Best Day Trips From Milan for Lakes, Wine, Food, and Slow Italian Charm
This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend properties and experiences I genuinely believe in and would recommend to friends.
When I lived in Milan, one of the things I loved most about the city was how easy it was to leave it. That sounds strange for someone defending Milan as a destination, but it’s actually part of what makes the city so compelling. Because of its incredible rail connections, Milan also becomes one of the best bases in Italy for exploring other parts of Italy, as well as France. It’s a great jumping off point!
Within an hour or two, you can be sipping wine in Piedmont, wandering lakefront promenades, eating risotto in Bergamo, exploring medieval towns, or boarding a ferry across Lake Como. And train travel in Italy is the best mode of transportation.
For travelers planning an Italy itinerary, these day trips from Milan help you experience a much broader side of northern Italy without constantly changing hotels.
Why Milan Is Worth Visiting
Before getting into the day trips, it’s worth saying this clearly: Milan deserves more than a quick overnight stop.
Many travelers treat Milan like an airport city before heading elsewhere, but living there completely changed my perspective. Milan has incredible aperitivo culture, excellent restaurants, beautiful architecture hidden behind understated facades, and a sophistication that feels distinctly different from other Italian cities.
It’s also one of the best cities in Italy for travelers who love:
- Design and fashion
- Food-focused travel
- Luxury hotels
- Day trips by train
- Wine regions
- Wellness and spa travel
- Lakes and alpine scenery
And unlike some heavily touristed destinations, Milan still feels lived in.
1. Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is one of the most underrated lake destinations in Italy and one of my personal favorites from my time living in Milan.
While many travelers automatically head to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore feels more relaxed, spacious, and authentic in many areas. The lake stretches across both Italy and Switzerland and is filled with elegant Belle Époque hotels, gardens, ferries, mountain views, and charming towns.
Stresa makes an especially easy day trip from Milan by train, and from there you can explore the Borromean Islands or simply spend the day lingering over lakeside lunches.
Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore
Luxury splurge: Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
One of the most iconic hotels on Lake Maggiore, this historic Belle Époque property is known for its opulent interiors, lakefront setting, beautiful gardens, and old-world glamour. The hotel feels timeless and is one of the most memorable stays on the lake.
🍷 Check current rates for your dates at Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Best boutique hotel: Hotel La Palma
This stylish waterfront hotel is known for its rooftop pool and modern design while still maintaining classic lake views. The location is excellent for walking to ferries, restaurants, and the waterfront promenade. This is where I’ve always stayed.
🍷 See if your dates are available before this fills up (this one books quickly)
Best mid-range stay: Hotel Regina Palace
This grand historic hotel offers a more traditional Italian lake experience with ornate interiors, pools, and beautiful gardens near the lakefront.
🍷 Check current pricing at Regina Palace (best value for a historic stay)
Best budget-friendly option: Hotel Moderno
A simple but comfortable option in the center of town within walking distance of ferries, restaurants, and the train station.
🍷 Check availability at this hidden gem
What to do on Lake Maggiore
Make it a full day trip to Lake Maggiore from Milan
→ See why this is the highest rated tour
Take a boat tour out to the unique Borromean Islands
→ This is not to be missed – book it early
Enjoy a visit to a local market and take a cooking class with wine
→ These small group tours sell out early so don’t wait
2. Lake Como
Lake Como is the classic Milan day trip for a reason. The lake is stunning, especially around Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, where colorful villages meet dramatic mountain scenery. While Como town itself is the easiest access point from Milan, I actually recommend continuing farther up the lake if you have time.
Take the train to Varenna instead. It feels more cinematic and much more atmospheric.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is slowly:
- Ferry hopping between villages
- Lingering over seafood pasta and wine
- Taking a private boat tour
- Staying overnight if your itinerary allows
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Luxury splurge: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
This historic five-star hotel sits directly on the waterfront and is one of the most iconic luxury hotels on Lake Como. Expect opulent interiors, lakefront dining, pools, spa facilities, and classic Italian glamour. This is the grand splurge for your trip!
