Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

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Last Updated on: 2nd March 2022, 04:35 pm

Milan is home to one of the most important train stations not only in Italy but also in Europe, with daily train connections to major cities, towns, and villages all over Italy as well as to many neighboring countries.

Even though many people would not consider staying in Milan as it’s not as romantic as Venice, as pretty as Florence or as vibrant as Rome, the truth is that Milan makes an excellent base in the north of Italy from which it’s easy, cheap, and convenient to reach many other cities in the country and in the rest of Europe.

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

The Top 6 Most Popular Milan Tours & Attractions

Before you dig into all the city has to offer, you should know that these are the most popular guided tours, attractions, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets in Milan.

Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket or Skip-the-Line Version

Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: 72, 48-Hour or 1 Day Ticket

Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan

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Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo Museum Entrance Ticket

Milan: La Scala Theatre and Museum Skip-the-line Ticket

Milan: Private Vacation Photo Session

Lake Como

One of the most traditional excursions for tourists staying in Milan is a day trip to Lake Como, just  49 km north Milan.

The city of Como, almost on the border between Italy and Switzerland, is located on the southernmost tip of the Como Lake. Surrounded by a lush green hills and amazing villas, the mountain-framed lake is one of the prettiest places to visit in the Lombardy region.

The most traditional par of town is quite small and many streets are pedestrian, which makes it really easy to see in just a day. As soon as you get in town, the first thing you should do is walk along the lakefront promenade and stop in any of the quaint cafes for a cup of cappuccino. Spend some time admiring the scene and even jump on a boat ride to take a closer look at the magnificent villas that stand on both sides of the Lake.

Devote the afternoon to a lunch in the main square, known as Piazza del Duomo. Here, you can admire the remarkable architecture of Como’s Cathedral which boasts several different architectonic styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. In the same area, take a minute to check Palazzo Broletto, Como’s old town hall.

Walk a few more steps away from the lake to reach the stunning medieval walls that surround the city. Not far from the walls, every Tuesday and Thursday morning, or on Saturdays until 7 pm, you can wander around the outdoor market of Como, next to Porta Torre (the main gate to the old town). The market is a fantastic place to buy souvenirs, vintage clothes and bags, and handmade crafts.

How to get to Como from Milan:

By train:

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Trains to Como depart from Milan Central Train Station, Milano Porta Garibaldi Station and Milano Cadorna Station. Your destination stations can be Como San Giovanni, Como Nord Lago, and Como Borghi. The trip takes about 50 minutes, although a fast train can get your there in about 40 minutes. Tickets prices vary depending on the train service you choose (starting from €6). Since there are more than 70 trains connecting both cities each day, so booking your ticket in advance is not really necessary.

By car:

The trip from Milan to Como is about 40 minutes driving along the highway A9. Take into account that this highway has tolls and that it’s very trafficked, therefore you usually need a lot more than 40 minutes to get to Como.

Bergamo Città Alta

The city of Bergamo is located in the heart of the Lombardy region and it’s one of the most beautiful towns to visit in the north of Italy.

The Medieval town of Bergamo, known as Città Alta (or upper town) is located 485 m above the sea lever, overlooking the modern city of Bergamo. The best way to reach the upper city is riding the funicular (the ride lasts less than 5 minutes).

The old town’s main characteristic are the historic buildings dating from the Medieval times and the Renaissance, from the Funicular station in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, walk along Via Gombito until you reach the magnificent square of Bergamo, Piazza Vecchia.

The buildings surrounding the square include the city hall or Palazzo della Ragione, dating back to the twelfth century with Gothic arches that shape the upper section of the square. In the same area, check the Municipal Library building, the Palazzo Nuovo, and Contarini Fountain.

An imposing colonnade separates the square from the Piazza del Duomo, the square that hosts the city Basilica, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which combines the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Inside the basilica, you can visit the tomb of the composer Donizetti, one of Italy’s most admired composers, among which, Bellini, Rossini, and Verdi.

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How to get to Bergamo from Milan

By car

Bergamo is 60 km from Milan and the A4 Highway takes you there in about an hour, It’s a good idea to estimate some more time for the trip since this highway is usually very trafficked and long lines of cars and tracks are not odd, especially during the peak hours. Many people that lives in Milan commute to Bergamo to work on daily basis since the surroundings of Bergamo is a highly industrialized area, besides, Bergamo hosts an international airport, mostly used by international low-cost carriers, which makes traffic even heavier.

