Author: Rose Carluci

Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery, Milan, Lombardia, Italy

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Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery is located in Duomo Square in Milan and is a passage that communicates the cathedral to La Scala. It has the name of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. In neo-classical style with a tendency to 19th century baroque, it was designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Its construction took eleven years, from 1867 to 1878, being inaugurated on January 1st , 1878 by King Victor Emmanuelle II. It has the shape of a cross and there is a triumphal arch that overlooks the Guomo Square. It is a prestigious place in the city and a must-see. It has an excellent glass roof, very beautiful mosaics on the floors, metal and cement structures, in short, breathtaking architecture. It houses several famous brand stores like Prada, Tod’s, Armani, Versace, etc. as well as bookstores, antique shops, restaurants, cafes and luxury boutiques. It’s always crowded and most are just passers-by who regularly use the passage.

Tips

There are two metro stations that leave you just a 3 minute walk away; Cordusio and Duomo.

It’s a great place to have a coffee or an aperitif while you watch the comings and goings of passers-by.

If you like to take pictures, you will be overwhelmed by all this beauty.

Isle-aux-Coudres, Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada

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L’Isle-aux-Coudres is a municipality in Quebec that covers the island of the same name and it is located in the St. Lawrence River near Baie-Saint-Paul. It is also part of the regional county municipality of Charlevoix. There are three villages on the island: Saint-Bernard, Saint-Louis and La Baleine. To get there, you have to go to the quay of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive (Les Éboulements) to take the ferry. It is a place that receives a lot of tourism, ideal also for cycling enthusiasts who will be able to tour the island with its 23km and also will be able to benefit from an additional 17 km of secondary paths. There you will find campsites, motels, hotels and chalets for a good vacation. There are heritage sites and buildings to visit such as the mills, the St-Louis and St-Bernard churches and the Leclerc house among others. The island has a microclimate that makes winters milder and rains short.

Tips

There is one ferry per hour so it’s best to inquire about the times so you don’t have to stay in the queue for long.

If you want to have a beautiful view of the tides, visit or stay at the Cap-aux-Pierres hotel. It has a large belvedere from where you can observe the tides and the birds, surrounded by a very calm landscape of great beauty. The hotel has a restaurant and it is possible to make a reservation or if you prefer, pick up a meal for take out. Bike rental is also possible.

If you like fish and seafood, a meal at Corylus will satisfy you.

A tasting is possible at the Cidrerie Pedneault where you can buy their products.

If you are visiting the Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres, it is worth taking the guided tour to learn a little more about the history of the mills. An on-site shop will offer you a variety of their flours as well as souvenirs.

Les Traverseux is a space where you can learn about the history of ice canoes; a very interesting visit to do. A beautiful souvenir shop awaits you.

Rostock, Germany

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Rostock is a city in northern Germany, at the mouth of the Warnow River. Warnemünde, located 16 km north of the historic city center, is the coastal part of Rostock. One of the most typical places is the Newer Markt ( New Market Square) where you will find the Town Hall which dates from the 13th century, Gothic style and built in brick. In the 18th century it had the addition of a baroque-style facade and a banquet hall. The square is beautiful and you could also admire six gabled houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, completely restored. You can visit the Church of St. Mary, in brick Gothic style which was modified in the 14th century to give it the current cross shape. Inside the tower there is an astronomical clock dating from 1472. From New Market Square, there is a beautiful pedestrian street which will take you to an ancient 14th century gate. You could see the main building of the University of Rostock (the oldest in Northern Europe) and the Zeste of life fountain as well as a few sections of the medieval wall.

Tips

If you like to try the famous ‘frankfurter Würstchen’ (German smoked sausages), you can do so on the pedestrian street either in the bars or directly at a sales point in the street.

If you visit the city during the 2nd weekend of August, you could attend the Hanse Sail festival where over 200 sailing ships are gathered.

Do not leave without visiting Warnemünde where you will find its lovely beach, very pretty old houses on the seafront, the old fishing port and its lighthouse. You can get there by train.

If you are on a cruise ship in Warnemünde, to visit Rostock, go to the tourist house where you can buy your train tickets for a round trip.

From Rostock Central Station, you can also visit Hamburg or Berlin with fast connections.

If you like jazz, the Ostsee Jazz festival takes place in June.