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Day trips from Milan to the northern Italian lakes
Milan is a vibrant metropolis with fashion, art and cuisine – but within easy reach, nature, tranquillity and dreamlike landscapes await. The Northern Italian Lakes are among the most beautiful excursion destinations in the country. Those who set off from the hotel between 8 and 10 in the morning can reach the idyllic shores by train or coach and return the same evening. The journeys are short, the connections frequent, and so even spontaneous plans can be easily implemented.
► The a&o Milano Ca Granda is an ideal starting point for this. The modern hotel and hostel is centrally located in Milan, from where the metro quickly takes guests to Milano Centrale station. This is where most trains depart that reach the famous lakes within one to two hours. So a city trip to Milan quite simply transforms into a varied nature and cultural experience holiday.
Lake Como – Elegance, history and film location
Lake Como is probably the most famous of the Northern Italian Lakes and has been a place of longing for travellers for centuries. Nestled between high mountains, it appears almost fjord-like, yet Mediterranean through its promenades with palms and oleanders. The city of Como impresses with a medieval old town, elegant squares and the imposing cathedral. From there, a historic funicular leads up to Brunate, where one can overlook the lake and the Alps. On the eastern shore lies Varenna, a romantic village with colourful houses directly by the water. From here, ferries depart for Bellagio, which with its winding staircases, flower balconies and luxury villas is considered the “Pearl of Lake Como”. No wonder Hollywood stars like George Clooney have their summer residences here – the atmosphere is unique.
Daily programme Lake Como:
- Morning: Journey to Como or Varenna, walk through the old town or along the shore
- Lunch: Lunch at Piazza Cavour (Como) or directly by the lakeshore in Varenna
- Afternoon: Excursion to Brunate by funicular or boat trip to Bellagio, return journey in the late afternoon
Lake Maggiore – Belle Époque and island dreams
Lake Maggiore is known for its elegant shoreline, magnificent villas and the famous Borromean Islands. The lake stretches from Lombardy across Piedmont into Switzerland, offering a mix of Italian dolce vita and international flair. Particularly charming is the town of Stresa, which can be reached from Milan by train in about an hour. Upon arrival, the eye falls on the magnificent grand hotels that recall the Belle Époque. From Stresa, boats depart for the three main islands – Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre – each with their very own character. On Isola Bella, a baroque palace with gardens full of exotic plants impresses, while Isola dei Pescatori with its fishing village and small restaurants exudes a cosy atmosphere. An excursion to Lake Maggiore combines culture, history and nature in the smallest of spaces.
Daily programme Lake Maggiore:
- Morning: Arrival in Stresa, walk along the elegant lakeside promenade
- Lunch: Boat excursion to Isola Bella, visit to the palace and gardens
- Afternoon: Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, snack or gelato, return to Milan in the early evening
Lake Garda – Mediterranean vibrancy at Italy's largest lake
Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and has its very own appeal with its mild climate and Mediterranean flair. Even at the stations of Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda, both less than an hour from Milan, one feels the special atmosphere. Lakeside promenades with palms, small harbours with colourful boats and historic squares invite you to stroll. Particularly well-known is the town of Sirmione, which lies on a narrow peninsula and impresses with its mighty Scaliger Castle as well as the Roman ruins of the “Grotte di Catullo”. Ice cream parlours, cafés and boutiques crowd the narrow alleys, while the water shimmers turquoise all around. Those who wish can take a boat trip around the peninsula or simply relax by the lakeshore. Lake Garda is a place that immediately conveys holiday mood – even if one only stays here for a few hours.
Daily programme Lake Garda:
- Morning: Journey to Desenzano, walk through the old town and harbour
- Lunch: Continue to Sirmione, lunch in a trattoria with lake view
- Afternoon: Visit to Scaliger Castle or boat trip around the peninsula, return journey in the afternoon
Lake Iseo – Small, original and surprising
Lake Iseo is considered an insider tip among the Northern Italian Lakes, as it is less well-known than its big brothers but just as charming. The journey leads via Brescia, where one changes to the regional train to Iseo. After about 90 minutes' journey, one stands in a charming small town with cosy cafés and a lively piazza. The lake itself appears quieter and more intimate, framed by green hills and vineyards. A special highlight is Monte Isola, Europe's largest inland island, which is completely car-free. Visitors can reach it by ship and explore it on foot or by bicycle. The small fishing villages, traditional osterias and panoramic view from the summit make this excursion unforgettable. Those who want to spend a day without hustle and bustle are exactly right at Lake Iseo.
