Milan is a fantastic base for exploring Northern Italy, offering incredible transport links and a gateway to a multitude of charming day-trip destinations. From historic university towns to stunning lakeside retreats and artistic marvels, there’s an option for every traveler. Here are some of the most rewarding excursions you can take from this fashion-forward Italian metropolis.
Historic University Towns
Pavia’s Ancient Charm
A short train ride of just over forty-five minutes will bring you to Pavia, a city designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts a Duomo that Leonardo da Vinci had a hand in designing, and its cobblestone lanes whisper tales of centuries past. The city is home to one of Italy’s oldest universities, meaning there are plenty of historical sites and museums to explore, including a bridge with roots reaching back to medieval times. Pavia is easily accessible by train, making it a simple and enriching day out.
Bologna’s Scholarly Roots
For a journey filled with history, Bologna is an excellent choice. This city is the oldest in its region and is renowned for its university, established in 1088. Wander through its cobbled streets, soak in the coffee culture, and sample the local cuisine. Don’t miss climbing the Torre Asinelli, one of the city’s medieval towers, or visiting the Basilica of San Luca, which offers breathtaking views from its hilltop perch. The train journey from Milan to Bologna takes exactly one hour, making it a wonderfully convenient and historically rich day trip.
Padua’s Cultural Hub
Known as the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ Padua is located in the Veneto region. Its key attractions include a grand Byzantine basilica and the historic University of Padua, which dates back to 1222. The city also offers a delightful café culture to enjoy. Reaching Padua by train takes just under two hours, so it’s worth an early start to maximize your time exploring this cultured city.
Lakeside and Mountain Escapes
The Serene Beauty of Lake Como
The breathtaking scenery of Lake Como, with its glistening waters and snow-capped peaks, feels like stepping into a fairytale. Best visited from late spring through early autumn, this northern Lombardy gem offers numerous castles and charming towns like Como and Lecco. While a car is ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside, a direct train from Milan to Como takes under an hour, providing easy access to this stunning region. For us, the drive around the lake itself with the kids was wonderful, stopping at different viewpoints. Lily loved spotting the boats, and Ethan was fascinated by the little ferries.
Lake Maggiore’s Tranquil Waters
Slightly less famous than Lake Como but equally beautiful, Lake Maggiore is a stunning body of water in northern Italy. Exploring the Borromean Islands and visiting the many picturesque lakeside towns dotted along its shores are highlights. Renting a car is the most convenient way to experience the flexibility of exploring the various towns and attractions around the lake at your own pace. The scenic drive there was a pleasure, allowing us to stop whenever the landscape called to us.
Alpine Majesty of Turin
Surrounded by mountains, Turin in the Piedmont region is a city steeped in history and often called the chocolate capital of Italy. You can visit the cathedral housing the Turin Shroud, ascend the Mole Antonelliana for panoramic views, and indulge in local Piedmontese cuisine. Turin also boasts one of the most important Egyptian collections outside of Egypt. High-speed trains whisk you from Milan to Turin in just over an hour, city center to city center, making it an accessible and fascinating day trip.
Artistic and Architectural Wonders
Bergamo’s Underrated Beauty
Bergamo is a true must-see in Northern Italy, often overlooked by travelers flying into its international airport. This beautiful city is filled with historical sites and is a paradise for architecture lovers. It offers a unique escape from the bustle of Milan, feeling like a graceful step back in time. Trains connect Milan and Bergamo in under an hour, and tickets are quite affordable, making it an easy and rewarding destination.
Brescia’s Rich History
Located in the Lombardy region, Brescia offers a deep dive into history, from its Celtic and Roman roots. Highlights include a commanding castle, museums filled with Roman artifacts, and ecclesiastical buildings adorned with centuries-old frescoes. A quick thirty-five-minute train ride makes Brescia an ideal day trip from Milan, and it can even be combined with a visit to nearby Lake Garda, as the town lies on its shores. This was surprisingly easy to do with the children, as the train journey was short and exciting for them.
Certosa di Pavia’s Renaissance Splendor
Just north of Pavia, the Certosa di Pavia is a magnificent example of Italian Renaissance architecture, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. This former family mausoleum turned monastery is a truly awe-inspiring site. You can visit it in conjunction with a trip to Pavia itself or as a standalone excursion, with ample to see for a dedicated visit.
