HOW TO SPEND 5 DAYS IN MILAN, LAKE COMO, AND BERGAMO
Wondering about the best places to visit in Lombardy in one week? Then find out about this Lombardy itinerary and how to see the top places in 5-7 days.
Like no other country, Italy awakens longings for beautiful destinations, exciting cities, gorgeous towns and villages, impressive architecture, a long history, not to mention the beaches, mountains, and lakes.
You could spend months or years exploring Italy and would still discover something special, unique, and pretty each day. I have always been intrigued by Italy, but only just recently really started focusing on Italy as a travel destination. And since then, I’ve kept going back and will keep going back.
We all know about Venice, Rome, and Cinque Terre, but there is so much more to see and do in Italy. However, since we cannot discover all of Italy in a week or two, this itinerary focuses on Milan, Bergamo, and Lake Como.
So if you are wondering about the best Lombardy vacation, this itinerary allows you to get a perfect glimpse into what the fuss is about. You will see an impressive lake, cute towns, and villages, and of course, the Fashion metropolis of Milan. Best of all, this is quite a lazy itinerary, as it does not include long drives or loads of train rides.
Rather, you can see quite a lot without much hassle, as the places I mention here are pretty close to each other and easy to reach. So, these recommendations for 7 days in Lombardy, Northern Italy, are fun but not too busy.
Lombardy is also popular in the winter, but this itinerary focuses more on spring, summer, and fall rather than on winter sports activities.
LOMBARDY TRAVEL TIPS
Lombardy is a region in Northern Italy that borders Switzerland. It is one of the twenty administrative regions of Italy, with Milan as its capital. Milan is known as a fashion hub, but it is also the primary financial hotspot. With roughly 10 million inhabitants, Lombardy is the most densely populated region in Italy.
How to Get to Lombardy
Lombardy is well-connected. You can easily reach it by car, train, or plane.
The main airports in Lombardy are Milano Linate Airport, Malpensa International Airport in Milan, and Il Caravaggio International Airport in Bergamo. It is effortless to get around, though Bergamo would be my first choice (and is the starting and endpoint of this itinerary, but of course, you can tweak the itinerary to suit your needs).
How to Get Around in Lombardy
Every time I am in Italy, I am surprised by how well the train system works. While I mostly drove in the region, I highly suggest using public transportation. Whenever I used it, I was so happy to see that it is cheap, safe, reliable, and timely.
Driving in Lombardy is an option if you are traveling with several people or really enjoy driving. Keep in mind that some streets are narrow (so if you rent a car, choose a smaller one), and you are not allowed to drive in some town and village centers (even if your GPS sends you there). Parking is also really tricky in many areas.
P.S. Petrol and diesel are costly in Italy (it has some of the highest prices in Europe).
Best Time to Visit Lombardy
Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, so you will always stumble upon other tourists. It is busy at almost any time, and in the summer months, it can get boiling. If you can avoid the time between the end of June and the end of August and instead visit from April until June or in September or October, you are good to go.
It might not be as sunny, and it is probably not the perfect temperature for a beach vacation (though it is still nice, sunny, and warm most of the time), but since that isn’t the focus of this itinerary, try not to visit during the summer months.
Best Lombardy Itinerary – 5-7 Days in Bergamo, Milano, and Lake Como
Okay, here are tips on seeing the top places in Lombardy in a short amount of time.
Bergamo – 2 Days
Bergamo was one of the prettiest and most pleasant travel surprises that happened to me in 2018. Before my trip, I had only acknowledged it as a city close to Milan with an airport served by discount airlines.
Bergamo is small, but there is an upper and lower part of a town – you could only get around by walking. Especially if you stay in Bergamo for two days, you can visit the upper area (Citta Alta) one day and then do the lower area (Citta Bassa). However, as in most Italian cities, public transportation is great, and you can also use the bus (or the funicular to get up the upper area).
If you are driving, then you will have a hard time parking in the upper area. There are parking houses available in the lower area that are quite costly – so, if you have your accommodation a bit further, leave your car where it is and take the bus up to Citta Alta.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Bergamo
- Piazza Vecchia
- Campanone TowerCampanone Tower
- Rocca di Bergamo
- Piazza Duomo
- Colleoni Chapel
- Venetian Walls and Gates
Check out my detailed Bergamo travel guide with more travel tips and more info about the best activities.
If you only have 4 days in Lombardy (or 5), I would spend 1,5 days here before heading to Milan for half a day.
From Bergamo to Milan: it is about an hour’s drive/train ride.
Milan 1.5 Days
The impressive Duomo of Milan is Instafamous, but actually, Milan is more than the Duomo. The country’s major financial, artistic, and fashion hub is home to some interesting architectural buildings. However, Milan is often named as the most underwhelming destination in Italy – and I get it.
On the other hand, I have to admit that I visited both times in the summer months. I cannot take the heat and humidity, and the hot temperatures in Milan made every step a little torture. So, I have decided that I will give Milan another try at another time of year.
Milan is the fashion capital in Europe – and here you will find all the luxury shops you can imagine. This also makes Milan more expensive than many other Italian destinations. As always, I suggest leaving your car at your accommodation and getting around via public transportation if needed.
So, after a good breakfast in Milan, explore the main sights of the city.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Milan
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Duomo
- Santa Maria della Grazie
- Sforza Castle
- Naviglio Grande
- From Milan to Lake Como
From Milan, it is time to head to Como – a town at Lake Como. Como is located at the lake’s southern shores and, thus, it is only an hour’s drive (less by train) from Milan.
If you have less than 6 or 7 days, I suggest planning 2 days in Lake Como.
Lake Como – 3 Days
Lake Como is the posher answer to Lake Garda. Prices here reflect this, and unlike Lake Garda, it feels less crowded, more exclusive, but honestly, also a bit less fun than Lake Garda. I mean, this is the place where Gorge Clooney has a house!
You could either stay in Como and do day trips to places like Varenna and Bellagio (my tip), or you could change hotels each day.
Do not get me wrong – there is still a lot to do and see at Lake Como. But these last few days are all about taking it easy and going with the flow. I visited Como with my dog twice and have listed some of the highlights of my trip below (if you have 3 full days in Lake Como, I also suggest a day trip to Varenna).
- Como
- Brunate
- Boat Tour
- Lake Pusiono
- Bellagio
- Varenna
As you can see, you can do quite a lot in Lombardy in 4-7 days – it offers a nice variety of relaxation and city sightseeing. You can tweak the itinerary, so it fits your needs and expectations the best.
READ MORE:
- Here are things to know before visiting Italy for the first time
- Though Rome is not close to Lombardy, it is worth a visit! Check out my 3-day Rome itinerary
- Find out more about the most beautiful places in Northern Italy
PIN ME FOR LATER – MILAN IN 7 DAYS
