9 days in Milan & Bologna Itinerary

In many ways the most modern of Italian cities, Milan is a busy, elegant metropolis with an impressive list of grand palaces, fine churches, and important museums.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): don't miss a visit to Piazza del Duomo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore and then explore the historical opulence of Castello Sforzesco.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Milan vacation maker tool.

Manchester, UK to Milan is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Manchester in September; daily highs in Milan reach 28°C and lows reach 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) to allow time to take a train to Bologna.

A city famous for its cuisine, Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Bologna Cooking Class as well as Italian Days Food Experience. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bologna: Cattedrale di Parma (in Parma) and Venice (Piazza San Marco, St Mark's Campanile, &more). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Piazza Maggiore, admire the striking features of Palazzo Magnani, get a sense of history and politics at Palazzo Comunale, and pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read our Bologna trip itinerary builder site.

Traveling by train from Milan to Bologna takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. September in Bologna sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Milan.

You've now added Cattedrale di Parma to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): examine the collection at Civic Archaeological Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cattedrale di Parma, then shop like a local with Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Duomo di Milano.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Milan day trip planning website.

Take a train from Bologna to Milan in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You'll set off for home on the 11th (Sun).