Beyond Milan: Mantua & The Lakes of Lombardy

If you're in Milan for a few days, consider venturing out of the city (after some shopping of course!) to explore the region. Lombardy is famous for its lakes: besides popular Lake Como, make sure not to miss beautiful Lake Garda, with picturesque Sirmione, and Lake Maggiore, with the gorgeous Borromean Islands. As for historic towns, Mantua, whose centro storico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should not be overlooked: its increasing influence under the Gonzaga family made it one of Italy's most important cultural and artistic centers, especially during the Renaissance, as its palaces and art still show today.

With the tours below, you have the chance to reach these destinations by train and be escorted by tour guides who will recount the history and show you the main sights, in easy one-day trips from Milan.