tuscany day trip from milan

Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package

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• Important Details

Our Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package will take you on an artistic and cultural journey across Tuscany’s beautiful cities. Arrive in Florence from Milan via high-speed train, and follow your expert guide across Florentine landmarks, from Duomo Square to Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi Gallery’s gorgeous art collections and appreciate Michaelangelo’s spectacular David statue. Explore the enchanting history of Siena and be captivated by the views from the hilltop of San Gimignano. Visit a quaint winery, learn of the fascinating production process, and sample some delicious wines paired with an authentic Tuscan lunch. Reach Pisa – an architectural gem of a city – and appreciate the many structures therein. Snap some noteworthy photos before making your way back to Milan.

Tourists who are wanderlusting after a thrilling escape to Tuscany from Milan should definitely join our Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package . Indulge in the great sites of Florence and taste the fine flavors of Tuscany all in a few days’ time. This tour includes wine tastings, a traditional lunch, expert guides, round-trip train tickets, site entries, and hotel accommodation. Book your adventure today!

Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package Highlights

• Step back into the past at the Uffizi Gallery as you admire remarkable art from great Renaissance artists
• See Michaelangelo’s statue of David followed by an exploration of Florence’s must-see sites
• Take in the great landscape from atop San Gimignano’s hilltop town and discover the great history of Siena
• Choose your own luxurious Florentine hotel with the help of our curated and personalized list
• Taste an authentic Tuscan lunch accompanied by delicious wines from a family-run winery
• Enjoy in-depth tours with your experienced guide at every major landmark and destination

Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package Itinerary

• Train transfer from Milan to Florence - between 10:00-14:00 - Please advise on the preferred time
• Arrive in Florence and make your way to your hotel
• Overnight in Florence
• You will be picked up from a centralized location in Florence; please be there 15 minutes early
• The tour begins on Florence's streets with a captivating walking tour of the historical center
• Dive into Florentine history from over 2 millennia of wild characters and historic upheavals, starting with the ancient Romans to the medieval scientists and artists that strolled the city streets
• Admire the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, where colorful art stores line the cobbled pathways
• Walk around Piazza Signoria to hear fascinating stories and witness the spot where Michaelangelo's 'David' once stood
• Head over to the city's crown jewel, the Duomo and enjoy a guided explanation from outside
• Next, it's on to the Accademia Galleria to visit the iconic David statue, learning more about how this symbolizes the city and what it used to represent
• Discover how Michelangelo's genius extracted this man from marble, marvel at the Prisoners and the Pietà as your guide answers all your questions about the timeless works of art, spins tales of the artist's life and times, and the stories behind the works themselves
• Enjoy free time for a lunch break (not included)
• Head to the famous Uffizi Gallery with skip-the-line access
• Learn about the best artists from the Middle Ages, uncovering secrets about techniques and tools created to craft these masterpieces
• See why Florence was often referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance as you see the most famous artworks of this period
• Your guide will meet you at a centralized location in Florence in the morning
• Start your day with a tour of the beautiful city of Siena
• Explore the ancient streets and learn about the rich history
• Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch and sample organic wine at a family-run estate
• Continue your day with a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano to appreciate the spectacular views
• Drive along the scenic Tuscan countryside to Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower
• You will be dropped off at the original pick-up location
• Train transfer from Florence to Milan
• Please advise on your preferred travel time between 10:00-14:00

If you have any questions about our Tuscany from Milan 4 Day Tour Package, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Dates marked below in green are still available for booking. Clicking on a date will start your booking process.

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Tuscany Tour From Milan

INDIVIDUAL TOUR

7 days / 6 nights –  All transport services in Italy included – Hotel accomodation with breakfast included

Our 7-day Tuscany tour from Milan is the perfect itinerary to experience Tuscany’s breathtaking treasures.

Our Tuscany Tour from Milan will allow you to discover the beauties of Tuscany, one of the best Italy’s regions.

With an expert guide at your side, and several mini-tours and entrance tickets to top attractions included in the price, you will explore at ease Milan, the 5 Terre, Pisa, Florence, and Chianti on this 7-day tour from Milan.

You will take in world-class attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites, amazing scenic views on the Ligurian sea and on the hills of Chianti, art and architectural marvels, renown top art cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca, and off-the-beaten-track picturesque villages.

It starts with a leisurely tour of cosmopolitan Milan , famous for its awe-inspiring marble Duomo and celebrated La Scala opera house, and for being the fashion capital of the world.

Then, enjoy the romanticism of the 5 Terre , 5 charming fishing villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea: one of Italy’s most scenic secrets , and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Once in Tuscany, you will climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa , a world-famous attraction (and another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site).

Then, you will discover the Chianti area , one of the most beautiful areas in the whole Tuscany, as well as the most well-known and appreciated by visitors from across the world.

Admire Lucca, and the medieval Siena, before visiting Florence and its medieval and Renaissance marvels with a guided walking tour first, and at your leisure later.

Tour Details

• Tuscany Tour from Milan , with transfers by 1st class hi-speed train or private car with driver between cities
• 7 Days (6 nights)
• Individual tour
• Tour code: n. 041913
• Perfect itinerary to discover Tuscany
• Visit three of Italy’s most enriching and historic cities : Milan, Pisa, and Florence
• Selected wonderful 4* hotels with accommodation for 6 nights
• Enjoy the romanticism of a boat tour in the Ligurian sea of the 5 Terre, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Admire unforgettable views of Pisa from the top of its Leaning Tower
• Enjoy the beauties of Chianti, a region renown worldwide for its wine and countryside and unparalleled beauty.
• Travel through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside , discovering lost medieval villages in the hills of Chianti
• Taste the Tuscan traditional specialties under the stars with a dinner in the world-famous Chianti area
• Explore the beautiful center city of Florence on our guided walking tour
• Starting from: € 1,320 (per person) from 6 people
• Starting from: € 1,380 (per person) up to 5 people
• Starting from: € 1,590 (per person) from 2 people

Hotel on double occupancy.

Cost may vary depending on dates chosen and any weekend, holiday and trade fair date surcharges. For a quote on your dates and number in your party please contact us.

Booking: (by money transfer) 35% in advance – 65%   35 days before departure

• Day 1 – Arrival in Milan. Free time
• Day 2 – Milan tour – Visit city center (not guided tour) – Free time
• Day 3 – 5 Terre. Boat tour. Departure to Pisa
• Day 4 – Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Lucca. Departure to Florence
• Day 5 – Excursion to Chianti. Tuscan Dinner
• Day 6 – Best of Florence walking tour. Entrance to Accademia Gallery with skip the line access
• Day 7 – Florence. Breakfast in hotel. Free time. Departure

ALL OUR ITALY TOURS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO SUIT PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS!

GET A QUOTE TODAY

Itinerary – day by day, day 1 –  arrival in milan.

• Arrive in Milan at Airport
• Your private driver will bring you to your Milan hotel

Milan is Italy’s commercial and financial hub, and a city rich of history, art and culture.

You will enjoy your free time in Milan in the afternoon and evening. And do not forget, Milan by night is a very lively city.

DAY 2 –  Milan

• Breakfast in Milan Hotel
• City tour by private car with driver and walk
• Afternoon and evening at leisure

Enjoy breakfast and then relax on a sightseeing tour of Milan (included in the tour).

Our driver will show you the best districts of Milan: Porta Venezia, the old neoclassical Porta Garibaldi city gate , the majestic Milan Central Station , the artsy quarter of Brera , the ultra-modern skyscrapers at Palazzo Lombardia (seat of the regional government), and the newly developed Porta Nuova area , which hosts striking high-rise buildings and avant-garde constructions.

At the end of the tour (optional) you will visit Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper , in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , UNESCO World Heritage site.

You will have free time in the afternoon to explore Milan and admire its beautiful top attractions:

• Milan Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo : one of Europe’s most striking examples of Gothic architecture
• La Scala opera house (Teatro alla Scala): the world’s most famous opera house
• Sforza Castle : Milan’s Renaissance pride and joy

If you are a fashion lover, head for the Quadrilatero, Milan’s most famed and fabled shopping district, which displays luxurious shops, courtyards, and palaces.

DAY 3 –  5 Terre and Pisa

• Excursion to 5 Terre with boat tour
• Transfer to Pisa

The picturesque 5 Terre (5 old charming fishing villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea) are one of Italy’s most scenic secrets.

Cars were banned a decade ago in this area, which is a National Park spreading along 18 kilometers of rocky coast.

The 5 Terre have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 , as the villages and the surrounding landscape, marked by stone walls and terraces that villagers have created over the centuries for vineyards and olive trees, are unique in the world.

You will enjoy a visit to Portovenere, a boat trip (ticket included in the tour) to Monterosso, a gentle stroll along the world famous Via Dell’Amore, a very romantic coastal pathway.

In the late afternoon you will reach Pisa.

DAY 4 –  Pisa, Lucca and Florence

• Breakfast in Pisa Hotel
• Visit of Pisa and of the Leaning Tower
• Visit of Lucca
• Arrival to Florence

Discover the delights of Pisa, a lovely Tuscany town with a great historic center , full of Renaissance and medieval buildings.

The Leaning Tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site, has captivated crowds for centuries with its distinctive tilt.

The tower, which took nearly 200 years to construct, started leaning even before it was finished and still nobody knows for sure why. At the end of the 294-step staircase, you will be offered fantastic panoramic views over Pisa .

In the afternoon you will visit Lucca, one of Tuscany’s lesser-known gems. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, that shows an enchanting display of Renaissance architecture and Etruscan ruins.

You will admire Lucca’s historical centre, now a pedestrian area enclosed by the imposing tree-lined Renaissance walls, the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Guinigi Tower, Lucca Cathedral.

Taste a buccellato, Lucca’s ring-shaped cake, and some of the great local wines.

After some free time to explore Lucca, you will reach Florence.

DAY 5 –  Florence and Chianti

• Breakfast in Florence hotel
• Excursion in Chianti with dinner in the evening

In your second day in Tuscany, you will spend an unforgettable day in the picturesque countryside of the Chianti area , a magical landscape of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves you’ll recognize from Renaissance paintings. 

Our excursion will show you scenic back-roads on gentle hills , vineyards and world-famous wineries, enchanting medieval hill towns off-the-beaten track, such as Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and the beautiful Siena (a wealthy, warlike independent state during the Middle Ages, Siena is Italy’s best preserved medieval city).

Complete your excursion with a traditional Tuscan Dinner (included in the tour) in a historic village set in the hills, toasting the finest Chianti Wine under the stars.

DAY 6 –  Florence

• Breakfast in Florence Hotel
• Walking guided tour of Florence’s historic center and the Accademia Gallery with audioguide and Skip The Line access
• Afternoon at your leisure

Florence is a beautiful city , home to some of the most famous art museums in the world, but also full of shopping and food treasures and opportunities.

Still, it’s a small city , with virtually all its top sights clustered in just a few square kilometers .

Our walking guided tour (included in this Tuscany tour) will allow you to taste the best of Florence in a relatively short time.

You won’t feel overwhelmed by the choice of what to see or do in Florence.

Our tour also includes Skip The Lines tickets to the Accademia Gallery, among the most famous museums in the world for its extraordinary collections of paintings and ancient statues. You won’t have to waste time queuing for hours to admire its treasures!

The Accademia Gallery is famous in particular for its  David of Michelangelo . This magnificent 17 foot marble masterpiece is easily the most famous statue in the world. The Accademia also hosts the unfinished works of art Prigioni, San Matteo, la Pietà di Palestrina and other masterpieces by the great artist. Other rooms showcase works by Botticelli, Lippi, and several other Renaissance masters, prevalent throughout the gallery.

In the afternoon, you could visit the Uffizi Gallery ’, another top museum in the world, thanks to its wealth of Renaissance artwork . You will be able to admire Renaissance treasures by Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Besides the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, Florence is an artistic marvel .

The list of other fascinating museums in Florence which would deserve a visit is long. Just to mention some of the musei statali (state museums): San Marco Museum, Palazzo Pitti, Stibbert Museum, Bargello Museum, Davanzati Palace Museum, Palazzo Vecchio, Palatina Gallery, Argenti Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Medici Chapels etc…Florence is really a paradise for art lovers.

But Florence is a top destination for architecture lovers too. There are endless medieval and Renaissance marvels such as monastic churces, cathedrals, domes, squares, bridges, streets, buildings etc.

Shopping and fashion lovers will enjoy the elegant cafes, markets, fashion boutiques, world-known designers stores such as Gucci’s and Roberto Cavallo’s, and fine craftsmanship, tiny artisan workshops and studios, hand-making leather, jewellery, hand-embroidered linens, designer fashion, perfume, marbled paper, puppets…

If you love food , Florence is one of the best cities in Italy where you can slip into the Italian way of spending time sitting outside and enjoying fine food and drinks .

DAY 7 –  Florence

• Depart from Florence (transfer to airport included)

What’s Included in The Tuscany Tour From Milan

• 6 nights in selected 4* hotels (2 nights in a 4* hotel in Milan, 1 night in a 4* hotel in Pisa, 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Florence)
• Airport transfers to Milan city by private car with driver
• Milan city tour by private car and walk (not guided)
• Excursion at 5 Terre by boat
• Tickets for Pisa Leaning Tower
• Excursion in Chianti with Dinner
• Best of Florence walking guided tour
• Daily Breakfasts in hotels

ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED TO OPERATE

What’s Not Included in The Tuscany Tour From Milan

• Flights to/from home city
• Meals if not mentioned
• Boat tickets
• Travel insurance
• City Tax (€ 4-5 per day/ p.p.)
• All this is not mentioned in the program

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

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.

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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 !

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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!

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The 8 best day trips from Milan to experience the Lombardy life

Feb 25, 2021 • 8 min read

Attractions around Milan range from medieval townships to stunning vantage points overlooking Lake Como © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Milan may be Italy's capital of fashion and glamor, but it's also the gateway to a whole region of rich culture, fine food and even finer scenery. Within a few hours of the city, you can splash or boat on gorgeous lakes, scramble over rugged mountain ranges, wander the laneways of medieval towns and gape in awe at Unesco-listed hill villages, ancient relics and sacred sites.

Tear yourself away from Milan's chic events, fine dining and cosmopolitan nightlife, and the rewards are many and varied. Whether it's a stroll through the medieval alleys of Bergamo or a boat trip on Lake Como, a day trips from Milan will broaden your experience of this wonderful corner of Italy, and it's a beautiful region to explore in spring, before the summer crowds arrive. Here are eight of the very best day trips from Milan.

Why go?: To experience la bella vita

Studded with lavish villas and backed by the dramatic scenery of the Italian Alps, languid Lake Como was a playground for the rich and famous long before George Clooney showed up on the scene. Perhaps the best way to experience the lake is by renting a boat (no boat license is required) to cruise from one charming town to the next.

Highlights include touristy but beautiful Bellagio , with its sweep of terracotta-tiled rooftops, and the pretty towns of Varenna, Menaggio and  Como . Take time to admire imposing villas such as Tremezzo's Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianiello in Lenno – you might recognize the latter from movies including Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale .

How to get to Lake Como:  Trains leave regularly from the Cadorna, Porta Garibaldi and Centrale train stations in Milan, stopping at Como Nord Lago. The trip takes up to 90 minutes (depending on whether the train is direct or not). Alternatively, you can drive here in about an hour from central Milan via the E62 and A9 highways.

Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Why go?: For an island escape

While less celebrated than Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is no less beautiful, and it's home to the three treasured Borromean Islands. Named for the aristocratic family who acquired these lovely specks of land in the 16th and 17th centuries, the islands each have their own distinctive charm, and it's worth taking time to explore all three.

