Therese's Adventures in Italy: 50th Birthday in Como & Milan

This December I turned 50. To celebrate my milestone birthday, I returned to Italy for six days of solo travel. I spent the days roaming the streets of Como and Milan - the area my sister and I lived over 20 years ago and where the idea for Alora was born. I walked and walked, visiting old familiar spots along Lake Como, enjoying my favorite foods from Lombardy, and taking my sweet time window shopping in Milan! 

It was an amazing trip and a very special way to celebrate such a big milestone. Read on for a recap of the highlights from my getaway and ideas for your next trip to this stunning region of Italy. 

Woman under umbrella with lake and hillside of Italian homes in background

Part 1: Como

Getting There

Arriving to the train station in Como brought my first tear! From day trips into Milano to weekend jaunts down to Florence, my sis and I were in and out of this stazione on a regular basis. It had been updated since my time there, but the old Como signs were familiar and the cappuccino at the bar was terrific, just as I remembered.

Como train station stop

Accommodations

I spent the first two days of my trip in Como and stayed at the Palazzo Albricci Peregrini, a lovely hotel located in the historic city center. The staff was terrific, and they served homemade breakfast each morning that was to die for. Plus the location was perfect for strolling the charming streets all beautifully decorated for Christmas. I'd highly recommend it if you are planning to visit!

Suitcase in front of Italian archway
Basket of flowers next to welcome note.Cup of cappuccino on table

Walk to Moltrasio

It was typical winter weather with rain and temps in the mid-40's, so I bundled up and, with my umbrella in tow, walked the 5 mile route up the west side of the lake to my old house, located in the small village of Moltrasio. I'd forgotten how the leaves changed color in the winter and how that added to the stunning views. I opted to take the boat back, a fun reminder of the commute I used to do when I studied Italian down in Como! 

Yellow Italian villa
Italian homes surrounding a lake on a overcast day
Homes lit up at night along the lakeshore

Como Eats

I was determined to enjoy some of my favorite foods from Lombardy, the region where Como and Milan are located. The cuisine is rich in both ingredients and flavor. A few hours after my flight landed, I enjoyed this hearty bowl of Pizzoccheri alla valtellinese, a traditional dish from Valtellina, north of Lake Como near Switzerland. Pizzoccheri are buckwheat tagliatelle noodles, and in this dish, they are mixed with cabbage, potatoes, butter, and fontina cheese. So rich and so tasty!

Bowl of pasta with chunks of potatoes

Part 2: Milan

Milanese Eats

When I got to Milan, two of the most iconic dishes of the city (and two of my favorites), Risotto alla Milanese and Cotoletta alla Milanese, were absolute musts. My sister and I had been to Antica Trattoria della Pesa before and I was thrilled to go back for a bowl of their creamy, saffron-laced risotto. As I was leaving, I loved seeing these four Italian men savoring their lunch as the Italians do so well.
Antica Trattoria della Pesa menu
Bowl of saffron risottoFour Italian men eating lunch

My last dinner in Italy was at Trattoria Milanese, a very traditional Milanese restaurant that caters to locals. I loved that the menu was only in Italian. I lucked out and was able to get a table at 7:30pm - well before the locals arrive for their typical 9:00pm dinner reservations!

I ordered the Cotoletta alla Milanese, and it was perfect. Classically prepared -   a veal cutlet pounded thin, covered in breading and fried in butter - and served with a lemon wedge. Once again, so simple and so delicious. And speaking of simple and delicious - artichokes were in season, so I enjoyed them shaved raw with Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and a few turns of fresh cracked pepper. Buonissimo! 

Bowl of fresh artichokes topped with shaved parmesan cheese and Cotoletta alla Milanese

Lombardian Sweets

As for my favorite Lombardian sweet, I definitely got my fill of panettone on this trip. I've shared about my love of this Italian sweet Christmas bread originating in Milan before, and I knew it not only would be displayed in every pasticceria window this time of year but offered on nearly every dessert menu in the city as well. Italian obsess about panettone during Christmas, so I followed suit and obsessed over it too. I snapped photos of them beautifully wrapped in windows and happily agreed to the free sample from a baker who insisted I try his recipe with my afternoon caffè. I even purchased a mini version to nibble on during my flight home! 

Slice of panettone and a cup of cappuccino
Bag of Italian sweets that says "Poletti" on the front

Shopping Delights

As for shopping, the following photos capture so much of what I love about Italy and Italians. From fashion to flowers, to elegant dishware, beautifully-wrapped pastries and perfectly-displayed produce - I love it all. And what a gift it was to spend six days surrounded by the beauty of Italy during this magical time of the year.

Mannequin in silk pants and patterned top in storefront window
 
Flowers and plants on display in storefront window  
Cakes and baked goods in bakery window
Clusters of tomatoes hanging on strings in a store

So fun to share this special trip with you! Lake Como and Milan will always be special places to me and I hope that you'll consider visiting this area if you travel to Italy. 

Buon Natale e Buon Anno!

 


3 comments


  • B. Galey

    Your words and pictures were as if from a close friend. How unusual for a business blog. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as my days of adventure are far behind me. Thank you for an unexpected surprise.


  • sharman

    Beautiful! Do you have a special small, romantic place for dinner in Milan or Como I could suggest to honeymooners? Your pictures are stunning and how great of you to post. Congratulations and happy birthday!


  • PATRICIA MCCOY CARPIN

    WHAT A LOVELY TRAVEL LOG. BROUGHT BACK SO MANY MEMORIES OF THE LAGI: MAGGIORE, COMO, GARDA, ISEO, ORTA
    AND A DELIGHT OF L’ALBERETA IN ERBUSCO, BEAUTIFUL RELAIS! RISTORANTE ERBUSCO IN RELAIS WAS THAT OF GUALTIERO MARCHESI, L’ALBERETA MARCHESI. WHEN WE WERE THERE HE DINED WITH US, HIS RISOTTO WITH GOLD LEAF WAS MAGNIFICENT. AUGURI TO YOU! GRAZIE.


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