Italy — Rome, Milan & Lake Como

Italy can feel like three completely different trips depending on where you go. From chaotic history to polished fashion to lakeside calm, this route shows every side — and not all of them are romanticized.

Lake Como (Bellano, Tremezzo & Surroundings)

Lake Como was easily the most peaceful and beautiful part of this trip.

Where to Stay — Bellano
I loved staying in Bellano because it’s quiet, local, and not overrun with tourists. I stayed in an Airbnb directly on the water — clean, cozy, and incredibly comfortable, with double doors that opened straight onto the lake. The host was amazing: met me at the train station, walked me to the apartment, and made everything seamless. Waking up to the water here felt unreal.

Getting Around
Taking the train between cities along the same coastline is easy and efficient. Ferries, however, are another story. The schedules are confusing and not very intuitive — be very mindful of arrival and departure times, especially in the evening. I had trouble getting back one night, so plan conservatively and don’t cut it close.

Tremezzo + Grand Hotel Tremezzo
I took the ferry to Tremezzo — honestly, the ferry ride itself felt like an experience. I visited the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, had lunch on the terrace, and spent time at the spa. The hotel is stunning and the service was excellent. Spa amenities were beautiful overall, though the pool felt like it needed some retiling. Still very worth visiting.

What to Do

  • Visit the villas — slow, scenic, and quintessentially Lake Como

  • Walk the Lovers’ Promenade

  • Grab gelato, wander the streets, eat pasta, repeat

Lake Como is best enjoyed without a rigid plan. It’s calm, romantic, and restorative — the kind of place where doing very little is the point.

Rome

Rome was not what I expected — and not in a good way.

Timing Matters
I made a rookie mistake and visited in July. It was scorchingly hot, overwhelmingly crowded, and exhausting. If you go, do it in the off‑season. Summer is brutal.

Major Sights (Honest Take)

  • The Colosseum felt underwhelming to me given the crowds and hype.

  • The Vatican is undeniably grand, but the experience was off‑putting. The rules are extremely strict, especially for the Sistine Chapel, and the lines are massive.

What I Did Enjoy

  • Exploring leather shops

  • Eating pizza (hard to mess that up)

  • Walking the streets without a strict agenda

  • Parione neighborhood

  • Spanish Steps, especially early or later in the evening

Rome felt dirtier and less charming than I imagined, but it does have moments — you just have to find them outside the biggest attractions.

Milan

Milan feels more modern, polished, and structured compared to Rome. It’s stylish, efficient, and a nice contrast if you’re traveling between historic cities.

What to Do

  • Walk the city and soak in the fashion‑forward energy

  • Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — stunning architecture, luxury storefronts, and one of the most iconic walk‑throughs in Italy. Even if you don’t shop, it’s worth seeing.

  • See the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) — an absolute must. The scale and detail are unreal; take time to admire the façade and, if you can, go up to the rooftop for sweeping views over the city.

  • Enjoy cafés, aperitivo, and people‑watching

  • Use Milan as a practical hub — especially for train travel to Lake Como

Milan isn’t about rushing through landmarks; it’s about atmosphere, design, and moving at a city‑pace. Even if you don’t shop, it’s worth seeing.

  • Enjoy cafés, aperitivo, and people‑watching

  • Use Milan as a practical hub — especially for train travel to Lake Como

Milan isn’t about rushing through landmarks; it’s about atmosphere, design, and moving at a city‑pace.