Milan-based tuk-tuk tour rollicking through Italian Lakes’ scenic towns.
In Milan, I find myself in a comical situation as I maneuver my tuk-tuk through the city’s posh streets, drawing the bemused attention of fashionistas. The contrast is striking as the upscale Via Monte Napoleone, adorned with designer shops and luxury cars, hosts my humble three-wheeler. While celebrities like Lautaro Martínez flaunt their Gucci bags and fancy vehicles, I am more interested in capturing a photo of my tuk-tuk parked next to a Ferrari or Lamborghini, causing a stir and a mini traffic jam. The scene is a delightful mix of confusion and horn beeping, as people wonder why an unassuming tuk-tuk is disrupting the elegance of the street.
The Italian Tuk-Tuk Adventure offers a thrilling one-week journey across northern Italy, featuring a unique mode of transport and exciting challenges. Capturing a snapshot of a Lamborghini in Milan, though seemingly easy, proves to be a challenging first task on this whirlwind trip.
Large Minority, known for organizing similar adventures in Sri Lanka since 2009, expanded its operations to other Asian countries before establishing itself in Italy. Just before the lockdown, the company imported tuk-tuks in kit form from India and assembled them in Italy, incorporating additional Italian components from Piaggio. Taking care of all the logistics, including luggage transfer, a backup vehicle with a spare tuk-tuk, and bookings at charming small hotels and excellent restaurants, Large Minority allows participants to explore like big kids, freely zooming around on their new toys. For those seeking shorter escapades, weekend adventures and independent hire options are also available.
Departing from Milan, our unstructured group of six tuk-tuks embarks on a journey up to the Italian Lakes, passing through the iconic Monza Formula One race circuit. We continue our adventure through the enchanting Barolo wine region, eventually reaching the Mediterranean near Genoa. Throughout the trip, we have the freedom to ride independently or in a convoy, as the rules are quite flexible. Traveling in teams of two, my mate Dave and I share the driving responsibilities and can choose any route that piques our interest. While there is a loose estimated time of arrival, the challenge aspect is entirely optional, and though it’s not officially a race, the spirit of competition often sets in, making the experience all the more thrilling. While most teams consist of couples, our dynamic duo proves to be just as enthusiastic and eager to revel in the journey.
Our initial destination is the charming Bellagio, located on the picturesque Lake Como, about 80 km to the north of Milan. The journey leads us across lush green hills, beside shimmering waterfronts, and briefly, for a nerve-wracking five minutes, through the middle lane of a highway flanked by two colossal lorries after I mistakenly take a wrong turn.