By train

Trains to Bergamo Train Station depart both from Milan Centrale Train Station and Milano Porta Garibaldi Train Station. The journey is a bit more than an hour and the tickets cost between €5 and €15.

Bernina Express, Train to Saint Moritz

If you’re a fan of organized tours and romantic train rides, or if you’re eager to include one more country in your European itinerary, taking the train to Saint Moritz can make a fantastic day trip from Milan.

The Bernina Train runs along the most spectacular railway in the Alps, climbing over 1,800 meters. It is, in fact, the steepest railway journey in the whole world!

An organized trip from Milan to Saint Moritz will allow you to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about train connections, tickets, or train schedules in unknown languages. This organized tour offers excellent value for money. It departs from Milan in the morning and takes you on a full day journey from Milan to Tirano and the famous mountain resort of Saint Moritz, in Switzerland.

Arguably, the most exciting part of the day is the train ride climbing up to 1,829 meters and followed by the Alpine pass of Bernina and the Engadin Valley, admiring glassiers, steep gorges, impressive tunnels, and awe-inspiring mountains. Moreover, the Bernina Route has been declared an UNESCO world heritage site

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How to get to Saint Moritz from Milan

Organized tour

Booking an organized tour is the best way to enjoy the trip and make the most of your day. This tour is one of the most valuable options as it includes the trip from Milan, the train ride, some free time to spend in Saint Moritz, and the trip back to Milan.

Be aware that you must obtain any visa which may or may not be required prior to crossing the border crossing. Please note that Switzerland is part of the Schengen agreement and visas to the EU are usually sufficient to enter. Check with your travel agent before the trip.

Venice

Although Venice would rightfully deserve more than a day for you to explore the canals and the amazing architecture, the squares, and the small islands of Murano and Burano, taking a day trip from Milan can be a good idea if your itinerary in Italy is not as long as you would wish.

Arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station can be a unique emotion, once you walk past the gates of the station you’re catapulted into an enchanting landscape made of picturesque gondolas gliding along the water, guided by gondolieri in their typical costume singing traditional Italian songs. You will be literally stepping into another universe, home of the most breathtaking sceneries you will ever witness in the country.

It would take you weeks to check some of the most remarkable sights in Venice, however, if you have just one day, don’t waste time and head to the central square to visitPatriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, the most famous church in the city, and a perfect example Italo-Byzantine architecture. In the same area, don’t miss a visit to Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace).

Not far from the church, check also the Bridge of Sighs. This enclosed white bridge made of limestone, dates back to 1600 and it was built for the passage of prisoners. The bridge crosses the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

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Other things to visit in town include the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four pedestrian bridges across the Grand Canal.

Tough picturesque and romantic, Gondola rides tend to be quite expensive. If you want to visit the colorful island of Burano, or discover the glass artisans and glass museum of Murano, the vaporetto is a cheaper option to move around.

How to get to Venice from Milan

By car

Venice is located almost 280 km east of Milan. The car ride along the A4 Highway takes about 3 hours. Once you reach the area of Venezia Mestre, the best way to reach the canals is taking a train to Venezia Santa Lucia Station, the ride is no more than 15 minutes.

By train

Traveling by train is the most convenient way to reach Venice. You can take either a direct high speed train (the trip lasts about 130 minutes), or enjoy the landscape from the windows of a regional train that stops in important cities such as Brescia, Bergamo and Verona before reaching Venice. Tickets range from €20 to €65 (first class, high speed train).

Florence

A visit to the city of Florence is another romantic day trip from Milan. To fully enjoy the day, it’s a good idea to board the first train departing from Milan, this way, you’ll arrive in Florence quite early in the day, with plenty of time to visit the most important landmarks in the area.

The first place you should visit is the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori. The construction of the building started in 1296 and took over 120 years to be completed. The fantastic red dome, the largest brick dome in the word, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, is one of the most stunning works of art in the city. The complex also includes Saint John’s Baptistery and the tower bell designed by Giotto. All three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Walk a few minutes towards the Arno River, to check the Piazza della Signoria, where it’s possible to admire a copy of Michelangelo’s David and the Neptune Fountain. Just a few steps away, the fantastic Galleria degli Uffizi hosts one of Italy’s most remarkable art collections in the world. Booking your tickets in advance is a good idea to avoid endless lines and crowds.

If you’re a fan of literature and classic studies, wander the alleys of the town to visit the House of Dante, the place where Italy’s most important writer, Dante Alighieri lived and wrote the Divina Commedia.

