5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour in Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como, and Verona

Day 1: Explore Milan Highlights

Milan, Italy on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pavè

Enjoy a classic Milanese breakfast with fresh pastries and excellent coffee at Pavè, a popular local bakery known for its artisanal offerings.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral, famous for its intricate facade and rooftop terraces offering panoramic city views. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Grab a quick and delicious panzerotto at Luini, a historic eatery near the Duomo that’s famed for this savory fried pastry.
EUR7, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover a fantastic collection of Italian Renaissance art in the Brera district. Open 8:30am-7:15pm, closed Mondays.
EUR13, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in Sempione Park and visit Sforza Castle

Enjoy a relaxing walk in the green Sempione Park leading to historic Sforza Castle. The castle grounds are open until 7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Madonnina

Dine on authentic Milanese dishes in a cozy, traditional trattoria renowned for its risotto alla Milanese. Open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Lake Como Day Trip

Lake Como, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick espresso and pastry before heading out early to Lake Como by train from Milan Centrale.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Train from Milan to Como

Take the direct train from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station; the trip takes about 40 minutes.
EUR6, 40m

10:00am

Walk the Como Waterfront and Visit the Como Cathedral

Explore the charming lakeside promenade and visit the impressive Como Cathedral, open 7am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Sociale

Eat fresh local fish dishes in a cozy historic restaurant in Como’s center, open for lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Boat tour of Lake Como

Take a scenic boat ride visiting Bellagio and Varenna, offering spectacular views of villas and nature. Tours typically last around 2 hours.
EUR25, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Villa del Balbianello (Bellagio)

Tour this famous villa and gardens, one of Lake Como’s top attractions. Open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Como and train back to Milan

Head back by boat and train to Milan for overnight stay.
EUR10, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Al Mercato

Relax with Italian comfort food close to your hotel, offering great pasta and seafood dishes, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Lake Como Leisure and Nature

Lake Como, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Pasticceria Cavour in Como

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee at a local favorite before a day outdoors.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Hike in the Greenway del Lago di Como

Follow the scenic hiking trail along the western shore of the lake for wonderful views and quaint villages. Open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Gallo in Ossuccio

Savor regional dishes with lake views in this charming osteria open from noon to 3pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio

Visit this serene UNESCO World Heritage site with chapels and stunning vistas. Open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax by the lakeside or visit local shops

Spend the late afternoon enjoying lakeside cafes or exploring artisan shops in Como’s town center.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Vita è Bella

Indulge in contemporary Italian cuisine in a chic setting, open till 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Verona Historic Tour

Verona, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Filippini

Start your day with espresso and pastries at a historic cafe in Verona’s center, open from 7am.
EUR7, 30m

8:30am

Train to Verona from Milan

Travel by train to Verona, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes journey.
EUR15, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit Verona Arena

Explore the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater that hosts concerts and events, open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

See Juliet’s House

Visit the famous balcony and museum related to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Dine on traditional Veronese dishes in a cozy, well-reviewed osteria, open for lunch until 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the Adige River and visit Castelvecchio

Enjoy a scenic stroll and visit the medieval castle housing an impressive art museum. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 2h

5:00pm

Evening aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe

Relax with a drink and local snacks in Verona’s lively square, perfect for people watching. Bars open until late.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Muramare

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties in a warmly decorated restaurant near the river, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: Return to Milan & Departure

Milan, Italy on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Fuel up with a variety of fresh breads and coffee at this well-known bakery in Milan’s central area, open from 7am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Morning free time for shopping or last sightseeing

Explore nearby shopping districts such as Via Montenapoleone or visit any missed sights around the city center.
Varies, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Smeraldo

Experience a wide variety of Italian food markets and eateries under one roof, perfect for a relaxed last meal.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Head to Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport

Make your way to the airport considering travel time and check-in procedures for your departure.
Varies, Depends on flight time