Milan is a city that pulses with energy, a global capital of fashion, finance, and design that moves at a faster pace than almost anywhere else in Italy. Yet one of the great joys of staying in this dynamic metropolis is realising that some of Italy’s most enchanting destinations are just a short train ride away. Within an hour or two, you can trade the sleek skyscrapers and busy boulevards for serene lakes, medieval hilltops, or the romantic streets of Shakespeare’s Verona.
The beauty of these escapes is the sheer variety on offer. On any given day, you can choose to cruise past the magnificent villas of Lake Como, get lost in the cobblestone lanes of a perfectly preserved medieval citadel, or step into the world of Romeo and Juliet. The excellent rail connections radiating from Milano Centrale make it almost absurdly easy to be in a completely different world within an hour, which is precisely the kind of effortless adventure that makes a Milanese holiday so memorable.
A little planning goes a long way with these excursions. While you do not need to book every train ticket weeks in advance, it is wise to check the schedules and, crucially, to book any guided tours or boat trips ahead of time during peak seasons. For the guided tours, booking in advance is essential, as they are incredibly popular and sell out quickly, especially during the summer months when the lakes and hill towns are at their most beautiful.
Here, then, is my curated list of the very best day trips from Milan, each one a gem that offers a distinct flavour of northern Italy.
Before reading further, please take the time to ensure you have packed everything you need for your trip to Italy. See the checklist here.
1. Lake Como
Lake Como is the most famous of the Italian lakes, and for good reason. Its deep blue waters, dramatic alpine backdrop, and elegant villas have attracted visitors for centuries, from Roman aristocrats to Hollywood celebrities. The journey from Milan is remarkably simple, with regular trains from Milano Centrale reaching the lakeside town of Varenna or the city of Como in about an hour, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed and scenic day out.
The most rewarding way to experience Lake Como is to visit the charming villages of Varenna and Bellagio. Varenna, with its pastel-coloured houses and beautiful lakeside promenade, offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere than some of the more touristy spots. A short ferry ride across the lake takes you to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” where you can wander its steep, cobbled streets, browse the boutique shops, and enjoy breathtaking views over the water.
A boat cruise is a great way of truly appreciating the beauty of Lake Como. Gliding across the water, you will pass magnificent villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, with their terraced gardens cascading down to the lake, and you will understand why this place has inspired artists and writers for centuries. The combination of alpine scenery and Italian elegance is genuinely unforgettable, a perfect escape from the Milanese bustle.
If you would prefer a guided tour from Milan that also includes a boat tour with a small group, check this one out.
2. Bergamo
Bergamo is the kind of place that surprises you, a city of two distinct halves that offers a wonderfully authentic Italian experience just an hour from Milan. The Città Bassa, or lower town, is the modern, bustling centre, while the Città Alta, the upper town, is a perfectly preserved medieval citadel perched on a hilltop and encircled by imposing Venetian walls. The contrast between the two is part of the magic, and the funicular railway that connects them is an experience in itself.
The Città Alta is a treasure trove of history and beauty, with its cobblestone streets, elegant piazzas, and beautiful churches. The heart of the upper town is Piazza Vecchia, a stunning square surrounded by the Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo del Podestà, which together create a wonderfully atmospheric setting. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with its beautiful Romanesque architecture and stunning interior, is another highlight that should not be missed.
Climbing the Torre del Campanone offers a spectacular panoramic view over the upper town, the lower city, and the surrounding Lombard plains, a vista that stretches all the way to the Alps on a clear day. The food in Bergamo is also excellent, with a particular focus on hearty local specialties like polenta and casoncelli, a type of stuffed pasta. This is a city that rewards slow exploration, a place where you can lose yourself in medieval streets and feel a world away from the modernity of Milan.
3. Verona
Verona is a city that needs almost no introduction, the setting for Shakespeare’s most famous love story and a place that oozes romance from every ancient stone. The train journey from Milan takes just over an hour, making it an easy and immensely rewarding day trip to one of Italy’s most beloved cities. The Arena, a magnificent Roman amphitheatre that still hosts operas and concerts, is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Italy and a testament to the city’s long and illustrious history.
The city is remarkably walkable, and you can easily spend a day exploring its highlights without ever feeling rushed. The Casa di Giulietta, the supposed home of Juliet, is a popular stop, with its famous balcony and the statue of Juliet in the courtyard where visitors touch her breast for luck. Whether you embrace the tourist tradition or not, it is a charming spot that captures the romantic spirit of the city.
Beyond the Shakespearean connections, Verona is a city of genuine beauty, with its winding streets, elegant piazzas, and the lovely Adige River that curves through the city. Climbing up to the Castel San Pietro, a fortress on the hill above the city, offers a spectacular view over the terracotta rooftops and the surrounding countryside. The city’s food is also wonderful, with a focus on the hearty, rustic cuisine of the Veneto region, best enjoyed with a glass of local Valpolicella wine.
4. Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, a body of water so vast that it sometimes feels more like an inland sea, and it offers a completely different experience from the more intimate Lake Como. The southern end of the lake, with its lively towns and beautiful beaches, is easily reachable from Milan in about an hour and a half by train. The town of Sirmione, perched on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake, is the jewel of the southern shores, with its stunning Scaliger Castle and the ruins of a Roman villa.
The castle, with its distinctive crenellations and its position right on the water, is one of the most photogenic spots in all of northern Italy. Walking across the drawbridge and exploring its towers and ramparts offers a wonderful view over the lake and the town. The Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of the largest Roman villa in northern Italy, is another fascinating site, and the views from the villa over the lake are truly breathtaking.
If you have time, take a boat trip across the lake to explore the smaller villages that cling to the lakeshore, or simply relax on the beaches of Sirmione and soak in the sun. The water here is remarkably clear, and swimming in the lake is one of the great pleasures of a summer visit to Garda. The atmosphere is more relaxed than on Como, with a distinctly holiday feel that makes it a perfect escape from the city.
Now, if you need a guided tour that takes you to Verona as well as Lake Garda, this is the best.
5. Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, and it is surprisingly accessible from Milan for a day trip, with the train journey taking about two and a half hours to La Spezia, the gateway to the villages. These five colourful fishing villages, clinging to the dramatic cliffs of the Ligurian coast, are among the most beautiful places in all of Italy, and the effort of the journey is rewarded with a day of breathtaking scenery and coastal charm.
The most rewarding way to experience the Cinque Terre is to combine a train journey between the villages with some walking along the coastal paths that connect them. The walk from Monterosso to Vernazza, the most famous of the trails, offers spectacular views over the turquoise water and the colourful houses that cling to the cliffs, though it is important to check which trails are open before you go. Each village has its own distinct character, from the lively beach of Monterosso to the charming harbour of Vernazza and the romantic sunset views from Manarola.
The opportunity to swim in the clear waters of the Ligurian Sea and to enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and local wine is a highlight of any visit to the Cinque Terre. The train journey back to Milan gives you time to reflect on the extraordinary beauty you have witnessed, your heart full of the colours and the light of this very special corner of Italy. This is a long day, but it is utterly magical, a chance to see one of Italy’s most treasured landscapes in a single, unforgettable excursion.
For a full-day guided tour to this beautiful part of Italy, this is the one I would recommend.
If you have more time in Northern Italy, I would also highly recommend the Bernina Express. It is considered the most beautiful train ride in the world. CHECK HERE for more details
NOTE BEFORE YOU GO: Italy rewards travelers who go prepared. And it is easy to ruin your trip. I have a checklist for you of things you should never go to Italy without. CHECK IT OUT HERE. I have also curated a list of some of the best hotels in Italy. I would highly recommend checking them out before booking. THESE ARE THE BEST HOTELS IN ITALY. And for unique experiences, attractions, and tours, don’t book before CHECKING THIS OUT. Thank me later!