Most Wonderful Day Trips from Milan (A Detailed Guide)
- Guidemyvoyage
- 2 days ago
- 22 min read
Milan, the city of fashion and the financial capital of Italy, is one of the most popular cities in Italy for visitors as it is a centre or starting point for exploring northern Italy. Milan is surrounded by stunning countryside with typical Italian villages, lake districts, medieval towns and much more.
If you want a weekend getaway from a business trip or have a spare day in your leisure trip, a day trip to the fascinating Italian countryside is always rewarding. Popular lakes like Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore can be reached within an hour from Milan.
This article covers the top 16 destinations you can visit in a day from Milan, including the best places to visit in each destination.
So, let’s start exploring the best day trips from Milan!
1. Bellagio and Varenna (Villages on Lake Como)
Being very close to Milan, Lake Como is our top pick in the list of the best day trips from Milan.
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in Italy. Lake Como is situated between lush green landscapes and surrounded by mountains. The shores of Lake Como are home to colourful, typical Italian villages and luxurious villas. It all together contributes to the picture-perfect views everywhere you go around Lake Como. The lake site villages also offer a unique and peaceful ambience to spend a perfect day.
Lake Como is the second largest Italian lake after Lake Garda, covering an area of 146 square kilometres. Therefore, exploring the lake and all its surrounding villages would need approximately 1 week. However, for day trippers, the most beautiful villages on Lake Como (Bellagio and Varenna) can be comfortably visited in one day from Milan.
Bellagio:
Bellagio is the most popular and picturesque destination of Lake Como. It is also known as the Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is located at the end of the Peninsula of Lake Como and offers mesmerising views of the lake. Bellagio is a good combination of colourful houses and boutique shops, picturesque alleyways, and luxurious villas. Strolling in the village would give you the feel of the Italian way of living. Bellagio is a perfect destination to take a day off from a hectic week or to spend romantic quality time with your loved ones.
Varenna:
Varenna is another gem of Lake Como and the neighbouring village of Bellagio. The beautiful fishermen's village is full of beautiful views with colourful houses, shops, villas, and alleyways. The romantic walkway from the ferry terminal to the village is a special highlight of the village. The gardens of the famous villa Monastero offer the best views of the lake, and it is one of the popular tourist attractions in Lake Como.
Reach by Guided Tours:-
If you are a first-time visitor, we recommend taking a Guided day tour to Bellagio and Varenna from Milan. The mode of transport for the guided trip is an air-conditioned bus from Milan, and it also includes a lake cruise by private boat.
Reach by train:
Varenna is directly connected by Train from Milan. The trains leave typically every hour from Milan’s central station to Como and Varenna. We recommend using the following Itinerary for a comfortable day trip to Bellagio and Varenna from Milan: -
Leave from Milan to Varenna at 8.20 AM by Train.
Arrive Varenna at 9.26 AM.
Catch the Ferry boat from Varenna to Bellagio at 10 AM approximately. The ferry timetable usually changes every year. Typically, there is a ferry every 30 minutes between Varenna and Bellagio.
Reach Bellagio at 10.20 AM.
Explore the Bellagio Village and have your lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Catch the Ferry from Bellagio to Varenna at around 2.30 PM
Reach Varenna at 3 PM
Visit Villa Monastero first and then explore Varenna Village.
Catch the return train from Varenna to Milan at your comfort and convenience.
Ferry tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter near the ferry terminal at Varenna, which is just a 5 to 10-minute walk away from the train station.
If you have 2 days to explore Lake Como, then check out this article for how to spend 2 days in Lake Como.
Stresa, located just an hour away from Milan, is a picturesque lakeside village on the shores of enchanting Lake Maggiore. Stresa was a simple fishermen's village in the past, and now it has transformed into a popular resort destination due to its picturesque settings. Stresa is a good starting point for exploring the gems of Lake Maggiore, known as the Borromean Islands.
The name Borromean comes from the wealthy Borromean family, who have owned the islands since the 16th century. Borromean islands are a group of 3 Islands, namely Isola Bella (which means beautiful Island), Isola Madre (which means Island of Mother), and Isola dei Pescatori (which means Fishermen’s Island). The Borromean family had transformed the islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre into luxurious residences. The Isola dei Pescatori was left for its original residents, mainly traditional Fishermen.
All three islands have their unique characteristic and are equally worth and beautiful. The islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre are known for their luxurious residences and world-class botanical gardens, while the Island of Pescatori is popular for maintaining its vintage touch and simplicity. The islands can be explored from Stresa by hop-on and hop-off boats, which offer flexibility in exploring the islands at your own pace.