Cross the Arno River though the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and discover the Oltrarno quarter, home to the spectacular Boboli Gardens from where you can discover one of the most beautiful views of Florence and the Cathedral.

How to get from Milan to Florence

By car

Florence is about 303 km from the center of Milan, a car trip can take from 3 to 4 hours via the A1 Highway.

By train

Train travel is the fastest way to reach Florence. The trip can take up to three hours with a regular or an intercity train service, and about 150 minutes with the high-speed trains Italo or Trenitalia. Trains depart from Milano Centrale Central Station and arrive to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Ticket prices start at €30 one way.

Pisa

Those who plan to visit Florence from Milan, can take advantage of the short distances and devote one more day to the area to reach the nearby town of Pisa. Of course, it’s also possible to travel directly to Pisa if you prefer to skip a stop in Florence.

The main reason to visit Pisa is, of course, to explore the famous Leaning Tower, which you can reach with a 20-minute walk from Pisa’s Central Station. This fourteenth century tower is, as a matter of fact, the tower bell (or campanile in Italian) of Pisa’s Cathedral, just a few steps away from the tower.

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The Tower of Pisa is known for its nearly four-degree lean caused by the unstable soft ground on which it is constructed, the structure started to lean during the first years of its construction, in the twelfth century, getting worse and worse by the time it was finished, two centuries later. The tower is 55.86 metres high on the low side and 56.67 metres on the high side.

If you make it all the way to the Tower and also visit the Cathedral, don’t overlook the  Pisa Baptistery of St. John from 1363, one of the most impressive religious buildings in the region.

How to get to Pisa from Milan

By car

The trip from Milan to Pisa takes about 3.5 hours via the A1 Highway and the A15/E3 32 roads, the distance is about 280 kilometers.

By train

There only high speed train from Milan to Pisa is the Frecciabianca ride which takes about 4 hours. Another option is the high speed train to Florence combined with a local train from Florence to Pisa (about an hour). Regular train rides from Milan take about 5 hours to reach Pisa. For this reason, it’s a great idea to make a 2-day trip from Milan to visit Florence, Pisa and other cities in the area.

Cinque Terre

One of the most beautiful day trips from Milan is the one that takes you to the area of Cinque Terre on coast of the Liguria region.

Although it would be a much better idea to spend more than just one day in the area, it’s also possible to get a general view of the colorful seaside villages during a day trip. These five different towns overlook the Italian Riviera Ligure from high rugged and steep hills surrounded by the typical green vineyards of the Liguria region.

Down the hills, several harbors with fishing boats add a romantic touch to the landscape.

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Spend the day hiking the cliffside trail known as Sentiero Azzurro, which link the five villages in the coast. At lunchtime, stop for a traditional lunch in one of the many typical trattorias. A must when visiting Cinque Terre is a starter of pasta with the local pesto sauce (made with fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil) and a main dish of fresh seafood from the area.

How to get to Cinque Terre from Milan

By train

Due to the landscape of the area, the best and most convenient way to reach the Cinque Terre is by train. The journey takes about 3 hours (ticket prices start at €30). A local train service runs along the five towns in Cinque Terre, departing every few minutes from the train station of each village.

By car

Although it’s possible to reach Genoa by car and from there travel to Cinque Terre by car, heavy traffic and lack of good parking spots in the city make the trip long and tiring. The ride by car is about 2 hours (148 km) on the Milano-Genoa A7 Highway.

Franciacorta

Just an hour from the buzzing city of Milan, the picturesque city of Brescia is hosts unique Medieval castle, Roman ruins, and buildings from the Italian Renaissance.

Not far from the city center, between the crystalline waters of Iseo Lake and the Alps, the wine region of Franciacorta is a perfect day trip from Milan for wine lovers.

One of Italy’s best sparkling wines, Franciacorta is hand-harvested and fermented in wooden barrels, while it sits in the bottle for at least eighteen month.

A process in which ancient winemaking procedures are at their best, especially when compared to the more industrial methods used in the production of other Italian sparkling wines, such as Prosecco or Lambrusco.

When visiting the area and to make the most of your visit, it’s a great idea to book a winery tour, this way it will be easier to taste different labels and learn everything about the wine making process in the Franciacorta region.

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For example, this wine tasting experience with a local sommelier includes the winery tour and detailed explanation about the region, the methods and techniques of Franciacorta wine production, from the grape harvest to the bottling.

How to get to Franciacorta from Milan

By car

Franciacorta is about 85 km from Milan, the trip along the A35 Highway takes an hour.

