When most think of Italy, the first few destinations that spring to mind are Rome and its history, Venice and its romance, Naples and its ice cream, and Vesuvius. Although not hidden or undiscovered, the quieter north of Italy is full of delights. From its beautiful scenery, dramatic coastlines and of course, amazing food.
Collect your car from Milan Malpensa Airport. It’s a great starting point for this road trip. Located an hour or so out of the city means traffic is calm most of the time. Flights are also great value and most UK airports fly direct.
Lake Como
Head out on the A36 and A9 towards Como. Here you’ll find Lake Como and renaissance architecture with a backdrop of the Italian Alps, perfect for dramatic photographs (check out our top travel photo tips).
Como Cathedral. Photo by: photobeginner/Adobe Stock
While in Como spend the morning looking around the Duomo (Cathedral), Broletto and the city tower. All these are located within a few paces so are perfect for exploring if you’re short of time. Work started on the cathedral 10 years after the cathedral in Milan was finished, making it the last Gothic cathedral built in the region of Lombardy. It took over 300 years to build, therefore many architectural styles have influenced its design. Marvel at the statues and Gothic details that adorn the exterior.
You can’t visit Como without spending time on the lake. Take a boat trip out to Varenna, a small and picturesque village on the eastern shore in the centre of the lake. On a hot day, follow the steps opposite the Church of San Giorgio down to the lake. Cool off by taking a swim in the lake from the small beach.
Varenna, on Lake Como. Photo by: lukaszimilena/Adobe Stock
There are many other small towns that line the shores of Lake Como. Visit Bellagio for an upmarket experience. A certain Mr Clooney even has a residence here! Lecco to the south is perfect for water-sports and cycling.
Milan
Take the SS36 motorway down to Milan from Lake Como. Although not a city renowned for tourism, this business and fashion capital still has a couple of gems up its sleeve.
If you’re a sports fan, be sure to visit the Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) on the edge of the city. Famous for its striking design and multi-coloured seats, take a stadium tour in the morning along with a museum visit to find out more about the two Milan football teams’ history.
San Siro Arena, Milan. Photo by: oneinchpunch/Adobe Stock
Once in central Milan, there’s one place that is the focal point of Milan’s postcards, the Duomo (cathedral). Don’t just view its impressive spires from cathedral square, take the walk up to the roof and see them close up. Not only this, you’ll also see a great view of the city. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll also be able to view the nearby mountains.
Duomo Cathedral, Milan. Photo by: andreykr/Adobe Stock
Not far from the Duomo you’ll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Beginning construction in 1865 the arcade’s ornate interior is lined with luxury shops, cafes and restaurants. Find the likes of Prada and Louis Vuitton inside then stop off for an aperitif at Camparino.
Just across the city centre from the Galleria, visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Here you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work, the Last Supper. The painting is located in the adjoined former Dominican monastery, painted on the refectory wall. The painting itself has been restored multiple times since its creation in the 1400s. The restoration is an on-going project so expect crumbled paintwork, it’s still great to see nonetheless.
Rapallo
The A7 motorway as it meanders through the mountains on the way down to Genoa, makes for a beautiful (if not long) drive. The scenery changes from lush green mountainsides to pretty Mediterranean towns, with crystal-clear waters. From the A7, follow the E80 to Rapallo. An old-fashioned seaside town, here you can slow the pace down.
Rapallo Castle. Photo by: lamio/Adobe Stock
In the harbour you’ll see the small 16th-century castle. The imposing structure is now used as an exhibition centre but it was originally built to fend off pirates!
Wander the promenade to see the pretty beach front and natural bay. Explore the cobbled streets to see pretty painted old houses that are now shops and cafes.
With a regularly operating boat service, park up in Rapallo and take a trip on the water to nearby Portofino.
Portofino
Though you can drive, it’s best to take a boat trip from Rapallo to Portofino. This way you not only avoid the traffic, but see beautiful views of the Ligurian coast on your way. Once you arrive at Portofino, you’ll find a busy but quaint harbour, lined with pretty cafes and restaurants. Being so small, its little streets won’t take long to explore.
Portofino. Photo by: stevanzz/Adobe Stock
Take a stroll along the harbour and see small fishing boats to multi-million-pound super yachts (you may even spot a celebrity or two!). Via Roma is the main street through Portofino, find expensive boutiques dotted between the souvenir shops. Stop for a macchiato at one of the many cafés.
A short walk up the steps from the harbour you’ll find the small Church of St George overlooking the harbour. It houses the relics of St. George. Crusaders on their way back to England found sanctuary in Portofino after being caught in a Mediterranean storm, left St. George’s remains as an offering of thanks. See the relics preserved in a shrine carved into marble under the altar of the church.
Church of St George, Portofino. Photo by: Frank/Adobe Stock
Hire a boat from the harbour to find untouched beaches at the base of the Portofino cliffs. Take a swim in the clear blue waters before hopping on the boat back to Rapallo.
Genoa
The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa, is a short drive west from Rapallo. It’s here that you can return your car and fly home, but before you do…
Genoa. Photo by: ValerioMei/Adobe Stock
Visit some of the 42 UNESCO recognised palaces in the Strade Nuove area. The area is awash with baroque and renaissance palaces, some have even been converted into hotels. Head to 17th century Spinola and Rosso museums to see the lavishly decorated interiors. Stroll around the area and find the bronze fountain in Piazza de Ferrari, the perfect spot for a holiday snap! While here, visit the beautiful Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.
Port of Genoa. Photo by: Sergii Figurnyi/Adobe Stock
Head down to the Porto Antico (harbour) to see the city from above. Il Bigo crane lift gives you a widescreen view of the city, both old and new, from 40 metres in the air! While around the harbour, take a short walk to the Palazzo San Giorgio. Now the headquarters of the port authority, it was once a prison and held Marco Polo here in 1298. Visitors are permitted to wander the courtyard and debating chambers for free.
Of course, one thing missed off this list is the food. The most valuable culinary tip we can give in Italy is avoid the tourist areas. Head off the main streets to find the best pizza, pasta and gelato you’ve ever tasted.
Photo by: agcreative/Adobe Stock
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Italy is great place for road trips as the locations and roads are full adventure. On the way you will come across some breath taking moments and mesmerizing views. Thanks for sharing the information. The pictures used in the blogs are amazing.