After 2 days of nonstop rain in Malgrate, we woke up to a cloudy but dry morning and thought it'd be good to cross the Swiss border to Lugano.

We had a quite breakfast in the meal room at the hotel, then got a taxi to Lecco Station.

Getting to the station we realised we left our passports in the hotel seeing as we were going to another country. Chi had to go back to get it. We really shouldn't have bothered as we didn't have any need for it.

Pano view from Lecco station

As there are no direct Lecco to Lugano train, we had a 40 minute stop over in Monza and went on a stroll through the centre. Monza, famous for hosting the Italian Grand Prix, was far from pretty.

The journey from Monza to Lugano took 50 minutes and had really scenic views between Chiasso and Lugano. The views of the mountains and Lake Lugano left me speechless.

Got to Lugano, hopped on another train to Caslano for a quick visit to Chocolat Alprose. Another scenic train ride with views of the lake from both sides. It had snowed and everywhere looked beautiful,white.

I went to a Swiss chocolate making factory and left without buying sweets and chocolates. Talk about discipline!

Yay to Nigerian cocoa!

Videos and photos weren't allowed in the factory but we enjoyed watching the process.

Headed back to Lugano starving! Made a beeline for a lake front restaurant for lunch.

I had the Papiri with beef ragout and artichokes, Chiny had the Spaghetti with broccoli and squid.

Full and energised, we walked to the centre of Lugano.

Saw a band playing and people dancing around them.

And then we got on Via Nessa, Lugano's famous shopping street with numerous high end designer stores.

At the end of Via Nessa is the historic Church of St. Mary of the Angels (Chiesa Santa Maria deli Angioli). This lake side church dates back to 1499.

Said a quick prayer in my heart as we walked in.

The church is beautiful! Couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like worshipping here.

The Passion and Crucifixion of Christ was painted in 1529 by Italian Renaissance artist Bernardino Luini and it is said that he spent a decade working on this fresco. It is a grand and intricate depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus and the martyrdom of St Sebastien. Luini added himself to the painting as the man on the horse above little boy John sitting by the cross. (cheeky).

I stared at this amazing work for a good ten minutes before we left the church.

You know how much I love my rings. Being on Via Nessa, I just had to check out a few.

Grand Cafe Al Porto, the town's most historic cafe. Once a convent, this cafe is steeped in the history of Italy and Switzerland dating back to 1803.

Saw a very lovely humidor. Was tempted to pop in for a cigar but we were short on time at this point.

Headed back up to the station to get the 4:26pm train to Lecco via Monza.

Lugano station tunnel. So pretty!

Got back to Lecco tired and phones dead. Did some more shopping in the square and had dinner at this amazing restaurant with handwritten menu. Best meal in a long while.

Such an interesting day trip surrounded by mountains and lakes. For most of the journey I couldn't peel my eyes away from the surrounding.

I'd love to take the Bernina Express up to St Moritz next time I come around this area.