If you’re wondering, “Where should I go on a day trip from Milan?” you’re in the right place.
We’ve listed the best day trips from Milan that you definitely should experience.
The Best Day Trips from Milan Italy
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is the third-largest city in Europe and the capital of Lombardy.
It has many cultural and historical treasures.
The landmark Milan Cathedral and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are just a few.
While a day in Milan can easily be filled with shopping, art, and delicious cuisine, further highlights are in the surrounding area of Milan.
The city is perfectly situated for exploring some of the most impressive places and cities of Northern Italy.
The area around Milan is also home to some beautiful sights.
Milan’s convenient location makes it a perfect base for many excursions.
Whether you want to experience the romance of Verona, the landscapes of Cinque Terre, or the cultural riches of Turin – everything is just a short day trip away from Milan.
Our top 3 trips from Milan are:
# 1 TOP-PICK
Picturesque coastal area
UNESCO World Heritage Site with five charming medieval villages nestled along the rocky coast.
# 2 PICK
Journey with the Bernina Express
Europe’s most spectacular landscapes
Train ride on the world’s steepest railway line with breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss alps, including a trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland.
# 3 PICK
Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio
Trip to the Lake Como and Switzerland
Enjoy Swiss chocolate and a boat tour with scenic views of Lake Como and Bellagio.
How to Get There from Milan
Personally, we prefer guided tours, as they not only compactly present the highlights of a place but also eliminate any organizational stress:
No need to buy tickets or study timetables since everything is already organized.
Especially valuable is the expertise of the local guide, who provides insights you might miss as an individual traveler.
If you value comfort and efficiency, you should opt for such tours.
Regardless of the destination, careful preparation and the decision for a guided tour are crucial for an unforgettable experience.
You can explore some of the best day trips to the surrounding area by train or car. In case you opt to travel by train, the Stazione Centrale is the best area to stay in Milan.
Whenever it’s easy to reach these destinations, we highlighted it in the article.
Otherwise, the easiest option is to take a guided tour.
Map with the Suggested Day Trip Options
1. Day Trip to Cinque Terre
A worthwhile day trip from Milan leads to the picturesque region of Cinque Terre.
This region, located directly on the Italian Riviera, consists of five charming medieval villages nestled along the rocky coast.
On this trip, you can explore Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the villages and also an authentic fishing village of the Italian Riviera.
Thanks to car-free zones, it’s tranquil here, aside from the visitors.
From Monterosso, you embark on a spectacular boat trip offering unparalleled views of the coast and the beautiful village of Portovenere.
The region, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers wonderful sea views and is an absolute must for anyone wanting to enjoy the beauty of Italy fully.
It’s the perfect place for an excursion from Milan if you want to discover the breathtaking coast.
Exploring the Cinque Terre for one day is absolutely possible.
If you have more time, we recommend planning a couple of days.
Cinque Terre is known for its scenic hiking trails. We already enjoyed hiking the Blue Trail in Cinque Terre.
Good to know: On a 13-hour tour, you’ll enjoy the company of a professional guide, comfortable transport in an air-conditioned coach, a boat trip from Monterosso to La Spezia, and a train ride from Manarola back to Monterosso.
2. Scenic train journey with the Bernina Express to St. Moritz in Switzerland
Have you ever dreamt of experiencing the breathtaking Swiss Alps in all their majestic glory?
The Bernina Express offers you this unique opportunity.
This day trip from Milan takes you through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes and is among the best day trips you can take from Milan.
What impressed me during our journey was how steeply the train climbs in some areas.
The Bernina Express is not just any train.
It runs on the world’s steepest railway line and offers unforgettable views of the Italian and Swiss Alps, glittering lakes, and small villages.
After a day of discovery and adventure on the Bernina Express, you come back to Milan.
However, the memories of this fascinating journey will linger for a long time.
It’s the perfect day trip if you want to experience the beauty of the Alps up close.
Good to know: This 12.5-hour tour includes a 2nd class Bernina ticket, the company of a professional guide, and comfortable round-trip transport in an air-conditioned bus from Milan. Don’t forget your passport!
3. Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como
Another popular trip is to Lake Como.
The full-day trip to Italy’s third-largest lake offers the chance to enjoy the impressive landscape and dive into the culture of the region, which is a unique mix of Swiss and Italian influences.
The first stop is Lugano, a Swiss town.
Here, you have free time to explore the city center.
And of course, a taste of the famous Swiss chocolate is a must!
The journey continues to Cadenabbia.
From here, there’s a 15-minute boat ride to Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como.”
In Bellagio, you take a lunch break and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere.
The panoramic boat ride on Lake Como is one of the absolute highlights of the tour.
Admire the magnificent villas lining the shore and enjoy nature.
The trip ends in Como.
Accompanied by a professional guide, you explore the city on foot.
This includes visiting the Gothic Cathedral and delving deep into the art and history of the city.
Good to know: The tour lasts 11 hours and is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
The package includes audio headsets, preferred boat tickets, bottled water, and transport to and from Milan.
4. Day Tour from Milan to Turin
Turin, often referred to as the “Paris of Italy,” is a city that offers charm and elegance.
As the first capital of Italy, Turin has significant historical and cultural importance.
The city, located near Milan, is great for an excursion.
During a day trip from Milan, you will experience the fascinating city in all its splendor.
The Egyptian Museum is undoubtedly one of the highlights.
It’s not only the oldest Egyptian Museum in the world but also the second largest after Cairo.
Here, you can delve into the depths of Egyptian history and admire some of the best-preserved artifacts from the time of the Pharaohs.
Turin is also a paradise for gourmands and foodies.
The city is famous for its chocolate, especially the nougat praline “Gianduiotto.” I love nougat!
On this excursion, you will taste this delicacy and other local specialties.
After exploring some of Turin’s attractions, the day is rounded off with a relaxed chocolate tasting.
If you’re spending a day in Milan and looking for the perfect day trip that combines history, culture, and gastronomy, then Turin is just right for you.
It’s very close but offers a completely different experience.
Good to know: The 10-hour tour includes the train from Milan to Turin (First-Class train ticket for round trip), a private guide, entrance to the Egyptian Museum, and a chocolate tasting.
⭐ Pro Travel Tip: You can take the train to Turin. It’s only a short train ride. Check out the available train connections on Trainline.
5. Day Trip to Lake Garda and Verona
Another worthwhile day trip takes you to Lake Garda and Verona, the city of lovers.
Verona is one of my favorite cities in Northern Italy because the impressive attractions of Verona are all within walking distance.
Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake and offers a Mediterranean flair.
Just half an hour from the southern shore is Verona, the city of love.
It’s famous for its connection to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.“
On this day trip to Verona, you can admire the famous balcony of the Capulet residence, where Romeo is said to have called for his beloved Juliet.
But the city has much more to offer: The impressive Roman amphitheater, Arena di Verona, and the picturesque old town are waiting to be discovered by you.
After exploring Verona, the trip continues to Sirmione, a popular village on the shores of Lake Garda.
Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and explore the historic old town.
The day trip combines a perfect combination of culture, history, and nature.
A must for anyone who wants to experience the best of Northern Italy in just one day.
Good to know: The 12-hour tour includes transfers from Milan and back, and guided tours through Verona and Sirmione.
BOOK A TOUR TO LAKE GARDA AND VERONA
6. Day Trip to Genoa and Portofino
This day tour lets you discover two of the most beautiful places on the Ligurian Coast: Genoa and Portofino.
Genoa, often called “La Superba” (the Proud), is a city full of history and culture. As the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and one of the great maritime powers of Italy, Genoa has a distinctive maritime charm.
The labyrinthine alleys of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, are a paradise for explorers.
Here, you’ll find impressive palaces, churches, and squares that show the city’s rich past.
Further southeast, you’ll find Portofino, the most popular place on the Italian Riviera.
The fishing village with its harbor and colorful houses is a magnet for celebrities from all over the world.
In Portofino, you can let your soul dangle, stroll through the narrow alleys, and enjoy the view of the Ligurian coast.
The tour then continues to Santa Margherita Ligure.
The maritime landscapes and the turquoise sea will enchant you.
It’s like stepping into another time, where life seems to be a bit slower.
This excursion offers the perfect combination of culture, history, and relaxation and is a must for anyone wanting to experience the real Italy.
Good to know: The tour lasts 12 hours and includes a bus ride to Genoa, the company of a guide, and a boat trip to Portofino.
BOOK A TOUR TO GENOA AND PORTOFINO
7. Day Trip to Bergamo and Brescia
Just a short drive from the fashion city Milan are the cities Bergamo and Brescia.
A day trip from Milan starts with a visit to Brescia, the second-largest city in the region.
With an impressive artistic and architectural heritage dating back to Roman and Lombard times, Brescia offers a fascinating mix of old charm and modern dynamism.
Did you know that the city is known for the famous vintage car race Mille Miglia and the production of Franciacorta?
The next destination is Bergamo.
Over the centuries, the city was dominated by Celts, Lombards, and Romans.
But the most important time was during the reign of the Venetian Republic.
You can stroll through Piazza Vecchia and the heart of the old town.
In addition, you’ll see historical and religious monuments like the Palazzo del Commune and Palazzo della Ragione.
A trip to Bergamo and Brescia offers the opportunity to dive into the rich history and culture of this region.
Good to know: The 9-hour tour offers transport in an air-conditioned coach and a one-and-a-half-hour guided city tour through Bergamo and Brescia.
BOOK A TOUR TO BERGAMO AND BRESCIA
⭐ Pro Travel Tip: You can take a train to Bergamo and Brecia, as they are close to Milan. Check out the available train connections here.
Day Trips from Milan To Venice and Florence?
While it’s possible to do a day trip to Venice or Florence, we recommend visiting the cities separately.
Venice is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours away from Milan.
Florence is even further away. It would take you 3 ½ hours one way by car and about 2 hours one way by train.
As the two cities have a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing, you might consider adding them separately to your Italy itinerary.
Conclusion on a trip to the surroundings of Milan
Milan is perfectly suited for unforgettable day trips to the most beautiful regions of Northern Italy and Switzerland.
From the romantic city of Verona to the coastal landscapes of Cinque Terre, or a train ride through the Alps; much is possible here.
You might also read our:
Milan Itineraries: Milan 1-Day Itinerary, Milan 2-Day Itinerary, Milan 3-Day Itinerary
Hidden Gems In Milan
The Best Things To Do In Milan
How To See The Last Supper In Milan
How To Visit The Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace And Cathedral
Best Things To Do Alone In Milan: Our Solo Traveler’s Guide
