Quick escapes
Informazioni sulla città/località
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it is undeniably beautiful. It is a mixture of mountains along the shores of the northern part of the lake to a wider, open, and flatter southern part of the lake.
Within the lake itself, there are several islands varying in size, some of which have partially inhabited over history and are now home to grand villas and religious buildings with fascinating stories of their history. On the southern end of the lake is the impressive town of Sirmione. The area the town is in has had evidence of human activity dating back over 7000 years, with Lugana Vecchia (part of the Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps UNESCO World Heritage sites) allowing you to get up close to the remains of a prehistoric settlement, where the inhabitants built raised structures.
During the Roman era, the town was a playground for rich Roman families. However, toward the end of the Roman empire, the town became a strategic ground and continued to be used by various rulers as a military stronghold on Lake Garda.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it is undeniably beautiful. It is a mixture of mountains along the shores of the northern part of the lake to a wider, open, and flatter southern part of the lake.
Within the lake itself, there are several islands varying in size, some of which have partially inhabited over history and are now home to grand villas and religious buildings with fascinating stories of their history.
An amazing example of the strategic role the town has played is the Scaligero Castle, a castle that sits right on the port and is home to a small museum.
After exploring the town’s deep history, I highly recommend going to one of the town’s spas to enjoy a thermal bath.
The train journey to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione takes 50-80 minutes, with tickets starting from 9.30 euros.
382 recommandé par les habitants
Sirmione
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it is undeniably beautiful. It is a mixture of mountains along the shores of the northern part of the lake to a wider, open, and flatter southern part of the lake.
Within the lake itself, there are several islands varying in size, some of which have partially inhabited over history and are now home to grand villas and religious buildings with fascinating stories of their history. On the southern end of the lake is the impressive town of Sirmione. The area the town is in has had evidence of human activity dating back over 7000 years, with Lugana Vecchia (part of the Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps UNESCO World Heritage sites) allowing you to get up close to the remains of a prehistoric settlement, where the inhabitants built raised structures.
During the Roman era, the town was a playground for rich Roman families. However, toward the end of the Roman empire, the town became a strategic ground and continued to be used by various rulers as a military stronghold on Lake Garda.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it is undeniably beautiful. It is a mixture of mountains along the shores of the northern part of the lake to a wider, open, and flatter southern part of the lake.
Within the lake itself, there are several islands varying in size, some of which have partially inhabited over history and are now home to grand villas and religious buildings with fascinating stories of their history.
An amazing example of the strategic role the town has played is the Scaligero Castle, a castle that sits right on the port and is home to a small museum.
After exploring the town’s deep history, I highly recommend going to one of the town’s spas to enjoy a thermal bath.
The train journey to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione takes 50-80 minutes, with tickets starting from 9.30 euros.
The third biggest lake in Italy, Lake Como has a glacial origin and boasts stunning alpine scenery. Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe. The depth of the lake gives it an amazing deep blue color that perfectly contrasts the lush green hillsides of the mountains that surround it. With its typical Y shape, it is surrounded by beautiful villages, such as Bellagio and Varenna, and many villas, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero or Villa del Balbaniello.
Arriving from Milan to Lake Como, you will be taken aback by just how picturesque this lake is and how charming this lakeside city is. From Como itself, you can only see a small portion of the lake, which is oddly shaped, kind of like a person running.
In the city of Como, there are plenty of things to do. You can walk along the edge of the lake, where the Italian elite have had huge impressive villas built over the years. As you walk west along the shore of the lake, you can watch seaplanes take off and land.
To the east of Como there is a funicular railway that will take you to the mountaintop town of Burate, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the city.
Food-wise in Como, I advise avoiding the tourist traps by the lake head into the town where you will find more local places.
To see more of the lake itself, I recommend taking the boat to Bellagio since the small, famous town is perched in the middle point of the fork and provides amazing views of all parts of the lake.
There are a few boat choices to head out to Bellagio- the short, 45-minute hydrofoil that will speed through the water, zooming past many of the sites.
Or alternatively, the two-hour ferry that cruises along stopping at many of the small towns and provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the views as you bob along to Bellagio.