Reach by Train:
Stresa is connected by Direct trains from Milan. Trains typically take 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Stresa from Milan. The trains depart every hour from Milan's central train station.
Reach by Guided Day Tours -
The guided tours from Milan to Stresa and Borromean island are a popular choice of the 1st time visitors. The guided tour provides a private transfer from Milan and also includes a tour of the Borromean islands by private group ferry boats.
Check out more details of a day trip to Lake Maggiore from Milan. which includes all the information you need to know to spend a perfect day in Stresa and the Borromean Islands.
Sirmione is a scenic village situated on the peninsula of Lake Garda. It is easily reachable from Milan in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sirmione is one of the most popular villages of Lake Garda due to its unique location where the lake surrounds the village on three sides, and the only land connected to it is the road leading to the village.
Sirmione is a medieval village and has seen many reigns due to its strategic location. The best example of the medieval traces in the village is the Scaligero Castle, which is a must-visit attraction for understanding the region's history and enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the village. Sirmione is also surrounded by medieval walls that still stand strong today. The best thing to do in Sirmione is to walk and explore the little village and get lost in its romantic ambience. It is a colorful village where every alleyway leads you to the lake.
Desenzano is another picturesque village on the shores of Lake Garda and is directly connected by train from Milan. The attractive fishermen's Village is also a popular bathing resort. Desenzano is a starting point for buses departing for Sirmione. You may choose to spend an entire day in Sirmione or spare some time to explore Desenzano during your journey back to Milan on a day trip.
Reach by Guided Tours:-
Guided day trips from Milan to Sirmione are the most convenient and easiest option for exploring Sirmione and its surrounding region. Different travel agencies arrange day trips from Milan to Sirmione, which include scenic boat trips around the Sirmione village and private transport from Milan to Sirmione.
Reach by Train:
Desenzano is directly connected by Train from Milan. Trains run every 30 minutes from the Milano Centrale station. The train journey from Milan to Desenzano takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Desenzano to Sirmione is connected by bus and ferry. The bus and ferry usually run every hour from Desenzano to Sirmione. A taxi from Desenzano train station to Sirmione is also an alternative option.
Check out more detailed information on a day trip from Milan to Lake Garda.
Located on the coasts of Lake Lugano, the picturesque City of Lugano is another gem you can comfortably visit from Milan in one day. Geographically, Lugano is in Switzerland, however, Italian is the primary language spoken in the city. Being on the border of Italy, the culture in Lugano closely resembles the North Italian region of Lombardy. Lugano is also the third most important financial centre in Switzerland. Its historic city centre is traffic-free and has a touch of Mediterranean architecture.
Lugano is a popular weekend getaway for hikers since it offers numerous hiking options for all difficulty levels. The mountains around Lake Lugano offer spectacular Panoramic views of the Alps. Even if you are not a hiker, the popular peaks of Monte San Salvatore and Mount Bre are easily reachable by the Funicular, and panoramic view points can be explored by walking.
Reach by guided tours:
To avoid the hustle of public transport, a guided day trip from Milan to Lugano is always recommended, especially if you are a first-timer. During the guided day trip from Milan, you will also have stops at Lake Como, including some time to explore Bellagio.
By train:-
Direct regional and fast trains run from Milan Central Station to Lugano every half hour. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 Minutes.
Check out more detailed information on a day trip from Milan to Lugano
Bernina Express is a popular panoramic train that passes through the stunning landscapes of Switzerland. Its scenic route is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train passes through dramatic landscapes, snow-covered mountains, numerous bridges, and tunnels.
Although the day trip from Milan to St. Moritz will be a long day but at the end of the day, you will be amazed and equally satisfied by the scenic train journey and the beauty of St. Moritz.
St. Moritz is a popular ski resort in Switzerland's Engadine valley. St. Moritz is a little town gifted with natural beauty. Being at a higher elevation, the town is popular for its ski resorts and winter activities. Saint Moritz has also hosted two Winter Olympics and is well-recognised worldwide as a top-notch and luxurious ski resort. Visiting Saint Moritz in winter is a magical experience, especially the train journey that takes you there. St. Moritz Via Bernina Express can be visited from Milan by Guided trips or a self-guided trip by train.
Guided Trips to St. Moritz via Bernina Express:-
Due to the long journey, a guided day trip to St. Moritz via the Bernina Express is the most convenient option. The guided tours have a well-crafted itinerary to offer the best experience possible.
