Milan, Cinque Terre Hiking & Lake Como Exploration - 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Milan Highlights

Morning: Arrive in Milan and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), marveling at its impressive Gothic architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and lunch, then visit the historic Sforza Castle and its museums.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the lively Brera District, known for its charming streets and vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Milan Art & Culture

Morning: Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (advance booking recommended).

Afternoon: Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera to admire classic and modern Italian artworks. Take a relaxing stroll through Sempione Park nearby.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Milanese trattoria and consider a night walk around Navigli Canals for lively bars and ambiance.

Day 3: Travel to Cinque Terre & Light Hiking

Morning: Take an early train from Milan to La Spezia, gateway to the Cinque Terre. Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Begin exploring by hiking the famous Monterosso to Vernazza trail, enjoying spectacular coastal views.

Evening: Relax with dinner in Vernazza, savoring fresh seafood by the sea.

Day 4: Full Day Cinque Terre Hike

Morning: Hike the Vernazza to Corniglia and Corniglia to Manarola trails, discovering colorful villages and natural beauty along the way.

Afternoon: Continue your trail to Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, and enjoy some downtime on its beach.

Evening: Sample Ligurian specialties at a local restaurant in Riomaggiore and soak in the village’s atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax & Return Towards Lake Como Area

Morning: Leisurely morning in Cinque Terre with optional visits to any village you wish to explore further or relax at the beach.

Afternoon: Travel north to the Lake Como region, arriving in Como town or a nearby lakeside village.

Evening: Dinner by the lake in Como with views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Lake Como Exploration & Departure

Morning: Explore Lake Como’s highlights by taking a ferry to picturesque towns such as Bellagio or Varenna.

Afternoon: Enjoy lakeside walks, visit gardens like Villa Melzi, or take a cable car up to Brunate for panoramic views.

Evening: Return to Milan or Como for your departure, enjoying a final meal reflecting on your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Milan Cathedral & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - 3 hours, €15 entry (Duomo rooftop access optional)
• Sforza Castle & Museums - 2 hours, €10
• The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie - 1 hour, €15 (advance booking required)
• Pinacoteca di Brera - 2 hours, €12
• Milan to La Spezia Train - 3.5 hours, approx. €30-50
• Cinque Terre Hiking Trails (pass to park trails) - all day, €7.50 per day
• Local Meals and Dining - approx. €25 per meal (x6 days)
• Travel to Lake Como - 3-4 hours by train, approx. €25-40
• Lake Como Ferry and Cable Car - 4 hours, €20-30

Total Estimated Cost: Approx. €350 - €450 (excluding accommodation and personal expenses)

Tips

• To extend your trip: Consider adding extra days around Lake Como to explore additional villas and take more boat tours, or spend a night in each Cinque Terre village for a deeper experience.
• To reduce your trip: Focus just on Milan and a two-day hike in Cinque Terre, skipping Lake Como to reduce travel time and maintain a more relaxed pace.