Day out from Milan: 10 best ideas for the perfect daily trip

Are you looking for any alluring ideas for exciting days out from Milan? The variety of enticing options will help you plan an itinerary that perfectly matches your preferences.

Are you ready to explore the incredible sights around the Italian Capital of Fashion and Finance? You will be enchanted by picturesque villages, rich in history, art and culture, charming landscapes sprinkled with masterpieces, historic palaces, sumptuous and majestic castles, natural treasures and hiking trails.

Taking a break from Milan, you will enhance your mental and physical well-being. If you prefer a relaxing, carefree day, the elegant and exclusive Serravalle Designer Outlet, easily reachable by car, shuttle bus and train, is the perfect destination for people who love refined garments. Here you will enjoy an exclusive luxury shopping experience, featuring prestigious national and international fashion and sportswear brands. By following Visit Italy's recommendations, you can treat yourself to fantastic day trips from Milan.

Sirmione is a city that rises on the peninsula lapped by Lake Garda, one of the three large lakes easily accessible from Milan. Just 140 kilometers from the Milanese city, Sirmione is a small historic centre, a lakeside resort of clearly Roman origins, renowned for its architectural beauty and charming lakeside atmosphere.

This medieval trading village houses the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa overlooking the lake. Turning your gaze to the northernmost point of the city, among other things, it is possible to observe Lake Garda on both sides, feeling embraced by the water.

Within the caves it is possible to visit the archaeological museum, one of the most popular and visited in Italy, where you can observe a model of the original Roman villa. It’s made up of three sections inside which offer insights into the pile dwellings found on the shores of the lake, artifacts from the Grotte di Catullo and the funerary objects from the church of San Pietro in Mavino in Sirmione.

The villa Is named after the poet Catullo, who described his return to his beloved home in Sirmione in the poem 31: an excellent reason to try and relive the sensations of the Latin author by visiting this site.

Little tips: a wonderful way to visit Sirmione in an exciting way and in a short time is by observing it from the lake for a truly unique perspective.

The Gavi hills will welcome you with their beautiful landscapes dotted with vineyards. Those hills are one of the most well-known wine-producing areas and they extend between the districts of Ovada and Tortona. The territory is rich in parish churches, picturesque villages, and majestic castles frozen in time. Moreover, it's sprinkled with enchanting streams crossing magnificent valleys whose outlines stand out thanks to red clays and white soils. They are a perfect destination for outdoor activities’ lovers. For example you can enjoy the cycling routes from Francavilla Bisio, Tassarolo, Pasturana, and Monterotondo, or the adventurous hikes, the pleasant walks amidst the peacefulness of the lush nature, the golf courses in spectacular natural settings, such as small lakes and creeks with crystal-clear waters.

The village of Gavi will also enchant you with the beauty of its historic center, embellished by monuments, historical palaces in bright polychrome tones, and alleyways with unusual perspectives, evoking the splendor and atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Exploring this gem, nestled between Piedmont and Liguria and easily reachable from Genoa, Milan, Bologna, Alessandria, and Turin, you will undertake an exciting journey back through the centuries.

To combine a relaxing day out strolling through the hills with shopping and relaxation, you should head to the Serravalle Designer Outlet, the ideal place for shopping lovers, where you can enjoy a unique shopping experience in an exclusive location. The complex, the largest in Italy and among the most renowned in Europe, is located about 8 km from Gavi Hills. It stands in a magnificent architectural setting, with restaurants, coffee shops, and refined boutiques that offer the best of luxury brands, from fashion to design. Moreover, there are play areas where kids can have fun in total safety, while parents can enjoy shopping peacefully. The perfect break after an exciting day out around Milan.

If you are passionate about music, you cannot miss Cremona, the city of craftsmen. Guarnieri del Gesù, Amati and Stradivari made this city, about an hour from Milan, the true cradle of worldwide violin craftsmanship. Cremona gas embraced its musical heritage, making It accessible to everybody through museums and workshops.

The Violin Museum will allow you to discover the history and art behind the production of one of the most used and most famous stringed instruments with an immersive experience, giving the guests the opportunity to take a journey through the history of the Lady Blunt, the violin built by Antonio Stradivari in 1721. Niccolò Paganini and Giovanni Battista Viotti relied on the Cremonese luthier, who until his death at the age of 93 continued to work to make the most famous instruments in the world.

