Best Day Trips from Milan: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore & Bergamo

Milan's position at the foot of the Alps in the Lombardy plain makes it one of Europe's best-located cities for day trips — the Italian Lakes, the Dolomites, the Cinque Terre coast and medieval hilltop cities are all within 1-3 hours.

Lake Como (1 hour by train)

The most glamorous lake in the world — dramatic fjord-like arms of deep blue water ringed by mountains and historic villas. Varenna and Bellagio are the most beautiful villages. Take the train from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino (1 hour, €8) then a ferry between villages. Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) for gardens; Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) for movie-location glamour (scenes from Casino Royale and Star Wars filmed here).

Lake Maggiore (1 hour by train)

Larger and less touristy than Como — Stresa is the main town, with ferries to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella (a 17th-century baroque palace and terraced gardens emerging from the lake) is one of Italy's most extraordinary sights.

Bergamo (45 minutes by train)

A perfectly preserved medieval hilltop city — the Città Alta (upper town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Funicular from the lower town; walk the Venetian walls, visit the stunning Piazza Vecchia and eat caseì polenta and casoncelli pasta.