Italy, Day 5 – A Rain Soaked Tour of Milan Featuring Claudio Marcin Torresi

What a day, what a day, what a day. I had no idea that day five was going to be drenched in rain while also being one of the best days of the European tour all together!

A day or two after arriving in Paris I received a message from a lovely gentleman named Claudio. He asked if we would be heading to Milan as he lives there and would love to show us around. At the time I honestly didn’t think we’d be going…it wasn’t in the original plan. However, as you know this trip has been very much based on last minute planning. So after receiving Claudio’s message and deciding to take the trip outside of VeganFest, before I knew it, we were headed to Milan!

Once up and at ’em we headed to Duomo to see giant architectural structures (hello Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele) and meet up with Claudio for lunch.

Side note: a little birdie **coughClémentcough** told me of a dear friend who could use a bit of a vegan boost.

My darling Célya, I’m so happy for all you do and know that your projects will be successful. This picture is for you. With much love and gratitude, Kristin.

Célya, you are more than welcome to contact me at any time if you’d like to chat about work stuff, vegan stuff, or for anything stuff! :) –> kristin @ wtfveganfood.com! xo

We found Claudio on the steps of the Duomo Cathedral and then headed to Al Grande Cerchio for a very delicious vegan lunch. Some of the best food I’ve had in Italy so far – Cerchio is a vegetarian restaurant. Most items on the menu are actually vegan, I think there were only two things that had dairy.

We each ordered the main dish specials which included pasta, seitan (some of the best ever!!), whole veggies, a rice mix, bean bread cake stuff, lemon cake, and chocolate mousse. Very, very, very good! Excellent recommendation, Clod! :)

Kristin and Claudio.

Next was an unexpected guided tour of Milan by Claudio. He had mentioned showing us around but I had no idea just how much time and information he would provide. Despite the downpour it was one of the most beautiful days we’ve spent in Europe. Between Claudio’s kind and informative guidance and the gorgeous scenery everything just seemed to be perfectly in place.

And now, for pics of various parts of Milan. xo

Quick stop for group shots!

As we left Clod I snapped one more pic of the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It’s essentially a shopping center but by far, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen.

Like Paris, our time in Milan felt too short. But we’re headed to Venice today, our final day in Europe. It’s sure to be wonderful. I just know it! Woohoo!!! :)

Thank you to Claudio for showing us around Milan, even in the rain!! I can’t wait to come back to visit again!!! xo