Milan

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Published: 12:00am, 3 Sep 2002

Accommodation

Most rooms are incredibly expensive in Milan but Hotel Brasil is affordable, with friendly staff and within walking distance of the station and city (Via G Modena 20, Milano 20129. Tel: [39] 2749 2482).

Those looking for nice accommodation near the Scala opera house should try Grand Hotel Et De Milan. All residents are guaranteed a room with a view and, if you're lucky, you may bump into some opera stars. It also offers a delicious and reasonably priced breakfast and brunch (Via Manzoni 29, Milano 20121. Tel: [39] 272 3141; www.grandhoteletdemilan.it).

Activities

A great day trip from Milan is to take a one-hour train journey from Central Station to the town of Varenna on Lake Como (www.varenna.net). The views are stunning and there are lots of good restaurants. You can hike up to the old castle or be lazy and take the ferry over to the beautiful town of Bellagio. This side of the lake is much nicer (and cheaper) than the side where the town of Como lies.

Don't miss the recently restored Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, which has not been on view for about 20 years. The masterpiece was painted 500 years ago on a wall in the Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie but the paint started to peel off soon after the work was finished (due to the mix of tempera and oil). Several attempts have been made to restore the work, the latest finished in 1999. To visit the convent's refectory, it is necessary to book about two weeks in advance. Every visit lasts for 15 minutes, with 25 people in a group (Corso Magenta, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tel: [39] 2 8942 1146).