Isola Bella is famous for its luxurious baroque palace and romantic Italian-style gardens, while Isola Madre has 20 acres of landscaped botanical gardens complete with exotic plants and birds, part of the elegant Palazzo Madre. Finally, Superiore (also known as Isola dei Pescatori, thanks to its origins as a humble fishing village) was largely left to its own devices. It has 25 or so residents today, who continue to follow a simple, traditional way of life. 

How to get to Lake Maggiore: Take a train from the Porta Garibaldi or Centrale stations in Milan and get off at Stresa (worth a visit in its own right), where you can arrange a boat trip to the islands. The trip to Stresa takes about 90 minutes whether you travel by train or by car. The prettiest road routes hug the lake's west bank, climbing up through the Val Cannobina and then down to Locarno.

Why go?: For the historic architecture

With the rugged mountain ranges of the Alps in the distance, Bergamo is blessed with stunning views, and that’s not all. Divided into upper and lower districts, the lower  Città Bassa shows off Bergamo's modern face, while the upper Città Alta sprawls across the hillside and has a beguiling fairytale-like charm.

Nestled inside 3 miles (5km) of 16th-century Unesco-listed Venetian walls is a timeless world of winding medieval alleys and elegant Renaissance buildings. Wander the streets or walk along the walls and soak up the history. Devote some time to exploring the Piazza Vecchia , lined with elegant palazzi, and the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

How to get to Bergamo: Trains for Bergamo leave every hour from Milan's Porta Garibaldi and Centrale stations, and take around an hour. If you're driving from Milan, take the A4 motorway and follow the Bergamo exit signs. Traffic is restricted in the Città Alta, but you can find limited parking outside the city walls.

Why go?: For the lake views

Covering 370 sq km (143 sq miles), Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is the largest of the Italian lakes, straddling the border between three Italian regions. It's visited by nearly one in ten visitors to Italy, for its views, fine food, flanking vineyards and cultural cachet. Like an Italian lunch, exploring this region is something to be savored slowly. Many drive, visiting the lake as a stop en route to Verona , but it pays to narrow down your expectations and devote a day to exploring parts of the lakeshore in depth.

The western Lombardy-facing shore of Lake Garda is the most beautiful, lined with historic towns, stately villas, mountain-backed roads and frothing flower-filled gardens. Oriented toward the Veneto , the eastern shore has a different character, with silvery olive groves lining the shoreline. On a day trip from Milan, maximize the experience by homing in on a town such as Sirmione  or  Desenzano del Garda  for a focused taste of the larger region.

How to get to Lake Garda:  Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan–Venice train line with a fast train service that takes about an hour (and it's another half hour to Verona). The drive from Milan to Lake Garda takes approximately two hours.

Why go?: For the romantic mood

Verona  is best known for its Shakespeare associations, attracting a multinational gaggle of tourists to its pretty piazzas and knot of lanes. Most come in search of Romeo and Juliet associations, which the city is very happy to provide, but it's the city backstreets rather than the touristy sights that leave the longest-lasting impression of this attractive Veneto city.

Verona's heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well-preserved amphitheater from the 1st century CE, plus countless churches, a couple of architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige River, regional wine and food from the Veneto hinterland and some impressive art galleries . It's just a short hop from Lake Garda, so the two can be combined in a long (but rushed) day trip if you're not planning to linger at the sights. 

How to get to Verona: It's just over an hour on the fast train from Milan, but the trip takes closer to two hours by car. The trip between Verona and Lake Garda takes about 25 minutes.

Why go?: For art without the crowds

Varese is a prosperous provincial capital with a pretty old town and some grand villas that are worthy day trip material. On a hill overlooking the town sits the glorious 18th-century  Villa Panza  with its impressive collection of contemporary American art. Donated in 1996 to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano not-for-profit organization, the mansion holds a collection that Count Giuseppe Panza began amassing in the 1950s.

Elegant rooms decorated with Renaissance furniture provide a grand setting for modern works, many of which explore the concepts of light and color. Dan Flavin’s dazzling neon lights are just some of the works transforming this interesting space. Once you’ve had your fill, take a scenic amble through the Italian-style gardens, complete with views and scattered outdoor installations.

How to get to Varese: From Milan's Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna stations, you can take a train that stops at Varese. Continue on Bus A from Piazzale Trieste (just outside the station) to its final stop at Piazza Litta, close by Villa Panza. The whole journey takes over an hour. It's faster to drive here via the A8 motorway from Milan; just follow the signs to the parking station at Piazza Repubblica.

Why go?: For compact grandeur

Pavia combines the youthful buzz of a university town with the historic grandeur of a medieval township, and its small size makes it easy to explore. A stop at the University of Pavia , one of the oldest universities in Europe, is pretty much mandatory – founded in 1361, the campus has hosted such illustrious students as Ugo Foscolo, Alessandro Volta and some say even Christopher Columbus.

The Romanesque Basilica di San Michele , the 14th-century castle and the main cathedral with its massive dome are also worth a peek. Just outside the city, Certosa di Pavia is one of the oldest monasteries in Italy; built in 1396, it’s an impressive sight, blending Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Some say Pavia is worth a trip just to eat  La Torria degli Aquila – the sensational cooking in this medieval tower is highly creative while still rooted in tradition.

How to get to Pavia: Trains for Pavia depart from Milan's Centrale and Rogoredo stations and take around 30 minutes. The drive is longer, at around an hour.

Why go?: For the thrill of the race

For motoring enthusiasts, the  Autodromo Nazionale Monza racetrack needs no introduction. Constructed in 1922, it’s best known for hosting the Formula One Italian Grand Prix almost since the race’s inception. With its long straights and fast corners, it has a reputation as the "Temple of Speed," and watching a race here is an experience not to be missed.

Non-professional drivers with deep pockets can realize the dream of cruising in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Gran Turismo or Formula 3 car on this hallowed stretch of tarmac. Those less inclined towards adrenaline and g-forces can experience the track in a minivan or by bike.

How to get to Monza: Trains from Milan's Centrale and Porta Garibaldi stations are the best way to travel to Monza, and the trip takes around 15 minutes. From Monza station, jump on Bus Z221 towards Carate/Mariano and disembark at Vedano al Lambro, which is walking distance from the racetrack's Porta Vedano entrance.

You might also like: The top 22 free things to do in Milan Milan's must-see museums: a design for life The best things to do in Milan, from divine churches to cathedrals of fashion

This article was first published Jul 11, 2019 and updated Feb 25, 2021.

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Best Day Trips from Milan

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Milan is a fantastic base for a day trip thanks to its prime position within the central region of northern Italy. Whether discovering the rolling Swiss and Italian Alps or the stunning lakes nearby, extend your stay in Milan by adding an unforgettable day trip.

Thanks to the country’s nifty transport system, traveling by train in Italy means the best day trips from Milan are easy and affordable. So, prepare for some unforgettable experiences, from a food-inspired visit to Bologna to a historic trip to Turin.

Article contents

Day tours from Milan to Lake Como are fairly straightforward. It costs around €5 to ride from Milan Central Station to Como Lago on a 40-minute train journey.

READ: our full guide on How to get from Milan to Lake Como . 

Enjoy Lake Como by visiting some of its stunning villas. Some must-sees include Villa Carlotta, Villa Olmo, and the famous movie location of Villa del Balbianello .

Taking a boat cruise along Lake Como is a glorious way to explore the attractions. Snap tons of photos along the shores of Bellagio, walk the quaint cobblestone streets of Brienno, and eat your heart out near the colorful buildings of Varenna. 

TOP TIP: Take the funicular railway from Como to Brunate for majestic hillside views of Lake Como. 

Lake Como Day Trip From Milan

If you’d like to have transport arranged for you, then it’s a great idea to join this Lake Como day trip from Milan . It’s an excellent way to experience the best of Bellagio and Varenna without having to worry about travel logistics. The tour also includes a lovely cruise along Lake Como.

Tour Details: Lake Como day trip from Milan

The Lagoon City is one of the most iconic destinations in Italy. For independent travel, take the train from Milan Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia. This is a roughly 2.5-hour trip. Tickets start at around €17, and the train will drop you right in the heart of Venice.

As for the top things to see in Venice , be sure to stop by the Basilica di San Marco to admire some stunning architecture. You can also visit the Palazzo Ducale and photograph the iconic Rialto Bridge. 

Consider escaping the crowds with a short ferry ride to the bright streets of Burano. Or, stay in the heart of Venice and visit the flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria or the Il Fenice Opera House .

Venice Day Trip From Milan

Although traveling alone offers a lot of freedom, this full-day Venice tour is also a great option. The tour covers some Venice itinerary staples, like a breathtaking Grand Canal gondola ride and a glass-making workshop. It also travels past all the famous attractions in the city, like Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and the Riva degli Schiavoni.

Tour Details: Venice day trip from Milan

It’s a short hour train ride from Milan Centrale to Bologna Centrale, with tickets costing around €20 per person. Piazza Maggiore is the cultural hub at the city center and is a fantastic starting point for your day in Bologna .

Visit the tenth largest church in the world at Basilica di San Petronio, walk the world’s longest portico to Monte della Guardia, and climb the medieval tower of Prendiparte. While all the sights around the city are magical, its true attraction is the fantastic dishes of Bologna .

Bologna Tasting Tour

There aren’t many day-trip tour options from Milan to Bologna, but there are many tours available in the city. On this tasting tour of Bologna , dig into 10 delicious delicacies popular in this foodie destination. Indulge in the classic flavors of tortellini fritti and formaggio bianco, or meats complimented perfectly with a glass of Lambrusco.

Tour Details: The 10 tastings of Bologna

If traveling solo is your style, then it’s about an hour-long trip from Milan Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova. Tickets tend to start around €27, but you can often find some fantastic deals on Omio .

Wonder at human and animal mummies and the massive Sethi II Statue at the expansive and world famous Egyptian Museum . After your ancient history fix, stop by the UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence, La Venaria Reale .

Turin Day Trip From Milan

This full-day guided tour of Turin offers hotel pick-up and drop-off in Milan and includes a walking tour that covers the highlights of Turin. You’ll also have free time to sample local cuisine and explore on your own. 

Tour Details: full-day guided tour of Turin

TOP TIP: Read our Piedmont travel guide if you intend to venture beyond Torino.

Getting from Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova takes about one hour and 15 minutes when using Frecciarossa, with tickets starting at €18.

The ancient Roman Arena — which is actually older than the Colosseum — should be one of your first stops. You can also stop by the 14th-century Castel San Pietro for epic views of Verona. 

Head to the Castelvecchio Museum to admire glorious sculptures and paintings or visit Juliet’s House , once home to the Cappello family. For some shopping, head to Via Giuseppe Mazzini. 

READ: Our guide to the Best things to do in Verona .

Verona Walking Tour

Organized day trips from Verona to Milan are limited, so your best option is to travel independently. 

Join this guided walking tour of Verona to see its top sights. Discover everything from the Roman Amphitheater to the breathtaking frescoes at the Piazza delle Erbe. There’s more, with visits to the gothic-style Arche Scaligere and some fantastic local restaurants all included on this private tour. 

TOP TIP: Get 5% off Livtour experiences with the code UntoldItaly .

Tour Details: Private tour of Verona

St Moritz and Bernina Express to Switzerland

Pretty much the entire day will be spent on a train, but this day trip is more for the stunning scenery than anything else. 

If taking this trip independently, take a three-hour train ride from Milan Centrale to Tirano for around €14. From there, the breathtaking Bernina Express train takes you through northern Italy and into Switzerland. St. Moritz is the halfway point on this iconic four-hour panoramic train ride from Tirano to Chur, with tickets costing €51.50 one-way.

St Moritz and Bernina Express Day Trip From Milan

Alternatively, avoid the hassle of planning the entire journey by joining this Bernina Express experience from Milan . Enjoy a scenic bus ride through the countryside and straight to St. Moritz. From there, enter the world-famous scenic train journey from St. Moritz to Tirano, and discover the beauty of Switzerland.

Tour Details: St Moritz and Bernina Express panoramic tour

Interlaken and Swiss Alps

As fantastic an idea as it is, taking a day trip to Interlaken from Milan without a guide may not be worth the effort. 

The quickest route has one changeover in Spiez, with an average travel time of four hours. The fastest train tickets cost roughly €89, and even then, there will be a lot of time wasted waiting between trains, so tours are much easier.

Interlaken and Swiss Alps Day Trip From Milan

Skip the transport arrangements by booking a convenient day excursion to Interlaken from Milan instead. On this day trip, you can expect a scenic two-hour ride from Domodossola to Spiez. 

The journey takes you through the lush valleys of Simplon Pass on the Green Train. Spend some time admiring Spiez before jumping on a gentle boat ride across Lake Thun to the charming town of Interlaken.

The Swiss Alps are in full view during the boat tour, with Jungfrau, Mönch, and Elger all within view. After arriving in Interlaken, spend some time admiring the bespoke architecture, and don’t forget to visit the stunning Lake Brienz as well. 

Tour Details: Interlaken and Swiss Alps day trip

Milan to Lake Garda is a trip that can easily be paired with a visit to Verona. Catching a train from Milan Centrale to Desenzano del Garda is quick and affordable, with a 50-minute travel time and tickets costing around €18.

Visiting Castello Scaligero at Sirmione port is a great idea as this iconic castle dominates the picturesque town. You’ll also love a cruise along Lake Garda to explore sights like the Villa Canossa and Lazise Castle. 

Taking a dip in the emerald waters of Lake Garda is also worth a try, especially in the summer months. Or head to Bardolino to sample the delights of Bresca wines at places like Lenotti Cellars or Winery Costadora.

Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip From Milan

Join this combined tour of Verona and Lake Garda from Milan to enjoy the convenience of arranged transport along with enough freedom to explore on your own. An expert tour guide will take you to some of the highlights of both destinations while giving you free time to wander about, do some shopping, and take a boat cruise on Lake Garda if you wish. 

Tour Details: Tour of Verona and Lake Garda from Milan

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region on the Italian Riviera teeming with colorful villages and breathtakingly clear water along the Ligurian coast. Each town has its own unique character, and traveling between each is easy with the Cinque Terre Express . 

Simply put, venturing out to Cinque Terre is too long a trip to do on your own from Milan as the average train travel time is over four and a half hours to La Spezia. It is however cost effective with train tickets available from around €23.

The best option is to join a guided tour, as this will help you cover the highlights of each village in a day. 

Cinque Terre Day Trip From Milan

To experience possibly the best day trip from Milan, Italy, without tiring yourself out, join this full-day Cinque Terre guided tour . An air-conditioned coach will collect you at your hotel in Milan and drive you to Monterosso al Mare. Enjoy a guided tour of the town before hopping aboard a boat cruise along the Italian Riviera and ending off in La Spezia.

Tour Details: Cinque Terre full-day guided trip

Lombardy Wine Tasting

The perfect Milan day trip does exist, and it’s in the form of a wine-tasting tour through Lombardy. If traveling alone, head to the city of Bergamo, which lies an hour away from Milan, by train. Train tickets cost around €6 per person, making it a great option for a day trip.

The best way to experience this region, however, is with a guided tour. This will cover transport, and you’ll get to learn about the region and the wine-making process from a knowledgeable guide

Lombardy Wine Tasting Day Trip From Milan

This fantastic Franciacorta wine tour from Milan takes you to the humble Italian city of Bergamo for a lovely lunch before exploring the Franciacorta wine route. The sommelier and knowledgeable guide will show you every aspect of the wine-making process before you sample the golden nectar at a wine tasting. 

Tour Details : Franciacorta full-day wine experience

Lake Maggiore

Get to Lake Maggiore independently by train from Milan Centrale to Stresa. Tickets are reasonably affordable at about €10, and the trip lasts just over an hour.

