northern italy road trip dolomites

Northern Italy Roadtrip Itinerary | 5, 10 and 14 days

Planning your trip to the Northern part of Italy is exciting but can be overwhelming as well. There’s so much to visit in the whole country, and the northern part is no exception to that. We’re here to help you plan the best road trip in Northern Italy. This article contains several road trip itineraries in length and activities.

With the Northern Italy Highlights – 10 days itinerary you’ll cross the most important highlights, cities and landmarks in the northern part of Italy. In the next part, you’ll find step by step itineraries where we explain the best stops, famous landmarks, and best places to stay. Also, we cover several itineraries for 5 and 14 days. Let’s start with the 10-day highlights!

10-day Itinerary – Northern Italy

For this Itinerary we recommend you to start in Milan. We chose for Milan as a starting point because it is easy to reach, either flying or overland. 

When you feel it is more convenient, you can also choose to start your road trip at Venice. The route will be slightly different.

We feel it is essential that you plan your trip with the best booking recourses. That’s why we selected the recourses we use all the time while booking our trips. You can find them on our recommendations page, or scroll down and read the ‘plan your trip’ part in this article. Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip.

Day 1 – 2 Milan – Lake Como

Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. After you arrive in Milan, you probably want to relax a bit first. So the first day we don’t plan that much. But if you like, you can explore the city. On the second day you drive to Lake Como, but that’s only around 2 hours drive. So we recommend to stay in Milan until lunch, and after lunch drive to Lake Como. This way, you have enough time to explore the highlights in Milan.

Milan Highlights

The highlights in Milan are: 

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
• Church of Sante Maria delle Grazia
• Sforzesco Castle
• Galleria Vitoria Emmanuelle II
• Teatro alla Scala
• Brera Pinacoteca

It is easy to walk around the city center of Milan. The city itself is not that big. We recommend that you pick up your rental car right before you leave the city and travel to lake Como. It saves you a day in rental- and parking costs. And you don’t need your rental car while staying in Milan.

We wrote this article you might like, with in-depth information about the city of Milan.

Recommended places to stay in Milan

Milan has many accommodations where you can stay. Most of the time, we use Booking.com to book our accommodations. We selected two options, both with excellent customer reviews, which we think are great to spend one night.

• Hotel Napoleon – is in the middle of the center, so easy to reach all the highlights in Milan. They get a review score of 8.5 on average 
• Room Inn B&B – Also find in the center, offer rooms with breakfast. They get a review score of 9.3 on average. 

When you would rather looking for other accommodation, make sure to use this link , which will direct you to the best deals in Milan on Booking.com

Day 2 Milan – Lake Como

On the second day, we recommend you to travel to Lake Como, somewhere after lunch. It will take around 2 hours to reach the lake. You’ll need to follow the A9 north from Milan. We recommend staying in the town of Varenna, which is the easiest to reach, and on the road, you’ll need to follow the next day. From Varenna, it is easy to explore the lake.

Lake Como Highlights

The villages around the lake are great to explore, but Lake Como is renowned for its beautiful nature. The highlights you don’t want to miss are;

• Cathedral of Como
• Visit a lakeside villa; Villa del Balbianello A 16th-century building with a beautiful garden on the side of the lake
• Take a boat trip to Varenna  This trip will stop at several villages, and you’ll get a great impression of the lake and its surroundings
• Go hiking along the lake There are many different hiking trails at Lake Como. It is fantastic to spend a few hours in this beautiful nature. 

Recommended places to stay Lake Como – Varenna

Varenna is the best place to stay at Lake Como for this road trip. It is on the road you’ll take the next day, and also it is easy to explore the best highlights of the lake with the taxi boat that leaves from this village.

There are many accommodations to find in Varenna, but the two that stand out the most, regarding customer reviews are:

• Hotel Beretta – in the town center
• Hotel Olivedo – with splendid views over the lake

You can also look for other villages to stay if you wish, but we recommend staying at the eastern side of the lake, on the road SS36. This is the road you’ll need to take the next day.

Day 3 Dolomites

The next day you follow road SS36, 38, 39, 42 and 239 to the national park Adamello Brenta . This park in the heart of the Dolomites is probably the best stop for a day visit. The entrance of the park is around 3,5 hours drive from Varenna. We recommend leaving early in the morning, so you have enough time to reach the park. The road will take you through the dolomites, which is lovely. You’ll probably stop a few times just to enjoy the views.

The dolomites are great for exploring nature and hiking. However, during this trip, you don’t have that much time to explore the most significant hiking trails. We recommend staying close by the park entrance

Hotel Garnì La Soldanella   and  Hotel Villa Fosine   are both located around 5 kilometers from the park’s entrance.

Depending on your interests and fitness level, you can choose different activities. We recommend using the park’s website to find out the best hiking trails. It is also convenient to book a guided tour in the park and its surroundings, that way you make sure you’ll get the best things to see in the short amount of time.

Day 4 Lake Garda

After you woke up and enjoyed the beautiful mountain views, it is time to hit the road again. Today you’ll travel to Lake Garda. The biggest lake in Italy and Europe. Many people say the lake is less spectacular then Lake Como, but we think it is a must-visit while traveling through this area. 

Lake Garda is known for its beautiful historic villages and also beautiful landscapes. Two villages you don’t want to miss are  Garda  and  Sirmione . Sirmione is a historic town on a peninsula at the lake. Marvelous to visit!

There’s a lot to see at Lake Garda, so you might be interested in reading our article with in-depth information about this area.

To make sure you don’t spend to much time in the car we recommend staying somewhere around Lake Garda. Also, the countryside is renowned for its vineyards, so it is excellent to go for a local winetasting. Not much driving after that 😉

Our recommended places to stay are in two different villages.  Sirmione , which is a bit more expensive option, but probably one of the most romantic places you’ll ever sleep. The other option is staying in  Peschiera del Garda , a vibrant town next to the lake, also perfect for a romantic stay, but less expensive.

Day 5 Verona

The city of Verona is a maximum one hour drive from Lake Garda. This medieval town is great for a day visit. Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. Shakespeare’s love story Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona. And despite Romeo and Juliet is a fictional love story, it is possible to visit Juliet’s house. Millions of tourists travel every year to this renowned place. 

Luckily there’s much more to see in Verona, some of the famous landmarks are Castelvecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Verona Arena. Verona Arena is one of the best-preserved Amphitheaters in the world. Built-in 30 AD and today still used as a concert venue.

Verona is a great city to spend your day. We wrote this article about the city where you can read all the essential details. 

