train day trips from milan

12 Gorgeous Day Trips from Milan by Train

Milan is the perfect place to stay during your vacation in Italy. Why? Because it’s so well connected not only to Lake Como and Lake Garda but also to great Italian cities such as Venice, Bologna, Florence and many others. In this article you’ll find the most useful practical information on amazing day trips from Milan by train – doable also by car! 

Hometown to Panettone , risotto alla Milanese and Cotoletta , Milan not only offers delicious traditional dishes but it is also a beautiful city definitely worth a visit.

The capital of Lombardy is the core of railways in northern Italy, therefore it’s very easy to reach pretty much any destination in Italy : thanks to the combination of Frecciarossa bullet trains, Italo and regional trains it is possible for visitors to travel from Milan to Venice or even Florence in just one day.

Hope this article will help you decide which places to visit on day trips from Milan by train ! 🙂

Day trips from Milan by train

PLEASE NOTE that the following places are easily reachable by train . However, you may also consider renting a car   to reach these destinations! This way you won’t be tied to train timetables and you’ll see that driving on Italian highways is not as difficult as it may look.

• Lake Garda and Verona

Trains in Italy: Frecciarossa VS. Regional Trains

Before reading, you must know a few things on the difference between regional trains and Frecciarossa.

All the locations listed below are worthwhile day trips and perfectly feasible in one day. In regards to Frecciarossa ticket prices , this is the fastest and more comfortable option as they’re bullet trains that reach your destination passing by only a few stops. What you’ll see in the tables below is the cheapest fare that you can get when booking in advance – say at least a month before. 

However, smaller towns such as Bergamo, Mantua and Brescia are not connected by Frecciarossa trains. In this case, you must take regional trains : fares are fixed but seats cannot be reserved , therefore, even though you can easily purchase your ticket the day before traveling, you’re not guaranteed a seat.

1. Lake Como

“This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty [..] it has the appearance of a mighty river winding among the mountains and the forests”

These are Percy Bysshe Shelley ’s words describing beautiful Lake Como in 1818. 

Even nowadays the lakeside towns are certainly the most famous attractions: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio are only a few of the cozy small towns rich in historical villas and their well-kept gardens, churches and little shops selling local foods and handicraft, jewellery and clothing. Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are very well-connected one another: check the ferry timetable to organize your trip in advance!

The villas around Lake Como play an important role in attracting tourists from any part of the globe. If you’re wondering why, the reason is that their beauty is astonishing : built between the 16th and 19th century, the villas are considered architectural masterpieces with gorgeous gardens displaying an unrivalled palette of colors in Springtime. 

Some examples are Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Fogazzaro, Villa Monastero, Villa D’Este, Villa Pliniana. Particularly appreciated is Villa Carlotta , in Tremezzo, Como. Here you can get to see works of art by Canova and Hayez , together with the beautiful garden and magnificent architectural structure.

How to Get to Lake Como from Milan by Train

2. lake garda and verona.

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and, therefore, is certainly a top-rated day trip from Milan . 

Bordering with Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino , Lake Garda offers beautiful panoramas and a wide range of typical products: from Lake Garda DOC wines such as Lugana DOC to DOP products like Grana Padano, Provolone Valpadana, extra virgin olive oil and, last but not least, juicy lemons used for jams and lemon-scented liqueurs and olive oil.

Take the train from Milano Centrale in the morning and head for Verona , the romantic city chosen by Shakespeare to set one of his most famous works, Romeo and Juliet . Nowadays, it’s considered a good luck sign to touch the statue of Juliet’s breasts situated below Juliet’s balcony.

In the historical center of Verona you’ll see one of Italy’s best-preserved arenas dating back to Roman times, where major concerts and opera festivals take place. Also the gates around the city are Roman works as well as underground excavations.

When on your way back, stop in Desenzano del Garda, a nice town on the lake ideal for an Italian style aperitivo with Spritz .

How to Get to Verona from Milan by Train

Venice, the capital of the Veneto region, is a must-see for first time visitors to Italy and, therefore, one of the best day trips from Milan . Canals, gondolas , beautiful buildings and magical atmosphere are all elements contributing to the beauty of this city.

Among the most famous attractions in Venice are Rialto bridge, St. Mark’s basilica and square, the Doge’s Palace, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Ca’ d’Oro and the islands of Murano and Burano, which became famous thanks to the great glass workers. 

However, there are also hidden gems in Venice that not everyone knows! Have you ever heard of Scala del Bovolo in Palazzo Contarini, or Acqua Alta Bookstore , a peculiar Venetian-style bookshop? Also, typical Venetian food is something you want to try. To enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitivo, have a Spritz or a glass of Prosecco with cicchetti or sarde in saor , the typical Venetian-style sardines.

How to Get to Venice from Milan by Train

Padua is a very fascinating city: what makes it so appealing is the presence of cozy bars and restaurants (called “ bacari ”) where you can eat great typical food and wines – think of Prosecco and Amarone della Valpolicella!

All over the city you can see the evidence of how great Renaissance artists such as Giotto, Donatello , Piero della Francesca and many others changed the Italian history of art. An example is certainly the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes , now part of Padova Urbs Picta , the14th-century fresco cycles that have been included in the Unesco World Heritage List.

Padua is famous all over the world for the University of Padua – one of the oldest in Italy – and the Basilica of Saint Anthony , where the relics of Saint Anthony are still visible. Nonetheless there are other top rated attractions to visit in Padua awaiting for you!

How to Get to Padua from Milan by Train

Without stepping out of the Veneto region, it is worth visiting the city of Vicenza , an easy day trip from Milan by train .

In Vicenza you’ll be amazed by the Palladian Villas: Villa Valmarana and Villa La Rotonda are the most well-known and easily reachable on foot . It takes about 30 mins from the city center but the walk is nice as you are along a bike path surrounded by the green .

Andrea Palladio , the famous Italian Renaissance architect, also designed the gorgeous UNESCO heritage Teatro Olimpico (“Olympic Theatre”) in the 16th century. You’ll particularly like the trompe-l’œil onstage scenery designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi as it gives the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon. This theatre is one of the three Renaissance theatres remaining in existence in Italy!

As you’re in the land of cod, you cannot leave without trying the Baccalà alla Vicentina , Vicenza-style stockfish: a signature dish of Vicenza.

>> More info on Vicenza and its typical food in my article Veneto, Typical Food and Wine Itinerary .

How to Get to Vicenza from Milan by Train

Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna and is famous mainly for two things: the University and the food. 

First off, you must know that the University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe : a committee of experts chaired by the famous Italian poet Giosuè Carducci, established its foundation in 1088. 

In Piazza Maggiore you’ll see the famous Neptune’s fountain and a few historical buildings dating back to the 13th and 16th century. The Torre degli Asinelli is a landmark of Bologna you cannot miss: go up the 498 steps and enjoy a wonderful view of the city from above!

Speaking of food , what are Bologna’s signature dishes ? There are many traditional foods in Bologna, but the most well-known are certainly tagliatelle with Ragù alla bolognese and tortellini . 

Have an aperitivo in the area called “ Il Quadrilatero ”, the ancient market of Bologna. Here you can get to taste delicious prosciutto with tigelle , a typical flatbread similar to piadina but smaller, and a glass of Pignoletto Classico DOC .

How to Get to Bologna from Milan by Train

7. florence.

Florence is situated in northern Tuscany and it’s hands down one of the most worthwhile day trips from Milan . Even though it’s hard to see everything one day, if you’re short on time you can select the best things to see in Florence and enjoy them all the same.

The main landmarks are certainly the magnificent Renaissance style Santa Maria Novella Church , Santa Maria del Fiore with its gorgeous bell tower by Giotto and dome by Brunelleschi , Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio , whose original structure dates back to the Romans, Piazza della Signoria , where you can see the Fountain of Neptune.

Explore the Uffizi gallery , hosting important works of art by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, Piero della Francesca and many others.

When visiting Palazzo Pitti , which served as the main residence of the Medici family, take a peek into Boboli gardens , a great example of Italian gardens .

Of course, don’t forget to try the Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) and the wonderful Zuppa Toscana .

How to Get to Florence from Milan by Train

Only 1 hour away from Milan is Turin, the capital of Piedmont .

Broad avenues, huge piazzas and arcades characterize this city, together with the main landmarks: the Royal Palace , The Mole , where you can visit the Museo del Cinema , and one of the most important museums in Italy, the Egyptian Museum .

Turin is famous for its cafés: the magical atmosphere will bring you back to the city’s Golden Age while sipping a bicerin , a typical type of coffee invented in Turin.

Also, you cannot miss to try bagna cauda , a convivial dish meant to be shared with family and friends, accompanied by a glass of Freisa d’Asti DOC, and other signature dishes of Piedmont, such as Agnolotti del Plin , fritto misto and vitello tonnato. If you try these foods in a restaurant, ask the staff the best Piedmontese wines to pair them with!

How to Get to Turin from Milan by Train

Pavia , situated about 40 km away from Milan along the Via Francigena, is one of the most attractive art cities in the Pianura Padana. 

In one day you can visit the main landmarks : the medieval Visconti Castle , the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro , the Pinacoteca Malaspina , Pavia Cathedral , to which Leonardo da Vinci contributed, the Ponte Coperto , an arch bridge over the Ticino river connecting the historical center to the rest of the city.

Pavia’s most famous attraction is the Certosa di Pavia , a monastery built by the first Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti , at the end of the 14th century. What’s most interesting about the complex,  composed of the church,  the cloisters and  the museum, is that it displays different artistic styles , from the late Gothic to the Renaissance.

You must try Pavia’s rice , as it is the typical product of the province, traditional dishes with eel, snail, goose and frog, together with a glass of the local Oltrepò Pavese DOC . Pavia is also the hometown of Torta Paradiso , a dessert famous all over Italy.

How to Get to Pavia from Milan by Train

One thing you need to know about the Certosa di Pavia is that it’s not in the city center .

In fact, to get to the monastery , you must take the train from Milano Rogoredo (see table below) as trains from Milano Centrale  don’t stop at the Certosa but go directly to Pavia city center.

My advice is to visit the Certosa in the morning and reach the city center in the afternoon. On your way back to Milan, you can take the regional train from Pavia to Milano Centrale .

10. Bergamo

Bergamo, located 50 km east of Milan , attracts visitors for many reasons.

One of the best things to see in Bergamo is Città Alta (or Bergamo Alta), the upper town, is a hidden gem worth your time. Built in the Middle Ages , Upper Town is surrounded by the Venetian walls , now UNESCO heritage , which once served as protection against the invasors.

Also, Bergamo cuisine is something you want to try. A great example of traditional food in Bergamo is polenta e osei (meaning polenta and birds), not to mention Casoncelli and Scarpinocc. Old recipes have been handed down generation after generation, and now we can enjoy simple but good food and wine .

In fact, here you can discover the Valcalepio Wine Route and its homonymous wine, but also the smallest DOCG wine in Italy : Moscato di Scanzo DOCG . 

Have a glass of Moscato with local cheeses and other typical foods in the best traditional restaurants in Bergamo .

How to Get to Bergamo from Milan by Train

Mantua is surely worth visiting given its historical and artistic importance . It was once the cradle of the Italian Renaissance of which we can still see evidence in buildings like Ducale Palace, Basilica di Sant’Andrea and Palazzo Te, not to mention great Italian Renaissance artists such as Andrea Mantegna , who painted the Chamber of the Bride situated in St. George’s Castle. In fact, in 2016 Mantua was named Capital of Culture .

Also, the traditional food in Mantua is amazing: Pumpkin Tortelli (tortelli di zucca), meat Agnoli in broth and Capunsei (sort of gnocchi made of bread and Parmesan) are the typical stuffed pasta you must try in the city.

As a second course, popular are Bigoli con sarde (thick pasta similar to spaghetti with pilchards) and Pike in sauce (pike served with a sauce made of capers, pickled bell peppers, parsil, garlic and onion). Don’t miss Mantua’s signature dessert: Sbrisolona can be found anywhere in the city so give it a try, you won’t regret it 😉

How to Get to Mantua from Milan by Train

12. brescia.

Brescia has become a famous tourist destination thanks to Christo’s artwork “ The Floating Piers ” visible – and walkable – on lake Iseo in June 2016. 

In Brescia city center, you cannot miss to visit Santa Giulia Museum Complex , offering a journey through Brescia’s history and art from prehistoric times up to the present day. 

Don’t forget to have a taste of the typical cuisine of Brescia : manzo all’olio (beef in oil), Brescia-style Casoncelli , polenta taragna and Bossolà, a traditional Christmas dessert . Of course, all these delicious dishes deserve the right glass of wine : opt for a Franciacorta DOCG , the first DOCG sparkling wine   made with a classic method.

If you have the chance, take a ferry and reach Monte Isola , from where you can admire the astonishing view of the mountains reflected on the water. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see the island covered with colorful flowers during the “ Santa Croce Festival ”. Taking place every 5 years, this celebration is well-known all over the Sebino   area.

How to Get to Brescia from Milan by Train

Hope my article on day trips from Milan by train will be helpful to plan your visit to Italy! 🙂

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The 10 best day trips from Milan

If you've made the journey to Milan, don't sleep on the rest of Italy right around the corner

For food, fashion and culture, everyone knows how great Milan is as a city break. There’s a reason people love it so much, and if you’ve been there, you’ll know what we mean. But if there’s one thing that’s underrated about Milan, it’s how close it is to a load of other great cities.

No, seriously. Spend a weekend here and you’re just an hour from a foodie capital, from one of the most famous lakes in the world, and a number of under-the-radar Italian spots you can show off about when you get home. We’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from Milan, all reachable by train in under two hours. Happy exploring!

RECOMMENDED: 🇮🇹 The best places to visit in Italy 📍 The best things to do in Milan 🍝 The best restaurants in Milan 🛍️ Where to go shopping in Milan 🏛️ Must-see attractions in Milan

Emma Harper is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best day trips from Milan

1.  Bologna

A one-hour train from Milan.

Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities, so there’s no better time to give it a go than when you’ve just about had enough of Milan. Though it gets overshadowed by the likes of Venice, Rome and Florence, Bologna is a cultural hotspot (and is sometimes called the foodie capital of the world!) . Come for the pasta, stay for the cobbled streets and medieval architecture. 

All’Osteria Bottega is one of the last authentic “osterie” standing in Bologna, and we highly recommend you visit and eat everything, starting with the pork-heavy selection of local cold cuts and the tortellini.

Head to Boavista if you want an atmosphere that’s both old-timey and lounge-like: the venue is known for its mojitos, its muddled, fruit-based cocktails and the notable selection of gin.

Walk off whatever you had for lunch by taking a stroll through Piazza Maggiore, where you will see the odd-shaped  Basilica of San Petronio  (the bottom is made of marble and the top of bricks).

Aemilia Hotel  boasts views of the rolling hills outside the city, and its roof garden is even home to a jacuzzi.

If you do just one thing...

Sure, you might feel part of a quintessentially medieval city in Bologna – but a visit to  MAMbo  will change that. At the contemporary-art museum, jump into an unprecedented array of Italian visual arts dating back to the end of World War II.

2.  Pavia

A 43-minute train from Milan to Pavia. 

Milan can be a little hectic, and we’ve got just the antidote if it’s all getting a bit much. Peaceful Pavia, in Italy’s Lombardy region, is a goldmine of beautiful architecture, medieval towers and lots and lots of wine. The kind of place where you can pull up by its winding river and sit for hours, or people-watch from a café in the centre with an espresso. 

Situated in a medieval tower,  La Torre degli Aquila  is a favourite spot among locals who enjoy the creative spin on traditional Italian dishes. 

Despite Italy’s reputation as a wine country, locals have gradually fallen in love with craft beers, as seen in Il Birratoio, which took over the space formerly occupied by a longstanding wine bar with a rotation of 10 taps. A selection of cold cuts,  panini  and  piadine  (a local variety of flatbreads) rounds out the beer menu.

Churches galore! Indulge in some Catholic regalia by visiting Romanesque churches such as San Michele Maggiore and San Teodoro, Renaissance masterpieces such as Santa Maria di Canepanova and gothic works such as San Francesco D’Assisi and Santa Maria del Carmine.

Revel in some old-time opulence by staying at the  Arnaboldi Palace : the octagonal shape houses an inner courtyard topped with a glass dome, and the hotel also has a ballroom.

Visit the Certosa di Pavia, a monastic complex originally intended for Carthusian monks. Its highly ornate style, replete with carvings and reliefs, combines Gothic and Renaissance influences. Don’t miss the cloisters, which are in full bloom in the warmer months.