In addition to music, Cremona Is also renowned for its confectionery, with the numerous shops scattered throughout the historic center ready to welcome all your palates with a variety of sweets. The nougat will necessarily have to marry your papillas, to discover the reason for its name, inspired by the shape of the bell tower of the Duomo. It will be possible to taste all year around in Cremona to discover the differences between the Italian one and the Valencian one, which is much softer and stuffed with almonds.

Until 2004 it was part of the province of Milan, then Monza became a separate province, representing the whole Brianza and bringing prestige and honor back to the summer residence of Teodolinda and Agilulfo during the Lombard reign.

A few kilometers from Milan and easily reachable in less than half an hour by car and also by train, Monza is famous both for the history of its monuments and for its racetrack. The latter is the third oldest and permanent in the world after Indianapolis and Brooklands, as well as having hosted the Italian Grand Prix 87 times out of 92 world championships held.

Being able to attend and watch a race from the steps is a unique experience, above all because the Monza circuit has been the fastest of the world championships since 1991: Lewis Hamilton, with his Mercedes, reached the record speed of 264.362 kilometers per hour in 2020, during the qualification rounds of the Italian Grand Prix.

Inside the Cathedral Museum, one of its cultural attractions, it will be possible to see the famous Iron Crown, the legendary relic which rested on Napoleon's head and which was obtained by melting one of the nails of the Cross. Returned to Monza in 1866, it is currently displayed in a niche of the Cathedral which can only be viewable during a guided tour, keeping at a safe distance, but being able to observe the frescoes that surround it, recalling the history that the Crown itself lived.

Bellagio, an enchanting village on the shores of Lake Como, is the ideal destination for wonderful day trips from Milan since It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment and shopping.

This aristocratic town Is located at the slopes of the majestic promontory delimiting the two main branches of the lake, between the pretty hamlets of Loppia, Pescallo, and San Giovanni to the foothills of Monte San Primo, which stands out in the Larian Triangle. It’s surrounded by sumptuous villas, lush gardens, and dense vegetation, providing beautiful views.

Strolling through the enchanting historic centre, you can experience sumptuous atmospheres of the past. Among the wide range of charming sights, we suggest you visit the central Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, embellished by a maze of narrow streets and paved alleys branching off from it. Don’t miss the Tower of the Arts, Punta Spartivento, the dreamlike house of Flying Bicycles designed by Ivan Gilardoni in San Giovanni a Bellagio, and the Museum of the Instruments for Navigation, located in San Giovanni a Bellagio.

After exploring the village, you could indulge into delightful boutiques offering the best-handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, fine silk, Italian-made products, blown-glass pendants, carved olive wood objects, aristocratic traditional shops, and haute couture ateliers. In addition to the natural and cultural attractions, you can taste the local specialties in the local pastry shop, which will delight even the most demanding palates. Among the delicacies of this part of Lake Como we mention the Miascia, prepared with stale bread or an exquisite mixture of yellow or white flour, fresh fruit, and dried fruit. Another typical cake is the Pan Malatoch, embellished with a decoration of walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, dried and candied fruit.

Undertake a marvelous guided tour to discover the wonders of Bellagio and Lake Como.

If you prefer to indulge in relaxing day trips from Milan, discovering the beautiful Alpine valleys, you could explore San Pellegrino Terme, a popular destination for mountain lovers who enjoy walking, trekking, and outdoor sports. Nestled in the marvelous setting of the Brembana Valley, it is the ideal place for people who wish to combine calmness and passion for natural environments. You can reach it within just over an hour from the Lombard county town. It is far 70 km from Milan and the main centers of Brianza.

This precious gem of the Orobian Pre-Alps, nestled on the banks of the Brembo River and appreciated worldwide for the exceptional quality of its thermal waters, will enchant you with the beauty of its characteristic historic center. It houses precious masterpieces and historical buildings in Art Nouveau style, embellished with refined decorations and naturalistic motifs. One of its most iconic points of interest is the Municipal Casino, designed by Romolo Squadrelli and enriched with the magnificent stained-glass windows and polychrome frescoes. Another symbolic place is the Grand Hotel, dating back to the early 20th century, where prominent personalities, royalty, scholars, and famous actors stayed, including Queen Margherita of Savoy, Montale, and Quasimodo. The renowned thermal baths are another flagship.

You can visit the enchanting old town of this fascinating destination easily on foot and explore the Cathedral of Saint Pellegrino d'Auxerre in late Baroque style, which will captivate you with its exquisite stucco artwork by Domenico Camuzio.