To maximize time, I recommend taking the hydrofoil on the way back as you will have enjoyed the scenery on the way there. Bellagio itself is a stunning town with quaint winding streets and exceptional views over the lake.
The train journey to Como takes 40-60 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.80 euros.
393 recommandé par les habitants
Como
The third biggest lake in Italy, Lake Como has a glacial origin and boasts stunning alpine scenery. Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe. The depth of the lake gives it an amazing deep blue color that perfectly contrasts the lush green hillsides of the mountains that surround it. With its typical Y shape, it is surrounded by beautiful villages, such as Bellagio and Varenna, and many villas, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero or Villa del Balbaniello.
Arriving from Milan to Lake Como, you will be taken aback by just how picturesque this lake is and how charming this lakeside city is. From Como itself, you can only see a small portion of the lake, which is oddly shaped, kind of like a person running.
In the city of Como, there are plenty of things to do. You can walk along the edge of the lake, where the Italian elite have had huge impressive villas built over the years. As you walk west along the shore of the lake, you can watch seaplanes take off and land.
To the east of Como there is a funicular railway that will take you to the mountaintop town of Burate, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the city.
Food-wise in Como, I advise avoiding the tourist traps by the lake head into the town where you will find more local places.
To see more of the lake itself, I recommend taking the boat to Bellagio since the small, famous town is perched in the middle point of the fork and provides amazing views of all parts of the lake.
There are a few boat choices to head out to Bellagio- the short, 45-minute hydrofoil that will speed through the water, zooming past many of the sites.
Or alternatively, the two-hour ferry that cruises along stopping at many of the small towns and provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the views as you bob along to Bellagio.
To maximize time, I recommend taking the hydrofoil on the way back as you will have enjoyed the scenery on the way there. Bellagio itself is a stunning town with quaint winding streets and exceptional views over the lake.
The train journey to Como takes 40-60 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.80 euros.
The second-largest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore is a lovely place and it is not far from Milan. There are beautiful villages surrounding the lake that you could visit as Stresa and Laverno or Locarno. With the alpine setting, the best way to enjoy the wonders of this place is by taking a panoramic boat cruise. You will admire the three picturesque Borromean Islands: the elegant Isola Bella, the exotic Isola Madre, and the timeless Isola dei Pescatori. Their gardens and villas were realized by the best architects and gardeners in the 16th and the 17th centuries. In addition, a stunning view is also offered from Mount Mottarone, named “the Mountain of the Two Lakes”, because of its position in between Lake Maggiore and the near Lake Orta.
The train journey to Stresa takes 60-90 minutes, with tickets starting from 8.60 euros.
204 recommandé par les habitants
Stresa
The second-largest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore is a lovely place and it is not far from Milan. There are beautiful villages surrounding the lake that you could visit as Stresa and Laverno or Locarno. With the alpine setting, the best way to enjoy the wonders of this place is by taking a panoramic boat cruise. You will admire the three picturesque Borromean Islands: the elegant Isola Bella, the exotic Isola Madre, and the timeless Isola dei Pescatori. Their gardens and villas were realized by the best architects and gardeners in the 16th and the 17th centuries. In addition, a stunning view is also offered from Mount Mottarone, named “the Mountain of the Two Lakes”, because of its position in between Lake Maggiore and the near Lake Orta.
The train journey to Stresa takes 60-90 minutes, with tickets starting from 8.60 euros.
Split into two sections, the city of Bergamo has an impressive old town (Città Alta) that is perched on the top of a hill while the newer modern town is at the foot of the hill.
From the new town, there are fantastic views up into the old town that imposes itself over the city. The two parts of Bergamo are connected by roads, walkways, and a great funicular railway that takes you right into the heart of the old town.
Recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the old town has a different vibe to it, compared to other old towns in Europe and Italy.
There are old stunning example of medieval architecture, but in that mix is a vibrant, youthful undercurrent of hip and cool shops and cafes. It makes for the perfect mix, as every twist and turn brings something new and exciting.
The newer part of Bergamo isn’t quite as interesting but there are still many nice buildings to see and lots of places to eat and drink at. The food in Bergamo is brilliant and I highly recommend spending some time eating regional dishes while you are there.
The train journey to Bergamo takes 50-70 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.80 euros.
