Best Day Trips from Lombardy 2025

Bergamo is one of Northern Italy's finest cities, split between a modern lower town and a UNESCO-listed medieval upper city (Città Alta) encircled by spectacular 16th-century Venetian walls. The Piazza Vecchia, cathedral, Cappella Colleoni and Palazzo della Ragione are highlights of a superb ensemble described by Le Corbusier as the most beautiful square he had ever seen.

Lake Como is one of the world's most beautiful lakes — a Y-shaped alpine lake framed by mountains, lined with 18th and 19th century villas and colorful villages. A day trip from Milan can combine Como city, the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views, a ferry to Bellagio (Lake Como's most scenic village) and optionally a side trip to Villa del Balbianello at Lenno.

The Certosa di Pavia is a Carthusian monastery complex begun in 1396 by the Visconti family. Its extraordinary white marble facade is one of the great works of Lombard Renaissance art — an extraordinary cascade of reliefs, medallions, busts and decorative elements. The monastery is still home to a small community of Cistercian monks.

Mantua (Mantova) is surrounded on three sides by lakes formed by the Mincio River and was one of Renaissance Europe's most cultured courts. The Gonzaga family ruled for nearly 400 years and commissioned Leonardo, Mantegna, Giulio Romano and others. The Palazzo Ducale's Camera degli Sposi is one of the masterpieces of Italian art. Mantua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Sabbioneta.

Sirmione occupies a narrow peninsula on southern Lake Garda and is one of Italy's most dramatic and scenic small towns. The perfectly preserved 13th-century Scaligero Castle guards the entrance to the town, and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo at the peninsula's tip are spectacular. The Terme di Sirmione thermal spa is excellent for relaxation.

Cremona is the world's violin capital — birthplace of Antonio Stradivari and still home to over 150 active luthiers whose instruments sell for tens of thousands of euros. The Museo del Violino holds original Stradivarius instruments and the Torrazzo is Italy's tallest medieval bell tower. The city is also famous for mostarda di Cremona and the Christmas nougat torrone.

Bellagio deserves a dedicated day trip focused purely on the lake experience. Approach by ferry from Varenna or Como for the most dramatic views. Spend the morning in Bellagio's gardens (Villa Melzi), climb the steep lanes, have a long lunch on the terrace of a lakeside restaurant, then ferry back in the late afternoon golden light.

The Franciacorta DOCG zone south of Lake Iseo produces Italy's best sparkling wines using the Champagne method. Over 100 estates welcome visitors for tastings. The landscape of vine-covered glacial moraines, with Monte Isola and Lake Iseo as backdrop, is beautiful in all seasons. Combine with a visit to Iseo town and the Pisogne frescoes for a full day.