1 Week, 4 Destinations: A Trip Through Italy
After a breathtaking holiday in Italy, I gathered some must-do’s for a week-long trip to the country of good food, good wine, and bloody gorgeous scenery. Read on for recommendations on how to spend your days in the Italian sunshine.
Sunshine. Pasta. Aperol Spritz.
This is the perfect combination for ultimate relaxation. Add in some beautiful Italian scenery and you have reached heaven’s gates.
As I sat, sipping my sparkly beverage whilst looking out at the tranquil blue surface of Lake Como, I had the same thought that usually slips into my mind whilst on my adventures abroad: “Maybe I should move here.”
I was truly in my element. Gorgeous fashion. Gorgeous food. Gorgeous scenery. The relaxed Italian culture is so warm and inviting and allows you to stop, slow down, and appreciate everything around you (which, if you fit in four destinations like myself, is a lot to take in). The vibrant colours of the scenery, cuisine, and architecture, transport you to a place that makes you forget the grey and the mundane. A kaleidoscope of culture.
Over my one-week stay in the regions of both Lombardy and Tuscany, I had the pleasure of visiting Lake Como, Milan, Florence, and Pisa. From vivid architecture and crystal lake views to Gothic-style cityscapes and designer high streets, there truly is something for everyone in this beautiful corner of the world.
Let me take you through an idyllic week-long itinerary within the Italian landscape, from Varenna to Milan, to Florence and Pisa.
#1 Lake Como
Lake Como. The first stop of my trip, and possibly my favourite.
After seeing countless videos and Instagram carousels of Lake Como's other-worldly scenery, I just knew I had to see this paradise with my own eyes.
Rather than staying at Lake Como itself, we stayed in Milan and caught an hour-long train that headed straight from Milano Centrale to the comune of Varenna. Passing through the city of Lecco, you soon start to see the rolling mountain tops peek above the foliage through the train window. You could sense the excitement in the carriage as all gazes averted to the outside world, the hum of anticipation as the blue oasis began to come into view.
At only €6 per ticket each way, this is an affordable alternative to staying by the shores of Como - although, it doesn't come without its quirks. It's important to note that the public transport will inevitably be busy. On a gorgeous Saturday in September, it was no surprise that I was amongst many other travellers like myself, who were all eager to devour the sights that Como has to offer. So, please note that personal space may need to take a backseat for an hour or two during your excursion!
Varenna
Having reached Varenna’s station, the first thing I noticed as I took the short walk to the lake’s edge was the people around me. I seemed to have stepped onto a Mediterranean catwalk, with gorgeous floaty outfits boasting white and neutral colour schemes. Simple. Elegant. Glamorous. This seemed to be the unspoken dress code of Lake Como, and I loved it. Adorning a long, white tiered skirt and my favourite sleek sunnies, I hoped I fit the bill (see lookbook here).
After a 5-10 minute walk downhill from the station, you reach the glistening edge of Lake Como. And it is breathtaking. The mountains stamp a silhouette against the oceanic blue sky, reflecting in the ripples of the lake’s surface. Boats bob on the horizon against a backdrop of colourful, rustic buildings that line the shore. You are face-to-face with a postcard.
We decided to spend the entirety of our day trip at Varenna - a gorgeous, quaint town that lies on the eastern shore of Lake Como. You can also take the ferry from Varenna to the town of Bellagio, which is one of the most famous towns on Lake Como. Due to the long wait for the ferry, we stayed in Varenna - which is just as gorgeous!
“Boats bob on the horizon against a backdrop of colourful, rustic buildings that line the shore. You are face-to-face with a postcard.”
Often referred to as the 'pearl of Lake Como', Varenna is known as one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the region. Upon arrival, we walked across the lakeside promenade of Varenna that juts out of the rocky wall and sits above the lapping, blue waves of the lake below. Also known as ‘The Lovers’ Walk’, this enchanting footpath led us into the beating heart of the small town as if transporting us into a fairytale.
Rounding the corner of the rocky wall, you are met with the rolling rooftops of Varenna and its gorgeous greenery. Here, there is an abundance of cafes and shops, restaurants and ice cream bars to choose from.
For lunch we stopped at Bar il Molo - and what a view! This lakefront bistro, with its two terraces, overlooks the gorgeous landscape of Lake Como. Nestled in the narrow cobbled streets of Varenna, this restaurant offers a beautiful stop to break up the day’s walking.
We ordered the Spaghetti allo Scoglio - seafood spaghetti - as well as the Cofanetti Partenopei fresh raviolo. Both of these dishes were delicious and were washed down nicely with an Aperol Spritz. Highly recommend this place - even if just for a cold drink and the view!
Recommended to book
#2 Milan
After a gorgeous day at Lake Como, we were then greeted with a wave of torrential rain on my one-day visit to the city of Milan - but that didn't stop me from making the most of my time in the fashion capital.