200 recommandé par les habitants
Bergamo
Split into two sections, the city of Bergamo has an impressive old town (Città Alta) that is perched on the top of a hill while the newer modern town is at the foot of the hill.
From the new town, there are fantastic views up into the old town that imposes itself over the city. The two parts of Bergamo are connected by roads, walkways, and a great funicular railway that takes you right into the heart of the old town.
Recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the old town has a different vibe to it, compared to other old towns in Europe and Italy.
There are old stunning example of medieval architecture, but in that mix is a vibrant, youthful undercurrent of hip and cool shops and cafes. It makes for the perfect mix, as every twist and turn brings something new and exciting.
The newer part of Bergamo isn’t quite as interesting but there are still many nice buildings to see and lots of places to eat and drink at. The food in Bergamo is brilliant and I highly recommend spending some time eating regional dishes while you are there.
The train journey to Bergamo takes 50-70 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.80 euros.
The seaside town of Camogli is the perfect antidote to landlocked Milan. It offers trompe l'oeil palazzi, pine forests and azure water in spades. While nearby Portofino is a popular spot among luxury travelers, this equally pretty town retains a more working-class feel and doesn’t get quite as crowded, which is why in the summer it’s filled with well-heeled Milanese and Turinese who come on their annual holiday for some peace and quiet. (As they always say, the best travel finds come when you go where the locals go.)
If you love hiking, try the trail from Camogli to the 10th-century San Fruttuoso. The abbey is in a stunning location, abutting a small pebble beach and with a hillside forest as its backdrop. Only accessible by foot or by boat, San Fruttuoso feels like a hidden paradise.
The train journey to Camogli-S. Fruttuoso takes 120-180 minutes, with tickets starting from 15 euros (I recommend the intercity train option to avoid crowds on regional trains).
303 recommandé par les habitants
Camogli
The seaside town of Camogli is the perfect antidote to landlocked Milan. It offers trompe l'oeil palazzi, pine forests and azure water in spades. While nearby Portofino is a popular spot among luxury travelers, this equally pretty town retains a more working-class feel and doesn’t get quite as crowded, which is why in the summer it’s filled with well-heeled Milanese and Turinese who come on their annual holiday for some peace and quiet. (As they always say, the best travel finds come when you go where the locals go.)
If you love hiking, try the trail from Camogli to the 10th-century San Fruttuoso. The abbey is in a stunning location, abutting a small pebble beach and with a hillside forest as its backdrop. Only accessible by foot or by boat, San Fruttuoso feels like a hidden paradise.
The train journey to Camogli-S. Fruttuoso takes 120-180 minutes, with tickets starting from 15 euros (I recommend the intercity train option to avoid crowds on regional trains).
The stomping ground of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, Verona is so much more than the setting of a Renaissance ill-fated romance. It boasts quaint architectural wonders such as the Castelvecchio fortress, the quintessentially Italianate garden Giardino Giusti (a favorite of Mozart and Goethe), the second-century-AD arena and Piazza delle Erbe, with its town hall (complete with a tower, Torre dei Lamberti), its baroque masterpiece Palazzo Maffei and its baroque fountain, whose statue called Madonna Verona dated to the fourth century AD.
The train journey to Verona takes 70-110 minutes, with tickets starting from 13 euros.
681 recommandé par les habitants
Vérone
The stomping ground of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, Verona is so much more than the setting of a Renaissance ill-fated romance. It boasts quaint architectural wonders such as the Castelvecchio fortress, the quintessentially Italianate garden Giardino Giusti (a favorite of Mozart and Goethe), the second-century-AD arena and Piazza delle Erbe, with its town hall (complete with a tower, Torre dei Lamberti), its baroque masterpiece Palazzo Maffei and its baroque fountain, whose statue called Madonna Verona dated to the fourth century AD.
The train journey to Verona takes 70-110 minutes, with tickets starting from 13 euros.
In just a short time, you can travel to Pavia, making it an ideal day trip from Milan. Once you’re in Pavia, you’ll be able to take things slow, soaking in the medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as the vibrant outdoor markets.
