Northern Italy

Forcola

The Northern region of Italy is absolutely stunning. Everything from the mountains to the cobble stone streets and gorgeous views of the all the farms and open land, I could stay here forever. I was able to visit the region of Lombardy, and stayed in Forcola at a friends family house. It was the smallest town I think I have ever visited. Population is a total of 870 people. This was our base so we ventured out to a few places and spent a total of 5 days exploring.

How to get there:

My friend and I rented a car in Rome and did a road trip up North. It took us around 8-9 hours. Definitely a long day. You can also fly or take a train into Milan and then a rent car there and keep going or take the train from Milan to Morbegno, Lake Como or wherever your destination is. I think trains in Italy are the best means of transportation, in my opinion. I use Rail Europe to book my train tickets.

Sightseeing/Activities:

Laggo di Como

  • Laggo di Como - This is a given. It’s only a 50 minute car ride. I spent the sunniest day I had here. We visited the infamous Bellagio and took a ferry to get there. Since we went on a weekend, parking was rather difficult. but we managed. If you’re able to go during the week, I highly suggest doing so. Como is so big. I only had a day there but if you can spend more, I suggest it. There is so much to see and do, I can’t even wrap my head around it.

  • QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi - If you want a spa day and to escape into a the beautiful mountains, this is where you should go. Not only was it the most gorgeous spa I’ve ever been to, the different amenities they have to offer was so fun to check out! Everything from a pink Himalayan salt room to infinity pools looking over the mountains to warm salted pools you can swim in. I couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful day. We had tea/lunch in the dining room which felt like we were in a castle and there was a sauna and cold plunge as well that we participated in. The views are amazing and I really encourage you to visit if you find yourself in this area.

  • Visited Morbegno. Are you a cheese lover? If so, check out Bottega Fratelli Ciapponi. This supermarket has the best dang cheese I’ve ever had and meats as well. It’s an experience coming here. You’ll see what I mean when you go for yourself. I definitely brought some back with me. I also suggest you just walk around the town and get lost in the streets. It’s not a big town but there’s a lot of charm to it and I enjoyed strolling along.

  • Go dancing! We had a night out in Traona and visited Verve Nightclub. It was fun to see all the locals gather here for a night filled of dancing and drinking. They played good music too. It’s definitely a club setting though, keep in mind.

QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi

Danielle Giordano