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An Art-Lover’s Guide to Florence

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An Art-Lover's Guide to Florence

Florence is home to some of the most iconic works of art and architecture in the world. Much of these works are inspired by creative developments that took place during the Renaissance. 

Lovers of art will not want to miss out on these attractions!

1. Basilica of Santa Croce

This Fransiscan church is the burial site of eminent artists, writers and scientists such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini and Galileo. There are 16 chapels housed in this church, many of which are adorned with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils who include Gaddi, Banco and Daddi. As the Basilica is a religious site, ensure you are appropriately dressed for your visit.  

2. Galleria dell'Accademia

Many visit this gallery to see the famed David statue by Michelangelo as well as his unfinished statues, which are the Prisoners and St Matthew. While Michelangelo's works are highlights of this gallery, you will also find paintings by other celebrated artists such as Botticelli, Pontormo, Allori and Orcagna. Do purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times in the queue!

3. Uffizi Gallery

This art museum houses the largest collection of Renaissance artworks in the world. Some highlights of the gallery include paintings by Botticelli, notably Birth of Venus and La Primavera as well as Lippi's Madonna with Child and Two Angels. You will also find works by other acclaimed Italian artists such as Giotto, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raffaelo. You will also want to purchase tickets in advance to beat the snaking queues!

4. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Featuring Gothic-style architecture, this cathedral is an iconic landmark in Florence and has the largest dome in the world. The dome, which was built by Brunelleschi, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of engineering and design as it was successfully constructed without any scaffolding! Within this cathedral, you will find 44 stained-glass windows which were designed by Donatello, Ghiberti and other artists. To capture panoramic views of the city, head over to the Bell Tower! 

5. Bargello Museum 

Bargello was formerly a barracks and prison before it was converted into an art museum. Here, you find mostly sculptures by notable artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini and Verrocchio. The museum also houses a collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages as well as tapestries, manuscripts and armours. Crowd-hating art lovers will rejoice that queues are a rare sight at this museum! 

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Expo Milano 2015 – Exclusive Giveaway

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Expo Milano 2015 - Exclusive Giveaway

Here at BonAppetour we want to offer our foodie friends the amazing chance to be part of the 20 million people across the globe visiting Milan’s Universal Exhibition: Expo Milano 2015. The theme is Feeding the Planet and the importance of sustainability. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample the delights of the world’s food culture, marvel at the latest technology and be inspired by architecture.

 

Although the exhibition has been running since May, all good things must come to an end. So we would like to offer you the chance to visit the Milan Expo before it finishes on October 31st. This is definitely an event not to be missed!

You will taste the best dishes the world has to offer and find out more about what we are doing, as a planet, to resolve the problems of nutrition and the resources of our world.

This is guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget. We have 3 tickets to give away to 3 winners. All you have to do to win is:

 

  • Head over to our Facebook page and give us a like

  • Comment under our Giveaway post why you want to go to the Expo. That’s it!
     

We will be announcing the winner by the end of this week- Good luck!

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Travel Guide to Milan: 6 Things to Do in the City

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Travel Guide to Milan: 6 Things to Do in the City

Trendy Milan, welll-known for fashion, luxury brands and commerce, draws a sizable crowd of eager visitors who arrive at the city for shopping. But even as you gather a shopping list and make grand plans for your retail therapy fix in this city, do set aside time to visit some of its spectacular monuments and travel sites!

1. Duomo  

It is impossible to miss this iconic cathedral when in Milan. The Duomo is the city's most recognisable building, and one of the largest Gothic-style cathedrals in the world. Apart from exploring the interiors of the Duomo, visitors can also take an elevator ride to the roof to enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you have plenty of time to spare and care for a workout, take the tougher way out by opting to climb the stairs to the rooftop. Just make sure that you are donning comfortable footwear, as the surface of the steps are not even throughout! 

[MILAN-BEST-RISOTTO https://www.bonappetour.com/barbara-bs/classical-milanese-evening-in-a-peaceful-home-in-navigli]
 

2. Santa Maria delle Grazie

A central work of Renaissance architecture, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is better known for housing the renowned fresco, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", situated in the refectory of the church. If you wish to see Da Vinci's masterpiece, do book tickets in advance as queues to see the painting are long, and only a fixed number of visitors allowed to see the painting at a time. Each visitor is allowed a viewing time lasting a mere fifteen mintures, so if you get the opportunity to this masterpiece, be sure to make the most of your time spent admiring the work of art!