If independent travel is your preferred option, you can try this Lake Maggiore hop-on hop-off boat ticket . This will allow you to explore Stresa and the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori) in your own time.

Stop by the Borromean Islands on Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre. The latter is known as one of the prettiest park spaces in Italy, while Pescatori is an iconic fishing village. It’s then a short journey across the lake to glorious Isola Bella, which hosts the elaborate Palazzo Borromeo .

End the day in Stresa, where you can enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar in Hotel La Palma or visit the picturesque Park Villa Pallavicino.  

LISTEN: to our podcast for more on Magical Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore Day Trip From Milan

This Lake Maggiore day trip is one of the best day excursions from Milan. The tour starts with a lovely cruise from Lago Maggiore, where you can admire the idyllic villas and lush lakeside garden. The tour also stops by the three main Borromean Islands of Isola Pescatori, Isola Madre, and Isola Bella, where you can explore each one.

Tour Details: Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan

Summary: Best Day Trips from Milan

No matter the journey, a day trip from Milan will always be an unforgettable experience. The choice is yours, from sipping wine in Franciacorta to admiring the stunning scenery on a day trip from Milan to Switzerland.

So, what will your next epic adventure be?

NEXT READ: If you’re planning on taking any day-trips independently, this in-depth guide to transportation in Italy will come in handy.

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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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12 best day trips from Milan

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 06.02.2024

In welcome news for travellers who want more from their city breaks, Milan offers easy access to a host of handsome destinations. Interest piqued? Read on to discover the 12 best day trips from Milan. From exploring some of Lombardy's lakes , and discovering Bologna’s gastronomic delights, to revelling in Verona’s romance, this rundown might just leave you longing to extend your trip.

1. Lake Como

2. lake garda.

• 9. Lake Maggiore

11. Bergamo

12. brescia, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2622 USD

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Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3258 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

1 hour from Milan by train

Surrounded by lush, green woodland, with shimmering waters to traverse on romantic boat trips, there’s a reason Lake Como is widely considered to be one of the loveliest Italian lakes.

On a day trip from Milan, your best bet is to focus on its southern area. Conveniently, Lake Como’s principal towns, Como and Lecco, are at the southernmost tips of their own branches of the lake — Ramo di Como and Ramo di Lecco. 

Lake Como, Italy — one of the best day trips from Milan © Shutterstock

Set around a small bay at the southernmost tip of the lake’s western fork, Como is an affluent, ancient town. Much of its wealth comes from outlying factories that produce luxury silk items for the fashion houses of Milan, Paris and New York.  

At the centre of the bay, lakeside Piazza Cavour is bounded by hotels. However, it takes only a few steps to find yourself among historic churches and atmospheric streets.

After wandering Como’s once-walled quarter, with pedestrianized cobbled lanes reflecting their Roman origins, visit the Duomo. With an enchanting mix of fairy-tale pinnacles, classical statues, and Renaissance tapestries, this is esteemed as Italy’s best example of Gothic-Renaissance fusion.

Next up, stroll the lakeside promenade that curls through a park to Villa Olmo, a Neoclassical pile with glorious (free) gardens. Then ride the funicular railway past nineteenth-century villas to Brunate. This small hilltop resort has plenty of places to eat and drink while you take in gorgeous views of the lake.

Como city cathedral and city skyline © Shutterstock

With the Grigne mountain range as a broodings backdrop, Lecco is at its most atmospheric in the morning, when mists shroud the lake.  

Love literature? Visit Villa Manzoni, the childhood home of Alessandro Manzoni, author of the great nineteenth-century Italian novel Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed”). Today this houses the Museo Manzoniano, a local art gallery, and library. 

Another Lecco highlight is the lakefront Basilica, where you can climb the second highest bell tower in Italy for soul-stirring views of the city, lake and mountains

Lecco colorful square view, Como Lake, Lombardy region of Italy © Shutterstock

At 52km long and 17km wide, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake. In fact, Lake Garda actually alters the local climate. As a result of a specific pattern of lake breezes, it’s milder here, and often sunnier than might be expected. 

Of all Italy’s lakes, Lake Garda also draws the most visitors, and comes recommended as one of the best day trips from Milan. Take your pick from these two beauties:

At the bottom of Lake Garda, the long, narrow promontory of Sirmione is lined with hotels leading up to a very pretty village that’s accessed through ancient castle walls.  

Sirmione’s picture-postcard charm owes much to the fairy-tale castle at its entrance. Built when the Della Scala/Scaligeri family of Verona expanded and fortified their territory in the thirteenth century, the Rocca Scaligera is almost entirely surrounded by water.  

At the far end of the promontory, a mere fifteen-minute stroll from the castle, you’ll find the remains of a first-century BC/AD Roman villa — the Grotte di Catullo. Scattered among ancient olive trees, the ruins offer superb views across the lake.  

Partway along the route to the Roman ruins, a path heads to a shingle beach, the Lido delle Bionde. Here you can eat, drink, swim in the lake, or sunbathe on the pontoon.

Sirmione, popular travel destination on Lake Garda in Italy © Shutterstock

Desenzano del Garda

At Garda’s southwest extremity, Desenzano is a good access point to the lake, and is also within easy reach of Milan. Its attractive waterfront squares – Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti – are lined with bars and restaurants. 

Nearby, the Roman villa on Via Crocifisso boasts marvellous mosaics, while the castle looming over town offers spectacular views.

Love the sound of the lakes? You'll fall head over heels in love with our customisable Enchanting Italian Lakes itinerary. You'd also do well to get  The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes .

Porto Vecchio in Desenzano del Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

45-minutes from Milan by train

For some respite from Milan’s bustle, head to the small, ancient city of Pavia. Here architectural wonders are served with fine wine, best enjoyed along the banks of the winding Ticino River. 

The main reason people are pulled to the Pavia area is to visit the Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia). Set among the rice fields around 40km south of Milan, this is one of the most extravagant monasteries in Europe. Commissioned in 1396 by the Duke of Milan as the family mausoleum, it took a century to build.

As a work of art, the Certosa di Pavia is one of the most important testimonies to the transformation from late-Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerist styles. However, Pavia also boasts a range of Romanesque and Gothic churches, and a plethora of pretty places to eat.

Aerial view of Pavia, Italy - Certosa di Pavia © Shutterstock

Mad about music? Cremona is definitely one of the best day trips from Milan! 

A cosy provincial town in the middle of the Po plain, Cremona is famed for its violins. Andrea Amati established the first violin workshop here in 1566, followed by his son, grandson, and pupils Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. 

Today the city is home to an internationally esteemed school of violin making, and the fascinating Museo del Violino. Add to that some fine Renaissance and medieval buildings, the splendid Piazza del Comune and Duomo, plus plenty of scenic spots to sip wine and people watch, and your day trip from Milan will amount to a richly rewarding experience.

Cremona panorama © Shutterstock

2 hours from Milan by train. Fast train: 1h 27m

Exhilaratingly eclectic, “La Superba” — as Genoa was known at the height of its powers — exudes undeniable vibrancy and intrigue. As such, it’s one of our favourite day trips from Milan. 

Stretching behind the revitalised old port, Genoa’s old town is an alluring labyrinth of medieval alleyways. Here you’ll find food shops tucked housed in former palaces, carpenters’ workshops jammed between designer furniture outlets, and no shortage of charming places to sample local seafood.  

Aside from soaking up the city’s cosmopolitan buzz, don’t miss the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the best of Genoa’s art collections. 

If it’s art you’re after, you’ll also want to visit the Gesù. Located on the corner of Piazza de Ferrari and Piazza Matteotti, this was designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi at the end of the sixteenth century. Today it houses a marvel of marble and gilt stucco and some fine Baroque paintings. Higlhights include Guido Reni’s Assumption, and two works by Rubens — The Miracles of St Ignatius, and The Circumcision.

Genoa's old town © Shutterstock

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45-minutes from Milan by train

Turin  is the perfect place to devour hearty, rich  Piemonte  cooking at its finest. Given that  it is a top  destination for foodies , visiting this heritage-rich city might just turn out to be your favourite day trip from Milan.  

Chocolate production in Turin began more than 500 years ago. As a mark of the city’s chocolate credentials, even Swiss chocolatiers train here. It is also worth metioning that Turin’s Pepino gelataria claims to have created the first choco ice, with them patenting their “pinguino” in Turin in 1939. In other firsts for Turin, the city created Vermouth back 1786, and also claims to have invented the Italy-wide tradition of aperitivo.     

With Baroque avenues, opulent palaces and splendid art, Turin also has plenty to keep culture vultures happy. Don’t miss visiting the incredible Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace. While the museum is second only to Cairo’s Egyptian museum, the Royal Palace was the most opulent residence of Italy's House of Savoy royal family. 

Rough Guides tip: Food figure high as a travel priority? Browse our customisable Wine and Food in Tuscany trip, or talk to our local Italy experts to curate your perfect food-focussed experience.

Turin, Italy © Shutterstock

1 hour 15 minutes from Milan by train

Famed for being the home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic gem. Think pink-hued medieval buildings, ancient bridges crossing the broad curves of the Adige River, and more pretty piazzas and palazzos than you can wave an opera glove at. On that subject, visit in August for Verona's world-famous opera festival. 

With a bounty of Roman attractions, and historic sites that are only second in number to Venice, unlike Venice, Verona is never overwhelmed by tourists. In addition, despite being the largest city of the mainland Veneto, Verona invites easy immersion. With cars and buses prohibited from many squares and medieval lanes in its historic centre, it’s a place to amble at leisure. 

Don’t miss the remarkable Roman amphitheatre, red-and-white-striped Duomo, 14th-century Arche Scaligere market, Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza dei Signori.  

If you’ve been drawn by the city’s Shakespearean connections, the Casa di Giulietta is the foremost of Verona’s Romeo and Juliet attractions. You can also visit “Romeo’s house”, a private dwelling at Via Arche Scaligere 4, and the Tomba di Giulietta, in the southeast of the city.

Verona © Shutterstock

As with Turin, if you love your grub, bella  Bologna  is one of the best day trips from Milan. Capital of  Emilia-Romagna , Bologna’s restaurants are said to be the best in Italy. It’s not for nothing that the city is known as La Grassa — “The Fat One”. 

To start getting stuck into Bologna’s cuisine, head to the Mercato di Mezzo, where you can buy fresh salads, calamari, platters of ham and cheese, plus wine and beer. We also recommend taking a food-themed walking tour of the city to sample the region’s incredible cheese, tortellini and mortadella. 

Once you’ve had your fill, meander the city’s impossibly pretty medieval streets and the grand central square of Piazza Maggiore. An attractive mass of red brick buildings and balconies, Piazza Maggiore is also a magnificent place to drink decadent hot chocolate while watching the world go by.

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Home to Europe’s first university, Bologna boasts museums and galleries galore. Top of the tree sits the Museo Civici d’Arte Antica, which is home to the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, the Museo Davia Bargellini, and the Museo Civico Medievale.

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy © Shutterstock

9. Lake Maggiore 

1 hour by train to Stresa by train, plus a 20-minute ferry to the Borromean Islands

Characterised by crystalline, blue waters, and surrounded by green hills, with palms and oleanders lining the lakeside promenades, Lake Maggiore has a marvellously serene air. At 66km, it’s also Italy’s longest lake. 

Most day-trippers from Milan take the high-speed train to the genteel, sleepy scenic resort town of Stresa. From here, the glorious gardens and villas of the Borromean islands — Bella, Madre and Pescatore — are within easy reach via a 20-minute ferry ride. 

Famed for being a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, this trio of beauties are known for their palatial villas, lush parks, and vibrant endemic flora. Romantics will be especially bowled over by Isola Bella. As well as exploring its sumptuous Baroque gardens, don't miss the island’s opulent palazzo. This boasts a banqueting hall, ballroom and throne room, with mirror- and shell-encrusted grottoes down at water level.

Elegant, charming and out-of-this-world enchanting, it’s fair to say that visiting Lake Maggiore makes for an unforgettable day trip from Milan.

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore © Shutterstock

1.5 hours by train from Milan

Located in the Swiss canton of Ticino , taking a day trip from Milan to Lugano can't come more highly recommended. And the reason? With its compact cluster of Italianate piazzas and tree-lined promenades, Lugano is the most alluring of Ticino’s lake resorts. Which is really saying something. 

Basking on a south-facing bay of Lake Lugano, the city is framed by wooded hills that rise sheer from the water. Less famous than its Italian near-neighbour Como, Lugano is smaller, sassier and even more stylish. 

From its old alleys and winding lanes, to its up-market delicatessens, boutiques, and villa-style hotels, Lugano invites visitors to enjoy the good life. It's also a place to explore churches and galleries, and indulge in strolls under lakeside palms.  

For breath-taking views, take a two-stage funicular to Monte Brè from Cassarate — ten minutes’ walk east of the centre of Lugano. Rising directly above the city to a height of 660m, the vista from the summit showcases the lake and surrounding mountains in all their jaw-dropping glory.

Lugano, Switzerland © Shutterstock

1 hour by train from Milan. 45-minute fast trains also available

50km northeast of Milan, Bergamo looks and feels much closer to the mountains. As such, to mix up your experience, it’s the perfect place to head to on a day trip from Milan. 

A real beauty, Bergamo owes much of its magic to the Venetians, who ruled the town for over 350 years. They gave the city its ring of gated walls. You’ll also see facades and open spaces adorned with the Venetian lion. 

Another unique element of Bergamo is the way it comprises two distinct parts — Bergamo Bassa, the lower town, city centre on the plain, and medieval Bergamo Alta, 100m above. With charming medieval cobbled quarters rubbing shoulders with late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings, Bergamo Bassa is an architectural delight. 

Meanwhile, Bergamo Alta, the upper town, is one of northern Italy’s loveliest urban centres. Attractive and easy-going, in appearance Bergamo Alta remains pretty much as it was in the Middle Ages. The main public spaces – Piazza Vecchia and Piazza del Duomo – combine medieval austerity with the elegance of later Renaissance design.

Bergamo, Italy © Shutterstock

36 minutes from Milan by train

Boasting a scenic backdrop of vine-covered hills, wealthy Brescia has much to offer travellers who love the allure of ancient attractions, art and contemporary verve. 

Overlooked by its Castello, which has been perched on a hill overlook town since the fifteenth century, Brescia boasts Roman remains, Renaissance squares and a magnificent medieval centre. Here you’ll find the marvellous Santa Giulia museum complex.  

Visit the Castello to see one of the most extensive collections of arms and weaponry in Europe, or visit in May for Brescia’s legendary Mille Miglia car race. This sees hundreds of stunning classic cars set off from the city centre to Rome. 

Into art? Housed in a historic sixteenth century building, the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo has been the home of Brecia’s impressive art collection since 1908. The exhibition kicks off with works from the fourteenth century, followed by Raphael’s Christ Blessing and Angel, before moving to sixteenth century Brescian paintings.

Meanwhile, the Parco Archeologico di Brescia Romana reveals the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of ancient Brixia. Built in the first century, the Santuario Repubblicano here showcases wall paintings that are the only surviving monumental example of Republican Roman painting in northern Italy.

Brescia, Italy © Shutterstock

For more inspiration, browse our customisable  Italy itineraries , or talk to our local  Italy experts .

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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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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The Perfect Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary (+ Driving Tips!)

Planning the perfect Tuscany road trip itinerary is no easy feat–but it’s well worth getting right.

If you’re dreaming of delicious Italian food, of romantic sunsets and Tuscan wines, of rolling hills peppered with vineyards as far as the eye can see, of hilltop villages and of Renaissance art, this Tuscany itinerary has you covered.

We’ve put this ultimate guide to planning a Tuscany road trip after spending several months traveling in the region over a period of years, often on road trips.

