Near-Milan
Less than an hour from Milan by train — or 15 minutes from Orio al Serio airport by bus — Bergamo's medieval Città Alta is one of the most rewarding day trips in northern Italy. Cobbled lanes, Venetian walls, extraordinary food, and views to the Alps.
Near-Milan
Just 25 minutes from Milano Centrale, Pavia is one of northern Italy's most rewarding train trips — medieval towers, a covered bridge over the Ticino, a university older than the Renaissance, and one of the finest monasteries in the country.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre Express runs every 20 minutes between La Spezia and Levanto, connecting all five villages in minutes. Single tickets cost €5–€10 depending on season — here's how the train works, what the Cinque Terre Card covers and whether it's worth buying.
Cinque Terre
La Spezia is the gateway to Cinque Terre — and it's closer than most people realise. From Florence, Pisa, or Genoa, all five villages are reachable by train without a hire car, a cliff road or a change of hotel.