The 11 best out-of-town trips near Milan

A few kilometers from Milan, the city of Monza is known for its fenced-in park, the largest in Europe.

In addition, in the park you can visit theAutodromo Nazionale Monza, one of the world's most famous racing circuits.

On a day trip, you can stroll through the historic center between the Argentario Palace and the Ponte dei Leoni or visit the Villa Reale, accessible at a price starting at 10€ per person.

Distance from Milan: 20 km
Distance bycar: 45 minutes
Distance by transportation: 60 minutes

In Como you can spend a day with friends by visiting Como Cathedral in the historic center or taking a boat ride.

If, on the other hand, you want to opt for a stroll along the lakefront, we suggest strolling westward to Villa Olmo, a historic villa overlooking the lake.

Going eastward, on the other hand, you can get as far as the Como-Brunate funicular. From here, every 15 minutes, you can ride up to get a panoramic view of the entire Lake.

Distance from Milan: 50 km
Distance bycar: 60 minutes
Distance by transportation: 40 minutes

For wine lovers, a great idea is to spend a day in Franciacorta. Located between Lake Iseo and Brescia, this location is renowned for its many wineries and wineries.

We suggest you try a wine tasting with a guided tour of the winery or take a lunch or picnic among the vineyards, a perfect activity for the warmer seasons.

Franciacorta is also known for the 80-kilometer-long Strada del Vino, which connects Brescia to Lake Iseo.

Distance from Milan: 80 km
Distance bycar: 60 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Varenna is a small town overlooking Lake Como, which can be easily visited in a day.

Here you can visit Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. These two period villas are surrounded by a botanical garden that is always open to the public from spring to fall at a price of 10€ per person.

In addition, in Varenna you can take the Lovers' Walk, visit Vezio Castle or take a boat tour.

Distance from Milan: 75 km
Distance by car: 1 hour and 15 minutes
DIstance by transportation: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Bellagio is a perfect destination for a day on Lake Como. Here you can choose to stroll through its historic center, visit the gardens of Villa Melzi or the park of Villa Serbelloni, both of which can be visited for a fee of about €10.

In addition, there are two small villages within walking distance: the village of Pescallo and the ancient hamlet of Loppia, known for its dock and Lucie, historic fishing boats.

Finally, among the things to do in Bellagio, you can opt for a boat ride or take an approximately 30-minute ferry, available every hour, to visit Varenna or Menaggio.

Distance from Milan: 70 km
Distance bycar: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Morimondo Abbey is located southwest of Milan and is an architectural complex consisting of a church and a monastery with a cloister. The structure also houses two museums: the Abbey Museum and the Angelo Comolli Civic Museum.

Visiting the abbey takes about an hour, and the church is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the monastery complex has different hours depending on the day and is accessible only by reservation.

Distance from Milan: 40 km
Distance bycar: 55 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Two cities not far from Milan and ideal for an out-of-town trip are Crema and Cremona, both easily reached by car or train.

Crema has a historic center full of medieval buildings. Here you cannot miss the museum of Sant'Agostino and the sanctuary of Santa Maria della Croce, while if you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping and scenic experience, you can opt for a hot air balloon ride over Crema with views of the Po Valley.

About 40 km from Crema, on the other hand, you will find Cremona. Here, you can visit the Violin Museum for a price of €10 per person or take a tour of the Piazza del Comune, with the Torrazzo and the Duomo.

Distance from Milan to Crema / Cremona: 50 km / 90 km
Distance bycar: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 10 minutes / 1 hour and 45 minutes

Montevecchia, in the Brianza region of Lecco, is home to the Montevecchia and Curone Valley Regional Park, which covers about 3,000 hectares.

The park includes 11 itineraries suitable for adults and children, including the Prati Magri Trail that will let you explore the famous pyramids. During your walks in the park, we recommend stopping for lunch at the Montevecchia Terraces, which offer panoramic views of the entire park.

Among the attractions not to be missed, we recommend the Church of San Giovanni Battista Martire and Villa Agnesi Albertoni, home of the famous mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi. Montevecchia is also known for its Ethnographic Museum, accessible every day except Mondays and Thursdays at a price of 2€ per person.

Distance from Milan: 35 km
Distance bycar: 45 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Bergamo is a great idea for a day trip out of town and for original experiences such as a horseback ride through the hills. The Upper Town, its oldest part, is accessible by funicular railway (or on foot), open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, with a ticket of €2.00 per person.

Piazza Vecchia, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Civic Tower, is the heart of the Upper Town. Then don't miss the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a Romanesque church accessible free of charge every day.

Going up Bergamo Alta you can visit the Rocca, from the Habsburg era, and have a panoramic view of the city.

Distance from Milan: 65 km
Distance bycar: 60 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Lake Iseo, between Bergamo and Brescia, offers wonderful landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities such as horseback riding and boat trips.

We recommend visiting borgo di Iseo, with its historic center, Oldofredi Castle and Pieve di Sant'Andrea. Then, you can continue to Lovere, a village famous for its lakefront, and to the Church of Santa Maria in Valvendra.

Finally, several mini-cruises depart from Iseo that will take you across the islands of the Lake, such as Monte Isola, Loreto, and San Paolo, with the possibility of an aperitif at sunset.

Distance from Milan: 80 km
Distance bycar: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Sirmione is located on the southern shore of Lake Garda and can be easily visited in a day with a walk through the old town, exploring the Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus.

In the summer, on the other hand, we recommend relaxing on one of the town's beaches, such as Giamaica Beach or Lido delle Bionde, or having a drink on a boat exploring the Sirmione Peninsula.

To end your day, we recommend dining at the typical fish restaurant Casa dei Pescatori, which offers a splendid view of the Lake.

Distance from Milan: 130 km
Distance by car: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Distance by transportation: 1 hour and 30 minutes