By train

The train departs from Milano Centrale Train Station. You need to take the train to Brescia Central Train Station (1 hour, tickets from €8) and from there take the regional train to Franciacorta (15 minutes, €2).

9Lugano (Switzerland)

Lugano is an important Swiss city in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. The city lies on Lake Lugano and the mountains of the Prealps dominate the landscape of the area.

The city of Lugano is a favorite shopping destination for Italians since prices are normally lower than in big Italian cities, one of the main malls you can visit to take advantage of Swiss prices and offers is Fox Town, an extensive factory outlet open every day from 11am to 7pm.

Other than exploring the several chocolate shops along in the center of town, it’s a good idea to disconnect with a walk in Ciani Park, considered one of the prettiest public parks in Switzerland with ancient trees, fountains and a wide variety of colorful flowers.

If you want to combine a day trip to Lugano with a visit to Lake Como and Bellagio, it’s a good idea to book an organized tour like this one

How to get to Lugano from Milan

By car

Lugano is located 78 kilometers from Milan, to get there you need to drive along the A9 and A2 Highways. The trip takes about 75 minutes.

By train

Trains to Lugano depart from Milano Centrale Train Station, Milano Rogoredo Train Station and from Milano Porta Garibaldi Train Station. Lugano’s Main station is Porto Ceresio. The trip is about 1.15 hours and ticket prices range from €8 to €20 depending on the train (intercity, regional) and the class.

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Verona

Worldwide famous for being the set of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, has a lot more to offer even for a short day stopover.

Among the best things you can visit, start with a visit to Piazza delle Erbe, a fantastic rectangular square where the public market is held on certain days of the week. The square is also home to the beautiful Torre dei Lamberti part of the impressive town hall building.

If you’re visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to book a seat during the opera season so as to enjoy a magnificent evening under the starts with famous pieces from Puccini or Verdi.

Other places to visit in Verona include the Fortress of Castelvecchio, the Giusti Garden, and why not, Juliet’s balcony.

As a matter of fact, it’s not really known whether this balcony has any connection with the tragedy or not. However, we do know that Shakespeare inspired in a local family which rivalry is historically documented.

How to get to Verona from Milan:

By train:

Trains depart from Milano Centrale Train Station and arrive at Verona Porta Nuova Train Station. The journey is 1:10 hour. Although it’s not really necessary during weekdays, it’s advisable to book the ticket in advance (at Milano Station ticket office) if you’re traveling during the weekend or special holidays. The ticket price ranges from €17 to €24.

By car:

The trip takes about to hours and you reach Verona via the A4 Turin-Venice highway.

Interlaken and the Swiss Alps

Traveling to the Swiss Alps from Milan is an excellent and original idea for a day trip as it allows you to visit two countries in a day.

Although you can take this day trip on your own, the logistics of it might be a bit complicated, so it’s always better to book an organized day trip that includes everything from the train, boat and bus tickets, to some activities to do in the area.

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With this particular tour you depart from the city of Milan on a high speed train to reach the northern city of Domodossola, the last Italian town before crossing the Swiss border. Next up, the Green Train of the Alps takes you across the Simplon pass to Switzerland, through stunning mountain villages and a picture-perfect landscape. Once at destination, you can visit Lake Thun, and cruise to Interlaken by means of a steam boat.

Organized tours usually include a visit to the most important Swiss chocolate factories and include a return trip by bus to the center of Milan.

How to get to Interlaken from Milan

Organized tour

The best way to get there is by booking an organized tour to avid the hassle of changing different means of transport. This is one of the best options to visit the Interlaken area

Be aware that you must obtain any visa which may or may not be required prior to crossing the border crossing.Please note that Switzerland is part of the Schengen agreement and visas to the EU are usually sufficient to enter. Check with your travel agent before the trip.

Train to Domodossola:

Trains to Domodossola depart from Milano Centrale Train Station and Milano Porta Garibaldi Train Station and the trip lasts about 1.45 hours. The ticket costs around €11.

Turin

Turin or Torino is an important city in the north of Italy as well as the capital of the Piedmont region. The imposing Antoneliana Tower is one of the most important sights in town which clearly defines the local skyline and identifies the character of the city.

One of the top things to do in Turin is to pay a visit to the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest collections of Egyptian artefacts worldwide (over 30.000!), and among the most remarkable archaeological and anthropological exhibitions in Europe.