A highlight of any visit to Pavia is a walk across the Ponte Coperto, a stunning bridge that provides you with great views, and equally great photo ops, of the city. Then, make your way to historic landmarks like the Basilica San Michele Maggiore, the Duomo Di Pavia and the Basilica di San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, three incredibly important religious structures in the heart of the city. Right outside the city of Pavia, you’ll want to check out the Certosa di Pavia, a 14th-century monastic complex originally intended for Carthusian monks. Its highly ornate style, replete with carvings and reliefs, combines both Gothic and Renaissance influences. Don’t miss the cloisters, which are in full bloom in the warmer months.
The train journey to Pavia takes 20-30 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.10 euros.
74 recommandé par les habitants
Pavia
In just a short time, you can travel to Pavia, making it an ideal day trip from Milan. Once you’re in Pavia, you’ll be able to take things slow, soaking in the medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as the vibrant outdoor markets.
A highlight of any visit to Pavia is a walk across the Ponte Coperto, a stunning bridge that provides you with great views, and equally great photo ops, of the city. Then, make your way to historic landmarks like the Basilica San Michele Maggiore, the Duomo Di Pavia and the Basilica di San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, three incredibly important religious structures in the heart of the city. Right outside the city of Pavia, you’ll want to check out the Certosa di Pavia, a 14th-century monastic complex originally intended for Carthusian monks. Its highly ornate style, replete with carvings and reliefs, combines both Gothic and Renaissance influences. Don’t miss the cloisters, which are in full bloom in the warmer months.
The train journey to Pavia takes 20-30 minutes, with tickets starting from 4.10 euros.
Home to the Italian royal family, Turin is perhaps not as famous as many other Italian cities but the setting is pleasant with the Italian Alps visible in the distance. You should visit the former royal residence called the Palazzo Madama, and tour the opulent rooms filled with Baroque furniture, gold details and lush tapestries.
Dine at one of the upscale eateries located in the Piazza Carignano, and then head to the many bars and lounges located next to the banks of the River Po. If you want to do some souvenir shopping, but can’t afford the upscale boutique prices, then swing by the Porta Palazzo street market instead.
You can visit one of the city’s historic cafés, which were revolutionary and literary hotbeds in the 19th century. The refined Baratti & Milano, complete with crystal chandeliers and bow-tied bartenders, is a prime example of Turin’s unique café heritage.
The train journey to Torino takes 60-110 minutes, with tickets starting from 13 euros.
293 recommandé par les habitants
Turin
Home to the Italian royal family, Turin is perhaps not as famous as many other Italian cities but the setting is pleasant with the Italian Alps visible in the distance. You should visit the former royal residence called the Palazzo Madama, and tour the opulent rooms filled with Baroque furniture, gold details and lush tapestries.
Dine at one of the upscale eateries located in the Piazza Carignano, and then head to the many bars and lounges located next to the banks of the River Po. If you want to do some souvenir shopping, but can’t afford the upscale boutique prices, then swing by the Porta Palazzo street market instead.
You can visit one of the city’s historic cafés, which were revolutionary and literary hotbeds in the 19th century. The refined Baratti & Milano, complete with crystal chandeliers and bow-tied bartenders, is a prime example of Turin’s unique café heritage.
The train journey to Torino takes 60-110 minutes, with tickets starting from 13 euros.
Monza offers fun and beauties of all kinds that you can visit in a single day, a small treasure trove of history and art. Its beauties are concentrated near the characteristic historic center. From the Duomo to the Villa Reale, you can get lost walking through the streets and parks. You walk accompanied by historical figures who have made it great and who have left traces of their deeds in the precious remarks.
Although the primary attractions are the villa, the park, and the racetrack, there is plenty to see in the city center, so you can easily make a day or afternoon trip from Milan.
The train journey to Monza takes 10-20 minutes, and the ticket costs 2.40 euros (you can buy it at the metro station, ask for the Mi4 metro ticket).
115 recommandé par les habitants
Monza
Monza offers fun and beauties of all kinds that you can visit in a single day, a small treasure trove of history and art. Its beauties are concentrated near the characteristic historic center. From the Duomo to the Villa Reale, you can get lost walking through the streets and parks. You walk accompanied by historical figures who have made it great and who have left traces of their deeds in the precious remarks.
Although the primary attractions are the villa, the park, and the racetrack, there is plenty to see in the city center, so you can easily make a day or afternoon trip from Milan.