3.  Camogli

A two-hour train from Milan to Camogli. 

The seaside town of Camogli is the perfect antidote to landlocked Milan. It offers trompe l'oeil palazzi, pine forests and azure water in spades. While nearby  Portofino  is a popular spot among luxury travellers, this equally pretty town retains a more working-class feel and doesn’t get quite as crowded, which is why in the summer it’s filled with well-heeled Milanese and Turinese who come on their annual holiday for some peace and quiet. (As they always say, the best travel finds come when you go where the locals go.)

De Laura serves the best food in the tiny beachside hamlet of San Fruttuoso. Be sure to try whichever pesto pasta dish is on offer – Liguria is Italy’s most famous basil-growing region and the home of pesto. 

Grab an outside table at Pub la Cage Aux Folles, located on the main coastal drag in Camogli, and sip an Aperol spritz as you watch the sun go down.

Hire a  private boat  or hop on the ferry from Camogli to Portofino. The area’s vertiginous hills and cliffs of the Ligurian coast are even more stunning when seen from the water. 

Housed in an impeccably restored 1907 palazzo, the  Villa Rosmarino  has a welcoming staff, an outdoor pool and great views above the historic centre of Camogli. 

If you do just one thing… 

Hike the trail from Camogli to the 10th-century  San Fruttuoso . The abbey is in a stunning location, abutting a small pebble beach and with a hillside forest as its backdrop. Only accessible by foot or by boat, San Fruttuoso feels like a hidden paradise.

4.  Varese

A one-hour train from Milan to Varese. 

Located 30 miles north of Milan, Varese is known as “Garden City” given the plethora of public parks and gardens that dot the cityscape. This, coupled with a robust representation of Art Nouveau works and 18th-century villas, gives the town a countryside-like feel. If sightseeing is not on the menu, you can indulge in shopping.  Baseblu , a multi-story boutique, has a vast selection of major and independent high-end fashion brands.

You have to ring a bell to access  La Perla , an added extravagance to the excellent seafood-forward menu and the room-facing, cloister-like inner courtyard that makes a meal here a relaxing and rewarding experience.

End your night in the charming outdoor area of  Ultimo , where, on top of a good selection of classic cocktails and beers on tap, the owners also offer their own eclectic creations, such as the very summery, celery-based “Celery Bastard,” and the tea-and-rum-based “Tea Bagging.”

After the obligatory stroll through the city centre, visit  Villa Panza Biumo , an 18th-century mansion housing an impressive collection of American contemporary art, including several installations by Dan Flavin.

Art Hotel  is a refurbished 18th-century villa located close to the city centre. Its sprawling garden is the ideal location for a post-sightseeing or pre-dinner aperitivo.

Climb Sacro Monte, originally a “holy road” dotted with chapels and sanctuaries that repentants had to climb during Lent to mirror Christ’s passion, but now a great excuse to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

5.  Lake Garda

A one-hour train from Milan. 

Lake Garda is the biggest and cleanest of the local lakes, and its crystalline water will make you forget that you’re not on a secluded beach in Sardinia. Lake Garda is not just for beach bums, though. Surrounding the lake are charming towns such as Bardolino, with its two Romanesque churches, Sirmione, home to oh-so-awesome Roman thermal baths dedicated to poet Catullus and Gardone Riviera, with its over-the-top gardens and villas. 

Enjoy a menu that combines the Mediterranean and continental traditions at  Tancredi . Whether seated on the terrace overlooking the lake or in the indoor area with its floor-to-ceiling windows, the superb vista will delight you.

Italian poet, writer, and dandy Gabriele D’Annunzio (1863-1938) enjoyed lounging on the terrace of what is now Hotel Villa del Sogno, which he defined as “the most beautiful [in] the Garda area.” Its  American Bar , complete with a piano and an old-timey atmosphere, offers a wide selection of cocktails, including the house speciality Del Sogno.

Whether you’re in Desenzano, Salò, Sirmione or Gardone, all area towns, start your exploration by just taking a stroll on the  lungolago  (the lakeside promenade).

Lake Garda is a favourite family holiday destination for tourists from all over Europe, but if you want to enjoy a child-free stay,  AQVA Boutique Hotel  in Sirmione is a great option.

Visit the  Vittoriale , a hillside estate in Gardone Riviera, where poet D’Annunzio spent his twilight years. The over-the-top and kitschy décor might not be the quintessence of Italian elegance, but it’s indicative of the aesthetic of  fin-de-siècle viveurs .

6.  Lake Como

Its steep wooded shoreline and pristine sapphire water make Lake Como the most beautiful of the northern Italian lakes. The destination draws in visitors who are seduced by the ample opportunities for villa hopping, lavish lunches, and long boat rides – a jaunt in nature has arguably never been so luxurious. A day trip usually means either a day spent in the larger town of Como, located on the southern tip of the lake or a day that begins in smaller Varenna and involves hopping over to Bellagio on the ferry. 

Located in the backstreets of Como, Ristorante Sociale offers the best bang for your buck in this pricey region, with its home-cooked meals attracting a large crowd of locals. The restaurant’s interiors, not least its massive stone fireplace, make up for the fact that it’s not lakeside.

The outside terrace at Bar Il Molo in Varenna is the most sought-after spot come  aperitivo  hour, as it affords incredible views of the lake. 

Como has been Italy’s silk capital since the 16th century, and while the spun thread is now imported from China, the fabrics woven by Como’s artisans are still coveted. Stop by A Picci in Como, one of the last remaining silk shops in town, to get your own silk tie or scarf.

A lakeside hotel not far from Como,  Villa d’Este  was built as a summer palace in the 16th century and turned into a hotel in the late 19th century. It’s understandably pricey but a perfect spot for a romantic getaway. 

If you do just one thing…

Spend some time on the lake. This can be done on the cheap – riding one of the ferries between towns – or in a more upscale setting, like on one of the mahogany cigarette boats operated by Barindelli in Bellagio.

7.  Turin

A 45-minute train from Milan. 

Despite being the fourth largest city in Italy, Turin flies under the radar. The historic centre contains clues to Turin’s royal past (it was a seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy): radiating from Palazzo Reale, one of two splendid House of Savoy palaces situated on Piazza Castello, are long porticoed arcades, allegedly instituted by the monarchy to keep the royals dry. It is also home to a world-class soccer team – Juventus – and boasts a distinguished culinary scene due to its location in Piedmont, a region famed for food and wine.  

The relatively simple interior of Ristorante Consorzio, reminiscent of an old country house, belies the wow factor of the menu, which pays homage to Piedmont producers. This is a place to be adventurous: try one of the raw meat dishes and order from the impeccable natural wine list.

The bar at Astoria is always a good spot for a drink with friends, but what makes this place special is the basement stage that attracts Turin’s hipsters with various live music and DJ sets.

Perhaps more exciting than its royal heritage is Turin’s past life as a hotbed of resistance during World War II. The wonderful Museo Diffuso Torino (Museum of the Resistance) charts the history of the defiant groups that opposed the occupying German forces and the Italian Fascist regime.

The excellent staff at Tomato Backpackers Hotel gives this spot, which offers both dorms and private rooms, an inclusive and relaxed feel.

Visit one of the city’s historic cafés, which were revolutionary and literary hotbeds in the 19th century. The refined Baratti & Milano, complete with crystal chandeliers and bow-tied bartenders, is a prime example of Turin’s unique café heritage.

8.  Cremona

In the Middle Ages, musical activities in the town revolved around the 12th-century Cremona Cathedral, which contributed to its rise as a musical centre in the 16th century – it was here that the modern instrument was invented and Antonio Stradivari made his world-famous violins, making Cremona a must-visit for music lovers. Just over an hour south of Milan by train, the town boasts one of the most beautiful piazzas in northern Italy – the Piazza del Comune – and is mostly off tourists’ radar. So even if you don’t have a passion for stringed instruments,  Cremona  is worth a visit for its quiet scene, all-around impressive architecture and vibrant food scene.

Cremona has several local specialities, such as  marubini  (stuffed pasta) and gnocchi vecchia Cremona (giant, sausage-stuffed gnocchi). The best place to get all things local is Osteria La Sosta.

Centrally located on the Piazza Della Pace, Hobos Cocktail Bar whips up a mean pisco sour, and its outdoor terrace is popular in the warmer months. 

Museo Civico “Ala Ponzone” is the town’s best art gallery with a fine collection of excellent paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th century. If your interest in stringed instruments lies beyond the violin, the collection of guitars and mandolins is sure to delight you. 

Cremona Hotel Impero  is close to the historic centre of Cremona and within easy walking distance of many of the town’s sites. The rooms are spacious and simple, but it can get noisy on weekend nights.

Visit the  Museo del Violino . Opened in 2013, this high-tech museum allows visitors to get up close and personal with some gorgeous Cremona-made violins. Be sure to ask about recital dates and concerts in the auditorium.

9.  Verona

A one-hour-15-minute train from Milan. 

The stomping ground of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, Verona is so much more than the setting of a Renaissance ill-fated romance. It boasts quaint architectural wonders such as the Castelvecchio fortress, the quintessentially Italianate garden Giardino Giusti (a favourite of Mozart and Goethe), the second-century-AD arena and Piazza delle Erbe, with its town hall (complete with a tower, Torre dei Lamberti), its baroque masterpiece Palazzo Maffei and its baroque fountain, whose statue called  Madonna Verona  dates to the fourth century AD. 

Pizza is not a typical Veronese dish, but chef Simone Padoan devised a gourmet pizza with top-quality ingredients and natural yeast that will delight your taste buds. His pizzeria  I Tigli , located on the outskirts of Verona, is both a local favourite and a destination eatery.

Verona is nestled in a wine region, so suggesting craft cocktails would be pointless. Instead, go to  Enoteca Segreta . As its name suggests (“secret wine bar”), it’s difficult to spot, but it offers a curated selection of both local and national wines in addition to some solid food options, too (remember: Italians never drink on an empty stomach).

Romance might be saccharine, but Juliet’s balcony does deserve a visit, especially because Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story takes inspiration from a local, historically-documented family rivalry. Nearby is Piazza delle Erbe, the town's forum during the Roman Empire era.

Eager to pair your downtime with wine tasting?  Massimago Wine Suites  offers just that.  

Make sure you visit the  Arena di Verona  during the summertime opera season, where famous works by Verdi, Rossini and Puccini are performed  en plein  air.

10.  Lake Maggiore

A one-hour train will take you to Stresa, where you can catch a 20-minute ferry to the islands.

The main draw of  Lake Maggiore  is its three distinct islands:  Isola Bella , Isola Madre and Isola Superiore. The centrepiece of Isola Bella is the baroque Palazzo Borromeo: while the interiors are sumptuous, the 10-tiered garden is a true masterpiece of Baroque garden design that has miraculously remained intact. Isola Madre is also home to a fabulous palace and gardens, while Isola Superiore harbours a quaint fishing village. 

Isola Superiore is home to some excellent seafood restaurants, of which Restaurant Casabella is the best.

The swanky  Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees  in Stresa was the backdrop for part of Ernest Hemingway’s novel  A Farewell to Arms , making it a well-known name all over the world. Room prices are astronomical, but you can always get a drink on the terraces overlooking the lake.

Embrace all the relaxation you can find. Get comfortable with a good book (the aforementioned  A Farewell to Arms,  maybe) and let the majesty of the lakes do the rest.  

La Palma Hotel , a lakeside property, has an old-school façade but modern interiors. Amenities like the Sky Bar and the panoramic spa will have you feeling like you’re in the lap of luxury.

Go on a search for the Borromeo family’s flock of white peacocks that are roaming the grounds on Isola Bella. It isn't every day you can peep a white peacock, is it?

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Milan

15 Best Day Trips from Milan

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is resplendent with options for the visiting tourist.

With its chic high-end shops, myriad winding streets to explore, and plentiful beautiful buildings to admire, there is a lot to keep you occupied.

Don’t venture further afield before you’ve climbed up to view the city from the roof of Milan’s Duomo, sampled a rainbow of flavours from one of the many gelato vendors around the city, and of course, snatched a peek at Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper – after elbowing your way through all the crowds.

Only then can you think about exploring the best day trips from Milan :

1. Lake Como

Head to Italy’s third largest lake for the day, and experience a luxurious cruise around its waters.

You’ll admire the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat, as well as getting the chance to take a sneak peek at the beautiful waterside properties on its shores.

Combine the lake visit with a tour around Como city at its southern tip, whose historic centre is sure to charm you.

Spend a relaxed couple of hours meandering through its pretty streets, and perhaps take a ride on its funicular, taking it all in before you return to the bustle of Milan.

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland

You might be surprised to learn that Switzerland is just a day trip away from Italy’s capital.

Hop on the Bernina Express from Tirano and you’ll be there in just two and a half hours.

The journey itself is worth it: this is the steepest rail journey in the world, ascending from 429 metres up to over 1800 in the Swiss mountains.

The stunning alpine scenery viewed from the train window will mean you won’t want to leave the train.

You’ll end up in the Swiss town of St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts.

There’ll be time enough to fully explore before you head back down the mountains on the train.

A visit to Bergamo is often combined with a trip to Lake Como, but it’s well worth a day of exploration in its own right.

With historic walls stretching for five kilometres to encircle the old town, and plentiful medieval architecture to look at, it holds significant intrigue for tourists wanting a pretty place to spend the day.

Ride the funicular from the bottom to the top of the town, and take a look at Bergamo’s significant monuments, such as the St. Maria Maggiore Cathedral and the Colleoni Chapel.

Finally don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate Bergamo’s incredible surrounds, with hills stretching for miles, all the way down to distant Lake Como.

4. Franciacorta

The Franciacorta region offers some spectacular, award winning wines for you to sample, in amongst splendid Italian scenery.

Get the chance to meet the wine producers themselves, and ask questions about the process of wine making, and what makes their particular brand so delicious.

The boutique wineries of Franciacorta really do offer something special.

And of course, what would a visit to Milan be without setting aside time for shopping? The Franciacorta design outlet has plenty of bargains to offer a savvy shopper, so make sure to get your hands on the goods here.

What could be better than taking a trip to one of Italy’s most prized romantic cities, waterway-crossed Venice? Though it’s hard to fit all of Venice’s delights into just one day, you can certainly try.

Wander its cool, cobbled streets, have a coffee in the famous Piazza San Marco, and perhaps stretch to riding a gondola through the canals for a truly luxury experience.

You’ll no doubt be suitably charmed by the sparkling lagoon and fantastic architecture that characterises one of Italy’s most popular cities for tourists.

If you still have time, head over to one of Venice’s nearby islands, such as Murano with its famous glass-blowing traditions, and perhaps purchase a trinket to take back home.

6. Cinque Terre

The picture-perfect Cinque Terre is a brilliant place to visit, especially for those who might want to get that perfect Instagram shot.

With layer upon layer of rainbow-hued houses perched upon hillsides, the five villages of Cinque Terre are sure to surprise and delight visitors.

Keep your camera out for this visit: you certainly won’t regret it.

These UNESCO World-Heritage listed lands are certainly one of the most picturesque sights in all of Italy.

You likely won’t have time to explore all five, but there’ll be time enough to wander round Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, grab an ice cream and watch the fishermen at work.

Pure bliss.

7. Lugano and Bellagio

Often referred to as the ‘pearl of Lake Como’, it’s easy to see why Bellagio merits a spot on the list of best day trips from Milan.

Simply sit back and enjoy the ambience of this wonderful city, sampling its best food and drinks.

Afterward, head over the border to Lugano, and enjoy the fabulous scenic delights of the Swiss Alps along the way.

This is your chance to sample world-renowned Swiss chocolate, and perhaps buy some as a souvenir for friends and family back home.

Or keep it to yourself…

8. Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands

Lake Maggiore and its cluster of pretty islands is certainly worth a day away from Milan.

Grab a hop-on, hop-off ferry pass and spend the day jumping from island to island across the sparkling water.

Start from Stresa, on the shore, and make your way slowly to Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori to check out their individual charms.

With the sun in the sky there could hardly be a more tranquil way to spend some time on your Italian holiday.

Be sure to take a look at the Palace Museum and Gardens on Isola Madre, and spend some time browsing for souvenirs on Isola dei Pescatori.

9. Lake Garda

You could hardly take a trip to Italy without paying a visit to its largest and most famous lake, Lake Garda.

Travel by train through the beautiful Lombard countryside to reach it, and enjoy its Mediterranean climate on arrival.