We’ve explored Tuscany by car, train, and tour, in large multigenerational family groups and as a couple, in tiny towns and in the fabulous cities of Florence and Siena.

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We’ve visited museums, gone horseback riding, zipped along countryside roads on a Vespa, and taken quiet strolls down deserted country lanes. We’ve taken food tours and wine tours, and stopped at more than our fair share of vineyards and restaurants independently, too.

Suffice it to say, we absolutely adore traveling in Tuscany, and this Tuscany itinerary is put together based on our detailed experiences traveling in the region as well as additional research.

We want to help you plan your perfect Tuscany road trip itinerary, especially if it’s your first time in the region.

Here’s what we suggest.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary

How long will this tuscany itinerary take, getting around during your tuscany road trip, will this tuscany itinerary work without a car, the ultimate tuscany road trip itinerary, other destinations to add to your tuscany road trip itinerary, tuscany road trip itinerary map, the best time to visit tuscany, useful travel tips for driving in tuscany, what to pack for your tuscany road trip.

We structured this Tuscany road trip itinerary as a loop beginning and ending in Florence.

It’s designed primarily for first-time visitors to the region who want to soak up the classic Tuscany experience: think rolling hills, golden light, scrumptious wine, picturesque hilltop villages, and some of the best food you’ve ever eaten in your life.

… But that being said, even longtime lovers of Tuscany will find something for them here (just ask our extended family).

With this Tuscany itinerary, you’ll visit some of the most iconic places in the region, while also peppering in stops at smaller towns and attractions that would likely go unnoticed if you stuck to exploring via train.

Is it a cop-out to say that this Tuscany road trip will take as long as you have?

Perhaps, but whether you have 5 days in Tuscany, a week in Tuscany, or a month in Tuscany, this circular route will provide an excellent backbone to your Tuscany road trip.

If your trip is short–say 5 days in Tuscany or less–you’ll be able to shorten your stays in some towns (in a pinch, for example, Pisa and Lucca can be combined into one day), and with a longer trip to Tuscany, you’ll have a chance to adopt a leisurely pace and add in more excursions like wine tasting or days spent at one of Tuscany’s saunas.

Ideally, I would say that this Tuscany road trip would be spread across roughly 10 days to 2 weeks in Tuscany, but of course, that won’t always be possible–especially if you want to see more regions of Italy during your trip!

If you do have a longer trip to Tuscany planned, we recommend taking a look at some of the additional Tuscany road trip destinations that we’ve outlined below the main itinerary and seeing what other spots catch your eye.

For most people, of course, taking a Tuscany road trip will require renting a car.

We’ll cover some tips and tricks for renting a car here below the Tuscany itinerary (or you can use the table of contents section at the bottom of the introduction to this Tuscany travel blog post to navigate there!), but here’s the short version: we recommend renting a small car in Tuscany through Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

We also recommend renting your car only after you leave Florence, which we’ll cover a bit more below, so you likely won’t need one for every day of your trip to Tuscany!

Check rates & book your rental car with Discover Cars today!

Short answer? Yes, it can.

Through a combination of trains, buses, and carefully selected guided tours (we recommend several reputable ones in our Things to Do in Florence post ), this Tuscany itinerary can be completed without a car, though the logistics will be challenging in certain places.

That being said, there’s something very special about taking a Tuscany road trip, and by not driving, you will lose out on the charm of seeing some of the smaller towns at night, miss some of the prettiest vistas, and have a little less freedom in planning your trip.

However, we completely understand that not everyone planning a Tuscany itinerary can or would like to drive, and we fully believe you can have a deeply fulfilling trip to Tuscany without a car–we’ve done it several times ourselves.

And, while you will lose some freedom, you’ll also gain a bit of peace of mind, as driving in Tuscany is certainly not the most carefree driving in the world!

Start your Tuscany itinerary in Florence.

As the capital of Tuscany, Cradle of the Renaissance, and home to the biggest airport (and train station) in the region, there’s no better place to start your Tuscany itinerary than in Florence.

Ideally, we recommend a minimum of two full days here, which will give you enough time to explore all of the major sights.

Marvel at the art in the Uffizi Gallery, soak in the views from Piazzale Michelangelo and more, (window)shop for gold jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio, eat your way through Mercato Centrale, stand in awe of the Duomo, and visit Michelangelo’s masterpiece David in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

We’ve created several guides to Florence based on our six weeks or so spent exploring the city, including a one-day itinerary and a two-day itinerary , so be sure to check those out for more detail.

For this Tuscany road trip itinerary in particular, though, we have a crucial piece of advice regarding driving: don’t pick up your rental car until the morning you leave Florence.

Having a rental car while in the city is not only unnecessary, it’s an absolute burden. Driving in Florence’s historic city center is extremely limited, and you’ll save both money and headaches by ditching the car until you’re ready to hit the countryside.

Where to Stay in Florence

B&B Le Stanze del Duomo  — Though Florence hotels can be a bit pricey and stretch the definition of “budget”, B&B Le Stanze’s beautiful rooms and impeccable location in Florence will be sure to have you swooning!

Check rates & book your stay at B&B Le Stanze del Duomo!

Bargello Guest House  — Located in the heart of Florence, this property is only a short (read: less than 5-minute) walk away from some of Florence’s highlights like the Palazzo Vecchio. Staying here, you’ll be within easy walking distance of the best of what Florence has to offer.

Check rates & book your stay at Bargello Guest House!

Hotel Lungarno  — Nestled right against the Arno River and home to one of the best views of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence (not to mention some of the best views of the rest of Florence from their top deck), Hotel Lungarno is our personal “if we ever  really  want to splurge” hotel in Florence. You can’t go wrong using Hotel Lungarno as your base for one day in Florence!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Lungarno!

Start your Tuscany road trip and drive to Lucca.

Laidback and charming, colorful Lucca is the perfect first stop on your Tuscany road trip and an excellent place to grow accustomed to the ins and outs of driving and parking in Tuscan towns.

Lucca is not too big, not too small, and parking is fairly easy to find right outside the city walls.

It also happens to be a gorgeous, relaxing city that is a fantastic place to soak up the ambiance of Tuscany.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which, like Siena’s main piazza, is actually an oval rather than a traditional square, and to stroll along the tops of the city’s 16th-century fortifying walls, which are completely accessible to the public.

Don’t miss a climb up Torre Guinigi, either–not only does it boast incredible views of Lucca, but it’s home to several oak trees that are growing in the sky!

Stop by Pisa.

I’ll be perfectly honest: of all the places we recommend or mention in this Tuscany itinerary, Pisa is the one I’m least in a hurry to get back to.

It’s generally far more crowded than most of these other destinations–even the very touristy ones–and outside of Pisa’s famous tower and surrounding historic complex, the town is not exactly known as one of the most beautiful or interesting Tuscan villages.

It is, however, incredibly famous, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself more than lives up to expectations. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is truly stunning, and far more opulent and beautiful in person than I expected before laying eyes on it for the first time.

If you’d like to see it, we recommend stopping by for half a day on your Tuscan road trip, checking out the tower itself as well as the nearby Duomo and baptistery, and then moving on.

If you’d like to tour the interior of any of the structures, including climbing to the top of the leaning tower, we absolutely recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance .

Book your skip-the-line tickets to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa now!

Make your way to San Gimignano.

Known for its stunning towers (14 of an original 72 remain), long history of wealth due to its prime location along a Roman trading route, gorgeous city center, beautiful views, and convenient location that is roughly equidistant from Siena and Florence, it’s safe to say that San Gimignano is both incredibly popular and well worth visiting.

We adore this beautiful hilltop town, and highly recommend spending at least one night either in town or nearby if you can, in order to enjoy the city without the crowds of day-trippers that tend to take over the streets during the day.

Don’t forget to make time in your schedule for a scoop (or several scoops, let’s be real) of gelato from the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli: as one of the best-known and most acclaimed gelato shops in Italy, it’s a safe bet that whatever you order is bound to impress.

Head to Siena.

While today Florence is significantly better-known than Siena, that was not always the case: beautiful Siena was once the military rival of Florence, and the history of the Middle Ages in the region is dotted with stories of their back-and-forth battles.

Today, Siena is known for its Palio di Siena horse race that takes place bi-annually in the oval-shaped Piazza del Campo–when you stand in the middle of the piazza, be sure to picture 20 horses running at full-speed around a packed crowd–it’s truly impressive.

Siena is packed full of interesting things to do: it’s home to arguably the most beautiful Duomo in Tuscany (don’t forget to check out the Piccolomini Library while you’re in there!), and we absolutely recommend taking the Porta di Cielo, aka Gate to Heaven, tour of the cathedral’s roof if you can–it’s magnificent.

At least once during your trip, climb to the top of one of Siena’s monuments for an epic view–the Torre del Mangia in Piazza del Campo is a popular choice, but personally, we love that the view from the top of the Opera della Metropolitana includes stunning views of the Piazza del Campo from a bit of a distance.

Spend some time in Val d’Orcia and soak up the Tuscan countryside.

Of all the scenic places in Tuscany, Val d’Orcia might just be the most beautiful of them all.

This UNESCO-recognized valley is home to the Tuscan road trip views of your fantasies, and it truly has to be seen to be believed.

If you have the time in your Tuscany itinerary, we recommend booking at least a couple of nights in a nearby country villa or agriturismo in order to slowly savor the beauty of the region, but if not, even an afternoon drive here is well worth the trip out.

Marvel at the beauty of Montepulciano.

Tiny, gorgeous, and home to arguably some of the best countryside views of all the villages in Tuscany, it’s impossible not to be charmed by stunning Montepulciano–and that’s even before you start sipping its world-famous wine.

While it doesn’t take terribly long to explore a village this size on your Tuscany road trip, Montepulciano has one of those peaceful atmospheres that you just want to savor.

While you’re there, be sure to stop by the beautiful Piazza Grande, admire views of the nearby Church of San Biagio that is located just outside of town, and to taste the local wine, vino nobile di Montepulciano .

Pay a visit to Arezzo.

As you turn back north toward Florence to start to wind down your Tuscany road trip, be sure to check out the beautiful city of Arezzo.

Often overlooked on Tuscany road trips, Arezzo is a delightful city that is well worth the time it takes to visit.

Home to Roman ruins (including the remains of Arezzo’s very own Colosseum), sweeping views of the countryside from the Medici fortress, some impressively well-preserved fifteenth-century frescoes, and a large number of antique shops just waiting to be perused, Arezzo is an excellent addition to any Tuscany itinerary.

Be sure not to miss a chance to climb the clock tower at Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici right off the main square (Piazza Grande)–the views from the top are absolutely sublime, and it is our personal favorite spot in Arezzo.

Drive back to Florence & say goodbye to Tuscany.

As your Tuscany road trip winds to a close, head back to Florence to drop off your car, say goodbye, and–depending on time–perhaps visit one or two more sights in the Cradle of the Renaissance as well.

While we’ve set up this Tuscany itinerary to act as a loop, if you’re going to be flying out of Italy (or continuing your Italy travels outside of Tuscany) in a different location, you can also consider dropping off your car in Rome, Milan, Bologna, or even Venice–but keep in mind that you will likely incur a one-way drop-off fee for doing so, so be sure to budget for that if needed!

While this Tuscany road trip itinerary gives a solid outline of the region and is a delightful trip all on its own, for those with a bit of extra time in the area (or those who like to move at a very fast pace), there is an unlimited number of additional destinations you could add to your trip, both in Tuscany and in its surrounding regions of Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria.

We’ve outlined a few of each here to give you some ideas as you plan your trip to Tuscany!

Within Tuscany

The most famous of all of Tuscany’s hot springs has emerged from comparative obscurity into being a full-blown famous photography location in recent years, but there’s no doubt that it’s still a dream to visit–if you have time during your Tuscany road trip to make the trek out there and you’re a fan of hot springs, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Dating back to the Etruscan period and nestled on a hill high above the sweeping Tuscan landscapes it overlooks, the walled city of Volterra is absolutely worth visiting as part of your Tuscan road trip itinerary.

The ease of accessing it paired with its beauty make this one of the first towns we would recommend if you are looking for additional stops along your road trip in Tuscany.

Cortona is perhaps best known for the famous book/movie that is based there, but even without the fame brought by Under the Tuscan Sun , this tiny Tuscan town is still a fabulous place to visit!

I’ll be honest: a trip to Elba is a bit of a stretch for all but the longest trips to Tuscany, but it bears mentioning simply for the fact that Elba is Tuscany’s very own island–and “Mediterranean island” is just not what you normally associate with a trip to Tuscany.

Whether you want to scuba dive, enjoy delicious seafood, lounge on the beach, or chase down the island’s interesting history (Elba was the first place Napoleon was exiled to, though he escaped a little under a year later), there’s no doubt that Elba makes a unique addition to any Tuscany itinerary.

Easier to access than Elba but equally focused on all things coastal, the seaside city of Livorno is the perfect Tuscany road trip destination for anyone looking to enjoy a little sea and sun as part of their trip to Tuscany.

Best known for its delicious Brunello di Montalcino wine, the hilltop town of Montalcino is a delightful slice of Tuscany that is easy to access from Siena and Val d’Orcia.

Outside of Tuscany

Cinque terre.

Of all destinations outside of Tuscany that people tend to be eager to add onto their Tuscany trip, Cinque Terre almost always falls near the top.

We’ve visited this sensational collection of Ligurian fishing villages twice as part of a Tuscany road trip, as well as on a standalone visit, and we can attest that they are well worth the trouble if you have time in your itinerary.

We absolutely do not recommend driving into the villages, however–instead, drive to the train station at La Spezia or Levanto, park your car, and then take the train into the villages from there.

Known, above all else, for its food, Bologna is the perfect location for foodies to flock to if they’re looking for some truly epic cuisine during their road trip.

Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, the region that is home to so many of the things us foreigners tend to associate with Italian food: tagliatelle al ragu (aka spaghetti bolognese), mortadella (aka bologna), parmigiano-reggiano , traditional balsamic vinegar, and more.

Once you get done eating, Bologna has plenty of other sights to explore, as well–but the food alone is worth visiting for.

Set on a hilltop overlooking sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside, Orvieto is as historical as it is picturesque: dating back to the Etruscans and once (briefly) the home of the pope, whether you’re looking to dive deep into the history, enjoy the tasty Orvieto Classico wine, or simply admire the magnificent vistas, Orvieto has something to offer.

We adore this little village–be sure to check out the Duomo, the views from the Torre del Moro, and the underground while you’re there, among plenty of other fun things to do.

As the location of the birth, work, and death of St. Francis, Assisi is an enormously popular pilgrim destination among Catholic travelers–but even if you’re not Catholic, this small Umbrian town has plenty of history and beauty to offer.

St. Francis was the founder of the Franciscan Order–a name you’ll see pop up a lot in Italy–and is also one of the patron saints of the country.

In Assisi, you can tour the enormously impressive Basilica of St. Francis while learning about the life and history of the saint.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Ultimately, Tuscany is a beautiful destination year-round, and you can never go wrong with a visit.

Spring in Tuscany brings beautiful flowers but plenty of rain, summer brings lots of tourists but also long days and sunshine.

Fall brings the harvest and temperamental weather, and winter brings cold, gray weather but also low prices and a distinct lack of crowds.

If you ask us, though, our favorite time to take a Tuscany road trip will always be in the fall, particularly late September through mid-October.

True, it’s hardly offseason (in other words, there will be plenty of other tourists around), and there’s a good chance of experiencing a cold and/or rainy day or two–but the changing colors across the countryside, the incredible food that is freshly harvested, and the crisp chill that sweeps through the air each evening as the heat dies down for the year give the region a magical quality that we will never tire of experiencing.