🍷 Treat yourself to the stay you actually want
Best boutique hotel: Hotel Belvedere Bellagio
One of the best boutique hotels on the lake, Hotel Belvedere offers incredible panoramic lake views, beautiful gardens, pools, and a quieter atmosphere just above the main town center.
🍷 Upgrade your trip with a stay travelers rave about
Best mid-range stay: Hotel Du Lac
This waterfront hotel offers one of the best locations in Bellagio with easy access to ferries, restaurants, and the promenade.
🍷 Check rates for your travel dates now
Best value stay: Hotel Centrale Bellagio
A charming smaller hotel tucked into Bellagio’s historic center within walking distance of restaurants and ferry access.
🍷 Find your room before it sells out
Palace Hotel Como
An elegant historic hotel with an excellent waterfront location near ferries and restaurants.
🍷 Book now for the best combination of views and location
What to Do In Lake Como
Enjoy a full day customized trip from Milan to Lake Como including a boat cruise on the lake
→ See why other travelers love this experience
See the entire lake on a wooden boat cruise and experience Italian glamour
→ This one sells out quickly
Experience a full wine tasting with local cheeses from the region
→ Check availability for this tasty experience
3. Bergamo
Bergamo is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Milan, yet many international travelers skip it completely. The magic is in Città Alta, Bergamo’s historic upper town filled with stone streets, piazzas, wine bars, and beautiful old architecture. It feels distinctly slower than Milan and offers a glimpse into a different rhythm of northern Italian life.
Food lovers should absolutely try:
- Casoncelli pasta
- Polenta dishes
- Local Lombardy wines
- Stracciatella gelato, which originated here
See the food tours and cooking classes in Italy that I highly recommend
Take a local food tour and try all of these dishes
→ This small group tour is highly rated
4. Turin (Torino)
Turin feels elegant, intellectual, and slightly under-the-radar compared to other major Italian cities. I spent a lot of time there in the lead up to the Olympics and it’s a very cool city. If you love food, wine, chocolate, and café culture, Turin is absolutely worth the train ride from Milan.
This is where you’ll find:
- Historic cafés
- Excellent vermouth
- Chocolate shops
- Piedmontese cuisine
- Proximity to Barolo wine country
Turin also has a more refined, less touristy atmosphere that many experienced Italy travelers appreciate. It’s a long day trip so I recommend you spend one night in the city.
Where to Stay in Turin (Torino)
• Principi di Piemonte
Classic luxury with a full spa, indoor pool, and polished five-star feel right in the historic center. It appeals to luxury travelers, couples, and wellness travelers looking for a more elevated Italy experience.
🍷 Check rates for this luxury spa hotel here
• Turin Palace Hotel
People consistently love the location, rooftop terrace, modern rooms, and overall value for a higher-end stay.
🍷 View rooms and availability at Turin Palace here.
What to Do in Turin
Take a walking tour of the city and learn about the historic sites.
→ Book this highly rated walking tour
Visit the uber-cool Egyptian Museum
→ Don’t stand in a long entry line. Book this skip-the-line tour now.
5. Parma
Parma is one of the best day trips from Milan for serious food lovers. – and one of my favorite foodie towns in Italy. This is the heart of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma country, making it ideal for travelers interested in culinary tourism.
A food-focused day here could include:
- Parmesan factory tours
- Prosciutto tastings
- Traditional trattorias
- Local wine pairings
Where to Stay in Parma
• Grand Hotel De La Ville
A polished five-star stay with a sophisticated, modern feel in Parma’s Barilla Center district. It’s ideal for travelers who want an upscale base for exploring Parma’s food scene, opera culture, and walkable historic center.
🍷 Check rates for this elegant Parma stay here.
• Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati
This is the more romantic, high-converting boutique option because it sits directly by the Duomo in the historic center.
🍷 View rooms and availability in Parma’s historic center here.
What to Do in Parma
You can NOT go wrong with food tour in Parma
→ See the highest rated food tours here
6. Verona
Verona offers a romantic atmosphere that feels calmer than Venice but still visually stunning. While many visitors come for the Shakespeare connection, Verona is also simply a beautiful city for wandering.
