An Adventurous Roadtrip from Munich to Milan

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Advisor - Allie Bendit
Curated By

Allie Bendit

  • Munich

  • Milan

  • Adventure Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Hiking

  • Relaxation

  • Shopping

A tram car turning through the nighttime streets of Milan, Italy.
Curator’s statement

When I travel, I like a little bit of everything - hiking, spas, seaside, and wine are equally important ingredients to the perfect trip. This road trip boasts just that - city sightseeing around Munich, hiking in Austria, via ferrata in the Dolomites, wine in Verona followed by deep relaxation in Lake Como, and lastly some shopping and incredible meals in Milan to cap off the trip. This is the ideal itinerary for the couple or friend group looking for a trip where every day is different!

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Days 1-2: Schnitzel & Castles!

Have a schnitzel with beer at Görreshof Wirtshaus.

Day 1: Arrive in Munich.

You're likely to arrive in Munich midday. Check into your hotel and head to Görreshof Wirtshaus, one of Munich's oldest pubs, for schnitzel. Another option is Sorry Johnny Kaffeebar for the cheese scones or French toast with ricotta and jam. Walk off the meal in Englischer Garten, a lively gathering space for Munich locals, or by visiting Lenbachhaus museum for an artistic experience. Freshen up at your hotel, followed by high-end Austrian cuisine at Gasthaus Waltz and cocktails at Zephyr Bar, just a two-minute walk away from Gasthaus Waltz.

Day 2: Drive to Fussen.

Wake up the next morning refreshed, because it's time to road trip! After picking up your rental car, head south to Fussen and visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks exactly like Cinderella's castle. Just a short drive from the Castle will allow you to walk through the beautiful gardens at Linderhof Palace. Finally, drive to your destination for the night - Garmisch. Grab a casual dinner at Bungalow 7 and stay for some live music before waking up early for your hike tomorrow.

Days 3-4: Zugspitze & Dolomites!

The majestic and rugged mountain range Dolomites.

Day 3: Zugspitze!

As long as the weather is good, it's time to soak up the views from the top of Germany's tallest peak - Zugspitze! If you're up for a strenuous hike, you're taking the Hollental route - the shortest route up that doesn't require technical climbing, but does have some via ferrata. If that's not for you - don't fret! - there is a cable car that can take you up and down the mountain. At the top, take in the panoramic views before grabbing a meal and drinks at the aptly named Panorama 2962. If you have extra time when you get down to the bottom of the mountain, take a walk through town or visit the Partnach Gorges (kid friendly!).

Day 4: Dolomites!

Today, you're heading to the Dolomites. On your way, stop in Innsbruck to stroll through the Old Town and wander through the beautifully displayed gems at Swarovski Crystal World. Grab a farm-to-table lunch at die Wilderin before continuing on to Forestis in the Dolomites, where you'll spend the night. Trust me, you won't want to leave once you see the view from your room.

Days 5-6: Hiking, Spas & Tre Crime!

A wooden, above-water lake house in Lago di Braies, with serene, deep turquoise water, green forests, and mountains partly covered in morning mist.

Day 5: Hiking and Spas.

For the next 3 days, you have 2 options: Continue to enjoy the Dolomites via day trips from Forestis, or start a hut-to-hut hike within the Dolomites, a popular local journey where each evening you sit down for beers and a multi-course meal with fellow travelers staying at your hut. Assuming you stay hotel-side, your first day is a trip to Lago di Braies, a lake with water that is the perfect shade of turquoise. It gets extremely crowded in the late morning / early afternoon, so get on the road by 8 a.m. to make sure you can enjoy the peace and quiet. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel for some spa treatments at the hotel.

Day 6: Tre Crime:

Today, you're going to see one of the most famous sights in the Dolomites: Tre Cime. This will be another early morning start, because the Tre Cime Circuit Hike is a popular one (you'll see why when you make it up) and I want you to get to experience it without swarms of tourists milling about. The hike will take 4-5 hours, and there are shops near the top, but I'd pack some water and snacks just in case. At the end of the day take in every last bit of Forestis.

Days 7-8: Wine, Juliet's Balcony & Lake Como!

A view of colorful houses along Lake Como, some small motor boats cruising in the water, with a backdrop of green mountains and blue sky.

Day 7: Fair Verona!

It's time to leave the Dolomites and head to Verona, but first - wine! You're heading to Valpolicella to taste their famous Amarone wine. Since visiting, Amarone is now a red I can't live without! Wineries such as Allegrini, Tommasi and Sartori di Verona offer tours and tastings. After your tour, its time to head to Verona (or if you're into Shakespeare, "Fair Verona, where we lay our scene").

First, visit the ruins at Verona Arena, an ancient performance venue. Transport yourself into the Renaissance with a trip into Castelvecchio Museum, complete with a walk over the famous Castelvecchio Bridge. Lastly, no visit to the land of Romeo & Juliet is complete without a visit to Juliet's balcony, where it was believed the Dal Cappello family lived and where Giulietta Capuleti was born. Finish the day with an incredible, inventive meal at the two Michelin-starred Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli.

Day 8: Lake Como!

It's time to head to Lake Como. There are a ton of incredible hotels, but I recommend staying in one of the towns and not in Como itself. My personal favorites are Villa d'Este (Cernobbio), Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Tremezzo), or il Sereno (Torno). Keep in mind that the lake is huge, and the best way to get around is by ferry. After getting to your hotel, take a boat ride around the lake to get acquainted to this magical place before an Alps-inspired dinner at Feel or a George Clooney favorite, Il Gatto Nero.

Days 9-10: Sightseeing & Milan!

The botanical garden of Villa Cipressi, along the lake, with lush greenery, stunning architecture, and vibrant flowers.

Day 9: Sightseeing & Villages!

Today, it's all about exploring the towns. Walk the hilly streets of Bellagio, followed by a visit to the Botanic Gardens at Hotel Villa Cipressi or the mansion and lush botanic gardens of Villa Carlotta. Find a bar with views and stick around to watch the sunset over the lake. For dinner, take in the views and enjoy a homecooked-style seafood meal at Il Beccaccino.

Day 10: Milan - Pizza, Art & Fashion!

On your last day in Lake Como, take the Como-Brunate funicular to see views of the lake from up high before heading towards Milan. Once in Milan, grab the best pizza of your life at Da Zero, then check off must-sees like the Duomo and the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see The Last Supper up close. After that, it's time to do some shopping, because Milan is home to every designer, major and up-and-coming, that you can imagine. Cap off the meal and vacation at the trendy Paper Moon.

Advisor - Allie Bendit

Travel Advisor

Allie Bendit

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Munich and travel to Milan.