Day 4: From Lake Tranquillity to Milan’s Bustle: A Bittersweet Farewell
- wanderingazuki
- May 27
- 8 min read
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Sometimes the best journeys aren’t the ones we plan, but the ones we take by chance." — Unknown
Our final day in Lake Como began with a mix of nostalgia and excitement as we prepared to leave the serene beauty of Bellagio behind. Determined to make the most of our morning, we enjoyed a scenic ride on the little train around Bellagio, soaking in the last glimpses of its charming streets and stunning lake views. After a sweet farewell treat at a local café, we embarked on the journey back to Milan. What followed was a whirlwind of crowded ferries, steep walks, and chaotic train transfers, culminating in a rain-soaked arrival in the bustling city. Despite the challenges, the day offered a blend of memorable moments and travel lessons, setting the stage for a cosy evening exploring Milan’s iconic Duomo area and indulging in its culinary delights.
🌅 Making the Most of Our Last Day in Bellagio 🍮
We enjoyed our final breakfast in Bellagio, sipping our last glass of blood orange juice and soaking up the lake and mountain views one last time. It was a quiet, sentimental moment—our last lakeside breakfast in this beautiful town.
Afterwards, we made our way into town to pick up ferry tickets for our return to Varenna. With that sorted, we were determined to make the most of our final few hours. We hopped aboard the little sightseeing train for one last tour of Bellagio. I’d seen this charming train in other towns before, and I was excited to finally try it. At just €10 for both of us, it was a lovely way to take in Bellagio’s beauty once more. The train wound its way through scenic roads, offering sweeping views of the lake and hillside villages. Its cosy, nostalgic feel made it a peaceful farewell to a place that had truly captured our hearts.
Back at the hotel, we packed our bags and lingered a moment, savouring the bittersweet feeling of leaving a place that had quickly begun to feel like home. Our kind host drove us into the town centre, where we had a little extra time before the ferry.
Naturally, we made room for one last treat. We stopped at Antichi Sapori, a cosy café in the heart of Bellagio, for a final indulgence. For £13.69, we enjoyed a sweet send-off: I chose a vibrant berry tart with a crisp crust, creamy filling, and a tangy burst of fresh berries. My friend picked a classic tiramisu, rich and perfectly layered with coffee and cocoa. It was the perfect way to end our lakeside escape—with one last bite of joy.
Cost Summary💰:
2 Ferry tickets from Bellagio to Varenna: £7.88
Scenic train ride around Bellagio for 2: €10
Antichi Sapori dessert: £13.69
👋 A Chaotic Farewell: From Lake Como to Milan 🚆
The ferry ride back to Varenna was crowded, and the usual disorganised queues made boarding feel a bit chaotic. Juggling our luggage didn’t help matters, but we eventually found a spot and settled in for one last look at the serene waters of Lake Como. As the boat pulled away from Bellagio, we took a quiet moment to savour the views—our final farewell to a place that had truly enchanted us.
Arriving at the Varenna ferry terminal, we braced ourselves for the next challenge: the uphill climb to the train station. The narrow cobbled paths felt just as steep as we remembered, and dragging heavy luggage in the warm weather only made the trek more tiring. By the time we reached the station, we were already feeling worn out. Inside, the ticket office was swamped, and the sluggish pace of service didn’t help ease the tension. After finally purchasing our tickets, we learned they had to be validated at a separate machine—another small but stressful detail in the rush.
When the train arrived, we scrambled aboard, only to find it packed with no available seats. Standing in the aisle, wedged between luggage and passengers, wasn’t ideal, but at that point, we just wanted to make it to Milan in one piece.
Unfortunately, the journey had one more surprise in store. Midway through, a technical issue forced all passengers to disembark and transfer to another train. With no clear announcements or signage, we found ourselves relying on the kindness (and guesses) of fellow travellers to figure out where to go. The confusion and lack of guidance made it feel like a chaotic race across platforms, hoping we were headed in the right direction.
Eventually, we arrived in Milan—relieved but still not quite done. We thought the hotel was just a short walk away, but surprise: we needed to hop on another train to reach the Duomo area. At the metro kiosk, a staff member greeted our tired, frazzled expressions with good humour, and his light-hearted attitude was a small but welcome boost to our spirits.
As we stepped out of the station, the heavens opened. Rain poured down, soaking the cobblestone streets—and our feet—with relentless force. Even Google Maps seemed to give up, sending us in circles. But after a few soggy detours, we finally spotted our hotel. Stepping into the lobby felt like a small victory, the end of a long and exhausting day of travel.
