• Lifestyle
    • Lakes

Retro lombardy out in a vintage car

Add a breathtaking landscape to a vintage car and enjoy your romantic trip

Vintage cars have a fascination all of their own, which it is often thought is reserved only to collectors or limited to the duration of events like the Coppa Gabriele d'Annunzio, which, since last year, offers three spectacular days on the banks of the Lake of Garda.

However, it is possible to experience at any time a plunge into past eras by hiring an historic vehicle and travelling with it throughout the Lombard region.

Climbing on board a fascinating soft-top VW Beetle, or an elegant "2CV" Citroen from the ‘fifties or a Volkswagen van with a hippie atmosphere, you can leave on a unique itinerary through valleys and gentle curves, with everyone turning to stare as you go by.

To glimpse historical city centres of extraordinary beauty, the ideal solution is to drive from the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore to the western shore of the Lake of Lugano.

Starting out from Gallarate you soon reach Sesto Calende, a hamlet located at the southern end of Lake Maggiore, and then continue – enjoying splendid lake views – towards Angera, overlooked by the enchanting Rocca Borromea.

Crossing the "flowery coast" of Ispra, you reach Laveno-Mombello, one of the largest stopovers on the lake. The village has a wealth of churches – some a thousand years old – whose belltowers can be glimpsed from the lakeside.

From Luino, the ancient mediaeval village of Romanesque origin, you leave behind you the banks of Lake Maggiore. In fact, crossing over the border, you find yourself at Croglio, a Swiss town in the Canton of Ticino, and immediately afterwards, you come to the shores of Lake Lugano: Caslano, another Swiss town in the Canton of Ticino, rises to the foothills of Monte Sassalto and before you will be spread a magnificent view.

Returning to Italy, you can pass by Lavena Ponte Tresa which, with its atmospheric strait, divides the two basins of the lake.

Porto Ceresio is the location met immediately afterwards on board a vintage car; this is an enchanting little town, characterized by a splendid lakeside and breath-taking views.

At this point, the lakeside views make space for those of the mountains. Passing through Induno Olona, situated between the Varese pre-alps, on the slopes of Mount Monarco, you go all the way down to Torba, a place of interest because of its Benedictine Monastery, which has been recently listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

This tour is about to end:  only a few kilometres remain to reach Gallarate, the starting point to which you now return with a whole new baggage of unforgettable memories.

Take me here: Retro lombardy out in a vintage car

On the same topic

Around the world in Lombardy

Explore Lombardy’s regions like never before, discovering scenery with a remarkably exotic, international feel.
  • Lifestyle
Around the world in Lombardy

Lombardy Belvederes and Vistas

Scene from above. Milan, Upper Bergamo, Brescia, the lakes. Towers, castles, belvederes. Discover the most beautiful views of Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
View from Brunate on Como

Made in Brianza

Furnishings, design, textiles, gastronomy. Brianza is - and always has been - synonymous with “know-how”.
  • Lifestyle
Molteni Museum

IT’S CARNIVAL!

Cremona, the ideal background for the craziest days of the year.
  • Lifestyle
IT’S CARNIVAL!

Corso como

Where new trends take shape and Milan nightlife enlivens
  • Lifestyle
Corso Como

Pavia in a weekend

On the trail of the Longobardi or among the cloisters of the University, without forgetting flavors and traditions
  • Lifestyle
Pavia in a weekend

Como, streets of silk

The Capital of silk built on the mastery of the weaving mills, printers and silk producers of the Lario valley
  • Lifestyle
Como Vie della Seta

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces
  • Lifestyle
Monza in a weekend

Via torino milano

The road to reach the port of Milan is lined with ancient pavè. Follow it and you will not get lost!
  • Lifestyle
Via Torino, Milano

Como in a weekend

A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and design with light. Discover Como in 48 hours. Without ever losing sight of the lake
  • Lifestyle
Como in a weekend

10 Good reasons to visit Lecco

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Lecco

April 2025 Events in Lombardy

April brings the spring to Lombardy, with trips out of town, seasonal flavours, art initiatives, and sporting events
  • Lifestyle
Events Lombardy

Lake Garda and Brescia itinerary

Three days to make you fall in love with Brescia and its beautiful lakeside locations
  • Lifestyle
3 days in Lake Garda and Brescia

Towards the Upper Oltrepò

An itinerary travelling through ancient villages, mountain landscapes and gourmandise
  • Lifestyle
Monte Lesima

From Varese to Lake Maggiore

Discovering Varese and Lake Maggiore in 72 hours. A long weekend in the countryside
  • Lifestyle
Da Varese al Lago Maggiore

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.
  • Lifestyle
Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Corso vercelli

Shopping in relax ... a few steps from the center of Milan
  • Lifestyle
Corso Vercelli

Masterpieces of cinema shot in Lombardy

The most beautiful natural landscapes and the urban cityscapes of Lombardy in the films of both Italian and foreign directors
  • Lifestyle
Masterpieces of cinema shot in Lombardy

Summer at the park

Swimming pools, attractions, shows, adventure, sport: enjoy summer in Lombardy’s most beautiful amusement parks
  • Lifestyle
Summer at the park