Category: Europe

Italy, Lake Como – Top Things to Do and How to Get There

Unveiling the Enchantment of Lake Como

Lake Como is a most beautiful picturesque area of northern Italy with sparkling blue water, small villages, history and culture all surrounded by “baby Alps.” The region encompasses many of the small cities and villages surrounding the lake. Como is at the southwestern portion of the lake and is the largest town in the region. It is also very easy to reach Como from Milan.

Other charming lakeside villages in the region include: Bellagio, Tremezzina, Lecco, Varenna, Mennagio, Colico, Lenno and Cernobbio.

map of Italy and Europe
Duomo in Como Italy at Twilight
View of building from Lake Como
Como and Bellagio Italy quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload

Things to do in Como, Italy:

narrow street with greenery over it in como italy
tiled street in como italy

Get Lost in Como

Walking through the old town of Como overloads the senses. The narrow but flat, windy streets are paved in cobblestone with lovely boutique shops, restaurants with street seating, and the soundtrack of the romantic Italian language. There are a few cozy squares with many outdoor restaurants and the hubbub of friends cheering to life. Of course, the backdrop is the magnificent Duomo di Como (originated in 1396) which is open to explore and also is available for mass on Sundays.

funicular building in como
View of funicular from Brunate to Como
view of como from brunate

Take the Funicular to the Village of Brunate

The Brunate funicular (walkable from old town) is basically a rail car that goes nearly straight up and down the mountain connecting Como with the small village of Brunate. It is a 7 minute trip one-way. The funicular is quite the experience with views for miles. Pro tip – get in the bottom car of the funicular for the best views! Disembark in Brunate with its spectacular views overlooking Como.

It is worth it to note that there are restaurants and shops eagerly awaiting you once you get up to Brunate. It’s also possible to hike either up, down or both ways on a cobblestone path with spaced stairs for adventurous people.

sailboats empty in water
boat dock on lake como

Take a Stroll on the Path around Lake Como

Walking around Lake Como, on the promenade, is a pretty stroll on a paved path (3.73 miles) with beautiful views and includes a long pier where fisherman compete in the mornings.

Things to do in Bellagio, Italy

Bellagio has been an important city for the Italians as it is the literal point where the two portions of Lake Como come together. If you see Lake Como as an upside down Y – then Bellagio is the inverted point.

Man and lady shopping in Bellagio
Ivy covered building with shuttered windows
People walking down a narrow street in Bellagio
View of sailboat on Lake Como
narrow alleyway with stairs

Stroll through the Old Town Center

Bellagio is hilly and windy with many walkable-only passages of stairs that are covered in ivy, honey suckle and a variety of greenery that looks so perfect that it seems fake. The old town center with the main street being Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is a bustle of activity with mom and pop shops and restaurants all along the streets.

Lady riding bike through tall grasses in bellagio italy
People on e-bikes riding through narrow streets
Overlook of Lake Como Italy

Take an E-Bike Tour through Bellagio

Take to the windy, narrow and steep streets on an e-bike (electric bike)! I used Lake Como for You for my Bellagio Bike & Eat Tour. On an e-bike, when you begin to get winded simply use the motor, and you’ll fly right up the hills with much less effort. If you’d like to really feel like an Italian bike rider, albeit with a motor, then this is your tour. The tour includes stopping at all the beautiful viewpoints in Bellagio and commencing with giant portions of pizza and a drink of choice high above the village at a manicured, posh restaurant.

sailboat in lake como
home surrounded by trees in italy
varenna italy from water
Lady on sailboat with white dress in Lake Como, Italy

Take a Sailboat Tour of Lake Como

A sailboat tour allows all the sites of the surrounding towns to come alive on the water – getting a close up view of all the gorgeous scenery (churches from 500 BC!) and all the architecture in between. This sail also grants the opportunity to speak with an Italian guide to learn the history of the architecture that you are seeing. I took a 3 hour amazing tour and used Viator to book that one.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bellagio

Another option is a free self-guided walking tour for walks ranging from 1 to 3 1/2 hours in length.

