Private car transfer from Bellagio to Milan

If you roll down your car window, you can smell the crisp highland air drifting down from the snow-capped Alps in the distance. The wind blowing through your hair will whet your appetite for adventure, and stopping at a cozy restaurant in one of Lombardy's colorful towns will refuel your wanderlust.

When the region's iconic grand villas nested amongst lush greenery fade into a concert jungle, you know your venture is about to close. You can arrive at Milan's skyscrapers feeling relaxed and firmly in the La Dolce Vita spirit. All you have to do is use local tips and choose the best transport for the journey from our Bellagio to Milan guide below!

Early Milan

Milan was originally a Celtic city founded by the Gaul tribe in 600 BC. But by 222 BC, the Roman Empire had conquered the land and renamed it Mediolanum. Milan thrived from the get-go due to its strategic position in northern Italy as a trade route and as a crucial military post before the Alps.

Milan continued to bloom after Rome fell in 476 AD. During the Renaissance, the Sforza family injected a wealth of cash and built notable buildings, such as the Sforza Castle and the Policlinico of Milan. Leonardo Di Vinci also painted "The Last Supper," one of the most renowned artworks during this period, in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Recent and modern Milan

Allied forces bombed Milian on around 60 occasions during World War II, damaging around 33% of the cityscape. However, Milan's focus on industrialization after the war meant the government could rapidly rebuild the city after the war in its original neoclassical architecture.

Flair, elegance, fashion, and sophistication are all words you can use to describe Milan today. It's so stylish that it hosts one of the world's most sought-after fashion shows: Milan Fashion Week. Almost 30,000 celebrities and fashion enthusiasts flock to the streets every September to watch designer brands such as Gucci and Versace showcase their upcoming collections.

But Milan isn't a playground for the wealthy just for a week in the autumn. Trendy cocktail bars and chic restaurants litter the glamorous streets from dusk until dawn year-round. As the spiritual home of the Aperitivo, locals pack out the desired locations to sip handcrafted cocktails and sample some Italian treats before heading out into the raucous atmosphere of Italian nightlife!

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: humid subtropical
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C, F, and L
• Fun fact: The Duomo Cathedral took builders over 500 years to complete!

So even if the sun is splitting the rocks in Milan, pack a light bag with a waterproof jacket and an umbrella for sightseeing en route!

Venture off the tourist map

Bellagio and Milan are two breathtaking cities that attract travelers from all four corners of the globe. However, due to their popularity, discovering authentic eateries and traditional ways of life can be challenging.

Stopping at other towns like Bergamo, one of Europe's most underrated destinations, or Crespi d'Adda, a UNESCO-listed city, will provide you with the flavors of Italy. You'll also create your own unique travel trail and unforgettable memories!

Priority comfort

The last thing you want on a voyage through winding mountainous paths and pristine fields is to sit in an overcrowded bus with no air conditioning in the summer. Relaxing and soaking up the vistas is the only way to appreciate this bucket-list experience.

Opt for a comfortable travel method like Daytrip; consider spending more on panoramic bus seats or extra legroom on the train. No matter how you travel, a neck pillow and earplugs will also enhance the trip!

Since no direct buses are available, you first must travel to Como via the regional C30 bus. Then, you can switch to direct service with Flixbus to Milan Lampugnano Bus Station, a 15-minute metro ride to downtown Milan.

• Cheapest bus tickets: $11 (€10)
• Average bus tickets: $15 (€14)
• Quickest bus duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
• First bus departure: 5:42 AM
• Last bus departure: 8:20 PM

Trains and ferries from Bellagio to Milan

A mix between a train and a ferry is the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel from Bellagio to Milan. It's also the fastest and most scenic, as you can admire Lake Como's jaw-dropping cliffs from a new perspective.

The first leg of the journey requires you to purchase a ticket from Bellagio to Varenna and cruise across the lake's emerald waters. After docking on dry land, you'll jump aboard a Trenord train service directly to Milan Central Railway Station. You can buy a ticket at Varenna Esino or online for the lowest fares.

• Average overall cost: $19.50 (€18)
• Average overall duration: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• First ferry departure: 8:34 AM
• Last ferry departure: 7:08 PM

Daytrip from Bellagio to Milan

Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient transport from Bellagio to Milan. A door-to-door service will collect you at your hotel along the lake and drop you off at your new one at a time that suits your schedule. You don't need to worry about organizing taxis, setting early alarms, or dragging your luggage across town.

Traveling in a modern vehicle with the thermostat set to your liking and your seat reclined isn't the highlight of this journey. A unique sightseeing tour lets you explore the mesmerizing cities and attractions hidden amongst Italy's dense foliage.

The Basilica of San Pietro and San Paolo of Agliate offers stunning views along the Lambro River and a deep dive into the region's fascinating history. But if you feel like stretching your legs in romantic settings along the lake, look no further than Lecco and Como City!

• Seats from: $53 (€49)
• Door-to-door duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• English-speaking driver
• Equipped for pets, kids, groups, and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

But Piazza del Duomo is far more than just a pretty face. The glamorous white-tiled floors ooze sophistication, and the live street performers mixing with the locals create a cauldron of energy!

Attend La Scala

La Scala is one of the most prestigious opera houses globally, known for its exceptional acoustics and grand performances. Since opening in 1778, it has hosted premieres of works by composers like Verdi and Puccini.

You can explore the theater and its gallery, which showcases costumes, musical instruments, and historical documents. Attending a performance at La Scala is a traditional Milanese experience, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural scene.

Admire Sforzesco Castle

Everyone knows that the best things in life are free, and Sforzesco Castle is evidence of this. The Sforza family ordered the construction of this dominating structure in the 15th century. But you can still roam its grand courtyards and admire its impressive fortification features today.

Believe it or not, Sforzesco Castle gives access to another top free attraction: Sempione Park. Grab fresh snacks from nearby stores or markets and join the locals for a tasty picnic on the freshly cut grass!

Marvel at the Last Supper

Many travelers are amazed when they discover that Milan is home to The Last Supper, arguably Leonardo di Vinci's most iconic masterpiece. He may have painted this mural in the 15th century, but due to the latest restoration in 1999, you can marvel at his craftsmen almost as if it were from day one.

The painting resides in Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But since spaces are limited to preserve the artwork, you should book tickets in advance.

If you're a fashion enthusiast or a celebrity autograph hunter, fall has another ace up its sleeve. The sought-after Milan Fashion Week draws celebrities and world-renowned designers to the streets every September. Since Milan is also expensive, you'll save your hard-earned cash by visiting from September to October and April to May.