Introduction to Milan
Milan, the second city of Italy, is located on the flat plains of the northern province of Lombardy, surrounded by an arc of mountains and lakes. It is a world renowned centre for fashion, design, finance, industry and football. It has great museums, a huge castle, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the most famous paintings ever, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Milan combines hard work and high fashion with the haute couture houses of Armani, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, as celebrated captains of industry. The circuit of annual fashion catwalk shows, design fairs and related exhibitions attracts a host of international visitors and celebrities.
Despite its work orientated persona as Italy's economic powerhouse, Milan has lots of gems hidden away. Apart from the discount designer outlet stores you should make time to discover the Italian Ôdolce vita' (sweet life) in the many outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as enjoy excursions to the nearby lakes and mountains.
Milan arrivals
Flights from London arrive at one of three airports that serve Milan:
Milano Linate (LIN) is the most convenient airport for short haul passengers. It is only seven kilometres east of the city centre with regular city bus service no.73 to Piazza San Babila. Milano Malpensa (MXP) is fifty kilometres north of the city and caters for all long haul and some short haul flights. The Malpensa Express train links the airport to the city station Stazione Nord (Cadorna) and takes forty-five minutes.
Bergamo,Orio al Serio (BGY) is forty-five kilometres east of the city and is mainly served by low cost carriers. A shuttle bus service takes passengers to Milano Centrale (the central railway station) in just over one hour.
Domus Academy and NABA locations
Domus Academy and NABA are located in the central south west area of the city, known as the "Navigli" (Canals) area and are easily reached from all parts of the city by metro and bus.
Domus Academy
Via Giacomo Watt 27, 20143, Milan, Italy
Tel: + 39 02 42 41 40 52 (Fax: +39 02 4222525)
Contact: Eleonora Piacentini Ð email: DomusMilan@london-milan-courses.com
Take the Metro Green Line no. 2 to "Porta Genova" station then Bus no. 74 to Via Watt.
NABA
Via Carlo Darwin 20, 20143, Milan, Italy
Tel: + 39 02 973721, Fax: +39 02 97372280
Contact: Evelina Scrivani email:NabaMilan@london-milan-courses.com
Take the Metro Green Line no. 2 to "Romolo" and walk for 8 minutes to Via Darwin Or buses 90, 91 and 47.
To easily locate our schools, check the "Maps" section of this website.
Travelling around Milan
Milan offers an extensive network of buses, trams and underground trains to help you move around easily. From the city transportation company (ATM) day and weekly passes are available, as are good value ten trip passes (ask for a "carnet"). You cannot buy tickets on the bus, but only from ATM offices or tobacco shops (tabacchi, with the blue "T" sign outside). Tickets must be validated (stamped) on board by inserting them into the red or yellow validation machines. http://www.atm-mi.it/it/Pagine/English.aspx
Or choose the new eco-friendly way around town with Milan's "Bike Mi" bicycle sharing scheme. As a visitor, you can sign up online for a temporary subscription, per day or per week: http://www.bikemi.com/
Useful links about Milan
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/milan
Check out
The Triennale is a permanent design collection in a historic building by the Sempione park. It is also home to the famous Salone del Mobile furniture fair.
www.triennale.it/Index.php?lang=_engCenacolo Vinciano: the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent houses Leonardo da Vinci's Last Super Ðdated between 1494 and 1498 , it is one of the world's most celebrated works (needs advanced booking at: http://www.vivaticket.it/evento.php?id_evento=298097&op=cenacoloVinciano)
Pinoteca di Brera: is an exceptional art gallery housing among others Andrea Mantegna's Dead Christ and Piero della Francesca's Virgin and Child with Saints. www.brera.beniculturali.it/
From mid-July, the end of season summer sales begin in Milan and our staff will point you towards the best Italian fashion bargains in town from the "golden rectangle" to the huge discount outlet stores. Here is where to start: http://www.factory-outlet-italy.com/en/FO/index.php
Days, Evenings and Weekends Out
The alpine lakes at Como by the Swiss border are a great place to relax and less than an hour away
Summer evenings can be spent enjoying a delicious pizza "al fresco" then lounging in the cool bars by the Navigli (canals) or in the chic Brera district.
Venice (2.5 hours) and Florence (2 hours) are now closer by high speed train, and the chic Mediterranean seaside resorts of Santa Margherita and Portofino can be reached in under two hours.
Insurance
We strongly advise you to take out your own comprehensive personal travel insurance policy before you leave home to ensure peace of mind during your stay in Europe.
Further Travelling
When your course finishes in Milan on Friday 30th July, you have the opportunity to further explore Italy's other historic towns, cities and beaches, or choose one of the other nearby European countries to visit such as France, Switzerland, Austria or Spain.
Check these links for further planning and inspiration:
