Monday, March 9, 2026 (San Jose)
I woke at 07:00, showered, and shaved. I decided to finish packing for the trip to Italy and then head over to AVAC to work out. At AVAC, I rode the stationary bike for 40 minutes and the rowing machine for 20 minutes. I lifted a few weights and headed for the showers, returning home at 10:00.
I packed a few more things and practiced a few grade 1 and grade pieces in Easy Classical Guitar Volume 1 on my Suzuki No. 34 nylon-string guitar.
At around noon, having packed everything, we started our drive to the San Francisco airport. The traffic was light on US-101, but I was concerned about long TSA lines (due to the government shutdown). The ongoing US-Iran war was also adding uncertainty to our upcoming trip.
Thankfully, when we checked into Air France to print out our tickets (with TSA pre-check approval), we found the security lines mostly empty, and we quickly finished with security. Since we were flying business class, we were entitled to visit the Air France lounge.
After sitting down at the Air France Lounge, Inna and I sampled the buffet and picked out the following items:
- Drinks:
- Inna: sparkling water, cappuccino, Cosmopolitan cocktail
- Boris: still water, cappuccino, Kir Royale
- Salad: Spring mix with olive oil & vinegar
- Main: Salmon with veggies
- Snacks: Cookies, Macaroons, Cheeses (Brie)
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Though I didn't get any sleep during the flight, I did manage to rest most of the time. We landed in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, ahead of schedule, at around 11:30.
We had to go through passport control and another full luggage check, requiring us to remove all electronics from our bags (it took a lot longer and was quite tedious). We rode the airport's shuttle to terminal 2F (from 2E), where we looked for the Air France's lounge.
After locating it, we went in (hoping that our tickets would qualify for entrance - we did). Once inside, we found a small, cozy table to sit down and Inna found some quiche and salad. We also got a couple of machine-made cappuccinos. There were interesting 100% French wines and liquors that we did not try (but perhaps next time). Unlike our San Francisco Air France lounge, the one in Charles de Gaulle was much larger and much, much busier.
We boarded our AF1330 flight to Milan (MXP) on a smaller jet and took off on time (at 13:25). It was a short, 80-minute flight, and we landed in Milan's Malpensa (the farther airport) at 14:55. After landing, we thought about using the train to get back to Milan's downtown. A train ride would cost about 15 euros per person and last 44 minutes. However, the trains were leaving every 30 minutes, and we just missed one. We decided, being a bit tired, to take a taxi instead, which cost us 120 euros.
We checked into Park Hyatt (room #324), showered, and rested. We decided to stroll around the city a bit, stopping to marvel at the Milan Duomo and the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The air quality was quite bad, and I smelled smoke everywhere.
For dinner, Inna made reservations at Paper Moon Giardino for 19:00. As we were tired, we decided to head there a bit earlier, at 18:30, hoping we could get a table earlier. When we arrived, the restaurant was not busy at all, and we were quickly seated.
We looked at the menu and ordered the following items to share:
- Drinks: Surgiva Still Water, House White Wine
- Appetizer: Fiori di Zucchini
- First: Risotto Scampi
- Second: Calamari alla Piastra
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
In the morning, I worked out at the Park Hyatt gym. I rowed for 20-minutes on the rowing machine and worked out with free weights. It was not a nice, short 30-minute routine to get me moving.
After I returned to the hotel room, Inna and O dressed and walked to the nearby flagship Lavazza Milano. We decided to try eating a light breakfast there. Once seated, we were handed menus, but waited for a very long time. Since we had 10:00 tickets for the Milan Duomo, we decided to leave and return for breakfast afterwards.
We enjoyed our visit to the Milan Duomo, marveling at the beautiful glass-stained windows, the tall columns, and the intricate carvings throughout.
The Milan Duomo is the largest church in Italy and one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction began in 1386 under the rule of Gian Galeazzo Visconti and continued for nearly six centuries, with the final details completed in the 20th century.
Built primarily from white and pink Candoglia marble, the cathedral is renowned for its forest of 135 ornate spires, thousands of statues, and elaborate Gothic decoration. The tallest spire supports a golden statue of the Madonnina, a beloved symbol of the city.
Inside, the cathedral features vast vaulted ceilings, massive stained-glass windows, and artworks spanning several centuries. Visitors can also climb or take an elevator to the rooftop terraces, which offer close-up views of the spires and sweeping views across Milan—and on very clear days, even the Alps in the distance.
Once we finished the tour, we decided to try eating breakfast at the Park Hyatt Hotel. We sat down inside, and we were given menus. Breakfast service was extremely fast and efficient. We ordered the following breakfast items.
- Uovo Benedictine Salmone (Eggs Benedict with Salmon)
- Yogurt
- Cestino Fornaio (still water)
- Cappuccino
- Bread basket
After breakfast, on the way to Pinacoteca di Brera, we briefly stopped by Milan's famous Teatro alla Scala. We thought about seeing tonight's performance of Wagner's Die Valkyrie, but I could not find tickets (nor did I have appropriate attire). Inna was also not prepared to endure a 3-hour+ opera.
When I reached Pinacoteca di Brera, I headed to purchase one ticket, while Inna decided to explore the local boutiques in the Brera neighborhood.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important art museums in Italy, located in the historic Brera Palace in Milan. Founded in 1809 during the Napoleonic era, the museum was originally created to house masterpieces collected from churches and monasteries across northern Italy.
Today the Pinacoteca holds an outstanding collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, especially from the Venetian and Lombard schools. Highlights include works by major artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Andrea Mantegna. One of the museum’s most famous pieces is The Marriage of the Virgin, celebrated for its balanced composition and architectural perspective.
Unlike some grand royal galleries, the Pinacoteca has a calm, scholarly atmosphere, reflecting its connection to the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, which still operates in the same complex. The museum is known for presenting Italian painting in a clear chronological sequence, making it an excellent place to understand the development of Italian art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
I especially liked the painting The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, painted in 1859.
The artwork shows a young couple locked in an intense kiss while standing in a medieval stone hallway. The man appears ready to depart—his foot already on a step and a dagger hidden beneath his cloak—suggesting urgency and secrecy. The scene conveys both romantic passion and a sense of political intrigue.
Beyond its love story, the painting carries symbolic meaning related to Italian unification (the Risorgimento). Created during a time when Italy was striving to become a unified nation, the painting was interpreted as representing patriotism, sacrifice, and hope for freedom. Even the colors of the clothing have been read as subtle references to alliances that supported Italy’s independence.
Because of its emotional power and national symbolism, The Kiss, has become one of the most iconic images of Italian Romantic art and a beloved masterpiece of the Brera collection.
For lunch, we stopped by the La Prosciutteria Milano Brera, where we ordered the following items:
- Tagliere Pranzo Cena
- Tagliere Apertivo
- Drinks: Acqua Naturale, 2 x Cappuccino
Milan Cathedral Rooftop TerracesThe rooftop terraces of the Milan Cathedral are one of the most unique cathedral experiences in the world. Unlike most churches, visitors can walk directly on the roof, moving among the forest of marble spires and statues that crown the cathedral.
What you seeWhy it’s special
Close-up Gothic architecture: The roof lets you stand only a few feet from the cathedral’s 135 marble spires, flying buttresses, and thousands of carved statues.
The Madonnina: At the highest point is the golden statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Madonnina, one of the most recognizable symbols of Milan.
City views: From the terraces you get panoramic views over Milan’s rooftops and modern skyline. On very clear days you can even see the Alps to the north
The Duomo roof is unusual because the cathedral was designed with broad walkable terraces, allowing visitors to experience Gothic architecture from the outside and at eye level, rather than only looking up from the ground. Walking between the delicate marble pinnacles makes it feel almost like being inside the sculpture itself.
- Drinks: Cappuccino, Cioccolate Arancia Cannella
- Dessert: Pasticcino, Cannolo Siciliano, Tazzina Ginaduia Mango e Passion
After our snack stop, we returned to our room #324 at Park Hyatt for a short rest. Inna decided to continue shopping, stopping by the Prada Flagship store at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele to purchase a wallet.
At 19:00, we met up for dinner at the Ristorante Stendhal Brera, where we ordered the following items:
- Drinks: Paloma (Inna)
- Appetizer: Salmon Tartare
- Main: Risotto with Truffles
- Main: La Cotoletta (Bone-in-veal chop) - a traditional Milanese dish
After dinner, we walked back to the Duomo, enjoying it at night, and also strolled around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
In the morning, I planned to row in the gym, followed by a quick breakfast and a taxi ride to the Hertz Car Rental at Milan's Linate airport. Our plan was to rent a small Opel Corsa from Hertz and drive to Lake Garda Sirmione with a stop in Bergamo.