Kayak on Lake Como

Discover Bellagio on a guided kayaking tour for 1.5 hours with Lake Como for You. There is also an option to take the kayak out on your own for an hour or two. Lake Como was choppy when I was there, in early June, so the “on your own” option may be a better idea, so you can adjust plans based on the water’s calmness.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

train station in como italy
train at station in como italy

How to Get from Milan to Como, Italy

The closest major airport to the Lake Como area is Milan (MXP Malpensa Airport). To get to Como it is best to take the direct train (not high speed – it’s not available on this route) as the regional train includes many transfers and is often quite crowded. (Read: standing room only, packed wall to wall, and difficulty getting on and off trains on time)

Step by step instructions to take the trains from Milan Airport to Como:

  • Take the regional train (Malpensa Express) from MXP only to Milano Centrale (main rail station).
    • The Malpensa Express is found in Terminal 1 on Level -1.
    • This train is available every 20-30 minutes.
    • It takes 35-50 minutes to get to Milano Centrale.
  • At Milano Centrale take the direct train (Trenord) to the Como San Giovanni station which takes 39-47 minutes. There are no transfers.
  • Use the Trainline app or Trenitalia app to purchase tickets.
  • Validate your ticket on the app. The conductor will check your bar code on the train.
  • If you choose first class then you typically pay a bit more for your ticket. Oftentimes you will get an assigned seat in the first few train cars. It will be on your ticket.
  • If you use the kiosk to purchase a paper ticket, you will need to validate the ticket at the small green and white machine on a pole (near the actual train) BEFORE getting on the train. Otherwise, you can be fined for not validating the ticket.
vrbo door in como italy
cobblestone streets

Where to Stay in Como

I find it best to get a VRBO within walking distance of the train station, as you don’t have to worry about not being able to hail a taxi or find an Uber once you depart the train. A great thing about Como is that you can easily walk from Como San Giovanni train station right to the cobblestone, narrow streets of old town Como quickly. You won’t be the only one dragging your suitcase down the streets.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

Transportation from Como to Bellagio

  • Hydrofoil (quickest way) to/from Como to Bellagio.
    • Tickets are sold at the port ticket office in the center of Lake Como.
    • Leaves every 2 hours and it’s a 50 minute ride.
  • Ferry from Como to Bellagio
  • Reserve a driver. We needed to do this as our e-bike tour was earlier than the boats’ schedule.
    • A reputable driver can be arranged with the Posta Design Hotel (in the center of Como).

Itinerary of 2 day visit to Lake Como, Italy

Helpful links to book your travel here

Quick Trip Guide of Lisbon, Portugal

Things to do in the Lisbon, Portugal Area for a Quick Trip Adventure

I loved visiting the vibrant, welcoming, hilly city of Lisbon and the amazing seafood! Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is known as the “city of seven hills” because of the 7 hills that surround the center of the city. In Lisbon many of the buildings are covered with colorful tiles, known as azulejos, and even many of the sidewalks are also intricately tiled masterpieces.

It’s also good to know that Lisbon is a very affordable city for the budget traveler. Lodging, transportation, food and drink are all very reasonably priced – well below that of other metropolitan cities in Europe.

Podcast available here

overlook of lisbon with colorful buildings

Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal for a Quick Trip Adventure

Lisbon, Portugal Area quicktripadventures ItineraryDownload
large water fountain in square
lady on sidewalk in lisbon with cable car
seafood at market on streets of lisbon
lady looking at cable car
lady doing cartwheel on wavy tile in lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon

For the budget traveler who likes to stay in neighborhoods that are not full of tourists then there are an abundant number of reasonably priced apartments for short stays. I use VRBO as I’d rather stay with the Portuguese than with other temporary visitors and walk or take public transportation to the sites.