We’ve spent at least part of the last few autumns in Tuscany, and we see no reason to stop that tradition anytime soon.

While driving in Tuscany is not the most difficult driving you’ll encounter in Italy (looking at you, Rome and Sicily), it definitely has its quirks!

Here are a few tips we recommend keeping in mind as you plan your Tuscany road trip itinerary.

Make sure you have access to a GPS for your Tuscany road trip.

This is absolutely imperative, in our opinion, and can make the difference between an insanely stressful Tuscany road trip and a fairly laid-back one: whether you purchase an international cell phone plan through your carrier before leaving for Tuscany or you purchase an Italian SIM card on the ground, you’ll 100% want to make sure you have cell phone data–and therefore GPS–with you as you drive.

Shop around for your rental car.

I’m almost 100% certain that we’ve used a different rental car company every time we’ve rented a car in Italy–that’s how much the prices can vary depending on your time of travel, pickup and dropoff locations, size of the vehicle, and more.

We recommend searching for your car via Discover Car Hire , which will allow you to check out the rates of several different rental car agencies in Tuscany at once and compare prices and inclusions side-by-side.

Shop for your Tuscnay rental car with Discover Car Hire today!

Buy the insurance–you won’t regret it.

Ultimately, this is up to you–I know some people prefer not to buy additional CDW insurance (aka the insurance that covers damages to the actual car you’re driving, as opposed to your liability to anyone else) on trips–but we buy it every. single. time. in Tuscany and have no regrets.

I don’t want to overstate things, because driving in Tuscany isn’t exactly like driving in the Wild West–but let’s just say that the roads are often tiny, the buildings very close, the parking lots cramped, and the other tourists’ rental cars parked nearby are frequently scratched and dinged in a way that while not horrendously damaging, is definitely something a car rental company would love to charge you for if it happened on your watch.

The peace of mind is absolutely worth it to us–you can price it for yourself when shopping on Discover Car Hire , or purchase a travel insurance policy through that includes car rental insurance (but be sure to double-check the policy, because only some policies cover it).

You need an international driving permit to rent a car in Tuscany.

Technically, you always need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy, and that includes in Tuscany.

You can pick this up before you leave home from AAA, and it’s very easy and cheap to do–just a bit annoying, as it’s one more thing to add to your to-do list before leaving for your Tuscany road trip.

Now, that being said–will your rental agency always ask for it? No. Will the police always ask for it? No.

Is it worth the risk of being refused a rental car or getting a ticket over $25 USD and a bit of hassle? Not in my opinion.

Rent the smallest car possible.

Not only is it cheaper, which is always excellent, but a smaller car in Tuscany is also much easier to drive.

While the highways in Tuscany are pretty standard, this-could-be-anywhere highways, the small country roads, parking lots near villages, and dirt roads leading to vineyards and villas can be incredibly narrow–which, naturally, does not stop them from being used for two-way traffic (you’ll probably end up pulling over to let someone maneuver past you at least a couple of times during your Tuscany road trip).

Be sure to account for how much space you’ll need for luggage, especially if you have three or more people in your group, but other than that–the smaller, the better.

If you get a ticket, you probably won’t know it right away.

Traffic citations in Tuscany are generally captured via camera, so if you get one, you probably won’t know it right away.

Instead, your license plate will be captured, the ticket will be sent to the owner of the car (ie, your rental company), and then your rental company will forward it onto you.

Unfortunately, that means you won’t be 100% sure you didn’t have any infractions during your Tuscany road trip until several weeks after you get home.

You will encounter toll roads in Tuscany–so carry cash.

Most toll roads in Tuscany will accept credit cards, but it’s always best to have small bills/coins of cash on you–just in case you run into a cash-only booth (or you need a last-minute coffee and/or gelato, which are also very important parts of any Tuscany road trip itinerary).

Be prepared to park and then climb up to towns.

Tuscany is known for its delightful hilltop towns, full of winding, narrow streets and plenty of foot traffic.

Combine the above description of Tuscany that we all know and love with the very concept of a Tuscany road trip, and an obvious question emerges: where are the cars?

Usually, they’re in parking garages built literally under the hilltop towns or on the outskirts of historical centers… which means you often have to walk up steep hills in order to reach the center.

Some cities, like Siena, have escalators installed to help alleviate this problem–but in general, be prepared for a little bit of a leg workout when visiting small towns in Tuscany!

Avoid ZTL zones like the plague.

Essentially, ZTL zones are restricted access zones that dot most of Italy’s historic city centers, including in Tuscany.

If you drive into one, even accidentally, you’re risking a big ticket (and we’ve definitely had to call tiny Tuscan police stations to help some of our family members pay them off months after the fact).

Avoid them by parking on the outskirts of historical centers and by doing your research ahead of time, which leads me to…

Whenever possible, figure out where you’re going to park next before leaving.

This is one of our favorite tricks to keeping stress levels down when driving into a new town in Tuscany: know where the public parking lots are and, when heading out for the day, put your directions on for that particular spot rather than just the town.

This will absolutely cut down on the risk of accidentally driving into a ZTL zone (and therefore getting a ticket), and also make the trip into town much less stressful.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, this doesn’t always work–occasionally the parking lot you have picked out will be full, or you’ll luck out and find street parking along the way–but in general, it will definitely make your life easier during your Tuscany road trip.

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend  Safety Wing for trips to Tuscany.

International Driving Permit — If you’re coming from outside the EU and plan to rent a car in Tuscany, you’ll need to make sure to acquire an International Driving Permit in your home country, before  coming to Italy.

It is required for all car rentals in Italy, and while the rental company may not ask, it’s not worth the risk of being refused a car once you arrive or getting a fine if you’re pulled over to be without one. Play it safe and if you plan to drive during your trip, add getting an International Driving Permit to your pre-Tuscany planning!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

67 thoughts on “The Perfect Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary (+ Driving Tips!)”

I love this website It has convinced my husband and me to go on a driving tour of italy! I actually have a question. How do you know or find out where is the ZTL zones so you can avoid them? Thanks! Ilene

So glad to hear that, Ilene! Hope you guys have a great time!

Your GPS can help you avoid the ZTL zones, but the biggest thing is paying very close attention to the signs, as they’ll be marked there. As a general rule, historic centers of cities are ZTL zones, so it’s safest to avoid those entirely and park outside the center before walking into the town!

Hi Kate, Do you have any recommendations for accommodations on the Tuscan itinerary? We would be going in Sept 2022.

Hi Sabrina!

Yes, absolutely. We have several properties linked in this post, but if you’re looking for specific towns/cities, we also have recommendations in each of our independent city guides.

Hello, You guys look like you have a great life! My husband and I are older than you but have retired a bit early so we can travel while we are still able to move about. We have traveled quite a bit independently throughout the years so we are comfortable going to new places. Your blog is great and has so much useful information. Thank you for putting all of your knowledge out there. I know it’s a lot of work to do so. If you don’t mind me asking…we were told you have to have a permanent address at least 6 months out of the year for tax purposes. How do you get around that? Don’t mean to overstep. Thanks!

Thank you so much, Joanne! We really appreciate it. 🙂 Residency requirements vary by state, but we maintain a technical permanent address in our home state of Oklahoma where we pay our taxes, maintain our businesses, keep our driver’s licenses up to date, etc. Most nomadic travelers have a similar setup for logistical purposes!

Hello, thanks so much for this post. It’s so helpful! My partner and I are going to copy this for our holiday in June this year. I was just wondering if you could tell me which towns you stayed overnight in? Grazie, Olivia

So glad it was helpful, Olivia! Where to spend the night really depends on your specific taste, but from this itinerary, we’ve stayed overnight in Florence, Siena, and Arezzo. We’ve also stayed in countryside villas near the Val d’Orcia and Lucca.

Since you’ll be driving, we 100% recommend staying in the country at least once–Tuscan villas and agriturismos are absolutely amazing. For staying in the towns themselves, make sure your hotels have parking, but other than that, any and all of them make a great place to spend the night.

My daughter and I just booked a rental car for our trip to Tuscany this summer thanks to your post. I was nervous about driving but you laid it all out perfectly, thank you. We’re going for her graduation present and it’ll be the first time in Italy for us both. Bookmarking your site now for when the trip gets closer. Thanks again!

That’s amazing to hear, thank you Susan! Comments like this never fail to make my day, we are ALL about making sure your trip goes perfectly! Hope you guys have a fantastic time, and congratulations to your daughter on her graduation!

Hey, this has been quite useful. Im planning my road trip, but im going clockwise on this route. Since i live in The Netherlands, i will drive in from the north, Florence and start here and after Pisa-Lucca, the last stop instead of heading back to Florence is Cinque Terre, to enjoy a bit of the coast. I will take the advice of leaving the car in La Spezia, but if you had to choose to spend a night in Cinque Terre, which woudl you guys recommend, Vernazza or Manarola?

Glad to hear it, thanks Rodolfo!

Which village is best for spending the night in Cinque Terre is definitely a matter of preference, and Vernazza and Manarola happen to be two of my top 3 favorites (the other is Riomaggiore). You can’t go wrong with either, but I’d recommend Vernazza if you’re looking for something smaller, and Manarola if you want to have access to a wider variety of shops and restaurants. Manarola is a more popular (read: crowded) sunset spot, but both places will quiet down considerably once the day trippers head home.

Wonderful, informative article! I am so glad I found your website. We are hoping to be able to visit Tuscany in summer 2022. Italy is our favourite country, but we haven’t been to Tuscany or Cinque Terre, so I really appreciate the wealth of information on your website!

Thank you so much, Cheryl! So glad to hear that. 🙂 Hope you guys have an amazing trip to Tuscany and Cinque Terre!

Hi! I just came upon your site when doing a search for info on an upcoming trip. My husband and I are planning a trip for the end of Oct. We will be renting a car in Florence, spending about two days driving through Tuscany and returning the rental in Rome. I know that’s way too short to do Tuscany justice, but we have a commitment in Venice prior to Florence, and are bookended with a fixed return date from Rome. Where in Florence would be our best choice to rent a car so we can get on the road to Tuscany easily? Same question for returning rental in Rome without having to deal with city driving. Lastly, we are doing some basic research in Tuscany in order to maybe get a place there down the road. Should we consider spending our two nights there in Lucca? Thanks so much and I will definitely be following your adventures!

Hi Rohini! There are so many places to rent cars in both cities it’s really impossible to say–I’d keep an eye out for the best deal and then look carefully at the directions. Unfortunately, some city driving is probably unavoidable if you want to make it all the way from Florence to Rome, but you can limit it based on your schedule.

If you’re just going to relax, Lucca is a great choice! If you want to compare possible areas to own a property in Tuscany though, I’d probably recommend one night there and one night in the Val d’Orcia area. You may also want to consider a look at Siena, depending on whether you want to be close to a city or not.

Hi Kate. Thanks for your quick response! This is very helpful info. I had read somewhere that Tiburtina station in Rome is a good spot for rental return since it would not involve going into the city to return. Would you say that is the case? Once again, thank you for your help!

Hi guys, I imagine you’ve had some ups and downs in your travel in the last 2 years because of Covid. I really hope you’ve been able to stay safe and still continue some of your adventures. I found your site and am really keen to follow your path around Tuscany when my husband and I go this year. I looked up your destinations and would really encourage you to look into coming to Australia and New Zealand some time if you can. Down Under is a wonderful place and New Zealand has just about everything you could ever want to see in a really small country! Thank you for your really helpful and informative site. Take care.

Yes, there have been many ups and downs over the last couple of years for sure, but luckily things are mostly up right now! We’ve decided to base ourselves in Portugal for the next little bit to enjoy lots of Europe throughout 2022. 🙂 Knock on wood, but hopefully our next Tuscan road trip is just around the corner!

We’d love to head down to Aus and New Zealand one day! No plans at the moment, but you never know. 🙂

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

Such a great and helpful Itinerary, thank you!

We’re planning to visit late September and I am nervous about the driving portion – what location would you recommend for pick up, outside of Florence? We’re hoping to get a drive to our first destination (open to anywhere) and then pick up a car – appreciate any extra tips you might have! I was surprised to not see any mention of Greve as a stop, have you been? This was what I thought was my main stop in Tuscany but I am now rethinking everything! 😀 We have 5 nights in Tuscany (counted Florence separately as a stop when we head North) and prefer to not spend too much time in the city and want to visit many wineries and enjoy the local food! If you have any very specific favorite wineries to stay at or places to dine, I would love to hear about them!

Thanks again for such a detailed post! I have a lot to consider 🙂

Thanks so much, Cait!

There’s never enough time for all the towns, lol, but if you want to swap in Greve you absolutely can! We haven’t been ourselves yet but generally speaking there’s no such thing as a “wrong” Tuscan town to visit. 😉

If you want to pick up a car outside of Florence, I’d recommend taking a look at Siena. By the time you get into the very small hilltop towns like San Gimignano, etc, there may not be car rental agencies available (or if they are, it’ll just be an office and they’ll need to drive the car itself to you from a bigger city–which often comes with a fee).

Have an amazing trip!

Hi, I am planning a vacation trip to Rome (5 days) and from there a road trip (5 days) to the Tuscan area. I’ve been already to Florence and Pisa. I will like to know cities or towns with good food and scenery off the beaten path. Thanks so much for your time and sharing your knowledge.

It depends on how you define off the beaten path, but just about everywhere in Tuscany is further off the path than Florence and Pisa! And virtually everywhere in Tuscany has great food. 🙂

Arezzo, Volterra, Pienza, Montepulciano are all delightful, some more commonly visited than others. Montalcino is tiny but beautiful.

We also love Lucca, it’s much quieter in many ways than Florence or Siena.

A common theme is that if you spend the night in any of these places, they will get much more peaceful and quiet if you spend the night, as the day-trippers will head home.

Some of the spa towns other than Saturnia can feel off the beaten path, such as Bagno Vignoni. They’re popular, but more catered to tourists from nearby.

Wonderful article – thanks!

Planning Sept trip – 4 days Rome, 2 days Florence, 3 days Venice (as of now)

Considering adding a Tuscany component but limited to time. Any suggestions to condensing to 2-3 days as a loop or feasibility of starting in Florence and ending in Venice?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Happy to help, Richard!

With a 2-3 day driving loop from Florence, I’d recommend driving to either the Val d’Orcia (so towns like Montalcino and Pienza) or a nearby base like Montepulciano, and then basing yourself there for a couple of days. You can drive between a handful of close-together towns, see the landscape, enjoy an agriturismo, do some wine tastings, etc, all within a close distance.

Driving from Florence to Venice isn’t a go-to suggestion of mine since you don’t need a car in either city, but we’ve actually made the drive ourselves as part of a family trip and it was lovely! Bologna, Ferrara, and/or Padua are easy stops right along the route.

If you wanted to take a couple of days between the two cities, a loop through Parma, Modena, Reggio-Emilio and Bologna would put you in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, which is the origin of some of the most beloved Italian foods (traditional balsamic, parmigiano-reggiano, etc).

It’s not the most efficient way to get from Florence to Venice of course (that’d be the high-speed train), but if you want to make a trip of it, you’ll have fun!

If you do want to consider renting a car in Florence and dropping it off in Venice, though, be sure to ask your rental company if they allow it and what fees they would charge before making any plans.

One of my stops is in Luca and the hotel and parking garage are in the Atlantic. How do I get a permit to drive through it.

I think you may have a typo in there, but I’m assuming you mean you have a hotel booked in the historic center of Lucca? If the hotel offers private parking on-site, you can give them your license plate number and they’ll be able to make arrangements for you.

If they don’t have parking, you’ll likely need to park outside the walls and walk into the center to reach your hotel.

Hope that helps!

The parking os not on-site but within the walls.

