Where else but in Milan can one admire Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, attend world-class performances at the La Scala opera house, savor exceptional gastronomy, shop in front-of-house stores -keeping fashion then getting some fresh air on the shores of Lake Como, all in the same long weekend?
To discover
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Combining urban and lakeside pleasures, this itinerary allows you to discover the historical and contemporary facets of Italy's second city before letting yourself be captivated by the charms of Lake Como and its enchanting landscapes that you contemplate during a journey by train.
Read alsoItaly by train: our 5 most beautiful trips to discover the Boot
Map: 4 days in Lombardy
Step 1: Milan
2 days – Culture – Gastronomy – Urban pleasures
The famous Duomo in Milan.
Photographer: Giuseppe Anello / bepsphoto - stock.adobe.com
After an hour and a half flight from Paris, we landed at Milan Malpensa airport.
Whether you come from Paris, Lyon or Marseille, this first part of the journey is of course possible by train, provided you take a little more time from the capital, due to the landslide in Maurienne.
Which in no way changes the program upon arrival.
We devote this first day to discovering the historic center of Milan, where remarkable monuments, museums, art galleries and fashion boutiques are concentrated.
Marvel at the Gothic architecture of the Duomo, the largest church in Italy, and climb the 251 steps leading to its summit to enjoy a superb panorama of the city;
Discover the imposing Castello Sforzesco, one of the city's major monuments, and visit the museums it houses to contemplate masterpieces such as the
Sala delle Asse
, by Leonardo da Vinci, and the
Pietà Rondanini
, Michelangelo's last unfinished work.
Admire the
Last Supper
by Leonardo da Vinci, painted by the artist on a wall of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and discover the Renaissance works exhibited at the Pinacoteca di Brera;
Shopping in the chic boutiques of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Fashion Quadrilateral, a shopping district bordered by the streets of Via Montenapoleone, Corso Venezia, Via della Spiga and Via Manzoni;
Have an
aperitivo
along the canals of the Navigli district before attending a show at La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
TAKE A GUIDED TOUR IN MILAN
The next day, we set off to discover modern Milan by strolling through neighborhoods undergoing urban renewal.
Admire the futuristic architecture of the Il Dritto, lo Storto
and
il Curvo
skyscrapers
in the CityLife district, currently being redeveloped;
Stroll through the Porta Nuova district and stop in Piazza Gae Aulenti to admire the UniCredit tower, the tallest in Italy and one of the symbols of the new Milan;
Discover the Bosco Verticale, a model of urban sustainability represented by two residences 112 and 80 m high, covered with plants corresponding to one hectare of forest;
Relax at the Parco biblioteca degli alberi, an eco-sustainable space including play areas, cycle paths and botanical trails winding among various plant species;
Sit down in one of the city's many restaurants to enjoy osso
buco
,
risotto alla Milanese
and other typically Milanese specialties.
BOOK YOUR TRANSFERS IN MILAN
Also read What to see, what to do in Milan: essential activities
Step 2: Lake Como
2 days – 59 Km – 1h30 by train – Nature – Relaxation
The colorful village of Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como.
Rene Hartmann - stock.adobe.com
Head to Milan Central Station to take the train to the village of Varenna, on the south shore of Lake Como, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
During these two days, we indulge in the joys of lakeside pleasures and soak up the authentic charms of Lombardy by visiting the picturesque villages bordering the lake.
Stroll between the colorful houses of the village of Varenna, stroll along the lovers' promenade which runs along the lake and discover the magnificent botanical garden of Villa Monastero;
Go to the village of Bellagio, nicknamed
the pearl of the lake
, to discover its pretty houses with terracotta roofs and visit the sublime gardens of the Melzi and Serbelloni villas;
Immortalize yourself on the stone bridge in the village of Nesso, where you can also discover a powerful waterfall formed by the Tuf and Nosè rivers;
Board a boat for a trip on the lake and admire the villages of Menaggio, Laglio and Lierna, famous for its castle appearing to float on the water.
BOAT TRIP ON LAKE COMO
After taking in the beauty of Lake Como and its enchanting landscapes, we return to Milan to reach the airport and board the plane back to France.
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