There are many districts of Lisbon and all have easy access to public transportation including easy-to-navigate subways, and quick-to-arrive, inexpensive Ubers. Plus most major sites are walkable all throughout the city. I stayed in the Arroios district which was an easy 20 minute walk to the iconic Alfama area.

lisbon square in the afternoon
lisbon street at night in the rain
lady on street of lisbon with cable tracks
overlook in lisbon with palm tree
church and cable car in lisbon

Exploring the Alfama District in Lisbon

The Alfama district of Lisbon is most likely what most people envision when thinking of Portugal. The Alfama district has the colorful and tiled buildings, mazes of narrow cobblestone streets, hills with trolleys all overlooking the beautiful Tagus River. Alfama is a perfect area to start your Lisbon adventure as it is fun and easy to get lost in while meandering through the iconic historical buildings, cathedrals, and São Jorge Castle while catching a ride on the cable cars. Sit in one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy a typical Portuguese espresso, port wine or Ginja (Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries in alcohol).

portuguese seafood platter
Portuguese famous fish covered with onions and peppers
oysters with lemons
portugal's famous dessert
barnacle
plate of mussels, onions and peppers
2 glasses of port on an outdoor table
coffee in portugal

Portugal Delicacies

Portugal is known for its fresh seafood due to its abundant coastline! Per capita, Portugal has the highest fish consumption in all of Europe! There are actually stores that sell only canned sardines. Must tries are: salted cod, sardines (fresh), barnacles, Bacalhau fish, pastel de nata custard pastry.

lady with helmet on e-bike in Lisbon
e-bike tour of 7 hills in lisbon

Tour of Lisbon on E-Bike (electric bike)

If you’re an adventurous person and you’d like see most of the Lisbon sites and viewpoints in one day, then the 7-Hills of Lisbon E-Bike tour fits the bill! Our electric bike tour guide grew up in the city and knew every inch of it as he demonstrated with a passion. We learned the fascinating history and culture of Lisbon while moving through it and feeling the vibes.

castle in sintra from below
gardens of a castle in sintra
tuk tuk driver sitting in tuk tuk

Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais

A perfect day trip from Lisbon is to Sintra and then from Sintra to Cascais. The distance between villages is:

  • 18 miles from Lisbon to Sintra (40 minutes by train – Rossio station)
  • 10 miles from Sintra to Cascais (22 minutes by Uber, not train, as train heads to Lisbon first)
  • 18 miles from Cascais back to Lisbon (59 minutes by train)

The trip is best done by train as parking in both locations is scarce and mass transportation is extremely inexpensive. Trains run frequently – several departures each hour.

Sintra

Sintra is a lovely resort town nestled in the mountains where royal castles and palaces, historic estates, villas, and gardens are plentiful. The small but charming, historic center of Sintra sits at the foot of the mountain and includes picturesque buildings with the signature pastel colors and terra cotta roofs of Portugal. It is worth spending some time here before or after visits to the castles. The castles are located in the Sintra mountains which is up the narrow, tree- and stone wall-lined road, Estrada da Pena.

I hired a tuk tuk (TuksofAnarchy by the train station) for a nice, personal, open air (think: eucalyptus tree scents) tour – usually 3 people fit in the back, snugly. The tuk tuk stopped at all the tiny, picturesque sites, and it was easy to hop right off and see all the overlooks and palaces.

If you opt to walk up to the castles – do not walk up the main road (Estrada da Pena) as it is very narrow and dangerous for pedestrians. An easier route would be the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath up to the Moorish Castle and the Park and Palace of Pena.

If you opt to take Bus 434 (hop on/hop off bus) from the train station up to the castles, then it’s best to purchase your tickets for the castle entrances ahead of time. The main 3 sites include: Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra).

Cascais

The charming beach town of Cascais is a popular tourist destination both for Portuguese and foreign tourists. However, it is more than just a restaurants/shops location as it sits along the coastline encompassing both beaches and cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cascais has 10 miles of coastline with a variety of beaches for every type of beachgoer from secluded to urban.

Cascais is known for its seafood and has a walkable city center with a great variety of restaurants, all with outdoor seating, as the weather in Cascais is perfect throughout most of the year (average 77° F in summer, average 57° F in winter).

Helpful links to book your travel here

Netherlands/Holland Quick Trip Adventures Guide

The Netherlands and Amsterdam are just as you’ve imagined!

Lush, green fields. Bikes for days. Happy, at-peace vibes.

Listen to this article as a podcast ^

Things to do in the Netherlands/Holland near and in Amsterdam

I fell in love with the Netherlands, also known as Holland, where e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. rides bikes e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e! It’s a captivating atmosphere that gives the vibe of a content, friendly, welcoming society.