It is lovely to spend the night in Verona. However, we recommend you to drive a few hours to Venice during the evening and stay overnight in Venice. This way you can reach the historic city of Venice early morning and spend a few moments when it is not too busy. There are many accommodations to find in Venice. The city is known for its hospitality. We recommend staying a bit out of the center , which saves you tons of money. You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido , from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center.

The upside is that you can explore Venice by night when you arrive not too late. And during the night, most tourists left the historic center, so it’s much quieter.

Our Venice hotel recommendations:

• Ca’ Dei Dogi – Which is in the old center, but relatively cheap considering the location. And they are rated with a 9.3
• Hotel New Reiter – Located at Lido di Venezia (Venice Lido), the island next to the historical center. This hotel gets a customer rating of 9.2

Day 6 Venice

Waking up early in Venice and arriving in the historical center before 10 a.m. is recommended. It is still busy, but starting from 10 a.m., it is getting swamped.

Exploring Venice by day is great, but you need to decide what things you definitely want to see.

A few of the highlights you don’t want to miss are:

• St. Marks square
• St. Mark Basilique & tower
• Doges Palace
• Rialto Bridge
• Grand Canal
• Bridge of Sighs

It is also great to visit the surrounding islands  Burano, Lido di Venezia, Murano , which is comfortable with one of the taxi boats.

To enter Venice, you’ll need to buy a ticket, which gives you also access to the taxi boats. At the Grand Canal, there are many taxi boats where you can hop on and off with your ticket. So when you want to save some money, don’t go to a traditional Gondola, but hop-on a taxi boat.

At the end of the day, we recommend to leave Venice, hop in your car and drive to Florence, which is still a 3-hour drive. But the advantage is that you can stay overnight in Florence, and the next day has all day to exploring another historic city.

It is a bit difficult to drive into the city center of Florence. The city is busy, and most roads are one direction only. So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. Public transport in Florence is perfect, so the next day you don’t have any problems reaching the city center.

Our Florence hotel recommendations:  

• Eden Rock Resort – which is around 5 kilometers out of the center, but a relaxing place to stay. They get a customer rating of 9.4
• Hotel Rapallo – In the heart of the historical center of Florence. Perfect for a two-night stay or longer. They get a customer review of 9.3

Day 7 Florence

Florence is known as the heart of the Rennaissance. It is the capital of the Tuscany region. Florence was the center of trade and banking during medieval times. And the Medici Family, in particular, had significant influence at the modern banking system.

With many historical buildings, it is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. Since 1982 the historic center of Florence is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Many great artists and philosophers lived in Florence during the middle ages.  Medici Family,  who invented modern banking, but also a few popes came from this family. Artist like  Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Machiavelli  lived and worked in the city of Florence.

Florence is probably the city with the most historic architecture in Italy. Places you don’t want to miss while visiting Florence are: 

• Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
• Piazza Della Signoria
• Ponte Vecchio
• The church of San Lorenzo

When you want to visit the Duomo, you must reserve a ticket in advance . It is recommended to plan this a few weeks before your arrival. Tickets are often fully booked, and you need to choose a particular time slot to visit the Duomo.

You can also book a guided tour through the city, where you’ll explore the best highlights of Florence.

Day 8 – Roadtrip in Tuscany

Tuscany is often referred to as the most beautiful countryside in Italy. Tuscany is a bit different than the other regions in Italy. Mainly because there are so many medieval villages to visit. The people are friendly, and the food is fantastic. We always feel at home while traveling through Tuscany.

You can easily spend a few weeks in the Tuscany region, but during this road trip in the Northern part of Italy, we recommend that you stay in the west part of Tuscany.

Leaving Florence we recommend you to drive to  Siena – San Gimignano – Volterra – Pisa.  In Pisa, you’ll stay overnight.

This road trip through a small part of the countryside of Tuscany will take up the whole day, but it is probably the best drive you’ll have during the entire trip. The roads are good condition, and the views are just stunning.

Siena  is renowned for the largest medieval square and the famous Torre del Mangia. The historic center is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Italy.  San Gimignano  is another great historic medieval village to visit. Walking into this village is like you’re stepping back in time. The center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. Because there’s no traffic, the vibe is even more unique. A perfect place to buy a fresh sandwich and enjoy your time at the main square of the village.

Volterra  is another small village on top of a hill. This walled village with a big cathedral dates back to the 8th century BC! It is one of the oldest places in Tuscany. Many people think this village was the scene for the movie  twilight.  However, the town Volterra in this movie is a fictional village and not the same as the historic Italian village.

Driving west from Volterra, you’ll reach the coastal city of Pisa. Known for its iconic leaning tower. Did you know the famous tower straightens every year?

Our hotel recommendations for Pisa:

• B&B La Corte di Stelio – nice Bed & Breakfast with a local family. Customer review 9.1
• B&B Live design – it is a bit out of the center of Pisa, but they score a 9.6, which is one of the highest in the region

Tuscany region is great to spend more time. You can find more information about Tuscany in this article , where we tell more about the different villages in this region. 

Day 9 Cinque Terre – Genoa – Parma

From Pisa, it is only a short drive to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy.  Cinque Terre  is a Unesco world heritage site. It is not a coastal city as many people think, the region consists out of five different coastal towns. The towns in Cinque Terre used the be fisherman towns. Nowadays the most important source of income is tourism. 

Cinque Terre is known for its beautiful coastline, colorful houses that are built into the cliffs, stunning nature and excellent hiking trails. It is fantastic to spend a half-day or full-day in this area. During this road trip, we planned a half-day in Cinque Terre, but if you want to spend more time along these coastal towns, you can skip Genoa or Parma in this itinerary.

We wrote an in-depth guide about Cinque Terre. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For?

Genoa  is known as the birthplace of Columbus, the renowned sea navigator. The city of Genoa was always an important harbor city for Italy. Nowadays it has the third biggest harbor in the Mediterranean Sea. Genoa is excellent to spend a few days and explore the extensive history. You can read all the details about Genoa in this

We wrote several articles about Genoa which we recommend reading before going to the city. Our recommended articles are: 

• What is Genoa Famous For?
• Beaches in Genoa

Driving from Genoa to Parma is a beautiful road when you skip the tollroads.  Parma  will be the last city on this itinerary before you head back to Milan. Parma is a city that will surprise you. The city is known for its parma ham and renowned parmesan cheese. But also many historic buildings are to find in this city.

We were pleasantly surprised during our visit to Parma, and recommend anyone to stay here and explore this lovely city.  Teatro Farnese  is a theater you should visit while in Parma, it is a 16th-century theater, built entirely from wood. And the first theater with a podium instead of the round square you’ll see in the amphitheaters.

Our hotel recommendations in Parma:

• B&B Bsuites Parma – located in the heart of the center and a customer review of 9.3
• Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati – Apartment/ Hotel located in the historical center. The get a customer review of 9.4, the location is perfect!

