Northern Italy is home to fashion, food and fine wines. The Franciacorta Region in Lombardy is one of the best wine-producing areas in the country, known for its metodo classico sparkling wines.

Franciacorta is only a short drive from Lombardy’s capital, Milan, and makes for a perfect day tour from the city. Venture into the verdant vineyard-covered hills to see why Italian wines are world-renowned and why Franciacorta is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.

You will find below everything you need to know about the Franciacorta region, a fantastic destination for day trips from Milan.

How to get to the Franciacorta Region from Milan?

The Franciacorta region forms part of the larger Lombardy administrative district and is east of Milan between Brescia and the southern tip of Lake Iseo.

From Milan to Franciacorta by car

The drive from Milan to Franciacorta is about 80 kilometres in an eastern direction, depending on where you want to start your wine tour. The wine route is roughly a 90-kilometre circular road and most people start in the north making their way south.

The A51 will get you out of Milan whereafter you will take the E64 towards Bergamo. Just south of the city you will take the A4 turnoff leading you into the heart of the Franciacorta Region.

From Milan to the Franciacorta Region by bus/public transport

There are regular trains from Milan running east, taking you to Brescia. You will have to take private taxis to various wine farms to get the full experience.

Guided tour to the Franciacorta from Milan

The wine tours to the Franciacorta region are the best way to enjoy the luscious wine region. Guided tours take you to a full-day to the finest wineries and the most charming villages in the area, giving you a stress-free option to enjoy Lombardy.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Franciacorta Region from Milan?

The Bignami Metro stop is a common meeting point for trips from Milan but many tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off. After meeting your driver you will set off towards wine country and move from one farm to the next, tasting the world-class vino of Lombardy.

After a tasting experience, you will be whisked off to lunch. Tours visit a traditional restaurant or sit down at a winery’s restaurant to get a taste of the finest north-Italian cuisine.

Drive by Lake Iseo and enjoys invigorating views of the tranquil countryside, with fairytale castles and charming villages decorating the waterside. The drive back to Milan lasts just over an hour, wrapping up an unforgettable day in the Franciacorta Region.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Franciacorta Region from Milan?

There are a few different options for day tours to the Franciacorta Region, each one offering a different take on the most underrated wine region in Europe.

Guided tours to the Franciacorta Region from Milan

Follow the road over the lush hills of the Franciacorta Region with an exciting guided tour. You will be taken to a selection of the finest wine farms Italy has to offer and learn all about the process of making the delicate sparkling wines the region is known for.

Enjoy scenes of vineyards, castles and villages before stopping for lunch at a world-class winery. End the day off with a visit to Lake Iseo where medieval castles sit on the shore, peering over the tranquil body of water.

Private tour to the Franciacorta Region from Milan

Take a private tour of the Franciacorta Region for the ultimate luxurious experience. A private car will take you to the stunning treasures of Franciacorta through the evocative landscapes of the Italian countryside. Visit wine farms at your own pace and enjoy an exceptional lunch feast overlooking the blissful hillsides.

The late afternoon views over Lake Iseo will make an unforgettable end to this exclusive tour experience. Make it even more memorable with a thrilling ride on a Riva Aquarama speedboat, the epitome of opulence.

Day trip to the Franciacorta Region plus Sirmione Castle from Milan

This Franciacorta day trip starts with a visit to Sirmione in the east where Sirmione Castle stands proud on the shores of Lake Garda. Visit the fortification and stroll through the narrow alleys of this picturesque Sirmione.

Continue west to visit wine farms in the region and taste some of the finest wine in Italy. Experience the majesty of the hills and valleys and learn about the latest innovations in winemaking as well as centuries-old traditional methods.

How much does a tour to the Franciacorta Region from Milan cost?

Day tours to the Franciacorta Region start in the region of €240 per person while private tours start at around €550 per person. Private tours that cost around €1,000 per person include larger lunch offerings and more in-depth experiences at the wine farms. There are also tours that offer private boat rides that add to the price.

What will you see and do on a Franciacorta day trip from Milan?

Day trips to the Franciacorta Region all vary depending on your tour operator but you can look forward to stops at some of the most revered vineyards in Lombardy. Here you will sip on DOCG-recognized wines, the highest accolade awarded to Italian wines. Learn about the labor-intensive process to create these fine wines and see how traditional wine-making practices work hand in hand with modern innovations.

Most tours offer travellers the chance to indulge in award-winning feasts with lunch spreads being served at these illustrious wine farms. Get a taste of upscale Italian fare in the most authentic setting.

Bergamo, Brescia, Lake Iseo, Lake Garda and Sirmione Castle are a few of the sights that could be included on your tour.

When is the best time to visit Franciacorta?

The best time to visit Franciacorta is in the summer. During the summer you can experience the Franciacorta Summer Festival bringing all sorts of culinary and cultural events to the region. The weather is the best in September and marks the beginning stages of the harvest season when vines will be loaded with plump grapes.

Travel tips

Make sure to book the tour well in advance as groups are small and private tours book out fast.
Wear comfortable shoes as some tours require walking in hilly towns with cobbled streets.
The Italian countryside can cause some trouble for allergy sufferers so bring medication if pollen is a problem.
You are at risk of getting sunburnt in Northern Italy, especially in the summer. Pack extra sunscreen to protect yourself.

Franciacorta Region: Day Trips and Tours from Milan