Spending the summer in Milan offers a great opportunity to escape the city to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Italy. Its amazing lakes, lovely small towns and historic cities offer an infinite number of options for a weekend getaway.

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Among these destinations, Lago di Como stands out for its spectacular natural environment, its luxurious villas and the wide variety of activities it offers for all tastes. Other nearby destinations such as Bergamo or routes through small towns, and even southern Switzerland, offer options rich in tradition and history.

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Lago di Como: a gem of northern Italy

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Crystalline waters, surrounded by green mountains and small villages are the perfect setting for a vacation. But what to do in Lago di Como? Here are some activities that you can't miss if you decide to travel for a few days.

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• Boat trips: one of the best ways to discover the fantastic views of the mountains and the elegant villas on the Lake Como shores is a boat trip. For this, you can rent a private boat, and enjoy water sports, or take one of the many ferries that connect the different villages on the lake.

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• Hiking: the mountains around Lago di Como offer numerous hiking trails with spectacular views. From walks along the shore to more challenging routes in the mountains, there are options for all levels.

• Exploring nearby towns: exploring the small towns around Lake Como is an experience not to be missed. Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake," offers cobbled streets and the Gardens of Villa Melzi. Menaggio invites peaceful strolls in Piazza Garibaldi. Tremezzo is noted for Villa Carlotta, and Varenna for Castello di Vezio and the Gardens of Villa Monastero, combining history and natural beauty.

Bergamo: tradition and history

Northern Italy is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical heritage and, just an hour from Milan, we find Bergamo, an ideal city to spend a weekend discovering the rich history and the charm of the city. From the Upper Town, with its cobbled streets, the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore or the Piazza Vecchia, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, to the modern Lower Town with its endless stores and variety of restaurants, Bergamo offers the perfect mix of tradition and culture. In addition, there is a nice funicular ride to the top of the region, offering panoramic views of the city and the Alps.

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Lago Maggiore: an alpine paradise

Lake Maggiore is a perfect getaway to discover the beauty of northern Italy. Just one hour drive from Milan, this lake is impressive for the lush mountains that surround it. Stresa, a town located by the lake, is one of the most popular destinations. From there you can visit the magnificent gardens of the Isola Bella and enjoy the views from the cable car up to Monte Mottarone. Another place not to be missed are the Borromean Islands, famous for their historic palaces and gardens and, for nature lovers, the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande offers different hiking trails, perfect for enjoying wildlife. The combination of breathtaking scenery, historical culture and outdoor activities make Lake Maggiore a guaranteed relaxing holiday getaway.

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Up to the Alps

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The capital of Lombardy is very close to the Swiss border, making it an excellent starting point to explore the Alps. Thanks to the Bernina Express, a panoramic train that connects Tirano (Italy) with Chur (Switzerland), the journey becomes an impressive experience. On this train, you will cross spectacular landscapes, including the Brusio spiral viaduct, the Morteratsch glacier, and the St. Moritz resort, reaching its highest point at Ospizio Bernina. Upon arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, you can explore its charming old town, the Gothic cathedral, the Graubünden Art Museum, and enjoy various hiking routes to complete an authentic alpine adventure rich in history, culture, and natural beauty in just one weekend.

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If you are looking for a summer getaway from Milan, from the breathtaking scenery of Lago di Como to hiking trails in the Alps, northern Italy offers different options for summer getaways, each with its own charm. Moreover, if you want to extend distances, and you can dedicate more days, we recommend you visit Rome, the eternal city, or get lost in the streets and enjoy the party in Florence.

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