By Train:
Reaching St. Moritz from Milan is a two-leg journey by train. Starting from Milan to Tirano and from Tirano to St. Moritz.
The train to Tirano from Milan runs from Milan's central station every hour. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Tirano, you need to catch the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Bernina Express runs from Tirano to St. Moritz five times daily. The Scenic train journey between Tirano and St. Moritz takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Instead of the Bernina Express, you can also take the regional train that takes the same route as the Bernina Express. It is cheaper than the Bernina Express.
The total journey time for the day trip from Milan to St. Moritz is around 13 hours. Therefore, try to leave as early as possible from Milan to catch the 1st train running from Tirano to St. Moritz.
Check out more detailed information on a Day trip to St. Moritz from Milan.
6. Portofino
Portofino is a great idea for a romantic getaway from Milan and can be easily reached by train. Portofino is a charming and picturesque coastal town on the coast of Liguria in Italy. Portofino is rich in culture and popular among the locals for a weekend getaway. The little town is located on a hilly setting where all you can see is the green of the mountain, the blue of the sea and the colourful houses around the bay.
The picturesque abbey of San Fruttuoso is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portofino. San Fruttuoso is an isolated place which can only be reached by ferry. Due to its clear blue water, San Fruttuoso is also popular among Scuba divers. It also has the submerged statue of Jesus Christ, which can be seen by scuba diving.
Reach by guided tours
A guided trip from Milan is the most convenient way to visit Portofino. Guided tours include private transport from Milan to Portofino and also take you to the best attractions in Genoa.
Reach by train:
Portofino can be easily reached by train from Milan. The nearest train station to Portofino is Santa Margarita Liguria, which has direct train connections from Milan. From Santa Margarita Liguria, Portofino can be reached by a 15-minute Bus ride.
Check out more detailed information on a Day trip to Portofino from Milan.
7. Cinque Terre:
Cinque is an Italian word translated as “Five”, and Terre as “Lands”. “Five Lands” is a group of five unique Italian villages called Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre would need at least 2 to 3 days to explore completely, however, the best of Cinque Terre can be visited in just one day from Milan.
The five villages of Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. All five villages are unique and equally beautiful. It is an ideal destination to spend a quiet day exploring tiny fishing villages where all you can see is the colourful houses, and all you can hear is the melody of the sea
Visiting all five villages during the day trip can be challenging. If you don’t have enough time to visit all five villages during a day trip, then we recommend visiting Riomaggiore, Monarola, and Vernazza. These three villages are the most beautiful out of the five.
All five villages are connected by trains that run every 20 minutes. To explore the Cinque Terre villages, you can get a one-day Cinque Terre train MS pass, which offers unlimited travel within the Cinque Terre or purchase a single journey ticket.
Reach by Guided tours
Guided tours from Milan to Cinque Terre are recommended due to the long distance and travel time. For the guided tours, transport between the villages is offered by a cruise instead of a train.
By Train: -
Cinque Terre is Far from Milan, however, direct fast trains run from Milan to Levanto, which is the starting point for trains running between Cinque Terre villages. The train from Milan to Levanto takes around 3 hours. Therefore, catch the earliest possible train from Milan to have more time exploring Cinque Terre.
From Levanto, you can purchase a single journey ticket to Cinque Terre villages or buy a day pass for unlimited train travel within Cinque Terre villages. If you want to explore villages by boat instead of train, you can purchase boat tickets for one day within the Cinque Terre villages. Consider that the Village of Corniglia is not located on the coast, therefore, you cannot reach Corniglia by Ferry boat.
Check out more detailed information on a Day trip to Cinque Terre from Milan.
8. Verona:
Verona, the romantic city, was Home to William Shakespeare’s Masterpiece setting “Romeo and Juliet”. Formed during the Roman era, the old centre of Verona is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Verona has a rich history of Poetry, art, and music. The famous Amphitheatre from the Roman era is one of the main attractions of the city, which hosts numerous events, concerts and opera throughout the year. The city is said to be a favourite of William Shakespeare. In addition to Romeo and Juliet, Verona also featured in William Shakespeare’s play “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”.
Verona has many things to do during a day trip, the top attractions of the city are the Roman Amphitheatre, Castelveccio, the House of Juliet, Piazza Ebre, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Duomo di Santa Maria and San Fermo Maggiore.
Reach by Guided tours:
If you are visiting for the first time, then it is recommended to try a Guided day trip from Milan to Verona or join a local walking tour to learn about the city's history.
