Northern Italy: Lakes & Cities

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824

📍 Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a

Start your day at Milan's most historic pasticceria, founded in 1824. The gilded interiors and exquisite pastries—try the brioche or the signature panettone—make this a breakfast to remember.

The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie

📍 Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Stand before Leonardo da Vinci's immortal masterpiece in the refectory where it was painted over 500 years ago. The composition, the psychology of each apostle, the revolutionary perspective—it's a painting that rewards every second of your 15-minute viewing slot.

Early Espresso at Milano Centrale

📍 Milano Centrale

Grab a quick espresso and cornetto at the station before your train. The bustle of morning commuters and the grand architecture make for an atmospheric send-off.

Train to Varenna-Esino

📍 Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino

Board the scenic Trenord train along Lake Como's eastern shore. As the train emerges from tunnels, the lake appears in shimmering blues and greens, backed by snow-capped peaks.

Breakfast in Bellagio

📍 Piazza della Chiesa, Bellagio

Start your day with fresh pastries and cappuccino at one of Bellagio's charming cafés. Watch the morning light play on the lake as the village slowly wakes up.

Villa Melzi Gardens

📍 Lungo Lario Manzoni, Bellagio

Stroll through these neoclassical gardens designed in the early 1800s. Manicured lawns slope to the lake, Japanese maples flame red in autumn, and Egyptian artifacts add exotic intrigue.

Morning Walk Along Como Lakefront

📍 Como lakefront

Take a final morning stroll along Como's elegant lakefront promenade before departing. The Tempio Voltiano museum honors the inventor of the battery, and the gardens offer peaceful lake views.

Train from Como to Bergamo

📍 Como San Giovanni station

Board the train for the journey through the Lombard countryside to Bergamo. The route passes through prosperous towns and flat farmland before the medieval skyline of Bergamo Alta appears.

Breakfast at Princi

📍 Via Speronari 6 (near Duomo)

Start your day at this legendary Milanese bakery where everything is baked fresh throughout the day. The smell of warm bread, the glistening pastries, the buzz of activity—it's Milan at its most delicious.

Quadrilatero della Moda

📍 Via Montenapoleone and surrounds

Explore Milan's legendary fashion district, bounded by Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia. Even window shopping here feels like visiting a museum of contemporary design.

Morning Espresso Ritual

📍 Any local bar near your hotel

Embrace the Italian breakfast tradition one last time. Stand at the bar of a neighborhood café, order un caffè (espresso) and a cornetto, and watch Milan start its day.

San Bernardino alle Ossa

📍 Via Verziere 2

If time permits, visit this extraordinary chapel decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. It's macabre, beautiful, and a uniquely Milanese curiosity hidden near the Duomo.