Among the typical dishes and dairy products to savor while enjoying the atmosphere of the mountain refuges there are the so-called casoncelli, polenta taragna, typical cheese like taleggio, Branzi, and stracchino of Orobie. After tasting all these delicacies, a snowshoe hike through the woods is the best way to keep fit without giving up the pleasures of the table.

Varenna, a picturesque fishing village adorned with bright polychrome hues and charming pastel-colored houses, is another gem nestled along the Eastern shore of Lake Como. This enchanting town, rich in artistic and architectural masterpieces, culture, and history, is accessible from Milan in approximately two hours driving along the SS36 towards Monza Lecco. Upon reaching here, continue towards Sondrio and take the Varenna - Mandello - Abbadia Lariana exit. It's the perfect destination for those who wish to relax while admiring the fairy-tale lakefront landscapes.

One of the most evocative and captivating spots is the romantic Lovers' Promenade, a characteristic pedestrian path that extends from the boat dock to the old town center. Riva Grande, a spectacular lake inlet, offers another must-see view. Points of interest include the Church of Saint George, whose interior hosts magnificent 13th-century frescoes and a marble-paved floor. Our tour continues with a visit to Villa Monastero, originally a Cistercian abbey and later designated as a patrician residence by the Mornico family. It includes alluring treasures, such as the Botanical Garden with its endemisms and rare species.

You could also explore the Villa Cipressi, which Is made up of ancient buildings built between the 15th and 19th centuries, and the Patriarchs' Greenway. The impressive Vizio Castle, overlooking the lake basin, stands out within a centuries-old olive grove and it holds museum exhibitions and a section dedicated to lariosaurus. The castle, steeped in ancient legends and mystery, offers an intriguing journey through history, with its dungeons and captivating settings. Families with children are encouraged to attend falconry shows.

The local cuisine proposes exquisite specialties that will delight even the most demanding and refined palates. Typical dishes include fried arborelle, risotto with perch, marinated lavarello, and misultin, a traditional Como dish prepared with agoni (a type of freshwater fish) served with polenta. The dairy tradition is equally noteworthy and it boasts excellent products, like semuda, a cow's milk cheese, goat's Zola, and the typical zincarlin, made with curd or ricotta and fresh herbs. The typical desserts are cutizza, a delectable Como pancake made with flour, eggs, water, and milk, and miascia, a treat made with a mixture of amaretto biscuits, raisins, and pine nuts.

Just a short distance from Milan and easily accessible by car or train, Bergamo is another destination worth exploring during your day trips from Milan. This magnificent city, nestled at the slopes of the Orobian Pre-Alps, Is divided into two distinct areas: the Upper Town, which represents the historic centre, and the Lower Town, a modern and vibrant area encompassing ancient hamlets. Several irrigation ditches, which flow into the Serio River, cross the city. A curiosity: Bergamo Is built upon seven picturesque hills. It is sprinkled with steps and its streets are sprinkled with step cobblestone-covered passages which increase its charm. Thanks to its extraordinary historical, artistic, and cultural heritage, it was honored with the prestigious title of Capital of Culture in 2023.

Starting the tour from the historical centre by taking a funicular railway to the Upper Town, you can admire the imposing 16-century Venetian Walls, complete with their secret tunnels and impressive monumental gates. Among the historical sites of interest there is the Old Square, which stands out with the so-called Campanone, the civic tower, the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, renowned for its splendid interiors adorned with marvelous frescoes, tapestries, stucco, and wooden inlays. The Duomo, designed by the architect Filarete in the 15th century, the 14th-century fortress and the medieval convent of San Francesco, which hosts exhibitions dedicated to local history, are also must-see landmarks. The Palazzo del Podestà was a vital center between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The Lower Town was reimagined in the 19th century by architect Marcello Piacentini to meet the demands of the Modern Age. A visit to the Lorenzo Rota Botanical Garden, divided into themed areas, offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and to relax.

If you are passionate about history and music, we highly suggest visiting the Accademia Carrara. It's a prestigious and renowned art gallery, the Donizettiano Museum, the Archaeological and Natural Science Museum, and GAMeC, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. Do you prefer to go shopping? Nearby, explore the refined boutiques along Sentierone and Porta Nuova. A stroll through the Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe will also allow you to discover and appreciate the best handcrafts, as well as delicious food and wine.