3. Piazza Fontana

Situated close to the Duomo, the Piazza Fontana is a site that houses a beautiful fountain and plenty of benches. In 1969, the site was attacked by terrorists, resulting in the death of 17 people, and a total of 88 injured. Today, the piazza offers an oasis of calm for those seeking respite from the crowds. Ideal for locals and holidaymakerskeen on spending a quiet afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of Milan's attractions. 

4. Castello Sforzesco 

Discover the history of Milan at Castello Sforzesco, home to several of the city's museums, libraries and art collections. Following Italian unification in 1861, the castle was on the verge of demolition, but the city council was persuaded by architect Luca Beltrami to preserve the historical site. Here, you may view the Pieta Ronadanini, Michelangelo's final, unfinished sculpture, as well as other works that he created. There are also exhibits of masterpieces by renowned artiests such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Andrea Mantegna and Bramantino. 

5. Parco Sempione 

A large city park in Milan, Parco Sempione is located just beside Castello Sforzeco, and houses the arco della pace, which was meant to be an emblem of Napolean's triumph in Italy. During the warmer months in the year, the park serves as a popular spot for the locals to enjoy picnics and recreational activities. It is also common to find locals basking under the sunlight and lying upon the grass. Even when temperatures start to dip, visitors can still venture here to enjoy quiet and leisurely walks away from the busy bustle of the city.

6. Dine with the Locals

Eat like a local by dining with the Milanese in their homes! Tuck into a sumptuous three-course dinner with Alessandra, or enjoy dinner and a fun-filled tour of the city with Federica. Local hosts will happily alter the menu to suit the tastes and dietary restrictions of diners, so be sure to state your dining preferences during the booking process. 

 

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Vegetarian Dining in Milan: 6 Spots to Get Your Meatless Fix

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Vegetarian Dining in Milan: 6 Spots to Get Your Meatless Fix

Where do the veggie lovers head to dine, when they traverse in the city of Milan?

1.  Arcobaleno Vegetariano

You know a restaurant dishes out delicious and authentic-tasting vegetarian fare when it is frequented by veggie-loving locals. At Arcobaleno Vegetariano, you will find a range of vegan Italian dishes, all of which are freshly prepared with top-notch ingredients from local suppliers. The availability of gluten-free options means that different dietary needs and preferences are met. The food may not be fanciful, but Arcobaleno Vegetariano wins over a regular crowd with its wholesome, quality fare.

[MILAN-BEST-RISOTTO https://www.bonappetour.com/barbara-bs/classical-milanese-evening-in-a-peaceful-home-in-navigli]

2. La Vecchia Latteria

Veggie-loving travellers in Duomo will not need to search high and low for meatless dining options – just head over to La Vecchia Latteria. Do not belie the eatery's casual setting and compact size, for it churns out a range of freshly prepared and mouthwatering fare. Dining here may be a bit of a squeeze, but the generous portions served means that diners will leave feeling well satisfied. 

3. Misunchi 

A variety of meatless fare makes Misunchi a lunchtime favourite with the veggie-loving crowd in Milan. You will find a  wide range of options present on the daily menu, ranging from savoury delights like the vegan lasagna, stuffed olives and focaccia, to sweet treats, like its renowned sacher vegan cake. Do note that Misunchi is only open for lunch on weekdays, so be sure to plan your visits accordingly! 

4. Universo Vegano

If you need your veggie fix on the go, make a stopover at Universo Vegano! 

This fast food vegan chain, featuring outlets in Milan and other cities within Italy, churns out a range of appetising quick-eats such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads and focaccia. Only fresh ingredients without a single trace of animal derivatives are used in the preparation of food sold at its outlets, so vegan diners can rest assured that they are feasting on wholesome fare.   

5. Vala Banco e Cucina

You will find plenty of traditional Italian favourites on the daily menu at the family-run Vala Banco e Cucina. A good selection of vegan-friendly options, like the carbonara and cheesecake – keeps things interesting for vegan diners. The availability of gluten-free items makes this a suitable dining spot for diners with varying dietary needs and preferences, and an ever-changing daily menu and affordable prices keeps a regular crowd of locals coming back for more. 

6. Home-dining with the Locals

If tucking into a homecooked spread of healthy vegetarian fare floats your boat, take a shot at home-dining with the locals in Milan. Veggie-lovin' Serena will happily whip up a raw vegan dinner, while Alice will readily customise the menu of her traditional Italian dinner experience to make it vegetarian-friendly.

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