Thrilling adventure on a tuk-tuk ride across Northern Italy

Exciting tuk-tuk tour from Milan explores scenic towns around the Italian Lakes.

Navigating my tuk-tuk through Milan’s elegant streets lands me in an amusing scenario, catching the eye of the city’s fashion-forward crowd. The contrast is stark as my modest three-wheeler shares space on Via Monte Napoleone, adorned with luxury boutiques and sleek cars. While celebrities flaunt Gucci bags and fancy rides like Lautaro Martínez, my focus shifts to capturing a snapshot of my tuk-tuk beside a Ferrari or Lamborghini, causing a stir and a mini traffic snarl. It’s a scene blending confusion and honking horns, leaving onlookers puzzled by the unassuming tuk-tuk disrupting the street’s sophistication.

The Italian Tuk-Tuk Adventure promises an exhilarating week-long journey across northern Italy, featuring unconventional transport and exciting challenges. The quest for a Lamborghini snapshot in Milan, seemingly straightforward, becomes a tough initial feat on this whirlwind trip.

Having organized similar adventures in Sri Lanka since 2009, Large Minority expanded its operations to other Asian countries before venturing into Italy. Just before the lockdown, the company imported tuk-tuks in kit form from India, assembling them in Italy with additional Italian components from Piaggio. Taking care of logistics, including luggage transfers, a backup vehicle with a spare tuk-tuk, and reservations at charming small hotels and top-notch restaurants, Large Minority encourages participants to explore freely, zooming around on their new toys. For those seeking shorter jaunts, weekend escapades and independent hire options are also on offer.

Setting off from Milan, our loosely-structured group of six tuk-tuks embarks on an adventure toward the Italian Lakes, passing the iconic Monza Formula One race circuit. We traverse the enchanting Barolo wine region and eventually reach the Mediterranean near Genoa. Throughout the journey, we’re at liberty to ride solo or in a convoy, as rules are quite flexible. Partnered up in teams of two, my buddy Dave and I share driving duties and pick routes that catch our fancy. Though there’s a loose ETA, the challenge aspect is entirely optional. Yet, the competitive spirit often kicks in, adding zest to the experience. Despite most teams being couples, our dynamic duo matches their enthusiasm and excitement for the journey.

Our primary stop is the charming Bellagio, nestled on Lake Como, about 80 km north of Milan. Our voyage takes us across verdant hills, alongside glistening waterfronts, and for a tense five minutes, through a highway’s center lane flanked by two massive lorries, thanks to my wrong turn.