Embark on a 7-day cultural and leisure adventure in Milan, exploring its iconic architecture, monuments, and vibrant food scene on a low budget. Enjoy unique shopping and cultural experiences within the city, complemented by enriching day trips to picturesque lakes, historic cities, and even outlet malls.

Arrive at Milan Linate Airport.
Collect luggage and proceed to your accommodation.
After landing, take a taxi or airport bus (e.g., Starfly) from Linate Airport to your accommodation. Estimated taxi cost EUR 30-40, bus EUR 5-7 per person.
Check into your apartment and settle in.
Ensure you have check-in instructions for your apartment.
Live a unique and engaging dining experience learning to prepare tagliatelle, ravioli and homemade tiramisu in a refined Milanese apartment.
Enjoy a hands-on culinary experience and a delicious dinner. This is a great way to immerse yourselves in Italian food culture on your first evening.
Use local public transport (metro/tram) or a short taxi ride to reach the cooking class location from your accommodation.
Explore the magnificent Duomo, Italy’s largest church and one of the world's largest.
Consider going up to the terraces for panoramic views.
Book tickets online in advance to save time. Dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered).
Stroll through Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, an architectural marvel.
Admire the luxury boutiques and mosaic floors.
Remember the tradition of spinning on the bull's mosaic for good luck!
Enjoy a casual lunch in one of the many cafes or trattorias around the city center.
Look for local eateries off the main squares for better prices.
Visit the historic Sforzesco Castle, a massive fortress housing several museums and art collections.
The castle grounds are free to explore, but there's an entrance fee for the museums inside. Choose based on your budget and interest.
Relax and take a leisurely stroll through Parco Sempione, located behind Sforzesco Castle, offering green space and views of the Arch of Peace.
A perfect spot for a refreshing break after sightseeing.
Experience the traditional Milanese aperitivo.
Enjoy a drink with complimentary snacks or a buffet.
Many bars offer aperitivo from 6 PM to 9 PM. It can often serve as a light dinner.
Discover one of Italy's foremost public art galleries, housing masterpieces by Italian artists.
Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Wander through the charming streets of the Brera district, known for its bohemian atmosphere, art studios, and elegant boutiques.
Perfect for a leisurely stroll and finding unique shops.
Enjoy lunch in a traditional trattoria in the artistic Brera district.
Many charming options available for various budgets.
Immerse yourselves in Milan's high fashion district.
Browse window displays of renowned designer brands along Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
Even if just window shopping, it's an iconic Milanese experience.
Create lasting memories with a professional photo session in unique Milanese locations, capturing your trip's highlights.
A fun way to get group photos and explore hidden gems with a local expert.
Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at a local trattoria, perhaps trying traditional Milanese dishes.
Ask your host for recommendations or look for places slightly off the main tourist paths for better value.
Take a regional train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, a charming town on Lake Como.
The scenic train ride takes about an hour.
Purchase train tickets in advance online or at the station. Validate tickets before boarding.
From your accommodation, take the metro or tram to Milano Centrale. The train journey is direct and offers beautiful views.
Wander through the picturesque streets of Varenna, visit Villa Monastero or Castello di Vezio, and enjoy the lakeside promenade.
Varenna is smaller and less crowded than Bellagio, offering a more tranquil experience.
Take a short ferry ride across Lake Como to Bellagio, often called the 'Pearl of Lake Como'.
Ferries run regularly between the central lake towns.
Enjoy lunch with stunning lake views in Bellagio.
Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local specialties.
Expect slightly higher prices in popular lakeside spots; look for options a bit further back from the shore for better value.
Explore Bellagio's charming streets, boutique shops, and beautiful gardens.
Take in the panoramic views where the three branches of the lake meet.
Don't miss the picturesque Salita Serbelloni street.
Take a ferry back to Varenna, then catch a train from Varenna-Esino back to Milano Centrale.
Plan your return train journey from Varenna carefully to ensure you catch one back to Milan.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Milan after your day trip.
Try a Pizzeria for a delicious and affordable meal.
Embark on a walking tour through Milan's cultural treasures, starting at Castello Sforzesco, exploring its history, and concluding with a delightful gelato tasting near the Duomo.
This guided tour combines history with a sweet treat, perfect for a morning exploration.
Visit one of Milan's oldest churches, a stunning example of Lombard Romanesque architecture with a rich history.
A serene and historically significant site, offering a glimpse into early Christian Milan.
Grab a quick and affordable lunch in the vicinity of the Basilica.
Look for local bakeries or small cafes for sandwiches and pastries.
Explore Corso Buenos Aires, one of Milan's longest shopping streets, offering a wide range of popular international and Italian brands at more accessible prices than the fashion district.
A great spot for more budget-friendly fashion and souvenirs.
Enjoy an early evening stroll along the picturesque canals of the Navigli district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and charming bridges.
A beautiful area, especially as the sun begins to set, perfect for photos.
Have dinner in the lively Navigli district, famous for its numerous restaurants and bars.
Many options from traditional Italian to international cuisine. Consider trying a local risotto.
Wander through the picturesque Brera Design District, known for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and charming streets. Enjoy window shopping at boutiques and exploring hidden courtyards.
Enjoy the artistic ambiance. Consider visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera's courtyard even if you don't go inside to save on entry fees.
Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly lunch at one of the many trattorias or cafes in the Brera district.
Marvel at the stunning architecture of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Then, enjoy some aspirational window shopping in the nearby Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's high-fashion district.
The Galleria itself is a free architectural spectacle. Window shopping is a great way to experience the fashion district without spending much.
Live a unique and engaging dining experience where you will learn how to prepare iconic Italian dishes like tagliatelle, ravioli, and homemade tiramisu.
This is a hands-on experience perfect for food lovers. It also serves as your dinner!
After your cooking class, head to the vibrant Navigli district, famous for its canals.
Enjoy an authentic Milanese aperitivo along the water, a classic pre-dinner drink with complimentary snacks.
Aperitivo is a great way to experience local culture and enjoy some snacks, potentially serving as a light dinner after your cooking class. Many bars offer good value.
Start your final day with a visit to Castello Sforzesco, a historic fortress.
Explore its courtyards and then stroll through the adjacent Parco Sempione, a large public park perfect for a relaxing morning walk.
Entrance to the castle courtyards is free, offering great photo opportunities. You can enjoy the park and castle exterior without needing to purchase museum tickets.
Enjoy some final souvenir shopping around the Duomo area or a local market if you haven't picked up gifts and mementos yet.
Savor a final, quick Italian lunch at a local pizzeria or casual eatery before heading to the airport.
Travel from your accommodation or central Milan to Milan Linate Airport (LIN) for your departure.
Public transport options include buses (e.g., Starfly or ATM lines) from Milan Central Station or Piazza San Babila. Taxis or private transfers are quicker but more expensive.
Depart from Milan Linate Airport (LIN) for your flight back to North East England.
Ensure you arrive at the airport with sufficient time for check-in and security. The specific flight departs at 16:50, arriving in NCL the next day.
This 7-day itinerary for Milan can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.