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Must-Experience Milan Day Trips for 2026

Panoramic view from the Bernina Express train winding through the Swiss Alps on a day trip from Milan

✨ Escape the city to alpine peaks, glacial lakes, and storybook villages. These curated journeys sell out fast—discover the experiences that transform a Milan visit into an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Table of Contents ✨

Did you know?

Local Insight:The Bernina Express route from Tirano to St. Moritz is the highest railway crossing in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It climbs 1,824 meters without a cogwheel, using pure adhesion—a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering that turns a day trip into a legendary journey.

Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours

1.Top Rated Alpine Journey – from €74 per person
From Milan: Bernina Train Guided Tour to St. Moritz
  • ⭐ 4.8 stars from over 1,977 glowing reviews
  • UNESCO World Heritage train ride through the Swiss Alps
  • Marvel at the Palü Glacier and crystal-clear alpine lakes
  • Free time to explore the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz
  • Full-day guided adventure with breathtaking panoramic views
  • Perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers
* click on image for more similar tours
2.Lake Como’s Best – from €139 per person
From Milan: Best of Lake Como – Bellagio & Varenna Small Group
  • ⭐ 4.8 stars for an intimate small-group experience (max 15)
  • Skip-the-line cruise and first-class express train tickets included
  • Visit postcard-perfect Varenna and the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio
  • Discover the hidden Bellano Gorge, a secret waterfall canyon
  • Relaxed pace with a top-rated local guide
  • Designed to avoid the largest tourist crowds
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Feeling the Vibe? ️

The air changes as you climb into the Alps. It’s crisper, lighter, filled with the scent of pine and distant snow. This isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a shift in atmosphere, a literal breath of fresh air that makes a Milan day trip feel like a journey to another world.

Luxury & Premium Experiences

3.Private Art & History – from €470 per person
Milan: Da Vinci’s Last Supper & Duomo Rooftop Terraces Private Tour
  • ️ 5.0 stars for an exclusive, private guided experience
  • Skip-the-line access to both The Last Supper and Duomo Terraces
  • Elevator ride to the Duomo’s rooftop for panoramic Milan views
  • Personalized commentary tailored to your interests
  • Explore Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Deep dive into Milan’s artistic and architectural masterpieces
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4.Wine Country Indulgence – from €209 per person
Milan: Piedmont Highlights – Barolo Wine Tasting, Alba & Castle
  • 4.9 stars for a gourmet small-group escape
  • Taste 6 Barolo-area wines at a boutique family-run winery
  • Explore Alba, famed for white truffles and fine chocolate
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Grinzane Cavour Castle (or La Morra village)
  • Journey through the picturesque Langhe hills, a wine lover’s paradise
  • Tour designed by an award-winning local agency
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A Secret for You…

While Alba is world-famous for its white truffles, it’s also the birthplace of the global Nutella empire. Ferrero Rocher started here, and the town’s chocolate and hazelnut heritage is a delicious, sweet layer to its gourmet reputation.

Affordable & Budget-Friendly

5.City & Lake Combo – from €64 per person
From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio and Lugano with Boat Ride
  • ⛵ 4.8 stars from nearly 90 reviews for great value
  • Guided group tour covering Lake Como and Swiss Lugano in one day
  • Includes a scenic ferry transfer on Lake Como
  • Free time to explore Bellagio and the lakeside city of Lugano
  • Air-conditioned transport from Milan with informative guide
  • Perfect introduction to the lakes region on a budget
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6.Verona & Lake Garda – from €99 per person
From Milan: Verona, Sirmione, Lake Garda Private Boat Cruise
  • ⚓ 4.9 stars for a romantic and scenic day out
  • Visit Verona’s Arena and Juliet’s iconic balcony
  • Explore the charming peninsula town of Sirmione
  • Includes a private scenic boat cruise on Lake Garda
  • Comfortable round-trip coach transport from Milan
  • Excellent blend of history, romance, and natural beauty
* click on image for more similar tours

The Best Part? ✨

These aren’t just bus rides—they’re curated passages into Italy’s soul. From the silent power of Da Vinci’s brushstrokes to the roar of a glacier-carved valley, each trip is a key that unlocks a deeper, more vivid layer of the country waiting just beyond Milan’s doorstep.

⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)

Ultimate Alpine Escape – from €175 per person
From Milan: Scenic Alps Day Trip with Bernina Train Ride
  • 4.8 stars for an intimate small-group alpine adventure (max 18)
  • Likely to sell out – combines Lake Como & the Swiss Alps in one day
  • Ride the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express on the highest rail route in Europe
  • Hop off the train at one of the highest points for epic photos
  • Visit the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz surrounded by peaks
  • Includes a glimpse of Lake Como’s picturesque shoreline
* click on image for more similar tours

What is the best day trip from Milan for first-time visitors?

The Bernina Train tour to St. Moritz is a top choice. It combines a UNESCO World Heritage railway journey with stunning Swiss Alps scenery and a taste of luxury in St. Moritz, offering an unforgettable contrast to Milan’s urban energy.

Are Milan day trips worth it, or should I stay in the city?

Absolutely worth it. Milan is a perfect hub for exploring Northern Italy’s diversity. In just a day, you can experience alpine glaciers, serene lakes like Como and Garda, world-class wine regions, and historic cities like Verona, vastly enriching your Italian holiday.

How do I choose between Lake Como and the Swiss Alps?

Choose Lake Como for classic Italian lakeside charm, villas, and leisurely boat cruises. Opt for the Swiss Alps (Bernina Express) for dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers, and engineering marvels. For the ultimate experience, our Top Pick tour offers a glimpse of both.

Should I book Milan day trips in advance?

Yes, especially for popular tours like the Bernina Train, Last Supper visits, and small-group Lake Como trips. These often sell out days or weeks ahead. Booking early secures your spot and guarantees skip-the-line access, making your day stress-free.

What should I pack for a day trip to the Alps from Milan?

Layers are essential! Even in summer, mountain weather changes quickly. Pack a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. For the Bernina Train, a window seat is prime for photography, so be ready.

Table of Contents ✨
Category: Europe, Italy
Tags: milan, milan day trips, day trips from milan, lake como tours, bernina express, swiss alps from milan, st moritz tour, verona and lake garda, piedmont wine tasting, last supper tour, italy tours 2026
Latest post update: December 2025