Reach By Train:
Many direct trains run from Milan to Verona, including high-speed and regional trains. High-speed trains take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Verona and the regional train takes around 1 hour and 50 Minutes.
9. Florence
Florence needs no introduction. It is well known for its rich history and world-class architecture. Although the city is far from Milan, it is reachable from Milan in 1 hour and 50 minutes (Thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains). Although just one day in Florence would not do justice to the City’s offerings, it would be enough to see just the main attraction and experience the City’s unique atmosphere.
Florence was one of the most important cities in Italy and Europe. The city served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in the 18th century for 6 years and has a vast history of rulers. Florence was formed in the Roman era and was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe during Roman times. The city attracts Millions of tourists every year due to its unique architecture, especially the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The dome of Santa Maria Cathedral is the largest in the world.
Florence has so many things to do. During the day trip from Milan, you can explore as much as you can at your own pace. However, it is recommended to visit at least the following places in Florence. To avoid wasting time in the Queue, book your entry tickets to the monuments online in advance.
Santa Maria Cathedral:
Built in the 14th century, the majestic Santa Maria Cathedral is the main attraction of Florence. There is always a waiting line to enter the cathedral, therefore, it is important to book your entry ticket in advance.
The Uffizi:
The art gallery is popular for its world-class collections of sculptures and paintings. It is one of the top attractions of Florence and a must-visit place. Entry tickets to the Uffizi may be difficult at the last minute. Therefore, reserve your slot in advance.
Michelangelo Gallery (The Accademia Gallery):
The main reason to visit Michelangelo’s gallery is to admire the original masterpiece sculpture of Michelangelo’s David. Make sure you have tickets to enter the Gallery.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a viewpoint on the hill offering a Panoramic view of the city. It’s a great place to experience the romantic Sunset over the city.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge, popular for its uniqueness of colourful shops built on the edge of the bridge. It is a notable symbol of the city of Florence.
Reach by Guided Tours:
A guided day trip from Milan to Florence is recommended if you visit Florence for 1st time.
Due to the long distance, the transport during the guided trips is provided by high-speed trains.
Reach by Train:
Direct trains run between Milan and Florence. A fast train takes 2 hours to reach Florence from Milan. Therefore, it is the only option to reach Florence by train if you taking a day trip from Milan. Fast trains run every hour between Milan and Florence. Slow or regional trains take a lot of time and are not recommended for a day trip from Milan.
10. Bologna
Bologna, a historic city and Gastronomic capital of Italy, is just an hour away from Milan by high-speed trains and would be a great pick for a day trip from Milan, especially if you want to taste the delicious traditional cuisines and rich flavours. The popular pasta dish, like Pasta Carbonara, was born in Bologna.
Bologna is one of the oldest cities in Italy and has a very interesting history dating back to BCE. The well-preserved historic city centre of Bologna tells a story of its historic significance. Most of the attractions of the city are walkable from the city centre. The leaning towers built during the Middle Ages are recognised as a main symbol of the city and one of the top attractions in Bologna, as they offer mesmerising panoramic views. The other attractions to visit during a day trip to Bologna are Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of St. Petronius, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Basilica of Saint Stefan, etc.
Bologna is also home to the longest-running university in the world. It is recommended to visit the University if you have spare time during the day trip from Milan.
Reach by Guided tours:
The guided group day trips from Milan to Bologna managed by tour operators are the comfortable option to explore Bologna in a day from Milan. It is recommended to book a guided trip to Bologna if you are visiting in a group.
Reach By Train:
Bologna is directly connected by train from Milan. Since Bologna is far from Milan, it is recommended to book fast trains to save more time for sightseeing. Fast trains depart from Milan every 30 minutes and usually take 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Bologna.
11. Bergamo (Citta Alta)
Bergamo, awarded as a Cultural Capital of Italy for 2023, is a good pick for day trips from Milan and easily reachable by train. The Citta Alta (the upper City) is the old city of Bergamo from Medieval times, situated on the hill and separated from modern Bergamo. The old city is circled by massive defensive walls built in the 15th century, part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Bergamo Citta Alta is accessible by Funicular or on foot. Simply strolling in Medieval Bergamo Citta Alta gives vibes of being in Medieval times.
The main attractions to visit in old Bergamo during the day trip from Milan are Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of Saint Alessandro Colleoni, the city gates and the walls of the old city.
There are no guided day trips from Milan to Bergamo. However, you can easily reach Bergamo by train from Milan. Trains run from Milan to Bergamo every 30 minutes. Some trains depart from Milan Central Station, and some from Milano Porta Garibaldi.
