Travel Inspo – Lake Como

If you are looking for a relaxing Europe break I would highly recommend Lake Como. This destination is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and is the perfect place to completely relax. We travelled from Milan via train for just 9 Euros each and it only took approximately 1 hour. Check out my Milan post if you are heading to Lake Como from Milan too.I stayed in one of the smaller villages on the lake in Moltrasio at the Grand Hotel Imperiale hotel. The rooms were a little basic but the restaurants, pool area and view made up for this.

Near by there were a couple of small restaurants/cafes but very minimal amenities compared to the larger towns. As I had planned to mainly relax by the pool this wasn’t an issue and with the below view I was not complaining.

If you visit Lake Como you need to take a trip to Bellagio, there are speed ferry’s that will get you there in 45 minutes to an hour. The slower ferry’s can take up to 2 hours 30 minutes so it is worth paying that little extra and planning ahead to get the speed ferry.


Bellagio is stunning, a small but bustling town with cobbled streets filled with shops, gelato stores and lake side restaurants.

I would recommend getting there in the morning and going into a restaurant to book a table when you arrive. You can request a table overlooking the lake but it is first come first serve so get in quick.


Another attraction in Bellagio are the breath-taking gardens of Villa Melzi, there is a small fee to enter the gardens which is definitely worth it. The views and sights are stunning and it is the perfect place to spend on a sunny afternoon.


You will love every second of Lake Como but make sure you stock up on insect repellent, sunbathing isn’t as fun when you are being bitten! Check out my holiday health and Beauty essential before your next trip.


Love Lottie xoxo

 

Travel Inspo – Milan

Italy is always one of my favourite places to visit with beautiful weather, stunning sights and delicious food. Recently I took a trip to Milan and then went on to Lake Como which is by far one of the most breath taking places I have been, blog post to follow.

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Milan is a short flight from London and the airport is only around 30 minutes from the city so is a really easy place to get to and would be perfect for a short weekend break.

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I stayed at Chateau Monfort, a fabulous boutique hotel with and Alice in Wonderland theme. The whole hotel was exquisite with classic ornate detail with a fairy tale twist. Our room was the Hibiscus room and was decorated with flowers through out and would definitely make it onto the list as one of my most favourite rooms I have stayed in. The hotel was also well located, a short walk to the city centre.


 The city is filled with shopping and restaurants as you would expect but also features the main attraction, Duomo di Milano, a magnificent cathedral in a large square. The building is stunning from the outside and queues to get inside and huge, if you really must go inside make sure you are prepared to queue for a long time.

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I chose to view the cathedral from the comfort of a chair, with an Aperol Spritz in hand from the Aperol Terrazza. I would recommend visiting this bar/restaurant as the views are amazing and there is no better way to take in the sights than with delicious food and a range of cocktails to choose from.


 

While I was in Milan I also walked through the city to the Sempione Park, this park is also right next to the Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace so you can spend a day wandering around all of these sights at your leisure.

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Although normally I am a huge foodie, as I was here a short period of time I didn’t make any set dinner reservations but always managed to find somewhere serving the Italian classics and enjoyed every meal. The gelato is also some of the best I have had! 


Although I am so pleased I saw Milan it is more suited as a stop off on your way to another destination or a short weekend break as 2 – 3 days is more than enough to take everything in.

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Love Lottie xoxo