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A visit to Italy is not complete without traveling to Milan, Italy’s international hub for fashion that would make the French jealous, culture that epitomizes European life and commerce that crowns this city the default capital over Rome. Milan, located in the northernmost Lombardy region, has had an eclectic history of rulers (Roman, Spanish, Austrian, etc.) due to its proximity to the rest of Europe and is therefore far more independently spirited and multicultural than the southern Italian peninsula.

There are few places in the world where shopping and eating could be considered religious experiences. Milan’s boutique-lined streets offer some of the world’s most exquisite and exclusive styles, dominating the cutting-edge of design. Travel to Milan to pamper yourself, but keep a keen eye for how you might redecorate your outdated (by Milan standards) living room. Brera is the most sophisticated and elite shopping area, centrally located and also home to the Pinacoteca de Brera, one of the most coveted museum collections in Europe.

Speaking of consumption, a leisurely dinner of saffron-scented risotto and signature osso buco will surely provide rejuvenation after all of that shopping. Make sure to enjoy the local wines of Lombardy, particularly from the Brescia region, which set a whole new standard for table wines.

We start our Milan tour with the Gothic Duomo (Cathedral) whose ground was broken in 1386 under the first duke of Milan and yet was only finished in time for Napoleon’s coronation as King of Italy in 1809. With an estimated capacity of forty thousand it is Italy’s second largest church; only St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome is bigger. To get an idea of its immensity, the Milan cathedral boasts 135 marble spires and contains well over two thousand marble statues. Yet in spite of its size and central location those who seek refuge from the outside world (believe me, central Milan hustles and bustles) can usually step inside and find a solitary corner. Believe it or not there has been a church at this prime Milan location since at least the beginning of the Fifth Century.

The Duomo’s architecture and art are certainly worthy of an extended visit. Let’s quote Mark Twain in his famous travelogue Innocents Abroad: “The central one of its five great doors is bordered with a bas-relief of birds and fruits and beasts and insects, which have been so ingeniously carved out of the marble that they seem like living creatures — and the figures are so numerous and the design so complex, that one might study it a week without exhausting its interest…everywhere that a niche or a perch can be found about the enormous building, from summit to base, there is a marble statue, and every statue is a study in itself… [and to sum up] They say that the Cathedral of Milan is second only to St. Peter’s at Rome. I cannot understand how it can be second to anything made by human hands.”

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Brussels is the capital urban place of Belgium; with the bigger Brussels arena as the capital of the European Union. Brussels takes its root as a place from the 10th century in advance it gradually flourished as a trading post along with Ghent, Cologne, and Burges, since all these large towns lie along the Senne River. It was the home of aristocrats, diplomats, and royalty until it became the middle of governance of Belgium in the 19th century.

There is no shortage of out of this world places to eat and drink when reviewing a list of Brussels tourism options. Fine eating is a real art form in Brussels, but there are also many quaint caf’s and public houses littered from the word go the urban place. The main dining and eating areas in Brussels are Avenue Louise and surroundings, suburb Sainte-Catherine called the fish market, majestic’ quarter and the Ilot Sacr, and point du rich Sablon. There are myriad eating establishments in Brussels, all with attractive interior settings and impartially fine eating opportunities for travellers looking to get a bite to eat.

When it comes to spots of interest, Brussels has many diversity. Museums and galleries, traces and monuments, churches, gardens and parks, cinemas, and markets represent some of the must-drop by sites in the place. The Beaux Art Museum and the coincident Art Museum, the Belgian Comic Strip Museum, the Brewery Museum, and The Horta Museum are some of the greater important museums in Brussels. Illustrious features include terrific dwelling, Arc de Triomphe, and Parc du Cinquantenaire. As for gardens and parks, site du Petit Sablon and Brussels Park are a breath of fresh air.

Other than seeing museums, famed vantage points, and churches, one can also adore a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings from the top of the Atomium, which is a model of an iron molecule’s nine atoms magnified 165 billion times. In the summer, one can take part in a unique activity christened ‘Death Ride’ from the top sphere of the Atomium. You should not miss the unique shopping experience at Brussels’ elevated flea market – The March aux Puces-Vlooienmarkt in vicinity du Jeu de Balle-Vossenplein.

Brussels is one of the spots to go for citizens who are fans of flicks, especially art films. There are countless sites where one can go to engage in some peaceful yet satisfying film viewing. Actors Studio, Styx, Cinema Nova, and Arenberg are only a inconsiderable of the cinemas that are favorite all over Belgium, and at times, even Europe. Shopping in Brussels is a bit inconvenient as shops are normally closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the diversity of the goods more than makes up for the short open-time of the stores. From films, books, and especially chocolate, the shopping in Brussels does not frustrate.

Visit www.CityBreak1.co.uk to find and book holiday break packages