Top Milan Day Trips

Milan is a short train, bus, or car ride away from striking mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, and some of Italy's most charming cities. According to traveler reviews, these guided day trips are the best:

• Bernina Express Tour Swiss Alps & St Moritz from Milan
• Milan Bernina Scenic Train Ride on the Swiss Alps. Small-Group
• Lake Como, Lugano, and Swiss Alps. Exclusive Small Group Tour
• Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan
• Lake Como Beautiful Landscapes

Yes, Milan day trips are worth it. While the city is home to great shopping, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous art and architecture, it also boasts access to beautiful natural scenery and lesser-known destinations. Escape the big city on a convenient day trip to peaceful Lake Como or under-the-radar Cremona.

Guided Milan day trip prices vary based on the destination and itinerary, but you can expect to spend US$100–US$150 for most full-day group tours. The fee typically covers round-trip transportation and activities like walking tours and boat cruises but not food and drinks.

Milan is within a 75-minute train ride of beloved Italian cities like Bologna, Verona, Bergamo, and Turin. With trains to Como and Varenna, Milan is also an easy home base for day trips to Lake Como and the Italian-speaking lakeside city of Lugano in Switzerland.

Yes, you can do a day trip to Switzerland from Milan. If you’re traveling alone, taking the 75-minute train from Milan to Lugano is the easiest option. You could also sign up for a guided day trip; a popular option is to join a tour group on the scenic Bernina Express train for views of the Swiss Alps and beyond.

Yes, you can easily take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como. Direct trains from Milan can get you to the lakeside towns of Como, Lecco, and Varenna in an hour or less. If you prefer to join a tour group, several guided day trips go to Lake Como from Milan and often include boat cruises.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Milan aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Cooking Classes

• Wine-Tasting Tours

• Private Drivers

• Rail Tours

• Night Tours

Milan day trip prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• From Milan Fidenza Shopping Express The Bicester Collection

• Serravalle Outlet Shopping Mall Shuttle Bus

• Lake Como Experience. Very Small-Group from Milan

• From Milan: Como and Bellagio Day Trip with Scenic Lake Cruise

• Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise, and Landscapes

Do some research to get a feel for your many options—Milan day trips range from wine tasting in the Piedmont countryside to relaxed boat cruises on Lake Como and scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps. You should be able to find something suited to your budget and interests, whether you’d prefer a private tour of Venice or a group day trip to Verona and Lake Garda.

Many Milan day trips are full-day excursions that give you free time for lunch and sightseeing in a couple of different towns, so be sure to ask your guide about the best things to do in your destination. Dress for the weather, too; northern Italy tends to be chillier, and some day trips head to higher altitudes in Switzerland.

Aim to plan your excursion for early fall or late spring, when you can enjoy warm weather without the summer crowds in and around Milan. These seasons should be ideal for most Milan day trips, whether checking out the fall grape harvest at Barolo vineyards or visiting the blossoming gardens around Lake Como.