T R AVAV E L JJOA OAN N E O ’ ’CONCON NORNOR Take me there Why go? "nder cover: Milan’s The city is known for its fashion and colourful Galleria football, but there’s more to Milan #ittorio Emanuele II than designer clothes and Serie A. shopping arcade It’s also home to some of ’s fi nest modern and contemporary art and an exciting restaurant scene. But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit is the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition – Italy’s largest ever – opening at the Palazzo Reale this spring, which promises to be an unmissable event (15 April-19 July, milanmuseumguide.com).

What to do Once you’ve ticked off the big sights – the gothic Duomo (cathedral), Opera House, and the beautiful glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade – hotfoot it to the artsy Brera or districts, the best places for strolling and people-watching. Art afi cionados won’t want to miss the masterpieces housed in the Where to stay artfully distressed former sawmill medieval , the Ostello Bello is one of the city’s best (carloecamillainsegheria.it ). Pinacoteca di Brera, and the budget options with funky dorms and with its private rooms, and a sociable café-bar Insider tip collection of Italian art spanning (doubles from €80, ostellobello.com). “The best cappuccino in Milan the 19th and 20th centuries. The can be found at the Bastian ello BikeMi cycle sharing scheme – the Where to eat café (via Borgogna 5),” says Alice ■■■ Milanese equivalent of “Boris bikes” # theatrical dining experience is Salvagnin of Milan Private Tours For more inside (bikemi.com) – is a great way of guaranteed at Carlo e Camilla in (milanprivatetours.com). “The apple tips, advice and getting around town. Head for the Segheria, where Michel in-starred and cinnamon croissants made in the holiday ideas, go to green spaces of the chef Carlo Cracco serves up inventive patisserie are delicious, but you need theguardian.com/ travel to let off steam. food at a single communal table in an to get there early as they sell out.” ■

Give me a break

See more Lincolnshire sites for less Loire Valley by bike Many of Lincolnshire’s top visitor Walking and cycling specialist Belle France HOME attractions will be offering free admission AWAY will take £150 off the price of its Loire over the weekend of 28-29 March. Among Valley trips when two people book the places offering free admission or before the end of March. A six-night discounts as part of the annual Discover half-board easy cycling holiday around Lincolnshire Weekend are Lincoln the region’s vineyards and chateaux Cathedral, the city’s open-top sightseeing starts from £899pp, before the discount, bus Tour Lincoln, Tattershall Castle and based on two people sharing. Quote the National Centre for Craft & Design in the discount code Spring15 when booking

ALAMY Sleaford (visitlincolnshire.com ). (bellefrance.com ).

THE OBSERVER | 08.03.15 | MAGAZINE 69