So you are saying that all I need to do is call either the garage or hotel with my rental car license number and they would be able to get me a permit to drive inside the walled city to get to the hotel and garage?

In your case, I’d contact the hotel and ask where they recommend you park, and then if you head to the garage inside the walls, look at the map to confirm the directions to access it.

Essentially, your goal is to avoid the ZTL zones, which trigger an automatic ticket (and technically two–one for entering the zone and one for leaving it). Unfortunately, since all of the traffic controls are done by camera, you’ll have no sure way of knowing at the time you park if you’ve crossed the boundary.

The public parking within the walls should have a way to access it without passing through a ZTL zone, the concern is taking a wrong turn, etc. If you do need to pass through a ZTL zone (generally speaking in Italy), hotels within the walls can get access for their guests but I’m not sure if yours can since they don’t have on-site parking. These rules also vary from city to city in Italy.

Generally speaking, in the case that you do get access to a ZTL zone to access hotel parking (I know yours doesn’t have it, but just generally), you won’t get a paper permit or anything like that. It’s all done by license plate and camera.

Hi Kate! What an insightful article. I am planning a trip to Itlay in August for 12 days with a girlfriend who has never been to Italy. We are landing in Rome, spending 3 days there, and making our way to Florence by train. We will have 6 days in the Tuscany region and plan to rent a car after reading your article. This is what I am planning for our road trip and what your feedback. Would love to know if you can recommend an amazing winery with meals and wine tasting at one of our stops. I have taken suggestions from your blog on places to see and things to do at each stop:) Am I packing in too much? Day 1 – Florence to Lucca to San Gimignano spend the night here Day 2 – San Gimignano to Siena to Val D’Orcia spend 1 or 2 nights here Day 3 or 4 – Val d’orcia to Montepulciano to Montalcino (not sure about Montalcino) Day 4 – Drive to Saturnia from the last destination and head back to Florence

Hi Gira! All of the places you have mentioned are wonderful, but yes, I’d highly recommend cutting a few places from your list in order to savor the others more!

Driving, parking, walking into historic centers, etc, all eat up quite a bit of time.

I’m assuming you’re planning a couple of days in Florence on days 5-6. Ideally, I’d recommend only changing your “base” one other time. Montepulciano is a convenient spot as you can reach the Val d’Orcia, Montalcino, etc, from there. Siena is another fantastic option, but it’s definitely a small city, not a tiny town.

Saturnia is pretty far out of the way from everything else on your list, so unless it’s your dream destination in Florence, I’d consider trimming that. 🙂

Hi, Your article is very informative. Thanks. One question, I understand that leaving anything in the car in Italy is not a good idea as it can be stolen. What about these small towns in Tuscany? Is it risky to leave luggage in the trunk when parking there, too? Thanks

That’s essentially down to your personal risk tolerance. Many people leave luggage in the car when they have no other good option if it is kept out of sight in a locked trunk.

Obviously, there’s always a small risk with that, but it’s a fairly common practice.

The most important thing is to make sure nothing visible is left behind.

Thank you for such a insightful article, it has definitely helped to make a road trip through Tuscany feel less daunting!

Are there are places on your list that are more or less English friendly? We will obviously try to learn what we can in Italian, but it is always helpful to know 🙂

My husband and I previously visited Florence and did a day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. The scenery was so breathtaking it quickly made a road trip through Tuscany a MUST on our bucket list! Having already visited those places (wouldn’t mind visiting San Gimignano again!), what would be your top picks for 5-6 nights (not including Florence but starting from there)? I would love to make a stop at Saturnia if time allowed. Thank you SO much for your suggestions!

Hi Samantha,

Thank you so much! Glad we can help. 🙂

Unless you go exceptionally off the beaten path, you won’t have any problem using English (plus body language/hand signs/etc) in Tuscany, so don’t worry! Definitely learn what Italian you can, but Tuscans are very friendly and exceptionally used to foreigners.

Since you guys have already done quite a bit in the northern part of Tuscany, I recommend heading to the southern part! Montepulciano, the Val d’Orcia (including towns like Pienza and Montalcino), Cortona, and Saturnia, make a great loop.

You might also look at taking a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio, Orvieto, Perugia, or Assisi. Those places aren’t in Tuscany but are wonderful, and depending on your itinerary might make fun additions.

This is so helpful Kate, THANK YOU!!!! This will be my first time in Italy, I’m traveling solo, and I’ve never driven outside of the U.S. before, so I’m thinking I’ll stick to trains to get around this time (which I know will limit how much flexibility I have). Are any of these towns easily accessible by train from Florence (and/or each other)?

Happy to help, Tara!

Yes, Lucca, Pisa, Arezzo, and Siena are all easy to get to by train.

The smaller hilltop towns are generally harder to access without a car, and many don’t have train stations. You can technically get to Montepulciano by train, but the station is outside of town and you’ll need to catch a bus or taxi to get all the way there.

If you want to visit a few of the tiny hilltop towns, I’d recommend signing up for a day trip one day–we link a some popular ones in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-florence-italy/

Generally from Florence, you can find either day trips that focus on the north (San Gimignano is a common stop) or the southern Val d’Orcia towns. They’re a great way to see harder-to-access spots while letting someone else deal with the driving and parking!

Thanks so much for responding and for the additional tips! <3

Hi Kate! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wealth of information. Very helpful for our upcoming visit!

Any possibility of emailing you directly with a few more questions?

Thanks, Lori and Steve, USA, coming in October for our 60th birthday’s!!!!

Yes, of course!

We’re not travel agents and don’t plan/book trips for people, but we’re always happy to answer a few questions and point travelers in the right direction. 🙂

Happy early birthdays!

Hello again, We will only have about 4 (3 full) days and nights to explore Florence and Tuscany. We hear that Florence is not terribly large and is very walkable? Would it be practical and safe to utilize motor scooters to do so? The countryside is a PRIORITY, but we are considering not venturing too far from the city to limit travel time. We’d like to spend at least one night in the city, and at least one in the country. And we very much want to explore a couple of very small villages. Suggestions?

Would you recommend purchasing train tickets in advance, or is it really not necessary? Likewise for renting a car, and making hotel reservations (First week of October).

For the train tickets–it depends. For high-speed trains across long distances, like from Florence to Venice, yes, absolutely book in advance. The prices increase dramatically as you get closer to your dates.

For regional/slow trains, like taking a day trip from Florence to Lucca, there’s no need to book in advance.

What gets a bit confusing is that some lines, like between Rome and Florence, have both high-speed trains (essential if you’re making a day trip, as it takes under 2 hours), and regional/slow trains, which depending on the exact timetable can take anywhere from 3-5 hours or so.

If you want an overview of what’s available, we recommend using Omio to search for tickets and compare prices/timetables.

For hotels and a rental car, yes, you’ll want to book in advance. It’s not as urgent as in, say, July, but to get maximum availability it’s best to be prepared, especially if you have special requirements for your rental car such as wanting to rent an automatic.

I hope that helps and that you guys have a great time! October is our favorite month to be in Tuscany. 🙂

My daughter & I will have 5 days in Tuscany, have a rental car & want to visit mostly hill towns. Our hotel is outside Florence. We’d like to drive to Cortona then to for wine tasting, then to Monticchiello for a 7:30 dinner at Daria & spend night. Is this possible? Where do I find city maps?

I think you mean you plan to spend the night in Monticchiello? If so, yes, that will probably work well. Cortona is a bit out of the way as far as Tuscan hill towns go, but it’s very popular!

For city maps, your hotel will usually offer one, especially if you ask. For towns that you just take a day trip to, the easiest way to find them is to head to the tourism office (there’s virtually always a well-marked office in the town center).

Some tourism offices do charge a nominal fee for maps, so it’s a good idea to have a few Euros in small coins/bills on you when you go.

Totally loved it!!! Would you recommend doing this roadtrip with a child? I really want my 5year old daughter to witness new cultures and enjoy some holidays with mum and dad!

Of course it depends on the child, etc, but it’s definitely possible! Italy is considered to be very kid-friendly, and kids are adored and welcome just about everywhere.

The distances in this road trip are also fairly short, so no extremely long car days to contend with.

I don’t see your 2 night Tuscany itinerary?

Hi Lorraine,

I’m not sure what you mean–maybe you’re looking for our 2 day Florence itinerary? Here it is: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-florence-itinerary/

I don’t have anything on spending 3 days/2 nights in Tuscany specifically, but for most visitors, I’d recommend spending 2 days in Florence and then taking a day trip to the countryside on the 3rd day.

Hope that answers your question!

Thank you very much for your article, it was very helpful to consider the cities/town to visit in La Toscana. What would you recommend me for a 10-day trip (honeymoon 🙂 ) by arriving to Rome? For sure, I want to rent a car and do all by car. Would it be better to take a train all over to Florence and from there do the trip all over to Rome? Is it a big deal if I do not have an international license? Thank you for your help.

You can definitely structure this trip as a road trip from Rome to Florence, touring Tuscany by road trip along the way instead if you prefer. For that version, you’ll likely want to start at Montepulciano and then make sort of a “V” shape ending in Florence. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have a one-way car rental fee if you do it this way.

In that case, you may want to add on a stop in Orvieto along the way as well–it’s in Umbria, and a beautiful place: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-orvieto-italy/

Having an international driving permit is required for non-EU drivers in Italy. It’s not often asked for, so you can choose to take the risk, but your rental company can refuse to rent to you and of course, you can have issues if you get into an accident, etc, if you don’t have one as well. They’re not complicated to get, so it’s much better to acquire one before going to Italy!

Hi! Thank you so much for this wonderful site – it is so informative!! We are planning 2-3 days traveling from Florence to Rome and wonder if there are private drivers for hire in Tuscany. Is that an option? And, if so, do you have a sense of how we would locate good drivers? Our concept is that it may be easier on us if we just left the driving to a trained professional local… your thoughts? Thanks again! Paul

We’ve never hired a private driver in Tuscany, so I can’t speak to that personally! I know that some private drivers and tours advertise through Get Your Guide. Other than that, I’d recommend asking your hotel concierge, they’ll no doubt know of someone.

However, if your goal is to travel between Rome and Florence, you could also easily take the train. If you’d rather take 2-3 days to do the journey and sightsee along the way, Orvieto and Siena are both stops to consider on the way.

If you’re confident drivers, though, that route is fairly simple–lots of highway driving, etc. If you’re considering the option of driving yourselves, I’d say there’s no real reason not to.

Hi Thank you for putting together all this info, it has filled me with excitement thinking about our trip this year. My husband and I are hoping to fulfil my dream of travelling to Tuscany this year at the start of April. We will be driving from the UK and stopping off in Normandy then driving across to Italy and Tuscany. The first large city we will enter is Turin before moving towards Tuscany. We have 7 days in Italy but we thought a circular road trip would be great made up of countryside, wine, food and wandering around towns and markets. I love the road trip based around Florence but given our route and our starting point, would you be able to recommend anywhere we should visit/stay/avoid that starts further north and drops into Tuscany. I don’t want to disappoint myself by making poor choices in destinations so any help would be much appreciated. Thank you

Sounds like a wonderful trip! We’ve driven from Portugal to Italy and/or France (and back) several times ourselves, so we’re very familiar with the breadth of the drive you’re taking on.

The Langhe region of Piedmont, located close-ish to Turin, is fantastic: think small towns, gorgeous views, delicious wine, and fewer crowds than Tuscany. You may want to consider a stop there before heading further south! We loved La Morra in particular, but there is lots to see around there, including Alba, Barolo, etc.

Depending on what route you take in, you may pass through Emilia-Romagna as well, one of our favorite foodie regions in Italy. There are a million places to fall in love with there, but Parma might be right along your drive: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-things-to-do-in-parma-italy/

Hope you guys have a fantastic trip!

Hi, I loved your article. My husband and I are planning to head to Tuscany in September. My thought is to arrive in Florence from the states and stay for 3 nights. Originally I was planning to head to Greve and stay at Borgo de Cabrea. for 5 nights and just do day trips from there. (The pictures of the hotel views blew me away). However after doing some more research, I’m thinking that I would leave Florence and head down to the Val d’ Orcia region for two nights, do some day trips from there, then head back up to the hotel in Greve for my remaining 3 nights. I don’t want to short change my experience in southern Tuscany. Looking for advice on where to stop on the way down, and the way up versus day trips from where we are staying. I’m thinking of stopping in Sienna on our way back up since it’s closer to Greve then we can avoid a day trip back down. Where do you think is good place to stop on the way down vs. places that would be better as day trips? Also any advise on where to stay in Val d’ Orcia region? Thanks for the advise on the cars. The site you suggested is much cheaper than the one I was originally looking at.

Those hotel views do look incredible!

With the caveat that you can’t make a very wrong decision in Tuscany, I’d recommend spending 3 nights in the Val d’Orcia area and 2 around Greve. Definitely check out the tiny town of Montefioralle when you’re in the Greve area, too: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/montefioralle-italy/

Siena is a decent-sized city rather than a hilltop town, so I’d spend more time there than you can–but if a couple of hours is all you can spare, visiting the Piazza del Campo + the Duomo + visiting one of the viewpoints to see the city from above will make for a memorable stop.

As for where to stay in the Val d’Orcia, we’re partial to Montepulciano as a base. It’s not in the Val d’Orcia, but nearby, well-connected, and beautiful. Pienza also makes an excellent base and has some hotels whose views I think you’ll also love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/pienza-italy/

Depending on which route you take down from Florence, you may pass Monteriggioni, if so, that’d be a lovely stop during your drive.

Thank You so much for your response. After doing some of my own research and keeping your advise in mind, we booked a hotel in Montepulciano. I have another question for you. We are renting a car and tried discover cars. The prices for renting a compact car through Noleggiare are significantly cheaper than any other company. We need an automatic so it can get pricey. The reviews are mediocre and I was wondering if you had any experience with them. Thanks!

I don’t think we’ve ever used them in particular, but in general, we’ve never had any issues with a car rental in Italy and have zero brand loyalty with rental cars there. We tend to go with whoever is most affordable, as the prices can vary so much. We do buy rental insurance, though–for us, it’s worth the peace of mind.

Hi Planning on driving from Rome to Florence, taking our time. Where would you rent the car? And can you drop off a car in Florence if you rent in Rome. Thanks

Hi Sebastiano,

Personally, we’d rent the car in Rome wherever we could find the best deal–we’re not particularly loyal to any one car rental company.

You can definitely rent a car in Rome and drop it off in Florence, however, you’ll likely incur a one-way rental fee. These can vary dramatically, but are usually pretty reasonable if you’re picking up and dropping off the car in the same country (driving from Italy to Switzerland, for example, would be a different story).

Hi! I liked your insights very much, I hope to go visit Tuscany soon with my family. Though you didn’t really mention seaside areas – I guess it’s because people don’t tend to visit Tuscany region because of beaches, but still, there IS some seaside (judging from map sorry), and I would like to know more, either if you had any experience, or from locals or friends. I clinged to the one photo of a beach at Livorno. I was wondering, if it is worth seeing the seaside as well, if there are any beaches, maybe areas where swimming is not recommended, dangerous tides, sharks… or are there nice places as well, worth visiting. Is the shore easily accessible? The shoreline area is more flat I guess, less hills there as I assume again, from maps…

You’re right, I didn’t include seaside areas because typically, that’s not what non-Italian travelers are looking for from the Tuscany region. You’re right that it has a lovely coastline, though!

A few popular beach towns in Tuscany include Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. Livorno is a popular cruise ship stop, and has a historic fort right on the water. Don’t miss the view from Terrazza Mascagni if you go!

If you want to go further off the beaten path, the Tuscan island of Elba (where Napoleon was once banished to) is beautiful.

If you’re in a beach town, you’ll definitely have access to the sea!

