There’s something impossibly romantic about Italy when explored slowly – suitcase in one hand, Prosecco in the other, drifting from one breathtaking destination to the next beneath dramatic skies and bursts of glorious sunshine. From the still waters of Lake Como to the fashion-fuelled elegance of Milan and the timeless magic of Venice, this ten-day Italian escape delivered everything you could want from a summer getaway: spectacular scenery, unforgettable hotels, indulgent food and those moments that make you stop and simply take it all in.

Sunset on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, Venice

First stop: Lake Como – effortlessly glamorous and every bit as beautiful as the postcards promise. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with pastel-coloured villas clinging to the shoreline, the lake has a calm, cinematic beauty that feels almost surreal. One minute the skies were filled with rolling thunder and flashes of lightning across the water, the next came warm sunshine and sparkling reflections dancing across the lake.

Prada boutique in Milan

The charm of Como lies in slowing down. Morning cappuccinos overlooking the water, lazy boat rides between Bellagio and Varenna, hidden cobbled streets lined with boutiques and gelato shops, and elegant lakeside dinners with fresh seafood and crisp white wine as the sun disappears behind the mountains. Every corner feels intimate, peaceful and impossibly romantic.

Then came Milan – a complete shift in energy, yet equally captivating. Stylish, vibrant and effortlessly cool, Milan is a city that knows exactly who it is. Beyond the luxury shopping and iconic fashion houses lies a city full of hidden courtyards, beautiful architecture and some of the best food and cocktail spots in Italy.

Terrazzo 241

The breathtaking Duomo remains the heart of the city, standing dramatically against both stormy skies and bright sunshine alike. Climbing to the rooftop is an absolute must, offering panoramic views across the city’s skyline. Evenings in Milan feel electric – aperitivo culture in full swing, streets buzzing with conversation and the scent of fresh pasta and pizza drifting from elegant restaurants tucked away down side streets.

What makes Milan special is the contrast. It’s polished yet gritty, historic yet modern. One moment you’re admiring centuries-old architecture, the next you’re sipping cocktails in a sleek rooftop bar as thunderstorms roll dramatically over the city.

Eforea Spa Hilton

And now, onto the final chapter: Venice – perhaps one of the most romantic cities in the world. Venice feels less like a city and more like stepping into a dream. The absence of cars immediately changes everything; life slows to the sound of water taxis, gondolas and footsteps echoing through narrow alleyways and tiny hidden squares. Every bridge reveals another picture-perfect view; every canal looks like a film set.

Hilton Loft Suite

The beauty of Venice is getting lost. Wandering aimlessly through winding streets, stumbling across candlelit restaurants, tiny wine bars and quiet canals far away from the crowds is where the real magic happens. Sunset along the Grand Canal is unforgettable, as golden light reflects off centuries-old buildings while gondolas glide silently through the water.

And then there’s the food – rich seafood pasta, creamy risottos, delicate cicchetti and endless glasses of chilled prosecco enjoyed beside the canals as the city glows in the evening light.

Hilton Sundeck Bar & Solarium

Across all three destinations, the ever-changing weather somehow only added to the romance. Dramatic thunderstorms over Lake Como, warm sunshine in Milan and moody Venetian skies created that unmistakably cinematic Italian atmosphere – the kind that makes every dinner feel more intimate and every view even more breathtaking.

Wellness activities at Eforea Spa

Italy doesn’t just offer beautiful places; it offers a feeling. A slower pace, a love of food, conversation and beauty in the everyday. And somewhere between lakeside sunsets, Milanese aperitivos and moonlit Venetian canals, it becomes very easy to fall completely in love with it all.

Hilton Lake Como 

Lakeside luxury with a stunning rooftop worth visiting 

Our first stop on this Italian adventure brought us to the beautiful Hilton Lake Como, perfectly positioned just moments from the lake itself and offering the kind of effortless luxury that immediately allows you to switch off and settle into holiday mode.

Infinity pool Hilton Lake Como

From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. The staff genuinely could not do enough for us throughout our stay – warm, attentive and always on hand with recommendations, assistance or simply a friendly smile. It’s the kind of hospitality that instantly elevates a hotel experience and makes guests feel truly looked after.

Details of a decorated palace in the Brera district, sponsored by GUCCI

One of the standout features of the hotel is undoubtedly the stunning rooftop terrace and pool area, which quickly became our favourite place to escape to whenever the Italian sunshine made an appearance. With panoramic views stretching across the surrounding mountains and towards the lake, it’s easy to understand why this rooftop has become one of Lake Como’s most talked-about spots.

