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Day Trips and Tours from Milan

Day Trips and Tours from Milan

Attracting over four million tourists per year, Milan is one of the most visited destinations in Europe.

Boasting an impressive 14th-century duomo, as well as numerous examples of spectacular Italian architecture, the city has enough attractions to entertain visitors endlessly.

However, if you find yourself wanting to stray from the city, you should consider one of the following day trips and tours from Milan.

From peaceful lakes to seaside destinations, there are an abundance of destinations within easy reach of Milan, just waiting to be explored.

Como Lake

Como Lake is the third largest body of water in Italy, stretching between Milan and the snow-capped Italian Alps.

It is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages that have roots formed by the ancient Romans, and is a tranquil escape from the bustling cities that form modern-day Italy.

Many day trips to Como Lake hone in on this feeling of serenity, taking you on a relaxing cruise of the azure waters and enabling you to stroll slowly along cobblestone streets, slurping gelato.

Other excursions combine a tour of Como Lake with a ride on the Bernina Express — a panoramic train that travels through the Swiss Alps.

Venice

One of the most beautiful yet fragile Italian destinations is the capital of Veneto, Venice. Known as a lover’s paradise, the city is filled with hand-painted gondolas, meandering streams and architecture that stretches as far back as the 5th century.

Venice has, however, been sinking for centuries, which has been hastened by global warming and the city is now under threat of disappearing completely.

A Venice day tour enables you to experience the bucket-list spot fully, from its historic squares to grand palaces, while you still can.

You can also continue the romance by heading to Verona — the setting of Romeo and Juliet’s doomed love story.

Bergamo

Just a stone’s throw northeast of Milan lies Bergamo, known for its medieval architecture and authentic Italian feel.

The city’s historic defensive wall is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site and forms part of the Venetian Works of Defense, which spans three countries.

Whether you choose to immerse yourself deep within the grape vines of the Franciacorta region surrounding the city or take a ride on its 20th-century funicular, Bergamo excursions have something to suit everyone.

Cinque Terre

Famed for its candy-colored buildings and succulent seafood, the region of Cinque Terre is one of the most visited parts of Italy, drawing both national, and international tourists to its shores.

Formed of several fishing villages, Cinque Terre is the smallest national park in the country, covering an area of under 40 square kilometers in the Liguria province of northwestern Italy.

Day trips to Cinque Terre typically visit the picture-perfect Monterosso al Mare, known for its plethora of citrus trees, as well as several other townlets dotted throughout the park.

Whether you want to sunbathe on golden sands, snap a breathtaking shop of the scenery or indulge in a local meal, you can do so on these relaxed day trips.

Garda Lake

Garda Lake holds the crown as the largest lake in Italy and is home to a smattering of postcard-worthy villages that are as historic as they are charming.

Nestled between Brescia and Verona, the area surrounding Garda Lake was inhabited by the ancient Romans, and visitors can explore the links to the past in several townlets, including Sirmione, which features the archaeological ruins of Grotte di Catullo.

Garda Lake day trips transport you to several of these enchanting locations, such as the sleepy town of Desenzano, and enable you to explore the lakeshore at your own leisure.

Lake Maggiore

Located on the south side of the Alps close to the border of Switzerland and surrounded by towering mountain ranges lies the colossal Lake Maggiore, which rolls onto the hills of the Piedmont wine region.

A collection of towns surrounds the lake, of which the most popular is Stresa, famous for its trio of islands inside the body of water.

Isola Bella is the most visited of the three and is home to pristine gardens, and a magnificent palace, both of which you can discover on a Lake Maggiore day tour.

Genoa

A coastal town in northwestern Italy, Genoa was once known as the most prestigious port city in the Liguria region and was responsible for much of Italy’s trade.

Today, the town retains its maritime heritage, however, that’s not the only thing drawing visitors to the destination.

A day tour to Genoa showcases the splendor of this often-overlooked Italian city, from its Gothic cathedral to its museum dedicated to the famed explorer Christopher Columbus, born here during the 15th century.

Florence

The capital city of the Tuscany region, Florence was founded in the 1st century B.C. and as such is steeped in ancient history.

One of the most culturally-rich destinations in Italy, Florence is brimming with museums and art galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery, as well as historic monuments, such as Brunelleschi’s Dome — the result of a public competition in the 15th century.

You can be awed by these incredible spectacles of artistry on an excursion to Florence, making the most of the city’s Renaissance architecture and countless painted masterpieces.

Rome

As one of the most famous destinations in Europe, Rome needs no introduction. Located in the center of the country, the city provides the perfect fusion of old and new as it breathes fresh life into ancient monuments that held legendary figures, such as Julius Caesar.

While you can't possibly explore the entire city in a day, an excursion to Rome packs an incredible amount of sightseeing into just a few short hours.

From the crumbling Colosseum to the coin-filled Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel, you’ll discover a plethora of Rome’s most magnificent monuments, giving you an insight into life in ancient times.

Turin

Turin is widely renowned as a melting pot of architecture and features an assortment of design influences that range from Baroque, and Rococo to Neo-classical and Art Nouveau.

One of the most celebrated spots in the city is the Piazza Castello, which is surrounded by 16th-century buildings and historic statues.

The most northwestern city in Italy, Turn invites a French influence, which can be felt in the dialect, food and architecture.

Day trips to Turin encourage you to discover the fusion of cultures on display, as you wander the cobblestone streets and back alleys.

Valtellina

Valtellina is a deep valley in the Liguria region, bordering Switzerland and covered with immaculate rows of grape vines.

Alcohol connoisseurs can explore how the 2,000-year process of winemaking in the area has progressed over the centuries and sample the cherry-scented tipple on a wine-tasting tour in Valtellina.

Not just a wine haven, the valley is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine, including dried meats, sweet cheeses and flavorful pasta, which can also be discovered on a day tour to Valtellina.