Weekend European Getaways from Milan: A Month-Long Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy an Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and cappuccino at Pavé, a beloved café known for its quality and ambiance.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Duomo di Milano

Visit the iconic Milan Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with the option to climb to the rooftop for panoramic views.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Taste the famous panzerotti, a local Milanese specialty, at Luini, a historic street food spot near the Duomo.
EUR7, 1h

2:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & La Scala

Stroll through Milan's elegant shopping arcade and visit the exterior and museum of the legendary opera house, La Scala.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sforza Castle

Explore Milan’s historic castle and its museums to learn about the city’s Renaissance heritage and art.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Dine on refined Milanese cuisine in a charming setting, focusing on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Day Trip to Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Train to Como

Depart early from Milan Central to Como via train (about 40 minutes), perfect for a scenic lakeside day trip.
EUR10, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Monti

Enjoy Italian pastries and coffee by the lakeside, soaking up the charming atmosphere of Como town center.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Boat Tour of Lake Como

Take a 2-hour ferry to Bellagio and back, enjoying the stunning villas and gardens that adorn the lake’s shore.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Costa

Taste authentic lakeside Italian dishes with a view, known for fresh fish and risotto specialties.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Villa Carlotta Gardens

Visit the magnificent botanical gardens and art collections in this historic villa in Tremezzo, open 9am–7pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Milan

Head back by train to Milan to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Enjoy traditional Milanese dishes in a cozy atmosphere near Milan Central.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Swiss Alps Day Excursion

Lugano, Switzerland on July 19, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lugano

Catch the direct train from Milan to Lugano (about 1h15m), offering stunning alpine and lake views.
CHF25, 1h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Grand Café Al Porto

Experience Swiss pastries and coffee in a historic café right on Lugano’s lakeside promenade.
CHF15, 1h

10:00am

Funicular to Monte Brè

Ride up to Monte Brè for panoramic views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains, perfect for hiking or relaxing.
CHF12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Trattoria Galleria

Enjoy a Swiss-Italian menu blending regional flavors in Lugano’s old town.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Lugano Old Town

Wander cobbled streets, visit shops, and appreciate the blend of Swiss and Mediterranean architecture.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Boat ride on Lake Lugano

Take an afternoon 1-hour boat tour on the lake to enjoy scenic views in a relaxed setting.
CHF20, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Milan

Travel back by train to Milan, finishing a refreshing day in the Swiss Alps.
CHF25, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Savor Michelin-starred Italian cuisine to conclude your Swiss excursion day with elegance.
EUR80, 2h
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Day 4: Day Trip to Turin

Turin, Italy on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Train to Turin

High-speed train takes around 1 hour from Milan to Turin, Italy’s elegant and historic city northwest of Milan.
EUR20, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè al Bicerin

Indulge in the famous Bicerin coffee drink, a Turin specialty made of espresso, chocolate, and milk.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Egyptian Museum

Explore one of the world’s leading collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts with exhibitions open 9am–6:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Torino

Delight in local Piedmont specialties at the original Eataly food market and restaurant complex.
EUR30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Palazzo Reale

Visit the stunning Royal Palace of Turin with beautiful gardens and opulent interiors.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk along Via Roma

Enjoy the elegant shops, cafes, and architecture on one of Turin's main streets.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Milan

Catch an evening train back to Milan to finish the Turin visit.
EUR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paper Moon

End your day with traditional Piedmontese cuisine and excellent wines in this classic Milanese restaurant.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Extended Weekend: Venice Overnight Stay

Venice, Italy on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Train to Venice

Take the early high-speed train from Milan to Venice (about 2h30m).
EUR40, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy Venetian pastries and coffee at this renowned bakery in Venice.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica & Square

Explore the magnificent basilica and the bustling square, open 9:30am–5pm, iconic landmarks of Venice.
Free (Basilica entry with donation), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Taste fresh Venetian seafood on Burano island, a short ferry ride from Venice.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gondola Ride

Take a scenic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals for a romantic and unique perspective.
EUR80 (per gondola, split among passengers), 30m

4:30pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Walk around the famous Rialto area, enjoy shops and local markets.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in & Rest

Check into a centrally located hotel like Hotel Danieli for prime experience and comfort.
EUR200, Flex

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy one of Venice’s best seafood restaurants, known for intimate atmosphere and excellent dishes.
EUR60, 2h

Next Day 9:00am

Breakfast and Departure

Breakfast at hotel followed by sightseeing or early train back to Milan if desired.
Included in hotel cost, 1h
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