La Scala Opera House Milan

Although the weather gave us a little bit of everything during our stay – thunderstorms, rain, cooler temperatures and bursts of glorious sunshine all within the same day – it somehow only added to the atmosphere and charm of the trip. 

When the sun finally broke through the clouds, the rooftop pool became the perfect setting to unwind while soaking up the spectacular scenery.

The rooftop restaurant, Terrazza 241, also deserves a special mention. Unfortunately, the cooler evening temperatures meant we chose to dine indoors rather than outside on the terrace, which felt a slight shame given the incredible setting. However, the elegant interiors, attentive service and excellent food more than made up for it, creating a wonderfully relaxed dining experience regardless of the weather.

NH Collection Milano City Life rooftop

Eforea Spa & Health Club, located within the Hilton, is well worth a visit. During our stay, we were invited to experience the Freestyle Massage – a fully customised full-body treatment priced at 130 euros for 50 minutes – and it was 50 minutes very well spent. The hydrotherapy pool features whirlpool stations, a sauna, steam bath, ice waterfall and invigorating ‘emotion’ showers, while relaxation beds and personalised itineraries ensure every experience feels tailored to the individual. There’s also a beautiful outdoor area perfect for soaking up the sunshine and fresh lake air. For those wanting to stay active, the state-of-the-art Health Club, complete with Technogym equipment, offers a calm and contemporary fitness space.

Modern, stylish and perfectly suited to travellers looking for a luxury base while exploring Lake Como, Hilton Lake Como manages to combine contemporary comfort with the romance and beauty the area is famous for. And honestly, even beneath dramatic skies and unpredictable weather, there are few better places to watch the world go by than from your room, overlooking one of Italy’s most iconic lakes.

Milan Piazza Del Duomo and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery

Hilton Lake Como is a new-generation hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. Formerly a silk factory, the building is steeped in history and is now home to 170 spacious guest rooms, with a variety of stunning suites to choose from, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. The hotel is ideally located in an area full of unique experiences on and off the lake, which has made Lake Como an international must-visit destination for families, business travellers and couples – so it’s easy to see why we would return in a heartbeat.

Insider tip, if the spacious 1689 sq ft Presidential Suite with a lake view and rooftop terrace is booked then try the Loft Suite where you can sleep under the twinkling Lake Como stars.

Famous Bull Mosaic in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €350 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included .

For more information and to book visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como

Milan Calling…

Leaving behind the calm elegance of Lake Como, Milan immediately greeted us with a completely different energy – fast-paced, fashionable and wonderfully chaotic in the best possible way. Busy streets filled with tourists, stylish locals rushing between cafés and boutiques, trams rattling through the city and the constant soundtrack of conversation and movement; Milan truly feels alive from the moment you arrive.

NH Collection City Life fascia

Our first stop in the city was NH Collection Milano Touring, perfectly positioned for exploring everything Milan has to offer. Unlike the peaceful lakeside atmosphere of Como, this hotel places you right in the middle of the hustle and bustle – ideal for travellers wanting a convenient and comfortable base in the heart of the action.

For us, it worked perfectly as a one-night stay. We arrived, checked in, headed straight out to explore and enjoy dinner in the city, before returning for a restful night’s sleep and an excellent breakfast the following morning. Comfortable, modern and extremely well situated, it’s exactly the kind of hotel you want when your plans involve making the very most of Milan.

Our second Milan stay, however, slowed things down slightly and brought a more relaxed, luxurious feel to the trip. NH Collection CityLife offered the perfect contrast to the city’s constant buzz, creating a stylish sanctuary to retreat to after long days of sightseeing and evenings wandering Milan’s endlessly elegant streets. Located in one of Milan’s most contemporary districts, the rooms are spacious, quiet, and beautifully designed. One of the standout features of the hotel is undoubtedly the rooftop pool and terrace area – a real hidden gem, offering fantastic views over the city. 

Open throughout the day until early evening, it became the ideal place to unwind with a drink, soak up the sunshine and escape the pace of Milan for a few blissfully lazy hours. Chic yet relaxed, it perfectly captures the sophisticated atmosphere Milan does so effortlessly well.

The staff throughout our stay were incredibly accommodating and attentive, always happy to help and ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. It’s that level of warm, professional service that makes a hotel experience feel genuinely memorable.