Kitted in my leopard print, gold jewellery, and armed with my trusty umbrella, we headed into Milan's centre. The metro was the go-to mode of travel for hopping around the city and was relatively easy to follow (although some help from the locals definitely helped!). First stop? Duomo di Milano.
Things to do in Milan
Duomo di Milano
A trip to Milan would not be complete without a visit to the Gothic Cathedral that is so iconic to the city's skyline. The main square, Piazza del Duomo, houses the incredible cathedral (as well as many pigeons) and should probably be where you begin your exploration of Milan.
Covered head-to-toe in white marble, the structure is an impressive piece of architecture, nodding back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. As it rises from the ground, the extravagant cathedral wows onlookers with its exterior that adorns hundreds of spires and statues. What surprised me is that this wonderful structure was 600 years in the making, with the final touches only being made as recently as the 1960s.
“As it rises from the ground, the extravagant cathedral wows onlookers with its exterior that adorns hundreds of spires and statues.”
Recommended to book
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Settled next door, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offered a welcome refuge from the relentless downpour outside. As the oldest active shopping gallery in Italy, this extravagant structure is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks.
Home to an array of designer boutiques and covered by a glass and iron dome, the Galleria is a sight to behold. It is the most beautiful building, and just like the boutiques that reside within, it just screams 'luxury'.
Terrazza Aperol
To get a stunning view of the cathedral, we sat in the open air of the Terrazza Aperol which sits on the second floor of II Mercato del Duomo. This venue combines modern interior with historic architecture, and claims to ‘paint your moments with orange vivacity’.
Although the Aperol isn’t a cheap refreshment at €20, the view justifies the price, as does the supply of some yummy sliders. Whether you’re a super fan of Aperol (like myself), or just enjoy a stunning panorama of gothic architecture, I would recommend a quick visit.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
As one of the birthplaces of Italian espresso, it would be unjust to visit Milan and not stop by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. After a hurried walk through the rain and a quick purchase of another umbrella, we made it to the iconic coffee hub that sits at the historic Palazzo Delle Poste building.
Like a child in the Willy Wonka factory, I looked in awe at the machinery that decorated the centre of the room. A huge, bronze roasting cask, folding and rotating, gives a glimpse of the coffee bean roasting process. The tubes and conveyors, mixers and machinery all gave the impression of a chocolate factory, and it was mesmerising. Upstairs, I tried the espresso martini flight, which offered classic, orange, and lemon flavours.
Due to the weather, we later spent the evening inside with a home-cooked meal and bottles of pre-mixed Aperol Spritz (which are incredible but so hard to get in the UK!). We were all ready to rest up for the busy day ahead travelling down to our next stop…Florence.
#3 Florence
After a 2-hour trip south from Milan, we landed in Florence. The transport was super easy and we caught a direct train from Milano Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (a return ticket cost €50). I had little knowledge of Florence prior to my trip, but days later, I left with a new favourite location.
Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is home to beautiful Renaissance architecture and art. Beautiful cathedrals, structures, and medieval bridges stand tall in the city and remind us of a time that once was. Not to mention the gorgeous weather!
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a lovely change in weather from Milan’s grey skies. Suddenly, we were soaking up 30-degree heat and glorious sunshine. Yes, please. We stayed in a central location only a 15-minute walk from the train station, on the northern side of the River Arno. It was a beautiful apartment - spacious, airy, and with an interior that gave a nod to the city’s Renaissance ancestry.
We called Florence 'home’ over the next four days and filled our days exploring the gorgeous sights of this historic city.
Piazzale Michelangelo
First things first, we headed out onto the cobbled streets of Florence. As it was late afternoon already, we set off toward Piazzale Michelangelo - a square that overlooks the city and offers breathtaking views as the sun sets on the rolling rooftops of Florence.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach Piazzale Michelangelo from the city centre. After crossing the River Arno, you can then take the stairs or the footpath up towards the square. Once at the top, we sat drinking Aperol Spritz as the sun lowered on the horizon.
The view was just so beautiful. I watched as the orange hues of the setting sun bathed the city, and thought about how some of the most incredible artists made history in those very walls. Palm trees framed the panoramic view which painted the sky in tones of blues and yellows, as the skyline melted into a rich silhouette. A perfect evening.
This is also an incredibly popular location during sunset, so make sure to get there earlier if you want to grab a seat on the stairs!
“Palm trees framed the panoramic view which painted the sky in tones of blues and yellows, as the skyline melted into a rich silhouette.”
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, or ‘Old Bridge’ is a medieval stone arched bridge that crosses the Arno, and is one of the most famous icons of the city. The bridge has truly stood the test of time, as it was the only bridge to cross the Arno until 1218, and was also the only bridge to later survive World War II.
