque setting of its themed rooms, one of which was previously a tram that whizzed around Milan, now fashioned into a bio-sauna. You’ll find QC Termemilano in the heart of Milan, on Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro, and admission includes slippers, a robe and a towel, giving you the option to arrive on a whim when your feet need a rest.
Enjoy dinner with a view aboard ATMosfera
You’re bound to work up an appetite exploring the sights of Milan, so why not try something a bit different and dine on the go? ATMosfera transforms two carriages of the city’s public transport tram into a mobile dining experience. On board, you’ll pass through various sites including the Porta Nuova district - so be sure to look up to see the aforementioned Bosco Verticale buildings. Reservations are advised as it’s quite a popular tourist trap.
Soak up the opera at Teatro Alla Scala
This world-famous venue has been putting on performances for over 250 years and has hosted composing greats like Bellini, Rossini and Verdi. It was where Giacomo Puccini’s premiere of the iconic Madama Butterfly took place in 1904. Despite its age, the stunning building is in pristine condition, having undergone a major renovation which was completed in 2004, costing a reported €61 million. See which type of performance aligns with your stay, as you’ll have opera, ballet, a symphony concert or recitals to choose from, depending on the date. Or if you’d rather just peruse the 1,800-capacity architecture at your own pace, the museum gives a great behind-the-scenes tour from €12 that may be more on your wavelength.
Book your trip to Milan now at www.aerlingus.com.
Aer Lingus are the official airline and a proud sponsor of the Irish Rugby team. It's their privilege to not only fly the team to away matches, but also the legions of loyal fans who travel where it takes to get behind the team.
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