Millions of tourists travel to Milan, Italy’s fashion city, every year because it is brimming with things to do, see, and eat. After exploring Milan’s Duomo’s roof, elbowing your way past dozens of street vendors selling gelato to get a glimpse of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and tasting at least five different flavours of gelato, you can leave the city to discover more of the Italian countryside and culture. Milan is so well situated that you may travel from the city in only one day and be back at night to the Swiss Alps or Venice!
- Lake Como
Millions of people are urged to take a day vacation from the turmoil of Milan to Lake Como because of its lush vegetation and Rhaetian Alps backdrop. Furthermore, the trip from Milan to Como is picturesque, allowing you to take in the country charm of Italy. Discover charming villages on the outskirts as you stroll along Lake Como; everything about it seems straight out of a fairy tale.
Activities in Lake Como
Como Duomo
The Como Duomo cathedral, which is adorned with gothic and Romanesque architecture, has a long history and a vibrant local community. The remnants of the late Gothic Renaissance at Como Duomo can be enjoyed by art enthusiasts.
Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is a well-known landmark of the city, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como. The Odescalchi family constructed this opulent marvel in 1728, and it is a fine example of Italianate architecture.
Sant’ Abbondio Church
The Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, which is outside the city walls of Como, was built in honour of Sant’Abbondio, a former bishop of Como who was later buried there. The church is a well-liked tourist destination for visitors from all over the world and a great place for catholic pilgrims to visit.
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour, which is teeming with activity and colour, is most recognised for serving as the city’s hub. You can participate in a number of craft fairs, concerts, opulent cafes, and flea bazaars that are occasionally held here in addition to admiring the lake’s undisturbed vistas.
Lakefront
The Lakefront is the ideal location to see a magnificent sunset over Lake Como’s clear waters. Spend some time in nature while observing the rich vegetation on the Alps that front the lake.
- Cinque Terre
You can discover the lush Italian landscape, the stunning Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding slopes all in one day with a day trip from Milan to Cinque Terre. Sounds like heaven to me. You’ll have a lot of fun in this metropolis of five towns, and you’ll want to remain there forever. Spend a day away from the bustle of Milan on this brief day trip to Cinque Terre.
Monterosso al Mare
The westernmost of the five communities, Monterosso, is renowned for its immaculate, white beaches. Since it is also the easiest to get to of the five towns, there are many dining establishments, gift shops, and hotels here.
Vernazza
Vernazza is the fourth town travelling north and arguably the most picturesque of the five villages. Because it is the only village in Cinque Terre with a natural port, it is a very significant community.
Corniglia
Cinque Terre’s Corniglia is the only village without a direct maritime connection. Large vineyards and terraces round Corniglia on three sides, and the fourth side drops precipitously into the sea.
Manarola
Manarola, one of the oldest Cinque Terre settlements, is arguably the one that both domestic and international tourists visit the most. The fragrant Sciacchetrà wine and centuries-old mediaeval artefacts are what make it most well-known.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore houses the main park office, making it the unofficial Cinque Terre headquarters. The Via Colombo street, which is surrounded with various pubs, restaurants, and boutiques, is the primary tourist area.
- Bergamo
Bergamo, a city bursting with mediaeval, Renaissance, and baroque architecture and situated in the foothills of the Alps northeast of Milan, is a visual delight. Bergamo is an excellent day trip from Milan because it has a tonne to offer and even more to see. Bergamo exhibits a unique natural beauty that combines the allure of old Rome with a contemporary façade.
Citta alta
The vast Citta Alta, or old historical centre of Bergamo, is encircled by the Venetian wall. This area, often referred to as the Upper Town, possesses the attractiveness of the Renaissance era as well as the renovated mediaeval town. Cobbled streets that have stunning scenery and a fascinating past are sure to win people over!
Cappella Colleoni
The Cappella Colleoni chapel and mausoleum dominates the landscape of Bergamo. Bartolomeo Colleoni, the leader of the Bergamese mercenaries, is interred in this exquisite monument.
Piazza vecchia
The Piazza Vecchia, located in the centre of Città Alta, is surrounded by a harmonious arrangement of various buildings. Here, you may enjoy the scenery while sipping a drink or a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes.
Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is situated in Piazza del Duomo, an exquisite synthesis of many architectural eras. This masterwork, which was created by renowned artist Lorenzo Lotto, is embellished with frescoes, stuccos, tapestries, and woodwork marquetry.
