I couldn’t believe I was back in Italy, revisiting Milan and Florence in August. Would the cities be packed with tourists or surprisingly quiet? And would I finally make it inside Florence’s famous museums after missing out last time?
What started as an unforgettable hiking trip through the Swiss and French Alps turned into a sunny Italian adventure, beginning at beautiful Lake Maggiore before continuing to Milan and Florence.
The trip was everything I had hoped for, stunning architecture, incredible food, and unforgettable sights. But after leaving Florence, and having my bike stolen, my journey took an unexpected turn again when I was robbed in Rome. Read: The robbery in Rome that didn’t have to happen.
If you’re planning to visit Milan, Florence, or Lake Maggiore in August, here’s what to expect and the highlights from my trip.
Read my previous Italy trip here: Verona and the Reggio Emilia Province of Italy
Lake Maggiore
I last visited Lake Como in December 2019 and had a fantastic time at Lake Garda just a few months earlier. With two of Italy’s famous lakes already explored, Lake Maggiore was the only one left on my list. Finding reasonably priced accommodation during the peak summer season, however, proved to be a challenge.
Instead, I stayed near the smaller Lake Comabbio, just a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore. It turned out to be a great base, with plenty of time spent swimming in Lake Maggiore and cycling and running around the peaceful shores of Lake Comabbio (although cycling in Italy still wasn’t my favourite experience). Overall, it was the perfect, relaxing start to my Italian road trip.
Now it was time to swap lakes for cities. Next up, Milan and Florence.
Milan and Florence – Driving to Florence via Milan
Big cities without the crowds are always a treat! After having such an amazing time in Paris just a few weeks earlier, I was curious to see if Milan and Florence would be just as enjoyable in August.
With many locals away on holiday, I hoped the cities would feel quieter and that visiting the main attractions would be a little easier. Would it finally be possible to get tickets to Florence’s famous museums without the usual hassle? There was only one way to find out.
The year 2020 was certainly the year to travel. From Lake Maggiore to the big cities, it was all very pleasant!
Read bout my trip to Paris here: Summer in Paris – enjoying the Parisian lifestyle!
Milan
Milan felt incredibly quiet, although I suspect that was mainly because I visited during August, when many Italians head off on their summer holidays. Most shops were closed, I found parking right in the city centre, and there was hardly any traffic. Something I never expected in Italy’s second-largest city
My first stop was the Duomo di Milano, Milan’s iconic cathedral and one of the city’s must-see attractions. It’s an architectural masterpiece that took almost six centuries to complete (1386–1965), making it one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
While the exterior is absolutely breathtaking, I found the interior a little underwhelming. Having recently visited some incredible cathedrals in France, my expectations were probably a little too high.
It was nice to be back in Milan, but it’s still not one of my favourite Italian cities. There is Milan and Florence, but I still much prefer places like Verona. It has a more relaxed atmosphere and plenty of charm. So, after wandering through the few shops that were open and stopping for lunch, I was ready to continue my journey. Just like my first visit, I only spent a few hours in Milan before moving on.
One thing I did miss, though, was Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Tickets were completely sold out, so I guess I’ll just have to come back to Milan one more time!
Florence
After exploring Lake Maggiore and spending a day in Milan, I arrived in Florence. And once again, it didn’t disappoint. There’s something about this city that makes it one of my favourite places in Italy. Its unique atmosphere, Renaissance history, and beautiful architecture make Florence a destination I could visit again and again.
At the heart of Florence’s historic centre stands the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Florence Duomo. It’s easily one of the top things to do in Florence and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy.
Its unique Gothic design, crowned by Brunelleschi’s famous dome, is unlike anything else I’ve seen. I simply couldn’t stop taking photos. Every angle, every intricate detail, and every change in the light made the beautifully restored marble facade look completely different.
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The Museums of Florence
One of the main reasons I returned to Florence was to finally visit its famous museums. On my previous trip, the queues were simply too long. This time, I booked tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, one of Italy’s most famous museums.
Unfortunately, the visit didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The museum’s biggest highlights – the Renaissance rooms and Botticelli’s iconic The Birth of Venus – were closed for renovations. What a shame! I only discovered this after buying my tickets online, and I wish the museum had made it clearer before booking.
Thankfully, the visit wasn’t a complete disappointment. I still admired another masterpiece by Michelangelo, so I definitely didn’t leave empty-handed.
The Galleria dell’Accademia was next and although it is only a small museum, standing in front of the grand David statue was certainly a highlight (and still without the crowds).
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Relaxing at Lake Maggiore and the trip to Milan and Florence in August has been great. I enjoyed the culture, style and Italian food, of course! And after a few hot but unique days in Florence it was time to head to Rome. And then disaster stroke… the robbery that didn’t have to happen.
Especially after I had my bike stolen in Florence, amongst all the other bikes!
(post 147)