Parma’s Culinary and Artistic Delights
The city of Parma, famous for its namesake ham and cheese, offers much more than just exceptional food. You can admire its beautiful architecture and explore the extensive collection of Caravaggio’s works located throughout the city, including in the Duomo and the National Gallery. The train journey from Milan to Parma takes about an hour and a half, making it an enjoyable trip for any food and art enthusiast.
Mantua’s Timeless Atmosphere
Mantua, often called the ‘sleeping beauty town of Italy,’ feels as though time has stood still. Its architecture and pace of life have remained largely unchanged over the centuries, offering a remarkable glimpse into Italy’s past. Reaching Mantua from Milan involves taking a train, with journey times around an hour and fifty minutes if you catch a direct service, or slightly longer if a change is needed.
Lodi’s Historic Square and Cheeses
Close to Milan, just 19km to the south, the town of Lodi is an easily accessible day trip, particularly known for its outstanding cheese, including parmesan. Once a Celtic village, Lodi boasts a rich history. Its highlights include the beautiful Piazza della Vittoria, the remnants of Visconti Castle, and numerous Baroque churches, all set amidst charming cobbled lanes. A fast train can get you to Lodi in as little as half an hour, perfect for a quick but fulfilling Italian adventure.
Verona’s Romantic Legacy
At two hours from Milan, Verona is a little further afield but absolutely worth the journey. This city, immortalized by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, invites you to explore Juliet’s tomb and the Casa di Giulietta. You can also marvel at the well-preserved Roman amphitheater in the city’s center. Train journeys from Milan to Verona typically range from an hour and a half to two hours. Michael and I loved wandering the streets here, imagining the historical figures who walked them before us.
Venice’s Unique Canals
For a more ambitious day trip, the iconic canals and floating architecture of Venice are within reach. Although a longer journey, it’s possible to experience this world-famous city in a day. Key sights include Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Trains from Milan to Venice typically take around three hours, making it a full-day commitment but an unforgettable experience.
Genoa’s Maritime Heritage
As the capital of the Liguria region, Genoa is a major port city with a rich maritime history. Its attractions include impressive fountains, ancient city walls, and Forte Begato, a mountainside fort. The city also offers numerous museums and charming streets to explore. Direct high-speed trains from Milan to Genoa take about an hour and a half, providing a solid introduction to this coastal gem.
Art Nouveau and Sacred Sites
Varese’s Elegant Villas
Located in northern Lombardy where the Alps meet the lakes, Varese is characterized by its beautiful Art Nouveau villas set amidst rolling hills. The Sacro Monte di Varese is a notable sacred site, featuring 14 fresco chapels and a path leading to a stunning chapel at the summit. The train journey from Milan to Varese takes just one hour, offering lovely countryside views along the way.
The Sacred Monte di Varese
A significant religious and artistic complex, the Sacro Monte di Varese is perched in the hills above the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises chapels adorned with vivid frescoes and sculptures that narrate the story of Christ’s Passion. The ascent along the sacred path is a contemplative experience, culminating in the breathtaking Santuario della Madona del Monte. It’s a powerful spiritual and artistic journey, easily accessible from Varese city.
Unique Experiences
The Scenic Bernina Express
For an unparalleled sightseeing experience, a journey on the UNESCO Bernina Express is highly recommended. This picturesque train route connects Switzerland with Northern Italy, traversing dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers, and ancient towns. It’s a fantastic way to see stunning scenery comfortably from the train window. Lily was utterly thrilled by the mountain views, pointing out every peak and tunnel.
The Cinque Terre’s Coastal Charms
The Cinque Terre, meaning ‘five lands,’ are a collection of five stunning coastal villages perched along the Italian Riviera, connected by mountainous paths and train lines. While a day trip is possible, it’s a long one, with train journeys taking between three and four hours each way. Renting a car also involves a similar travel time. It’s an inspiring area, though a longer stay would allow for a more relaxed exploration.
Exploring Milan Itself
Milan is more than just a transit hub; it’s a destination in its own right. Renowned as Italy’s fashion capital, it also boasts an impressive Duomo, a charming canal district, and unique spots like Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson. Even with just one day, you’ll discover the city’s layered appeal. Given its popularity, booking accommodation well in advance is wise, especially during peak seasons. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Italian phrases will undoubtedly enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Italy offers an incredible array of experiences, and basing yourself in Milan opens up a world of possibilities for memorable day trips. Whether you seek historical depth, natural beauty, or artistic inspiration, these excursions promise to enrich your Italian adventure.