You’ll be able to spend some time out on the water on a quick cruise, as well as travelling to the gorgeous lakeside towns of Sirmione and Desenzano.

The ‘pearl’ of the lake, Sirmione has much to offer tourists: a fortress, a Roman villa, and the Catullo caves.

The port of Desenzano also has a spectacular medieval castle.

Shakespeare’s fair Verona certainly merits an excursion – and it is surely just as pretty as he described.

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet, through the streets immortalised in his play.

You’ll get the chance to see the very balcony from which Juliet wondered ‘wherefore art thou Romeo?’

Beyond Shakespeare, Verona has other strings to its bow.

Check out the fantastic Roman amphitheatre, built in the first century AD, or head downtown to take a look at the Piazza Mercato.

11. Genova and Portofino

This day trip away from the busy city sees you explore the gorgeous Ligurian coast.

Genova, Italy’s largest port, holds much delight for tourists, with many important monuments and an old town which has in part been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While you’re exploring the coastline, move further along to spend some time in the colourful village of Portofino and its neighbour Santa Margherita Ligure.

Take in the picturesque sight of fishing boats bobbing along the water, and breathe deeply in the salty air, before you head back city-wards.

12. Interlaken & the Swiss Alps

Who’d have thought that just a few hours’ journey from Milan lay the glorious Alpine scenery of Interlaken? After a journey on the ‘Green Train of the Alps’ you’ll find yourself in a different world from the busy city: mountain lakes and lofty peaks and gorgeous green countryside.

Interlaken is a great place simply to get lost, but if that’s not tempting enough for you, how about a sample of that famous Swiss chocolate?

13. Maranello Ferrari tour

One of Italy’s most well-known and well-loved appeals is the Ferrari brand.

If high-speed cars zipping round race tracks is your thing, this day trip will certainly be high up on your list.

Spend the day immersing yourself in all things Ferrari, with a trip to Maranello.

Check out the test track where factory-fresh cars are put through their paces, learn more about the brand and its history in the Museo Ferrari, and glory in the exhibits of old-style cars in the gallery.

For more Formula 1 fun, head to the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari to learn about its 40-year history.

14. Florence

Beautiful Florence is certainly a must visit on an Italy adventure.

It’s a brilliant place just to spend a few hours wandering round, but it also has a whole host of important cultural attractions, such as the famous Uffizi art gallery and the impressive Duomo offering panoramic city views from the top.

Make sure you check out the Ponte Vecchio, where the Medici family once trod, and the jewellers who set up shop along its length.

Italy’s first capital, Turin, is of course most famous for its shroud depicting the face of Jesus.

However, there’s a lot more to it than a length of cloth.

During your visit you should certainly make time for the baroque church of San Lorenzo and the cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Even just strolling along Turin’s tree-lined boulevards is a highly enjoyable way to spend your day, or sitting back to relax in one of its many cafes.

15 Best Day Trips from Milan:

• St. Moritz, Switzerland
• Franciacorta
• Cinque Terre
• Lugano and Bellagio
• Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands
• Genova and Portofino
• Interlaken & the Swiss Alps
• Maranello Ferrari tour

12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Milan's position in Western Lombardy puts it within easy reach of several rewarding day trip destinations. The Alps are so close that you can see them from the roof of the Duomo. Fabled Lake Como is less than an hour by train, and there are several towns near Milan with magnificent churches and cathedrals.

The beautiful cities of Verona and Bergamo are easily accessible, as is Lake Garda. Because Milan is the rail hub of northern Italy, getting to any of these places by train is easy, and high-speed trains make it possible to take a day trip from Milan to Venice or even to the Cinque Terre. Packaged day tours often make it even easier to explore beyond the city.

You can choose the best places to visit by referring to our handy list of the top day trips from Milan.

1. Lake Como

2. verona and lake garda, 3. bernina express to st. moritz, 5. florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake maggiore and the borromean islands, 9. bergamo's citta alta, 10. brescia's roman treasures, map of day trips from milan.

Direct trains from either Milan's Stazione Nord or Stazione Centrale take about 30 minutes to reach the small city of Como, at the southern shore of Lake Como. From here, boats leave regularly, stopping at one after another of the lakeside towns, each prettier than the last and each with its own attractions for tourists .

Within a few minutes' walk of the landings are beautiful gardens and villas, art-filled churches, and narrow lanes of smart shops. One of the prettiest towns on Como is Bellagio , set at the tip of a peninsula that divides southern Lake Como into two long arms.

Como itself is worth some time to see its cathedral; the rare frescoes in the 11th-century Basilica of Sant'Abbondio ; and the views from the top of the Brunate funicular, which climbs from the lake shore near the boat landing.

You can easily see Como's Roman origins by the neat grid of streets; one impressive Roman gate survives. The fact that Como was once a major center for silk production makes shopping for silk neckties, scarves, and clothing one of the most popular things to do here.

You can combine a guided walking tour of the town of Como with a scenic lake cruise on the nine-hour Lake Como Day Trip from Milan . The tour varies seasonally, with a stop in lovely Bellagio from April to October and a funicular ride up to Brunate for sweeping lake and mountain views November through March.

• Read More From Milan to Lake Como: Best Ways to Get There

The happy blend of Roman antiquities, medieval streetscapes, and the romance of Shakespeare's tragic (though fictional) heroine Juliet puts Verona near the top of everyone's best places to visit in Italy list . In the center of the historic district stands one of Italy's best-preserved Roman arenas , the site of a major summer opera festival .

A few streets away, the riverside castle has been brilliantly repurposed into an art museum, with fine views of the castellated bridge below. At least four of the city's churches are landmarks of Italian architecture and decorative art. There are several Roman gates and subterranean excavations from the same period to explore, but few of Verona's attractions get as many tourists as Juliet's house and balcony.

The two-hour train ride from Milan to Verona passes along the southern shore of Lake Garda , Italy's largest lake. The well-kept town of Sirmione , at the tip of a peninsula that extends into the lake, is worth a stop for its moated castle and the extensive remains of Grotte di Catullo, a Roman villa and spa.

Or you can combine romantic Verona with a visit to Sirmione on a full-day Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan . The two-hour guided walking tour of Verona is highlighted by visits to the Roman arena and the house commemorating the story of Romeo and Juliet. There is plenty of time to explore Sirmione and its castle before the coach ride back to Milan.

It's a long day, but you can get a taste of the magnificent Alpine scenery north of Milan by making the two-hour train ride to Tirano and boarding the scenic Bernina Express. In two and a half hours, you'll cross 196 bridges, go through 55 tunnels, and cross breathtaking gorges as you climb the Bernina Pass and descend into Switzerland .

The "Little Red Train" has wide vista windows for full views and good photography from every seat. The Bernina Express ends in the legendary Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz , overlooking a lake and the Engadin Alps. The train runs year-round, and the views are equally good in summer or winter.

On the guided Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan , you can travel by coach to board the train in Tirano, with time to explore not only that Alpine town but chic St. Moritz as well.

Venice is only 2.5 hours from Milan, and it would be a shame to visit northern Italy without seeing this fabled city, one of the most popular places to go in all Italy. On a day trip, you can easily see the highlights of Venice , including St. Mark's Square , the Basilica of St. Mark , the Grand Canal , the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace , and Rialto Bridge, and wander in the maze of streets and along the colorful canals.

You can get here by train or travel by coach on a Venice Day Trip from Milan , with a guide who will add historical insights to your visit. The 14-hour trip includes a guided walking tour and a visit to a glass-blowing workshop, along with plenty of free time to sample Venetian restaurants and take an optional gondola ride.

Read More: From Milan to Venice: Best Ways to Get There

Because of Italy's high-speed train lines, you can whizz from Milan to the Renaissance city of Florence in just two hours, leaving plenty of time for seeing the main tourist attractions .

Several of the top sights are an easy walk from the train station: Piazza del Duomo , with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistery; Santa Maria Novella; Michelangelo's magnificent Medici tombs in San Lorenzo; Piazza della Signoria ; and the Palazzo Vecchio .

An easy and time-saving way to get from one attraction to the next is with a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, included in a Florence Day Trip from Milan by Train tour. This tour not only stops at the attractions in the old Centro Storico (historic center) but will take you across the Arno to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens and up to the scenic overlook of Piazzale Michelangiolo. If art is on your agenda, you can add a skip-the-line admission ticket to the fabled Uffizi Gallery to this tour package.

In only 1.25 hours from Milan by train, you can spend a day in the city that the Dukes of Savoy designed as the Paris of the South . This elegant city of broad avenues and piazzas lined by arcades is a pleasure just to stroll around, but the sightseeing opportunities include a sumptuous Royal Palace , a heart-stopping ride in a glass elevator to the top of The Mole for views of the snowcapped Savoy Alps, and one of the world's foremost collections of Egyptian antiquities .

Turin is known for its cafés, where you'll feel as though you'd stepped back into the city's Golden Age as you sip a bicerin - Turin's own signature coffee/chocolate drink - and nibble delectable pastries.

For those who feel they must include something of ancient Rome in their Italy trip, there is an impressive Roman gate within sight of the church that houses the legendary Shroud of Turin (which is not on public display).

The trip between the five villages known as the Cinque Terre , whether by boat, train, or on foot, is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Italy. The tiny towns are separated by stretches of steep cliffs and connected by a narrow and often precipitous walking trail, and by a train line that tunnels through the rocky headlands between towns.

The colorful villages ooze charm, and although they are clearly not undiscovered, they still look much as they did before they became one of the most popular destinations in Italy.

While exploring the Cinque Terre in one day on your own is more complicated, from April through October you can take a 12-hour Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan to see the highlights of this beautiful coast. The five villages of this UNESCO-listed region sit on a steep, cliff-lined shore south of Genoa , and after a scenic coach ride along the Mediterranean coast, you'll travel between them by boat and train.

There's free time to explore Monterosso and Manarola, have lunch in your choice of local restaurants, or to take a walk on the coastal path for even more breathtaking views. The trip between the five villages, whether by boat, train or on foot, is one of the top itineraries in Italy.

• Read More: From Milan to Cinque Terre: Best Ways to Get There

One of the favorite things to do on Lake Maggiore , north of Milan, is island hopping among the three islands near the holiday town of Stresa. After a ride as short as 1.25 hours by fast train, you can take a boat to visit all three islands, their gardens, and palaces - and have time for a lakeside dinner in Stresa before boarding the train back to Milan.

Go first to Isola Bella , entirely filled by the sumptuous 17 th -century summer palace of Count Vitaliano Borromeo and his over-the-top terraced gardens. Citrus and cedar trees, cork oaks, and camellias overlook manicured beds of colorful flowers, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.

More gardens and a less elaborate palace are on Isola Madre , and the small Isola dei Pescatori is a quaint fishing village with - as you might expect - restaurants serving lake fish. A good way to see all three on your own schedule is on a Lake Maggiore Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Tour from Stresa, spending as much time exploring the palace and gardens as you like.

On a steep hill, directly above the tidy street grid of new Bergamo, the old city is a tangle of narrow, stone-paved streets lined by buildings dating to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Reach it by a funicular or by streets that wind upwards to the impressive gates in the 16th-century bastions .

Inside this atmospheric walled village lie most of Bergamo's artistic and historic attractions , many of them clustered around the sloping Piazza Vecchia .

The 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione, with its triple-arched loggia and impressive stone staircase, joins with the tall tower, Torre del Comune , to form the upper side of the square, which is bounded on the other sides by noble houses and a Renaissance palazzo.

At the top of the city, just behind the Palazzo della Ragione, are the Duomo and Santa Maria Maggiore , a Romanesque basilica begun in the early 1100s. The latter church is sumptuous inside and out, with Gothic entrance porches, Baroque stucco work, and beautiful Renaissance choir stalls.

Adjoining it is the Cappella Colleoni , an early Renaissance funeral chapel decorated inside and out with multicolored marble inlay, and a ceiling painted by Tiepolo. Opposite the chapel is an unusual octagonal Baptistery dating from 1340. About 40 kilometers from Milan, Bergamo is on a direct train line.

Brescia is in good company – too good, in fact. Surrounded by some of Italy's top places to visit – Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Milan – many tourists seem to hurry past without stopping. That's a shame because Brescia is only an hour from Milan by train (half that on a fast train) and has the finest collection of Roman remains in northern Europe .

You can stand in the forum and look down into the ancient street with its excavated shop fronts; above rise the impressive columns of the first-century Tempio Capitolino , which you can tour to see its remaining chambers and colored marble floors. Next to it is the 3rd-century Teatro Romano.

But the highlight of Brescia's Roman treasures is the Civici Musei d'Arte e Storia Santa Giulia , a complex that includes an original Roman villa and other homes with stunning mosaic floors. Walkways allow you to admire the fine detail at close range, and artifacts of this and later eras are beautifully displayed and interpreted. But this is only part of the museum that contains entire Lombard and Romanesque churches, a frescoed Nuns' Choir, and a treasury filled with gold work.

This is no ordinary museum, and you won't be sharing the experience or the rest of the attractions in Brescia with a lot of other tourists.

From its prominence as a major Roman capital, Pavia grew into an important university city, known today for its medieval and Renaissance buildings, and for the remaining examples of its original 100 medieval towers.

The impressive 14th-century Castello Visconti retains two of its immense towers and now houses history and art museums. Emperors, including Charlemagne, were crowned in the Romanesque Church of San Michele , and Pavia's cathedral is based on the designs of da Vinci and Bramante.

To see the remaining medieval watch towers , head for Piazza di Leonardo di Vinci, where there are several. The Ponte Coperto is an arched covered bridge over the Ticino River, rebuilt after World War II bombing destroyed the 14th-century bridge. That one was itself a reconstruction of the original Roman bridge.

The crowning attraction of Pavia lies eight kilometers to the north, the Certosa di Pavia , whose monastery is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in all Italy, showing the transition from late Gothic to Renaissance styles. The facade is a riot of marble inlay, friezes, delicate columns, and statues of saints.

Designed as the mausoleum for Milan's ruling Visconti family (you can see the magnificent tomb of the founder, Gian Galeazzo Visconti), it used many of the same artists and architects that created Milan's Duomo. You can tour the church on your own, but to see the exquisite small cloister and the artistic highlights of the monastic buildings, you must join one of the frequent free tours given by the monks.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Campo dei Fiori, Varese is best known for the Sacro Monte di Varese , a series of 17th-century chapels with frescoes and larger-than-life figures depicting Biblical scenes. The tradition of the Sacro Monte is unique to Italy's northern Piedmont and Lombardy, and Varese's joins eight other hillside pilgrimage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Unlike the others, Varese's is surrounded by a village that climbs the steep hillside, surrounding the chapels with tree-shaded streets and villas in the Art Nouveau style - called Liberty style in Italy. In the center of Varese, Palazzo Estense is the richly decorated former villa of the d'Este family, built in the 1700s below a hillside park and terraced formal gardens.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Milan : Italy shares both Lake Maggiore and the smaller Lake Lugano with Switzerland, and this Swiss region known as the Ticino is an appealing blend of Swiss and Italian cultures. Winter sports enthusiasts will find Milan a perfect base for reaching Italy's top ski resorts , as it is close to the Dolomites, the Savoy Alps, and Europe's highest Alpine peaks along the Italian/French border.

Exploring More of Italy : After seeing the beautiful gardens around northern Italy's three major lakes, you may want to visit more of the most beautiful gardens in Italy . For suggestions of other places to visit, see our page on the top things to do in Italy .

More on Italy

13 BEST Day Trips from Milan, Italy

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Whether the Italian lakes or the Bernina Express, the seaside charm of Portofino or the romance of Verona, these are the best day trips from Milan!

Welcome to Milan, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy.

This city is famous for all sorts of reasons. Its impressive architecture – it’s home to both the Duomo Cathedral, the 5th largest in the world, as well as the mediaeval Sforza Castle.

There’s also the art – Leonardo Da Vinci spent 18 years of his life in Milan and his legacy is recognised throughout the city with museums, statues, and a dedicated art trail.

But to me, a main highlight is the location. There are some seriously cool day trips from Milan just moments away. It’s a really good base for exploring more of northern I t aly and Switzerland too.

There’s the famous Italian lakes – Como, Garda and Maggiore are all easily reachable – to coastal towns like Rapello and Portofino. 

Not to mention that you can easily make it to parts of Switzerland (catching picturesque views of the Swiss alps on the train along the way). There are so many Milan day trips it’s hard to choose which one to do first!

That’s what this blog is for though, to help you decide which one is for you. I’ve also listed some of my favourite tours too so you don’t need to worry about a thing.

