Day Trips from Milan
We would like to suggest some amazing places that you can visit in one day by train!
Lake Como
One of our favourite destinations is Lake Como, located just a short train ride away from Milan. Our suggestion would be to take a train from Milan Central station to Varenna. Have a walk around Varenna and then take a very short boat ride to Bellagio. You can have lunch in Bellagio and then take the bigger boat back to Como city and if you like, you can also stop of in another of the gorgeous towns before arriving in the city of Como. Take the train back to Milan from the lakeshore railway station and arrive in Cadorna station which is close the Milan’s city centre.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is also easy to reach and takes you about an hour on the train.
Arriving at Stresa, you can have a walk around the cute small town before taking a boat to the Isola Bella where you can visit the formal Italian-style baroque Garden as well as the villa.
Very close to Isola Bella is the Isola di Pescatori (fishermen’s island) where you can have a delicious lunch before taking another ferry back to Stresa.
Verona
Another captivating day trip option is to visit the historic city of Verona. Famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona exudes romance and rich cultural heritage. In just over an hour by train, you can immerse yourself in its well-preserved ancient Roman architecture, including the Arena di Verona, a magnificent amphitheatre that hosts world-class opera performances. Stroll through the charming streets, visit Juliet’s balcony, and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine at the local trattorias. Verona’s charm and beauty make it an ideal destination for a day of exploration.
Genova
In just over an hour, a train takes you to the interesting city of Genova. Explore the port and the amazing aquarium as well as the historic city centre. For those that want to go further afield and taste the glamorous Italian Riviera, take a train to the town of Santa Margherita Ligure, an additional 50 minutes and you’ll arrive at this charming coastal gem. From there, it’s a short boat or train ride to the renowned village of Portofino, famous for its colourful buildings and picturesque harbour. Explore the winding streets, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. The fantastic scenery and luxurious ambiance make Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino an ideal day trip destination from Milan.
Torino
Another incredible trip in just over an hour is to visit Turin (Torino). It is one of the most elegant cities in Italy, and was central to the unification of the country. Piazza San Carlo is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, and the city is full of opportunity to taste the famous coffee and chocolate which the city is very famous for.
There are some superb museums in Turin automobile museum, Egyptian museum and the museum of Cinema as well as superb palaces and churches to visit. Just outside the city is the Veneria Reale which is a magnificent palace and surrounding, often compared to Versailles.