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Living in Milan means being surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers, immersed in the frenzy and “caged” in a life that goes fast. It’s easy to get the urge to escape, whether it’s just for a day or maybe a few hours.
So here are 20 ideas for trips around Milan. Places immersed in nature, but also art and culture itineraries. Because, in Lombardy, the offer is really rich.
Monza (1h from Milan)
If you only have a few hours free, and you want to treat yourself to a small escape in a town on a human scale, rich in art and culture, Monza is what is right for you. Center of the Brianza, is a splendid succession of villas and historical monuments: there are many itineraries and museums here, but you start from Villa Real, symbol of the city. Easily reachable by car, train and bicycle, the its Park it is the perfect place to get lost in the quiet of nature, to have a picnic or to play with the children. And, if you are lucky, you could find in the Villa one of the spectacular art exhibitions that – often – are on the calendar.
Mantua (2h30 from Milan)
Among the cities of art around Milan, one of the most beautiful is Mantua. It is no coincidence that theUNESCO defined it World Heritage Site. Ancient house of the Gonzaga, it is thanks to them that in the fifteenth century it was reborn to become a true cornerstone of the Italian Renaissance. The medieval and Renaissance charm is found in every street and monument, but what to visit in a few hours? Definitely the Castle of San Giorgio and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, with its dome and the relic of the Blood of Christ collected from the Cross. And then the Palace Ducal which, with over 500 rooms, is the largest in the Old Continent.
Crema (1h from Milan)
Recently rediscovered for being the setting for the Oscar-winning film “Call me by your name”, Cream is a very special city, located in the low Po Valley. Perfect to be experienced in one day, it has a beautiful historic center on whose streets and squares overlook buildings with a medieval, but also Renaissance and Art Nouveau style. If Crema is the destination of your trip, take a look at Basilica of Santa Maria della Cross and al city Hall, but also savor its history in Civic Museum of Crema is in the Palace Bodenti Terni de Gregory.
Bergamo Alta (1h30 from Milan)
Maybe you will know Bergamo for being one of the major industrial centers in Northern Italy, but the city is also rich in history and culture. You just need to reach Bergamo Alta to find yourself immersed in another dimension. Surrounded by walls, the city is home to many historical buildings as the Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Greater and the San Vigilio Castle. The most suggestive way to get there is there funicular, which offers a dream view of the surrounding landscape.
Vigevano (1h from Milan)
Town of Pavia far from the din of the metropolis, Vigevano it is perfect for a day trip from Milan in the name of tranquility and relaxation. Although little known, it is in fact very culturally active, which you can notice as soon as you set foot in the marvelous area Piazza Ducale. Kingdom of the Visconti and of Sforza, also Bramante is Leonardo da Vinci they have left traces of their passage here. Visit the famous Bramante Tower and enjoy the view, but also treat yourself to a foray into Duomo and al Castle.
Crespi d’Adda workers’ village (50min from Milan)
If you are looking for a destination that is a little out of the ordinary – not mainstream, let’s say – we recommend the Workers’ village of Crespi d’Adda. Its name comes directly from the family of cotton industrialists who made it at the end of the 19th century. The idea was to create a complete town for the food and accommodation of the factory employees and their families (obviously providing them with everything they need). A truly extraordinary place, whichUNESCO has decided to include among the World Heritage Sites how “the most complete and best preserved workers’ village in Europe“. Today everything has remained intact, and you can give yourself a complete immersion in the industrial history of our country.
Sirmione (1h30 from Milan)
A strip of land that extends from the bank of the Lake Garda: Sirmione it is a little gem, and it is a classic of trips out of Milan. Picturesque and resembling a postcard, it allows you to stroll through its narrow streets up to the splendid one Rocca Scaligera, the castle that dominates the lake unchallenged. Further down you can go into the Grottoes of Catullus, ruins dating back to Roman times, or relax (perhaps in sweet company) at Terme Aquaria in Sirmione. Their sulphurous water is very hot, and comes directly from some lake springs: a real panacea for your body and your mind!
