1-Week Travel Itineraries from Milan: 4 Unique Options

You booked your trip to Italy. You found a great round-trip flight to/from Milan. You have a week to soak up as much of Italy as you can.

You might be tempted to push yourself to go from Milan to Sicily with plenty of stops in between. And while it’s your trip and you can spend it however you please, I’m here to give you some alternatives.

Italy is a fantastically diverse country and offers far more than the 1% most tourists end up seeing. With so much natural beauty, picturesque towns and cities, and trains often connecting it all, you don’t need to stretch yourself thin to enjoy a great trip.

All of these itineraries will avoid daily commutes and the ones you do need to take will all be shorter than a few hours. Who wants to spend their vacation on transportation when you can spend it actually enjoying said vacation?

This is the last destination in this month's series. If you’re not using Milan as your hub (or if you have more time for your trip and can combine itineraries), don’t miss out previous itineraries around:

• Venice
• Naples
• Rome

But for today, let’s focus on Milan.

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Milan Travel Tips

Before I dive into the itineraries, there are a few things you’ll want to know about making Milan your hub:

• Milano Centrale (the main train station) is huge. You’ll need more time to find your platform than in any other train station in Italy.
• There are 2 international airports in Milan: Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN). MXP is bigger but LIN is closer to the city center. Both are connected by train and/or shuttle to Milano Centrale.
• This is the most metropolitan city in Italy and doesn’t really feel like the romanticized version of the country. While it has it’s own charm, it’s not what most imagine when visiting Italy. It’s important you have that in mind so you don’t expect it to be like Rome or Florence.

Full disclosure: while I’ve been to Milan, I haven’t spent more than a day here. Raf, however, has been a few times so I’m relying on him to help me describe the city and suggest things to do. Each of his visits though were work trips so truthfully, neither of us have done the lazy wanders or touristy bits.

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Itinerary #1: The Charming Version

Main Stops: Bergamo + Lake Iseo + Milan

• Day 1-3: Bergamo
• Day 3-5: Lake Iseo
• Day 5-7: Milan

This trip will take you to stunning, historic Bergamo and later for a few days at lesser-known Lake Iseo. From there, you’ll still get some time in Milan but the majority of your trip will be spent exploring places most don’t choose.

Bergamo

1 hour commute

I haven’t yet been to Bergamo but it’s high on my list. It’s a mid-size city located slightly northeast of Milan.

Uniquely the city is divided into two: Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town. The lower town is newer and more modern. It’s where the train station is. The upper town is the medieval fortress that’ll leave you soak in history, maze-like alleyways, and great views on a clear day.

To get to the upper town, I’ve heard it’s quite steep but doable on foot. Most choose the funicular but on a busy weekend, the lines here can get long. There are busses though as a plan C.

While I dream of spending most of my time in Bergamo in Città Alta, I’d still be interested in seeing Città Bassa. Apparently Via XX Septembre is the main shopping street in lower town, home to  a nice piazza and plenty of cafes.

Lake Iseo

1-2 hour commute

From Bergamo, you can visit Lake Iseo. This lake sits in between Lake Garda and Lake Como but is virtually unknown outside of Italy. We visited here for a day while staying in Brescia and while we got unlucky with heavy rain, I could still see the slight shape of the mountain backdrop and understand how beautiful it’d be on a clear day.

Iseo is the main town on the lake and from here you’d be able to either catch a train or ferry to other parts of the lake. Note that the ferry only runs in the summer. For a quicker commute from Bergamo, you can visit Sarnico instead but I think you’d miss out on the mountainous backdrop.

I’m really looking forward to the day I can go back to Lake Iseo and spend more time exploring it.

Milan

2 hour commute

I calculated this commute from Iseo but if you decide to stay elsewhere on the island, know that travel times might very. To get back to the city from Iseo, you will need to make a transfer, likely in Brescia.

I’ve heard mixed reviews of Milan. Some people really love it and some people consider the vacation days spent there wasted. I do think part of the negatively is unrealistic expectations but the other part is probably valid. You’re here for Italy and Milan isn’t the Italy you’ve built up in your head.

Even around the Duomo, the area considered the historical center, is still quite modern, especially compared to the rest of Italy. The whole city, at least the places we’ve seen, are pretty commercialized.

That said, since it’s your base, I’d still suggest spending at least one night here. First, that’ll save you the struggle of traveling far to catch your flight but also it’ll get you a chance to make your own impression of Milan.