12. Venezia (Venice):
Venice is not meant to be visited in a day. It needs time, that’s the reason we have kept it at number 12 in a list of the best day trips from Milan. Venice is unique among the places mentioned in this article, However, the day trip would not do justice to the city’s potential. If you are really in a hurry, then a day trip to Venice from Milan would be a great idea. During the day trip from Milan to Venice, it is still possible to see the best attractions of Venice.
The city of Venice needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous places in the world. Dating back to the Medieval era, the city was and still is an important trade centre of Italy and Europe. The city is entirely located in the water and has no roads. Therefore, the boats are the only means of transport in the city. The city is an open museum to explore on foot and admire its unique atmosphere. Piazza San Marco is the main attraction of this old trade centre, home to the famous Basilica di San Marco and bell tower.
During the day trip from Milan, it is recommended to visit Basilica di San Marco, Doge Palace, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs and don’t forget to take the iconic Gondola ride in the Grand Canal of Venice. If time allows, consider a short trip to the islands of Burano and Murano. To experience the unforgettable day trip from Milan to Venice, try to leave as early as possible from Milan and explore the city by walking instead of by boat to admire its uniqueness.
Reach by Guided tours:
Guided day trips from Milan to Venice would be a great option to explore the best of Venice in one day. Guided trips also provide precious knowledge of the city’s rich history, art, and culture.
By Train:-
Venice is reachable by train from Milan. The journey from Milan to Venice takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by high-speed train, which runs every hour from the Central Station of Milan. Fast Trains usually run from Milan’s central station to Venice's central station every hour in the morning. Remember to book the train to Venezia Santa Lucia train station, the main train station of the old city of Venice. Don’t book a train to Venezia Mestre since you need to catch another train to reach Venezia Santa Lucia from Venezia Mestre.
Also, remember that the Old City of Venice has no roads. If you are driving to Venice, you need to park your car at Piazza Roma, located near the entrance of the old city. From there, the city can be explored on a walk or by boat.
13. Day Trip from Milan to Turin
Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region of Italy, is another great option for a day trip from Milan. Turin was the capital of Italy for some time in the 18th century, and now it is an important financial hub of Italy. Ruled by several empires (including the Romans) in the past, Turin has played an important role in the History of Italy.
Turin has a lot to offer its Visitors. The most famous attraction is its Egyptian Museum, an Archaeological Museum with a collection of a wide range of vital Egyptian artefacts. Some collections of the Museum are said to be 4000 years old.
The next best thing to do in Turin is to explore its royal palace in the city centre. The palace is full of royal interiors and rich decorations. It is also home to the world’s largest collection of weapons from old times. The Royal Palace is also listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Steps away from the city centre, you will find the symbol of the City of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana. Mole Antonelliana was built in 1889 and was the tallest building in Europe at that time. The Mole Antonelliana offers the best panoramic views of the city.
If you are interested in the evolution of the Automobile, visit the Automobile Museum in Turin, which has a collection of numerous vintage cars that demonstrate the evolution of the automobile.
Turin is directly connected by train to Milan. Direct trains run from different train stations in Milan every 30 minutes. The train journey from Milan to Turin takes around 1 hour by fast trains and around 2 hours by slow trains.
14. Genoa and the largest Aquarium in Europe
Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, also called the port city of Italy, is the sixth largest city in Italy and a great option to explore as a day trip from Milan. Genoa is also home to one of the largest ports in Italy and Europe, an important maritime trade centre for Europe.
The main attraction of the city of Genoa is its Aquarium, the largest one in Europe. Home to over 12000 specimens, 600 animal species, and 200 vegetal species, the Hi-tech Aquarium of Genoa is a must-visit place in Genoa, especially if you are travelling with kids. The Aquarium is also home to species like sharks, Dolphins, and Penguins. The aquarium usually takes 2 to 3 hours to explore fully. To visit the Genoa Aquarium, you need to buy your entry tickets in advance and reserve your timeslot for entrance.
The next best thing to do in Genoa is to visit its old port. The old port is a popular hangout destination among the locals. The area is also filled with restaurants and bars, and it is a great place to try some delicious Genoese Seafood.
Piazza del Ferrari, the main city centre of Genoa, is the next on the list of best places in Genoa. It is recommended to visit the Palazzi dei Rolli, a royal palace home to the Genoese nobility.
Reach by Train:
Genoa is directly connected by train to Milan. Trains run to Genoa every 30 minutes from Milan. The journey from Milan to Genoa takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Reach by Guided Tour
The guided day trip from Milan to Genoa is recommended for first-timers. The guided tour also covers a boat trip to Portofino.
