Two Days of Foodie Heaven in Milan and the Lago di Garda

  • Day 1: Milan
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 3 hours and 30 minutes (158 km)

    Start your day at Peck, a historic deli that has been in operation since 1883. Here, you can find a range of Italian specialties, including freshly made focaccia, cold cuts, and cheeses. After breakfast, head over to the Piazza del Duomo to see the famous Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano. Be sure to climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. For lunch, try some delicious Milanese cuisine at Ratanà, where you can indulge in dishes like risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco alla Milanese. After lunch, take a stroll through the Brera District, known for its art galleries and quaint streets filled with charming cafes and restaurants. End your day with a drink at Navigli, a trendy area with canals and a lively night scene where you can enjoy aperitivo and some tasty snacks.

  • Day 2: Lago di Garda
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 1 hour and 37 minutes (113 km)

    Start your day with a scenic drive to the stunning Lago di Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Stop in the town of Peschiera del Garda for a traditional Italian breakfast at Caffè Garibaldi, which has been serving coffee and pastries since 1850. After breakfast, take a boat tour of the lake, admiring the incredible scenery and stopping in towns like Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda to sample local cuisine at places like Osteria al Vecchio Cremona and La Dispensa di Aquatio, known for their fresh seafood and lakefront views. In the evening, head back to Milan for a final dinner at N'Ombra de Vin, where you can try some amazing Italian wines and indulge in delicious dishes like cured meats and cheese plates.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Peck (1 hour, €€€)
  • Piazza del Duomo (2 hours, Free)
  • Ratanà (2 hours, €€€)
  • Brera District (2 hours, Free)
  • Navigli (2 hours, €€)
  • Caffè Garibaldi (1 hour, €€)
  • Lake Como Boat Tour (4 hours, €€€)
  • Osteria al Vecchio Cremona (1 hour, €€€)
  • La Dispensa di Aquatio (1 hour, €€€)
  • N'Ombra de Vin (2 hours, €€€)
  • Total Estimated Costs (including transportation): €€€€

Transportation

You will need to rent a car to travel from Milan to Lago di Garda, which will cost approximately €70-€100 per day. A full tank of gas will cost around €50, and tolls will be around €20 total. Travel around Milan can be done on foot or by public transportation, such as buses and the metro, which costs €1.50 per ticket.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider staying in Lago di Garda for a night or two to fully explore the area. There are many small towns and wineries to visit, as well as hiking and biking trails to enjoy. If you have less time, you can skip the boat tour and focus on one or two towns around the lake. Be sure to check opening hours of the restaurants and attractions before you go, as they may vary depending on the season.

Airports

The main airport serving Milan is the Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is located approximately 45 km northwest of Milan. The other airport is the Linate Airport (LIN), which is located approximately 7 km southeast of Milan. Verona Airport (VRN) also serves the area around Lago di Garda and is located approximately 15 km southwest of the lake.

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