We had been in Italy for a full week, and we needed to head back to Milan. In 2 days, we would be on a plane back to the USA. Instead of being sad the trip was almost over, I tried to use it as an incentive to soak in every second of the Italian atmosphere and make the most of the remaining time. 

Before heading to Milan in the afternoon, we wanted to check out a few more sights that we had missed in the past few days in Florence. While the day tours we did were absolutely amazing, most of the attractions were closed by the time we got back to the city in the evening. So, there were a few things left unchecked on our to-do list.

First up was the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Most people go to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the duomo in the center of the city), but every local we talked to said to skip the ridiculous lines and go to Basilica of Santa Maria Novella instead. It is a stunning and often overlooked basilica, and it was absolutely worth it. There were maybe 3 people in line at the ticket booth, and then we walked straight inside. It was filled with stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures. Almost overwhelming and definitely awe-inspiring.  You can also visit the adjoining cloister buildings which are massive. So, give yourself plenty of time.

After spending some time in the basilica, we headed over to the Mercato Centrale for lunch. We visited the first floor during the culinary tour, so we had already seen the stalls full of veggies, meats, and bread. But, we hadn’t had a chance to check out the upper floor. It was full of cute little food and drinks stands. Nisheet got a Negroni, I got a rosé spritzer, and we split a cone of fried zucchini blossoms. It probably wasn’t the most authentic place to go for lunch, and probably 90% of the people were tourists, but it was well worth it. The people watching was fantastic, and it was a fun and laid-back experience.

Right outside Mercato Centrale is the old leather market. You can find every leather item imaginable. Bracelets, belts, purses, wallets, and jackets galore. I was too intimidated to bargain with the vendors, but Nisheet had no qualms about it and quickly negotiated great prices for some coin purses.

At this point, we really needed to head to the train station. Trains run between Florence and Milan all day, but I really wanted to get to Milan in time to have a nice relaxing evening. On the way to back to the hotel to pick up our luggage, we had one last stop. Il Porcellino. If you put a coin in boar’s mouth and it falls through the grate below, then you’ll have good luck. The trick to get it to go in the grate? Use a large coin. Good luck isn’t cheap 🙂

Nisheet accidently got the coin stuck in the boar’s mouth. I was crying laughing but still managed to capture the hilarious moment before the coin eventually fell through the grate. 

And then we were off to our last stop on the honeymoon. Milan. Of course, we brought a delicious treat of Venchi chocolates for the ride. 

Instead of staying in the main tourist area of Milan near the cathedral and famous shops, Nisheet found a cute apartment tucked away in the beautiful Navigli neighborhood. It was artsy and romantic and the perfect place to stay for the end of our honeymoon. Kind of like a modern Italian version of Bruges, if that makes any sense. It had a main canal running through the center with cafes and restaurants located parallel to the canal. It was a super romantic and lively place to be. 

All sort of restaurants and bars lined the main canal, all with outdoor seating. We walked up and down the canal and then settled on La Prosciutteria. You know how when you think of an Italian evening with friends you think of a giant charcuterie board and drinks? That is exactly what this place was all about. Check out that board full of meats, cheeses, spreads, bread, and fruit! Fabulous is the only way to describe it!