Milan + what other town/day trips?

[Whitecaps]

We (DH and I) just scored a flight deal to Milan, Italy, for 6 days in late October/early November. We’ve never been to northern Italy but have been to Rome and Naples. We enjoy delicious local food, authentic experiences and local culture. 

Besides Milan itself, what other cities or towns in the area should we consider visiting? I’m open to spending 1-2 nights in a new place or two, or looking at day trips out of Milan. Anything within about a 2-hour train ride would be fair game. (I’ve already determined that we’ll save Venice for a different trip.)

I am recovering from a complicated ankle fracture and surgery that has kept me off my feet for most of 2023 (and is the reason for this trip). I’m in physical therapy and will obviously continue that right up until the trip. But right this moment, I’m still limping, have limited stamina and am occasionally unsteady on my feet. Stairs without handrails are a problem, as are steep hills/ramps. We’re fully prepared that this will not be a “walk 10 miles every day” sort of trip and will instead be a much more slower paced adventure. More like, see/experience something and then enjoy a pasta/wine/people-watching break for a bit to recover. And probably some early nights.

Given those limitations, what would you suggest?

[dutchgirl678]

What about Genoa? A friend of mine went there recently. It is on the coast but it is probably quite hilly. Or maybe Verona or Bologna?

[mrsukyankee]

What about Como, which is on the Italian side of Lake Como and is very pretty? You can take boats on the lake to visit other parts of Lake Como too.