Navigating the glamorous streets of Milan in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk is certainly an experience. It’s a stark contrast, to say the least, to the designer boutiques and high-end vehicles lining Via Monte Napoleone. The initial mission to photograph the quirky vehicle alongside a luxury Italian sports car quickly turned into a minor spectacle, drawing bewildered stares and plenty of horn honking. This unexpected attention was just the beginning of an adventure designed to inject a dose of fun and quirkiness into exploring northern Italy.
An Italian Tuk-Tuk Adventure
This unique journey is organized by Large Minority, a company that began facilitating similar adventurous trips in Sri Lanka before expanding its offerings to Italy just as the world was facing lockdown. They’ve imported tuk-tuks from India, assembling them in Italy with local components. The beauty of their tours lies in the comprehensive logistics they handle. This means luggage transfers, a backup vehicle with a spare tuk-tuk, and reservations at charming small hotels and excellent restaurants are all taken care of. It frees you to simply enjoy the ride, feeling like a kid with a new, unconventional toy.
Starting in Milan and Heading North
Our journey kicked off in Milan, a city that immediately sets a tone of sophistication and luxury. The contrast between the humble tuk-tuk and the city’s inherent glamour was striking. However, the real adventure began as we departed the city. The planned route was a loose itinerary aiming for the Italian Lakes, with a detour past the Monza Formula One circuit, then through the renowned Barolo wine region, and finally descending towards the Mediterranean coast near Genoa. The beauty of this setup is the flexibility; teams of two could choose their own paths, with only a general estimated time of arrival. It’s definitely not a race, though a competitive spirit can certainly emerge!
The drive from Milan to Bellagio on Lake Como, a roughly 80-kilometer route, took us over rolling green hills and along picturesque waterfronts. While I was a bit apprehensive about the vehicle’s speed and handling on larger roads, the experience of being so close to the landscape was truly special. I recall one particularly heart-stopping moment when a wrong turn led us onto the middle lane of a highway, sandwiched between imposing lorries for a few terrifying minutes. It was a stark reminder of the differences in scale and pace compared to our tiny three-wheeled machine.
What is the landscape like around Lake Como
The journey through such stunning countryside in a small, slow vehicle made even a relatively short distance feel like an epic road trip. We found ourselves pulling over frequently, not just to admire the views, but also because the slow pace allowed for genuine appreciation of the surroundings. For me, this was a first-time visit to the Italian Lakes. I had perhaps imagined them to be a bit formal or overly chic, but I was completely captivated by their effortless beauty and stylish ambiance.
Bellagio, situated at the tip of a hilly peninsula that divides two arms of Lake Como, perfectly embodies this blend of old-world glamour. The lakeside villas and winding streets harmoniously complement the watery landscape, creating a scene that feels both timeless and incredibly vibrant. It’s a place where you can easily lose yourself in the beauty of it all, a feeling amplified by the slower mode of transport.
A Splash of Local Enthusiasm
During our evenings, we heard about a moment that briefly punctuated the usual serenity of these elegant villages. A group of friends, traveling in a convoy of three tuk-tuks, had driven into the narrow streets. They had adorned their vehicles with Italian tricolors and their own flags, including Union Jacks and a Swiss cross. Everywhere they went, they were met with great enthusiasm. In Bellagio, locals cheered them into town, and in response, they played the theme song from “The Italian Job,” the classic heist film known for its charm and adventurous spirit.
The following day was dedicated to a more leisurely exploration along the road that hugs the edge of Lake Como. We made numerous stops to soak in the views, which indeed felt like the territory of millionaires. The challenge for the day was to find and photograph the lake’s common freshwater fish, pike and perch. However, we were so enchanted by the scenery that we opted to skip the tasks in favor of a relaxed lunch in the hillside village of Brunate. This charming village is accessible via a cable car from Como town.
Where can you find a memorable Italian meal
In Brunate, we discovered Ristorante Bellavista. This establishment not only lives up to its name with spectacular views but also perfectly illustrates why exploring Italy is such a profound joy. The garden offered breathtaking vistas over the town, the lake, and the verdant hills beyond. A place like this, with such a prime location, could easily exploit its position by serving overpriced, basic food to tourists. However, Ristorante Bellavista does no such thing.
The interior retains its original Art Nouveau features, a testament to its status as a still-family-run restaurant. The elegant terrace feels like a scene from a movie, the staff are exceptionally delightful, and the food is simply divine. We enjoyed homemade lasagnetta with a rich wild boar ragù and porcini mushrooms, alongside fresh lake char served with an apple compote. Both dishes were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and offered excellent value for money. This experience perfectly captured the essence of authentic Italian hospitality and culinary excellence.
The Joy of Slow Travel
Choosing to prioritize a leisurely lunch over completing the day’s challenges meant we were no longer in contention for any competition, but honestly, that hardly mattered. The real prize was the experience of being in the tuk-tuk. It’s an incredibly fun and liberating way to travel. The sense of adventure is constant, and it’s a continuous source of amusement. Once you get the hang of maneuvering the vehicle, it even starts to feel quite cool.
The open-air nature of the tuk-tuks means you are fully immersed in the elements and the landscape. The slow speed ensures you can truly appreciate the scenery unfolding around you. We found ourselves pulling over countless times just to admire the views, and in turn, the locals often paused to admire our unusual mode of transport. It creates a wonderful connection with the places and people you encounter. I can see why this is a popular choice for a different kind of Italian exploration.
Continuing the Adventure South
Sadly, our portion of the adventure concluded at the halfway point. However, we kept up with the progress of the remaining tuk-tukkers via WhatsApp, following their onward journey with a mix of envy and excitement. As they headed south towards the Mediterranean, the trip seemed to get even better. Reports trickled in about nights spent wine-tasting at vineyards, indulging in farm-to-table home-cooked meals, and relaxing by the pool at a beachside hotel. It sounded like the perfect continuation of an already incredible journey.
The competitive spirit, however, remained strong for some. The final leg back to Milan saw a fierce rivalry between two teams: “Thelma and Louise” and “Goose and Maverick.” For those familiar with the iconic films, it’s not hard to guess which pair was more intently focused on winning. Hats off to the young American couple whose trip had been delayed for three years due to COVID-19; they finally made it across the pond and emerged victorious, beating the European teams to win this rollicking, three-wheeled Italian adventure.
What are some future Italian travel plans
Looking ahead, Large Minority has announced plans for a longer, 12-day adventure across Italy for next year. This expanded itinerary will include even more of Italy’s diverse regions, promising further opportunities for unique travel experiences. Such extended trips offer a deeper dive into the country’s culture, landscapes, and culinary traditions, building upon the success and enjoyment of shorter adventures.
For those interested in experiencing this unique mode of travel, the company offers an eight-night Italian Adventure priced at £1,688 per person when traveling in a team of three, or £1,969 per person for a team of two. This cost includes tuk-tuk hire, insurance, accommodation with breakfast, and a welcome dinner. The next available departure is scheduled for October 7th, with dates for 2024 still to be confirmed. For shorter trips, weekend adventures start from £545 per person, and three-night “hire only” options are available from £350. Travel to Milan is additional.
Exploring Italy in a tuk-tuk offers a truly distinctive pathway to experiencing its beauty. It’s a journey that prioritizes connection, enjoyment, and a touch of playful adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of the cities, the serene beauty of the lakes, or the rolling vineyards of the wine country, this method of transport invites you to slow down and truly savor the Italian experience. It’s an invitation to create your own memorable story on the open road.