1, five fishing villages - colorful fishing villages
From Florence by train to the Levanto train station, you can take a small train between the five fishing villages to your accommodation in the village of Manarolla.
CinqueTerre (Cinque Terre), located in the coastal area of the province of La Spezia in the province of Liguria in Italy is the general name for the five villages and towns of Monte Rosso Almare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The one day stay in the fishing village was quite satisfactory. We booked a small sea view room. It was only afterwards that I realized that the cover photo automatically matched on the Poor Traveler's itinerary page was of the village of Uyun, and the small window of our room actually appeared on the cover.
Ocean view window
Host family's ****ed up seaside terrace
Uyun village is famous for its colorful houses scattered along the beach, which attracts many tourists (mostly from China). You can get there by train between villages. If you want to walk, you have to cross the national park between the villages. You need to buy tickets separately.
Famous cover photo
Trains coming and going on the beach
Beaches in Rio
The only village out of the five fishing villages that has a beach is Rio Maggiore, with an average but crowded beach.
Monterosso Station
While the sea view is pleasant, in general, the village of Cinco de Mayo is so commercial that I was inevitably a bit disappointed. Perhaps it's because of the hype surrounding domestic tourism. There are a lot of tourists here, and most of them are from China, mostly with groups.
A brief stroll around the village made me feel that apart from that cover photo, that's all there is to the town with its colorful houses. The hiking environment in Gokyo National Park was not very appealing and the entrance fee was expensive and blazing hot. We had a rare stay in an ocean view room, so we decided to sunbathe beautifully. On our homestay's beach terrace, we faced the ocean and ate pizza. From the time the sun was shining, to the time the sun set and night fell, we reluctantly ended our day.
Sunset over the sea
Below the colorful buildings on the beach
The night lights came on.
Gradually lighting up the village
It is said that tourists are forbidden to take photos because there is too much scenery for many tourists to see. Why not take photos when there are too many people? The official explanation given by Switzerland is, 'Nothing else, but the scenery is really beautiful. I'm afraid that if you post your photos on the internet, it will make those who can't come here feel very miserable, unhappy and frustrated. After all, we're here all year round, and no matter how you photograph it, it's picturesque. I can't help but think of a quote when I see this. Don't ask me why I'm so proud. If I have money, I can be as proud as I want to be.
The next morning, after a day at the beach, we continued to take the train to Milan.
The train was a separate compartment, six people, passengers sitting opposite each other. After driving for a long time, you can always see the sea view from the window.
2. Sforza Castle
Arriving in the fashion capital of Milan, there was an instant change in style.
Milan's train station is gilded and bustling. When we arrive, we feel like a metropolis again.
Milan train station
Milan is a big city with a metro. The train station takes the metro to the accommodation. The room was simple and comfortable, and the accommodation was convenient as always. Next to Milan Cathedral, most attractions are within walking distance.
After a brief recuperation, we headed to Milan's first stop, the Sforzesco Fortress.
This castle was built in the 14th century by the Counts of Sforza and then became the residence of the Sforza family, the ruling family of the Renaissance centered in Milan.
The castle is square and has a large park surrounded by high walls. There is an interior museum. Leonardo da Vinci was later involved in the planning of the castle during its expansion.
Sforzesco Castle
Inside the castle
Here I encountered a group of suited Italian dudes performing on the side of the road. The music was very upbeat with various instruments playing together and singing in unison. And, they were so cute changing their legs, I was totally mesmerized. I couldn't leave Mr. L even after pulling him a few times. Italy is really a country of handsome men, and Italian men look so handsome in suits. It's a pity that there are too many onlookers, so I didn't leave any high-resolution close-up pictures.
A wonderful performance and chorus by the handsome suit group
Parking near the castle
There are sunbathers on the grass in the park next to the castle. Here, sunbathing is as popular a way for people to relax as square dancing. Even dogs have the hobby.
Tanners. And dogs
At the end of the meadow is the Peace Gate. The origins of this gate can be quite embarrassing.In 1807, Napoleon built this triumphal arch to celebrate his victories in the European wars. Before the gate was built, Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo.After the war ended in 1826, Francesco, the ruler of Milan, renamed the Arc de Triomphe the Peace Gate. Above the gate is a bronze statue of the Goddess of Peace, holding an olive branch and standing on a six-horse chariot.
Peace Gate
Milan is definitely the big city of Italy. For the sake of the environment, the trams here are plain, simple and lovely.
Taking the tram
Taking the tram to the Santa Maria Monastery. The convent itself is not well known, only because the frescoes of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper year are here. Since I didn't book in advance, I took a brief tour and left.
St. Mary's Abbey
3, Milan Cathedral
The next day, I came to Milan Cathedral. When I saw the cathedral for the first time, I was really shocked. Here, I also learned that Domo, which is often seen in every city, originally means the main church.
Domo di Milano is located in Piazza del Duomo in the center of Milan, Italy. The architecture here is one of the most distinctive, using many architectural styles, a combination of different architectural styles. If you are a fan of the architecture here, you will surely be praised when you come here. Many tourists are attracted by the architectural style here.
Milan Cathedral
By the church
The square in front of the church is full of pigeons, the most I have ever seen in Europe.
