Stress-busting in Milan

E-mails read, bags packed and child care sorted. Three working mums head off to Milan, only two hours from London and at a bargain internet price, writes Julie Murphy.

Milan has plenty on offer for a stress-busting weekend. The highlight was a guided tour which took us to the Duomo, La Scala opera house, Castello Sforzesco and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The latter, an incredible sight not to be missed, must be booked well in advance. Milan has interesting art galleries and the last unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo, the Rondanini Pieta, is in the castle. The roof of the Duomo is worth a trip for its views and architecture.

We took a double-decker train to Lake Como, only seven euros (£4.75) return and an hour from Milan. A roving boat ticket enabled us to visit several scenic lakeside villages. Como itself boasts a busy market, designer and less expensive souvenir shops. A funicular railway offers spectacular views.

I must recommend happy hour in Milan’s bars. One served spumante and freshly squeezed red orange juice cocktails for 6 euros (£4), accompanied by a generous array of free snacks. Two cocktails in two bars and we had a very varied dinner, all for 12 euros (£8).

Naviglio canal area has lots of pizzerias, bars and impromptu street markets. Take care bargaining, though – we misunderstood the Italian and offered to pay more than the stallholder was asking.

Don’t miss Zucas in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which has beautiful frescoes. Coffee at the bar is both cheap and very Italian. But don’t go to Milan for shopping unless you are very rich and size zero!

Overall, we felt welcome in Milan, especially when we used our few Italian phrases. I would definitely recommend it as a good location for a stress-busting weekend. Enjoy!

Julie Murphy is a budget-holding lead professional for Poole Council

Flights in May and June to Milan from London Gatwick or Bristol start from £7.99 (visit www.easyjet.com) and from £2.79 from London Stansted and Luton (visit www.ryanair.com)