Netherlands:Holland Itinerary quicktripadventuresDownload

How to get to Amsterdam

Fly into Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport) or even Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt is a 4+ hour drive (or train ride), but if you drive it’s on the Autoban! Beware: do not go as fast as you want after crossing the border into the Netherlands, because you run the chance of getting a huge expensive ticket from some kind of unseen radar detector. This ticket includes a fee that goes to the rental car company, and a bank wiring fee. Don’t ask me how I know. :(. I digress – Brussels is another airport to check out.

Renting a car is a good and economical way (for a group) to get around if you’d like to visit various cities outside Amsterdam. Try Sixt or EuropCar or any other agency with which you’re familiar. You must get the insurance, as most insurance carriers from other countries won’t cover you if there’s an issue. Other transportation options are trains and buses.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Recommended lodging: VRBO in Kortenhoef and/or Hotels.com central Amsterdam. I prefer the western side of the city; although, the entire city is beautiful and safe.

How to use the trams in Amsterdam

To get around the city there are many trams in the central section. It just takes a credit card loaded to Apple Pay. Tap when you get on the tram and tap when you get off the tram. It’s possible to tap out a couple of minutes before the stop. Press the green button to open the doors. Note that the silver bars do not automatically open but are manual – you just push through them. (As I waited for them to automatically open – I missed getting off at my stop! So don’t be me! 😳) Google Maps, on your phone, will work to figure out which tram to get on and where to get off.

How to Park in Amsterdam

They say a parking spot in Amsterdam lasts 30 seconds, so it might not be worth your time dodging the massive amounts of bikers, pedestrians and trams while trying to find an elusive parking spot. Highly recommend: Parking Center Oosterdok as it is centrally located and you can walk to most of the city’s main sites. It’s easy, simple, cheap-for-any-city. Reserve ahead of time online (any browser except Safari). Otherwise there are 7 park and rides located outside the city with buses back in. Purchase P&R GVB card – can use on bus, train or metro.

Rate per 12 minutes€1.50
Hourly rate€7.50
Maximum daily rate€37.50
Daily rate when booking€ 10 – € 25 per day

Marijuana in Amsterdam

I’ve spoken with some people who have a misconception that Amsterdam is filled with marijuana smoke. Incorrect. Sure, if you’re looking for it then you can easily find a “coffeehouse” to buy marijuana legally in Amsterdam (as well as many other cities in the world). There will be a green and white sticker in the storefront windows. If that is not your thing then don’t go to a “coffeehouse.” But if you are looking for coffee and pastries then find a koffiehuis. Or go to a “cafe” which is a restaurant or bar.

  • Anne Frank Haus. Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam. This is a very popular destination, so purchase tickets well ahead of time, as in months ahead. I have always felt a strong kinship to Anne Frank, as I read her diary initially when I was young and could relate to some of the kid things that she was experiencing. The Anne Frank Haus is a painful but important reminder of a little girl’s and a world’s struggle with evil and how it decimated so many innocent lives. It is both a powerful remembrance and a shameful experience to share in this family’s life in the secret annex for just a moment. 
  • Van Gogh Museum. 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Museumplein 6, Amsterdam. Purchase tickets ahead; you will get a time for entrance. Vincent was very busy in his mere 37 years, and you can see what he was up to right here. He also led quite a fascinating life and was extremely talented. The museum is spacious and well done and definitely worth the trip.
  • Heineken Experience. This tour includes the interesting history of Heineken done in a fun way with lots of interactive activities and 2 beers at the end. It takes about 2.5 hours and is well done and recommended. Made reservations a few days ahead.
  • Canal Cruise Tour. Recommend: Lovers Canal Cruises at Stationsplein 14, 1012 AB Amsterdam and other locations in central Amsterdam. The above location is only a 10 minute walk from Parking Center Oosterdok. 1 hour tour for a quick overview of the city with an interesting history. Buy tickets at location. Some cruises offer hop on/hop off.
  • Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market). Singel 630 to 600, 1017 AZ, Amsterdam. Hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00-17:30; Sunday 11:30-17:30. Flowers, plants, bulbs galore. Of course, tulips in every color. And it’s floating- a sight to see and experience!
  • Vondelpark. Pretty green space in the middle of the city with trees, lakes, paths and restaurants. A nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Free.
  • Brouwerij’t IJ Brewery. There are only 6 windmills in the city of Amsterdam. This one happens to be at a brewery, so you can get double the experience here. Indoor and outdoor seating.
view of eastern amsterdam from canal
do it yourself canal cruise in amsterdam about to go under bridge
lady on boat on diy canal cruise in amsterdam
canal cruise under bridge
san marco pizza on canal in amsterdam

Canal Cruise – DO IT YOURSELF with a pizza drive-thru (boat-thru)!

