To experience the best of Milan, pick up the keys to your Avis car hire at Milan Bergamo Airport and start the road trip of a lifetime.

Milan is one of the most famous cities in Italy, renowned across the world as a fashion mecca. Like many other Italian cities, Milan boasts exceptional food, fascinating history and a charming culture.

From the airport, the centre of Milan is easily reached in just over an hour. By far Italy’s most stylish city, fashion and design are at the heart of Milanese culture. Wandering along the city’s streets, you’ll become acquainted with both local and international designers, as well as some of the city’s most striking buildings.

The main streets, lined with impressively large buildings, are symbolic of the city’s financial presence on the world stage. The mammoth gothic cathedral, the Duomo, marks the centre of the city, while its avant-garde appeal is impossible to ignore. The Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which now famously houses Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, is also a must-see.

While cutting-edge style is important to Milan, history plays an equal role in generating the city’s unique vibe. Just about every sight here holds historical importance, like the Teatro alla Scala. Inaugurated in 1778, it houses a museum exploring Milanese musical drama over the centuries. Look out for the ancient Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio church, built all the way back in the 4th century.

While you’re here, visit the Museo del Novecento overlooking the Piazza del Duomo. Here you’ll find a fascinating collection of art from the 20th century. The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is also well worth mooching around. Check out an incredible collection of artworks from a huge variety of periods, as well as pieces by the likes of Botticelli and Bellini.

On just about every street in Milan, world-class restaurants, cosy local cafes and classy wine bars politely interrupt the city’s major attractions and retailers. With a rental car, you can taste the real essence of Milan.

Head out past the city limits of Milan and you’ll open up a world of sights just waiting to be explored.

Turin
Turin is less than a two-hour drive along the A4 from Milan. This ancient city has buildings dating back to Roman times – many found in the main square, the Piazza Castello. Here, you’ll also see the impressive Palazzo Madama palace, home to the Museum of Ancient Arts.

Pavia
Just under an hour down the A7 from Milan, Pavia was once the capital of what was the Kingdom of Italy. In Roman times it was used as a garrison. Today, it enjoys a quieter existence, but that doesn’t mean it provides a quieter experience. There are many towers, churches and other monuments to see here. The main attraction is the imposing Musei Civici, built in 1360, which overlooks the city.

Verona
Verona has over 2,000 years of history, but is most famous for its links to Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet. As the romantic city was the setting of the play, today you can visit Juliet’s balcony where a statue of the star-crossed lover sits. The city’s Roman theatre is also well worth a visit, as is the ageing town wall, which you can stroll around.

Imagine exploring all this in complete comfort with no fuss. Just the open road ahead. Make it a memorable trip through Milan and beyond with an Avis hire car.