15. Pavia
Pavia, the old city located south of Milan, is a good pick for a short day trip from Milan. Pavia is a Medieval city and has well-preserved medieval architecture like the Duomo di Pavia, Medieval towers, Basilica di San Michele and Castello Visconteo. Pavia also hosts the 2nd oldest University in Italy, called the University of Pavia, which was built in the 9th century as a school and later in the 14th century was transformed into a university.
Pavia is also popular for its 14th-century Monastery “Certosa di Pavia”. The monastery is one of the largest in Italy, and it is dedicated to Carthusian monks. The Monastery is open for visitors, and it's free of cost.
The Ticino River passes through the middle of Pavia city, contributing to the pleasant atmosphere in Pavia, especially at the Ponte Coperto, a 13th-century bridge built on the Ticino River.
Reach by Train
Pavia and Milan are connected by the train line S13, which has continuous trains every 30 minutes. Additionally, various fast and regional trains heading toward Genoa stop at Pavia. The train journey from Milan to Pavia takes around 50 Minutes.
16. Varese
Varese is a beautiful Italian town located north of Milan. Popular for its Gardens and villas, Varese is also called a “Garden City”. It is an ideal pick for a day trip from Milan to spend some quiet time amid nature. Varese is not a tourist town, therefore, it is quieter than other options for day trips from Milan suggested in this article.
The main attraction of the town is the Monte Sacro (Sacred Mountain), which has 14 chapels situated on the slopes of a mountain. The Monte Sacro is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Varese is also home to the Palazzo Estene, which was once a summer residence of the Habsburg family. Also, Piazza del Posesta, Basillica di San Vittore and Villa panza are the attractions in the town that can be visited in a day.
Varese is also known for its tranquil lake, called Lago di Varese. The soothing and picturesque lake is a great location for spending quiet time with nature.
Varese is directly connected to Milan by train. The direct trains run every 30 Minutes from Milano Porta Garibaldi train station. The train Journey from Milan to Varese takes around 1 hour and 15 Minutes.
To explore the countryside of northern Italy by having a day trip from Milan, it is important to choose the right location for your stay in Milan to have good connections of public transport to the Train station. Check out some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Milan.
17. Locarno and Ascona
Locarno and Ascona are the picturesque lake towns located at the end of Lake Maggiore's stretch in Switzerland. Both of these beautiful towns are located very close to each other and can be explored in one day. Ascona and Locarno are ideal and less touristy pick for a day trip from Milan.
Ascona and Locarno are mainly Italian-speaking towns, but German is also understood and widely spoken. The main attractions to explore in Ascona and Locarno are the Old town centres, the Sacred mountain of modenna del Sasso in Locarno, Monte Varita in Ascona, art gallaries, gardens and beautiful lake side restaurants and cafes
Locarno is also a starting point for exploring the Valley of Val Bavana which is truly gifted with the nature. Read Artical Foroglio and beautiful villages of Val Bavana for detailed information on exploring the Val Bavana.
Reach by Train:
The regional train to Locarno run every hour from Milan and take two hours to reach. To have enough time exploring Locarno and Ascona, it is recommended to take the train at 7.43 AM from Milan.
Best places to stay in Milan for day-trippers
Choosing the right place to stay in Milan can be tricky specially if you don't have a car. Here are some of our top picks for best hotels to stay in Milan that are located at very convenient location to explore Milan city and nearby villages with a day trip from Milan.
Top-rated and undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Milan, which is located near the train station and metro stations. The staff, interiors and cleanliness of the hotel is remarkable.
One of the best hotels is located very close to the train station and near the metro stations. It is usually available at an affordable price.
HD8 is located close to the central station and the underground metro lines. It is usually available at an affordable price.
The top-rated hotel is located at the prime location of the city, very close to the Castle and within walking distance away from Duomo di Milano. The hotel is usually available at an affordable price given its location.
It is probably the expensive choice but worth every penny since the hotel is located in the city centre, just a few steps away from the Duomo di Milano.
The best pick for the families to stay in the heart of the city. You can use the entire apartment with all the necessary amenities. It is just a few steps away from the Duomo di Milano.
We hope that this blog will help you plan the best and comfortable day trip from Milan. If you need any professional advice or support for planning a trip to Italy, then reach out to Guidemyvoyage. Also, check out our other blogs on different travel tips for travelling in Italy and Europe.
More Related Articles: