They say, if you want to know a country better, you go to the countryside and not in the big cities.
OK., Milan is Milan, you ..smell the Italian fashion power in every step, but why not...combine both.
What I suggest below, is a fantastic option among others.
Dedicate one day, to the lakeside part of Lombardy, just 40 minutes drive to the north of Milan. Take A9, exit COMO NORD.
Then follow the signs to Cernobbio bypassing the town of Como. After a lot of tiny roundabouts (some of them unnecessary), and the dreamlike Como lake always to your right, you can't miss the legendary Villa D'Este. (even if you wanted to it's so well signposted).
Entering the irongate and heading towards the main entrance of the resort, (not more than 1 minute), you will drive so slowly, admiring practically everything to your right or to your left it doesn't matter, that finally you will hit the entrance in ....ten minutes!
To my EYE, la villa is by far the best resort hotel in the world. I don't think another resort on earth inspires you to shoot so many photos during your stay.
Undoubtedly, the rates are for people with deep pockets, anyhow the reason I suggest it as a shortbreak from Milan, is to have a nice lunch by the lake in a superb scenery. Special tip: Go for my favourite, lakefish for two, cooked with thin potatoes,olives,capers and boiled spinach on the side...Try as well their risottos, they are great.
If you have time after lunch, visit picturesque village of Bellagio, asking all the necessary information from the concierge.
Finally, if you leave this great escape from Milan for your last day, reaching Malpensa airport, from the Villa D'Este, will take an hour......