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It should also be noticed that the most important car companies in Italy originated in the Turin area, therefore don’t miss paying a visit to the National Automobile Museum, featuring over 200 cars from about 80 different brands and 8 countries. Inside the museum there’s also a library, and a bookshop.

Another great place to visit is the Medieval Village, with a peculiar castle surrounded by a magnificent garden. Guided visits are the best way to go to tour the complex to get a knowledgeable insight of the premises.

Finally, don’t miss the Market of Porta Palazzo if you want to get a real taste of the city, including fresh products, lovely pizza, and other regional dishes.

How to get from Milan to Turin

By car:

The car trip from Milan to Turin lasts about 110 minutes (it’s about 144 km) and you need to drive east along the Milano-Torino portion of the A4 Highway.

By train:

Trains depart from Milano Centrale Train Station and the trip lasts about an hour. Tickets prices vary according to the train (regional or high speed) and the class you choose, ranging from €12 to €55 (first class).

Bologna

Know as one of the most important university cities in Italy, Bologna is home to the first university ever to be created in Europe: the local University of Bologna first opened its gates back in 1088.

Don’t just stop at the university, explore more of Bologna. Head to the one of the largest and oldest squares in Italy, Piazza Maggiore. Bologna’s pulsing heart and epicentre of the local social life, and it’s surrounded by some of the most stunning Palazzi in town, including the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo dei Bianchi and the gorgeous Neptune fountain.

Did you know that one of Europe’s biggest open-air markets used to be held in this square until the mid-1800s? As a matter of facts, here it was possible to purchase products coming from any angle in the world

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Since Bologna has a well-earned reputation of foodie city in Italy, you won’t want to miss the Quadrilatero, just a few steps away from Piazza Maggiore. The gourmet neighborhood dates back to the Medieval times when markets and food stalls found its natural place in the area.

Although the small, picturesque alleys haven’t changed much, today Quadrilatero also hosts the trendiest bars, restaurants and cafes in town where you can buy unique regional delicacies such as balsamic vinegar, aged cheese, fresh pasta, and Italian wine.

To get a different sight of Bologna, away from the Medieval atmosphere, it’s a good idea to explore the Museum of Modern Art (MAMbo) with a permanent collections and significant works of art. The entrance is €6 to the permanent collections and there’s an extra fee for seasonal exhibitions. The museum is closed on Mondays.

How to get to Bologna from Milan:

By train:

Trains depart from Milano Centrale Station and arrive to Bologna Central Train Station. A trip with a high speed train takes about 60 minutes (Frecciarossa or Italo). With a regular train, the trip can take from 2 to 3 hours. The ticket price ranges between €25 to over €60, depending on the service (regular, direct or fast train).

By car:

The trip by car takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the highway A1 locally known as Autostrada del Sole.

By plane:

You can fly to Bologna from the airport of Linate, in Milan.

Parma

The city of Parma, in the Emilia Romagna region, is less than 130 km from Milan, and it’s quite easy to get there either by bus, train or car. One of the most important cities in the north of the Italian peninsula, you’ll be overwhelmed by the many things to see… and taste in the area!

One of the most important gastronomic centers in the country, the region is worldwide known for the unique varieties of cheese, especially the D. O. P.  Parmesan cheese and local cured ham (prosciutto).

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Booking a visit to a cheese factory is among the top experiences you can live in the region. You will not only taste one Italy’s gastronomic delicacies, but you will learn everything about the production and the unique characteristics that have made this cheese varieties one of the highest valued gastronomic products in Europe. Other gastronomic tours focus on the wine and balsamic vinegar production in the region.

But Parma is not just about food. There are several places you should take the time to explore in the city, including the frescos in the cathedral with its original baptistery made in pink marble.  If you’re interested in painting and other works of art, take some time to explore Palazzo della Pilotta where the National Gallery is hosted. Once inside, you can check famous works of art by artists such as Da Vinci, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Correggio.

A more modern museum you can visit is Casa del Suono, an original exhibition that focuses on the history of music. On display there are interesting music devices, such as very old gramophones and tape recorders. The museum is located in the premises of a former church.

How to get to Parma from Milan

By train:

Trains to Parma depart from Milano Rogoredo Train Station and ticket prices range from €8 to €25 and the travel time can go from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Prices and times vary according to the train service you choose. 

By car:

Parma is located 125 km south Milan and the road trip by car takes a bit less than two hours along the A1 Highway.

Sirmione

Sirmione is a resort city in the northern province of Brescia, halfway between Milan and Venice. The Sirmio peninsula hosts the beautiful historical center and it also divides the lower area of Lake Garda.