Will be in Tuscany for four days and thinking one day each in Pisa, Florence and Montepulciano (or combine a couple (like Pisa/Florence). Can you suggest a good home base area? We will have a car – any suggestions for a couple of one day road trips (if we can combine P, F or M) to visit wineries, different towns, etc? So many things to see it’s hard to decide and are hoping you can help us out. Thank you so much!!!

Hi Collette,

If you plan to have a car, I’d recommend staying outside a city center and enjoying the countryside a bit. That’s the advantage of having a car in Tuscany!

I’d also recommend combining Lucca with Pisa–Pisa doesn’t take long to see, but Florence definitely takes a full day at a minimum assuming you want to go inside a museum, up a viewpoint, etc.

On the route from Florence to Montepulciano, Monteriggioni and Siena are great options (depending on which route you take). The Chianti area is also between the two, though it’s a bit more out of the way to access!

San Gimignano and/or Volterra would also make a great day, and would be enhanced by having a car.

Deciding where to stay can be fairly flexible, as all of those places can be visited as a day-trip from the others, but I’d choose based on your priorities, as you’ll have some long drives round-trip. The Siena area makes a great base if your priority is Montepulciano and towns like the Val d’Orcia. The Lucca area or Chianti area is lovely for accessing northern Tuscany (Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, etc).

Ciao! Thank you so much for writing so much about Italy! It’s been very helpful while planning our upcoming Tuscany road trip. We’re planning to rent a car from Florence and are seeing a lot of negative reviews on all the cheaper Discover Cars rental companies. What rental companies have you used in the past and would you recommend them? Also, are there any we should stay away from? Trying to be budget friendly but also do not want hit with a bunch of fees after the fact. Thank you so much for your help!

Hi Natalie,

Happy to help!

Honestly, I could not even remember all the rental companies we’ve used in Italy, let alone in Europe. We’re not picky–we’ve used everything from big brands like Hertz and Sixt all the way to tiny local outfits that we spot on the ground. We’ve never been charged for damage, but we do take precautions.

Specifically, we ALWAYS thoroughly photograph and video (a full 360 video) the vehicle when picking it up, and we tend to buy the additional insurance as well. If you want to ensure there’s a 0% chance of being charged for anything, most companies offer a $0 deductible (in Europe, a deductible is called excess) policy. It’s an increase in the upfront budget, but offers a lot of peace of mind if it’s something you’re worried about!

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

15 Best Day Trips from Tuscany

Tuscany is a very popular region for tourists to Italy thanks to its diverse range of activities and sights.

From vineyards and culinary attractions to classic art and ancient architecture, Tuscany is one of the most varied regions in the world for tourists.

Despite this eclectic range of attractions, it is also known for having a very laid-back lifestyle, even in the larger cities of Florence and Pisa.

Whether you are interested in the most famous attractions, or some off the beaten path sights, there are plenty of great opportunities for day trips within the region and in the surrounding areas to keep your itinerary exciting.

Here are the 15 best day trips either within Tuscany itself or within easy travelling distance from the most popular cities.

1. Florence

The largest city in the Tuscany region, Florence, is a very popular destination for tourists from across the world.

Beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine and world-class museums and art galleries make this a great city to explore as part of a day trip.

Famous attractions include the Duomo di Firenze, Ponte Vecchio and the Accademia Museum where you can look at Michelangelo’s David.

Outside of the usual attractions, Florence also has a bustling independent arts scene and the cuisine, much like the rest of Italy, is excellent.

Tuscany is famous across Italy for steak, and Florence is the perfect city to try some.

2. Montepulciano

Montepulciano is well known across the country for its wines, particularly the red wine known as Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano.

There are a number of vineyards and wineries in the town where you can indulge in some wine tasting.

A couple of them also allow you to take a look at the wine production process and try your hand at some of the processes yourself.

Aside from the wine attractions, Montepulciano has some interesting historical sites including the Piazza Grande, San Biagio church and civic museum.

There is also a 15th-century villa open to tourists just a short drive from the town called La Foce.

3. San Gimignano

Located in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano has a lot of authentic Italian charm and oozes history.

The town traces its origins back to the medieval era, and the ancient walls of the original town are still standing to this day.

There are a few medieval towers scattered across the town, with the largest being Torre Grossa.

You can also check out some art galleries: Collegiata Duomo is the best for religious art, and Pinacoteca Civica is great for smaller, more contemporary pieces.

If you want to learn more about Italy’s medieval history, San Gimignano1300 is your best option in Tuscany.

4. Reggello

Located in the Chianti wine region, Reggello is another excellent place to sample local Italian wine and learn more about the production processes.

The town is also famous for producing extra virgin olive oil, and you can take tours of some of the farms and distilleries in the surrounding area.

The town itself has some interesting architecture, including the Abbey of Vallombrosa.

The abbey still functions as a monastery to this day, after being established in the 11th century.

The forest surrounding the abbey is also well worth exploring.

You can also learn about stone cutting in the town at Sottili’s Stone Cutting Workshop.

Another very famous city in Tuscany, Pisa is the most well-known internationally for the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The history around why the tower leans and efforts to make sure it does not fall down is interesting, but the town also has a lot more to offer travellers visiting on a day trip.

The city centre is located a ten-minute walk away from the tower but has some very charming streets and great restaurants serving famous Tuscan steaks.

The Museo Di San Matteo contains the best collection of Tuscan artworks in the region, and the Tuttomundo is a large mural of Pisa painted by Keith Haring as an homage to the city’s beauty.

Carrara is the site of the famous Carrara Marble Quarries.

The area has a 2,000-year history of providing marble for Italy, and you can still check out functional quarries to this day.

You can listen to the fascinating history of the region from one of the many licensed tours that are run in the area, as well as witness some of the best-hidden viewpoints in the country.

Afterwards, visit a restaurant in one of the nearby villages to try Lardo di Colonnata.

This salami-like meat is produced using marble slabs from Carrara.

7. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages along the Italian Riviera which have seen massive increases in tourism over the past decade.

It is easy to see why, thanks to the charming streets of the villages and the outstanding views over the Mediterranean Sea.

The five villages each have their own unique characteristics for different experiences as part of your day trip – from food and coffee to swimming in the sea.

The nearby town of La Spezia is also packed with historic UNESCO world heritage sites from a variety of eras.

Siena, like much of Tuscany, is packed with art and history and will provide a unique day trip that will give you a great insight into typical Italian culture.

The city dates back to the Middle Ages and is packed with old architecture and quaint streets.

Piazza Del Campo is located in the centre of the city and, shaped like a shell, is one of the most famous piazzas in the country.

You can also take a look at the famous frescos of Palazzo Pubblico, visit Etruscan tombs and try your hand at traditional Tuscan cooking with some of the many classes on offer.

Wish you could check out the canals of Venice but don’t have the time? Livorno’s Quartiere La Venezia is named after the city because of its network of canals that locals say are reminiscent of Venice itself.

There are also plenty of canal-side bars and restaurants for you to enjoy local coffee, beer and wine.

The Piazza Della Repubblica is the center point of the area and features the Dominican Church.

There are also some natural Italian spas on the outskirts of the town if you want to take some time to unwind after exploring the canals of Livorno.

Lucca is an ancient city that is older than the Roman Empire, dating back to the Etruscan period.

Lucca is like an open-air museum for some of Europe’s most well known architectural styles: from Roman to Gothic to Renaissance, this is a wonderland for architecture lovers.

You can still visit the city walls which were built in 1650 when it was an independent city-state.

Lucca is also a popular city for glasswork and jewellery design, and you can take short courses on both of these crafts while visiting the city, even if just as part of a day trip.

11. Bologna

Being the food capital of Italy, Bologna is a brilliant place to experience some of the best cuisine the country has to offer.

The world-famous Spaghetti Bolognesa is of course from Bologna, and you will notice it has a much meatier flavour than foreign equivalents.

It is also a popular student city, with the oldest university in the world, so has a very youthful atmosphere and plenty of bars to experience alongside the restaurants.

Bologna is not as well known with international visitors so most tourists will be Italian, making it a much more authentic city than some of Italy’s bigger hits.

12. San Marino

Want to tick off another country while in Italy? San Marino is the third smallest country in the world, is located entirely within Italy and is easily accessible from Tuscany.

Claiming to be the oldest nation in the world, San Marino was founded in 301AD and is filled with charming, ancient streets.

Located on top of a hill, San Marino also provides gorgeous views of the Marche region, and towards the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The capital city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, and the surrounding villages provide an interesting insight into how the small country functions.

Due to being outside of the EU, consumer goods can also be bought slightly cheaper in the country.

Cecina is a small region near Livorno where you can visit ruins from the Neolithic period.

The most famous ruins are in the village of San Vincenzino, and there is a museum dedicated to the archeological finds from the area at Guerrazzi Civic Archaeological Museum.

Cecina also contains some beautiful, seemingly endless beaches which are untouched by the main tourist routes and have a much more secluded feel than other Italian beaches.

You can also discover some native Italian wildlife in the shrub areas next to the beaches, including wild rabbits, foxes and porcupines.

The best place to find all this is the Tomboli Biogenetic Nature Reserve in the village of Cecina itself.

Located just past Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera coast, Genoa is a beautiful city that is often overlooked by tourists, making it a great place to experience a slower and more authentic lifestyle.

The city is filled with cute alleyways and ancient streets, as well as some great seafood restaurants and hidden gem-style bars.

One of the largest aquariums in Europe is located in Genoa, and you can also try out some diving with the boat tours which leave from the port.

The brightly colored streets are also known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the seafaring culture of the city is still very apparent to this day.

15. Lago Trasimeno

Another beautiful location off the regular tourist trail, Lake Trasimeno, is Italy’s largest lake outside of the Alps.

Despite being unknown to most international tourists, Italians often flock to the region during the summer to enjoy the relaxed pace of life and beautiful views over the lake.

The surrounding villages can be an interesting experience of rural Italian culture.

You can visit the medieval walls of Passignano, the Etruscan architecture of Panicale or the leaning tower of Vernazzano, which actually leans at a greater angle than Italy’s more famous leaning tower.

The lake itself is quite shallow and great for bathing in during the summer.

15 Best Day Trips from Tuscany:

• Montepulciano
• San Gimignano
• Cinque Terre
• Lago Trasimeno

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Italy Tours & Trips from Milan

Find your perfect adventure! We have 81 tours of Italy that start in Milan, Italy. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 3 and 14 days.

81 Italy tour packages from Milan with 502 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The tour was good, the places were amazing, however the tour while staying at Lake Garda to Murano was a 2 hour drive (each way) away. Although beautiful and a great experience, it was too far away from Poiano. Therefore I didn’t really see any of Lake Garda. I thought the idea of the extra tours was to ‘enhance’ the experience of where you were staying and not take you away from it. A written seating roster would also be a good idea, as some people were either confused about where to sit or just refused to rotate. Otherwise a good experience

• Train & Rail

Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days

Excellent choice of places to visit. Tour Leader Chiara was fantastc. Nino the Driver was also very professional and friendly. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances.

• Educational
• Christmas & New Year

Enchanting Italy With Luxury Stay & Business Class Train Rides

Italy : Cities and Lakes W/top sightseeing & train rides 4 Star

Italian Glory (13 Days)

OMG what can I say beside it was amazing trip and how can not love Italy and the cost line and you are traveling with the best coach

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Iconic Italian Cities

4 Days NORTHERN LAKES TOUR - from Milan

The overall tour was excellent, very well organized and enriching. All the itinerary was followed exactly as stated. Luigi was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations were good. What I would suggest is for the tour to have a list of recommendations for the guests to check (restaurants, museums, activities) during every free time they are given.

Best of the Italian Lakes (9 Days)

A great trip in all respects. Thank you, Sarah. There was one aspect prior to the trip itself that we were not happy about....... We were unable to get a flight into Milan Malpensa Airport on the arrival day and could only get an early flight into Milan Bergamo Airport. We contacted you twice the month before and on being told a pick up from Bergamo Airport was not possible requested that we could get to Malpensa Airport ourselves and thus meet your pick up to Baveno. We were refused and were told only passengers with air tickets to Malpensa were eligible. As a result we were left with a very difficult and stressful and costly day especially as there was a train strike. To make matters worse, on arrival at Baveno, we found that a number of other people on the tour who had not flown in to Malpensa Airport had gone out to the airport byway and were able to get the shuttle to Baveno. We feel that your decision to exclude us from the Malpensa to Baveno shuttle was unreasonable and very disappointing especially in the light of the fact that we were penalised when we had tried to be honest and responsible about our transfer problem. I would suggest a more flexible and accommodating approach in future. Otherwise, a great trip. Regards Bernard and Janet Healy

Lakes & Lagoon: Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour

Tris small Gropparello tour gas coverei tue most beautful cities in only 5 days. our tour guide did a magnificent job guiding us through the the various cities and giviving us history and background information. The miniban was clean and comfortable throughout the trip. Filippo our driver is a true professional. Highly recommended

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome escorted small group by train.

Great trip. Ricardo was the best tour guide

Standard 8 nights Italy

Northern Italy's Highlights & Cinque Terre

we have just returned from Northern Italy and Cinque Terra. The tour was very well organised and covered a variety of areas. All the food and wine experiences were as good or better than we hoped. The days at Rapallo were excellent. Our tour leader Simonetta was the best we have had yet. Her knowledge and attention to detail could not be faulted. She took care immediately of any problems as soon as they arose. The accommodation was of a high standard. The only downside was the farewell dinner. The restaurant was too hot, too noisy and the food very poor.

Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive

Everything was well planned. Hotels were exquisite, and suggested activities were lovely. No problems with all vouchers. Gorgeous scenery, and fantastic locations. We could have used a few more specific instructions with directions/parking info, for the suggested locations. Overall, we completely loved our lake region Italian vacation! Highly recommend.

Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights

Eduardo was fantastic! He paid great attention to every little detail throughout our tour. He has great knowledge of history and background of places we covered, and most importantly he ensured everyone was having a great time. Thanks Eduardo!

The Best Of Italy By Train

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Italy Tours from Milan

Cosmos Italian Lakes tour was great. Our tour director, Firenzia, did a terrific job. A few minor criticisms -- some of the hotels were not centrally located; the restaurant for the excursion to the mountain top in Switzerland was not very good. Otherwise, a really excellent trip.

A great introduction to Italy

Tours starting from Milan

• Milan to Milan tours (40)
• Milan to Rome tours (25)
• Milan to Venice tours (5)
• Family from Milan (60)
• Explorer from Milan (56)
• In-depth Cultural from Milan (31)
• Private from Milan (18)
• Coach / Bus from Milan (14)
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15 Best Day Trips from Milan Italy

Milan is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. Moreover, Milan is surrounded with beautiful destinations that are perfect for a day trip! There are plenty of lakes, mountains and stunning towns and cities to visit, so if you’re planning to discover the North of Italy, you should definitely start with a trip to Milan . Then, you can plan Lake Como day trips from Milan, day trips from Milan to Bellagio trips from Milan to Cinque Terre, or day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda. We will be going through some great tips for 1 day trips from Milan, as well as ideas for different parts of the year, like day trips from Milan in December, summertime, and more! Let’s see the 15 best day trips from Milan Italy !

15 day trips from Milan… As I have mentioned, there are many amazing locations for 1 day trips from Milan. Imagine if you’d want to do them all, you’d need at least 15 days, and these are just the important highlights! Let’s discover together the Lake Como day trip from Milan, the best day trips from Milan in November , or day trips from Milan in January.

We’ll also share details for the day trip to Portofino from Milan, as well as for the day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Lugano among many others! We know many of you ask whether or not can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan? So within this post, we’ll also discuss the day trip from Milan to Venice by train. Also, if you’re planning to stay a few nights in Milan , make sure you check out our affordable hotel list , and the luxury hotels too!

