Ascona to Como & Milan – From Lake Elegance to Italian Glamour

Leave the peaceful Swiss lakeside town of Ascona behind and journey south toward Italy’s Lombardy region. The route follows the shoreline of Lake Maggiore, framed by vineyards and palm trees, before crossing the border into Italy — a seamless transition between two worlds. Almost immediately, the air changes: the scent of roasted coffee drifts from roadside cafés, conversations grow livelier and the rhythm of life slows just enough to make you smile.

Your first destination, Lake Como, has enchanted poets, travelers and aristocrats for centuries. Formed by glacial erosion and shaped like an inverted “Y,” Como reaches depths of over 400 meters, making it one of Europe’s deepest lakes. The surrounding mountains rise abruptly from the water, creating a natural amphitheater that feels suspended in time.

In the lakeside town of Como, you’ll stroll along Piazza Cavour, where elegant boats dock beside restaurants shaded by sycamores. At the heart of town stands the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) — an extraordinary fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles that took nearly 400 years to complete (1396–1770). Its marble facade gleams under the Italian sun, while inside, colorful frescoes and tapestries tell the city’s long history.

If time allows, take a short boat cruise across the lake to admire the famous villas that line its shores. Among them, Villa Olmo stands out with its neoclassical grandeur, while Villa del Balbianello, perched on a wooded peninsula, has appeared in films like Star Wars: Episode II and James Bond: Casino Royale. Every turn on the lake reveals another cinematic view — cypress trees, terracotta rooftops and glittering reflections on the water.

After your lakeside visit, continue south toward Milan, Italy’s pulsating capital of style and design. Once the seat of the powerful Sforza dynasty, today Milan is a metropolis that thrives on innovation, fashion and art. Your driver will drop you near Piazza del Duomo, the city’s monumental heart. Here stands the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of the largest churches in the world and the pinnacle of Gothic architecture. Built over nearly six centuries, it features more than 3,400 statues, 135 spires and a roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the city — on clear days, even the Alps are visible in the distance.

Just beside the cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, completed in 1877 and often called “Milan’s living room.” This glass-domed arcade connects the Duomo to La Scala Opera House and under its arches you’ll find mosaics representing Italy’s four great capitals — Turin, Florence, Rome and Milan. Luxury boutiques, cafés and historic restaurants line the marble floors, where locals still perform a small ritual: spinning three times on the mosaic bull for good luck.

A short walk brings you to La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. It has hosted performances by legends like Verdi, Puccini and Pavarotti. Nearby stands the Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century fortress that once housed the ruling Sforza family and now serves as a cultural center containing works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

If time allows, indulge in some leisure in the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s golden square of fashion, home to Prada, Gucci, Versace and Armani. Even window-shopping here feels glamorous. Alternatively, relax in a traditional café, sipping espresso or enjoying a gelato while people-watch in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital.

As afternoon turns to evening, your driver will escort you back to Ascona, passing again through the scenic foothills and along the sparkling lakes of northern Italy. By the time you cross back into Switzerland, the contrast between the serenity of Ascona and the vitality of Italy will make the day’s journey feel like you’ve traveled through two worlds — both unforgettable.