There are several things to do in Sirmione, starting with a visit to the Catullo Grotto, a building thought to have belonged to a private family which dates back to the Roman times. Another place you can check out is the Castle of Scagliero, at the entrance of the Sirmio Peninsula, this Medieval fortress from the thirteenth century and its museum, presents defensive walls with very curious decorations made in plaster with graffiti that simulate stone.

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Other than taking a look at the old churches in town, such as San’t Anna della Rocca, next to the castle, or san Pietro in Mavino (from 765 AD), the area is a wonderful place to enjoy a walk in the main square of Sirmione, Piazza Carducci, the old houses in the historic center, and the laid-back atmosphere of Lake Garda, with its promenade dotted by ice cream parlours and elegant cafes. The views of the Alps, the harbor of Sirmione, and the nearby villages standing on both sides of the lake are spectacular.

How to get to Sirmione from Milan

By car:

Sirmione is about 145 km from the center of Milan, and the best way to get there is driving along the A4 Highway.

By train:

You need to take the train to Desenzano del Garda at Milano Central Train Station and once you arrive at Desenzano Train Station, you must board bus N. 26 to Via Colombare. The train ticket is about €10 and the bus ticket is €2.

Mantua

Locally known as Mantova, this beautiful city in North Italy makes a fantastic, tranquil day trip from Milan. Right in the heart of the River Po Valley, this impressive city treasures unique medieval buildings and a fantastic natural landscape, at its best during the summer, when hundreds of lotus flowers blossom on the Lake Superior, adding a touch of exuberance to the area.

Somewhat underrated, not everybody is aware of the classic beauty and impressive collection of historical buildings to discover. It should be enough to say that Mantua was declared a World Heritage site in 2008.

In the old town, don’t miss a visit to gems such as the Palazzo Ducale, a huge structure made of several buildings dating back to the sixteenth century and the impressive number of over 500 rooms, several gardens and courtyards, featuring several frescoes and pieces of art.

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Right after you’ve checked out Palazzo Ducale, reach the oldest church in the city, Rotonda di San Lorenzo, which was built with following the architecture of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Other places worth a visit include the bridge of Saint Giorgio, the Astronomical Clock Tower as well as the squares of Piazza Sordello and Piazza Erbe.

The small nearby town of Sabbioneta, another place to visit when in Mantua, represents the perfect example of fortified Renaissance City. In Sabbioneta, take some time to explore the Theater All’Antica and the Gallery of the Ancients.

In Mantua, don’t forget to try the local Lambrusco wine, and a piece of Sbrisolona, an almond cake (the name roughly translates as crumbling) that breaks in your hands when you’re eating it.

How to get to Mantua from Milan

By train:

The train ride is more convenient than going there by car, the trip lasts about an two hours and tickets cost about €12. Trains depart from Milan Central Train Station.

By car:

Mantua is 183 km from Milan, you need to drive along the A35 Highway to Verona and there take the A4 Highway to Mantua. The trip lasts about 2.30 hours.

Courmayeur

Although Courmayeur is one of the most popular places to visit near Milan during winter, offering unique opportunities to ski and snowboard, the area is also fantastic in spring and summer to escape the high temperatures and the  humidity in the city.

This Alpine resort, very popular among locals, is in the Northwest area of Italy, at the foothills of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc (4810 m), with unique views of other remarkable peaks such as the Matterhorn and Monte Rossa. Taking a ride on the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car is one of the top things to do in the area.

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5 Destinations for the Perfect Honeymoon in Italy

Those interested in nature and outdoor activities can visit Lake Arpy, with a pristine surface mirroring the majestic mountain landscape. Alternatively, you can go for an excursion to Europe’s highest botanical garden (2173 m above the sea level), the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden, located at the first station along the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car ride,

If you’re more interested in things to do the village, discover the traditional cafes, the picturesque alpine wooden houses, or check out the Alpine Museum Duca degli Abruzzi to learn everything about the history of climbing in the region.

How to get to Courmayeur from Milan:

By bus:

Courmayeur is located 176 km from Milan, and taking the bus is the most efficient way to get there. Buses depart from the Milan Bus Station of Lampugnano, and the trip takes about four hours. Ticket prices start at €17 and the companies operating the route are Flixbus and Sellitto.

By car:

The total road distance between Milan and Courmayeur is 218 km. The trip takes about 150 minutes via the A4/E64 highway and the E25 highway to Valle d’Aosta. The road has tolls.

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