Easter Weekend 2025: From Tirano to Milan (Part 3 of 3)
Wrapping Up with Italian Charm
After the breathtaking journey on the Bernina Express, we crossed from snowy peaks into Italian sunshine. Part 3 of our Easter weekend was all about relaxing, indulging, and soaking up the local culture. From quaint Tirano to stylish Milan, this was the perfect way to end a truly unforgettable trip.
Tirano
Tirano & Milan
Once we arrived in Tirano, we had around two hours before catching our next train to Milan. This tiny border town felt like a blend of Switzerland and Italy — we even started calling it "Swisilaly" because of the fusion of charm and style.
Tirano is compact, calm, and incredibly picturesque. Cobblestone streets, mountain backdrops, and warm afternoon sun made for the perfect stopover.
Cafés, Exploring & Onto Milan
With lunchtime well past, we wandered up a little hill and stumbled upon El Trigo, a charming café tucked just to the right. We ordered a ham and cheese sandwich that was absolutely huge (we could’ve shared one!) and one of the best tiramisu I’ve ever had.
Tiramisu
We continued to explore Tirano, enjoying drinks at an outdoor spot while basking in the afternoon sun. It was so peaceful and pretty, and we were surprised by how much we loved this little town.
Soon, it was time to head back to the station and board our direct train to Milan. The ride was smooth and comfortable — honestly, it put UK trains to shame! Grand Stations & Gorgeous Sweets
When we stepped into Milan Centrale, our jaws dropped – what a grand and stunning station! The architecture was impressive and set the tone for our city stay.
We quickly located our hotel, Leonardo Hotel Milan City Centre. It was easy to find and well situated. The rooms were a little dated but clean, spacious, and comfortable – perfect for a short city break.
We opted for a low-key evening and went to a nearby place called Bulk Bar for food. What a gem! The staff were welcoming, and the food was delicious. We ordered tapas and ended the meal with a showstopper dessert: flambéed berries with cream and ice cream. 10/10 – I would go back just for that dessert!
HOHO Bus & a Starbucks Surprise
The next morning, we were up early for a classic Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour. I love these tours – they’re a great way to get your bearings, learn fun facts, and explore a city’s layout with ease.
During the tour, we learned about a Starbucks Reserve located in Milan – and it was a total game changer!
A Starbucks Reserve is a premium concept store designed to showcase rare and small-lot coffees and elevated brewing methods. Milan’s Reserve Roastery is extra special because it’s set inside a beautiful historic post office building, offering a one-of-a-kind coffee experience.
Naturally, we had to go. After about 15 minutes in line, we headed upstairs to the bar and soaked in the views of the coffee roasting process happening around us.
I ordered the Oleato Golden Foam Espresso Martini, and Andy went for the Espresso Martini Flight – featuring original, orange cocoa, and cherry limone versions. They were so good we had seconds: I had another Golden Foam and Andy tried the Roastery Old Fashioned. It was the perfect treat.
We left saying, "Let’s come back here for breakfast tomorrow!"
Final Morning in Milan
Our final day began with a return to Starbucks Reserve for breakfast – the perfect way to start our last few hours in Milan. After breakfast, we headed to the iconic Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) to admire its stunning architecture and snap a few last photos.
From there, it was time to collect our bags and head to the airport for our flight home.
This has been an amazing long weekend filled with scenic views, delicious food, rich culture, and unforgettable memories. But now, I'm ready to put my feet up and chill.
Tips for Milan & Final Day Highlights
Don’t skip Tirano: Even with a short layover, it's a beautiful stop.
Try Bulk Bar: The dessert alone is worth it!
Explore on a HOHO bus: A relaxing and informative way to explore Milan.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: An absolute must-visit for coffee lovers and curious tourists alike.
Visit the Duomo early: Beat the crowds and enjoy the views in peace.
Stay centrally: Our hotel wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, central, and well connected.
Until next time – keep dreaming big, travelling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon,
Sarah x