In the piazza, we actually met a couple taking wedding photos, which drew a crowd. Not surprisingly, they were from China. After traveling so far, you still can't avoid the comrades who take wedding photos at the attraction. But it's a tough enough outfit for such a hot day.
Couples taking wedding photos in front of the cathedral
The square at the front of the cathedral has become a must-see spot for wedding photos. From a distance, the front of the cathedral feels more like some kind of crown.
We bought tickets to climb to the top of the cathedral and there were many tourists waiting in line to climb to the top. We waited in line for two hours in the hot sun and eventually realized we were in the wrong line. The elevator line and the stair line were actually separate lines. I had to go back to the hike to the top line to regroup, and the foreigner couple who had been following us watched us leave with very sympathetic eyes.
The Little Spire
The little spire that adorns the upper part of the church is already intricate from a distance. A closer look at its structure reveals complex shapes and forms. No wonder this church has been built for six centuries. I had heard of cathedrals in the West being restored for centuries and then returning to the unknown eye of the beholder.
Overlooking the square
Top of the church
After visiting the church, go to the Emanuel II promenade next to the cathedral.
The Emanuel II Promenade was built in 1865 and has an overall cross-shaped structure. It is an important shopping destination in Milan, with many luxury brand stores, as well as many unique cafes, restaurants and bookstores. There is also a seven-star hotel townhouse in the promenade. In addition to this, there is an Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
Here we can see that some stores in the Chinese market have been seized. It is evident that our goods in China have gradually gone global. As a Chinese, I feel very proud when I see these things.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
4, fashionable quads and Milan canals
When you are in Milan, you still have to stroll along Milan's canals to feel the old Milanese flavor. Because the canal area is Milan's old neighborhood, there are many small stores and artist studios along the banks, and we walked along the canal for a while, which was very charming.
Canals of Milan
Last but certainly not least - the Fashion Quadrilateral, where the fashion capital is represented.
The Fashion Quadrilateral, located in Milan's first district, is a commercial area surrounded by four streets, where the stores and studios of the most important fashion brands are concentrated. These four streets are via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and corso Venezia.
Many girls should be excited about making the pilgrimage here. Unfortunately, I didn't know much about it, so I wandered around unknowingly, browsing the beauties bought in the buy buy and the luxury cars on the side of the road. On the way, he met a big Chinese man buying with his family buy buy, wearing a big gold chain with thick fingers around his neck, which really surprised me. No wonder a lot of people abroad look at Chinese people as if they are looking at RMB.
Luxury cars on the roadside
If the Big Five fishing villages are colorful in nature, Milan is full of fashion. As a traveler from China, neither of them seems unfamiliar; yet stepping foot on the land still manages to leave one feeling helpless, which shows its charm. Journeying through the southern part of Milan, we are about to arrive at - Como, a small town on the Italian-Swiss border, the last stop of our Italian tour.
Free Travel Tips
About Traffic
I chose the Swiss Pass, which can be purchased online at Euromonitor. The Swiss Pass is good for trains (excluding mountain trains from private rail companies), boats (including trains from Lake Leman to France), public **** transportation, and most castles and museums. The Jungfrau special train, the Matterhorn mountain train, etc. It is possible to get different levels of discounts on the pass.
There are two types of Swiss passes: continuous and discontinuous. For the discontinuous one, the date of using the Swiss Pass should be determined in advance. Continuous passes can be used consecutively for the duration of their validity.
[About the museums there]
When you go to Italy, it is natural to visit the magnificent museums. Although I don't know much about art, a visit is necessary. Many museums can be booked in advance, usually two months in advance. Booking in advance can avoid the hassle of waiting in line.
List of things to bring
(1) Documents: passport with you, 2 copies of the first page of your passport, photo of the first page of your passport saved in your cell phone and IPAD, and 1 copy of your e-mail.
(2) Order categories: itinerary booklet, air ticket, train ticket order, hotel order, insurance policy each person to print a copy of the cell phone and IPAD electronic version to save, e-mail to keep a copy.
(3) consumer categories: credit card, China Development Bank debit card (China Development Bank debit card three times a day outside of the UnionPay logo on the ATM machine withdrawals without fees, withdrawals are in local currency, according to the exchange rate of the day settlement), the euro cash (do not need to bring too much cash in euros, exchange some of the small denomination is more convenient, large amount of consumption can generally brush card), Swiss francs.
(4) daily necessities: insulated cups, toiletries, razors, ponchos, sunglasses, umbrellas, sunscreen, skin care products, shampoo, paper, some empty plastic bags, pens, notebooks. If you have the habit of drinking hot water, it is recommended to bring an electric kettle. Many hotels in Europe do not have the tools to boil hot water.
(5) Electronic products: cell phone and charger, camera and charger, ipad and charger, conversion plug and mobile wifi.
(6) Clothing: T, pants, skirts, silk scarf, thin jackets, fleece jackets, socks, underwear, light shoes. If you go in summer, pay attention to sun protection. The sun is still strong in Tuscany. Ladies can prepare a silk scarf and tie a sleeveless top or skirt before entering the church.
(7) Medications: cold medicine, diarrhea medicine, antipyretic, band-aids, etc.
(8) Others: a small, close-fitting, invisible fanny pack, an empty large bag, etc.
[About the trip]
Rome first stop: stroll through Rome - monuments, churches, castles and so on.
Florence second stop: Florence sunset stroll through Tuscany -.