Summary
My enduring affection for Italy is profound, as each visit only strengthens my desire to return.
As you may recall, after our inaugural journey from Milan to the Amalfi Coast via rickshaw, I have developed a preference for leisurely travel within Italy.
The inherent limitation of speed in a rickshaw allows for a more immersive experience, enabling one to witness and engage with the stunning locales of Italy that one might otherwise overlook.
Needless to say, upon our arrival back in Milan for another adventure—this time in the northern Lombardy region—I was filled with anticipation.
We secured our rickshaws through The GIRA, aptly named for The Great Italian Rickshaw Adventure. This organization remarkably alleviates the logistical burdens, allowing travelers to focus on the journey itself.
While the itinerary remains personalized, they manage essentials such as insurance, accommodation (which we often utilize, as they book us into exquisite Italian farmhouses—a personal favorite), and a brief orientation on navigating the rickshaws (which is straightforward).
Our journey commenced with our late-night arrival in Milan, prompting an immediate retreat to rest.
We resided at a conveniently located hotel near the train station, which facilitated our journey the next day to collect our rickshaws.
(This location also provided easy access from the airport, although we opted for a taxi instead).
Following a brief train journey, we enjoyed breakfast while meeting other participants embarking on the rickshaw expedition—a charming group with whom I genuinely cherished connecting.
After re-familiarizing ourselves with our rickshaws, we set off in search of Lombardy’s sights and sounds!
The rickshaw felt familiar, and the excitement of being back on the road was palpable!
Italian towns possess an inherent beauty—Vigevano, in particular, is a hidden gem that stands out despite Italy’s plethora of stunning locations.
Our visit to Vigevano was indeed gratifying!
Our next destination was the Travaglino wine estate in Calvignano, where we would enjoy an evening of wine tasting and a delightful meal, as well as spend the night.
To culminate the evening, we experienced a tour of the winery, steeped in tradition and heritage.
The subsequent hours were filled with the enjoyment of exquisite red, white, and sparkling wines—a quintessential experience in Italy.
As I settled in for the night, excitement still lingered within me, compelling me to document the day’s adventures.
Despite the overcast skies, the joy of being back in Italy and reigniting my connection with our playful rickshaw was exhilarating.
