Weekend Escapes & Family Adventures from Milan: 5 Two-Day International Trips + 1 Four-Day Journey

Day 1: Swiss City Escape

Geneva, Switzerland on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Train from Milan to Geneva

Take the direct train from Milano Centrale to Geneva for a speedy 4-hour journey through scenic landscapes.
EUR70, 4h00m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy fresh seafood and classic Swiss dishes at this family-friendly brasserie in Geneva's old town, open till 11pm.
EUR25, 1h00m

2:30pm

Visit Jet d'Eau and Parc des Bastions

See the iconic Geneva fountain and stroll through the peaceful Parc des Bastions with giant chess boards and playgrounds.
Free, 2h00m

5:00pm

Explore the Natural History Museum of Geneva

Discover engaging exhibits perfect for families, with fascinating animals and geological displays. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Armures

Try hearty Swiss raclette or fondue in a cozy historic setting in Geneva's old town.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: French Riviera Getaway

Nice, France on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Milan to Nice

Take a short 1-hour flight from Milan Malpensa to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.
EUR60, 1h00m

10:00am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies

Enjoy fresh pastries and family-friendly breakfast options just off the Promenade des Anglais.
EUR15, 1h00m

11:30am

Promenade des Anglais & Beach Time

Stroll along the famous seafront promenade and relax on Nice's beach, suitable for families with playgrounds nearby.
Free, 2h00m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Voglia

Enjoy traditional Italian pizzas and family favorites in the heart of Nice's Old Town.
EUR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Castle Hill Park (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the elevator to the hilltop park for sweeping views, waterfalls, and playgrounds perfect for kids. Open till sunset.
Free, 2h00m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistrot du Port

Family-friendly dining with fresh seafood and French classics in a lively port-side setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Zurich Cultural Day

Zurich, Switzerland on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Train from Milan to Zurich

Morning direct train ride of approximately 3 hours to Zurich.
EUR60, 3h00m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Famous for their Luxemburgerli macarons and other sweet treats, perfect for a family breakfast.
EUR20, 1h00m

11:30am

Zurich Zoo Visit

Explore one of Switzerland's best zoos with extensive animal habitats, perfect for kids. Open 9am to 6pm.
CHF26 (~EUR25), 3h00m

3:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Degenried

Enjoy affordable Swiss and international cuisine in a relaxed setting near the zoo.
EUR25, 1h00m

4:30pm

Ride the Polybahn Funicular

A short ride with beautiful city views, fun for all ages connecting to the ETH Zurich campus area.
CHF1 (~EUR1), 30m

5:00pm

Lake Zurich boat ride

Relax on a scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich with beautiful views of the Alps. Boats run till early evening.
CHF8 (~EUR7.50), 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Historic beer hall serving classic Swiss fare in a lively atmosphere, family-friendly and open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lyon Flavor & Culture

Lyon, France on July 26, 2025

7:30am

Train from Milan to Lyon

Direct TGV train ride of about 5 hours with scenic views.
EUR75, 5h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Explore the iconic gourmet food market, then dine on exquisite local specialties perfect for a family dining experience.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Parc de la Tête d'Or

Large urban park with a zoo, botanical garden, and vast playground areas. Open 6am to 10pm.
Free, 3h00m

6:00pm

Stroll in Vieux Lyon

Wander the charming cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture. Great for evening exploration.
Free, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Traditional Lyonnaise bouchon with friendly service and family-friendly menu.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Alpine Adventure in Innsbruck

Innsbruck, Austria on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Train from Milan to Innsbruck

Travel 4.5 hours by train through picturesque alpine scenery.
EUR65, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ottoburg

Dine in a medieval building offering classic Tyrolean dishes, welcoming to families.
EUR25, 1h00m

1:30pm

Visit Alpenzoo Innsbruck

High-altitude zoo showcasing alpine fauna, a fun and educational family stop. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h00m

4:00pm

Nordkette Cable Car Ride

Ride the cable car from Innsbruck to Seegrube for incredible mountain vistas and family-friendly hiking trails.
EUR38, 2h00m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Weisses Rossl

Traditional Austrian food in a welcoming atmosphere right in Innsbruck's old town.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Como and Venice

Lake Como & Venice, Italy on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Train from Milan to Lake Como (Como town)

Quick train journey (about 1 hour) to experience the stunning lake front and charming town.
EUR10, 1h00m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Monti

Family-friendly bakery in Como known for delicious pastries and breakfast coffee.
EUR15, 1h00m

10:30am

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Relaxing 2 hour boat trip to see villas and villages like Bellagio – perfect for families with beautiful scenery.
EUR25, 2h00m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Costa

Enjoy regional Italian dishes with family-friendly service near the lakefront.
EUR25, 1h00m

2:30pm

Train from Como to Venice

3.5-hour train journey to the iconic city of canals.
EUR35, 3h30m

6:30pm

Evening Gondola Ride

Early evening gondola ride through Venice's waters for a magical family experience.
EUR80, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gazzettino

Popular Venice trattoria with delicious pasta and friendly atmosphere suitable for children.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2 Morning 9:00am

Visit St Mark's Basilica and Square

Explore Venice’s iconic cathedral and lively piazza, open early and best to arrive in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free entrance (donation encouraged), 2h00m

Day 2 11:30am

Lunch at Antico Forno

Enjoy handmade Venetian sandwiches and pastries ideal for a quick and tasty family lunch.
EUR20, 1h00m

Day 2 1:00pm

Explore Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art museum featuring accessible exhibits, great for engaging older kids and adults. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h00m

Day 2 3:30pm

Train: Venice to Milan

Return to Milan in the afternoon, roughly 2.5 hour train ride.
EUR35, 2h30m
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