Lakes, culture and art near Milan's heart
Pavia is an ideal day trip destination, located just 30 km from Milan and accessible via the A7 Autostrada. Known for having one of the best universities in Italy – boasting Christopher Columbus among its alumni – plus castles and museums, this is a historic and happening cultural hotspot especially suited to younger travellers.
Travel for about an hour east from Milan towards the Alpine mountains and you will happen upon the vineyards of Franciacorta. This wine region has long been a popular holiday destination among aristocrats seeking relaxation and respite from city life. The grapes here are harvested by hand before an 18 month fermentation process in oak barrels. The entire process sticks to traditional methods. Franciacorta was chosen to represent all of Italy during the Milan Universal Exposition 2015, shining even more of a spotlight on its highly-acclaimed wines.
For a spectacular one day trip from Milan, go and admire the glorious Lago di Como. This long, Y-shaped body of water runs for 120 km and is nestled between snowy Alps. Packed with visitors during the summer season, Lake Como is also known for the gorgeous villas that line its shore, many of which are the holiday homes of international celebrities. The quieter villages on its northeast shore also offer every kind of water sport plus camping facilities, hotels and parking spaces. Paddle out on the lake on a rented stand-up paddleboard, go kayaking or kite surfing, even parasail down mountain slopes towards the shore. Biking around the lake is a simple but exhilarating outlet. Enjoy the blue hues of the water while passing centuries-old churches and protected nature reserves. To get here quickly, take the Trenord train line from Milan to Tirano and alight at either Varenna or Colico. A regular ferry takes passengers to the popular Bellagio and Como areas on the southern shore.
Lago di Garda, Lago di Como's sister, is just as gorgeous. Driving from Malpensa in Milan will take just two and a half hours. Sitting east of Milan and near Verona (another romantic city and home of Romeo and Juliet), cosmopolitan travellers often make one day trips from Milan here during their holidays.
