5+1 places to discover in a weekend gateway from Milan

Lake Como and Bellagio

Just an hour by train from Milan is the picturesque and well-known Lake Como, an ideal place to get away from the nature of the bustling city and discover another version of Italy. Surrounded by majestic mountains and elegant villas of footballers, celebrities, and millionaires, this spot has become a very popular destination for those looking to spend a day surrounded by elegance, luxury, and nature. There you can have lunch and take a boat ride while enjoying the fresh air and the alpine landscape it offers. Once there, don't miss a visit to Bellagio, a town known as the pearl of the lake, for its cobblestone streets, lush gardens, and dreamlike panoramic views.

Verona, the city of love

Two hours by train from Milan is Verona, the city famous for Shakespeare and his tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, a romance of which the city is witness and stage. Of course, one of the must-see sites is Juliet's House, where the heroine of this story is believed to have lived. In addition, you can get to know the Roman Amphitheater while walking through its typical squares and alleys, characteristics of Italian Renaissance architecture. 

Cinque Terre, a paradise on Earth

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the term Cinque Terre refers to a group of 5 coastal villages located in the Liguria region. This visit is a little further from Milan, about three hours, but it is worth every minute of the journey because from the moment you get on you will find panoramic views, mountains, green, blue, and sky blue that will be part of your list of unforgettable memories. Once there, we recommend getting lost in the narrow streets of Monterosso al Mare, admiring the cliffs of Vernazza, and trying the typical Mediterranean cuisine, because what more an ideal place to taste these flavors?

Bergamo

An hour by train from Milan will separate you from Bergamo, an ideal destination for lovers of history and architecture. Divided into two levels, the historic Upper Bergamo is a medieval gem with its cobbled streets, imposing walls, and the impressive Piazza Vecchia. You can take the funicular to Bergamo Bassa to enjoy the elegant boutiques and lively cafes. And don't miss the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Santa María Maggiore, with its impressive frescoes and panoramic views of the city's surroundings. 

Turin

Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, is a not-so-massive gem to discover in northern Italy. Its baroque architecture, its local gastronomy, and its museums with years of history offer a cultural experience different from that of the Italian metropolis, just as it is: regional and authentic. Note among your stops the Royal Palace of Turin, and the Egyptian Museum, and try the famous gianduja chocolate in the cafeteria in the city center that most catches your attention.

Discover Switzerland from Italy, non-stop

Lugano, a beautiful city in Switzerland, is just two hours by train from Milan and why not take the opportunity and spy a little on life in another country? On the shores of the picturesque Lake Lugano, the city, cosmopolitan in its location, combines Swiss elegance with Italian passion, creating a unique destination with a vibrant cultural mix. The palm tree-lined promenade, the old town and its cobbled alleys, and the views from Monte Brè are just some stops you should put on your city itinerary. And, of course, take the opportunity to taste some Swiss cuisine with an Italian touch, a unique combination in the world.

Milan, a city from which taking weekend getaways like a local!

From the serenity of Lake Como to the romance of Verona, passing through the spectacular Cinque Terre and the elegance of Bergamo and Lugano, you can visit all these incredible places on a 1, 2-day or weekend getaway, to discover the diversity and beauty of this area of ​​the world. Prepare your itinerary and choose your accommodation in Milan to have your home away from home.