Milan is in a great location for getting out to see more of Italy. Head west on the A7 to the gorgeous Cinque Terre, and perhaps take a diversion on the A12 to the famed coastal town of Portofino.

If you’re fancying a longer road trip, Lake Como can be reached in less than two hours. There are various routes north, but you’ll end up navigating the scenic SS340. Relax by the lake, take in the gardens, stay in the grand hotels and dine al fresco as the lake laps at the shore.

The A7 leads south to the coast and Genoa, the A4 south-west to Turin, while the foodie destinations of Parma, Modena and Bologna all lie along the E34 to the south-east. Bologna is a good stopping off point before swinging down south again to the timeless Florence. Whichever way you head, the road network is relatively modern, and the quieter country roads throw up stunning scenery and pretty villages.

As in many major cities, driving in Milan is made a lot easier if you’re aware of the basic rules of the road. Drive on the right and make yourself aware of the differing speed limits.

Similar to London, Milan has introduced a congestion charge and it will cost 5 euros to drive into ‘Area C’ at certain times. You can find full details about it online. Free parking spaces are generally in short supply – your best bet will be to use a paid car park.

High fashion, big city business, art for the ages – Milan might seem all hustle and bustle on the surface but dig deeper and there’s a more serene side to the fashion capital of the world.

Fashion not fads

Milan vies with Paris, London and New York for the title of world fashion capital, and hosts a fashion week twice a year, in Spring and Autumn. The history here began in the Renaissance with luxury goods, and Milan has set trends right through to the modern era. High fashion labels such as Prada, Armani, Versace and Missoni base their operations here.

The Last Supper

The much imitated The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci can be found in the refectory of the Basilica di Santa Marie delle Grazie. Painted in the late 15^th century, time has taken its toll, but restoration in 1999 has helped matters.

Be aware that your visit will be brief – in order to maintain the painting in optimum condition only 25 people can enter the refectory at any one time, for just 15 minutes. It’s worth it.

There’s no shortage of art to see in Milan, whether Renaissance or contemporary. Two pieces by Caravaggio demand your attention - the atypical ‘Basket of Fruit’ at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana and the dramatic ‘Supper at Emmaus’ at the Brera Fine Arts Academy. The latter is a must see if you’ve seen his painting of the same scene at the National Gallery in London.

…and then supper

Shop in style

While there are many temples to fashion that will soon relieve you of your euros, few are as stunning as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Situated on the Piazza del Duomo, it was completed in 1877 and comprises two shopping arcades, an arched cast iron and glass roof and links the Duomo and the Scala Theatre, two essential tourist attractions in their own right. It’s very much the ‘parlour’ of Milan, where people come to spend time and meet over a cup of coffee.

Behind the modern, high fashion and financial façade of Milan lies a place with an old soul. Car hire in Milan is one of the best ways to make your way around this glorious city and the other great locations the region offers.