However, if you’re a big city person, you might want to extend to add a few more nights here. For those that enjoy modern architecture, museums, and fashion, there’s a lot to entertain yourself with. I also imagine there’s more than enough options for lively nightlife here.

Although we haven’t written anything on Milan yet, Raf found this super in-depth Reddit post from a tour guide in Milan that dives way deeper than just the main attractions. If you’re planning some time in the city, this post is the right place to start.

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Itinerary #2: The Bougie Lake

Main Stops: Lake Como + Milan

• Day 1-4: Lake Como (or Lake Maggiore)
• Day 5: Day trip to Switzerland
• Day 6-7: Milan

This is for the one that wants to soak up the most well-known and most luxurious lake in Italy: Lake Como.

As an alternative, you could swap out Como for Lake Maggiore. The travel times and options are really similar - just swap out Stresa for Como (the town) and you can rinse and repeat the same tips. Lago Maggiore is known for being more family-friendly, less dramatic in views, but also more affordable than Lago di Como.

Lake Como

40 minutes - 1.5 hour commute

I can’t deny that Lake Como is beautiful. It really is. But it’s also very expensive, full of tourists, and far bougier than many other parts of Italy. It’s up to you to decide if that’s your cup of tea or not.

If it’s not, I highly recommend heading the advice of the alternative and going to Lago Maggiore instead.

But if Lake Como sounds delightful, here’s what you’ll need to know.

Getting here can be a little complicated, based on your final destination. I highly recommend picking a town on the lake as your base and making day trips from there, rather than packing up each day and commuting with your suitcase.

Lake Como looks like a wishbone that we can divide into 3 fingers: the northern one, the eastern one, and the western one. The northern finger is less accessible and less visited. Honestly, I haven’t been up there so if you’re looking for something unique, that area might not fit the description of the two southern fingers. The southern side of both the eastern and the entire western finger are all accessible by public transportation (either train or bus). The northern side of western finger (areas like Lenno) are best reached by ferry or car.

Most people get to where they’re staying by car (that’s what I did) and while that’s certainly the most convenient, the only warning I’d give is to not use your car once you arrive. Arrive easily and then leave it parked. The ferry (or train, based on where your staying) is a much easier and more enjoyable way to get around - no parking to deal with and great views included.

Although Bellagio is incredibly popular, I enjoyed using that town as a hub. We were able to enjoy the town in the morning and evening before day trippers and easily commute to other parts of the lake during the day.

During your time on Lake Como, I’d resist the urge to make any day trips off the lake but instead spend your time exploring it. From simply relaxing on one of the beaches in the summer, exploring by private boat, or hopping around the villas via ferry, you’ll find plenty to do.

I’ve written a few guides on Lake Como that should help with the rest of your planning process:

• How to Get to Lake Como: 3 Ways to Arrive
• The Perfect Weekend on Lake Como: 3-Day Travel Guide
• Lake Garda vs. Lake Como: Which to Choose for Your Vacation

Day Trip to Switzerland

35 minute commute

Note that this travel time is calculated from Como, the town, to Lugano, where there’s a direct train. If you’re staying elsewhere on the lake, you’ll have to get to Como’s S. Giovanni train station first.

Lugano is a Swiss town right on the border with Italy. It’s located on Lake Lugano and although I haven’t yet been to Switzerland, I know the idea of border-hopping on a trip is an exciting one for most non-Europeans.

If you want more time in Lugano, you can cut a night or two off your stay on Lake Como and spend them in Lugano, or elsewhere on the lake, instead. To get back to Milano Centrale from Lugano, there’s a direct train.

For those that like the idea of Lago Maggiore instead of Lago di Como, fear not, you can also visit Switzerland on your trip. The northern half of Maggiore is actually located in Switzerland. From what I can tell, the easiest way would be rental car but there might be a ferry in the summer that saves you the drive.

Milan

40 minutes - 1.5 hour commute

Getting back to Milan is pretty simple because all you need to do is reverse the route you took to arrive to Lake Como. From Milano Centrale, you can take a train, tram, bus, or walk to your hotel.

For how to entertain yourself in Milan, read the description under itinerary #1.