I loved this astonishing piece of architecture with its golden tones, colourful buildings, and sloping archways. The bridge is dotted with jewellers and goldsmiths which hang over the river, supported by wooden beams. Buskers fill the air with authentic music while you look out at the dazzling view of the River Arno below.
This is a must-see when you visit Florence, as this bridge holds so much history and offers the most gorgeous views. The best view I had of the bridge was whilst sat at Signorvino, a wine shop and restaurant that lies on the banks of the Arno. We enjoyed wine, meats, and cheese out on the terrace as we took in the breathtaking view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio. Highly recommend!
Things to see in Florence
Florence is saturated with history, art, and architecture, and there are some incredible sights that you just can’t miss - even if you just take a look from the outside! These are some of the iconic landmarks that we visited while in Florence:
Uffizis Galleries
The Uffizis Galleries is a beautiful art museum based in the Historic Centre of Florence and is home to various outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings from throughout history.
A ticket is €25 for Uffizi, but we just took a wander through the beautiful external area - the architecture speaks for itself!
Michelangelo’s David
Possibly one of the most famous statues in the world, Michelangelo’s David is a must-see. David has become one of the most recognisable works of Renaissance sculpture, having been sculpted between the years 1501 and 1504.
It costs €20 to see the original statue inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, or you can see a replica of David in the square, Piazza dell Signoria.
Santa Maria del Fiore
The Duomo, named the Santa Maria del Fiore, stands proud in the Piazza del Duomo with its terracotta-tiled dome and beautiful Gothic architecture. It’s one of the largest churches in the world and is covered in white, red, and green marble. This structure is absolutely breathtaking and probably the first landmark you should visit on your trip - it won’t disappoint.
Tickets cost around €20 for access into the cathedral and its bell tower.
Recommended to book
Where to eat in Florence
Cuisine is at the heart of Italy’s culture, and if you are a big foodie, you’ll be in heaven walking the streets of Florence. Below, I’ve listed some of my favourite food stops from the city - you truly are spoilt for choice for good food and drink here!
All’Antico Vinaio: The biggest sandwiches you could imagine! Generous servings, fresh ingredients, and homemade Tuscan Schiacciata bread.
We went to the original store located on Via dei Neri, which is incredibly popular. There is also another store located on Via Ricasoli.
Trattoria Za Za: This was a great dining experience. Cosy and ambient interior, delicious seafood spaghetti, and possibly the best tiramisu I’ve tasted! And of course, we had a bottle of local Chianti. Located near the Mercato di San Lorenzo.
L’Osteria Di Giovanni: This was a truly authentic restaurant. Delicious pasta and tiramisu, super traditional and authentic flavours! It’s located near the historic centre and nestled down a narrow street, so keep your eyes peeled for it!
Loggia Roof Bar: If you want a birdseye view of the rolling rooftops of Florence, I would highly recommend booking a rooftop bar for a cold refreshment and some snacks. We headed to the southern side of the Arno to Loggia Roof Bar, a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Santo Spirito square. The views were gorgeous and offered a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and red terracotta rooftops. Divine!
“Cuisine is at the heart of Italy’s culture, and if you are a big foodie, you’ll be in heaven walking the streets of Florence.”
#4 Pisa
And, finally the last stop of our Northern Italy tour. Our trip to Pisa was short but sweet, and was only an hour train ride from Florence, costing just €9 each.
On arrival, we headed straight through the centre and across the River Arno towards the main event, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The walk takes around 20-30 minutes and the journey passes by nice shops and restaurants (we had a poke bowl stop along the way!)
Despite seeing the structure countless times in pictures and videos, it still doesn’t come close to seeing the real thing. The way it looms over you when you are within reach of the huge structure is phenomenal - it’s definitely worth an up-close visit.
There is also a lovely cafe next door to the tower, Bistro dell’Opera, which offers a stunning view of the iconic landmark.
Unfortunately, the weather let us down so we wandered the nearby stalls before heading back to Florence. I imagine a sunny day would make this landmark even more glorious!
This journey through Northern Italy offers a unique tapestry of experiences that make up an all-round gorgeous trip. As my first time in Italy, it met all my expectations and everything beyond. It ticked all the boxes - beautiful backdrops, (mostly) sunny weather, delicious food, and of course, buckets of Aperol Spritz.
You can split this trip into smaller breaks or even do a whole week in one place - I would definitely recommend Florence as a base for a longer trip. It is an absolute paradise full of high fashion, incredible eateries, and landmarks that take your breath away.
From the serenity of Lake Como to the bustling streets of Milan, the artistic history of Florence, and the authentic charm of Pisa, Northern Italy offers an abundance of different landscapes and experiences. These cities showcase the rich heritage that is deeply rooted in this beautiful country, and invite you to enjoy its unique cuisine and terrain with warm hospitality.
For foodie-lovers, fashion-lovers, and travel-seekers alike, Italy is a treasure chest. Why not take a trip and see what gold lies there?
