Lakes, Historic Cities & Northern Italian Elegance — All Easily Done in a Day
Milan is one of Italy’s most underrated rail hubs. From its main stations, frequent regional and high-speed trains connect the city to lakes, medieval towns and refined historic centres — often in well under an hour — making it ideal for travellers who want variety without constant hotel changes.
Como: Lake Views, Elegant Streets & Mountain Backdrops
Getting there by train
Departure station: Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna
Train: Regionale or Trenord
Journey time: ~35–40 minutes
Frequency: At least 2 trains per hour
Tickets: Regional ticket (no seat reservation)
Both stations place you within walking distance of the lakefront.
What to do when you arrive
Stroll the historic centre and lakeside promenade
Take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views
Optional short ferry ride for a different lake perspective
A quieter angle
Skip the long ferry routes and focus on Como town itself — slower, calmer, and perfect for a relaxed day.
Where to eat lunch
Ristorante Sociale – refined but approachable
La Colombetta – intimate, traditional cooking
Bergamo: Upper Town Drama & Lower Town Ease
Getting there by train
Departure station: Milano Centrale
Train: Regionale
Journey time: ~50 minutes
Frequency: 2–3 trains per hour
Tickets: Regional ticket
From the station, buses or a short walk lead to the funicular.
What to do when you arrive
Take the funicular to Città Alta
Walk the Venetian walls and main piazza
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
A quieter angle
Lunch in the upper town once tour groups leave mid-afternoon.
Where to eat lunch
Da Mimmo – classic local favourite
Il Circolino – relaxed and atmospheric
Pavia: Monasteries, Rivers & Academic Calm
Getting there by train
Departure station: Milano Centrale or Milano Rogoredo
Train: Regionale
Journey time: ~30–35 minutes
Frequency: At least hourly
Tickets: Regional ticket
Pavia station is walkable to the historic centre.
What to do when you arrive
Wander the old town and university quarter
Walk along the Ticino River
Visit the Certosa di Pavia (bus or short taxi ride)
A quieter angle
This is a town for wandering — no rushing, no queues.
Where to eat lunch
Antica Trattoria Ferrari – historic and traditional
Ristorante Peo – relaxed and reliable
Verona: Roman Ruins, Elegant Piazzas & River Walks
Getting there by train
Departure station: Milano Centrale
Train: Frecciarossa or Regionale Veloce
Journey time: ~55–65 minutes
Frequency: At least 2 trains per hour
Tickets: High-speed (seat reservation) or regional
Verona Porta Nuova is a short walk or bus ride from the centre.
What to do when you arrive
Visit the Roman Arena
Walk Piazza delle Erbe and the Adige river
Explore quieter streets away from Juliet’s balcony
A quieter angle
Cross the river for less crowded viewpoints and cafés.
Where to eat lunch
Osteria Sottoriva – atmospheric and local
Antica Bottega del Vino – classic wine-focused dining
Vigevano: A Perfect Renaissance Piazza
Getting there by train
Departure station: Milano Porta Genova
Train: Regionale
Journey time: ~40 minutes
Frequency: Hourly
Tickets: Regional ticket
The piazza is directly outside the station.
What to do when you arrive
Admire Piazza Ducale, one of Italy’s most elegant squares
Visit the castle complex
Enjoy a slow lunch before returning
A quieter angle
This is an ideal half-day escape when Milan feels busy.
Where to eat lunch
Locanda San Bernardo
I Castagni
For more ideas like these — plus step-by-step rail tips, itineraries and insider advice — you can grab a copy of Touring Italy by Train here:👉 https://mybook.to/TouringItalybyTrain