1. Day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Bellagio

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful day trip from Milan! If you’re planning to see some stunning lakeside towns, but you don’t want to travel too much, then Lake Como is the closest you can pick! You can easily plan Lake Como day trip from Milan by train as well!

From Milano Centrale to Como the train ride takes about an hour, and it’s really cheap as well. So if you want to do a one day trip to Lake Como from Milan, or a day trip from Milan to Bellagio you’ll still have enough time to explore or to relax at the lake. If you’d prefer to stay a few days, make sure to check out our list of beautiful hotels at Lake Como !

2. Lago Maggiore

Lake Maggiore, or Lago Maggiore is not as famous as Lake Como or Lake Garda, though it is right near them. It’s one of the biggest lakes in Italy , and indeed Lake Maggiore has amazing landscapes to get lost in and fall in love with. You can plan a boat day, or some hiking in the area if you want to do 1 day trips from Milan .

Instead of a Lake Como day trip from Milan if you choose Lake Maggiore, make sure to visit the stunning Isola Bella and the breathtaking villa and gardens there. It’s one of a kind experience, and we really do suggest not missing it!

3. Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo isn’t that popular among visitors from abroad still, but for those who seek a quiet place, a stunning lake with amazing scenery over the surrounding mountains, it’s still the greatest option! If you’re looking for a one-day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but you’d actually prefer something more peaceful, Lake Iseo is the greatest alternative!

For those seeking ideas for day trips from Milan, I must say, the experience, the view, the peace, and the whole area are really worth visiting. Lake Iseo is one of the best-hidden gems, and one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy!

4. Lake Garda

One of my favorite day trips from Milan is definitely Lake Garda ! I’ve done so far 4 times day trips or two-day trips to Lake Garda. Two times I went to one of the most magical towns at Lake Garda , to Sirmione . The two other times were at Peschiera del Garda and Riva del Garda.

Sirmione is a great place to visit in the summer. You’ve got the lake, the beaches , the boats, the stunning town, along with the castle. However, Sirmione is also one of the best day trips from Milan in November, or a day trip from Milan in December , since there is a spa that’s perfect for cold getaways! If you’re planning day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, make sure to calculate one day at the lake and one day in Verona, since that city can’t be visited in a few hours.

For a day trip from Milan to Lake Garda, I really suggest that to add to your list Desenzano, Sirmione, and Peschiera. Or at least one of them! The area of the lake is just stunning, just like the lake itself!

5. Portofino

Portofino is like mini heaven. Is one of the most stunning coastal towns in Italy , and it is indeed the most beautiful spot in Liguria! The lands where Portofino was built offer indescribable sceneries on the sea, with these beautiful and colorful towns just above.

The clear water and amazing views are already a great reason to visit Portofino, but the whole town is just magical. However, you must know that it’s not the cheapest 1 day trips from Milan, and everything has skyscraper prices. But a day trip to Portofino from Milan is definitely an amazing option and it’s a perfect choice for summertime!

6. Trentino

Hands up who loves skiing! Trentino is the heaven of ski resorts in Italy ! Stunning mountain scenarios, and beautiful mountain villages and towns. If you’re visiting the Trentino region , but you’re not doing it for sports, we’ve got you covered! If you’re planning 1 day trips from Milan, and more important day trips from Milan in December, or day trips from Milan in January, and you’re up for skiing, Trentino is the place for you!

However, if you’re looking for day trips from Milan during the warm month, you should still consider Trentino. You can visit the fabulous town of Bolzano or the one that we love, even more, Trento . In Trento, you can plan a quick visit to the stunning Buonconsiglio Castle as well, and eat as much as you can while enjoying the view over the giant hills right outside the town.

7. Limone sul Garda

Limone sul Garda makes you feel like you’re on the seaside. The town near Lake Garda does really have this warm, coastal town vibe, and that’s why we love it. It’s a beautiful place to explore, eat, and cycle near the lake.

If you’re thinking of alternatives for the Lake Como day trip from Milan, definitely consider Limone sul Garda! You can do boating, water sports, relax on the beach, or do hiking. It’s a great spot for nights out as well, so for those traveling with friends might be a great option!

I already mentioned at Lake Garda, that if you’re planning day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, plan one day at each. Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , and I can’t get enough of it, no matter how many times I return. The stunning medieval town of Verona is definitely one of the best day trips from Milan!

In the summer, Verona can be really hot and humid, which for many isn’t really comfortable. In the winter, though it’s not warm outside, Verona still remains stunning. So if you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November, December, or day trips from Milan in January, or February, Verona can still be a good option!

9. Cinque Terre

When it comes to 1 day trips from Milan, Cinque Terre is always a star! You can do easy day trips from Milan to Cinque Terre. It’s a long train ride getting from Milan to Cinque Terre, but if you wake up early enough, or better yet, if you do two days in Cinque Terre, you can see it all!

When you’re planning trips from Milan to Cinque Terre you must know that the towns of Cinque Terre are really close to each other. You can get around in Cinque Terre by train, where the travel time between the towns is an average of 5 minutes.

Knowing this, you can plan trips from Milan to Cinque Terre either for one day and rush through as much as you can, then return in the evening. However, I do suggest thinking about at least 2 day trips from Milan to Cinque Terre to make sure you’re able to see it all without the rush.

10. day trip from Milan to Venice by train

Can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan? Yes, you can! Direct trains from Milano Centrale do about 3 and a half hours to Venice. So the same as I’ve said for the trips from Milan to Cinque Terre, I must say the same for Venice. If you’re planning a day trip from Milan to Venice by train, you must either wake up really early, either plan 2 days in Venice!

Venice is big, and there are so many things to explore! If you want really to do just a 1 day trip from Milan to Venice by train, you must plan ahead what you want to see, and how to get there. Otherwise, you’ll waste the day and you won’t get anywhere. To see the most important landmarks in Venice , you can easily do a day trip from Milan to Venice and return at the night.

11. Genoa – day trips from Milan

Genoa is probably the most famous coastal cities in northern Italy. If you plan 1 day trips from Milan, and you’d like to see the seaside and a lovely city, then Genoa is definitely a great option!

Especially during the summertime, Genoa is a great destination in Liguria, also if you’re up for some amazing nightlife . Not to mention the great food, and beautiful landmarks and museums .

Chocolate , famous Italian brands, and a fast-developing city at the feet of the mountains? That’s all Torino (Turin). Explore the beautiful city center, great landmarks, and stunning buildings of Turin, while visiting the Egyptian museum as well. If you want to do city day trips from Milan, especially if you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in December, Turin can work well.

You can explore the city easily even if you’re looking for day trips from Milan in January. It might be a bit cold, but some chocolate and wine will keep you warm enough while you explore all the amazing things Turin has to offer. Don’t forget though, if you’ve got more days, you could visit the nearby mountains too!

13. Piacenza

Piacenza is located in the region of Emilia Romagna, about 55 minutes by train from Milano Centrale train station. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in December, Piacenza might not be the best fit. However, in the spring and summertime, it’s definitely a great option for 1 day trips from Milan.

The historic center of Piacenza is just stunning, with many beautiful buildings, churches, and stunning streets. If you’re visiting this lovely town in Emilia Romagna , make sure to try some local specialties like the cold cuts like salumi, pancetta, and the coppa from Piacenza. Imagine this place to be really isolated, peaceful, and still beautiful where you can eat well!

Since we’ve mentioned the cold cuts from Emilia Romagna, and the great food of the region , we must highlight another idea for day trips from Milan. Parma is right the second city in Emilia Romagna after Piacenza. This city is really famous for the Parmigiano Reggiano ( parmesan cheese ) and the Prosciutto di Parma, which is the most famous type of ham in Italy.

Parma can be one of the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in January, but just if you’re looking for a foodie tour. Outside being cold, you can’t really enjoy the outdoor tables, sunshine, and life in the city. However, Parma has many beautiful landmarks to see, and a factory visit at Parmigiano Reggiano or the ham factory is definitely an amazing option for a day trip from Milan!

15. Bergamo

Bergamo is right outside Milan, and you can reach it either by train or bus. One of Milan’s airports , the Bergamo airport is near the town too, so if you’re planning 1 day trips to Milan and you’re flying out from Bergamo, you can plan to spend your last day in Bergamo.

The historic center of Bergamo is on top of a hill, and the town itself is just fascinating. The main square, old houses, and charming streets will make you fall in love with Bergamo! Also, if you’re thinking about the best day trips from Milan in November, or over the winter months, Bergamo could work well, though consider that the temperature is pretty low.

Wrapping up the 10 Best 1 day trips from Milan Italy

As you can see, there are dozens and more possibilities for a day trip from Milan. We’ve discussed some of the most popular options, like the Lake Como day trip from Milan, or day trip from Milan to Bellagio. Also, you’ve seen how you can do a day trip to Portofino from Milan, and a day trip from Milan to Venice by train.

We’ve also checked the temperature, and seen some of the best summer destinations as well as day trips from Milan in December, and day trips from Milan in January. You’ve got some ideas now for day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, and a day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Lugano.

We’ve also answered the question on can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan, and shared a few tips to know. Milan is gorgeous, and the whole of northern Italy deserves to be seen! So how about discovering the best medieval cities in Italy next?

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Milan Vs. Florence — 7 Key Differences To Know Before Your Go

W hen you have Italy on your radar, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to superb places to visit. There are so many great coastal destinations, islands, and inner regions, not to mention the cities. And you can never see all of Italy in one visit; even if you lived there, you’d struggle.

So, decisions need to be taken and compromises need to be made in order to keep the itinerary do-able. When it comes to the north of Italy, there are two major cities that are on most people’s wish lists: Milan and Florence . Both are historic and filled with gorgeous architecture, museums, and Italian lifestyle. But which one to include in your trip?

Here are some key differences that might make your decision a little easier.

1. Location

Milan is close to the alps.

Milan is located in the northern region of Lombardy, making it a gateway to the Italian Alps with its snow-capped mountains on the city’s horizon. Some days, they look so close that you think you can touch them, but in reality, the foothills of the Alps are some 150 miles away. Genoa, on the Mediterranean Coast, is less than 90 miles from Milan, while the Swiss border lies less than 50 miles away.

Florence Lies In Tuscany

I am sure I had you at “ Tuscany ,” right? What’s not to love about Tuscany? Florence is Tuscany’s capital city and the stunning Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, sunflower fields and cutesy villages starts where Florence ends. Florence is also, while still relatively north within Italy, much more centrally located, making explorations further south much easier.

2. Size And Getting Around

Milan is italy’s second-largest city.

Milan is Italy’s second-largest city by size and population with around 1.5 million inhabitants living in Milan proper. To see the various sights, from the canals of Navigli to the modern Tre Tori, there is a great network of metros and trams that are easy to navigate and cheap to use. Getting a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass has you covered for a handful of euros. That said, the inner city — which has all the main sights, even down to Navigli — is walkable. But it is fun to travel on the trams, from beautifully historic and rickety to super modern, all acting as a bit of a tourist bus for less money and without the commentary.

Florence Is Perfect To Explore On Foot

With barely 500,000 inhabitants and a well-defined city center, as long as you are staying centrally in Florence, it’s all about exploring on foot. There’s absolutely no need for public transportation. That said, when it gets warm or your knees are getting travel-worn, you can hop on buses 12 and 13 from the city center to get up to Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking Florence from its lofty position.

3. The Weather

Milan is subtropical.

Despite being close to the Alps, Milan has a typical subtropical climate with cooler — but not snowy — winters and hot summers. Average temperatures in winter are between 32 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit with plenty of rain, while in summer, temperatures can reach 95 degrees with a fair share of humidity. The nicest seasons to travel, for the weather as well as the crowds, are late spring and early fall, which are both pleasant, if occasionally interrupted by the odd rain shower.

Florence Has A Mediterranean Climate

Despite the two cities having a very different definition of their individual climate, on paper, it looks pretty much the same. Florence’s winters are cool and damp, with temperatures down to around 41 degrees, while summer temperatures can reach 95 degrees or higher but without the humidity. The air is drier, making it easier to cope with. That said, Florence is busier and that makes summer even worse. So, like with Milan, aim for late spring or early fall and take a light rain jacket just in case.

4. Attractions

Milan has superb old and new architecture.

Milan is known for its impressive architectural landmarks, such as the iconic Duomo (the Milan Cathedral), its neighboring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the historic Sforza Castle. The city is also known for its art galleries and museums, and is home to gems such as the famous painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci . For this, you need to be extremely organized because tickets are usually sold out 3 months in advance. Don’t miss another da Vinci gem — the hidden vineyard he once owned. But rather than being filled with point-to-point sightseeing, Milan is very much a city to amble and discover slowly.

Florence Is Bursting With History

While Florence also invites you to idle in cafés, there is so much history all around that you’ll barely find the time to relax. Main attractions include another Duomo, the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and the Pitti Palace — with the entire historic center designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Eating And Drinking

Milan has saffron risotto.

Probably the best-known and most typical Milanese dish is risotto alla Milanese — a yellow, saffron-spiced risotto that may look a little bland but is extremely tasty. The Milan dining scene ranges from luxury to happy-go-lucky terrace-hopping with plenty of great places to try . And, did you know that the Christmas cake Panettone originally comes from Milan? Head straight to the historic Pasticceria Marchesi on Corso Magenta to try the best.

Florence Has Great Meat-Based Dishes

Florence has the hearty Tuscan cuisine on offer, with my personal favorite being pappardelle al cinghiale — ribbon pasta with wild boar ragu. Other typical Florentine dishes include bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled T-bone steak, ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), and pappa al pomodoro (a tomato and bread soup). There are also plenty of gorgeous restaurants where you can try them all.

6. Day And Road Trips

Milan is the gateway to various other countries.

Both cities, and indeed the entire country, are perfect for road trips. Milan is close to countries such as Switzerland, France, and the tiny countries of Monaco and Liechtenstein . There are closer-by attractions, such as the stunning Lake Como and Turin, while a trip to Venice is also a good option from here.

Florence Has Tuscany

Tuscan road trip anyone? There are so many options for day trips from Florence that it is difficult to know what to recommend. But basically, when visiting Florence, you ought to concentrate on the delights Tuscany has to offer. Spend a night in Pisa or a weekend in Siena and stop for a while in the Chianti wine region .

7. Festivals And Special Events

Milan does fashion.

Milan is famous for being one of the world’s leading fashion capitals and Milan Fashion Week is a major twice-yearly highlight. Every spring, Milan fills with the fashionistas of the world for the fall/winter collections and in fall for the spring/summer collections. Please check the website for individual dates. This is great news if you are interested in fashion, love spotting the various get-ups of the world’s glitterati, and want to do some celebrity spotting. But if you’re not into all of that, try to avoid those dates. Hotel rooms are booked out or over-priced, certain popular venues are packed or closed to the public, and restaurants charge extra for the privilege of a terrace table. But, on the other hand, being a fashion capital makes shopping rather great in Milan .

Florence Is Spectacular For Festivals

Florence does not have one huge event like Fashion Week but instead pulls out the stops for traditional celebrations, such as Festa di San Giovanni — the “Festival of St. John” — celebrated on June 24. Florence honors the saint’s day with a series of events including a historic parade, a fireworks display over the River Arno, and cultural performances. Easter is also very special here with the Scoppio del Carro or the “Explosion of the Cart.” This is unique to Florence and takes place on Easter Sunday in Piazza del Duomo when a cart filled with fireworks is set off, followed by more fireworks and many celebrations.

Related Reading:

• 10 Tips For Visiting The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
• 9 Tips For Hiking The Famous Path Of The Gods
• 5 Incredible Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations To Visit In Tuscany

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits