I will be in Milan for 5 days in early Oct./2019 at the end of a trek through Germany and seek some 1 day trips by train from Milan, not to the Lake country. Is Milan-Asti/Alba feasible by train in one day? I like Barolo wine and white truffles so that would be fun. Any other suggestions?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16687 posts
Bergamo is a really nice day trip. Città Alta, the old section up on top of the hill overlooking the newer town, is a fun and interesting walkabout. It's about an hour from Milan by train.
Posted by
Milan, Italy
308 posts
Alba is about 3 hour train ride and Asti is about 2 hours. Both require a train transfer. Asti seems like a better option as it requires less train time but that is your call. I LOVE Verona but it depends on the weather as mostly everything to see is outside. If it is cold and rainy, I wouldn't recommend it. October can be finicky on the weather. Mantova is totally underrated IMO, lots to see indoors if the weather is bad. It comes in as a close second to Verona. I agree with the Bergamo recommendation too. Bologna and Parma are good day trip options too. If you're a foodie, Parma is the tops.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I enjoyed a day in Brescia, in addition to the other towns mentioned. The historic center is a little more blended with the modern (unlike the hilltown of Bergamo Alta), but has a grand, stage-set quality (including the Fascist-era Post Office, not listed on the Michelin link above.
Posted by
Paris
7325 posts
In fair weather, Como town, Brunate village by funicular, and a quick hop by boat on the lake e.g. to Cernobbio is lovely.