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Itinerary #3: The Sea Preferred

Main Stops: Cinque Terre + Genoa + Milan

• Day 1-5: Cinque Terre
• Day 5-6: Genoa
• Day 6-7: Milan

Similar to Lake Como, Cinque Terre is one of the most famous and photographed destinations in Italy. Although often lumped into one, Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is actually 5 towns squeezed in next to each other.

Cinque Terre

3 hour commute

This is the longest commute I’ll suggest but only because it’s A. the Italy you’ve been dreaming of and B. it’s an alternative to all the cities and lakes the other itineraries are full of.

Since it’s a 3 hour commute, I’m giving you more time to enjoy yourself once you arrive.

As I mentioned in the intro to this itinerary, Cinque Terre isn’t one place, it’s 5. From Milano Centrale, you’ll arrive to Monterosso. From Monterosso you can get between towns at your own pace, even by walking. It’s actually a popular walking trail to walk each day between each town, spending the night at different ones along the way. To me, this is likely how I’d choose to spend my time here but I do love a hike.

I have heard that this trail gets really crowded, especially in the summer, so plan accordingly. While off-season will be easier and better weather for the walks, you might lose the chance to swim and some places in town might be closed.

Don’t worry, you can also take the train, a bus, or ferry (spring-fall) that also will get you between the towns.

Genoa

1 hour commute

After enjoying your time in Cinque Terre, I’m suggesting you break up the trip back to Milan and check out Genoa for a night. Genoa is a shipping port so while on the water, don’t expect fantastic beaches. Instead, expect a living city that happens to be the home of focaccia and pesto (say less).

Milan

1 hour, 45 minute commute

From Genoa, you have a direct train to Milano Centrale. For how to entertain yourself in Milan, read the description under itinerary #1.

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Itinerary #4: The City Traveler

Main Stops: Turin + Milan

• Day 1-4: Turin
• Day 3: Day trip to Aosta/Barolo
• Day 4-7: Milan

For those that love cities, split your time between Turin (Torino) and Milan. From Turin, you can rent a car and visit the mountains of Aosta or the wineries of Barolo but otherwise, both cities have enough museums, attractions, and restaurants to keep the right person entertained.

Turin

1 hour commute

Turin, or Torino, has two train stations: Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. Porta Nuova is located in the city center but based on train times and where your hotel is, you might prefer arriving to Porta Susa instead.

I haven’t visited Turin but Raf has. One of his best friends from university lives there so he’s gone to visit him. While he really enjoyed himself, he did come home saying that it was likely not my ideal vacation spot.

Turin is great for those that want to see a more modern Italy. Where Milan is fancy, Turin is a little rugged, sometimes even grungy. Graffiti and stickers cover most walls and the driving etiquette matches Naples more than other northern cities.

That said, the city has a lot of personality. For people that enjoy urban environments, Torino has a lot going on. Plus, the direct hour commute from Milan makes it ideal for those that don’t want to go too far or even as a day trip if you decide to make Milan your base.

Day Trip Options: Aosta or Barolo

If you end up spending half your trip in Turin, you might be plenty entertained by just the city. But, if do want to see a little bit more, I recommend renting a car. From there, you can head north into the Aosta Valley for great mountains and charming villages or go south to Barolo for their famous wineries.

The drive to Aosta is a 1.5 hours. You’ll also be in the area of Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, which is a super stunning national park that I’ve been dreaming of visiting. For those that’d like a day on the trails or to see nothing but wild landscapes, you’ll love it.

Another option is for those that love a good wine. Just outside of Turin is Barolo, the town that produces Barolo (if you hadn’t already guessed). Barolo is just about an hour drive south. From there, I’d recommend a vineyard or two. If you plan on taste testing heavily, stay the night at one of them so you don’t have to worry about the drive back into the city.

Milan

1 hour commute (or 2-2.5 if you’re coming from from Aosta or Barolo)

I’d recommend renting the car in Turin, even if that means adding an extra stop on your way back to Milan. You should have plenty of rental car options from the train station though so you can drop your car and hop right on the train to Milan.

Since this itinerary is for the city lovers, I’ve given you more time here. I’d highly recommend consulting the Reddit post I shared in itinerary #1 to give you a deeper dive into the city and how to spend your time here.

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Which Milan Itinerary Will You Choose?

By either grabbing one these or using it as a starting point, I’m hoping you got some good ideas on how to build your Italian trip starting and ending from Milan, without feeling the need to fly or train it to the other end of the country.

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