Top 3 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 3 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 12-day road trip through Milano, Lecco, Varese, Lenno, and Torino 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 12-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, Lenno, and Torino by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Milan

• Arrival city: Milano
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Piazza Gae Aulenti

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Milan. 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 Milano

• Destinations: Milano
• Driving distance: 1.61 km, approx. 20 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: Small group: Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Boat Cruise, Chocolate tasting

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Cathedral Square, Duomo di Milano, Palazzo Reale di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Milano, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Milano

• Destinations: Milano
• Driving distance: 9.14 km, approx. 1 hour and 6 seconds
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, and Arco della Pace
• Recommended tour: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of the Duomo & “The Last Supper” in Italy from Milan

Spend the day exploring Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, and Arco della Pace. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Milano and Lecco

• Destinations: Milano and Lecco
• Driving distance: 99.82 km, approx. 2 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Como, e.g., Ostello Bello Lake Como
• Sightseeing: Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Lungolago di Lecco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Mudec

Continue your journey through Milano and Lecco, where you can explore Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Lungolago di Lecco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Mudec. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Como.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Lenno, Tavernola, Rogaro, and Como

• Destinations: Lenno, Tavernola, Rogaro, and Como
• Driving distance: 63.33 km, approx. 1 hour and 39 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Como, e.g., Ostello Bello Lake Como
• Sightseeing: Villa Olmo, Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Carlotta

Drive through Lenno, Tavernola, Rogaro, and Como, stopping to visit Villa Olmo, Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Carlotta. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Varese, Collegno, Venaria Reale, and Reno

• Destinations: Varese, Collegno, Venaria Reale, and Reno
• Driving distance: 248.43 km, approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Parco Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, La Venaria Reale, Santa Caterina del Sasso, and Giardini e Palazzo Estensi
• Recommended tour: Turin Highlights Private Walking Tour with Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo

Spend time discovering Parco Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, La Venaria Reale, Santa Caterina del Sasso, and Giardini e Palazzo Estensi, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Turin.

Day 7: Spend Time in Torino and Cavoretto

• Destinations: Torino and Cavoretto
• Driving distance: 31.76 km, approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Basilica of Superga, Borgo Medievale, Parco della Tesoriera, Parco del Valentino, and Fontana dei 12 Mesi
• Recommended tour: Small-group Royal Palace Skip-the-line Tour

Explore Basilica of Superga, Borgo Medievale, Parco della Tesoriera, Parco del Valentino, and Fontana dei 12 Mesi at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Torino

• Destinations: Torino
• Driving distance: 3.02 km, approx. 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Turin, e.g., Turin Palace
• Sightseeing: Royal Palace of Turin, Mole Antonelliana, Palazzo Madama, and Piazza Castello
• Recommended tour: Turin Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour

Continue your road trip through Torino, enjoying the flexibility to explore Royal Palace of Turin, Mole Antonelliana, Palazzo Madama, and Piazza Castello and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Torino, La Morra, and Cavoretto

• Destinations: Torino, La Morra, and Cavoretto
• Driving distance: 224.55 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
• Sightseeing: Piazza Solferino, Belvedere di La Morra, Egyptian Museum, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile
• Recommended tour: Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa

Visit Piazza Solferino, Belvedere di La Morra, Egyptian Museum, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile 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 Genoa.

Day 10: Uncover Genova

• Destinations: Genova
• Driving distance: 116.76 km, approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in La Spezia, e.g., Affittacamere Real Rooms
• Sightseeing: Doge's Palace, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Porto Antico
• Recommended tour: Private Tour: Cinque Terre from La Spezia

Continue your exploration of Doge's Palace, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Porto Antico, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in La Spezia.

Day 11: Journey Through La Spezia, Levanto, and Corniglia

• Destinations: La Spezia, Levanto, and Corniglia
• Driving distance: 255.82 km, approx. 4 hours and 45 seconds
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Milan, e.g., 21 House of Stories Città Studi
• Sightseeing: Cinque Terre National Park, Giardini Pubblici, Spiaggia Levanto, and Technical Naval Museum of Spezia
• Recommended tour: Full-day Skip-The-Line Milan, The Last Supper and Duomo Cathedral

Take in the highlights of Cinque Terre National Park, Giardini Pubblici, Spiaggia Levanto, and Technical Naval Museum of Spezia, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Milan.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Milan

• Departure city: Milano
• Driving distance: 1.56 km, approx. 20 minutes
• Sightseeing: Palazzo Borromeo

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Milan. 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 1544 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 Centro Congressi Ville Ponti, Sacro Monte di Varese (Unesco site), Villa Panza, and Parco di Villa Toeplitz.

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.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Varese offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Varese itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Varese weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Varese

Arrive in Varese around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Giardini e Palazzo Estensi, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Varese’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Varese with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Centro Congressi Ville Ponti early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Villa Panza, stopping by Sacro Monte di Varese (Unesco site) for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Varese

Make the most of your last few hours in Varese before your departure. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Varese itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

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!