Milan’s fashion-forward individuals are not sure whether to laugh at my driving skills or the sight of my vehicle. As I clumsily park the tuk-tuk on Via Monte Napoleone, a street adorned with high-end shops and luxury cars, it becomes clear that both me and my mode of transportation are quite out of place. I can’t help but feel out of my element when I see a Hermès shirt with a hefty price tag of €10,500 and spot Lautaro Martínez, the Argentina World Cup winner and Inter Milan star, loaded with Gucci shopping bags and hopping into a blacked-out Hummer with his girlfriend and bodyguard.
However, shopping is not my purpose here. This morning, our mission is to capture a photo of the three-wheeled contraption alongside a Ferrari or Lamborghini, causing a minor traffic jam and a wave of confusion as to why a tuk-tuk has invaded the street. Snapping a picture of a Lambo in Milan is no easy task, but it marks the first challenge of the Italian Tuk-Tuk Adventure, a thrilling one-week journey across northern Italy using this unique mode of transportation, and spiced up with quirky challenges.
The adventure is organized by Large Minority, a company that initially started arranging similar trips in Sri Lanka back in 2009 before expanding to other Asian countries and recently venturing into Italy. The tuk-tuks in their small fleet were imported from India as kits and then assembled in Italy using additional Italian components from Piaggio. Logistics, such as luggage transfer, a backup vehicle with a spare tuk-tuk, and accommodations in charming small hotels and excellent restaurants, are all taken care of by Large Minority. This leaves us free to roam around like excited children with our new toys. They also offer weekend adventures and independent tuk-tuk rentals.
After departing from Milan, our group of six tuk-tuks embarks on a journey towards the Italian Lakes, passing by the Monza Formula One race circuit and traversing Barolo wine country before reaching the Mediterranean near Genoa. We have the freedom to choose our route, travel alone or as a convoy, and the rules are fairly relaxed. There’s only a rough estimated time of arrival, and even the challenge element is optional. While it’s not a race, the competitive spirit can sometimes take over. Most teams consist of couples, but I’m joined by my friend Dave, and we take turns driving.
Our first destination is Bellagio, situated on Lake Como, approximately 80 kilometers north of Milan. The journey takes us through lush hills and along shimmering waterfronts. There is a moment of panic when I take a wrong turn and find myself sandwiched between two massive lorries on the middle lane of a highway, but otherwise, the experience is like embarking on an epic road trip. Prior to this trip, I had misconceptions about the Lakes, imagining them to be stuffy and fancy. However, the sheer beauty and effortless style of everything I see blow me away. Bellagio, perched on a hilly promontory that divides two branches of Lake Como, seamlessly blends the old-school glamour of lakeside villas and winding streets with the surrounding watery landscape.
In the evening, we hear that the tranquility of Bellagio was briefly disrupted by the arrival of three tuk-tuks. A group of friends who traveled together had proudly hoisted Italian tricolours and their own flags (including Union Jacks and a Swiss cross) above their vehicles. They were met with enthusiastic cheers wherever they went, particularly in Bellagio, where the locals welcomed them with open arms. As a response to the warm reception, the convoy blasted out the theme song from The Italian Job, The Self-Preservation Society.
The following day offers a blissful drive along the road that traces the edge of sparkling Lake Como. We frequently make stops to admire the breathtaking views. The challenge for the day is to find and photograph the two most common freshwater fish in the Lakes, namely pike and perch. However, our appreciation for the surroundings is so immense that we decide to forgo the tasks and instead enjoy a leisurely lunch in the hilltop village of Brunate, accessible via a cable car from Como town.
During our leisurely lunch break, we stumble upon Ristorante Bellavista. True to its name, the restaurant not only offers stunning views of the town, lake, and green hills, but also exemplifies why traveling in Italy is such a delight. While many places would capitalize on the scenic location by serving overpriced fast food to tourists, this family-run establishment has preserved its Art Nouveau features. The elegant terrace feels like a movie set, the staff is delightful, and the food, such as homemade lasagnetta with wild boar ragù and porcini mushrooms, and fresh lake char with apple compote, is absolutely delicious and reasonably priced.
Choosing a leisurely lunch over completing the challenges (which is my only criticism of the trip as they could be more imaginative) takes us out of the competition. However, it hardly matters because the real joy lies in the experience of being in a tuk-tuk. It’s a fun and fabulous way to travel – adventurous, filled with laughter, and undeniably cool once you get the hang of the driving. The open-air vehicles allow us to feel connected to the landscape as we frequently pull over to admire the scenery, while the locals can’t help but appreciate our quirky mode of transport.
Unfortunately, my friend Dave and I have to bid the trip farewell halfway through. Nevertheless, we eagerly follow the adventures of the remaining tuk-tukkers via WhatsApp. As they head south towards the Mediterranean, the journey seems to get even better. They spend a night wine-tasting in a vineyard and indulge in a farm-to-table home-cooked feast, along with some downtime by the pool in a beachside hotel.
In terms of the challenge, two teams fiercely competed all the way back to Milan: Thelma and Louise versus Goose and Maverick. The names might give a clue as to which team was more determined and focused on winning. Hats off to the young American couple who had their trip postponed for three years due to Covid but finally made it across the pond and emerged victorious in this thrilling three-wheeled Italian Job adventure.
This trip was organized by Large Minority, and their eight-night Italian Adventures costs £1,688 per person in a team of three or £1,969 per person in a team of two. The price includes tuk-tuk hire, insurance, hotel accommodation with breakfast, and a welcome dinner. The next departure is scheduled for October 7, with 2024 dates to be announced. They also offer weekend adventures starting from £545 per person and three-night “hire only” options from £350. Travel to Milan is not included. In addition to Italy, the company also plans group trips to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, and India.
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