Day trips from Milan
Are you planning to visit Milan? Take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como, which is only an hour away.
Milano’s position in Western Lombardy puts it within easy rich of several tourist destinations. Because Milano is the rail hub of northern Italy, all these places are easily accessible, and high-speed trains can take you on a day trip to Venice or Cinque Terre.
Milano is the perfect base to explore, whether for day trips or continuing your travels.
Travel tip: I’ve been using the Train Line app to purchase all tickets. Train Line is an official distributor of hundreds of operators, and it compares the lowest prices for trains and buses, along with the shortest trips.
Data Plan: Use AirAlo digital SIM card to stay connected and avoid high roaming bills. Available in 190+ countries and regions around the world. Your primary phone number remains connected so that you can receive phone calls, text messages, etc. The AirAlo provides the data plan so you can find your hotel, favorite cafe bar, restaurant, or call your loved ones.
Day trip from Milan to Lake Como
Bellagio and Varenna are among the most preferred destinations on Lake Como for a full-day tour. If you only have one day to explore the area, plan a whole day trip that includes a boat tour on Lake Como with a visit to Varenna and Bellagio.
Start the day with a direct train ride to Varenna from Milan Central Station. Varenna is one of the most picturesque Italian towns. Spend the morning in this little fishing village that boasts a charming network of cobbled lanes, art-filled churches, and spectacular villas. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds of tourists who prefer the lake’s largest city, Como, or its more famous neighbor, Bellagio.
Next, a boat tour is one of the best ways to discover Lake Como from the water. Varenna’s location is perfect to get a private boat tour to see Mennagio and all the famous beautiful villas on the Lake Como shore that ends in Bellagio.
Spend the afternoon at the Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio‘s picturesque and strategic location at the junction where the Y-shaped lake divides into two branches makes it one of the most sought-after destinations on Lake Como.
End the day with a ferry ride back to Varenna and a train to return to Milan.
Suppose you prefer an organized day trip to Lake Como. In that case, GetYourGuide offers unique full-day tours that include a boat ride on Lake Como and a visit to Bellagio and Varenna’s colorful villages.
From Milan to Varenna by train
The romantic town on Italy’s Lake Como has a pretty walkway looping throughout town, a lovely harbor with kayaks and restaurants, and charming medieval lanes. Varenna is a quieter version of Bellagio, smaller and more romantic, and it’s only an hour away from Milan, and trains run every hour.
What to see in Varenna
Varenna has one main square, called Pizza San Giorgio. The square is a short walk from the pier (ferry terminal) through the scenic and romantic Lovers’ Walk, a promenade above the lake’s edge leading to the heart of the historic center. The center has lots of with restaurants, cozy bars, and artisan shops.
You can head from the main square to explore the gardens, climb up to see the castle, or go back down to swim.
I suggest strolling through Villa Monastero, a beautiful mansion filled with late 18th-century antiques that once belonged to the De Marchi family. The villa lines the lake shore and has stunning lake views.
Lake Como boat tour
Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake. Admire the stunning alpine scenery from a luxurious boat tour. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the beautiful waterside properties. And this includes seeing the most impressive villa on the lake, Villa Balbianello. Once home to Italian aristocrats, the property in Leno has been used as a set for countless movies, including Star Wars and James Bond. Another great property to see is Villa Carlotta. Both villas have amazing, well-kept botanical gardens where you can easily spend hours admiring beautiful plants and flowers.
Bonus: great Instagram photos!
Lake Como to Bellagio
End the day in the romantic Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como. The best way to explore the town is by walking through the picturesque old town. Bellagio is situated on two levels: the lower side by the lake and the higher part that requires uphill walking on cobbled streets and staircases.
Things to do in Bellagio, Italy
One of the best things to do in Bellagio, Italy, is to enjoy an afternoon walk on the promenade. You can admire the colorful old town and the mountain peaks. Views from the Bellagio waterfront are amazing.
A short walk from the promenade is Villa Melzi. Built in the early 19th century, the estate includes a gorgeous botanical garden with many exotic trees and plants. The property will also give you spectacular views of Lake Como.
If you have free time, go shopping. Bellagio is a real shopper’s paradise, and you’ll find souvenir shops, local arts and crafts, and expensive designer boutiques. There are even VIP shopping tours!
Have you been to Lake Como? Share your favourite spot. We would love to hear.
Are you based in Milan and have more free time to explore? There are many choices for day trips from Milan.
