I will be in Milan in April and I am wondering what the best day trips are. Lake Como looks good, was wondering what other towns are best. How feasible is it to visit the Cinque Terre or Switzerland? Also wondering what the weather is like in these areas in late April.
Posted by
Plano, TX, USA
18 posts
You can take a day trip to Lake Lugano in Switzerland. If you decides to do that then you may save money by buying your food and drinks in Milan and taking it with you as Switzerland is very expensive.
Posted by
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
430 posts
If you are a foodie -- and want a gastronomic tour de force.... PARMA!
1h 15m by ES train -- 26,50 / 19,00 Euro (1st Cl / 2nd Cl, each way)
1h 30m by IC train -- 19 / 14 Euro (1st / 2nd, each way)
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, USA
11 posts
Those both sound great, will keep in mind costs. I hadn't heard of Parma before, but after a quick google search, I'm definitely going to have to check it out!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Cinque Terre is 3.0-3.5 hours each way, so a bit far for a day trip. Verona is another good option near Milan, 1 hr 22 min and EUR 17.50 each way.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Meaghan,
Some day trips that are reasonably easy from Milan:
Lago di Como / Varenna: about one hour by train. While there you can take the Ferry to Bellagio or other nearby spots for a quick tour. I paid a return visit to Varenna in June, and scheduled a late return to Milan so that I could enjoy a fine hot meal at Albergo Olivedo. The Ravioli was excellent! Dining doesn't open until 19:00 as I recall.
Lago Maggiore / Stresa: again, about one hour. While there you could tour one or two of the Borromeo Islands (one has beautiful gardens, complete with Peacocks) and possibly a quick trip on the Gondola to Mt. Mottarone. If you had a few days to spend in Stresa, the day trip to Locarno (Switzerland) via the scenic Cento Valli railway is great (return to Stresa by boat).
Verona: another nice town, not too far from Milan. You could walk to Piazza Bra, however Bus or Taxi would be easier. Tour Piazza Bra, the Castle, Piazza Erbe and of course the fictitious Romeo & Juliet garden and balcony.
Lugano: if you want to visit Switzerland, this is one of the closest towns.
Happy travels!