The train journey to Monza takes 10-20 minutes, and the ticket costs 2.40 euros (you can buy it at the metro station, ask for the Mi4 metro ticket).
Varenna is an iconic lakefront community of Como Lake. You can visit the opulent Villa Monastero or simply relax by the lake at Lido di Varenna. You can also take a beautiful walk along the lakefront from the large boat dock to the water taxi dock, from where you can take a ferry or a taxi boat to get to other wonderful lakefront towns such as Menaggio or Bellagio.
Varenna is directly accessible by train from Milano Centrale train station. In just about one hour the train will drop you off very close to the lake shore.
You can get to Varenna easily by local train from Milano Central station. Trains are frequent and the ride is very short.
If you like hiking, from Varenna you can take the 'Sentiero del Viandante', a long-distance trail that runs along the Eastern shore of Lake Como, passing through a number of picturesque villages. The trail, about 45 km (28 mi. ) long, was not built on purpose for the hikers' pleasure; rather, it connects each other a number of old footpaths and mule tracks that locals have used for centuries to walk from one village to another, or from home to farms and fields up the mountain.
It is a true voyage of discovery, of a fascinating region and its history and culture.
Although the trail is technically easy, good walking shoes are recommended.
The train journey to Varenna-Esino takes 60 minutes, ticket is 6.80 euros.
395 recommandé par les habitants
Varenna
Varenna is an iconic lakefront community of Como Lake. You can visit the opulent Villa Monastero or simply relax by the lake at Lido di Varenna. You can also take a beautiful walk along the lakefront from the large boat dock to the water taxi dock, from where you can take a ferry or a taxi boat to get to other wonderful lakefront towns such as Menaggio or Bellagio.
Varenna is directly accessible by train from Milano Centrale train station. In just about one hour the train will drop you off very close to the lake shore.
You can get to Varenna easily by local train from Milano Central station. Trains are frequent and the ride is very short.
If you like hiking, from Varenna you can take the 'Sentiero del Viandante', a long-distance trail that runs along the Eastern shore of Lake Como, passing through a number of picturesque villages. The trail, about 45 km (28 mi. ) long, was not built on purpose for the hikers' pleasure; rather, it connects each other a number of old footpaths and mule tracks that locals have used for centuries to walk from one village to another, or from home to farms and fields up the mountain.
It is a true voyage of discovery, of a fascinating region and its history and culture.
Although the trail is technically easy, good walking shoes are recommended.
The train journey to Varenna-Esino takes 60 minutes, ticket is 6.80 euros.
Mantova is fabled for its understated charm and fabulous food.
Although not on the popular tourist trail, for the discerning traveler the city, with its medieval cloak still almost intact, is an intriguing destination.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimonies of urban, architectonic and artistic realizations of the Renaissance period. The Latin poet Virgil, the Gonzaga Family and the artist Mantegna are perhaps the most famous names. But Mantova is also surrounded on three sides by lagoon-like lakes, smothered in blooming lotus in mid-summer, giving this atmospheric old town an incomparable charm!
Experience a magnificent cruise on the Mincio River and get enchanted by the impressive city skyline and by the panoramic views of its green landscapes!
Then walk around the narrow medieval streets of the city center and enjoy its lovely squares, where both locals and visitors meet night and day!
The train journey to Mantova takes 2h, the ticket is 11.50 euros.
232 recommandé par les habitants
Mantua
Mantova is fabled for its understated charm and fabulous food.
Although not on the popular tourist trail, for the discerning traveler the city, with its medieval cloak still almost intact, is an intriguing destination.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimonies of urban, architectonic and artistic realizations of the Renaissance period. The Latin poet Virgil, the Gonzaga Family and the artist Mantegna are perhaps the most famous names. But Mantova is also surrounded on three sides by lagoon-like lakes, smothered in blooming lotus in mid-summer, giving this atmospheric old town an incomparable charm!
Experience a magnificent cruise on the Mincio River and get enchanted by the impressive city skyline and by the panoramic views of its green landscapes!
Then walk around the narrow medieval streets of the city center and enjoy its lovely squares, where both locals and visitors meet night and day!
The train journey to Mantova takes 2h, the ticket is 11.50 euros.