Right, that’s enough chit chat. Let’s get to it!

Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

Italy’s biggest lake, and one of the most famous in the country, Lake Garda is an awesome place to spend your day.

It’s a pretty simple journey: a two hour journey by car, or just under an hour by train (the most convenient station is Peschiera del Garda). 

At Lake Garda you can enjoy the views of the pristine lake and the mountains that surround it, though in my humble opinion the best way to experience the lake is via boat tour. If you’ve got kids, take them to Gardaland , one of Italy’s best theme parks.

Otherwise, spend some time strolling around the beautiful nearby town of Sirmione. There’s tons to see here, from the Medieval Scaliger Castle and thermal baths to the Roman ruins.

Bernina Express

If you want the best views of the mountains, the Bernina Express is the experience for you.

This is one of my favourite day trips from Milan by train, and it’s not even entirely in Italy. You’ll start out in the Swiss alpine town of St Moritz before boarding one of Europe’s most picturesque and panoramic train rides. Finally, you’ll finish in the Italian city of Tirano.

One of the simplest ways to do this trip is to take a guided tour. It’ll save you lots of hassle; otherwise you’ll need to drive 2 hours to Tirano to kick things off. I’d recommend this one as it’ll give you free time to explore both locations.

Want to spend a day in another part of Switzerland? Head to Lugano .

This is one of the prettiest Swiss cities. Sitting on the northern shore of Lake Lugano , there’s tons to see and do here. First up, there’s obviously the lake – a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat rides. 

There’s also Monte San Salvatore, a mountain with incredible views at its peak. Be sure to head to the top for a look at the views, you can either hike or take the funicular. 

Otherwise, stroll around Old Town or wander around the Parco Ciani gardens for the best lake views.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy so it’s well worth a day trip from Milan.

This is a series of 5 colourful, coastal villages, standing on cliffs overlooking the sea. Cinque Terre is about 3 hours from Milan by car, and there’s no direct train, so I’d recommend taking a guided tour . 

On this particular trip you’ll get a guided tour of Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, as well as a boat trip to La Spezia. That easily makes it one of the best Milan tours in my book.

This is one of the most famous lake in Italy, and the Milan to Lake Como day trip is as popular as they come.

On the shores of the lake sit vibrant, colourful villages and sweeping luxury villas, and surrounding it all are scenic views of the mountain.

You can explore the city of Como and its gothic architecture, have fun on the promenade, or take a boat cruise along the lake. 

Alternatively explore some of the surrounding villages – I’d recommend Bellagio and Varenna the most. A guided tour like this one will take you to both.

If lakes aren’t your thing, head to the Italian coast instead. Genoa (sometimes known as Genova), is just the place.

One of the highlights is the ancient city centre, Centro Storico. In this neighbourhood you’ll find historic architecture plus landmarks like the bronze fountain on the Piazza de Ferrari, plus churches and Gothic cathedrals that have been standing for centuries. 

Don’t forget to check out the palaces or the iconic Porto Antico where you can spot ships along the water. 

Genoa can be reached by train (1.5 hours), by car (2 hours) but there are lots of Milan tours that’ll take you here too. On this one you’ll also get to visit Portofino!

Rapallo and Portofino

You don’t have to visit Genoa to visit Portofino though. Instead, combine with a trip to Rapello for a proper day on the Italian coast.

Rapallo is a town on the Italian riviera, reachable in just two hours by direct train from Milan. As well as enjoying views of the water, check out the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro on the hilltop (take the cable car up for the best riviera views), as well as Rapallo castle on the shore.

From Rapallo, take a boat to Portofino and soak up the riviera. 

Bologna 

Bologna is everything you’d want from a classic Italian city: pretty, historic, and home to some pretty incredible food. I mean, it’s literally the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. 

It’s also home to the oldest university in the world, dating back to the 11th century. 

Anyway, I’d highly recommend a day trip to Bologna. Explore Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno (the latter of which is home to the incredible Fountain of Neptune). Head up one of the many towers to take in breathtaking city views and whatever you do, don’t skip lunch.

To get to Bologna, board a direct train from Milan. The journey will take just under an hour and a half. Alternatively, it’ll take two hours in the car. 

If you’re planning a trip to the city, then you can check out some of the best free things to do in Bologna here which should save you some £££.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is another one of Northern Italy’s famous lakes. But that’s not the main draw of this location as a day trip from Milan.

Actually, the Borromean Islands are usually the main enticer. This is a group of islands right in the middle of the lake, famous for their biodiversity, though the most popular for visits are Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. 

There’s tons to see on these islands, from grand palaces to botanical gardens. If you’ve got extra time, explore the town of Stresa, or take the scenic train ride on the Centovalli Railway – this will take you through the Hundred Valleys where you’ll see waterfalls and picturesque villages.

To visit Lake Maggiore, take the train to Stresa – it takes just under an hour.

Bergamo 

Bergamo is one of the quickest and easiest trips from Milan; it’s just 40 minutes on the train, or an hour by car.

Surprisingly, despite being an incredible city in its own right, Bergamo isn’t as popular with tourists as others. It’s a bit of a hidden gem actually.

Bergamo is divided into two sections: Lower Town and Upper Town. Upper Town is my favourite part – it’s ancient and the funicular up there almost acts as a time machine. Step through the iconic Porta San Giacomo gate and you’ll be greeted with historic Venetian walls, Palazzo della Ragione, and the bell tower. 

Explore Piazza Vecchia, the Accademia Carrara, and much more (I genuinely could go on and on).

Another super easy Milan day trip is Turin. Again, it’s just 40 minutes on the train, and there’s tons to see and do here. 

A city set with the picturesque alps on the horizon, Turin is home to striking neo-classical and Art Nouveau architecture. 

In terms of what to see, there’s the Royal Residences, including the Palazzo Reale, and museums like the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art and the Egyptian Museum . There’s also the landmark of Mole Antonelliana, which is home to the National Museum of Cinema, plus an observation deck over the city.

Nestled at the foothills of the alps, you’ll find the city of Varese. One of the main appeals of this day trip is the Sacro Monte di Varese , a collection of 14 ornately decorated chapels which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Other things to see around Varese include Villa Panza, an 18th century villa, as well as museums, ancient churches, and of course Lake Varese.

Varese can be reached in 50 minutes by train or an hour by car. 

Verona 

Finally we have Verona , probably best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can even visit Juliet’s house – Casa di Giulietta, thought to be the house that inspired Shakespeare – complete with its famous balcony.

There’s tons to see in this city even if you’re not a fan of 16th century tragedies: Arena di Verona (a preserved Roman Amphitheatre), the Ponte Pietra bridge, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. There’s also the Piazza della Erbe, Verona’s busy and bustling centre, where you can find shops and restaurants housed in Mediaeval buildings.  

Verona is just over an hour away by car or two hours by train. Alternatively, take a guided tour combined with a trip to Lake Garda. 

Those are my favourite day trips from Milan, but what are yours? Tell me all about them in the comments!

If you’re heading to the big capital city, then check out my guide to the best food tours in Rome . This is perfect for eating your way through the city!

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About the Author

Georgie Cunningham is a freelance content writer and strategist based in Bristol. When she’s not writing (or thinking about) content, she’s writing fiction, travelling, or chasing after her crazy cocker spaniel, Cosmo.

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5 Day Trips From Milan By Train

It is hard to choose only 5 Easy Day Trips From Milan By Train to share with you. Italy’s fashion capital is resplendent with options for visiting tourist. Not only is it filled with fashion, but it has an incredible history, architecture, and beautiful scenery to write home about.  

• Rail transport is the most environmentally friendly way to travel. This article was written to educate about Train Travel and was made by Save A Train, The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World .

1. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Lake Como

Our first Easy Day Trip From Milan is to Italy’s third largest lake for the day by train, and experience a luxurious cruise around its waters. What better way to experience the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat, as well as getting the chance to take a sneak peek at the beautiful waterside properties on its shores.

The central area of Lake Como is the most visited part of the lake, and although the north and south areas of the lake also have their places of interest these are generally less impressive: of course, having all the main attractions quite close together is also convenient for visitors with limited time.

Note that sometimes towns are close together, but separated by the lake! No problem, there are regular ferries across the lake so traveling around is easy (car ferries are less frequent and operate from fewer ferry terminals than passenger ferries).

Florence to Como Trains

Milan to Como Trains

Turin to Como Trains

Genoa to Como Trains

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland

You might be surprised to learn that Switzerland is just a day trip away from Italy’s capital. Hop on the Bernina Express from Tirano and you will be there in just two and a half hours.

The journey itself is worth it: this is the steepest rail journey in the world, ascending from 429 meters up to over 1800 in the Swiss mountains.  The stunning alpine scenery viewed from the train window will mean you will not want to leave the train.

You will end up in the Swiss town of St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts. This is where the rich and famous spend their holidays or own a chalet. 

St. Moritz is not the typical scenic alpine town. We feel that luxurious is a more appropriate description than beautiful . The surrounding area is beautiful though and combined with the special atmosphere of the town, a wonderful vacation is absolutely guaranteed.

St. Moritz makes a perfect base to explore the south of the canton of Graubunden . It is not a good base for day trips to other parts of Switzerland, as that would take too much travel time . It is, however, one of our top 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train though! Apart from the nightlife in town, the main activities here are the outdoors. If you like hiking, biking, or winter sports , you can enjoy yourself for weeks in this stunning region.

Zurich to St Moritz Trains

Zermatt to St Moritz Trains

Basel to St Moritz Trains

Bergamo to Tirano Trains

3. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Bergamo

A visit to Bergamo is often combined with a trip to Lake Como, but it is well worth its own place on our 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train list! 

With historic walls stretching for five kilometers to encircle the old town, and plentiful medieval architecture to look at, it holds significant intrigue for tourists wanting a pretty place to spend the day.

Ride the funicular from the bottom to the top of the town, and take a look at Bergamo’s significant monuments, such as the St. Maria Maggiore Cathedral and the Colleoni Chapel.

Last, but not least, do not forget to take a moment to appreciate Bergamo’s incredible surroundings, with hills stretching for miles, all the way down to distant Lake Como.

Milan to Bergamo Trains

Mantua to Bergamo Trains

Como to Bergamo Trains

Cremona to Bergamo Trains

4. Franciacorta

The Franciacorta region offers some spectacular, award-winning wines for you to sample, in amongst splendid Italian scenery.

Get the chance to meet the wine producers themselves! Ask questions about the process of winemaking, and what makes their particular brand so delicious.

The Franciacorta DOCG area is comprised of about 3,000 hectares of vines covering some wonderfully scenic rolling territory just south of Lake Iseo in the Italy Lombardy region. This is within spitting distance of numerous other famous Italian wine regions , such as Piedmont to the west and Conegliano Valdobbiadene (home of super premium Prosecco) to the east. 

This prime location makes Franciacorta a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a well deserved wine trip, just an hour’s trip from Milan, it is accessible and beautiful in equal measure. 

The boutique wineries of Franciacorta really do offer something special, but the shopping is also great too! The Franciacorta design outlet has plenty of bargains to offer a savvy shopper, so make sure to get your hands on the goods here.

Cremona to Brescia Trains

Bergamo to Brescia Trains

Milan to Brescia Trains

Treviglio to Brescia Trains

5. 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train: Venice

Our list of 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train would not be complete without including Venice! What could be better than taking a day trip from Milan to one of Italy’s most prized romantic cities, Venice? Though it is hard to fit all of Venice’s delights into just one day, you can certainly try.

Wander its cool, cobbled streets . Have a coffee in the famous Piazza San Marco. Perhaps even stretch to riding a gondola through the canals for a truly special experience. 

You will no doubt be suitably charmed by the sparkling lagoon. Enjoy the fantastic architecture that characterizes one of Italy’s most popular cities for tourists.

If you still have time, head over to one of Venice nearby islands. Murano is famous for glass blowing traditions, and perhaps purchase a trinket to take back home.

Milan to Venice Trains

Padua to Venice Trains

Bologna to Venice Trains

Rome to Venice Trains

Ready to experience 5 Day Trips From Milan By Train? Head on over to Save A Train Now! No hidden fees, no hassle! 

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• If you want to be kind to your users, you can guide them directly into our search pages. In this link, you will find our most popular train routes – https://www.saveatrain.com/routes_sitemap.xml . Inside you have our links for English landing pages, but we also have https://www.saveatrain.com/zh-CN_routes_sitemap.xml , and you can change the /zh-CN to /fr or /de and more languages.

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

12 weekend trips and day trips from Milan you will love

Great weekend trips and day trips from Milan, for a relaxing getaway in some of the most beautiful destinations in northern Italy.

Milan is a wonderful base to discover the north of Italy . Close to lake, mountains and pretty cities, Milan is well connected to the rest of Italy by roads and trains.

These are some of the best day trips from Milan you can take on your own or by private tours and some weekend getaway ideas for Milan, for when you feel like a proper break from the city.

This is our round up of the best day trip and day tours from Milan.

Trip idea: combine one day in Milan and a day trip to one of the destinations below for a fantastic long weekend!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission.

Day trips from Milan Map – our top picks

Our favorite day trips from Milan, Italy

Lake como – the most popular day trip from milan.

Lake Como is the most popular day trip from Milan for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled at the bottom of the Italian Alps, the lake has the shape of an upside-down Y, with its arms framed by beautiful mountain peaks.

Lake Como appears in the incipit of the famous Italian novel ‘The Bethroted’, which opens with the dreamy description of the Southern arm of the lake, and it is easy to see why this place has such an important role in Italian literature.

This place is simply idyllic. Whether you are here for boating, strolling along the lakes or visiting villas, it is hard to resist its charm.

Famous locations along the lake are glamorous Bellagio and Varenna, regularly featuring among the best day trips from Milan and Como itself, which is a pretty town with a relaxing city center and promenade.

In the good season, it is possible to enjoy lake Como from the water too, joining a lake cruise , swimming, or trying out watersports such as kayaking , SUPping and canoeing.

Tip for families with kids : do not miss ‘Jungle raider park’ in Bellagio, a fun adventure park for kids of all ages!

You can get to Lake Como by car or train or join an organized tour like the following:

Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna day tour from Milan

Lake Como and Bellagio Day trip from Milan

Day trip from Milan to Lake Como, including a visit to Bellagio and Lugano , in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

Lake Maggiore – great day trip from Milan in spring and summer

To the West of Lake Como and a short drive to the North West of Milan lies stunning Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy .

Glamorous, elegant and plain beautiful, Lake Maggiore is a great day trip from Milan if you like architecture and enjoy strolling around elegant gardens overlooking a placid lake scenery.

The places to see here are pretty Stresa, the impressive Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (museum and terraces) and the Borromean islands , in particular Isola Bella, about which Dickens said ‘For however fanciful and fantastic the Isola Bella may be, and is, it still is beautiful’.

Tip for families with small kids : bring the kids to Parco Zoo di Villa Pallavicino and enjoy the beautiful gardens and wildlife park (flamingoes, foxes, alpacas, raccoons and more!) or treat them to a day at the local adventure park for an afternoon of guaranteed fun!

Stresa is about 1h by car from Milan. Once in the area, you can use the local hop on, hop off boat to explore islands and gardens at your leisure.

Bernina Express – best day trip from Milan for mountain lovers

If you love trains or mountains, then the best day trip from Milan for you is a trip on the Bernina Express!

The Bernina Express is a train serving the Bernina pass, a beautiful Alpine pass between Italy and Switzerland and holds the record for being the steepest railways in the world.

The train connects Tirano to St Moritz, in Switzerland, and is a great way to spend a day in this glamorous resort town. Organized day tours from Milan take the planning stress away: have a look at tickets and prices here .

Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy and a popular summer vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. People usually spend anything between a weekend and a week here however, you can also easily visit it from Milan for a day or an overnight stay (recommended).

From Milan, the easiest and best places to visit on Lake Garda to visit are Desenzano and Sirmione , where you have the stunning Castello Scaligero, Aquaria (thermal baths) and of course the lake itself with its beautiful shores.

The best way to visit Lake Garda from Milan is by car since this allows you to explore several town in one go.

Once you are in the area, a cool way to enjoy the lake is by joining a lake cruise or participating in a wine tour . If you can, stay the night to make the most of this wonderful area.

Verona -best weekend getaway from Milan for couples and history lovers

Verona is world famous and can be easily reached from Milan on a day trip or, better for a weekend getaway.

The city has a wonderful historical center, a stunning position along the river Adige and two main landmarks, that attract visitors from all over the world: the Roman amphitheater and the so called Juliet’s balcony.

Verona is easy to visit independently so if you don’t mind making your own way there, I would advocate allocating a couple of day for the visit and allowing yourself to get lost in its center and soak up the atmosphere.

The city center has enough attractions and shops to keep you busy for a couple of days or you can combine a visit to Verona with an extra stretch to the countryside around Verona, for instance joining a wine tour in the production area of Amarone wine.

Trains depart from Milan at regular intervals during the day (sometimes as often as 3 times per hour) and take between 1 and 2 hours to reach Verona.

Bergamo – great day trip from Milan for UNESCO site lovers

Lovely Bergamo is one of the easiest and most pleasant day trips from Milan if you love charming old towns, beautiful architecture and sweeping views.

Bergamo develops at the bottom and a top of a hill: the lowest part of town is Bergamo Bassa (bassa=low) and the one on top is Bergamo alta (alta=high), the ancient part of the city, still surrounded by Bastions now UNESCO World Heritage.

The city is medieval in architecture and a delight to discover on foot. Piazza Vecchia and Piazza Duomo are among the most beautiful corners of the city but the best way to explore Bergamo is to allow yourself to get lost and let its medieval street take you.

If you prefer a guided tour, have a look a this private guided our of the old city and this fun Bergamo food tour , perfect for foodies!

Regular trains connect Milano Centrale to Bergamo in about 50 minutes.

Genoa – fantastic day trip from Milan to the coast by train

Genoa is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one that is easy to visit from Milan.

Good train connections allow you to reach Genoa city center in less than two hours and, from there, you can easily visit the main Geona attraction on foot.

There are two main areas worth visiting in Genoa: the historical city center, which is right outside the main station, and the Old Port, a short stroll downhill from the town center. Both can easily be visited in one day, but you need an itinerary as there are a good few attractions you don’t want to miss. Find our recommended one-day Genoa Itinerary here.

Tip for families with kids : The area of the Old Port is a paradise for small kids. It is home to a children’s museum, a pirate ship, a submarine, a panoramic lift and one of the biggest Aquariums in Europe, all in the same place! You can find our tips for visiting Genoa with kids here.

Weekend trip from Milan to Cinque Terre

If you have a couple of days and are looking for a weekend getaway from Milan on the coast, then you should do to Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Italy.

Cinque Terre are a series of 5 villages , perched on vertical cliffs plunging into the sea. They are famous for their scenic and colorful villages and they can easily be visited from Milan by train.

Getting there takes a bit of effort since there i snot direct train, but once you are there, moving around is easy and the views worth it.

Stay the night to have the time to train hop between all of them, hit the trails and admire the sunset from pretty Vernazza – unforgettable!

If you don’t have a weekend, you can also visit the area by joining a day tour from Milan such as this one : it is worth it but it is a long day, so be prepared for staying out morning to evening.

Top tip for families with kids : Cinque Terre are not easy to visit with a stroller. If you are planning on visiting with small kids or toddlers, first read our guide to Cinque Terre with kids .

Bologna – city day trip from Milan by train

International tourism mostly ignores gorgeous Bologna but ask any Italian and they are likely to launch in extensive praise for this city.

Home to the oldest university in Europe and famous for giving the world the sauce visitors call ‘Bolognese’, Bologna is a delight to visit and a very easy day trip from Milan.

The two cities are connected by the high-speed train Italo and it takes a little over an hour to get from one to the other.

The train leaves you in the center of the city and you can easily discover Bologna on foot. Not to be missed here are the city’s main landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and Torre degli Asinelli, and of course, the city’s legendary food, which you can get to know by joining a traditional food tour such as this one .

Parma – the best day trip from Milan for foodies

Parma is mostly known abroad for its food, namely Parmesan and ham, and indeed if you are into food and produce, there is hardly a better place to be than this quaint and cute Italian town.

However, there is more to Parma than just restaurants and cellars: the city is home to an old University, has beautiful churches and gardens and is home to composer Giuseppe Verdi, still celebrated in Parma opera house, worth visiting.

Parma is easy to enjoy on your own but to tap into the culinary tradition of the city, there is no better way than by joining a traditional food tour such as this one . If you have a couple of days, you can also join a factory tour, perfect if you love parma ham and parmesan in particular.

Top Tip for families with kids : Parma has a child friendly side. Discover what to do in Parma with kids in this guide!

Pavia – historical university town

Pavia is a university town along the river Ticino, less than an hour South of Milan.

The city was the capital of the Longobard kingdom between 572 to 774 and is home to thee second most ancient university in Italy after Bologna.

This long history means that Pavia still retains a lot of interesting and beautiful medieval sights (the duomo, the Basilica di San Michele and the city’s ancient towers are just some examples) and mixes them with a cool, university town type of vibe.

Just outside the city also lies the Certosa di Pavia, famous for being a beautiful example of Italian Reinassance architecture.

Pavia can be easily reached from Milan with a 40-minute drive or you can check out this day tour from Milan that also allows to you visit the Certosa and the Oltrepo Pavese countryside

Turin – an elegant city with Umbertine charm

Turin is very different from other Italian towns and has a distinctive Northern charm heavily influenced by nearby France.

The city has a quiet, elegant atmosphere and has impressive buildings in Umbertine architecture, churches and museums. I personally love it and find it an unmissable city, even a hidden gem!

Some non to miss spots in Turin are la Mole Antonelliana, towering above the city, Palazzo del Valentino and the famous Turin Duomo.

As well as impressive sights, Turin is also a city of indulgence and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without some foodie stops.

Turin is famous for chocolate, meat and truffle and not many realize it is also the birthplace of Italian aperitivo ! When visiting, make sure you have enough time for this early evening tradition.

To make the most of your time in Turin, you can consider the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tour or you can join a historical walking tour and learn about Turin as first capital of Italy.

Top tip for families with kids : the Egyptian museums of Turin is world-famous and very impressive for kids, with mummies and papyrus. If your kids love cars, they will love to know Turin, home of Fiat, has an automobile museum which you can visit at a discounted rate when buying the hop-on, hop-off bus tour

I hope you enjoyed this selection of day trips from Milan. Safe travels!

12 fantastic short trips from Milan – Pin this!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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12 Can’t-Miss Day Trips From Milan (& How To Reach Them)

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Michela

Milan is the perfect Italian city to make your home base, due to its wide array of transportation options and proximity to some of the most beautiful spots in the northern corners of the country. Plus, planning day trips is one of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Italy itinerary. Make good use of those extra couple days in your trip plans to explore beyond the city and venture into famous and hidden gem spots alike in northern Italy with these day trips from Milan .

Milan is the financial capital of Italy, situated in the wealthiest region of Lombardy. The region features all types of geography – from shimmering lakes to the fields of the Po River Valley to the beginning of the Italian Alps.

There are so many beautiful places in Lombardy, but Milan is also easily connected to other regions like Veneto or Liguria. If you don’t mind a longer drive or train ride, you can still make places in these regions doable day trips. Reference my complete guide to using trains in Italy so you’re prepared before embarking on your day trip.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

The Best Day Trips from Milan

In this travel guide, you’ll find not only a description of each place, but also a breakdown of your best options for transportation from Milan according to each destination.

Some are more easily reached by car , while others are more cost-effective trips using trains. The furthest ones (at the bottom of the list) are more easily accomplished by booking a tour!

Whatever your mode of transportation, they’re all covered in this guide. I hope you are inspired by these ideas for day trips from Milan and are able to incorporate some into your northern Italy itinerary!

The second-largest city in the Lombardy region is nothing like Milan – which is why it’s an incredible day trip.

While Milan’s historical structures weave themselves between the modern office buildings and designer shops, Bergamo showcases its place in history more boldly. Entering Città Alta, or the Upper Town, transports you into the past. This hub of historical piazzas, palazzos, and castles are all confined within the 16th century Venetian Walls, once built to protect the city from intruders.

The contrast between past and present is so stark, from the dramatic Medieval hilltop of the old town, with the bustling financial district of Città Bassa below.

I’m lucky to call this beautiful city home, so I compiled the ultimate list of things to do in and around Bergamo if you’re thinking about doing this easy day trip.

How to Reach Bergamo from Milan

Bergamo is one of the easiest day trips from Milan to make, which is why it tops the list.

You can take a regional train from Milan to Bergamo for around 10 euros roundtrip, with the journey lasting 45 minutes to an hour, based on what kind of train you take. I recommend the route from Milano Centrale to Bergamo Stazione , as these stations are the main stations in their respective cities, therefore centrally located so you can waste no time exploring!

Flixbus also connects Milan and Bergamo for as little as 5 euros roundtrip. Plus, you can always travel by car using the A22 Highway. Just remember you’ll have to pay tolls and parking fees if you choose that option.

Everyone has Lake Como on their bucket list – and it’s easy to understand why. Between the luxury villas, the brightly colored towns, the mountains framing each curve of the lake, every detail of this part of northern Italy is magical.

It’s exactly what you picture Italy to feel like, and while it can be a luxurious destination, there are ways to do Lake Como on a budget . You can do everything from renting a boat if you’re a water baby or stick to exploring the small, yet popular, towns nestled on the shoreline.

The towns of Varenna and Bellagio have to be high on your list – both boast stunning views and aren’t too far from each other, so you can fit them into one day.

How to Reach Lake Como from Milan

Lake Como is north of Milan. The journey is about 50 minutes to the southernmost part of the lake and one of the main cities, Lecco.

If the train is your transportation of choice, I recommend the Milan to Lecco route as the easiest starting point for traveling around the lake. In my opinion, Lecco is also a prettier city that’s less trafficked by tourists than Como.

From Lecco, you can take a ferry to reach towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Tickets will be from 5-8 euros one way, depending on which season you are traveling in.

If you navigate Lake Como by car, keep in mind that parking can be limited in small towns . Plus, you will be restricted to just one side of the lake – unless you pay to take your car on the ferry transport.

I would suggest also starting your journey in Lecco with a car, as there will be more parking options available. Then you can take the ferry around the lake from there. However, overall, this day trip is probably more suitable to a combination of train and ferry for budget-friendly and easy transport.

And if all that transportation information gives you a headache, you can leave it up to the professionals and book a day trip tour from Milan to Lake Como!

Parco di Monza

If you want to get outdoors but aren’t much of a sportsman, then a relaxing day at Parco di Monza , or Monza Park, could be a perfect day trip or afternoon break from the bustling city of Milan.

Parco di Monza is twice the size of central park – it’s HUGE!

With beautiful little lakes, wide tree-lined promenades, and the grand Villa Reale, Parco di Monza has a lot to offer. It’s particularly ideal for families to let their kids explore or couples looking to take romantic strolls throughout all of the greenery.

I recommend this day trip for those looking for something light and carefree to do – the park if beautiful, but it’s not a bucket list destination to visit. It’s also ideal if you’re spending an elongated time in Milan, for example, studying abroad or working.

How to Reach Monza from Milan

Monza is actually the closest out of all the day trips from Milan. The city is the next major city outside of Milan. In the next years to come, it will conveniently be connected to Milan’s metro, but for now the easiest way to reach Monza from Milan is by car or train.

Why not go to a different country for a day if you have the chance? One of the coolest things about being in northern Italy is realizing how close you are to the countries of France, Switzerland, and Austria. Switzerland is especially close to Milan – only one hour away.

The southernmost part of Switzerland is the Ticino canton, or region. It’s actually Italian-speaking, so even if it says you’re in Switzerland, you may still feel that Italian energy from the scenery and people around you!

Lugano is one of the main cities of this region, on the banks of Lake Lugano (which also stretches into the Italian border.)

You will fall in love with the glitz and glamour of Lugano, from its beautiful lakeside promenade to the high-end stores and casinos. Make sure to make the short (but steep) walk to the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence for a beautiful view over the city.

Also consider day tripping to the Swiss Alps using the Bernina Express. This iconic red panorama train has routes that start in Italy that go through the Swiss Alps and then return within the day! Find out everything you need to know in my guide to riding the Bernina Express train .

Also check out Locarno, Switzerland , another beautiful city in the Ticino region and easily reachable from Milan!

How to Reach Lugano from Milan

To reach Lugano from Milan, you will obviously have to cross the border. Check ahead of time that you have the right documentation to enter Switzerland .

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so they are in agreement with other European countries to not have border controls. There still is border control, but they likely won’t stop you when crossing over because of this agreement.

Things get much more expensive when traveling in Switzerland, so it’s more cost-effective to take a train. You can travel from Milano Centrale Station to Lugano starting at 15 euros.

You would definitely spend more on gas money and parking fees!

But driving in Switzer land has its ups too, as you can personalize your itinerary more.

If you are really strapped for time, you can actually visit Lugano and multiple towns on Lake Como in one day with a tour! It’s a more expensive option, but it’s a stress-free way to travel that guarantees you’ll see a lot in one day.

Val Brembana/The Italian Alps

One of the wonders of the northern regions of Italy is being set at the foot of the Alps.

The truth is, there are many areas to explore the Italian Alps that are reachable from Milan. Even Lake Como is technically part of them!

But if you really want the feeling of exploring the mountains, then my favorite spot is Val Brembana .

This valley is north of Bergamo and features towns like San Pellegrino Terme , famous for the San Pellegrino water, and Branzi , famous for its local cheese.

But there are also tiny hidden gem mountain towns like Cornello dei Tasso and the Laghi Gemelli, two lakes that you can hike to high up in the peaks. You’ll even see tons of waterfalls!

How to Reach Val Brembana from Milan

Val Brembana is about a two-hour journey from Milan by car, which would be how I recommend you get around.

The valley is obviously mountainous and as you venture further into the Alps, the towns are small and hard to reach.

Therefore, traveling by train is not a viable option!

It may be one of the more difficult day trips from Milan to make, but the scenery is well worth it.

Venture into a new region on one of your day trips from Milan, Veneto. One of the most beautiful cities in this region of romance is Verona.

Coined Italy’s City of Love, Verona is the home of opera and the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. There are so many amazing things to do in Verona – from visiting the Casa di Giulietta and seeing Juliet’s balcony to exploring the vibrant squares of Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe .

My personal favorite is making the climb up to Castel San Pietro on the other side of the Adige River and taking in the panoramic view over the rose-colored city. It is a must-do!

How to Reach Verona from Milan

Verona is a two-hour drive from Milan. This drive is all highway, so it’s a nice and easy day trip to navigate. Park at Parcheggio Porta Palio, which is free – unlike most parking in Italy’s cities!

The two major cities are also connected by train and bus if you don’t have a car at your disposal.

A unique way to visit Verona and the next destination I’m about to mention all in one day is to book a tour! While booking tours can be more expensive than DIY-ing your day trips from Milan, they can be way more time-effective. You won’t have to worry about navigating the roads yourself or dealing with multiple public transportation changes.

This tour takes you to Verona and Lake Garda in one day from Milan, maximizing your itinerary.

Pro Tip: Verona is a walkable city, but still wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking on lots of uneven cobblestones in the historic center!

Because Lake Como boasts the Insta-fame for its gorgeous villas and the celebrities who flock there on vacation, Lake Garda happens to be underrated. It’s the largest lake in Italy and while there’s no shortage of visitors or tourists in the high season, the extra space still makes it comfortable to explore and enjoy.

The lake is so large that it is in three regions of Italy – Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino Alto-Adige. The closest towns to Milan are those in the Lombardy region – Limone sul Garda or Salò, for example.

I’ve already covered the best towns to visit on Lake Garda , so reference that post if this spot is on your bucket list. However, the ones I would recommend as must-visit spots are Sirmione and Limone sul Garda .

How to Reach Lake Garda from Milan

Due to the mountainous terrain, there are only a few spots that you can reach Lake Garda by train . On the southern end of the lake, you can arrive at the stations Desenzano del Garda Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda .

On the northern end is Rovereto , but arriving here is still quite a distance from the lake itself. As a day trip from Milan, you can maximize your time better by exploring the southern end of the lake. In either case, you will probably still need to take public buses or the ferry ( timetables here ) to reach nearby towns.

If you have a car, you can be much more flexible with your itinerary. You can drive up the western coast of the lake to visit towns like Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, or Gardone, where there is Mussolini’s villa (for the history buffs!)

There are quite a few lakes on this list, but that’s because this is Italy’s lake region! They are all uniquely beautiful and if you’re one to go off-the-beaten-path, then you’ll adore Lake Iseo.

See my full travel guide on Lake Iseo for planning your visit!

Being that it’s a smaller lake than the others, you can maximize your time and explore a lot in one day. What makes Lake Iseo extra special is that it has a massive island in the middle of the lake – the largest island in a lake in all of Europe, called Monte Isola .

The best way to explore Lake Iseo is by boat , so if you can rent one for a day, go for it! It’s a magical moment to drift right up to the tiny communities on Monte Isola and take in the size of this natural mountain formed in the middle of the lake. Plus, there is the Isola di Loreto nearby, an island with a castle.

Towns like Sarnico and Lovere are wonderful starting points at each end of the lake, south and north respectively.

If you can fit it in, I also recommend ending your day with an aperitivo at a unique bar that’s on a dock, Darsena21. The hanging lanterns glow against the sunset as you sit beside the water enjoying a Spritz – it can’t get more Italian than that!

How to Reach Lake Iseo from Milan

Lake Iseo is most easily accessible by car . The drive takes up to two hours, depending on which town you want to stop in.

Sarnico, the southernmost point, is the closest to Milan, but not connected by ferry. If you plan to ferry around the lake rather than drive, then consider Predore as a starting point.

Without a car, you can take a combination of train and bus to reach Lake Iseo. The journey could take up to 3 hours, so I would suggest skipping a Lake Iseo day trip if you don’t have a car this time and fit it in on the next trip!

Crespi d’Adda

Forty-five minutes from Milan, in the province of Bergamo, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and hidden gem of northern Italy. Add the town of Crespi d’Adda , a municipality of Capriate San Gervasio, to your list of day trips from Milan.

Crespi d’Adda is an Industrial Age town built in the early 1900s by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, a cotton manufacturer. The town was designed to host the workers at his factory, providing them housing, community buildings and more.

Today you can visit the old buildings of the Industrial Age-style designed by architect Gaetano Moretti and the surrounding areas of the Adda River valley, like the Taccani Hydroelectric Plant and Castello Visconteo in Trezzo sull’Adda.

How to Reach Crespi d’Adda from Milan

The only way to reach Crespi d’Adda from Milan is by car. The nearest train stop is in the town of Treviglio, but you still have a ways to go before reaching Crespi d’Adda.

Crespi d’Adda is conveniently close to the A4 highway, so you just take that road east and exit at Capriate.

As the list of day trips from Milan nears the end, these last few destinations are a bit further from the city but so worth seeing they must be on the list!

Bologna is the food capital of Italy. All the pasta, cured meat, and delicious cheeses come from the fertile region. of Emilia-Romagna.

Bologna also boasts so much beautiful architecture and interesting history, appealing to anyone who visits. The Basilica di San Petronio is a gorgeous cathedral in the main square, complementing many other beautiful churches like the Basilico di Santo Stefano .

You must also admire the famous “ Le Due Torri ” in the city center and stroll to the University of Bologna , the oldest university in Europe.

Consider taking a walking tour to make sure you visit all the can’t-miss sites. Plus, the city is so full of history that having a guide explain the many historical structures to you allows you to fully experience and understand the city!

How to Reach Bologna From Milan

Bologna to Milan is nearly a three hour drive. While six hours driving in a day is pretty tough, it can still be feasible.

However, I suggest taking the train from Milan to Bologna. The tickets are cheap and you can take a high-speed train and arrive in Bologna in just over an hour!

I researched tours from Milan to Bologna, but I didn’t find any that I felt confident in suggesting. In this case, the best transportation option for this day trip is clear – go by train!

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre, or Five Towns, are world-famous as the most picturesque colorful cliffside villages of the Italian Riviera.

Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia , and Monterosso al Mare , all have something special to offer. You can swim at the beach in Monterosso, enjoy the easy-to-reach viewing point at Manarola, or take in the sunset on the rocks in front of the Riomaggiore harbor.

Read my Cinque Terre One-Day Itinerary to know exactly how to make the most of your time!

Being that Cinque Terre is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy, you may want to consider places less popular but still on the sea. Visit lesser-known towns in Liguria for a day trip – Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and my personal suggestion, Porto v enere , a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cinque Terre, and one of the most romantic places in Italy .

How to Reach Cinque Terre from Milan

One of the easiest ways to make Cinque Terre a feasible day trip from Milan is to book a tour. With transportation and guides sorted out, you will avoid all the stress of driving or navigating the multiple stops of public transportation to reach Cinque Terre. Therefore, spending more time enjoying it!

That being said, you can also DIY your trip by driving the three hour journey. However, you have to keep in mind that most of the towns are car-free zones. You will have to either hike or take the local train between them.

Journeying by train means arriving at Monterosso station and then choosing to hike or take the local train from there. The first leg of your journey can cost upwards of 60 euros per person and you’ll have to buy a ticket of 16 euros per person for the local train.

So, the costs can add up on the train journey or car journey when considering the cost of gas (double what it is in the USA, for example. This is why I believe a tour is the way to go if you only have one day to visit the Cinque Terre from Milan.

It may be one of the further day trips from Milan, but everyone knows the Cinque Terre are worth it.

To wrap up this epic list of day trips from Milan is one of the most iconic spots in all of Italy, Venice.

Venice is a must-do on any Italy trip. From St. Mark’s Basilica to the Rialto Bridge to the islands of Burano and Murano , there is so much to see and do in Venice.

The best thing about Venice is that outside the touristy neighborhood of San Marco, you feel like you have the whole city to yourself. You can find many of the narrow streets empty between the maze of canals.

And if you want to go off-the-beaten-path, there are unique things to do in Venice too, from rooftop views to an incredible piece of architecture, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo .

It’s also one of my favorite cities in Italy to take photos, as the landscape feels so magical in every picture. Check out my Instagram guide to Venice if you love taking beautiful travel photos too!

How to Reach Venice from Milan

The last one is the longest one – the trip to Venice from Milan is just over three hours. Being major cities, they are easily connected by both bus and train. The fastest train takes about 2 and a half hours, so it saves a little bit of travel time.

Although it’s a long drive, it’s a very easy one. You will virtually just use the A4 Highway. The only thing to keep in mind is that the actual center of Venice has no cars. You will have to park either at the edge of the historic center in one of the parking garages or on the mainland and take a ferry, bus, or train to the center.

I found this thorough and helpful article about parking in Venice if you plan to travel by car.

However, to get the most bang for your buck and explore as much as possible with only one day, I suggest going with a tour. For 129 euros, you can get a guided tour through the city, a boat ride, and stress-free transportation to Venice.

You can also check out my guide to Venice on a budget so you save as much as possible.

Final Thoughts and Tips for Taking Day Trips from Milan

Taking day trips is one of the best ways to make the most of your itinerary. It eliminates the stress of changing accommodation frequently and increases the potential of taking advantage of long-stay discounts!

Here are some extra tips to consider when embarking on your day trips from Milan:

Always factor in extra little costs – or at least expect them!

Often when planning a trip, especially on a budget, we underestimate how much we actually will spend. Consider the money you may spend on gas, tolls, parking fees when traveling by car. If traveling by public transportation, think about snacks or magazines you might buy for the journey. Little costs add up!

Always validates your ticket on public transportation!

Italy’s trains, buses, trams, cable cars – basically any kind of public transportation have a little machine where you insert your ticket and it’s stamped with the date and time. If you don’t do this and an officer comes around to check, you’ll be charged with a fine!

Leave as early as possible when taking a day trip with a long travel time!

Especially if you are taking public transportation, utilize the opportunity to catch up on sleep during the journey and leave early in the morning so you have tons of time to explore further destinations!

Consider buying a one-way ticket if you are unsure of what time you want to leave!

Again referring to public transportation, whatever time you choose to depart back home is the only time that ticket is valid. So, if you decide at the moment that you want to leave earlier or later, you have to buy a whole new ticket! I made this tourist mistake and it cost me an extra 50 euros to switch tickets.

Use Via Michelin to Estimate Fuel and Toll Costs

I just found out about this tool while planning my last road trip and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it before!

Via Michelin helps you not only plan your route but will also tell you based on the make and model of your car how much fuel you can expect to use and how much it will cost. This is a perfect way to create an accurate budget if you decide to use your own car or rental car to reach these destinations!

Those are my extra tips to take into consideration when planning your day trips from Milan!

Which one of these day trips from Milan are on your bucket list?

Italy Trip Planning Resources

• Accommodation : For Italy, I mainly use Booking.com to search and book places to stay.
• Booking flights : I like to search for flights through Skyscanner , but I also book direct depending on the airline.
• Activities & experiences : For things to do that require a ticket, and for more unique trip activities, I use Musement .
• Road trip : For renting a car, I get the best prices by comparing companies with AutoEurope . I then use ViaMichelin to estimate road trip costs and Autostrade.it to find gas stations/have live updates on traffic.
• Transportation : Traveling by public transportation is a great way to see Italy. I use Trenitalia or Trainline to book tickets for trains and Flixbus for long-haul bus trips.
• Accessories : I always travel with this portable charger to stay connected and with a universal adapter to accommodate Italy’s plug types.
• Need help planning an itinerary? Fill out my form for a custom itinerary request !

Save these ideas on Pinterest!

I hope your Italy itinerary is coming together and that these ideas for day trips from Milan are just what you needed to decide what’s on the top of your bucket list!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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Riding the Bernina Express Train as a Day Trip from Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most legendary cities. While there are many incredible  things to do in Milan , there are also some stunning day trips within a few hours of the city. In our experience, one of the best day trips from Milan is a ride on the Bernina Express train to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Bernina Express route, complete with panoramic windows and several stops, is absolutely stunning. 

This entire European train ride is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning beauty, ingenuity, and history. On our most recent trip to Milan, we decided to spend our wedding anniversary up in the Swiss Alps on this beautiful train, and we had an absolutely fantastic time. I mean, we  love  Milan and we chose to leave for a day to take this train. 

Needless to say, we didn’t regret it! If you’re on the fence, thinking “is Bernina Express worth it?” you can hop right off of it, because the answer is a resounding yes.

Is the Bernina Express worth it? The answer is a resounding yes.

This post is not about the Bernina Express itself, but rather how to ride the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan. So, if you are wondering “Can you do Bernina Express in one day?” the answer is definitely yes! 

For more information on the Bernina Express itself, including how to book tickets, check out my  informational blog post on the Bernina Express .  If you’re asking yourself “How do I take Bernina Express from Milan?” this post was written just for you.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that may earn a commission from purchases at no additional cost to you.

Follow us along in our vlog from our amazing time on The Bernina Express and in St. Moritz!

Can You Do the Bernina Express in One Day?

The Bernina Express is about a three-hour train ride. This is pretty short, all things considered, and it can definitely be done in one day. The thing that you need to consider is where you are starting from. 

The Bernina Express train ride itself may only be three hours, but the transportation from your accommodation to the stop where you get on and then the transportation back to your accommodation from where you get off can add significant time to your day.

If you follow the steps in this post, you will absolutely be able to do the Bernina Express in one day from Milan. It just takes some coordination on your part! I think it is well worth the time, and I even included the Bernina Express on  my list of the best day trips from Milan.

How Do I Take Bernina Express from Milan?

To take the Bernina Express from Milan, you will first need to get to St. Moritz, Switzerland. While the train does run in both directions, it is best to take the train from St. Moritz, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy if you want to do it as a day trip from Milan. 

This is because the trains do not run very late in the evening or early in the morning, and taking the train from Tirano to St. Moritz doesn’t leave you much free time at all in St. Moritz. St. Moritz is a beautiful town, and you should try to maximize your time there. The most up-to-date train times can be seen directly on  the Bernina Express’ website.

How to Get to St. Moritz from Milan

Since you will be taking the train from St. Moritz to Tirano, driving to St. Moritz makes no sense. Your car would be left sitting in Switzerland! Taxis are also not a viable option, as the drive is several hours. 

The best way to get from Milan to St. Moritz is via a combination of train and bus, which takes about 4.5 hours when it is all said and done. You can take a train from Milano Centrale station to Chiavenna, and then switch onto the route 4 bus to St. Moritz Bahnhof.

I recommend taking the earliest possible train from Milano Centrale to Chiavenna, as the buses only leave once per hour and you will want to get to St. Moritz as early as possible to explore. While an early morning might not sound worth it, the latest Bernina Express train from St. Moritz to Tirano leaves at 4:14pm. 

The Earliest Possible Itinerary Arrives in St. Moritz in the Late Morning

If you take the earliest possible train and bus combination, you will get to St. Moritz around 10:45am, which leaves you approximately 5.5 hours to explore.

We took a 6:20am train from Milano Centrale to Colico, then after a 24-minute layover switched onto an 8:10am train to Chiavenna that arrived at 8:35am. We then had 30 minutes until the bus departed at 9:06am, and it arrived in St. Moritz at 10:41am. This information is all also available on Google Maps, and they do a great job of showing you timetables and routes.

Tickets for the train should be bought in advance at the station or online at  Trenitalia’s website , and tickets for the bus can either be bough  in cash  on the bus, or online in advance on  PostBus’ website . 

For more information on using the train system in Italy,  check out my post on using Trenitalia.

– R E A D –

How to Get to Milan from Tirano

The Bernina Express train will take you through the Swiss Alps and leave you in the northern Italian town of Tirano. Tirano (not the big city of  Torino , by the way) is a cute little town with some nice shops and restaurants, but not much more going on. 

This is a good thing, because you won’t really have any time here! The Bernina Express train arrives at 6:39pm, and the last train (as of current timetables) departs Tirano at 7:08pm.

This leaves you about 30 minutes to switch onto your train. If all things are running on time, this is plenty of time to switch, as the Bernina Express station is no more than a two-minute walk to the regular train station. The train from Tirano to Milan doesn’t require any switches, and after a scenic ride along the shores of Lake Como, you should arrive in Milan by 9:40pm.

Stay a Night in Tirano

If you are worried that the timing is too tight, you can plan to spend a night in Tirano. It is a charming town, and staying a night is a great idea! I recommend staying at  Hotel Bernina  if you decide to do this. 

Hotel Bernina is perfectly located near the train station, so you can easily check in when you arrive in Tirano and check out the next morning before heading back to Milan.

Other Things to Know About Riding the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a unique experience that belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. However, there are some things you should know as you plan your trip, especially if you opt not to book a guided tour.

​1. Prepare for the High Altitude

​While the Bernina Express isn’t the highest railway in Europe, it’s still way up in the Swiss Alps. The highest point of the journey is at Ospizio Bernina, which is 7,391 feet above sea level.

While you likely won’t experience any altitude sickness from such a short time at this height, you do need to prepare for the weather. Milan can get pretty hot in the summer, but temperatures are much milder in the Swiss Alps. In the winter, you can expect a lot of snow!

There are a couple of opportunities to hop off the train and soak in the views. In the colder months, you’ll want to bundle up.

2. Best Time to Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is open all year. The landscapes are drastically different between summer and winter, and both seasons are beautiful in their own right! 

Personally, I prefer the views in the summer. The mountains are still snowcapped, but the valleys are filled with bright green grass and the lakes and rivers flow a fluorescent blue. When this is all covered with snow, some of the vibrant colors get muted.

​Still, the winter season is a great time to ride the Bernina Express. If you’re a fan of the Polar Express, this is as close as you’ll get to it in real life!

​3. One Side of the Train Is Better Than the Other

If you book your Bernina Express tickets in advance, you’ll need to select a seat. For the best views, you should sit on the right side of the train if departing from St Moritz. If you’re departing from Tirano, the best experience is on the left side.

At the end of the day, this is an incredibly scenic train journey. You will have breathtaking views on either side, as long as you reserve window seats. These train tickets often sell out months in advance, and if you’re stuck choosing either an interior seat on the best side or a window seat on the other side, I’d recommend the window seat.

4. The Alps Aren’t the Only Stunning Views on the Route

Don’t get me wrong. The Engadin Valley and its snow-capped peaked are beautiful, and they’re the main highlight of the Bernina Express day trip from Milan. But they’re not the only wonders you’ll see! The Bernina Express’ scenic route passes along the steep-declining Landwasser Viaduct as well as the sharp-turning Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

Both of these bridges are incredibly unique. In addition to them, you can expect quaint, cow-filled villages, picturesque lakes and rivers, and sweeping valleys below the rails.

​While the Rhaetian Railway wasn’t designed to be a tourist attraction, Switzerland’s natural beauty and striking landscapes have turned it into one.

​5. You Can Ride a Cheaper Train Along the Same Route or Use a Rail Pass

The panoramic train is truly special, and I recommend ponying up for first class seats if you can afford them. However, if you’re looking to save some money, you can book a ticket on one of the regular regional trains that use this same track. These trains stop at more stations along the route, but are significantly cheaper.

While they do not offer panoramic windows, they still provide great views of the mountains and scenery. You can also use a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass to ride along this route, but if you want to use it to ride on the panoramic trains you will have to pay an additional fee.

6. For a Longer Trip, Add the Glacier Express Segment

The Bernina Express route takes about three hours from start to finish. For most travelers, this is sufficient. However, if you want more time riding through the Alps, you can book further travel on the Glacier Express. 

The Glacier Express is a sort of sister route to the Bernina Express. The Bernina Express connects St. Moritz south to Tirano, Italy, and the Glacier Express connects St. Moritz west to the resort city of Zermatt. Zermatt is located about 60 miles north of Turin, Italy, and 50 miles south of Bern, Switzerland. 

Much like St. Moritz, Zermatt is known for its great skiing and winter sports activities. Both cities are among the best skiing destinations in Europe.

Hopefully this post answered any questions you have about doing the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan. While it is undoubtedly a long day, it is worth every second of traveling and is a really stunning journey. If you have any questions about doing the Bernina Express as a day trip from Milan, reach out by dropping a comment below! Otherwise, thanks for reading and have a wonderful day.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

15 Comments

Hello! Just a question, I have been tossing up booking a ‘Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail tour from Milan’ or to do the day trip on our own as you have described. Whilst a tour will be less stress on us, I’m worried that we will have very limited time in St Moritz to explore. Would love your opinion.

Hey Nicole! My answer highly depends on your situation. If you have a large group (like a family with kids) or you are less comfortable navigating around Italian/Swiss transportation, I’d recommend the tour. You will have very little time in St. Moritz this way, but at least you get the views from the train. If you are a bit more flexible and able to get around various means of transportation, I HIGHLY recommend getting there yourself. By taking the earliest possible route to St. Moritz (which includes 2-3 different trains AND a bus), you can have about 5-6 hours in the city before boarding the Bernina Express to head back to Milan. This is what we did (with a 6-month-old, I’ll add – so it is doable!) and we wouldn’t do it any other way. But we are also professional travelers, so our comfort level could be different. Please feel free to either send me an email or Instagram message if you have any more questions!

Helen Dickenson

Hi Greg, I am nearly 70 and was wanting to do the Bernina Express but was wondering if the train from Milan to Tirano and then St Moritz would be better than Train and Bus before taking the Bernina Express back from St Moritz to Tirano and then on to Milan. Bus travel is not kind to older knees and sitting for long periods whereas by train at least you can stand in the aisle and walk along the corridors kind regards Helen

I absolutely understand that concern. The timetables make this very complicated to do in one day, as you’d only have a couple of hours to actually experience St. Moritz. However, it can be doable if that is what you prefer! The bus ride isn’t very long and it is very spacious, so even with older knees, I recommend it. You can always stand if you need!

Hi, We are a couple with 3 kids. Can we park at Tirano and get on the train there? Obviously would need to return to Tirano as well. Thank you

You can absolutely park in Tirano and catch the train there. It is a lovely little town with plenty of places to park. Just try to catch the earliest possible train if you plan to return on the same day, as you probably won’t get much time in St. Moritz otherwise!

I have been trying to find trains from Milan to Tirano so that I can take the Bernina pass that way as we plan to stay some days in the St moritz area, is that possible?

Hi! Yes it is. You can take a train from Milano Centrale straight to Tirano.

Ann Marie Palumbo

Hello, This blog is very helpful. My question is when taking Bernina express to St Mortiz can we stay over night and then take Bernina express train back to Torino? Thank you.

Hi Ann Marie! You absolutely can. You can book the Bernina Express tickets as one-way trips, which gives you the opportunity to schedule as long of a stay in St. Moritz as you want. I’d definitely recommend it, too!

Thanks heaps Greg for the tips in this blog. Did this day trip a few days ago. Forgot to consider the winter sunset time when I booked months ago, so it was dark by the time we were around Poschiavo. Still, it was a fantastic trip!

Hey Leila, I’m happy you had a great time! I hope my post was helpful for you!

Hello is it possible to buy tickets directly at bernina express office in tirano train station?

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Home » Europe » Italy » 12 Epic Day Trips from Milan, Italy [2024 Edition]

12 Epic Day Trips from Milan, Italy [2024 Edition]

Every time we find ourselves in a new place, we have a choice. We could either explore it like a wide-eyed tourist or live the life of a local. When I landed in Milan six months ago, I vowed to myself that I’d revel in this city like a true Milanese.

Milan has a gritty splendour like no other. The old-world charm and the urban allure of this city kept me occupied for months. However, once I had explored every nook and cranny, I felt myself craving some more of the romance, literature, history, and architecture, Italy is famous for.

What better source to hit up than my local friends, they helped me explore the best of Italy via some incredible day trips from Milan, creating memories to last a lifetime!

Now, it’s time for me to share those experiences with you!

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Half-Day Trips from Milan

Full-day trips from milan, final thoughts.

Milan is a brilliant hotspot for all things fun and adventurous and there really is so much to do there . Its ideal location in Western Lombardy puts it within hours of some of the best attractions in Italy . Even if you have just half a day to spare, make sure you check out these Milan half-day trips for some thrilling experiences.  

Day Trip to The Fidenza Village 

You might have shopped at many malls in your life, but have you ever shopped at an outdoor shopping mall, housing more than 100 luxury brands? Let’s be honest, the Italians don’t do understated when it comes to fashion and shopping!

The famed Fidenza Village brings you up close to the envied collections of fashion powerhouses. This cathedral of shopping offers an unrivalled collection of designer items from the likes of Armani, Coach, Frette, Loro Piana, Missoni, Prada, Belstaff, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, and Versace. It’s definately one of the most intreguing places to visit in Milan .

The best part of this unique day trip from expensive Milan is that despite first impressions, there is something here for every price range… even us backpackers can pick something up with a ‘Made in Italy’ tag on it! The boutiques of this designer outlet not only offer great shopping opportunities for those with the means but also an interesting look into the culture of fashion in Italy.

Once you’ve built up an appetite from carrying those heavy shopping bags around this massive complex, or the freshly highlighted weight of poverty, it’s time to hit the restaurants. It will come as no surprise that this is no run of the mill food court. The wide gastronomic choices on offer are just as elegant and sophisticated, however many can be sampled without breaking the bank.

  Suggested Trips – From Milan: Fidenza Village Shopping Outlet Trip  

Day Trip to Pavia 

Just an hour from Milan, situated along the beautiful river Ticino, is a university town called Pavia. The short distance and the calming aura of this town make it a perfect destination for those seeking to escape the fast-paced life of the city.   

This town exists at the crossroads of ancient history and modern urban flair. The University of Pavia was founded in 1361, making it the second oldest in Italy. As you stroll through the town you’ll come across an endless amount of fascinating and intricate buildings from the medieval and renaissance era. Every now and then on your wistful wanderings, you’ll happily stumble across a dazzling local market to lure you in with its dizzying array of unique trinkets.  

After your stroll, make your first stop at Certosa di Pavia, a Carthusian monastery from the 17 th century. Time will pass quickly while you soak in the stunning Italian Renaissance architecture, roaming street to street getting lost in the historic atmosphere of the town. Be sure not to miss the town’s biggest highlight, The Ponte Coperto. This bridge is a symbol of the city, the original Roman version that saw the rise and fall of empires was destroyed during WW2. The reconstruction and reopening of the bridge in 1951 represented the rebuilding of this area postwar.

If you still manage to save some time, head over to La Torre Degli Aquila and relish in their creative meals, while enjoying the views of Maria’s medieval tower. A perfect way to end your Milan day trip exploring this town steeped in the tales of the past.

It’s always difficult to leave a charming town like Pavia, so the next time you visit, book some cosy accommodation and stay a while longer.  

Day Trip to Franciacorta  

A day trip from Milan to Franciacorta is an ideal way to spend some of your limited time in this region. If you have yet to experience the famous vineyards of Italy then this is the perfect opportunity to frolic in the green pastures and take some insta worthy selfies. The rows of perfectly lined lush plantations hug the rolling hillsides as the magnificent Swiss Alps loom in the background. Bloody gorgeous!

The wine regions of Franciacorta have remained a favourite of Italy’s aristocrats for centuries. If you want to spend a day experiencing the finer vices of the Italians, there’s no better place than Franciacorta. The tranquil fields also offer a perfect opportunity to take a respite from busy city life in buzzing Milan.

Here, the winemakers stick to traditional methods. They harvest the grapes by hand and leave them to ferment in oak barrels for a year and a half. Some of the finest wines in the world are prepared in this very place. It isn’t just the sparkling wines of Franciacorta that attract the aristocrats, but also the breathtaking landscape that keeps them coming back time after time. 

If you wish for a day of relaxation where you can treat yourself like royalty, then Franciacorta is the place to be. It’s also an ideal place to pack a flowing red dress and pretend to walk through a vineyard if that’s your sort of thing!

Suggested Trips – From Milan: Full-Day Food and Wine Experience in Franciacorta  

Day Trip to Lake Garda 

It’s an absolute travesty to miss out on Lake Garda – the largest and cleanest lake of Italy – if you are already in Milan. This majestic lake is just 2 hours from the city and is loved by the locals and the tourists alike so be sure to add it to your Italy itinerary . 

In addition to being expansive, Lake Garda’s crystalline water is breathtakingly beautiful, with incredible mountains rising magnificently as a backdrop. From the shore, you’ll spot numerous islands on the lake, each steeped in its own unique history.

On the southern shores of the lake is the charismatic and historic town of Sirmione. The town is littered with evidence of human civilization dating back 7000 years. One stunning example is the fortress of Scaligero Castle, surrounded by the lapping waters of the azure Lake Garda. The museum that the castle now houses tells the town’s rich history and the stories of the elite Roman families who used to reside here.

Before leaving, don’t forget to visit the famous Aquaria, the town’s spa known for its thermal bath. Perfect for relaxing at any time of year, but especially wonderful in the cooler months.

Heading to Lake Garda is an easy day trip from Milan, but once you get there, you might feel like extending your mini-vacation. If you do change your mind, check out Hotel Eden and enjoy its terraces that overlook the charming area or many of the other incredible places to stay in Lake Garda .

Day Trip to Bergamo 

The small city of Bergamo is a treat for all those who are searching for Roman history, medieval architecture and scenic sights. Situated in the foothills of the Alps, and littered with houses built in the Middle Ages, this city simply can’t be missed. 

Bergamo is less than an hour’s drive from Milan and is one of its most enjoyable day trips. The highlight of this city is the charming old town situated on top of a steep hill overlooking the “lower town” and the surrounding countryside. The monumental 16th-century Bastions and their imposing entrance gates provide the ultimate welcome.

Before you explore the modern part of the city at the bottom of the hill, take in the Venetian Old Town on foot first. Walking is the perfect way to take in this fascinating town and all its beautiful intricate details. Stop by Piazza Vecchia or Piazza Duomo and let the town transport you to times of long-gone eras and empires.

The charm of this city lies in exploring the twists and turns of the avenues, chic cafes on street corners and enchanting history down each street.

This is the kind of place you would want to lose yourself in, and if you feel like being a part of this old era for a night, check into Al Calicanto and experience Italy like a local, if not then there are plenty of great hostels in bergamo for those on a buget.  

If the high-end fashion malls, winding streets, colourful neighbourhoods, and iconic paintings of Milan have awakened your desire to explore some more of Italy , you’re in luck. Due to its central location, Milan offers a variety of wonderful day trips and with great public transport, they are easier than ever to take.

Day Trip to Lake Como

If you have been to Lake Garda, then you’ll know just how unforgettable the lakes of Italy are. Milanese are truly lucky because they aren’t just close to the largest lake in Italy, they are also less than two hours away from what is considered to be the most scenic lake in Italy – Como.  

Situated at the foothills of the Alps, this lake is shaped like a wishbone and houses some of the most vibrant and picturesque villages along its meandering shores. The calming aura and enchanting views surrounding the lake make it the perfect place to escape, unwind, and take a breath. Equally, if you’re after a fun filled day of adventure then there is plenty to do around the shores of Lake Como .

Visiting the many quaint and charismatic villages along the edges of the tranquil turquoise water is the perfect way to explore this region, whether by foot, boat, bike or car. This getaway is popular with locals escaping the city as well as the modern-day rich and famous from the world over. Just like in the days of ancient Rome, people flock to the opulent villas and lakeside towns of Lake Como.  

Suggested Trips – Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan , Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan

Day Trip to Turin 

Less than two hours from Milan, sitting right beside the river Po, Turin is a pleasant and captivating city. Turin was once the capital of Italy, and way before that, an epicentre of activities for the Romans. The city today has a thriving cosmopolitan buzz with an undercurrent of Roman charm.  

Like most cities in Italy, this one too can only be truly appreciated on foot. Walk the streets and be enchanted by the baroque architecture from up close. Once you’ve enjoyed a relaxing walk through the city, visit Mole Antonelliana. The spire of this former synagogue is an iconic part of the skyline of Turin. Today, this building serves as the National Museum of Cinema, one of the most visited museums in Italy.

Make your next stops Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, two landmarks of the city. These two breathtaking structures are steeped in history and offer a glimpse at some of the most impressive Baroque architecture ever constructed. Designed by the legendary Filippo Juvarra, Palazzo Madama made such an impression on Napoleon he chose it as his place of residence in Turin.

History buff or not, a day trip from Milan to Turin is akin to travelling back in time. 

Suggested Trips – National Museum of Cinema & Mole Antonelliana Tour , Turin: Zoom Torino Admissions

Day Trip to Lugano

When we said Milan was ideally situated, we meant it. Visiting Milan means one day you’re in Italy and the next, you’re looking at the stunning mountain lakes of Switzerland. You can’t miss out on the opportunity to jump over the border, especially when one of Switzerland’s most beautiful towns is only an hour and sixteen minutes by train. 

Lugano is a lakeside city in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. Located in the popular Ticino the city has a modern outlook with all the charm of a small Mediterranean town.

Located on the shores of the beautiful lake Lugano there is ample opportunity to explore on foot along the waterfront of the Old Town or on a cruise to one of the many smaller neighbouring villages. One of the highlights of the city is the San Lorenzo cathedral which dates back to the middle ages.

The two closest mountains to the city are Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, each offering incredible panoramic views of Lake Lugano, the town itself and the surrounding alpine scenery. The village of Brè on the slopes of the mountain offers a well preserved typical Ticino village to explore. So make sure to pack your walking boots for this trip!

If you fancy spending a little more time exploring this region a little further then why not stay at the lovely Luganodante in the city centre.

Day Trip to Genova

Nestled along the northern shores of the Ligurian Sea, the port city of Genova has an unmatched character you can’t find elsewhere. When the city defeated its rival, Pisa, in the 10 th century, it gained a reputation for its maritime power and is still home to the largest port in Italy. Its industrial side is contrasted by its reputation as the beautiful gateway to the Riviera, gothic cathedrals and grandiose architecture including the Unesco-listed Palazzi dei Rolli.

The narrow, hilly, and twisting alleys ( caruggi ) that make up the Old Town date back to the Middle Ages and have remained largely unchanged. Walking through the caruggi , you’ll get glimpses of huge houses, palazzos, and churches built by wealthy Genoese merchants of times gone by. The maze-like streets are a delight to wander, here you can be transported back to a time when the Republic of Genoa ruled over the Mediterranean. A bit like the bronzed ex-pats of the Costa-Del-Sol do these days!

This two-hour day trip from Milan is definitely worth taking. Genoa is in fact the largest medieval town in Europe, so it’s a pretty cool place to spend the day. Be sure to also check out the massive indoor market at Mercato Orientale Genova for a look at local life.

If you fancy visiting for a little longer the city has some wonderful hostels to stay the night.

Suggested Trips – Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour from Milan  

Day Trip to Venice City

Take the high-speed train from Milan and reach the renowned city of Venice in just two and a half hours. Venice might be popular , but with good reason. The aura and mystic surrounding this city are well-founded, it really is like nowhere else in the world. Ornate marble palaces and grand piazzas built floating in a lagoon in true audacious Venitian style. Instead of cobbled streets, a warren of narrow canals leading to the aptly named, Grand Canal.

There is good reason this is one of the most hyped Milan Day trips, this floating city has endless amounts of charm offering a unique experience due to the outlandish nature of the ancient Venetians. From opulent gothic palaces and sumptuous domed basilicas to local neighbourhoods where the washing dries strung over quiet canals and kids play football in tiny courtyards. I’d be raging if some kids knocked my undies in the water!

Begin your exploration of this great city with St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the beating majestic heart of Venice. This is the ultimate introduction to Venitian culture and architecture and it’s also home to many of the main sights you’ve come here to marvel at. The Byzantine spectacle of the Basilica di San Marco, the gothic Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s clocktower, and the Campanile are all here. The clocktower, in particular, gives great panoramic views over the city.

Make your next stop the Bridge of Sighs, the tragic yet beautiful architectural landmark that can’t be missed. The beauty of its design is only amplified by the irony that many prisoners crossed well aware of their ill fate, hence the sighs as they took their last look out at Venice.

Whilst exploring give yourself time to escape the busy streets and alleyways around St. Marks and just simply allow yourself time to get lost in the quieter more local areas too. If you decide to extend your trip, have a look at the awesome hostels Venice has to offer.

Suggested Trips – Venice: Full-Day Trip from Milan with Guided City Tour   

Day Trip to Bologna

Just under two and a half hours away is Bologna, a city of contrasts, it combines down to earth grit with regal opulence. Known as “Las Grassa” or “The Fat One”, it’s home to come of Italy’s finest restaurants, which is quite some feat lets be honest. You might have guessed already from the name, but the city is famous as the home of the ever popular ‘Bolognase’ sause. It would be rude not to give the authentic version a try… just don’t call it gravy (I’m looking at you America!)

If you fancy a challenge on your day trip from Milan to Bologna, how about scaling the Asinelli Tower, one of “ Le due torri ” that have become a symbol of the city. Both of these thin towers, constructed between 1109 and 1119 lean in opposite directions (Seriously, what is it with Italians and leaning towers !) Burn off some of that delicious food climbing the 498 narrow and rickety wooden steps to the top. If you dare to complete the climb you’ll be rewarded with some breathtaking views over the city, especially at sunset.

Bologna is also home to Europe’s oldest university – the University of Bologna– established in 1088. Despite it’s age, this is where the rebellious and politically active youth hang out, in graffiti filled piazzas and trendy cafes.

Then it’s time to walk the endless porticoes of Bologna and admire the unmatched architectural designs, the play of light and shadows, the symbolic columns, and the magnificent frescos. Many of the porticoes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of them date back to the Middle Ages, while others were built as late as the 20 th century, to accommodate the ever-growing student population.  

Fancy staying a little longer? Check out the wondeful hostels Bologna has to offer.

Suggested Trips – City Centre Walking Tour

Day Trip to Varese

If you’re not in the mood for metropolitan hustle and bustle, and instead need some respite from chaotic city life, head over to sleepy Varese. Just 50 minutes from Milan, Varese is the ultimate getaway destination to help you stop, relax and take a breather.

Nicknamed “Garden City,” Varese is home to numerous public parks and gardens. It sits nestled at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori di Varese mountain and is surrounded by several expansive national parks including Cinque Vette Park which is home to another five mountain peaks. Here you get the charm of the countryside in a vibrant little city.

Varese is also known for it’s many Art Nouveau buildings and villas, including the famously abandoned, Grand Hotel Campo Dei Fiori that sits on the mountainside overlooking the city. How very ‘accidentally Wes Anderson!”

Once described as Milan’s little Versailles, it’s easy to see why when you visit the glorious Palazzo Estense. This Baroque palace completed in 1760 was once the home of dukes and nobility, today its the local town hall. Take in the best views from nearby Belvedere hill.

Take a laidback stroll down the main street of Corso Matteotti taking in the Mera Arch, the Basilica of San Vittore and the 12th century Baptistery of San Giuseppe which houses some amazingly preserved frescos.

If you want to take more time to explore, or even use Varese as a base to explore Milan and it’s surroundings given how close it is, why not check out this farmstay with a Lakeview .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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When you visit Italy there really is so much to see and do and it’s all so varied with stunning mountain towns, majestic lakes dotted with villages and well preserved historic cities. Italy has something for everyone and it can be hard not to want to explore the entire country.

Thankfully, Milan is perfectly placed to take in the highlights of Northern Italy. The real challenge if you have limited time is picking which ones to visit, especially when there’s so much to do in Milan itself too. It is the perfectly preserved medival town of bergamo. The legendary floating city of Venice or the effortlessly sophisticated charm of Lake Como or Garda.

Which one-day trip from Milan will you choose for your adventure? Remember to stay somewhere in Milan close to good public transport links in order to maximise your time to explore.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Nic Hilditch-Short

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Day trip from Milan, just Varenna enough ? - Lake Como Forum

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This is a regional train, so buy paper tickets. E-tickets require internet connectivity for confirmation in advance.

Sounds good , thank you

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For a fall day trip from San Jose, California, head to Half-Moon Bay

Oct 8, 2021 • 5 min read

From local beach towns for surfing to some of the best wine vineyards in the world, day trips from Santa Cruz are sure to please

With a prime location between major cities, popular attractions, state parks and sandy beaches, you couldn’t ask for a better base than San Jose for exploring what the Bay Area has to offer. 

From local beach towns to wildlife spotting, kelp forests and California’s most famous wine region, these are the best day trips from San Jose, all within a two-hour drive, bus, or train ride from the city.  

Half Moon Bay 

If you don’t want to deal with the traffic heading to Santa Cruz over Highway 17, Half Moon Bay is another beautiful beach town near San Jose. Visit the four-mile Half Moon Bay State Beach , walk the breezy Coastside Trail, explore the shops along Main Street and indulge in fresh crab cakes from Sam’s Chowder House. If you’re visiting in October, Half Moon Bay goes all in on fall festivities. It’s not only the pumpkin capital of the world with its numerous pumpkin patches, it’s also where the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place each year. 

How to get to Half Moon Bay: Take Caltrain from Diridon Station to Hillsdale, then hop on bus 294 which drops you off in downtown Half Moon Bay. 

From pristine beaches to windswept walks, redwood forests and a classic seaside amusement park, there’s a lot to love about Santa Cruz . Santa Cruz is not only an ideal family day trip from San Jose, it’s for anyone who wants to explore one of California’s most scenic beach towns. Spend your day shopping along Pacific Avenue, riding the Big Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , walking West Cliff Drive and visiting one of the city’s many beaches . Before calling it a day, enjoy a sit-down meal from El Palomar and a decadent hot chocolate from Chocolate.  

How to get to Santa Cruz: Take the hour-long Highway 17 Express bus from Diridon Station. 

San Francisco

San Jose might be the capital of Silicon Valley but San Francisco is the heart of the Bay Area. Located just 50 miles north, San Francisco is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from San Jose and the perfect destination for those looking for a busier atmosphere and more tourist attractions. Although you could spread out your time in San Francisco over a few days, with the city’s compact nature of 47 square miles, it’s easy to see a lot in just a day. 

Explore the main sights such as Alcatraz , the Golden Gate Bridge , Coit Tower , Fisherman’s Wharf , Chinatown and Lombard Street . If you’re looking for something quieter and more nature-focused for the day, head further north to Muir Woods or the Marin Headlands . Before you head back to San Jose, grab dinner at Burma Superstar or La Taqueria and a drink from one of the city’s many tiki bars.

How to get to San Francisco: From Diridon Station, take Caltrain to 4th & King in San Francisco. The journey takes about an hour and a half normally or just an hour on the baby bullet (Caltrain’s express train). Alternatively, you can take BART from Berryessa/North San Jose Station to any of the BART stations in San Francisco for an hour and fifteen-minute trip.

Año Nuevo State Park 

It’s not every day you get to see thousands of Northern California Elephant Seals take over a beach in preparation for mating rituals, breeding and molting. Año Nuevo State Park is one of the best places to learn more about these impressive animals and see them in their natural habitat. Visit the park during breeding season from December 15th to March 31st when the seals are at their most active. Guided walks with a docent are required at this time of the year and should be reserved ahead of time.

How to get to Año Nuevo State Park: There aren’t any good public transit options to get to the park, but driving there takes just over an hour.   

Monterey Bay Aquarium 

Known as one of the best and most diverse aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the perfect day trip to enjoy with kids or anyone who loves the ocean. The main attraction to not miss is the 28-foot giant kelp forest exhibit where leopard sharks, colorful fish and eels flit in and out of a mesmerizing underwater forest. After finishing up at the aquarium, explore the rest of Monterey with its many aquamarine beaches, seafood restaurants and bayside attractions like Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If you have more time and a car, road trip the 17-Mile Drive and end with dinner in charming Carmel-by-the Sea before heading back up north.    

How to get to Monterey Bay Aquarium: Take the Monterey Airbus from the San Jose International Airport to Calle Principal and then take bus 1, 2, Jazz A or Jazz B to the aquarium. 

Napa Valley 

Although there’s a lot of quality wine tasting right next to San Jose in the Santa Cruz Mountains, there’s nothing quite like exploring California’s most popular wine region, the Napa Valley . Covering 789 square miles and housing over 375 wineries that are open for tastings, saying there’s more than enough to keep you busy would be an understatement. Plan on visiting 3-4 scenic wineries for the day and grab a nice lunch from Oxbow Public Market in between tastings. 

How to get to Napa Valley: The easiest way to get up to the Napa Valley is to drive. The journey takes around an hour and a half, just make sure you have a designated driver if you plan to be drinking. Alternatively, there are limited wine bus tours to Napa that leave from San Jose. 

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Find cheap flights from San Jose to Milan from $493

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Do I need a passport to fly between San Jose and Milan?

Yes, you’ll need a passport to travel to Milan from San Jose.

Which airports will I be using when flying from San Jose to Milan?

On your way to Milan, you’ll fly out from San Jose. You’ll be landing in one of Milan’s 2 airports: Milan Linate or Milan Malpensa.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Jose to Milan?

We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from San Jose to Milan?

SkyTeam, oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San Jose and Milan, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

Which is the best airline for flights from San Jose to Milan, Delta or KLM?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San Jose to Milan are Delta and KLM. With an average price for the route of $811 and an overall rating of 8.0, Delta is the most popular choice. KLM is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $716 and an overall rating of 7.8.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Jose to Milan?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from San Jose to Milan.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Jose to Milan?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Milan from San Jose is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from San Jose to Milan?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Milan with an airline and back to San Jose with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Jose to Milan?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Milan from San Jose up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top 5 airlines serving from San Jose to Milan

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

The landing was bad and the hostess came two times and i was sleeping but when she served the person that nexts to me I woke up and she didn’t even asked me if I need any drink or snacks two times!!!!

Plane was late because of a mechanical malfunction and the food listed as available was not. Flight attendants seem over worked and under paid. They just done seem happy. And that can be seen in their faces.

Waited 3 hours on a plane to de-ice due to manpower issues. Waited another hour and a half once we landed because of a gate issue. Missed my connections. Created. A total of 13 hours of delay.

Great, on time departure, friendly and accommodating crew, great leg room, Smith flight

Plane was turned around due to fog half way into the flight, Delta did not properly direct passengers to stay on same flight and instead failed to properly rebook on Alaska

Honestly, I didn’t expect that I will experience this long time wait during the check in. There was only one person who was taking care of the passengers for the economy class and it took us to wait about one hour to do our check i. As a result we barely get to the airplane as the gate was at the end of the airport. That is totally not professional where one crue is working at the registration desk with economy and 3-4 crues are helping for the business class.

Like most domestic flights in the US, you are basically on your own with this airline when it comes to food, so be sure to purchase meals and drinks ahead of time or expect to arrive starving and dehydrated (like I was).

You need to be a hacker to get the (Free) WiFi

I guess they don’t serve drinks on planes anymore

The food from Lagos to Amsterdam was was very poor compared to AMS-YYZ

Booked connecting flights with KlM. My serving flight was the furthest part of the airport. On arrival in Zurich. My two cases arrived but only one carry on belong to my son. His three suitcase didn't arrive. After enquiring we discovered they were still in Amsterdam. We landed at 11.12. We eventually left the airport just after one.

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

One of the vstewardeses wanted to bump me of the plane for absolutely nothing. There is CCTV in the plane ans everything can be verified. Very disappointing , you all will see, o other 5 years and the passangers who does not smile to flight attendent will be bumped off...

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

The plane was clean and the staff was friendly. Food and drinks as expected on international flights. The entertainment system was old style, with a pullout controller, and selections not as extensive as on other flights.

The boarding was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The fault lays on Ohare Airport and not so much the airline. The waiting area by the gate was the size to accommodate a regional flight for 20-30 people and right next to a busy walkway. When you cramped nearly 300 passengers into that space is was unbearable.

All and all pretty good. It’s crowded but that is what flying is all about. But no complaints otherwise.

At the transit could be less time not like 12 hour 6 hours the mix should be 4 hour, thanks

Seats actually fit a human! Snack options were a bit lame but that’s ok

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

United WiFi is consistently unusable (it can take 10 mins to load a single web page). If you need Wifi to do work, be prepared to lose half a day of productivity.

Awful. I got stuck next to a person carrying a dog and behind someone with a dog. People need to board these dogs downstairs. The cabin is crowded enough with your pets

Packed in like sardines, very uncomfortable. Sitting the aisle my shoulder was rammed into numerous times by rushing flight attendants. Also flight was very cold.

the head jack on my seat didn't work and the power outlet didn't work for my seat

Beverage and food services are excellent. We enjoy paying the extra for economy plus for the 3 inches more leg room to be exact.

Left 2 hours later for delayed I had to take care a kid with special need since people don’t want to move to accommodate the rest of the family. . It wasn’t bad but that made me upset that people can be that selfish.

Flight was delayed by 3 hours. The pilot made up 1 hour during the flight, but that made the wait at the airport 5 hours once you factor getting there 2 hours early.

For a 22 minute flight all you expect is for it to be safe and comfortable

Flight was on time. Staff were friendly. I paid for Economy Plus but was required to check my standard carry-on luggage due to lack of space on the aircraft. This cost me 30 minutes, unexpectedly, in waiting at the baggage claim. This experience did not meet my expectations.

Crew were attentive and friendly. Flight was smooth and early! I enjoyed the less crowded plane. Thank you!

We are gluten free, there were not any available complimentary gluten free options.

No meal on a cross country flight? SFO-MiA is pretty much the definition of a coast to coast flight. No meal provided. Sky high wi-fi rates too. Stop nickel and diming your customers.

The staff was unprofessional and didn’t communicate very well. The boarding process was very disheveled, potentially due to a power outage the previous day but there was no contingency plan to properly get passengers boarded the following day. Once boarded the aircraft stayed on the tarmac for over 45 minutes due to high winds. The communication was sporadic but an announcement was finally made an additional 30 minutes later that the flight was cancelled but we couldn’t get off the plane. Prior to deplaning one of the gate agents came on the plane and made an announcement for everyone to pickup their checked bags and take a card to rebook a new reservation because they didn’t have adequate staff. Flights were missed, passengers went to different airports and there was little to no assistance from AA.

You cancelled my flight by email then made it very difficult to get in contact with you. Then put me in a flight with a long layover in Mexico returning to the wrong airport in uk. Mind blowing my stressful. I missed see my grand dad because of you.

Apart from the delay due to unforeseen circumstances. The leg from sjc to dfw was fine. It was the leg from dfw to orf that we encountered issues mainly due to the flight attendant crew not being friendly. We had two small children and we needed some assistance to warm up milk so the baby would sleep. The crew just didn’t get it and made things very difficult. One made a remark that the baby’s dirty diaper smell was a “gift” to the plane in a rude way. Normally I’d brush that off as a funny comment if the rest of the trip the attendants were helpful or understanding of the difficulty we faced. But that wasn’t the case. We were met with rudeness on the second leg. Whereas on the first leg the crew were so nice and helpful.

This was not the BA business class it used to be. Mediocre food, attendants seemed stretched thin. All the little luxuries that used to make BA business fun were missing. Flight delayed and the explanation given was they forgot to pick up crew - I hope I misheard! Transfer in LHR “sticky” - we thought we had way too much time at 3hours but it was needed. Next time will try different route.

Flight From PHX to CVG was on time, very professional staff

The food at Admirals Club was really great Pijamas were a nice feature The flight attendant was very nice and great attitude The aa.com does not work well specially internet service Overall a very good flight .

Flight was delayed and missed connecting flight. Did not give warning about delay until we showed up at the airport. Not good.

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

Horrible seat allocation. Boarding was slow. Food was average and so was entertainment. The TV terminal didn't work and so had to use remote.

Lost one checked bag.and wasted 30min waiting and filing missing baggage report. Very unsatisfied.

I’m not happy because I discovered there is something wrong and my miles have not been getting put on my AA account. So this needs to be fixed because I have traveled a lot since October and none of my miles are registered

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

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San Jose (SJC) United States

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