Road Trip!
This was our very first “real” excursion as a couple… and it was going to be for 3 weeks! We figured “If we can spend this much time traveling together 24/7, then we can probably handle anything!”
Our Italy-to-Germany Itinerary:
- Milan, Italy
- Lake Como – Bellagio, Italy
- Lake Como – Varenna, Italy
- Sorenzo, Italy
- Gudon, Italy
- Penzberg, Germany
- Munich, Germany
We started at Malpensa Airport. We rented a car at the airport (we made a reservation in advance with Avis).
Milan, Italy
We were originally thinking about spending a day or so in Milan, but ended up deciding to go straight to Lake Como. Even though we didn’t stop in Milan, there were some places on our list to check out!
Where To Go and What To Do
- City Life Shopping Music
- Pettinaroli (Monogrammed Leather)
- East Market Shop, Open Thursday – Sunday
- Crimolo, Open Everyday
- Ceresio, Sophisticated Bar With Views of the City
- Marchesi, Traditional Milanese Pastry Shop
Lake Como, Bellagio, Italy
From the airport, begin your trip to Bellagio. We chose the route in the picture below.
Lodging In Bellagio
In Bellagio, we stayed at this modern and clean AirBnb. Wonderful location in the center of Bellagio with easy walking access to restaurants and shops. We enjoyed our homemade meals on our balcony over looking the hillside. As an additional bonus, the city’s clock tower is right above your apartment! But do not freight, it only chimes during the day.
Caution! You drive through the old, small city streets to reach this accommodation. Fortunately the host provides you detailed directions, but drive slowly!
Super Markets & Deli near the Airbnb, close at 7:30pm
Where To Go and What To Do
Aperitivo Et Al
Italian Wines With Option of Food Pairings, Need I Say More?
Trattoria San Giacomo
Restaurant With Homestyle Cooking
Ristorante La Punta
Do not leave Bellagio without visiting this restaurant! Go there, order a grappa, sit back, and enjoy the panoramic views with a delicious meal.
Can’t make it to the restaurant? Stop by La Punta Spartivento, a park with the same grand views and optional boat rentals.
Villa Melzi
Built in 1808, has a park with sculptures and garden known for its beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons
Grab a ferry and take a day trip to Tremezzina
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Go for a glass of wine at their wine room, L’Esacale Trattoria, a casual lunch at their T Bar, or a romantic date at their restaurant, La Terrazza.
Villa Carlotta
Built in the late 1600s, a stunningly gorgeous place of artwork and nature.
Other Options in Bellagio We Didn’t Have A Chance to Do
- Enoteca Cave Turraciolo – Enjoy a meal and wine in a restored 18th century wine cellar, wine tastings available
- La Terrazza – Restaurant at the Historical Hotel Metropole
- Day Trip to Pigra – Small, non-tourist town in the mountains with breath-taking views. To reach it, you take a cable car from Argegno.
Lake Como, Varenna, Italy
Next we went to Varenna! We chose the route in the picture below.
Along the way we stopped at …
In Varenna, we stayed at this simple and clean AirBnb. What this accommodation lacks in with updated amenities makes up for in views. Wow, Wow, Wow!!!! I will let the pictures speak for themselves. This view made our trip!
Please Note: The host’s english is not strong. There is no street parking. We recommend dropping your luggage off at the AirBnb, parking at this public parking lot, and then walking back.
Where To Go and What To Do
Villa Monastero
When visiting these gardens, take a moment to stop at the cafe and enjoy a treat next to the lake.
Castello di Vezio
Wonderful castle with Falconry demonstrations. Be Prepared, if you are walking from the city center, it is a steep hike up the hills to the castle. It is a beautiful walk wandering through the small, old streets, but wear comfortable shoes.
Bar Molo
Arrive early to be given a shore side table at sunset. Large, comprehensive menu; a dish for every palette!
Varenna Caffe
Delicious pastries, sweets, and coffee with lovely lake views.
Gelateria Riva
Can’t say no to gelato!
Other Options in Varenna We Didn’t Have A Chance to Do
- Quatro Pass Restaurant – Recommend Reservations
- Il Camietto – Incredibly sad we were not able to make reservations for this experience!
Sorenzo, Italy
From Varenna to Sorenzo, we chose the route in the image below.
Drive slow and enjoy the breath-taking views!
Stops we made along the way.
- Varenna, Orrido di Bellano – Gorge with Views
- Commezzadura – Restaurant, Maso Burba
- Cles – Restaurant, Giardino
To break up the long car ride, we stayed one night at this quaint AirBnb. I enjoyed a nice long soak in the luxurious soaking bathtub!
Gudon, Italy
From Sorenzo to Gudon, we chose the route in the image below.
Take your time on this part of the drive. If you have time, go to Karersee Lake and Carezza al Lago, but absolutely go to the Dolomites!
In Gudon, we stayed at this stunning, elegant Airbnb. This beautiful, small town is nestled in Italy’s mountain countryside. We cannot speak positively enough of our stay here. Accommodation was great, the host was great, the town was great, everything was just great!
Where To Go and What To Do
Turmwirt Gufidaun
Penzberg, Germany
From Gudon to Penzberg, we chose the route in the image below.
Break up your car ride with some of these destinations along the way.
Mittenwald (Brewery/restaurants)
- Restaurants
- Brauerei Mittenwald – Local Brewery
- Explore the Old Town of Mittenwald – Obermarkt 24, 82481 Mittenwald, Germany
Ettal
Linderhoff Palace
Please go to Linderhoff Palace! Of Ludwig’s palaces, this is probably our favorite. It is worth the detour. Not necessary to take the palace tour but enjoyable if you are interested in the history.
We took a quick one night stop at an AirBnB in Penzberg. It was clean, comfortable, and perfect for our brief stop.
Munich, Germany
From Penzberg to Munich, we chose the route in the image below.
On the way to Munich, we strongly recommend going to Andechs Monastery!
Strawberry Stands
Public Transportation in Munich is very easy, clean, safe, and reliable. For convenience, you can download the MVV App which enables you to purchase mobile tickets. I would recommend utilizing their extensive system as much as possible.
Where To Go and What To Do
Nymphenburg Palace
Pack a small lunch and enjoy a stroll through these royal grounds. Not necessary to take the palace tour but enjoyable if you are interested in the history.
Hirschgarten
Wonderfully non-tourist biergarten, our favorite in Munich. On Thursday and Wednesday there is live music. Try the Augustiner, Schloßbrauerei Kaltenberg, and Hofbräu Tegernsee beers.
Augustiner Keller Biergarten
Serves classic German biergarten food. On Monday evenings they have live music in the garden.
Schmalzundel Cafe Frischhut
Traditional German donuts. Yum!
Other Options in Munich We Didn’t Have A Chance to Do
- Beer Halls
- Hofbrauhaus (world famous)
- Weißes Bräuhaus – Traditional Munich Dishes, specializes in Weissbier
- Der Pschorr – All local ingredients, Bavarian dishes
- Hofbräukeller – Authentic Bavarian biergarten away from the tourist populated areas.