This is a super fun adventure if you’d like to see all parts of Amsterdam via boat through the maze of Amsterdam canals! It is roughly $100 USD to rent an electric motor boat for 3+ hours with maps of all the canals in central Amsterdam and the outskirts for a total of 6 people.

Electric boat rental – make reservations at Boaty. Boaty will give you a map with suggested routes and cool places of interest, and even bathroom stops, along the way.

I very highly recommend boating thru San Marco pizza! There is a hole in the side of this pizzeria on the canal side. Just hook up, pop out and order. (Bonus: there’s a public bathroom.) The pizza will be delivered to your hooked up boat!

Note that San Marco pizza is close to the dock where you will pick up and drop off the boat, so consider pizza at the beginning or end of your DIY boat tour.

Day Trips Outside Amsterdam:

Kortenhoef

Things to do in Kortenhoef:

Kortenhoef is a small, sweet town a 30 minute drive outside of Amsterdam. And is it ever the picture of Holland! Locals gracefully navigate the winding and quiet streets on their bicycles, painting a picture of a truly authentic experience. Kortenhoef is also charming storefronts, canals, and lush green fields abound. I stayed here at the most wonderful VRBO guesthouse with sheep in the backyard and canoes for my own use through the labyrinth of picturesque canals. Could not have been more lovely and picturesque.

Hiking in Kortenhoef

There is a lovely 2.5 mile stroll “oppad” through a nature reserve with lush, green pastures (may be slightly wet in summer) with canals and peacefulness. This is an out-and-back trail with a lunch option at the 1/2 way point at Bistro de Garde (address: Zuidereinde 208, 1243 KR ‘s-Graveland, Netherlands). Route is 2.5 miles round trip.

Boating in Kortenhoef

Rent canoes, sloops, motor boats or even electric bicycles to cruise through the maze of canals with Jachthaven Kortenhoef.

how to bike from amsterdam to edam

Edam

How to get from Amsterdam to Edam on bikes

Take a bike trip to Edam for an overnight adventure! Discover an enchanting journey from the vibrant heart of Amsterdam to the picturesque village that owes its fame to its delectable cheese, Edam. Embark on a captivating bike ride, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that unfold along the route. Note that Edam is pronounced “ee-dam” – I had a hard time with that, and I’m a speech pathologist. 🙂

Bikes are easy and cheap to rent from various locations throughout Amsterdam. I chose MacBike at Centraal Station (14,85 Euros per day, plus deposit). Be sure to get the lock offered as bikes are frequently stolen.

Ask for a map of the bike route to Edam. I also used Google Maps on the bike setting which is super easy to follow. (*Get your cell phone’s international coverage before leaving your home country then cancel it when you get home. Or utilize some carrier’s $10/day international fee.)

After renting a bike, go to the north side of the station and under the tracks following the signs to the free ferry boat “boot” to IJplein. It’s about a 10 minute ferry ride while standing next to your bike. Then begin your journey along bike paths up to the old world gem, Edam. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Recommended hotel is the Hotel de Fortuna which is welcoming with a Holland-esque charm about it – built in the 17th century. It is right off a curvy Dutch road with adorable cottages and canals all around. They didn’t have air conditioning in the 17th century, but there are fans now. Breakfast is good and free! Take time to wander the streets and parks and look for cheeeeese (hint: Henri Willig at Spui 71135 BA Edam).

Stay the night and bike back to Amsterdam taking time to check out the little towns on the way. Get back to MacBike before closing time.

The netherlands quick trip adventure planner
The Netherlands quick trip adventure planner

My helpful links to book your travel here