Gardone Riviera (1h30 from Milan)
Lake Garda is rich in history, and this is nothing new. But there is a town that, more than others, recounts the early years of the 1900s and the life of one of the greatest writers and poets ever to arrive on Earth: we are talking about Gardone Riviera and of Gabriele d’Annunzio that this town has elected it as a symbol all over the world. Here is in fact his famous house in which, surrounded by all his relics, he decided to spend the last years of his life: it is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a kitschy jewel and an open-air museum that tells a lot about him and his wild life.
Franciacorta (1h20 from Milan)
Do you love wine and good food? A tour through the lands of Franciacorta is what it is for you. Between Brescia and Lake Iseo, you can immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of some of the best local wines and sparkling wines. Walk the Wine Route, a 30 km itinerary between vineyards and cellars. Stop to sip a few glasses, but also enjoy the extraordinary landscape of ancient and picturesque villages, and green hills with – in the distance – the blue of the lake. A must see are theOlivetan Abbey of San Nicola in Rodengo Saiano, home to many works of art, and the Agricultural Museum and wine to Capriolo.
Valeggio sul Mincio (2h from Milan)
Still little known village, Valeggio sul Mincio it is located 30 km from Verona, on the waters of the homonymous river. Small enough, it can comfortably be visited in one day. In addition to Scaliger Castle, which from the top of the hill on which it is located dominates the whole valley, knows how to leave adults and children speechless thanks to the characteristic water mills that still adorn the houses of the city. Not far away, Villa Sigurtà with its wonderful Park (which in 2013 won the prize of the most beautiful park in Italy and in 2015 of the second most beautiful park in Europe) is the right place for an out-of-town trip immersed in nature.
Como (1h from Milan)
Great classic of day trips, Como It is famous all over the world. The merit is of its beauty, but also of the VIPs who have chosen its lake for their extraordinary villas. Easily accessible by car as well as by public transport (the train from Porta Garibaldi is very convenient), Como is home to splendid monuments such as the Duomo or the ancient municipal building of the Broletto, a true crossroads of eras and styles between Gothic and Renaissance. Do you want a tip? To admire the city from other points of view, take the boat, or go up to Brunate by funicular: in an instant you will find yourself in a mountain village, with an extraordinary view.
Bellagio (1h30 from Milan)
It is impossible not to know Bellagio, among the most characteristic and most famous villages in Italy. Nicknamed “the pearl of Lake Como”, you will get lost in the blink of an eye among its streets where everything is lively and colorful. Its beauty is unreal, so much so that many filmmakers have chosen it as a set for their films. What to do here? Definitely visit Villa Melzi d’Eril, among the most beautiful residences of the Lario, but above all stroll along the lakefront, from which it is not difficult to see other famous towns of absolute beauty such as Menaggio and Varenna.
Varenna (1h30 from Milan)
Not far from the aforementioned Bellagio, Varenna it is located on the Lecco shore of the lake. It is a small fishing village, so beautiful it looks like a painting. You will surely be fascinated by the typical houses and their bright colors, which are reflected in the water. But, to win you over, it will be above all the romance that you breathe. If you are with your sweetheart, walk hand in hand along the “Walk of lovers”, Which reaches down to the port. The right place to end the day, after a visit to three streets crossed by Visconti and give it Sforza.
Lake Iseo and Monte Isola (1h20 from Milan)
The artist Christo, with its installation “The Floating Piers”, He made it known all over the world: but Monte Isola, which in 2019 was elected “best European tourist destination”, is extraordinary beyond the single event. Take the ferry and, once you get off, get on the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola: you will have the unique opportunity of a breathtaking view over the entire lake, the surrounding hills and mountains.
Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands (1h30 from Milan)
Lake Maggiore is the most glamorous Italian lake, between baroque villas and splendid colorful gardens: a real treasure between nature, art and culture. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Milan, hop on a ferry for a tour of the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre is Fishermen’s Island. And, to complete the tour on the Lombard shore of the lake, you can visit the Rocca d’Angera, a medieval castle overlooking the water and which now houses the Doll and Toy Museum.
Val Camonica (1h30 from Milan)
For trekking lovers, the Val Camonica is an unmissable gem. Not far from Lake Iseo and Brescia, it extends between…
