Why would you want to leave Milan? It’s a question that would keep anyone awake at night. Milano has it all – high fashion, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Spending a few days in Milan is enough to make you fall in love with the capital of Lombardy. Your visit here deserves an accommodation that’s just as beautiful. Milan’s boutique hotels fit that bill. But if you want a retreat with complete amenities, the serviced apartments are the best for you. While Milan is a fascinating city in itself, its location makes it an ideal starting point for other adventures in Europe. Here are a few good reasons why you might want to leave Milan’s glitter and glamour. Check out our list of the best day trips from Milan, Italy.
1. Lake Como (from USD 107.39)
Lake Como is a breathtaking destination that captures the hearts of travelers with its enchanting beauty and serene ambiance. Surrounded by majestic mountains and charming lakeside towns, Lake Como offers a picturesque setting that feels like a dream come true.
Embark on a boat ride across the lake’s azure waters, taking in the stunning views of elegant villas, lush gardens, and quaint villages that dot the shoreline. Explore the charming town of Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and panoramic views. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights by sampling local dishes and savoring a glass of wine while enjoying a lakeside view.
Tip from Content Creator
If you do end up making Bellagio your base in Lake Como, get ready to fall in love with the charming town and all the amazing things it has to offer. Here are some things I recommend you do:
- Explore the beautiful Villa Melzi gardens and marvel at the stunning architecture of Villa Serbelloni.
- Treat yourself to some gelato and stroll through the quaint streets, stopping to shop at the local boutiques and artisan shops.
- Take a boat tour of the lake and soak in the beauty of this enchanting destination.
Guided Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio
2. Venice (from USD 156.0)
Venice is about three hours away from Milan. It is one of the best day trips from Milan by train as high-speed transits that take about 2 hours and 25 minutes are available. Anyone who has been to Venice swears by the enchantment of its canals and gondolas. You probably won’t have time to explore all 118 islands in the Adriatic Sea, but you can choose to get lost in Venice.
There are too many sites to see here, but St. Mark’s Square is always a reasonable starting point for first-time visitors. Ponte di Rialto on the Grand Canal is a suitable alternative. From these landmarks, you can spend a pleasurable day or two ticking off attractions on your Venetian bucket list.
Venice - Day Trip from Milan
Duration: 14 hours
3. Interlaken & The Swiss Alps (from USD 150.65)
The drive from Milan to Interlaken in the Swiss Alps is unforgettable. Visualize towering mountains and flowing glaciers, left and right. You won’t mind spending four to five hours to get here. If you take the train, you will need to change carriages at least once, but the fares are affordable. You may take the bus as an alternative.
The roads are paved and scenic and, when you arrive, it will take a few minutes to get over your initial awe of the Bernese Highlands. Once recovered, you’ll have to consider the practical aspects of crossing the border from Italy to Switzerland. You’d be paying with Swiss Francs and saying “thank you” and “please” in German.
From Milan: Interlaken & Swiss Alps Day Trip
Duration: 13.0 hour
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4. Verona and Lake Garda (from USD 111.0)
What would a marriage of the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian Alps be like? If you are willing to travel for about two hours from Lombardy to Verona, you’ll find out for yourself. Garda is a sparkling deep turquoise lake, situated 200 feet (61 meters) above sea level. From Lake Garda, you can reach Verona easily, as it’s only 35 kilometers (21.8 miles) away.
Verona retains a medieval air. Juliet’s balcony may not be exactly as it is described in the famous Shakespeare’s play, but the 14th-century Gothic structure dubbed “Juliet’s House” is a bonafide tourist destination.
Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan
Duration: 12 hours
5. Bernina & St. Moritz (from USD 161.49)
We’ve already established that Switzerland is accessible by train from Milan. Now, we have another proposition for you. From Milan, make your way to Tirano in the province of Sondrio. The bus ride is long, so when you start to get tired, remember it’s the journey itself that counts. It will all be worth it in the end, as you will see.
In Tirano, secure a train ride on the Bernina Express. It offers a spectacular crossing of the Alpine mountains to Switzerland. You won’t mind the time because you will marvel at the incomparable vista outside the window. When you reach your destination, don’t hold out on the oohs and aahs.
The spa resort town of St. Moritz is famous for its mineral springs and for hosting the Winter Olympics twice. For that, it is considered a great destination for day trips from Milan in winter. You’ll want to allot at least a couple of days here but be prepared to spend on a luxury stay.
From Milan: Bernina and St. Moritz Day Tour by Scenic Train
Duration: 12.5 to 13.0 hour
6. Rome (from USD 278.0)
If you want to see more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Rome makes for an excellent day tour from Milan. The journey is long – at least six to seven hours, but there will be 55 cultural and historical destinations awaiting your close inspection. Rome, the Eternal City, was founded in 753 BC and it is legendary and formidable. It is home to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain. The list of significant places goes on.
A day trip will not be enough to cover all the historical and cultural landmarks that set Rome apart. But since you have to start somewhere, choose from the UNESCO register for key places to visit during the hours you can spare.
Rome Day Trip from Milan by Train
Duration: 15 hours
7. Florence (from USD 188.0)
You can travel by bus, train, car, or airplane from Milan to Florence. As soon as you’re done shopping and buying keepsakes from top Italian brands, take whatever mode of transportation is available. For the meantime, leave Dolce & Gabbana, Marco Rambaldi, Giorgio Armani, Prada, and Versace behind. Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Giotto, and other Renaissance masters are waiting for you in Florence.
If you’re more of a foodie than an art scholar, Florentine cuisine is worth the excursion from Milan. Florence may be clothed in the past, but it has something wonderful to offer tourists of all ages.
Florence Full-Day Sightseeing Tour by Train from Milan
Duration: 12 hours
8. Lake Maggiore (from USD 111.0)
In less than two hours from Milan, you will reach the second largest lake in all of Italy after Lake Garda. Lake Maggiore also goes by the name Lake Verbano. You can spend the day in the water, but we suggest that you go prospecting on land, as well.
Charming villages surround the immense body of water. Angera’s medieval fortress, Laveno’s natural harbor, and Legguino’s hermitage are some of the main attractions. On the lake, the island of Isola Bella has a garden of exotic plants, while Isola Madre supports a population of peacocks. No less than an ostentation of large male birds with iridescent tails will greet your arrival. These villages may be reached by a ferry boat.
Unique Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan
Duration: 7 to 10 hours
9. Pavia (from USD 639.46)
Known as the “City of 100 Towers,” Pavia boasts a medieval charm reflected in its narrow streets, ancient buildings, and picturesque squares. Start your journey by visiting the magnificent Certosa di Pavia, a stunning monastery renowned for its intricate architecture and exquisite artwork. Stroll through the historic center, where you’ll discover architectural gems like the Duomo di Pavia, its beautiful Romanesque facade, and the iconic Ponte Coperto, an ancient bridge spanning the Ticino River.
Enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere by exploring the lively cafes, charming shops, and local markets. Indulge in the culinary delights of Lombardy, sampling delicious local dishes and savoring the region’s renowned wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the University of Pavia, one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe, and soak in the intellectual and cultural heritage of the city.
Tip from Content Creator
While you're in Pavia, make a point to visit the beautiful Certosa di Pavia. Everything you need to know about the monumental work of the Viscontis:
How to get there:
By car: parking for a fee near the monastery (1.50 EUR/h or 1.62 USD/h) or for free in the residential streets adjacent to the main avenue (45°25'43.87", 9°14'05.21")
By train: with the S13 bypass, get off at the Certosa di Pavia stop and walk along the perimeter wall of the structure (approx. 10 min)
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9-11:30am and 2:30-4:30pm
Cost: entry is free, a friar will guide you to discover the beauties of the monastic complex, and you can leave an offer at your discretion at the end of the visit
Herbalist's shop: here you will find medicinal herbs, infusions and preparations that the monks make by carefully cultivating their gardens. I recommend you try the Gocce Imperiali and the GRA CAR liqueur
Did you know that the Certosa di Pavia is a candidate for UNESCO heritage status?
Now that you have all the information, what are you waiting for?
Private Pavia & Oltrepo Pavese Full-Day Tour from Milan
Duration: 9.0 hour
10. Cinque Terre and Portovenere (from USD 140.0)
After slightly more than three hours of traveling southbound through Lombardy and Liguria, you will reach Porto Venere in the Italian Riviera. It’s a seaside town with pastel houses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre can wait for a little while. Spend a few hours exploring the quaint medieval town and its famed Castello Doria.
Afterward, drive leisurely and take some photos of the cliff-clinging houses and vineyards. As the name suggests, Cinque Terre consists of five seaside towns. Monterosso’s long sandy beach is usually crowded, but you will always find a good seafood meal here. Vernazza has a piazza and a port, while Corniglia is nestled higher (and quieter) than the others. Manarola has a Lover’s Lane and Riomaggiore’s colorful houses hug the cliffs serenely.
Day Trip From Milan to CinqueTerre and Portovenere Guided Tour
Duration: 14 hours
11. Genova and Portofino (from USD 143.0)
The trip from Milan to Portofino in Genoa (Genova) could take as long as three hours. Italy’s longest city walls are in Genoa, but if you’ve already had your fill of medieval walls, perhaps you’ll be interested in its harbors and ships. The Genoa Maritime Museum is one of the most important institutions of its kind in Europe. Expect to see reconstructed galley ships and an Italian military submarine docked in the vicinity. Before leaving Genoa, find your way to Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Genova and Portofino Day Trip from Milan with Hotel Pickup
Duration: 12 hours
12. Monte Bianco and Courmayeur (from USD 152.0)
The Skyway Monte Bianco is a cable car that brings you high enough for uninterrupted views of Monte Rosa and Matterhorn – two prominent Alpine peaks. Monte Bianco is one of the main tourist magnets of the northern Italian ski resort town of Courmayeur. From Milan, it usually takes two to three hours to reach the popular resort town in the Aosta Valley and it is nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Converse with the locals and they will tell you how the highest commune in Italy shares administration of Mont Blanc with a neighboring French municipality.
Monte Bianco and Courmayeur Day Trip from Milan - Cable Car Included
Duration: 12 hours
From Italy's fashion capital to other spectacular locations
Milan is a progressive capital and offers tourists numerous means of transportation to other parts of the country. But why limit your options when the world awaits? Milan’s convenient location in northern Italy makes it an ideal starting point for breathtaking sojourns to Switzerland. When you are ready to be adventurous, make a commitment to leave Italy’s fashion capital in search of more excitement.
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