You’ll find:
- Elegant piazzas
- Roman ruins
- Aperitivo bars
- Walkable historic streets
- Nearby wine regions like Valpolicella
Where to Stay in Verona
• NH Collection Palazzo Verona
This hotel combines luxury, recognizable branding, and an ideal historic-center location. It’s especially good for couples and upscale city-break travelers.
🍷 Check rates for this luxury Verona stay here
• Gabbia D’Oro
This is hotel is a romantic, quintessentially Italian option. Located near Piazza delle Erbe, it has old-world charm, luxe interiors, and a very “dream Italy” atmosphere.
🍷 View rooms and availability in the heart of Verona here
What to Do in Verona
Take a walking tour and see the Roman Verona Arena from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
→ I highly recommend this small group tour but book it early.
Enjoy a Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class With Free Flowing Wine
→ This is the one you don’t want to miss.
7. Bologna
Bologna is one of the best food cities in Italy and surprisingly accessible from Milan via high-speed train.
This is the place for:
- Handmade pasta
- Mortadella
- Ragù
- Food markets
- Cooking classes
Where to Stay in Bologna
The Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni is the oldest and most prestigious hotel in Bologna, located in the heart of the city on Via dell’Indipendenza, within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore and the famous Due Torri.
🍷 See why this hotel is so popular among travelers
Hotel Corona d’Oro is a luxurious and well-positioned within Bologna’s pedestrianized center.
🍷 Check rates and availability for your dates
I Portici Hotel Bologna is located near the central train station, this hotel offers a blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. Guests appreciate its convenient location and the quality of its services.
🍷 Book early because this hotel’s location makes it a favorite
What to Do in Bologna
This is the town for an all-day food tour.
→ Check out these highly rated food tours.
Tips for Taking Day Trips From Milan
Use High-Speed Trains
Italy’s train system makes most of these destinations incredibly easy without renting a car.
Start Early
Many lake destinations are best experienced before midday crowds arrive.
Don’t Overpack Your Schedule
One of the best parts of northern Italy is slowing down. Long lunches and wandering are part of the experience.
Consider Overnight Stays
Several of these destinations, especially Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Turin, deserve more than a rushed day trip.
This is a natural place to insert hotel affiliate links with a heading like:
Hotels Worth Booking for a Milan Base
Then include:
- A luxury option
- A boutique design hotel
- A mid-range central stay
FAQs About Milan Day Trips
What is the best day trip from Milan?
Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are among the most popular, but Bergamo and Parma are excellent choices for travelers interested in food and culture.
Can you do Lake Como as a day trip from Milan?
Yes. Lake Como is one of the easiest day trips from Milan by train, especially towns like Varenna and Como.
Is Lake Maggiore better than Lake Como?
They offer different experiences. Lake Como is more glamorous and internationally famous, while Lake Maggiore often feels more relaxed and less crowded.
How many days should you spend in Milan?
At least three to four days allows time to enjoy Milan itself while also taking one or two day trips.
What is the easiest day trip from Milan by train?
Bergamo, Lake Como, and Turin are all extremely easy by train.
Is Milan a good base for northern Italy?
Absolutely. Milan’s rail connections make it one of the best cities in Italy for exploring nearby regions without constantly changing hotels.
More Italy Travel Guides
Lake Como vs Lake Maggiore: Which Is Better? (Why I Always Choose Maggiore)
Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore: Best Towns, Hotels, and What Each Area Is Known For
Where to Stay on Lake Como (Best Towns + Hotels)
Best Towns on Lake Maggiore: Where to Stay, Eat + Explore in Italy’s Most Underrated Lake Region
Milan, Italy: A Local’s Guide to Eating, Exploring, and Falling in Love With the City (2026)
The Best Cooking Classes in Italy (By Region + What’s Actually Worth It) [2026]
Rome Food Tours Guide: Best Tours, Classes + Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Tuscany: Best Agriturismo for Luxury, Families & Food Lovers (2026)