Day 10: Milan

The last day of this road trip itinerary is traveling back to Milan. Depending on your departure time you can either explore the city of Milan for a second time or maybe need to go directly to the airport. The drive from Parma to Milan is around 2 hours.

When you still have time for exploring, we recommend dropping your rental car at the drop-off and head to the city center. It is always fun to explore a city for the second time. Or maybe you didn’t have time on your first day to see all the highlights of the city.

Recommended route part 1 – Milan to Florence (Day 1 – 7)

You can use these Google Maps as a recommended route to follow.

Recommended Route Part II – Florence – Milan (Day 7 – 10)

5-day itinerary for northern italy roadtrip.

After reading the itinerary above, you might wonder how to shorten the itinerary to five days. Honestly, we think five days is too short to explore the best parts of Northern Italy. But sometimes you just don’t have more time. 

You’ll need to choose between some highlights when you have less amount of time to spend in Italy. But in five days you still can see a lot.

There are several options to spend five days in the Northern part of Italy. We have three recommendations, where we think you still see a lot of this beautiful part of Italy.

5 days Milan to Venice

In this road trip, we recommend you to start in Milan and leave the country from Venice. This way you’ll spend your time in the most efficient way possible. We will skip the Dolomites during this road trip because the drive is taking to much time. Also, you’ll stay in the northern part of the region. You won’t reach the Tuscany region.

Depending on your departure time you can explore the islands around the historical city of Venice or go directly to the airport.

5 days Milan – Dolomites – Milan

The other option to spend only 5 days in the northern part is excellent for hiking enthusiasts.

We recommend spending two full days to explore the Dolomites and do some hiking. You might even drive to  the Queen of the Dolomites – Marmolada.  It is the highest mountain in this mountain range. The drive is a bit far, around 3 hours from the national park Ademello Breno, but you’ll have the best views from the cable car of the highest mountain peak!  

5 days Milan – Cinque Terre – Florence (Tuscany Roadtrip)

Milan to Florence is a great road trip, where you see the best parts the Tuscany and Cinque Terre region. We recommend booking a departure from Florence because it saves you a lot of time. You’ll be able to use your time in the most efficiënt way.

The total length of this road trip is 388 miles (625 kilometers). You’ll drive around 62 miles (100 kilometers) a day, but that gives you enough time to explore the historical and traditional villages and countryside. 

 Don’t forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. The city is bustling, and if you don’t book your tickets in advance, there might be a chance you miss out on visiting the historic Duomo. Or that you need to wait a long time in line.

5 days Milan – Italian Lakes Roadtrip (Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda)

The northern part of Italy is renowned for its beautiful mountain lakes. Lake Garda is even the biggest lake in Europe, and Lake Maggiore and Lake Como are set in some beautiful environments.

If you’re into hiking, watersports, or just want to experience the beauty of nature, this road trip might be something for you.

In five days you’ll visit the three biggest lakes in Italy before heading back to the vibrant city of Milan. Note; the road from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como takes you a few miles through Switzerland. You can also go around Switzerland and stay in Italy, but that’s a longer drive.

Lake Maggiore is in the second largest lake in Italy, and also crosses the border with Switzerland. The lake is the largest in the southern part of Switzerland.

There are some splendid botanical gardens and excellent hiking trails around the lake. The Borromean Islands are the main attraction at Lake Maggiore. Three rocky islands that were bought by the Borromean family centuries ago. They made these islands in the beautiful botanical gardens which they are now. It’s worth a visit!

The two best lakes for watersports like kite- and windsurfing are Lake Como and Lake Garda. There’s a constant wind blowing from the mountains which makes both lakes favorable for a fun sports day on the water.

This road trip is around 500 kilometers, maybe a bit more depending on where you go around the lakes. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes.

The drive back from Lake Garda to Milan is around 2 hours, so make sure you plan that properly according to your departure.

14-day Itinerary for Northern Italy Roadtrip

When you have more time for a road trip, we recommend using it. 5 days is very short, and you need to make some choices in what places you’re going to visit. 10 days is great, but also a bit short with so much to see around this part of Italy.

14 days or even longer is perfect for a road trip. 

 So if you’re lucky enough to spend more time on the road and enjoy your holiday, this itinerary is for you. The basics are the same as the 10-day itinerary for Northern Italy, but we added more stops and more time for sightseeing and exploring.

Also, we recommend leaving from another city. So you can use your time in the most efficiënt way.

14 days Milan – Venice – Florence

This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. You’ll see the greatest highlights and have enough time for sightseeing, hiking and learn about the Italian culture. 

In some places, we recommend staying two nights, so it is more relaxed, and you allow yourself to really get to know the city or village.  

Recommended route day 1 – 8

Recommended route day 8 – 14, 14 days milan – venice – florence – rome.

The big Italian big four road trip. Many people want to visit these cities while visiting Italy, but especially Rome is a bit far regarding the other cities. However, if you have more then 10 days for your holiday, it is easier to manage.

We recommend starting in Milan and plan your departure from Rome. You can also choose to do this road trip in the other way around. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient.

From Florence to Rome it is about 3 to 4 hours drive. The road trip to Rome will take up a half-day. If you decide to avoid the toll roads, which is a more scenic route along the western coastline of Italy, it will take you even around 5 hours.

We recommend taking the scenic route, though. You’ll see a lot more of the beautiful countryside of Italy.

Rome is a special city to visit. It is one of our favorite cities in Italy! There is so much to find in Rome, historic building, culture, and great food! Of course, you’ll visit the famous landmarks as  Colleseum,   Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City.  For drinks and dining, we recommend you to go to the  Trastevere  neighborhood. Here you’ll find many small traditional restaurants, the best place to have a relaxing night after much walking in the city!

You don’t need a car when in the city of Rome. Most of the landmarks are in walking distance, and public transport is excellent. So we recommend dropping your rental car when arriving at the city. You can easily take public transportation from and to the airport.

The bus from or to the airport can take up to 1 hour though.

We wrote some articles about Rome, that might interest you:

• What is Rome Famous For?
• City Guide to the Best of Rome

Planning & Packing tips

There are many options for a road trip in the Northern part of Italy. Our road trip itineraries cover the different highlights in this part of the country. We tried to be as thorough as possible and make different routes for different interests.

Best Time to Visit Northern Italy

The best time to visit the Northern part of Italy is between the months of May and September. During these months you’ll have the best weather conditions, less rain and most chance of sunshine. However, the Dolomites can be cold year-round, especially when you go high into the mountains. Make sure to bring some warm clothes, even in summer!

The months July and August are the high tourist seasons, so it is busier during these months. But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round.

