Italy has some of the most incredible destinations to visit. A great way to see it all is to take a day trip from a major city! The best day trips in Italy can be from Milan and Rome. Destinations can include Lake Como, Monza, Pompeii, and much more! Learn more about them on the blog!
Day Trips From Milan
Milan is an amazing city to explore and I highly recommend planning a day just to see all the major sights! If you are an art lover, Leonardo di Vinci’s vineyards are the perfect place to start! If you are into fashion visit the oldest shopping gallery in Italy! Milan is also a perfect central location for awesome day trips throughout northern Italy!
Monza
Northeast of the city of Milan, is Monza! Best known for its car racing track, in order to get there, choose between a quick 30-minute taxi ride out of the city and dropping you off at the center of town. Or the metro from a Milan station to the Monza stop.
Start by exploring the Duomo or Cathedral of Monza. Marvel at the 16-century bell tower and the two-toned facade (slightly resembling the famous Duomo of Milan). Containing early-medieval treasures, such as the Iron Crown (believed to be fashioned with one of the nails from the Crucifixion). It is not something to miss!
Built between 1777 and 1780 the neoclassical Royal Villa of Monza is a must-see! Stunning staircases, gorgeous rooms, plus extensive grounds and gardens. Sitting on the edge of sprawling Monza Park and the banks of the Lambro river, it is the perfect spot for a picnic!
Also along the park’s edge is Autodromo Nazionale, a Formula 1 racetrack. During off-season drive around one of the most famous tracks in the world. Book a tour to see the behind the scene looks of the track. Walk through the media room, get views from the private seating section, and even stand on the podium in first place!
You can also walk along the Curve Parabolica as you explore one of the oldest Formula One tracks!
Taxi from Milan to Monza (ask to be dropped off near the Royal Villa)
Metro from Milan to Monza (the nearest stop will be the Monza regional station)
Lake Como
If you do not have the luxury of spending a few days at Lake Como, I suggest a day trip from Milan. It is totally worth it! A less than 1-hour train ride will leave you at Como San Giovanni station. (Double-check before booking your ticket, as there are two stations near Como). Como San Giovanni is a short 10-minute walk into the city.
From there, explore the lake town or catch a ferry to some epic villas! Traveling by water can be done one of two ways. The first is booking one of the many private tour boats. However, this comes at a pretty high price. The other way is traveling by public ferry through Navigazione Laghi.
There are several stops along Lake Como including the more popular Bellagio and Varenna. My favorite stop is Lenno. At this stop, you can experience the wonderful lake town vibe and dine with an incredible lake view. Also, at Lenno is Villa del Balbianello.
This fairytale villa was built in the 12th century and used as a filming location for James Bond and Star Wars Attack of the Clones. The walk to the villa may seem daunting, however, it is an easy 20-minute walk (uphill on the way to the villa). Or choose to take a smaller ferry to the lake entrance.
Tickets can be bought onsite or online (13 euros).
Train from Milan to Como:
Milan Central Station to Como San Giovanni station. (Around 50 minutes for 20 euros)
Ferry From Como to Lenno:
The ferry stop from Como to ferry stop Lenno. (I bought a round-trip ticket for Como to Lenno, the trip takes around 3 hours for 16 euros. However, there is an option to buy an unlimited stop ticket).
Lenno to Villa del Balbaianell:
Walk from Lenno to Villa del Balbianello (from the ferry dock, walk to the left down the street passing a few restaurants. You will then start to see signs pointing you to the Villa).
Venice
Another amazing day from Milan is Venice! Ideally, you will want to spend a few days in this wonderful city. However, if you do not have this luxury, a day trip will have to do! Venice needs no explanation or introduction from me. The city on water has been a famous tourist destination for decades.
Start exploring Venice in San Marco square, if you dare to brave the crowds. Packed with architectural wonders, including Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale this gorgeous spectacle is why this is a fantastic day trip from Milan!
Take a water tour down the Grand Canal in a gondola (famous in Venice). Sights to check off include Ponte di Calatrava, Ponte di Rialto, and Palazzo Grassi. Complete your trip by stopping at a glass-blowing shop (traditional processes started back in ancient times). Or grabbing a gelato!
One of the best ways to travel in Italy is by high-speed train! It is one of the most efficient ways to travel further distances. There are two main train companies that connect to the major cities in Italy. TrenItalia with Frecciarossa is a state-run company and Italo is a privately owned company. Both are similar as far as travel time and seat options. I have heard that Italo might be slightly cheaper.
You can buy a ticket in advance or purchase one at the front booth.
Train from Milan to Venice:
Milan Central Station to Santa Lucia Station (around 2 and 1/2 hours for 50 euros)
Bus from Milan to Venice:
Get Your Guide has many wonderful day trips to choose from that leave directly out of Milan! Check them out here!
Day Trips From Rome
Rome is an amazing city to explore and I highly recommend planning a few days just to see all the major sights! If you are a history lover, the Colosseum is a perfect place to start! If you are into art, visit the Vatican Museums! Rome is also a perfect central location for awesome day trips throughout Southern Italy!
Tivoli
Only a short distance out of the city of Rome is Tivoli. Once used as a summer holiday for Ancient Romans and Renaissance the hilltop town is how to two Unesco World Heritage Sites. Villa Adriana – the extensive estate of Emperor Hadrian. And Villa la d’Este – a Renaissance retreat famous for its gardens and fountains
Taxi from Rome to Tivoli (ask to be dropped off near the Villa la d’Este)
Train from Rome to Tivoli:
Roma Termini station to Tivoli Station (around 1 hour for 5 euros)
Bus from Rome to Tivoli:
Get Your Guide has many wonderful day trips to choose from that leave directly out of Rome! Check them out here!
Florence
As you head out of the city of Rome, the pace slows and the magnificent Tuscany landscape comes into view! Within this paradise is a city that is a treasure trove of world-class art and architecture. Renaissance paintings, Gothic cathedrals, delicious foods, and ancient vines and olive groves. This is certainly a day trip to add to your itinerary!
Train from Rome to Florence:
Roma Termini station to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (around 1 and 1/2 hours for 50 euros)
Bus from Rome to Florence:
Get Your Guide has many wonderful day trips to choose from that leave directly out of Rome! Check them out here!
Pompeii
Step back in time as you explore the city of Pompeii. Locked in ashes for centuries, its excavated streets offer a glimpse into ancient daily lives. Explore the city lost in tragedy from wealthy luxury homes to racy bathhouses. If you are up to the challenge, climb the cause of destruction: Mount Vesuvius.
Train from Rome to Pompeii:
Roma Termini station to Scafati Station (around 4 hours for 35-50 euros)
Scafati Station to Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri Station:
From here, take the regional train Line 1 which will drop you off directly in front of the historical site (Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri).
Bus from Rome to Pompeii:
Get Your Guide has many wonderful day trips to choose from that leave directly out of Rome! Check them out here!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
No Comments