1. Lake Como from Milan

Getting to Lake Como from Milan is quite simple: you can go by car or one of the local trains. With its breathtaking views and sparkling waters, this lake is world famous.

One of the most popular activities is a scenic cruise on the lake. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful villas and gardens that line the shores. Don’t forget to stop at Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’. Here, you can stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy spectacular views of the Alps.

If you prefer adventure, Lake Como is surrounded by mountains that offer numerous hikes. You can climb Mount Grona or Mount San Primo for unforgettable panoramic views. In addition, the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) allows you to explore ancient paths through villages and forests, with spectacular views of the lake.

For those who love history and culture, Como offers historical monuments, a charming old town and the Duomo di Como. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Tempio Voltiano, dedicated to the inventor of the electric battery, Alessandro Volta.

2. Venice

Visiting Venice from Milan is feasible: Italo and Frecciarossa fast trains take visitors directly to the gates of the city, just cross the first canal and enter Venice!

It is one of the most romantic cities in the world and a must for anyone visiting Italy. Its lagoons, cobbled streets and unique architecture make it a place like no other. On a day trip to Venice from Milan, you can explore the city with a local guide and learn about its history and beautiful attractions.

Don’t miss the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Take a gondola ride through the lagoons, a typical and unforgettable experience. If you visit during Carnival, you will be lucky enough to experience one of the most famous Carnivals in the world. If you have time, it is worth visiting Murano, famous for its glass-blowing traditions.

3. Verona

Verona is the famous city of the Arena and Romeo and Juliet. To go to Verona from Milan we recommend a train journey of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (with the faster Italo and Frecciarossa trains). The centre of Verona is very interesting and can be explored on foot, directly from the train station. From Milan it is also possible to reach Verona by car, although the traffic on the A4 motorway is always quite heavy.

Several agencies offer organised one-day tours from Milan to Verona.

4. Monza

A trip from Milan to Monza is an excellent choice. This Brianza city has a fascinating history, although less well known than other Italian cities. Strolling through the historical centre, you can discover the Duomo, where the treasure of the Longobard queen Teodolinda is kept.

The Villa Reale in Monza is another must-see. This beautiful building often hosts interesting exhibitions, and its huge park is ideal for a stroll or a bike ride. If you are travelling with children, the park offers plenty of space to play and relax.

The city is particularly suitable for bicycle lovers. Monza is perfect for exploring on two wheels, allowing you to fully enjoy its natural and architectural beauty.

5. Turin

Turin, once the first capital of Italy, is an easy destination for a day trip from Milan. Fast Italo and Frecciarossa trains connect it to the Milan Central and Milan Porta Garibaldi stations in about 1 hour. We recommend the train because it takes you right into the centre of Turin.

This elegant city, renovated for the Olympic Games, offers many architectural gems such as the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama and the Mole Antonelliana. Turin also boasts a large number of historic cafés with an ancient atmosphere and the world’s most important Egyptian Museum outside Egypt. In addition, it is the Italian capital of chocolate and is famous for its good food.

6. Lake Maggiore

Just over an hour’s drive from Milan, Lake Maggiore welcomes you with its timeless beauty. This lake, the second largest in Italy, is perfect for a day trip. It can be reached by train and car, but the best thing is to get off at one of the resorts and explore it using the local boat lines.

You can explore the city centre and then set off on a boat tour around the lake, stopping at the charming Borromean Islands. The islands, with their gardens and historic villas, will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Lake Maggiore is surrounded by hills that protect it from northern winds, creating a mild and pleasant climate. Its shores stretch between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland, offering a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Among the natural and artistic beauties not to be missed are the botanical gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

Don’t forget to visit Stresa, one of the most famous resorts on the lake. If you love nature, the gardens of Villa Taranto will leave you speechless.

There is also a train + boat formula to explore some of the most beautiful corners of the area.

7. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is one of the most fascinating destinations you can visit on a day trip from Milan. This coastal area is famous for its picturesque, colourful villages and crystal-clear waters.

You can easily reach Monterosso by train from Milano Centrale in about 2 hours and 55 minutes. If you prefer travelling by car, take the A7 motorway and then the A12, following the signs for Carrodano/Levanto and finally for Monterosso a Mare. This is a demanding excursion, so we recommend spending at least one night in the Cinque Terre.

If you are short of time, you can take a boat trip to admire the coast from the sea. If you have more time, you can walk the Sentiero Azzurro, a 12-kilometre route that connects all the villages of the Cinque Terre, offering breathtaking views.

A romantic experience is the Via dell’Amore, a short path connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Day tours to the Cinque Terre from Milan cost about €130 and last about 13 hours. If you want pickup from your hotel, you can pay an extra €10-€20. The Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for those who love nature, the sea and picture-postcard landscapes.

8. Mantua

Mantua, also known as ‘Italy’s Sleeping Beauty’, is a lakeside city located in the heart of the Po Valley. This city offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds of more famous destinations. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the Duke of Mantua, and be fascinated by its history. Don’t miss the Palazzo Te, a Renaissance masterpiece, and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, one of the city’s oldest churches. If you have time, take a walk along the three lakes formed by the Mincio River that surround Mantua.

9. Bergamo Alta

You may know Bergamo for its Orio al Serio airport, where Ryanair and many other airlines, not only low-cost, land. Bergamo is a modern, industrial city, but it retains a perfectly preserved and very interesting old historical centre to explore, called Bergamo Alta. To organise your day trip to Bergamo, you need to arrive in the city by train or car. And then go up to the Upper Town on foot or by the unmissable funicular railway.

Don’t forget to explore the upper city and have lunch in one of the excellent restaurants in the old town.

10. Vigevano

For a trip from Milan by train or car, one of the most interesting destinations is certainly Vigevano. This town in the Lomellina region is a little artistic jewel just waiting to be discovered. Its Piazza Ducale is one of the most beautiful in Italy, with the elegance of its arcades, the peculiar concave façade of its cathedral and the oddity of the many chimneys – all different from each other – on the roofs of the buildings.

Palazzo Ducale, the Leonardiana exhibition and the Shoe Museum are worth a visit. And if you can arrange public transport, travel as far as Morimondo Abbey to admire one of the masterpieces of Cistercian architecture.

11. Pavia

Pavia is a perfect destination for a day trip from Milan. The city offers a quiet and charming atmosphere. Strolling through the streets of the centre, you can discover monuments such as the Duomo, the churches of San Michele Maggiore and San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro. Don’t forget to visit the ‘salotto buono’ of Piazza della Vittoria.

A word of advice: don’t miss the Castello Visconteo with its Civic Museums! Afterwards, take a walk to the Ponte Coperto and cross it to reach the characteristic houses of Borgo Ticino.

If you still have time, take the train and visit the Certosa di Pavia, one of the most important monastic complexes in Italy.