Temperatures on average in the Northern part of Italy are favorable. The below charge are average temperatures in the Milan region. The weather around the lakes and in the mountains can vary heavily day to day.

Planning your trip

It is essential to plan ahead while planning a road trip in Italy. At every place where we recommend staying overnight, we put some recommendations for hotel bookings. If you rather look up a hotel yourself we recommend using the searching tool:

Tip: We only book accommodations on Booking.com that are rated with an 8.5 or higher. This way we make sure we get the best places to stay. 

Renting a car in advance can save you a lot of money. We always use rentalcars.com for booking a car. Their search engine gives the best and most affordable results. We also find that their customer service is excellent.

You can use this link to check the latest prices on rental cars in Italy

We found that insurance can be a tricky thing, but since we’re using Rentalcover.com for our rental insurance, we stopped worrying. Rentalcover offers the best coverage for a rental car, and it is cheaper than insurance via the rental company. We recommend using rentalcover. Use this link or the banner below to get a quote.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential for your belongings and healthcare while traveling.  WorldNomads   insurance is what we feel is the most comprehensive and reliable travel insurance you can buy. They cover over 150 activities, even some extreme sports and have 24/7 emergency assistance when necessary. 

Hopefully, you’ll never use it, but when you need it, it is good to know there’s a company out there helping you. Click on the banner to get more information on the website of World Nomads.

Packing tips

We love taking pictures and videos during our travels, but also like to be organized with our stuff. We don’t want to bring too many things, because simply you don’t need that much while traveling. Over the years we tested a lot of stuff, check out our full list of recommendations for packing gear and camera stuff on the recommendations page Here are some things we recommend you to use during your Italian road trip:

• Camera: GoPro Hero 7 (Check the latest price on Amazon) – Easy to use, waterproof, and excellent quality.
• Backpack:  North Face Duffel Bag (Check the latest price on Amazon) – has a lot of space and you can use it as a duffel bag or backpack.
• Packing Cubes:  Eagle Creek packing cubes (Check the latest price on Amazon) – to organize your clothes in your backpack.

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• The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

The Italian Dolomites are not only one of the most beautiful places in Italy but they are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in the whole world.

Jagged peaks, breathtaking viewpoints, emerald alpine lakes, fairy tale towns, amazing hikes, and delicious food – you can have it all in the Dolomites!

This 5 days long Dolomites road trip itinerary will be perfect for you if you want to discover all the beauty the Italian Dolomites have to offer in a short period of time.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Useful Info for Visiting the Dolomites

How to get to the dolomites.

Although the Dolomites are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful dream destinations in the world , getting there is a little bit tricky as there is no dedicated airport in the area.

Since this Dolomites road trip itinerary will require you to have your own car, if you’re planning to arrive from a nearby country it’s best to take your own car and drive to the Dolomites from your home.

We personally arrived from Budapest and even if it was a 9-hour drive it was much better (and cheaper) to have our own car.

If this is not an option for you, there are many airports in the region to choose from. If you’re looking for a bigger international airport, the best option is to arrive at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice, from there you can reach Ortisei (the first base on this Dolomites road trip itinerary) within 3-3.5 hours.

Another great option is the Orio Al Serio Airport in Bergamo or the Malpensa Airport in Milan, it takes 3 hours to get to Ortisei from Bergamo and 4 hours from Milan. If you’re planning to go on a big Northern Italy road trip , you can easily visit all these places in one trip!

Munich Airport in Germany can be another great option, it takes around 3.5-4 hours to reach Ortisei from Munich. If you have more time you can include a few stops in Tyrol and Bavaria as well, like visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle !

The disadvantage of arriving at Munich is that you need to cross the German-Austrian and the Austrian-Italian border in order to get to the Dolomites and with a rental car it’s not the easiest thing to do.

There are a couple of other smaller airports in the area, like Treviso Airport, Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, or Bolzano Airport so it’s worth taking a look at them as well.

No matter which airport you arrive at, you will need to rent a car for your Dolomites road trip. I recommend Discover Cars to check the best offers and availability!

Best time to visit the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites entirely depends on your personal preferences. Although each season has its own charm, for the sake of this Dolomites road trip itinerary I recommend visiting the Dolomites from the end of May until the end of September.

The simple reason is that before or after this the mountains are usually covered with snow and many hiking trails are not accessible anymore. Don’t get me wrong, visiting the Dolomites in winter is still a great idea, just not so much for a road trip!

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best is to visit either in early June or the middle of September. We personally visited in the middle of September and we had the best weather, but of course, it can change from year to year.

All the photos you can see in this article were taken in the middle of September so you can have an idea about what the area looks like around this time.

How much time to spend in the Dolomites

As much as you can! Seriously, the whole area is so gorgeous that you will not believe your own eyes.

As a first-timer, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the Dolomites. This will give you enough time to visit the must-see sights such as Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies or Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

There are countless amazing hikes in the Dolomites so if you’re an outdoor person and you love hikes, you can even spend weeks in the Dolomites without getting bored.

I’d say the perfect amount of time would be between 1 or 2 weeks but I understand that not everyone has that much time for a mountain vacation.

That’s why I created this 5 day Dolomites road trip itinerary so you could visit all the best places in the Dolomites in just a short period of time.

Overview of Your 5 Day Dolomites Itinerary

Below you can see an overview of your Dolomites itinerary with the highlights that you should visit on each day. For the first two nights, you will stay in Ortisei and you’re going to visit Lago di Carezza, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and the Seceda ridgeline.

La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo will be your base for the second part of your Dolomites road trip, from where you can visit some amazing alpine lakes such as Lago di Braies and Lago di Limides and you can also visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Breakdown of your Dolomites itinerary

• Day 1 : Visiting Lago di Carezza and arriving to Ortisei
• Day 2 : Visiting the Santa Maddalena church and the church of Saint John in Val di Funes, seeing the sunset in Alpe di Siusi
• Day 3 : Hiking at the Seceda ridgeline, driving through Passo Gardena, and arriving at La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Day 4 : Renting a boat at Lago di Braies, hiking to Lago di Limides and visiting Lago di Valparola
• Day 5 : Hiking around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, hiking to Cadini di Misurina

Map for your Dolomites road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you will need for this Dolomites itinerary. Nearby airports, parking spots, interesting sights, viewpoints, literally everything!

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you.

Day 1 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

The first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary is all about arriving at the Dolomites and settling in your chosen accommodation in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, which is going to be your base for the next few days.

Fun fact: Did you know that there are three official languages spoken in the Dolomites? That’s the reason why you see multiple names for one place!

Usually, every place has a name in Italian and in German (even on the road signs and maps), and sometimes in Ladin. That’s why you will see names like Ortisei/St. Ulrich, Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee and so on. But back to the main topic!

