Milan is one of the most exciting cities in Italy. Artists, chefs, fashion designers and architects have long come here to make a name for themselves – resulting in a city that showcases architectural marvels, chic shopping districts and inventive restaurants. And yet, it’s still a city that honours tradition, with a revered aperitivo scene forged from ingredients plucked from the farms and vineyards on its doorstep. For a change of scene, make a break for the lakes of Como and Garda. You can be amongst waterside paths and alpine views in less than an hour by train.
Marvellous Milan
From the architectural grandeur of Milan Cathedral to the high-fashion boutiques of Via Monte Napoleone, Milan lives up to its title of the design capital of Italy. You could explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping arcade in the world, or pop in to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper at Cenacolo Museum – make sure you pre-book as tickets sell out fast! Another kind of art awaits at Teatro alla Scala – a theatre with a programme of Verdi, Puccini and Rossini.
Cutting-edge cuisine
There’s never a dull moment in Milan, with new restaurants popping up every month, headed up by up-and-coming chefs. Local ingredients often lie at the heart of each menu; risotto with rice from the Po Valley, perhaps, and marbled gorgonzola. Milan is also one of the best places in Italy for aperitivo – sociable pre-dinner snacks and drinks designed to whet the appetite for the main meal. Pull up a chair, grab an Aperol spritz and tuck into bruschetta at a canalside restaurant.
Explore the Italian lake district
After a day of walking in Milan, it’ll come as no surprise that even the train station is a work of art. This grand terminus is your gateway to the Italian lake district. Hop off in Peschiera or Desenzano, on the southern edge of Lake Garda, to walk lakeside promenades with mountain panoramas. From here, ferries skate between towns such as fairy-tale Sirmione, historic Salò, and to the mountainous northern shore, where Riva del Garda reclines. Lake Como is also only 40 minutes away by train, famous for its elegant gardens and villas.
The cities beyond: Verona, Bologna and Florence
Some of the most beautiful cities in Italy are in easy reach by train. Fair Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is just over an hour away. Bologna is even closer – an underrated city pinned by over 20 medieval towers. Florence is a doable day trip, too, and less than two hours away on the fast train. Its compact centre, hilltop gardens and bridge-striped river make it a beautifully walkable city.
Why book a summer holiday in Milan with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Milan's best activities at your own pace.
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Milan include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
