Green journey through Milan, Tuscany and Bologna

From the leafy streets of Milan to the grape-scented hills of Tuscany and the tree-lined parks of Bologna, green travel is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a way of life. Along the way, Italy – famous for its fashion, cuisine and art – is quietly leading Europe’s eco-friendly travel trend.

Milan: The fashion city with a green lifestyle.

Milan is a name that evokes images of catwalks and impeccably tailored suits. It's considered the world's largest "public catwalk," where everyone walking the streets exudes a sense of style and makes a personal statement through their attire.

Moreover, Milan is redefining itself as a sustainable city. One of the most striking symbols of green Milan is the Bosco Verticale (also known as the "Vertical Forest") – two skyscrapers completely covered in greenery from base to top, designed by Boeri Studio (comprising architects Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, and Giovanni La Varra). This is not only a visually impressive architectural work, but it also helps filter fine dust and reduce the surrounding air temperature by 2-3 degrees in the summer. This complex has become a favorite destination for tourists interested in sustainable architecture.

A section of the Bosco Verticale skyscraper is covered in greenery. Credit: Stefano Boeri Architetti

Transportation in Milan is also undergoing a significant transformation. The city has invested in the BikeMi public bicycle system, allowing visitors to rent bikes for just a few euros to travel throughout central areas like Brera, Navigli, and Porta Venezia. Many routes are specifically designated for bicycles and electric buses. It's not uncommon to see Milanese people cycling to work each morning in suits and stylish headphones. This image reflects a green lifestyle combined with a very Italian style.

A must-see destination in Milan is Parco Sempione, a large park located next to Sforza Castle. Amidst the rustling leaves and the guitar music from art students, visitors in the summer can sit and read, have a picnic, or simply breathe deeply in the heart of a city once known for its industrial pace of life.

Tuscany: Wine Paradise & Endless Hills

A train ride from Milan takes less than two hours to reach Florence – the capital of Tuscany in central Italy and considered the "cradle" of European art. From Florence, visitors can easily explore Tuscany in the summer, with its pristine, romantic, and tranquil scenery. This region is like a vibrant painting, with gently sloping hills, ancient cypress forests, sprawling vineyards, and stone houses covered in wildflowers.

A cycling route in Tuscany

Eco-tourism in Tuscany can begin with cycling through ancient villages. Cobblestone paths wind through villages like San Gimignano – once dubbed the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its ancient stone towers and bustling markets, or Pienza – a UNESCO World Heritage site with impeccable Renaissance architecture and expansive views, allowing you to see the horizon and the brilliant starry night sky with the naked eye.

One of the most beloved experiences when visiting Tuscany is hand-picking grapes with the locals. From September to early October, many farms, such as Fattoria La Vialla and Podere il Casale, open their doors to visitors participating in the harvest season. Here, visitors are guided on how to select ripe grapes, pick them with small scissors, sort them, and bring them back to the factory for traditional pressing.

The ancient village of Montepulciano in the Tuscany region is famous for its winemaking.

But that's not all; wine enthusiasts can even brew their own wine, bottle it, label it with their name, and take it home as a souvenir. Farm-based cooking classes often include lessons on making wood-fired focaccia bread or pici pasta with a signature ragu sauce and fragrant truffles. Every moment in Tuscany is connected to a slow-paced lifestyle, immersing oneself in the rhythm of nature and the land.

Tuscany also boasts eco-friendly camping areas, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some campsites, like Agricamping Romita or Podere Pianetti, are located in forests or by lakes, utilizing solar power, filtered well water, and food from nearby farms. Under a starry sky and the chirping of insects, you'll understand why Tuscany is a place where the rush is not.

Bologna: An academic heart with a modern rhythm of life.

Old buildings in Bologna seen from above.

From Florence, a train journey of over 30 minutes will take you to Bologna. If Milan embodies fashion and Tuscany represents nostalgic beauty, Bologna offers a unique blend of intellect, culture, and modern ecological spirit. Home to Europe's oldest university (the University of Bologna, founded in 1088), Bologna is always bustling with students – young people with open minds and a responsible attitude towards the environment.

Bologna boasts one of the most environmentally friendly public transport networks in Italy, with electric buses, trams, and hybrid routes circling the city. Notably, the city authorities restrict private vehicle access to the old town center (Zona a Traffico Limitato), significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution.

On a street corner in Bologna

An unforgettable experience in Bologna would be cycling through the nearly 40-kilometer-long portico – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Avoiding the harsh summer sun while seemingly traversing through history, cyclists can stop at any antique bookstore or café along the street. In the evenings, the central square often transforms into a giant public cinema, showing classic and modern films from around the world.

An open-air cinema in the center of Bologna

Bologna is also the "green lung" of the Emilia-Romagna region, boasting over 30 parks of varying sizes. The most notable is Giardini Margherita, a nearly 26-hectare public park featuring a lake, small forests, and botanical gardens. It's an ideal spot for picnics, morning yoga, or simply sitting on a park bench reading a book.

The city also regularly hosts organic food festivals, farmers' fairs, and campaigns to exchange recyclable waste for eco-friendly gifts. This spirit of community makes Bologna not just a destination, but a place where anyone who visits feels they are living among kind and responsible people.

From the rhythmic cycling through Milan's old town, the luscious grapes of Tuscany, to the cool breeze from the park lakes of Bologna, eco-tourism in Italy is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and connect with the earth, the sky, and the people.

Amidst global climate change and a highly industrialized lifestyle, choosing green tourism is not only a civilized choice but also an act that reflects the lifestyle of the modern generation – knowing how to enjoy, protect, and appreciate what nature provides.

Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/hanh-trinh-xanh-qua-milan-tuscany-va-bologna/