Finnair's Business Class | Italy - Exploring the northern regions
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Finnair's business class service on the route from Hong Kong to Milan, with a layover in Helsinki, offers passengers a blend of Nordic elegance and modern comfort. This article delves into various aspects of the experience, from cabin design to culinary offerings.
Cabin and Seat
Finnair's innovative AirLounge business class seat stands out due to its unique design that forgoes traditional reclining mechanisms. Instead, the seat maintains a fixed shell, allowing passengers to adjust their posture freely, whether sitting, lounging, or sleeping. This design provides a sense of privacy and spaciousness, enhanced by the absence of overhead bins in the center section of the cabin. The seat is equipped with ample storage, multiple charging options—including USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging—and a large entertainment screen.
Entertainment
Each business class seat features a high-definition touchscreen entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The user-friendly interface ensures passengers can easily navigate through the content. Additionally, Finnair offers Wi-Fi connectivity on its long-haul flights, allowing passengers to stay connected or work during their journey.
Food and Beverage
Finnair's culinary offerings in business class reflect Nordic influences, with menus that change seasonally. Passengers can expect multi-course meals featuring fresh ingredients and regional specialties. For example, one reviewer noted that the vegetarian stir-fry noodles exceeded expectations, and the salads were notably fresh. Meals are accompanied by a selection of wines, including champagne, and are served on Finnish-designed dishware, adding a touch of local flair to the dining experience.
Amenities and Service
Passengers receive amenity kits stocked with essentials such as skincare products, eye masks, and socks. The bedding includes a soft mattress pad and comfortable pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. Finnair's cabin crew are known for their professionalism and warm hospitality, contributing to a pleasant and efficient service throughout the flight.
Traveling in Finnair's business class from Hong Kong to Milan via Helsinki offers a distinctive and comfortable experience. The innovative seat design, quality entertainment options, delectable cuisine, and attentive service combine to make the journey both relaxing and enjoyable. For those seeking a blend of modern design and Nordic hospitality, Finnair's business class is a commendable choice.
For a visual tour of Finnair's A350 business class experience, check out our instagram reel here.
Exploring the North - Excellence and Timeless Charm
Flying to Northern Italy in Finnair’s Business Class sets the tone for an indulgent journey, where seamless service and refined comfort mirror the elegance that awaits. From the regal streets of Turin to the culinary heart of Modena, the authentic allure of Reggio Emilia, and the cosmopolitan energy of Milan, this journey offers an indulgent taste of Italian culture at its finest.
Turin: A City of Elegance and Gastronomic Delights
Begin your adventure in Turin, a city that exudes sophistication with its grand boulevards, stately architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of this enchanting city, Duparc Contemporary Suites offers a refined and comfortable stay, perfectly positioned for exploring.
Turin’s food scene is a revelation, merging Piedmontese tradition with modern creativity. Scat_to presents a contemporary approach to Italian cuisine with an innovative tasting menu. For a touch of old-world charm, Caffè San Carlo, housed in a historic café adorned with gilded mirrors and chandeliers, is the perfect spot for an indulgent espresso and a classic bicerin. And when it comes to pizza, Wema Pizzeria delights with its perfectly blistered Neapolitan-style pies. For something a little edgy and cool, Muro Osteria is a must-visit for its grungy vibe and selection of regional specialities.
Beyond its culinary treasures, Turin is home to the iconic Mole Antonelliana, an architectural masterpiece housing the National Cinema Museum. Strolling through Piazza Castello, visiting the historic Palazzo Madama, or taking a leisurely walk along the Po River offer glimpses into the city’s regal past.
A day trip to Alba, a short journey from Turin, promises an unforgettable dining experience at Piazza Duomo. Holding three Michelin stars, this revered establishment is frequently hailed as one of the best restaurants in Italy. From Alba, venture into the rolling vineyards of Barbaresco and Barolo with One On The Hill, an expertly guided wine tour that unveils the essence of Piedmontese winemaking.
Modena: The Heartbeat of Italian Gastronomy
From Turin, continue to Modena, a city synonymous with culinary excellence and motor engineering. Stay at Sant’Eufemia 30, a charming boutique accommodation offering a glimpse into the city’s understated elegance.
Modena’s culinary legacy is anchored by Osteria Francescana, Massimo Bottura’s three-Michelin-starred temple of avant-garde Italian cuisine. For those seeking a more casual yet exceptional experience, Ad Maiora brings innovative twists to traditional flavours. Meanwhile, Da Danilo Ristorante and Trattoria Ermes deliver heartwarming, rustic fare that embodies Modena’s soul.
Beyond the table, Modena enchants with its UNESCO-listed Duomo, the lively Piazza Grande, and the captivating Enzo Ferrari Museum, a tribute to the city’s legendary automotive heritage. Adjacent to the museum, Ristorante Cavallino—helmed by Bottura—pays homage to Ferrari’s legacy with a menu that fuses tradition and innovation.
Reggio Emilia: The Hidden Gem of Emilia-Romagna
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbours, Reggio Emilia remains an unspoilt treasure, offering an authentic Italian experience free from tourist crowds. Stay at Locanda La Concia, a boutique hotel that exudes charm and hospitality.
The city’s historic core is a delight to explore, with its elegant squares, frescoed churches, and vibrant markets. A visit to Teatro Municipale Valli, an opulent 19th-century opera house, offers a glimpse into Reggio Emilia’s artistic heritage. Food lovers should embark on a Food Valley Travel & Leisure tour, an immersive journey into the gastronomic wonders of the region, from Parmigiano Reggiano dairies to balsamic vinegar producers.
Dining in Reggio Emilia is a celebration of tradition. Canossa Ristorante is an institution, revered for its homemade pastas and rich flavours, while Tabarin Osteria Popolare captures the essence of rustic Italian dining with its warm ambience and comforting dishes.
Milan: A City of Style and Substance
The final stop brings you to Milan, Italy’s dynamic fashion and cultural capital. A stay at The Square Milano Duomo offers a blend of luxury and prime location, just steps from the city’s iconic landmarks.
Milan’s grandeur is best experienced through its stunning Duomo di Milano, the world-renowned La Scala Opera House, and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, while fashion lovers will revel in the designer boutiques of Via Montenapoleone.
Culinary indulgence in Milan ranges from the classic to the contemporary. I Dodici Gatti crafts some of the finest pizzas in the city, perched on a scenic rooftop overlooking the Galleria. For a refined dining experience, Vik Pellico Otto presents an elegant take on Italian gastronomy. And for an exquisite start to the day, Horto, a one-Michelin-star restaurant, transforms breakfast into an art form with its seasonal, ingredient-driven creations.
A Journey to Savour and Remember
From the regal charm of Turin to the gastronomic wonders of Modena, the authenticity of Reggio Emilia, and the stylish vibrance of Milan, Northern Italy is a journey of indulgence, culture, and discovery. Whether sipping Barolo in the hills of Piedmont, savouring tortellini in Emilia-Romagna, or admiring Milan’s architectural splendour, every moment is a testament to Italy’s enduring allure.
