🌍 Destination: Milan, Lake Como, Dolomites
No. 53 / Special travel series [1 of 3] with travel advisor Amy Zebala
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Travel season is back in full force (grinning with joy as I type this 🙌🏻). I’m prepping clients by creating lookbooks based on their itineraries, adding in any last-minute new purchases to round out their wardrobes, and packing it all in their luggage for them. Who doesn’t want to feel stress-free about packing? This ensures they can enjoy every moment of their trip without thinking about what to wear. And more so than you realize, many of these getaways are packed in carry-ons! I know, nuts. But it works.
This feature is the first of three to spotlight travel advisor Amy Zebala’s (a SmartFlyer affiliate // also, thank you, Amy, for putting these trips together!) experiential creation and planning expertise over the next few weeks. Amy pulled together a combination of city, water, and mountain locales for this first trip throughout northern Italy, from where you can stay, and all you can see, eat, and do. I added what to pack and wear in these dreamy places, with room for re-wear and consideration of moving between each of the three spots.
Before you dive into these beautiful destinations that Amy curated, here are a couple quick tips to consider when gearing up for your next trip:
Lean into laundry service: it can be expensive, but so is overweight baggage. Consider the trade-offs. Pack enough underpinnings, but other items that can be laundered or dry-cleaned may be worth it to re-wear as you make your way from one spot to the next. The service is usually fast, too.
Shoes… try to avoid the “American-sneaker” look, but do pack comfortable trainers and other elevated sneakers to give you both form and function.
Arrivederci!
Milan
STAY
Bulgari - Contemporary and high on style, overlooking Milan's botanical garden.
Portrait Milano - Newly renovated, in the heart of Milan’s fashion district.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia - Located in the heart of Milan, right opposite Central Station and close to the shopping district.
SEE
Duomo di Milano - Constructed in 1386, this Gothic cathedral has been touched by various cultural titans from Pope Martin V to Leonardo da Vinci.
Santa Maria delle Grazie - Leonardo's Masterpiece, The Last Supper
Sforzesco Castle - Originally designed by da Vinci, and meticulously maintained, now features five different museums.
Teatro La Scalla - See an opera at this legendary opera house
DO
Window Shop in the Quadrilatero della Moda
Have a Negroni at Bar Basso
Dance the night away at Terraza Aperol
EAT
BeefBar for Kobe beef and wagyu tacos
Terrazza A Riccione, a Rooftop restaurant and bar full of locals, serving inventive seafood dishes.
Pizzeria Santa Lucia for classic Neopolitan pizza
La Gioia for Cacio e pepe with fresh truffles on top
Kitchen for their saffron risotto
PACK
Lake Como
STAY
Pasalacqua - An 18th-century mansion transformed into an exquisite country retreat.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo - The grand dame of Lake Como seeped in over one hundred years of history.
Hotel Belvedere Bellagio - A perfect lakeside retreat above the bustle of Bellagio.
SEE
Balbianello - An 18th-century mansion that Star Wars and 007 fans will recognize, full of historical maps, travel tools, books, and previous art pieces for guests to peruse.
The neighboring Alps - Charter your own private seaplane for a sky tour of Lake Como.
EAT
Gran Café Al Porto is a must for the food and the interiors.
Lunch at Le Bucce di Gandria for the best views over the lake.
Gabbani, a fab spot to pick up snacks, sandwiches, treats for your boat excursion
Ristorante Momi for the best terrace, on the water, in the tiny village of Blevio
DO
Rent a private motorboat to tour the lake
Silk Painting at Monte Bisbino
Gelato-making experience
Private Ferrari ride
PACK
Dolomites
STAY
LeFay Resort & Spa - Alpine wellness retreat in Italy's Dolomites, focuses on healthy dining, spa time, and mountain adventure.
Forestis - mountain escape in the midst of the forest; seclusion with views of the Dolomites.
Rosa Alpina - an Aman partner hotel, located in a small village; a great spot for ski enthusiasts!
DO
Relax
Hike / Biking
Spa
Explore small villages
EAT
On property; all of the resorts have delicious, restorative, and gourmet options.
PACK
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3️⃣ More Things
🪫 Stay charged: Nothing worse than that dull glow of red in the top right corner of your screen - keep your battery above 50% to be safe.
😴 Mask up: Not that kind.
🔖 Tracker on: It’s always important to know where you're luggage is; why not do it in an ultra chic way?
+ One more thing… Amy is a passionate and experienced travel advisor. If you like what you see and looking for some guidance, send her a note (amy@smartflyer.com). She can walk you through the process and get you fully booked in all areas for your next trip.