The best destinations to visit from Milan, Italy
At first glance, Milan may seem industrial and commercial, but it's actually filled with cosmopolitan restaurants, fashionable locals, amazing shopping, one of the country's most magnificent cathedrals and gems like the Navigli canal district.
Once you spend a couple of days in Milan, you can head toward the hills from this easily accessible hub -- or take a day trip to explore the history and sample the gastronomy in the old walled city of Bergamo, perched atop a hill beneath the fog in the Lombardy region.
There are a host of places that should be on your radar to add to a trip to this great city in northern Italy, never feel you're tied to one place! Below are our top picks of where to go and what to see as a "second city" to complement Milan.
The lakes: Como, Garda, Iseo and Maggiore
Northern Italy is dotted with gorgeous lakes and with so many to choose from it may be difficult to decide where to go. Here's the lowdown:
Lake Como
If you're looking for a glamorous getaway, head to Lake Como. This is one of the most expensive lake destinations, but its luxury digs and opulent vibes are perfect for anyone searching for five-star treatment -- and perhaps a glance of the rich and famous who also vacation there.
Find a fancy hotel in a lakeside village such as Bellagio or Varenna and make sure to do George's Tour offered by Taxi Boat Varenna -- a boat cruise that takes you past waterfalls, quaint lakeside villages and famous villas including George Clooney’s mansion.
Lake Iseo
For a low-key, family-friendly break, visit Lake Iseo. Ferry over to Monte Isola, an island in the middle of the lake where you can rent bikes and lap the island, stopping to dive into the cool lake waters or to admire the teeny islet of Loreto, which is home to a private castle towering over Iseo's crystal blue waters.
Lake Garda
Anyone would happily enjoy a break on Italy's largest lake, Garda, but it's the ideal spot if you'd like to combine lake fun with wine tasting, as the southeastern banks of Garda are flat and wide, home to vineyards producing varieties like Bardolino. Meanwhile, Riva del Garda at the lake's northernmost tip is called the Pearl of Lake Garda, home to medieval architecture, sandy beaches, olive groves and a number of picturesque hiking trails.
Lake Maggiore
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the biking, hiking and watersports that Lake Maggiore offers -- in two different countries, as the lake spans both Italy and Switzerland. After working up a sweat, enjoy a simple picnic, munching on the island's famous cheese, Ossolano d’Alpe and melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto -- or a traditional lakeside Italian dinner of lake trout or risotto.
Getting to the lakes
Each of these lakes is a short road trip or train ride from Milan. Even though you may have to change trains to get to certain villages, most trips should be under the three-hour mark. If you plan to take a rental car between Italy and Switzerland, make sure to tell the rental-car agency first as you may need a vignette sticker to drive on Swiss highways.
Where to stay
The Hilton Lake Como has rooms that overlook the glittering lake starting at about 52,000 points per night over the next month or so in low season. Key features include a rooftop infinity pool and solarium. The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from the historic town center of Como.
If you choose to stay along the other lakes, a home rental or boutique hotel such as the Grand Hotel Bristol on Lake Maggiore, which was once a private noble residence may provide more local flavor. Prices start at $150 per night in low season.
Prosecco Road trip
La Strada del Prosecco (Prosecco Road) is a scenic stretch of Italian roads, a region bordered by the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, famous for prosecco production. Although prosecco is actually made all over Italy, some of the best bubbly comes from this particular area.
With more than 35 wineries along the Strada del Prosecco, this adventure is best enjoyed without a big plan in mind. Drive the region at your own pace, stopping to enjoy leisurely Italian lunches, wander cobblestone village streets, explore baroque churches, visit medieval castles and, of course, sample the wine at vineyards like Gregoletto, featuring ancient wine cellars and a library on the property. Visits are currently by appointment only.
If you'd rather have a driver and guide so you can really indulge in prosecco, regional tours at tour agency Prosecco di Marca include transportation.
Getting there
Rent a car in Milan and start driving east for the three-and-a-half-hour journey. Make a stop on the way at Verona, famous for its perfectly preserved arena, which still houses operas, concerts and other events. The city also includes a home said to have inspired Romeo and Juliet's legendary love story, complete with what is touted as Juliet's balcony, which you can hang out of to declare your love to the unsuspecting tourists below.
After driving through the narrow, winding roads of the region, end your trip in Venice, where you can enjoy a romantic couple of days exploring the town's canals and squares.
Where to stay
The Best Western Canon d'Oro -- about $100 per night in low season -- isn't your typical cookie-cutter convention center hotel. Instead, the 16th-century building is known as a historic hotel featuring a beautifully landscaped courtyard and a library lounge with books and cozy armchairs. Its Conegliano location makes the hotel a perfect base for exploring the region.
Piedmont region
The Piedmont is one of Italy's most underrated regions, but people are starting to wise up. Many are whispering it's the new Tuscany -- and making some serious claims that it's where the country's best cuisine and wine can be found. It's home to the headquarters of Slow Food International.
Bordering France to the west and Switzerland to the north, the region's main city is Turin. It's a hidden gem that many tourists mistakenly skip. A fascinating city set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps on the banks of the Po River, Turin is not only Italy's first capital but also houses one of the most famous artifacts in Christianity, the Shroud of Turin, a piece of fabric that some claim was wrapped around Jesus.
The region is scattered with hilltop villages, expansive vineyards and forests where excited foodies can hunt for truffles. You may even sense a hint of truffle flavor in the region's famous wine, which is made from the Nebbiolo grape.
If you haven't yet realized, truffle is one of the most famous ingredients in Piedmont and many of the traditional dishes are also made with farm-fresh egg yolks, like the famous tajarin -- long strips of egg-infused pasta. And don't miss Bra, home of the Slow Food movement. In the winter months, the skiing is some of the best in Italy in spots like the Val di Susa valley.
Getting there
Although you can reach Turin in just about an hour from Milan by train, it may be best to rent a car and drive so you can explore all that the Piedmont region has to offer.
Where to stay
The AC Hotel Torino, a Marriott hotel built in a former pasta factory, is an affordable points or cash option. Rooms start at 15,000 points per night for low season.
For something a little more Italian, head out to the countryside and stay in an agriturismo, a farm-style bed and breakfast, like Ma che bel Castello, a castle set upon the vineyards of Maranzana -- rooms start at $140 per night -- or the boutique La Villa Hotel, dating back to 1600 and attached to a wine-tasting room and stunning gardens with rooms starting at about $270 per night.
Bottom line
Italy is a country that keeps on giving, so never assume you could experience it all in one trip. And while many of us flock to the major players such as Rome, Florence and, of course, Milan, there's always another adventure on your doorstep -- and plenty of food waiting for you.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.