6/12/2023 0 Comments A Magical Weekend Escape with your Baby: Sleeping in a Castle and Hiking Pyramids near Milan, ItalyWelcome, wanderers, to the first blog of our Italian Escapes series, where I will hopefully give you some ideas for your weekend getaways with your baby (or not)! I want to share with you an amazing location, still unexplored and untouched by mass tourism and so, so gorgeous. I am speaking about Montevecchia in Brianza, in the heart of the Curone Valley (just 1 hour drive from Milan!). When Joy was 3 weeks old, we left for our first family vacation to spend a night in a castle nestled near the enigmatic Montevecchia Pyramids. Yes, you heard it right—the pyramids of Lombardy are real, and whispers of their connection to the Egyptian pyramids make them even more intriguing (go do your research!). With Milan just 40km away, this short trip will be so relaxing for both baby and exhausted but thrilled new parents. It is even perfect for toddlers! "But wait," you say, "a 3-week-old baby on an adventure?" Oh yes, my friends! Let me share a secret: the younger your baby is, the easier it is to bring him or her along on your escapades. Picture it—breastfeeding sessions with jaw-dropping views, strolls with your sweet little one, and cuddles that warm your heart. Oh, how I miss those snuggles now that my baby has grown into an 18-month-old explorer! Hot Tip: When travelling by car with your baby plan it to ensure that the time of your trip coincides with their nap time, and do ensure that baby doesn't stay in the car sit for long stretches of time. I will write a blog post all about this soon! So, let's dive right into this blog and unveil our itinerary for a weekend at the Montevecchia Pyramids—a trip that can easily transform into a Sunday day trip for your family. Day 1: A night at the enchanting Castle of Cernusco The best part of the trip? We slept in a castle!! As we entered the grand gates, we were transported back in time, surrounded by medieval architecture and huge gardens. We spent the afternoon exploring the castle's halls and relaxing by the pool surrounded by white peacocks. And guess what? We had the whole castle to ourselves! Just our little princess and us. Click here for the link to the Castle - rated 9.2/10, it's a hidden gem you don't want to miss! Hot Tip: Until your baby sleeps comfortably in a bassinet you don't need to limit yourself to baby-friendly accommodations. When they're this tiny, they can sleep peacefully in their cozy bassinet, opening a world of possibilities for you—from boutique hotels and camping tents to hostels and even castles! Just ensure the bassinet has a good mattress (our top priority when shopping for a pram!).
Day 1: Dinner at the Agriturismo Tenuta Valcurone To fully immerse ourselves in the countryside experience, we dined at a nearby agriturismo. For those of you who do not know, an agriturism is a blend of the words "agriculture" and "tourism", and it's a type of tourism created by charming farms that welcome guests for mouthwatering meals and cozy overnight stays. We love sleeping and eating in agriturismi! This time we went to Tenuta Valcurone, which I highly recommend. The location was wonderful, in between mountains and viniards, and we left feeling so full that we had to roll back to our castle! Tenuta Valcurone is a 5 minutes drive from the castle, but the countryside roads are really narrow and badly lit, so just drive carefully! Here is the link to the restaurant. Hot Tip: Psst, parents! You can still savour that glass of wine! Simply breastfeed your baby before ordering your food, allowing you to enjoy your drink before the next feeding session. Research assures us that moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 glass of wine) by a breastfeeding mother isn't known to harm the baby, provided you wait at least 2 hours before nursing. Cheers to that! Day 2: Hiking on the Pyramids of Lombardy The next morning, we woke up to a very rich buffet in the breakfast room. Filled up with cakes, fruit and croissants we embarked on a beautiful hike in the Pyramids of Lombardy. We left the pram in the car and opted for a baby carrier, ensuring that our little one was secure and comfortable throughout the hike. This was actually my first long walk after giving birth, and I was worried that I'd get tired quickly, but the trail was really easy, with wonderful views throughout. We took long breastfeeding walks at panoramic points and soaked in the sun. Click on this link to check all the wonderful trails you can do! Hot Tip: Let's talk about breastfeeding in public—it's a personal choice, but trust me, it can be so empowering! With a handy cover or a cozy blanket (like this one), you can nurse your little one anywhere. In the 10 months I breastfed Joy, I never received a single disapproving look or comment from passersby. On the contrary, it often drew smiles and kind words from fellow adventurers!
0 Comments
Travelling with your baby or toddler is wonderful, and I'm thrilled to see from the responses on my recent Instagram poll that many of you have already embarked on this incredible adventure! But as most of you have stuck to familiar and comfortable destinations, some concerns have been raised about the safety of your little ones when venturing into unknown territory. Let's be honest, the thought of health worries can be quite scary. We all have those moments where we wonder, "what if something happens while we are far from home?". But here's a reassuring thought that puts my mind at ease: babies are born, live, and thrive in every corner of the globe. Isn't that amazing? It means that we, as adventurous parents, can travel to almost any country on this planet with our little ones. Of course, there are important considerations to keep in mind when planning the trip, whether it is to the bustling streets of Tokyo, the dreamy beaches of Bali, or the historic Mayan landmarks in Mexico. So, let's dive into this blog post where we'll address your concerns head-on and provide valuable tips to ensure an enjoyable trip while prioritising your baby's health and well-being. Get ready for peace of mind! 5/31/2023 0 Comments IT'S TIME TO DISCOVER, DREAM AND EXPLORE AGAIN: Unlock the Joy of adventurous travellingWelcome to my blog (I still can't believe that I am actually writing one)! Here we are, in my little corner of the internet, where I'm about to debunk the biggest misconception about parenthood: You don't have to say goodbye to adventure once you become parents! |
Micol TedeschiCiao! I'm Micol, a passionate traveller, proud mama, and the face behind the BackpackerBabies blog. Born and raised in Italy, I have recently moved back to my home country, after spending a decade living in the United Kingdom and Australia. ArchivesCategories |