Mura Venete
One of Bergamo’s major attractions is its Venetian walls, which were constructed in the 16th century as a defence system. This famous wall stretches for more than 6 kilometres and has served as a fortress that has been well preserved, providing visitors with amazing sunset views.
- Switzerland (Swiss Alps)
It’s no longer impossible to visit Switzerland in a single day from Milan! You can enjoy a spectacular journey to St. Moritz, Switzerland, on the Bernina Express, which winds up the picturesque pathways of Milan to the Swiss Alps, and spend an entire day there. Spend some quiet time by a cafe, taking in the surrounding mountains covered in forest and topography studded with snow.
Corviglia Funicular
Take a ride on the Corviglia Funicular, a funicular railway track, and descend the snow-covered Swiss Alps slopes.Discover a variety of breathtaking ski slopes and take in the snow-covered Alps like never before.
Cappella Colleoni
Lake St. Moritz, which overlooks a lush valley and is best known as the origin of Alpine Winter Tourism, is teeming with sports enthusiasts who come to the lake to participate in a variety of wintertime adventure activities.
Cafe Hanselmann
Among its other delectable bakery offerings, the famed tea restaurant of St. Moritz is well known for its decadent Engadine nut tart. There is something at Hanselmann’s for any sweet craving, whether it be pralines, tarts, cakes, or macarons.
Piz Corvatsch
One of the tallest summits in the Eastern Alps, Piz Corvatsche attracts visitors from all over the world in the summer. From the observation deck, take in breathtaking panoramic views or just relax in the (frozen) lap of nature.
- Venice
If you want to see a more romantic, fun side of Europe, Venice, which is only three hours from Milan, is the ideal place for a day trip from Milan. By taking a Gondola ride across the Floating City and taking a few quick tours of St. Mark’s Square, you can cross off seeing this stunning city from your bucket list.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is a historic waterway in Venice that is bordered on either side by over 170 historic structures that date from the 13th to the 18th century. Rich Venetian families built the majority of these structures, several of which are now museums.
Doge’s Palace
The governing bodies and ministries of the Venetian Republic met in the Doge’s Palace. The palace has over time integrated elements of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance design.
Rialto Bridge
Of the four bridges in Venice that cross the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest. The bridge, which links the sestieri (districts) of San Marco and San Polo, is currently a popular destination for visitors to the area. The sunsets are spectacular from here.
St. Mark’s Basilica
The St. Mark’s Basilica, which houses St. Mark’s mortal remains and is regarded as the world’s best fusion of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, is one of Tripadvisor’s Top 3 Things to Do in Venice.
Gondola Ride
The main mode of transportation in Venice is the Venetian gondola, a long, slender, black and somewhat crooked boat. Even if it might seem overly touristic, you must ride a gondola through Venice’s numerous, congested canals.
St. Mark’s Square
Venice is paraded at St. Mark’s Square. Only this square in Venice is referred to as a “piazza”; the others are called “campo,” and for good reason. It is bordered by the most significant structures in the city and is constantly busy.
- Verona
The mediaeval city of Verona is situated along the Adige River’s meander. It is well-known for serving as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Opera is popular in Verona, and the Verona Arena, a stunning Roman amphitheatre that accommodates concerts and large-scale opera productions, is the best site to witness a performance.
Centro Storico
The Centro storico, or historic centre, of Verona, is where you can find the majority of the city’s attractions, the most well-known of which being Juliette’s House. While enjoying lunch at one of the many outdoor cafés, stroll the side streets.
Verona Arena
The Piazza Bra Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best preserved ones still in use today, is situated next to the Verona Arena. If you have time, you can buy tickets to the arena tour or an opera performance.
Torre dei Lamberti
Climb Torre dei Lamberti for one of the city’s best vistas. The lift is the shortest way to the top, but if you’d rather get a nice vacation workout, you may also climb the stairs.
Juliette’s House
Romeo and Juliette, the famous love story from Shakespeare, takes place in Verona. You can see Juliette’s home’s famed balcony while you’re in this city. However, keep in mind that the balcony was constructed in the 20th century and that this is merely a tourist attraction.
Basilica of St. Anastasia
Santa Anastasia Church, a 13th century Gothic building with well-known frescoes and a magnificent interior, located close to Ponte Pietre.
Arco dei Gavi
Overlooking the Roman road heading into Verona, this Roman gate was built in the first century. Before being dismantled by French engineers during Napoleonic control, it stood for centuries.It was put back together in 1932 and continues to stand tall.