Quick Reflection🌸:This leg of the journey, while frustrating and tiring, was a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of travel—especially when navigating unfamiliar transport systems. Looking back, I realise that leaving Bellagio earlier would’ve given us more breathing room, eased the stress, and allowed us to enjoy a bit more of Milan before nightfall. Lesson learned for next time!
Cost Summary💰:
2 train tickets from Varenna to Milan (Viaggi del Tivano): £14.332
Metro tickets from Milan Centrale to Duomo: €4.40
🍽️ Settling Into Milan and the Duomo's Evening Glow 🌇
After escaping the downpour, we were beyond relieved to step into the welcoming lobby of Maison Milano hotel. The staff offered us a refreshing drink while we checked in—a small gesture that felt extra comforting after such a hectic day. Our suite was spacious and stylish, and after a quick refresh, we felt ready to head out and explore our new surroundings.
We took a leisurely stroll through the Duomo area, letting the city’s charm ease the stress of the day. The soft evening light cast a golden hue over Milan, and the Duomo was absolutely breath-taking. Its intricate spires and glowing stained-glass windows shimmered against the dusky sky, creating the perfect photo opportunity—and a moment of calm.
Hunger soon called, and we wandered until we stumbled upon Caffe Cucina, a cosy spot tucked near the Duomo. It looked inviting, so we decided to settle in for a much-needed dinner. I ordered the ravioli, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. Topped with a crisp, fish-shaped chip, the dish blended playful presentation with satisfying textures. Though the portion seemed small at first, each bite was rich, flavourful, and filling—exactly what I needed after the day’s chaos.
The peaceful ambiance, delicious food, and warm lighting made for a comforting close to the evening. Recharged and content, we wrapped up our meal and stepped back into the Milan night, ready to see where it would take us next.
Cost Summary💰:
Dinner for 2 at Caffe Cucina: €60
☕A Grand Surprise: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Experience ✨
After dinner, we continued our evening wander around the Duomo area, letting the glow of the city lights guide us. That’s when we stumbled upon an unexpected highlight of our time in Milan—the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were swept into a completely different world. The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee and buttery pastries, a comforting contrast to the damp streets outside. Even as someone who isn’t a coffee drinker, I was captivated by the scent—it was warm, bold, and oddly energizing.
This wasn’t your average Starbucks. The space was immense, elegant, and immaculately designed. Everything felt elevated—from the polished copper roasting equipment to the beautifully packaged beans and curated shelves of exclusive merchandise. I wandered through the space, soaking in the grand architecture and admiring the unique souvenirs. If I’d had more room in my suitcase, I honestly would have bought so much more—there were beans, mugs, and other Starbucks merch that would’ve made perfect keepsakes.
Though the rain had made the beautiful outdoor terrace a little too wet to enjoy, the cosy indoor space more than made up for it. Patrons lounged in plush seating, chatting over carefully crafted drinks in a space that felt more like a high-end café than a global chain. The atmosphere was both lively and soothing—a balance that felt distinctly Milanese.
For me, this visit was easily my favourite experience in Milan. It completely shifted how I thought of Starbucks. The Roastery felt more like a coffee museum-meets-boutique café, and I left feeling both inspired and content.
Tip💫: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan opens till late, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. But for an even fuller experience, consider visiting in the morning to see the roasting process in action. As the only Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Europe, it’s a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and curious travellers alike—whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual visitor, this place is bound to leave an impression.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
As we wandered the streets of Milan until midnight, a quiet sense of gratitude settled in. The day had tested us—with chaotic travel, heavy luggage, and unexpected detours—but somehow, it also grounded us. The contrast between Bellagio’s tranquil charm and Milan’s dynamic pulse offered a beautiful symmetry to the journey.
In Bellagio, time seemed to slow—every view was postcard-perfect, every moment peaceful and still. In Milan, the energy was electric. The glowing cathedral, the hum of the crowds, and even the rain-slicked streets felt alive. Though our feet ached and we were undeniably tired, there was a deep satisfaction in knowing we’d embraced both ends of the travel spectrum: serenity and stimulation, nature and city, rest and movement.
This final night reminded me that travel isn’t always seamless or easy—but the unexpected moments, the little surprises, and the quiet reflections at the end of the day are what make it so memorable. Our last full day may have been messy, but it was also magical in its own way—a reminder that the best stories often come from the unplanned.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever had a travel day that felt chaotic in the moment but became one of your favourite memories afterward?
Do you prefer peaceful, nature-filled destinations or the buzz of city life when you travel—or a bit of both?
What’s a small, unexpected moment from a trip that’s stuck with you long after you returned home?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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