In this article I will talk about a 2 days trip idea from Milan.
As you know I came back to Italy from Christmast and I made sure to absorb as much ITALY as I can! Food,wine, people, COVID… not just kidding!
Here are some ideas for your next Italian weekend!
We start from Milan
Why?
When people get to know me, they often ask me: do you recommend visiting Milan?
I reply: yes of course.
Do you recommend more than Rome or Florence ?
I say: No, go to Rome or Florence.
Milan, historically is not comparable to those 2 monster cities, but nowadays is a very comfy place to begin your trip.
- Flight rate are lower
- More Hotels
- And… strategic position!
The name Milan is composed by the Latin words of Medium Lanum meaning the land in the middle.
In Fact it’s located right between the sea and the mountains.
In Fact in less than 2 hours you can easily reach the mountain slopes in the Alps for skiing during winter, and the beach in Liguria in Summer!
Well I will type another article just about Milan if you want.
Our Plan
After a few days in Milan, Eva and I decided to have a quick road trip.
We took my mother’s car and we drove to Piacenza in Emilia Romagna.
Over here we visited the city and had lunch nearby with typical food. Gnocco Fritto ( fried salty pastry) and all the Salami and Prosciutto of this world.
Soooooo good, I’ve missed it!
From there, we drove south to Lucca, an old mediaeval town in Tuscany located a few kilometers from Florence.
We had dinner in this great family restaurant, with the family pictures on the wall.
It was a very Local Experience!
The day after we drove 30 minutes to the west, reaching Lerici, a small fisherman village on the Tyrrhenian coast.
Over here we had a nice walk in Lerici, a town famous for the Focaccia and the sea food.
After a nice lunch and a smooth/digestive walk along the sea, we drove back to Milan.
Here is my Trip for YOU!
If you are a foodie and you love to do 1000 things on a road trip, here is the schedule.
Take an afternoon flight to Milan, and sleepover in town.
Otherwise just get really early in the morning to Milan!
With a car drive down south to PARMA.
Parma is better, bigger and more beautiful than Piacenza. You are not gonna regret it!
I will look online if there is any Prosciutto factory open to a guided tour or a Parmesan cheese factory open for a visit!
You can not get more authentic than visit a Prosciutto factory in Parma. You are going to love it!
Afterwards get back in the car and check-in in Lucca.
Off to Tuscany
Quick aperitivo by the piazza, Spritz with olives and chips…
Make sure to ask wherever you are staying to suggest a place to eat dinner and make a reservation.
Usually locals know better, and in a small town such as Lucca, they know every restaurant!
End the night with a Gelato,please!
The following day you want to drive to Spezia, to jump on a train direction… 5 Terre!!!
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
You can visit them all or just pick the one with the perfect picture.
I will go directly to Monterosso because it’s the only one with a sandy beach.
Eat my lunch over there.
And quickly visit Manarola and Riomaggiore, where you can find the prettiest spot!
Then back to Spezia with the car, and you still have 2.5 hours to drive back to Milan so… slow down with that wine !
Or at least make sure to eat plenty.
I’m sure this is not gonna be a problem.
Overall
It’s gonna be a hectic but epic trip, TRUST ME!
The only part with most variable factors are the 5 Terre.
Because you have to deal with Italian trains!
Other than that, with a little bit of pre-organization, everything should run smoothly!
Ciao