Top 2 Itineraries in Varese

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Varese.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Varese offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Varese are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Varese’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Varese offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Varese truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Varese belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Varese are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Varese and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Varese itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Varese for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Varese without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Varese!

A scenic 15-day road trip through Milano, Lecco, Varese, Monza, and Legnano is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 15-day itinerary means that Varese can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Milano, Lecco, Varese, Monza, and Legnano by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 15 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Genoa

• Arrival city: Genova
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
• Sightseeing: Via Garibaldi

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Genoa. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Genova

• Destinations: Genova
• Driving distance: 141.3 km, approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Doge's Palace, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
• Recommended tour: Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Doge's Palace, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Genova, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Milan.

Day 3: Discover Varese, Angera, Gavirate, and Reno

• Destinations: Varese, Angera, Gavirate, and Reno
• Driving distance: 169.51 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Rocca di Angera, Lido di Gavirate, Santa Caterina del Sasso, and Giardini e Palazzo Estensi
• Recommended tour: Lake Como from Milan: Varenna, Bellagio, and the Iconic Villa

Spend the day exploring Rocca di Angera, Lido di Gavirate, Santa Caterina del Sasso, and Giardini e Palazzo Estensi. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Milano

• Destinations: Milano
• Driving distance: 1.4 km, approx. 17 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Cathedral Square, Duomo di Milano, Palazzo Reale di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Recommended tour: Bellagio & Varenna - Small Group Tour from Milan with Boat Cruise

Continue your journey through Milano, where you can explore Cathedral Square, Duomo di Milano, Palazzo Reale di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Milano

• Destinations: Milano
• Driving distance: 9.1 km, approx. 1 hour and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Pinacoteca di Brera, Sforzesco Castle, Piazza Gae Aulenti, Parco Sempione, and Arco della Pace
• Recommended tour: Small group: Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Boat Cruise, Chocolate tasting

Drive through Milano, stopping to visit Pinacoteca di Brera, Sforzesco Castle, Piazza Gae Aulenti, Parco Sempione, and Arco della Pace. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Milano

• Destinations: Milano
• Driving distance: 9.9 km, approx. 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, and Mudec
• Recommended tour: Full-day Skip-The-Line Milan, The Last Supper and Duomo Cathedral

Spend time discovering Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, and Mudec, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Monza, Legnano, and Passirana

• Destinations: Monza, Legnano, and Passirana
• Driving distance: 100.86 km, approx. 2 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Alfa Romeo Museum, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Parco Castello, Parco di Monza, and Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista - Duomo di Monza
• Recommended tour: Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour

Explore Alfa Romeo Museum, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Parco Castello, Parco di Monza, and Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista - Duomo di Monza at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Lecco, Pertevano, Tavernola, and Como

• Destinations: Lecco, Pertevano, Tavernola, and Como
• Driving distance: 149.15 km, approx. 3 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Villa Olmo, Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral, Lungolago di Lecco, Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone, and Porta Torre
• Recommended tour: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of the Duomo & “The Last Supper” in Italy from Milan

Continue your road trip through Lecco, Pertevano, Tavernola, and Como, enjoying the flexibility to explore Villa Olmo, Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral, Lungolago di Lecco, Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone, and Porta Torre and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Aosta - Aoste, Favà, and Chez-Sapin

• Destinations: Aosta - Aoste, Favà, and Chez-Sapin
• Driving distance: 316.3 km, approx. 4 hours and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Roman Theatre, Issogne Castle, Fénis Castle, Porta Pretoria, and Arco di Augusto
• Recommended tour: Small-group Royal Palace Skip-the-line Tour

Visit Roman Theatre, Issogne Castle, Fénis Castle, Porta Pretoria, and Arco di Augusto as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Turin.

Day 10: Uncover Torino and Cavoretto

• Destinations: Torino and Cavoretto
• Driving distance: 29.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Basilica of Superga, Mole Antonelliana, Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile, and Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio
• Recommended tour: Turin Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour

Continue your exploration of Basilica of Superga, Mole Antonelliana, Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile, and Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Torino and Cavoretto

• Destinations: Torino and Cavoretto
• Driving distance: 9.28 km, approx. 58 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Piazza Solferino, Borgo Medievale, Parco del Valentino, Fontana dei 12 Mesi, and Egyptian Museum
• Recommended tour: The Turin Chocolate Tasting Experience

Take in the highlights of Piazza Solferino, Borgo Medievale, Parco del Valentino, Fontana dei 12 Mesi, and Egyptian Museum, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Torino

• Destinations: Torino
• Driving distance: 2.55 km, approx. 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Teatro Regio di Torino, Royal Palace of Turin, Giardini Reali di Torino, Palazzo Madama, and Piazza Castello
• Recommended tour: Turin Highlights Private Walking Tour with Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo

Take the opportunity to explore Teatro Regio di Torino, Royal Palace of Turin, Giardini Reali di Torino, Palazzo Madama, and Piazza Castello, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Lanzo Torinese, Venaria Reale, Stupinigi, and Druento

• Destinations: Lanzo Torinese, Venaria Reale, Stupinigi, and Druento
• Driving distance: 229.56 km, approx. 3 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Savona, e.g., Ricaroka Hotel
• Sightseeing: La Venaria Reale, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Ponte del Diavolo, and Parco La Mandria

Explore La Venaria Reale, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Ponte del Diavolo, and Parco La Mandria as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Savona.

Day 14: Maximize the Last Day in Lanzo Torinese, Venaria Reale, Stupinigi, and Druento

• Destinations: Alassio and Vicoforte
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
• Sightseeing: Budello di Alassio, Muretto of Alassio, Santuario di Vicoforte, “Magnificat” - Salita e visita guidata Kalatà, and Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary
• Recommended tour: Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa

Enjoy your last full day on the road, visiting Budello di Alassio, Muretto of Alassio, Santuario di Vicoforte, “Magnificat” - Salita e visita guidata Kalatà, and Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary and making time for spontaneous detours or local events. Return to Genoa for your final night. End the day's journey with a check-in at a top-rated hotel in Genoa.

Day 15: Bid Farewell to Genoa

• Departure city: Genova
• Driving distance: 2.3 km, approx. 29 minutes
• Sightseeing: Porto Antico

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Genoa. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1624 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Varese.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Varese for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Varese with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Varese without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Varese

Arrive in Varese and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Giardini e Palazzo Estensi.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Ristorante Bologna - Varese is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Varese's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Varese by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi and Sacro Monte di Varese (Unesco site).

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Varese in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Varese

Spend your last few hours in Varese soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Varese, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Varese travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

As you explore Varese, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Varese for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Varese in a way that feels truly unforgettable!