Daily programme Lake Iseo:
- Morning: Journey to Iseo, walk through the old town
- Lunch: Boat trip to Monte Isola, lunch in an osteria with fish specialities
- Afternoon: Walk around the island or short hike, return in the late afternoon
Lake Orta – Romantic gem away from the crowds
Lake Orta is a small jewel that often stands in the shadow of its more famous neighbours, but it is precisely through this that it unfolds its charm. It lies west of Lake Maggiore and can be reached by train via Novara. From there, a short transfer takes visitors to the picturesque village of Orta San Giulio, which lies like an amphitheatre around the lake. Cobbled alleys, small squares and flower-decked balconies characterise the picture, and almost everywhere the view opens onto the glittering water. In the centre lies the tiny island of Isola San Giulio, which with a basilica and quiet monastery buildings exudes an almost mystical atmosphere. Lake Orta is perfect for guests who seek tranquillity and value romance. It is compact, charming and full of authentic impressions.
Daily programme Lake Orta:
- Morning: Journey to Orta San Giulio, walk through the picturesque alleys
- Lunch: Boat trip to Isola San Giulio, visit to the basilica
- Afternoon: Coffee or aperitivo with lake view, return to Milan in the early evening
Lugano – Swiss elegance meets Italian lifestyle
A very special day trip leads from Milan across the border into Switzerland, to Lugano. The city in Ticino can be reached by train in about 75 minutes and offers a unique mix: palms grow by the shore, while snow-capped Alps gleam in the background. The old town is well-maintained and elegant, with boutiques, cafés and a relaxed flair. The Parco Ciani, a well-maintained garden directly by the lake, invites you to linger, as does the long promenade that stretches along the shore. Culinary-wise, Lugano reflects both Italian and Swiss traditions – perfect for a special lunch. Whether boat trip on the lake or stroll through the alleys: Lugano feels like a small world trip, and yet one is back in Milan in time for dinner. It's just important to bring a valid ID or passport.
Daily programme Lugano:
- Morning: Walk along the lakeside promenade, gather first impressions
- Lunch: Risotto or pasta in a restaurant in the old town, shopping in elegant boutiques
- Afternoon: Visit to Parco Ciani or boat trip on the lake, return to Milan in the late afternoon
► Whether glamorous Lake Como, magnificent Lake Maggiore, Mediterranean Lake Garda, relaxed Iseo, romantic Lake Orta or elegant Lugano: from Milan, all these destinations are quickly reachable. Those who stay at the a&o Milano Ca Granda have the perfect starting point for their excursions. It starts between 8 and 10 in the morning, after a day full of discoveries one returns in the early evening – in time for dinner in Milan. This way, a city trip can quite easily be combined with nature, culture and dolce vita.
Day trips from Milan to the Northern Italian Lakes
| Destination | Journey time from Milan | Highlights | Recommended return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Como (Como / Varenna / Bellagio) | 40-60 min | Old town Como, Brunate funicular, lakeside promenade, boat to Bellagio/Menaggio | 17:30 - 18:30 |
| Lake Maggiore (Stresa) | 60 min | Belle-Époque flair, Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori) | 17:00 - 18:30 |
| Lake Garda (Desenzano / Sirmione) | 60-75 min | Sirmione Scaliger Castle, Roman ruins, promenades & harbours, boat tours | 17:30 - 18:30 |
| Lake Iseo (Iseo / Monte Isola) | 90 min | Car-free Monte Isola, cosy old town Iseo, quiet lake experience | 16:30 - 17:30 |
| Lake Orta (Orta San Giulio) | 90-100 min | Romantic alleys, Isola San Giulio (boat), cafés with lake view | 16:30 - 17:30 |
| Lugano (Switzerland) | 75 min | Elegant old town, Parco Ciani, long lakeside promenade, Italo-Swiss flair | 17:00 - 18:00 |
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