Milan Trip
Highlights
- Visiting the exquisitely carved Duomo
- Visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera
Lowlights
- Heavy smog (AQI was 110). I did not realize that both Milan and Turin are located in an area known for heavy smog during the winter
Links
- Attractions
- Hotels
- Restaurants
Dates: March 9–24, 2026
- ✈️ FLIGHTS
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SFO → Milan — March 9-10 AF0083
San Francisco departure Monday, March 9, 2026, at 16:25 (SFO), Terminal I
Paris arrival Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:20 (CDG), Terminal 2E
Paris → Milan - March 10 AF1330
Paris departure Tuesday, March 10 at 13:45 (CDG), Terminal 2F
Milan arrival Tuesday, March 10 at 15:15 (MXP), Terminal 1
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Venice → London — March 20
BA597 Venice to London Departs: Friday 20 March 2026 Marco Polo17:40VCE Arrives: Friday 20 March 2026 Heathrow19:00LHR - Terminal 5 -
London → SFO — March 24
VS0019 LHR → SFO
Departs LHR 11:40am Terminal 3 Arrives at SFO 3:40pm International
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- 🏨 HOTELS
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Milan: March 10 - 12
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Hotel: Park Hyatt Milan
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Address: Via Tommaso Grossi 1, Milan, LM, IT, 20121
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Check-in: 3pm
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Check-out: 12pm ****
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Confirmation #: 54369827
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Notes: Say to the taxi driver the address “Via Tommaso Grossi, 1.” instead of Park Hyatt
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Food
Dinner
- March 10th, 7 pm - Paper Moon
- March 11th at 7:15pm - Stendhal Brera
Breakfast
- Pasticceria Marchesi 1824
- Iginio Massari Alta Pasticceria (quick morning stop)
- Loste Cafe (great coffee)
- Fioraio Bianche (cafe)
- Pave (pastries, coffee)
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Sightseeing
Hidden Duomo Night View (best 20:30-21:30 after dinner): enter the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from the Duomo side and walk 30-40m; the Duomo will be framed by the Galleria and beautifully lit.
Small Trick That Makes It Even Better: Inside the Galleria, on the floor, you’ll see a mosaic bull. This is the famous Turin bull mosaic. Tradition: Spin your heel three times on the bull’s testicles for good luck. Locals still do it — it’s playful and fun.
The Madonnina — the golden statue on top of the cathedral — is the symbol of Milan. The best view is not where most tourists stop.
Duomo Rooftop: Where to walk
After you exit the elevator:
- Don’t stop at the front terrace overlooking Piazza del Duomo (most people stay there).
- Walk toward the back side of the cathedral.
- Follow the narrow marble corridors between the spires.
- Eventually, you’ll reach a quieter platform facing north/northeast.
From there:
- The Madonnina appears above the forest of marble spires
- the Alps are sometimes faintly visible in the distance on very clear days.
Why this spot is special
During golden hour:
- The Candoglia marble turns warm pink
- shadows deepen between the Gothic spires
- The Madonnina glows against the sky
It feels almost surreal — like walking inside a marble sculpture garden.
Timing for your visit
With your 3:30–4:00 entry:
- 4:00–4:45 → explore terraces slowly
- 5:15–5:45 → return to the Madonnina area for the best light
You don’t have to stand there the entire time — just circle back once the light warms up.
One small trick
If the terrace feels crowded:
- Walk all the way around the cathedral perimeter
- The back side is dramatically quieter
You’ll suddenly find empty marble passages between spires.
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Shops to checkout
Jewelry:
- Pomellato (Sabbia ring, nudo petit)
- La Hormiga (cute costume jewelry)
- Bea Bongiasca
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Lake Garda Sirmione: March 12 - 15
- Hotel: Grand Hotel Terme
- Address: Viale Marconi, 7 Sirmione 25019 IT
- Check-in: 3pm
- Check-out: 11am ****
- Confirmation #: 2276206354
- Notes: Dinner options: La Speranzina, Tancredi (both Michelin rated)
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Abano Terme: March 15 - 19
- Hotel: Mioni Pezzato
- Address: Via Marzia, 34 35031 Abano Terme (PD)
- Check-in: 2pm
- Check-out: 11am ****
- Confirmation #: ERIC_22919941
- Notes: Visit Padua, Vicenza, Treviso, Arqua Perarca (hill town 25 minutes away), breakfast + dinner daily (current reservation)
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Venice: March 19 - 20
- Hotel: Baglioni Hotel Luna
- Address: San Marco 1243 Venice VCE 30173 IT
- Check-in: 2pm
- Check-out: 12pm ****
- Confirmation #: 6815SF062755-
- Notes: Early check-in/late checkout, room upgrade, breakfast included, $100 credit
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London: March 20 - 24
- Hotel: Egerton House Hotel
- Address: 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London, England, SW3 2BX, United Kingdom
- Check-in: 3pm
- Check-out: 12pm ****
- Confirmation #:
- Notes: Transfers, Daily breakfast, Cream tea for 2, Golden Tours Credit $400
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