Northern Italy Oddysey

How to get around without a car? It's incredibly simple. Take a direct train from Milan to Lugano; it's just 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the cheapest ticket usually costing under 20 € per person. Enjoy your time in Lugano!

Parco Ciani

@alenapirkovska

An absolutely beautiful park for a leisurely stroll, with blooming flowers everywhere. A bonus is the stunning view of the lake from nearly every corner. Highly recommended!

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Lugano Marittima

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Rumors have it that locals come here to savor sunsets with a glass of wine. We missed it in April due to the weather, but you shouldn't! Don't miss this experience.

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Sentiero dell'olivo

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An easy lakeside walk, which we couldn't fully enjoy due to the weather. Hopefully, you'll have better luck, and I'll definitely be there next time!

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Cathedral of Saint Lawrence

@alenapirkovska

Seems like a peaceful place in the heart of Lugano. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, but we hope to see it next time. You should definitely check it out if you're in the area.

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Piazza Riforma

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A lovely, small square—ideal for a coffee break and taking some nice pictures.

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Parco Belvedere

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A charming promenade that you'll stroll along on your way to the cable car for Monte Salvatore.

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Monte San Salvatore

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The best viewpoint you can find in Lugano. We didn't go due to slightly foggy weather, but on a sunny day, it's a can't-miss experience.

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Parco Panoramico Paradiso

@alenapirkovska

Another panoramic view of the beautiful lake in Lugano, right next to Castello Castanello.

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Castello Cattaneo

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A privately owned historic villa, worth seeing even from the outside, situated next to Monte Salvatore.

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Two days in Lugano, or Lake Como, the choice is yours. From Lugano, hop on a direct bus to Menaggio in Lake Como, costing approximately 6 € per person, with stunning views along the way. Spend 3 leisurely hours in Menaggio, strolling the lake promenade, before taking a ferry to the heart of Lake Como, Bellagio. Ferry schedules vary by season and can be easily found online. Tickets to Bellagio cost around 5 € per person. Time to explore Bellagio!

Salita Serbelloni

@alenapirkovska

The fairytale city of Bellagio is simply breathtaking. Despite the crowds (it was Italian national holidays when we were there), this place exudes a magical atmosphere. I highly recommend everyone to visit and witness its beauty firsthand.

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Basilica of St. Giacomo

@alenapirkovska

A very charming chapel in the heart of Bellagio. Definitely worth a visit.

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Punta Spartivento

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The northernmost viewpoint in Bellagio is fantastic! In good weather, you can even see the snow-covered peaks of the Dolomites. Highly recommended to visit.

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The following day, we caught a morning ferry from Bellagio to the city of Como. Please note, tickets can only be purchased on the day of travel, so arrive at the marina about half an hour before departure. The fare from Bellagio to Como city is approximately 15 €. Opt for the faster ferry, which takes just 45 minutes instead of a 2-hour ride. We enjoyed a 2-hour visit in Como city, taking a leisurely stroll and having breakfast.

Piazza volta Como

@alenapirkovska

A charming little square with a nice atmosphere, perfect for a coffee break.

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Piazza del Duomo Como

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The Duomo in Como city resembles the younger sister of the Duomo in Milan. It's still incredibly beautiful, and with fewer visitors, you can truly savor its splendor.

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Piazza San Fedele

@alenapirkovska

For me, the most beautiful square in Como city after visiting the Duomo. It's very cozy, with plenty of seating areas to sit down and relax.

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Basilica di San Fedele

@alenapirkovska

If you appreciate Italian church architecture, this is another gem worth seeing. Unfortunately, we couldn't visit due to our limited time.

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Traveling from Como city to Milan is a breeze with a direct train, costing less than 6 € per person. We departed from Como at lunchtime and spent the evening exploring the city of Milan.

Duomo di Milan

@alenapirkovska

Don't forget to visit the Duomo's Terrace. Book your tickets in advance and make sure to go early in the morning when they open around 9 am. It's the highlight of the Duomo, a must-see!

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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

@alenapirkovska

After the tranquility of Como, this place felt overly crowded, much like the square in front of the Duomo. However, if it aligns with your interests, it's worth a visit. I may skip it on my next stay in Milan.

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Piazza Mercanti

@alenapirkovska

A very nice and relatively calm place near the Duomo and Galleria. I enjoyed it even more because there were fewer people around.

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Naviglio Grande

@alenapirkovska

We regret missing this place, and it's one of the reasons I'm eager to return to Milan. If you have the chance to visit, don't hesitate—go for it.

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Getting from Milan to Bergamo is straightforward—simply hop on a direct train. Tickets are available for less than 6 € per person. We arrived in Bergamo around noon and immediately began our exploration. To be honest, it's a hidden treasure that you shouldn't miss.

Città Alta

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The old town of Bergamo is an absolute treasure. Its beautiful historic architecture and narrow streets filled with the enticing aroma of food from restaurants will make you want to revisit this place again and again.

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Piazza Vecchia

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The heart of Città Alta in Bergamo. It offers a great atmosphere and some delightful places to eat.

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Colleoni Chapel

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The main church in Città Alta. It boasts beautiful architecture both on the outside and inside.

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Campanone

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The City Tower offers a stunning view over the entire city. Unfortunately, we didn't have the chance to get tickets this time, but I won't miss it on my next visit.

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Bergamo Cathedral

@alenapirkovska

A charming church in the center of Città Alta. It was closed during our visit, but it seems like it's worth a visit, which is why I've included it on the list.

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Porta San Giacomo

@alenapirkovska

The cherry on top of our visit in Bergamo. You get an incredible view over the entire city. I wholeheartedly recommend spending some time here to fully savor the views.

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