Milan’s most famous tourist attraction is the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), an enormous Gothic cathedral right in the city centre. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world, that took 600 years to complete. The exterior is covered with thousands of statues, spires, and intricate marble details. The rooftop terraces offer spectacular views across Milan – and on clear days, even the Alps.

Brera

The Duomo sits in Piazza del Duomo, close to: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade. La Scala Opera House, and The Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci (another major attraction, but tickets usually need advance booking). We also spent two evenings exploring the beautiful district of Brera, part of Milan’s elegant Centro Storico area – and without question one of the most enchanting parts of the city.

Brera is the kind of place you wander without purpose and somehow never want to leave. Its maze of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways are lined with upscale food shops, stylish bars, fashion boutiques and charming restaurants spilling out onto bustling pavements. Around every corner there’s something different to discover, whether it’s a hidden courtyard, a tiny wine bar or a beautifully dressed couple arriving at an event.

But perhaps what stands out most in Milan is the people watching. Italians have an effortless sense of style that feels entirely natural – elegant tailoring, polished outfits and an eye for detail that extends even to the children, who often look like miniature versions of their impeccably dressed parents. Weddings, parties and evening gatherings spill elegantly onto the streets, creating moments that feel cinematic and impossibly chic.

Milan may be busy, energetic and constantly moving, but hidden amongst the fashion, food and fast pace are pockets of beauty, charm and sophistication that make you fall for the city very quickly indeed.

NH Collection Milano Touring: nhcollectionmilanotouring@nh-hotels.com

www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-milano-touring

NH Collection Milano CityLife: nhcollectioncitylife@nh-hotels.com

www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-milano-citylife

A Peaceful Venetian Escape…

Avani Rio Novo Venice offers a refreshing and relaxed alternative to the grand, often crowded hotels typically associated with Venice. Tucked away in the quieter Dorsoduro district, it feels wonderfully removed from the busy tourist hotspots, while still being conveniently close to everything the city has to offer. The location strikes an ideal balance – peaceful and calm, yet only around a 15-minute walk from the heart of Venice. The walk itself becomes part of the experience, taking you along charming canals, over picturesque bridges, and through quieter neighbourhoods that reveal a more authentic side of the city.

Gondola sailing through the Venice Grand Canal

From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere at the hotel feels effortlessly laid back. There’s a contemporary style throughout, but without any sense of pretension. Instead, the hotel manages to feel warm, welcoming, and genuinely comfortable – exactly what you want after a day spent wandering Venice’s maze of narrow streets and bustling piazzas. The staff play a huge part in creating this atmosphere and were consistently wonderful throughout the stay. Friendly, attentive, and always happy to help, they offered excellent recommendations and made everything feel easy and relaxed from check-in to departure.

The room itself was admittedly on the smaller side, but in Venice that is often to be expected, and importantly, it never felt cramped or uncomfortable. Cleverly designed and beautifully maintained, it had everything needed for a short city break. The décor was modern, understated, and calming, providing a welcome retreat after long days exploring. 

What really elevated the room, however, was the view. Looking out over the canal and across the hotel’s outdoor terrace, there was a lovely sense of being immersed in the rhythm of the city. Watching the light change over the rooftops and water in the early evening was one of those simple but memorable moments that Venice does so well.

One of the hotel’s strongest qualities is how peaceful it feels compared to many central Venetian properties. Venice can be overwhelmingly busy at times, particularly around the Rialto and St Mark’s Square, so returning to a quieter part of the city at the end of the day was incredibly welcome. The surrounding area feels more local and residential, allowing guests to experience a slightly different side of Venice away from the constant flow of tourists. Yet despite its tucked-away feel, the hotel remains well connected, making it easy to reach major attractions either on foot or by vaporetto.

Avani Rio Novo

The outdoor terrace adds another appealing touch, particularly during warmer months. It creates a sociable but relaxed atmosphere and gives the hotel a slightly more contemporary, lifestyle feel than many traditional Venetian hotels. Combined with the calm interiors and friendly service, it makes Avani Rio Novo feel far more personal and intimate than larger chain properties often do.

Overall, Avani Rio Novo Venice is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish yet understated base for a few days in the city. It may not offer the grand opulence of some of Venice’s historic luxury hotels, but that is very much part of its charm. Instead, it delivers comfort, calm, thoughtful design, and genuinely warm hospitality in a location that allows you to enjoy both the excitement and serenity of Venice. 

For travellers seeking a more relaxed and authentic Venetian stay, it is difficult to imagine a better option.

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel: rionovo@avani-hotels.com
www.avanihotels.com/en/rio-novo-venice

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar