Real freedom: 4 days in Europe, 2 countries and all with one backpack

There is a persistent myth that says that in order to travel in Europe, and certainly in the fashion capital of Milan, you have to pack half a house, pay a fortune for luggage, and spend hours waiting by the luggage conveyor belt. Well, that myth has officially been debunked. In a trip of four and a half days, we proved that it is possible to sew a dreamy, varied and intense route that combines the romantic landscapes of Italy, the Swiss elegance and the shopping of Milan – all with one small backpack, strategic thinking and proper packing tactics.

To make the most of the four days, the first and most important tip starts the night before. Many low cost flights land in the late evening. Instead of getting involved with public transportation into the city at night, book a night at a hotel located right at the airport or adjacent to it. This allows you to go to sleep with a calm mind, wake up refreshed in the morning, and start the first day of the trip with the highest energy without wasting precious time on unnecessary trips. We are at the hotel Moss in Terminal 2 at the airport Malpensa. They honor you with a cute welcome drink and offer you a paid breakfast – which it is recommended to skip, and in the following lines you will find out why.

The first morning is opened early. The sooner the better. At the distance of crossing a road and a few steps you reach the bus stop that will take you from the airport to Lake Como. In less than an hour’s drive north, the urban landscape is replaced by the deep blue waters of Lake Como. As tempting as it is to walk around the beautiful town, my recommendation is to go straight to the platform and buy a ticket for the ferry. Then return to stroll the magical streets of Como and have breakfast. The destination is the shuttle towards Bellagio (Bellagio) Known as “the pearl of the lake”.”.

A tip that will save your morning: Did you think that 10:00 am is an early time to show up at the ferry ticket office? You were wrong big time. The queues at the box office during these hours become very long, and the tickets for the requested hours run out quickly. Get to the box office as early as possible, buy a daily free ticket or just one way, and save yourself hours of standing in the sun.

In Bellagio you will enjoy wandering among the boutique shops, the steep and famous staircases and the views visible in all directions, you can reach the small port on the other side of the town by walking for half an hour. In the evening take a last ferry to the town Verna (Varenna) – a romantic gem, less busy and bustling than its sisters, which offers picturesque alleys that slide first line to the water. We slept there in a small apartment hundreds of years old, in the morning we went out of the bedroom to the balcony that overlooks the lake and kisses the red roofs. The romance of life at its best.

The second morning is entirely dedicated to Varna itself, and to a particularly photogenic discovery. Varna houses one of the most beautiful villas in the area that are open to the public Hotel Villa Cipressi – Its botanical gardens are terraced and overlook the lake, at the bottom of the gardens there is a gate that opens directly to the lake, it has become a viral and highly sought-after location on social media, which means that during the day there is a long line just to take a picture.

Tips to help you get out of the box:

1. Get up early and pop into the local bakery in the town square. Stock up on fresh carbs, Italian pastries and takeaway coffee.
2. Continue directly to the villa gardens (a short walk from the town square) right at the opening.
3. Start from this location and take your photogenic photos while the place is still empty, then find a bench in front of the water, open the pastries, and have a royal breakfast in front of the view. By the way, every corner of the villa is incredibly photogenic, but if you are reading this article, you deserve to win tips that are not available anywhere else.

From there we took a ferry toMenaggio (Menaggio). An easy hour in another stunning town on the coast, lunch after which we say goodbye to Italy temporarily. Get on the bus that takes you directly across the border – toLake Lugano (Lugano) in Switzerland The sharp transition from Italian romance to order, cleanliness and Swiss elegance is an experience in itself. It is recommended to take a walk along the well-maintained promenade of the lake, soak up the chic atmosphere and visit the Reform Square (Reform Square) the main one.

️A tip for Swiss shopping enthusiasts: Keep in mind that the shops and boutiques in Lugano close early on most days of the week, Only on Wednesdays The stores remain open for late shopping. Plan your travel days accordingly if you built on purchases of luxury watches or Swiss chocolate.

The third morning begins in Lugano with a leisurely stroll along the river, a photogenic cup of coffee on the lake, and the company of the local ducks. From there, continue to the ultimate Swiss experience – Aliya bfunicular (steep cable car) To the summit of Mount San Salvatore (Mount San Salvatore). The view that opens up from above is breathtaking: a combination of green mountains, snowy peaks in the background and blue water that spreads below you.

A tip for the go-getter: If you are in good shape, the weather is in your favor and you have two hours to spare, don’t go down the cable car. Go down the mountain on foot through the regulated hiking trails. It’s a wonderful way to experience Swiss nature up close.

After the descent, it’s time to return to Italy. Get on a direct and efficient train from Lugano that brings you to the center in a short time Milan. After checking in at the hotel, use the evening for an initial shopping trip and a first taste of Milan’s lively urban rhythm.

The last day is entirely dedicated to the magic of Milan. Start the tour bCastelo Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle), The impressive citadel of the city, and from there you walk through the green and well-kept gardens to the west Barra neighborhood (Brera). Berra is the artistic and chic heart of Milan, picturesque alleys, art galleries, boutique shops of independent designers and small cafes that feel like Paris corner of Italy.

From there, continue the obligatory walk to theDuomo (Duomo) – The famous Gothic cathedral which is the undisputed symbol of the city. Shall we stop for a coffee break? Welcome to the huge factory store of Starbucks (Starbucks Reserve Roastery). This is not another ordinary branch, but a huge complex, beautifully designed, where the coffee beans are roasted right in front of your eyes. An architectural and culinary experience not to be missed.

The last evening of the trip is celebrated inNavili neighborhood (Navigli). The area, which is famous for the picturesque water canals designed, among others, by Leonardo da Vinci, turns into the official entertainment center at night. This is the perfect place for a food tour between stalls and local restaurants, and of course, the place to join the Italian “Apertivo” tradition: a glass of chilled Aperol splash in hand, a plate of snacks, and a view of the sunset reflected in the canals.

The biggest challenge in a trip like this is the packing. To get by for 4 and a half days with only one backpack (and return with the shopping you bought in Milan), follow the following rules:

• Wear layers on a flight: The heaviest and most inflated items (long jeans, an evening jacket, and your main walking shoes) you will wear for the flight.
• The rolling method: Do not fold clothes flat. Roll each item into a tight roll. This saves about 30% of the volume in the bag and prevents wrinkles.
• The rule of 2 couples: Do not bring more than two pairs of shoes. One pair is very comfortable for walking on your feet, and a pair of flat and light sandals or flip-flops in the bag for the evening.

   

• Liquids in micro dimensions: Transfer everything (shampoo, sunscreen, creams) into vials of up to 100 ml, and reduce the make-up bag to a multi-purpose minimum.
• Disposable clothes? Not what you thought, nevertheless, we are in favor of the environment. I also like to take socks/underwear when their time has come, and get rid of them at the end of each day.
• Daily looks: Think about the clothes you will wear every day, and take only one extra shirt.

A short vacation with a backpack is not a compromise, it is real freedom. Without waiting in lines, without fear that a suitcase will be lost, and with complete mobility that allows you to get off the train in Switzerland and immediately start traveling.