- Genoa
The Liguria area of Italy, whose main city is Genoa, has long been a major hub for maritime trade. During the Middle Ages, Genoa was closely associated with the Holy Roman Empire and was renowned for its fierce fleet of sailors and warriors. Genoa offers a wealth of hospitable Piazzas, beautiful palaces, and spectacular churches as a result of the city’s historic history, providing a tonne of things to do in the city.
Piazza De Ferrari
The Piazza De Ferrari, one of Genoa’s key locations and the heart of the Molo neighbourhood, is home to a wide variety of attractions.
Porta Soprana
These two towers can be seen clearly from various locations throughout the city and are within a short distance from the Piazza De Ferrari. The two towers that flank the arched entryway make for fantastic photo opportunities.
San Lorenzo Cathedral
The church of San Lorenzo, more generally known as Genoa Cathedral, is a magnificent structure that is evocative of Florence Cathedral and has a similar striped marble and stone front façade. This church was built in 1118 and has been standing ever since. The interior is very breathtaking.
Genoa Aquarium
The Genoa Aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including jellyfish, sharks, dolphins, and turtles. The fauna of the Ligurian Sea and the ecosystem of the North Atlantic Ocean are two major themes.
Genoa Maritime Museum
Genoa boasts one of Europe’s largest maritime museums because the city was a significant naval power from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This museum, which has four levels of historical treasures, reconstructions, and exhibits, is incredibly enlightening.
Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi
An extended section of paved pavement that follows Genoa’s shoreline is known as the Passeggiata Garibaldi. The pink cobbled pathway begins from the Via Giovanni and follows the shoreline the entire way.
Lanterna di Genoa
The primary lighthouse of the harbour and a well-known feature of Genoa is the magnificent, historic Lanterna di Genoa, which dates back to the 12th century. It is the third-oldest lighthouse in the world, behind the tower of Hercules and the Kopu lighthouse.
- Lugano
In the Ticino Italian Canton of Switzerland, the city of Lugano is situated on its namesake lake. You will fall in love with this lakeside town at first sight thanks to the untamed beauty of the lakefront and the towering San Salvatore and Brè Mountains. The city is known as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” and is a well-liked vacation spot because of its picturesque surroundings and easygoing way of life.
Lake Lugano
A glacier lake of the same name can be found on the boundary between Italy and Switzerland. Enjoy a boat ride or other water sports in the Lake, which is completely surrounded by citrus and cypress trees, or simply relax and take it all in.
Monte Brè
The closest mountain to Lugano is Monte Brè, which is accessible by funicular rail and offers a stunning view of Lugano. There are numerous hiking paths and mountain biking opportunities around the picturesque village of Brè. On a clear day, you can see all of the Lake Lugano valley, as well as Monte Rosa and the Bernese Alps, from the observation point.
Hermann Hesse Museum
In Montagnola, close to Lugano, the Hermann Hesse Museum is home to artefacts from his era. Hesse penned many of his most well-known works, including “Siddhartha” and “Steppenwolf,” at the Camuzzi House, where all of these are now kept.
Olive Grove Trail
There is a beautiful olive grove trail that travels around the area where old olive trees once grew for olive enthusiasts. You can learn about the history, botany, cultivation, cultural applications, and products of the olive tree on the 2-hour-long journey that departs from Gandria.
Swissminiatur
A 14,000 square metre scale model of Switzerland called Swissminiatur depicts a number of well-known locations, including Chillon, Heidi’s home in Maienfeld, and the Duomo of Milan. It makes for a tranquil getaway with the family because it is surrounded by 15,000 different flower types and thousands of trees.
| Place | Distance (Km) | Duration | Category |
| Bergamo | 52 | 1 hr | Medieval Architecture, Nature |
| Lugano | 78 | 1 hr 20 min | Nature Lovers, Lakeside |
| Lake Como | 84.3 | 1 hr 45 min | Scenery, Renaissance Architecture |
| Genoa | 145 | 2 hr | Coastal, Maritime Importance |
| Verona | 179 | 2 hr | Opera, Old Towns |
| Cinque Terre | 246 | 3 hr 35 min | Coastal, Village Treks |
| Swiss Alps | 258 | 4 hr | Snowcapped Mountains, Funicular ride |
| Venice | 270 | 3 hr | Romantic, Architecture |