If you’re in Milan and feel like getting away for a bit, you have plenty of options just a short distance from the city. In less than two hours, you can reach lakes, mountains, historic cities, and small villages, perfect for a day trip. Here are some ideas you shouldn’t miss!
The Borromean Islands
In about an hour by train from Milan, you can reach Stresa, the “pearl of Lake Maggiore,” famous for its historic hotels, elegant gardens, and incredible views between the lake and the mountains. From there, boats depart for the Borromean Islands, one of the most scenic spots in Northern Italy.Each island has its own atmosphere. Isola Bella stands out for the Borromeo Palace and its gardens filled with statues, obelisks, fountains, and white peacocks. Isola Madre is known for its exotic vegetation, rare flowers, and even free-roaming parrots, while Isola dei Pescatori still preserves the charm of a small lakeside village with restaurants and houses right on the water.
Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione
Less than an hour from Milan, Desenzano del Garda is one of the best destinations for a spring day trip. It is the most lively town on Lake Garda, with a beautiful lakeside promenade and many outdoor bars. It’s worth walking to the picturesque Old Port (Porto Vecchio) or climbing up to Desenzano Castle for a view over the lake.
From Desenzano, you can easily reach Sirmione, famous for the Scaligero Castle and its narrow lakefront streets. Entering the historic center is already spectacular, as you cross the castle bridge surrounded by turquoise water.
Bergamo
Bergamo is one of the most beautiful cities near Milan. In about 50 minutes by train, you arrive in a city full of atmosphere, divided between the modern lower town and the famous Upper Town (Città Alta). You can walk up to the historic part or take the funicular, which already offers a beautiful view over the city rooftops.
Once you arrive, you’ll find cobbled streets, small squares, and Venetian walls that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There’s also a fun fact for ice cream lovers: the stracciatella flavor was born in Bergamo. You can visit the historic gelateria La Marianna, where this flavor was invented in the 1960s almost by accident, by mixing cream gelato with melted chocolate.
Verona
Verona is another perfect destination for a day trip from Milan. The city of love can be reached in about two hours by train, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
Of course, everyone knows Romeo and Juliet, but Verona is much more than that. The historic center is full of beautiful views, outdoor cafés, and lively squares such as Piazza delle Erbe, considered by many one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
The symbol of the city is the Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, still used today for concerts and shows. Climbing the stands gives you a wonderful view over the rooftops and makes it easy to understand why Verona has such a special atmosphere.
Turin
Turin is a city with a unique charm, elegant and slightly austere. Throughout its history, it was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, a symbol of cinema and the automotive industry, and today it remains one of the most interesting cultural centers in the country.
Here you can walk under historic arcades and discover squares surrounded by royal palaces. Cultural highlights include the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole Antonelliana and the famous Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world.
But Turin is not only architecture: it is also a city to enjoy slowly, stopping in its historic cafés. You should definitely try the bicerin, a traditional Turin drink made of coffee, chocolate, and milk cream, perfect for an afternoon break.
If you want to explore Turin and Milan in more depth, remember that Scuola Leonardo da Vinci offers the chance to study in multiple locations through the Italian Tour course.
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan
Thanks to its prestigious universities and academies, Milan is the elected place of education for numerous Italian and international students.
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