Venice and Milan bookend the stylish north and make a fine five-day trip, linked by a fast train of about two and a half hours. This version starts on the water: three days in Venice with a lagoon-island day, then two in Milan for the Duomo and Leonardo. Book the Last Supper first, as it sells out weeks ahead, or accept you'll skip it. Begin with canals and wonder, end with design and aperitivo (pre-dinner drink with snacks), an easy contrast by train.
No car. The high-speed train links the two and Venice is car-free. Book the Doge's Palace in Venice and the Last Supper and Duomo rooftop in Milan well ahead, and base centrally.
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5-Day Venice and Milan Itinerary
Days 1-2: Venice and the Lagoon
St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, a sunset gondola, getting lost in the back lanes, and a lagoon-island day to colorful Burano and glassblowing Murano. The floating-city opener.
Day 3: Train to Milan
A two-and-a-half-hour fast train west to Milan, then an afternoon easing in: the Galleria, a Navigli aperitivo, and the buzz of the city after Venice's calm. The mood shifts.
Days 4-5: Milan
The Duomo and its rooftop, La Scala, the Sforza Castle, and, if booked, Leonardo's Last Supper, with shopping and design between. Style and art to finish.
Q&A: Venice and Milan in 5 Days
Is 5 days enough for Venice and Milan?
Yes: three days for Venice and its lagoon islands and two for Milan's compact highlights, linked by a quick train. Milan is more a stylish stopover, so giving Venice the extra time makes sense.
How do I get between them?
By high-speed train in about two and a half hours, city center to water's edge. Book ahead for the best fares. No car is needed, and Venice is car-free.
Must I book the Last Supper?
Yes, weeks ahead. It admits tiny timed groups and sells out fast. Book it the moment your dates are set, or plan to skip it without building your Milan days around it.
Is a lagoon-island day worth it?
Very much. Burano's painted houses and Murano's glassblowing are a lovely change from central Venice and easy by vaporetto (Venice water bus). It is the best use of a third Venice day.
When should I go?
Spring and fall for comfortable weather and lighter crowds, though fashion and design weeks spike Milan prices. Summer is hot. Venice can flood in late fall.