If you’re planning to arrive in Italy by plane, it can take you anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours to get to the Dolomites, depending on which airport you arrive at. However, if you’re driving from another European country, such as Germany or Austria, it might take you even longer to arrive at the Dolomites.

For more details about how to get to the Dolomites, please refer back to the beginning of the article!

Since you can arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the sake of this Dolomites itinerary we’re gonna take the first day easy and you will only have one stop before arriving at your hotel.

Of course, if you have more time, feel free to add some additional stops to the first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Lago di Carezza

Instead of heading straight to your hotel in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, first make a stop at Lago di Carezza/Karersee!

If you’re coming from either Venice or Bergamo, it’s only an extra 30 minutes (23 km) to get to the lake but if you’re coming from Innsbruck or Munich, you will need to drive an extra hour (45 km) to arrive at Lago di Carezza.

Nestled in the Val d’Ega valley, Lago di Carezza is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Lake’ thanks to its impressive colors. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a beautiful mermaid living the lake with whom a wizard deeply fall in love but the mermaid was impossible to win over.

In order to seduce her, with the help of a local witch, the wizard came up with a plan to throw a rainbow from the mountains to the lake and disguise himself as a jewelry salesman.

The wizard indeed stretched a rainbow but he forgot to dress up so the mermaid immediately recognized him and disappeared into the water forever.

The wizard got so angry that he ended up smashing the rainbow into million pieces and throwing it into the lake, where they still continue to shine to this day. Interesting story, right?

Rainbow colors or not, the emerald green alpine lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and since it’s easily accessible, it’s a must-stop on everyone’s Dolomites itinerary.

There is a parking lot close to the lake where you can leave the car and then walk a few minutes to get to the lake. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, then it’s €1 for 1 hour, €2 for 2 hours, and €4 for 6 hours.

There is a wooden viewing platform at the entrance of the lake where you can also learn more about the history of the lake, such as the destructive storm that struck in 2018, destroying more than 5,000 hectares of forest just in the South Tyrol region alone.

After that you can walk along the loop trail that goes around the lake, it takes around 20-25 minutes to complete it.

Although it’s undoubtedly one of the best photography spots in the Dolomites, it’s important to know that the whole lake is fenced off and it’s not possible to get close to the water.

That being said, I still keep seeing many photos on Instagram where people are standing or sitting on a rock, right by the lake.

Please be respectful and don’t break the rules just for the sake of a photo, you can take amazing photos by staying out of the fenced area as well!

Arriving to Ortisei

After visiting Lago di Carezza and taking a million photos of the beautiful scenery, it’s time to head to Ortisei/St. Ulrich that will be your base for the following days. From Lago di Carezza, it takes around 1 hour (55 km) to reach Ortisei at a normal pace.

Located right in the center of Dolomites Val Gardena, the charming little town of Ortisei is mostly famous for its hand-made wooden sculptures. The local woodcarver families kept the tradition alive to this very day!

Ortisei is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites and hence very popular among travelers, thanks to being super close to the Seceda ridgeline and Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm. More about them later!

If you have some more time on the first day of your Dolomites road trip, it’s worth taking a stroll in the town and seeing the traditional hotels and gorgeous residential buildings.

A must-visit place is the pedestrian area between the chapel of Saint Ulrich and the Antonius Church which is often described as the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites.

In order to follow this Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend spending your first 2 nights in Ortisei. We personally stayed at Hotel Angelo Engel which is a 4-star family-run hotel with a large private garden, an indoor and outdoor pool, and an excellent SPA & beauty farm (pictured below).

We had an amazing time there and I can totally recommend this hotel for anyone! You can check the prices and availability here.

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below.

Luxury:  Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti  | Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

Mid-range: Hotel Pinei |  Apartments Villa Venezia Luxury

Budget:  Villa Moroder  | Sule Hof Agriturismo

Day 2 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Santa maddalena church.

On the second day of your Dolomites road trip head over to Val di Funes in the morning where you can visit two of the most beautiful churches in the Dolomites.

It takes around 45 minutes (35 km) to reach the town of Santa Maddalena from Ortisei and the first church of your day will be the Santa Maddalena church.

This picturesque little church with the Odle mountains in the background is the symbol of Val di Funes and it’s one of the most photographed places in the entire Dolomites.

It’s important to know that you can’t drive up to the church so you need to park your car in the center of the town. There are multiple parking spots in the city, I marked them on the map I shared at the beginning of the article so please refer back for the exact locations!

In order to get to the famous viewpoint, you need to hike for around 20 minutes but it’s a very easy hike, basically, you just need to walk up to the hill across the church.

Search for ‘ Panchina Panoramica ‘ on Google Maps and I’m sure you will find it easily! After that you can visit the church inside if you want, it’s open daily and it features a beautiful Baroque style altar and interesting wall paintings.

Church of St. John in Ranui

The second church of the day is the church of St. John in Ranui, which is another small little Baroque church with an insanely beautiful background.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach it from Santa Maddalena on foot, but if you’re feeling lazy you can go back to your car first and park in a closer parking spot from where you only need to walk 5-10 minutes to get to the church.

There is a built wooden viewing platform close to the parking lot and it’s an amazing place to take photos of the church with the mountains in the background.

The church itself can be also visited for €4 per person and it can be booked for small events and weddings as well.

Sunset at Alpe di Siusi

After visiting the two churches in Val di Funes it’s time to head over to probably the most famous place in the Dolomites: Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm!

It’s important to know that driving there is strictly prohibited and if you don’t want to get fined hundreds of euros, you need to follow the rules.

Alpe di Siusi is the largest mountain plateau in Europe and it grants amazing views over the peaks of Sasso Lungo, Sasso Piatto, and Sciliar. It’s a must-visit on every Dolomites road trip itinerary!

You have basically three options for getting there. You can book a hotel for the night, in this case, you are allowed to drive up in your car but only until you reach your hotel (no further) and you can only do it once on the day you arrive.

There are only a handful of hotels at Alpe di Siusi, these two are the closest ones to the famous viewpoint (pictured below): Hotel Icaro***S  and  Sporthotel Sonne .

From Ortisei you can take a cable car to get up to Alpe di Siusi, a one-way ticket costs €16.90 while a round-trip ticket costs €24.90.

The cable car runs from 8.30 am usually till 6 pm which is great if you want to visit during the day, but unfortunately, it’s not good for sunrise or sunset visits. The opening hours vary depending on the season, you can check the exact timetable on their official website .

If you want to visit for sunrise or sunset, the best thing you can do is to drive up to Compatsch and leave your car at the P2 parking lot (I marked it on the map that you can find at the beginning of the article).

You can’t drive up on the road between 9 am and 5 pm without getting a big fat check but if you go earlier or later it’s going to be fine.

After you left the car in the parking lot, you need to hike for around 1 hour to get to the famous viewpoint (pictured above).

I marked the coordinates on the map at the beginning of the article but if you search for ‘ Belvedere dell’ Alpe di Siusi ‘ on Google Maps you will also find it. The hike is super easy, it’s mostly flat and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.

If you have a little extra time before sunset, before reaching the viewpoint turn right and hike down to the ‘ Malga Sanon ‘ restaurant.

You will find a tiny playground in front of the restaurant with a swing, it’s so much fun to take photos there, not to mention the insanely gorgeous background!

Day 3 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Since this is already the third day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, you will need to check out from your hotel in Ortisei and move to another one either in La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo (more about this later).

But before that, it’s time to go up to the Seceda ridgeline and do a little hiking there!

Since the cable cars run from Ortisei, it’s best to check out from your hotel in the morning, leave your luggage in the car and go up to Seceda. After you’re done with the hike, you will still have time to drive to your other hotel and check out Passo Gardena on the way.

Hiking at Seceda

As I mentioned, the cable cars going up to Seceda run from Ortisei. In case you can’t leave your car at the parking of the hotel after you’ve checked out, there is a big parking lot at the cable car station as well.

A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs €39,50 per person and it operates between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Located in the Puez Odle Nature Park, Seceda has one of the most dramatic ridgelines in the Dolomites with jagged peaks and huge drop-offs.

Once you’re up there, there are countless hiking trails and it only depends on your preference which one you take. If you have time, you can even hike all the way down to Ortisei as well!

Whichever you choose, walking along the ridgeline is a must when visiting Seceda. After you’ve arrived with the cable car, turn left and start walking uphill! There is even a sign on the road pointing to the viewpoint, you simply can’t miss it.

If you’re not much of a hiker, you can go back to the cable car station after you soaked in all the views, but if you’re up for a little exercise, you can hike down to the meadow to Baita Troier Hütte (they have amazing apple pies!).

From there you can either continue your hike to Pieralongia (twin spires – they kinda look like the rocks from Lion King) and then Rifugio Firenze, or you can just go back to the cable car station. Totally up to you!

Passo Gardena

Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass) is a super scenic mountain pass connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia.

Since you’re going to drive in the direction of La Villa/Cortina d’Ampezzo from Ortisei, you will drive through it anyway and since you’re already there, it’s worth stopping for a few minutes to soak in the views.

There is a small hütte called Rifugio Frara where you can park your car and from there you can walk up to the viewpoint (it only takes a few minutes to reach it).

Actually, this is a start of an 11.5 km long like but since it’s a very difficult hike, I wouldn’t recommend it to first-timers (we didn’t do it either).

It’s worth scheduling your arrival to Passo Gardena half an hour before sunset, this way you will be able to see the scenery during golden hour, which is super beautiful!

Arriving to La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo

For the second half of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend staying at another hotel either in La Villa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or one of the nearby towns.

The simple reason is that the places you’re going to visit on the rest of your Dolomites trip are too far away from Ortisei and it doesn’t make sense to stay there and drive countless hours to reach these sights.

Although Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most popular choice among travelers, we decided to stay at Hotel La Majun in La Villa/Stern and absolutely loved the hotel!

It’s a 4-star family-operated hotel and what makes it even more special is that the owners actually live in the hotel and their mission is to make you feel at home too.

The hospitality was exceptional and the panoramic view from the hotel is simply breathtaking (pictured below). You can check the prices and availability here .

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below, both for La Villa and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LA VILLA

Luxury:  Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living  | Dolomites Wellness Hotel Savoy

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Dolomit  | Hotel Des Alpes

Budget:  Casa Nives | Garni La Ciasota

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

Luxury:  Rosapetra SPA Resort  | Dolomiti Lodge Alverà

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Villa Blu Cortina  | Hotel Villa Alpina ***S

Budget:  Hotel Meuble Oasi  | Ciasa Nonna Bon Bon

Day 4 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Lago di braies.

Start the fourth day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary by visiting the most famous lake in the Dolomites: Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee. It’s a very picturesque alpine-like with turquoise-green colored waters and a beautiful mountain panorama.

It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers but unfortunately due to its fame it usually gets insanely crowded during the day so try to plan an early morning visit to be able to enjoy the lake by yourself.

It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes (60 km) to get to Lago di Braies from La Villa, while it’s only 50 minutes (46 km) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

There are 3 different parking lots close to the lake and although they are big, they can fill up really quickly (especially the closest one) so I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to the lake early.

Chances are that around 9-10 am you will not be able to find a free parking spot at all!

The best things to do at Lago di Braies include renting a rowboat from the boathouse and slowly paddling across the turquoise water and then walking around the lake which takes around 1-2 hours (the distance is 4 km).

The boathouse is open between 8 am – 7 pm pm in July and August, while it’s only open from 9 am to 5 pm between the end of May and the end of June. It opens at 10 am from the beginning of September until the beginning of November. A boat rental costs €25 for 30 minutes and €35 for 60 minutes, reservation in advance is not possible.

What you need to know about photography at the lake

I’m sure you’ve already seen many photos on Instagram, mostly where people are standing on a little pier, surrounded by wooden boats and a stunning reflection on the lake.

What most people don’t disclose is that the pier belongs to a private boathouse and you can’t access it unless you rent the pier for a photoshoot or rent a boat from the boathouse when they are open.

The boat rental only starts later in the day so even if you rent a boat, you will not be able to shoot a picture with reflections and a calm lake. Not to mention that people will be already lining up behind you and you will not have the time to take many photos.

So if you desperately want to have a similar picture (you can see an example here ), your only option is to rent the pier for a morning photo shoot. It costs €150 for one hour, you can find  more information about the rental here .

That being said, I’ve heard stories that many people choose to trespass early in the morning when the boathouse is still closed. But in order to do that, you need to wade through the ice-cold water and then climb onto one of the boats, and then jump from boat to boat until you reach the pier.

Yes, I know, this sounds super crazy and it’s clearly not an example to be followed (please don’t do stupid and illegal stuff like this for a photo).

If you don’t want to rent the pier, you can still get a photo of it if you rent a boat. It won’t be so perfect like the photos you see on Instagram but it’s still beautiful! And this way you can shoot some pictures in the boat as well (see my pictures below).

Lago di Limides

In the afternoon head over to Lago di Limides, which is one of the best hidden gems in the Dolomites. It’s a super picturesque little lake with insane panoramic views and reflections of the surrounding mountains (Mount Lagazuoi and Tofana di Rozes).

I still don’t understand why is it so overlooked by visitors but it just adds to its charm and you can basically have the lake all to yourself in the middle of the day!

In order to reach Lago di Limides, you need to drive to Rifugio Col Gallina and leave your car in the parking lot across the street.

It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes (62 km) to get there from Lago di Braies and the road goes through Cortina d’Ampezzo so if you’re not staying there and want to check out the town, you can include a short stop there.

After you park your car, you need to hike for around 25-30 minutes to reach the lake. Don’t worry, it’s a fairly easy hike (the distance is around 2 km) but the trails are not the best and you basically need to hike uphill almost all the way so wear proper shoes!

It can get slippery and muddy after rain so it’s best to visit when the weather is dry and it hasn’t rained in the last couple of days.

Lago di Valparola

The last stop of the day will be Lago di Valparola, which is a tiny alpine lake located on the top of Passo Valparola (Valparola Pass), not so far away from Rifugio Col Gallina (where you parked the car before going to Lago di Limides).

It’s like a 5-minute drive (3 km) in the direction of La Villa so if you’re staying there, you’re going to drive by it anyway.

There are parking lots on both ends of the lake where you can leave your car to check out the lake and the surrounding panorama.

The lake is visible from the main road but it’s also easily accessible from the road, it takes around 5 minutes to reach it by taking path nr. 24 that goes down to the lake.

Day 5 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Hiking around tre cime di lavaredo.

The Tre Cime de Lavaredo loop hike is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites and no Dolomites itinerary is really complete without seeing the iconic three peaks.

The entire loop is around 10 km (6.5 miles) and since it’s a fairly easy hike, it’s accessible to almost everyone.

Usually, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete the loop, we personally did it in 3.5 hours with a few photo stops (half an hour break at Dreizinnenhütte is not included).

The hike starts and finishes at Rifugio Auronzo, where you can find multiple parking lots (you can even spend the night there in a camper). Unfortunately, there is only one road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo and since it’s a private road, you need to pay €30 to use it with a normal car.

Try to go early in the morning because later on when the parking lot is full they can close the road and you will have no other option to get up there (apart from a quite strenuous hike).

It takes around 1.5 hours (55 km/35 miles) to get to Rifugio Auronzo from La Villa and 40 minutes (22 km/14 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

It’s a very straightforward hike, you can’t really go in the wrong direction. The best is to do the hike counterclockwise and start by walking in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo.

This part is the easiest one as it’s mostly flat, after that you will need to walk uphill so it gets a little more difficult.

The next checkpoint is the Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio A. Locatelli) where you can find two lakes and a couple of caves as well.

The hardest part comes after this, as you need to descend to the valley, just to walk up on a hill again. It’s still not a hard trail but due to the elevation gain, it’s a bit more difficult.

The last checkpoint is Malga Langalm, after that the route heads uphill again, and not long after you will already see Rifugio Auronzo, from where you started the hike.

All in all, completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is a must on every Dolomites road trip itinerary! It’s a fairly popular hike due to the insane views so it usually gets busy during the day so try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

If you want to know more about the trails, check out my step-by-step guide about the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike !

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina

If you have some energy left after completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike, I would recommend adding an extra hike to your day.

There is an insanely beautiful viewpoint along the Cadini di Misurina hiking trail and it would be such a shame for leaving it out of this Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina is one of the lesser-known hikes in the Dolomites and not many people know about it, therefore it’s less crowded than the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail.

They have the same starting point from Rifugio Auronzo so it makes sense to do both in one day (you’ve already paid the €30 toll fee after all) but if you want to do the Cadini di Misurina hike, you will have to hike in the opposite direction of Tre Cime.

It takes around 35-45 minutes to get to the viewpoint, depending on your fitness level. It’s only a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike from Rifugio Auronzo but it’s a bit steep (112 m/370 ft elevation gain) and it’s important to know that this hike is not suitable for people with a fear of heights.

If you want to know how to get to the viewpoint pictured above, read my step-by-step guide about the Cadini di Misurina hike !

Please only climb to the viewpoint at your own risk and don’t even think about doing it if the trail is muddy or wet. If you slip and fall from there you can hurt yourself pretty badly so please be super careful!

Planning a trip to the Dolomites?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the Dolomites. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels
• 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the Dolomites You Can’t Miss
• 13 Best Hikes in the Dolomites You Don’t Want to Miss
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
• Cadini di Misurina Hike: How to Find the Famous Viewpoint in the Dolomites
• Hotel Review: Chalet Al Foss Alp Resort, Italy
• Hotel Review: La Maiena Meran Resort, Italy

Other Great Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Florence | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

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70 thoughts on “The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days”

Seriously beautiful! We love a good road trip. I’ve only visited the Dolomites in the winter for skiing. Looks like a trip to hike and view the lakes in early autumn is a good call.

Yes I can only recommend going to the Dolomites in late summer/early autumn, it was absolutely amazing! I would love to go back in winter to see the beautiful snowy landscape too.

great work, i love the pins, photography and the useful information here! I lived in Italy for a year and never made it to the Dolomites – now im kicking myself! I think its time to go back!

Oh wow a year in Italy sounds wonderful, I’m sure you’ve seen so many beautiful places there! But yeah next time when you go to Italy I would really recommend going on a road trip in the Dolomites ?

Absolutely love your photos! You know, the entire area of Dolomites is just so magical in any time of the year. We have visited last year in first days of November and the color palette was just incredible. Though chances of getting a day with good visibility are less. I am saving your post for the next time I am there, because I am sure it is one of those places I would want to come back to.

Thank you so much Lena! You are so right, the Dolomites are really beautiful in every season. I would love to see the autumn colors there or the snowy landscape next time I’m visiting!

It was such a great guide to read Kriszti! Loved all the detailed explanations and. your photos are stunning! I would love to visit this part of Italy, maybe next year!

Thank you so much Ophélie! I’m sure you would love a road trip in the Dolomites, the landscape is just so incredibly gorgeous!

Such a detailed ultimate guide Kriszti! And the photos are all absolutely wonderful, it only confimed how high the Dolomites are on my bucketlist! Thanks a lot for all the tips!

You are so welcome Léa! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I can’t wait to visit the Dolomites. Hiking at Seceda is on top of my list. Apparently I’ve been to South Tyrol and the Dolomites area with my parents and grandparents a couple of times as a child but I can’t remember. I save this for later when I can travel there again ?

Haha I can totally relate, I can’t remember many things from my childhood either. I really hope you will be able to go there next year, it’s such a stunning area!

Wow what a comprehensive post! I’ve pinned this so I can return to it because there’s so much useful information

Thanks so much Kelsey!

Wow what a stunning and unique range! I had no idea you could do so much around the Dolomites!

I was quite surprised too because I didn’t think it either, but it turned out that even spending 5 days in the Dolomites was not enough! Can’t wait to go back and discover more of this amazing area.

I saw a youtube video in quarantine of the Dolomites and have moved it to the top of my bucketlist. This post confirms that! THE LAKES. Your photos are incredible, too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Thank you so much Carley, I’m so happy you liked this guide! And I can only agree with you, the Dolomites are just simply stunning!

We’ve usually gone to the French Alps for hiking but this has convinced me that the Dolomites are next on the list. They look even more serene and your pictures are stunning!

If you love the French Alps I’m sure you will love the Dolomites as well, especially if you like hiking! There are so many amazing hiking trails in the Dolomites with stunning scenery.

Dolomites has been added to the bucket list. Alpine lake reminds me of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park – Canada. Many of my trips are decided by something bright, rainbow, or sparkly. PS – your skirts are absolutely adorable.

Thank you so much Chelsea! I would love to visit Canada and all the beautiful national parks in the country!

This is such a great guide Kriszti and I will definitely saving this for my next trip to the Dolomites! Last time I was in the Dolomites it rained the entire 4 days and there were major floods so I couldn’t actually see anything. I hope to go back soon though!

I’m so sorry you had such a bad weather in the Dolomites! Hopefully next time you’re visiting it will be sunny and clear!

WOW!!!! this doesn’t even look real….it looks like something just out of a fairy book tail. I have seen the Dolomites before, but your pictures are absolutely incredible!!! Pinned this to the top of my bucket list. Your article is super complete for anyone looking to visit this amazing place. Thank you!

Aww thank you so much Paula, you just totally made my day! I’m so so happy you liked this article!

This area looks absolutely stunning, I had never heard of this place before! Being in nature is one of the best things to do and I love being in the mountains, so I am adding this to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome! Hope you will be able to do a road trip in the Dolomites soon, I’m sure you would love it!

Amazing! I would love to see St. John’s church. Great guide for a beautiful location!!

Thank you Erinn, I’m so glad you liked it!

The Dolomites are absolutely gorgeous and you’re photos are amazing! I’ve been to Italy 4x and have never been to this area. On my next trip to Italy I’d love to get out of the cities and take this road trip to get in some great hikes!

Thanks so much Vanessa! I can only recommend visiting the Dolomites on your next trip to Italy!

Gosh the Dolomites never get old. The photos are stunning. I need to visit ASAP!

Thank you so much Alanna! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I loved reading your post! I visited the Dolomites once when I was a kid, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate them. Now that I’ve been seeing beautiful photos all summer long, I can’t wait to go back and explore the Dolomites all over again 🙂

I’m so glad you liked it Sara! The Dolomites are so stunning, I’m sure you will enjoy your trip there!

So. Beautiful! A friend of mine lives in Belgium currently and did a big trip out there just a month or so ago…the envy was real! Saving this one for later. Great post!

Oh I can totally imagine! I would love to go back for a longer time and explore more of the Dolomites!

The Dolomites are stunning, and your photos are amazing! Driving is definitely the best option, but there are full day tours that leave from Venice, if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Thanks for the info Shannon! Luckily we had our own car with us so we didn’t need to look for another options but it’s good to know that taking day tours is a possibility as well!

Thanks for sharing this itinary. Your photos are stunning. I cannot wait to visit the Dolomites!

Thank you so much Kelli, I’m glad you liked the article!

Great post. We are hoping to visit the Dolomites next year. This will be a helpful travel planner

Thank you, I’m so happy that you liked this post about the Dolomites! Hope you will be able to visit next year!

Thank you for your post. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in mid-October, and noticed that most cable cars will not longer be operating. For the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, do we need to get a cable car up? Thanks!

Hi Kate! No, you don’t need any cable cars for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo where the hike starts. Alternatively you can use the public buses if you don’t have a car. Hope you’re gonna have an amazing trip!!

Looks amazing! Nothing better than a mountain vacation. Thank you for sharing this.

We are looking to go the first week in October 2022. Some of the hotels you recommended close October 1,2, or 3. Others are open. We are kind of stuck with these dates, due to another commitment afterwards. SO, would you recommend we continue pursuing this trip. Or postpone until another year.

Hi! I think this Dolomites road trip works best from late spring to early autumn because in the winter period, lots of roads and hiking trails are closed, and also some hotels close for the season as well. That being said, if you can only go in the first week of October, I think you can still make the best of it! Just be prepared that you’ll most likely need to modify this itinerary. Oh and also, it might already snow during that period!

Hi- I stumbled on your blog …amazing ….my family of four ( two adults and two teens ) are planning a winter ski trip to the Dolomites. The possibilities seem endless…your site mostly touches on spring/summer activities there – any places you can recommend there for the winter ski season ?

Hi Shira! Unfortunately I’ve only been to the Dolomites during summer and fall so I don’t have any personal experience in the winter season. However, I’m sure you’ll find lots of opportunities in winter as well, especially if you love skiing or snowboarding!

Hi, is it possible to go in last week of May? Nice post! Thank you so much!

Yes, I think the end of May is one of the best times to visit the Dolomites.

We a family of 5, two 55-year-olds and three in their mid-20s will be visiting the Dolomites for 5 nights in July/August and would love to follow your itinerary. A few questions we would like to ask would be: – Are all the hikes mentioned in your itinerary doable for normal physical level fitness people? We are not hikers but can walk a long distance (without climbing steep hills). We will also be renting an SUV. Is driving in the Dolomites difficult? What should we be aware of and which part of driving in your itinerary is the most difficult? Last question, How much would the hotels you mentioned and car rental cost (average)?

Hey! Yes, all the hikes are totally doable. We’re not huge hikers either but I found most of the hikes pretty easy so I think you’ll be able to do them as well. There are some winding roads you need to be careful with but other than that, driving in the Dolomites is an amazing experience. I can’t remember any parts that were difficult to drive in. Unfortunately, I can’t really tell you much about the costs – we came with our own car so we didn’t do any rentals and hotels usually use dynamic pricing so it’s hard to stay how much it will cost without checking them individually. I linked the two hotels we stayed at so I would recommend checking their availability/price during your travel dates.

Thank you very much for an informative post about the Dolomites. This unique area in Italy has been on our bucket list for very long time and your post fuels our wanderlust to explore the Dolomites this autumn. Thank you dear and safe travels. Martina x x x

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy I was able to help 🙂

thanks for the detailed post and beautiful photos you had! may i check if is possible for us to drive directly in alpe di suisi area, from your map compatsch to malga sanon swing? Instead of walking for 1 hour. Thank you.

Sorry to miss out this, if I am not renting car, can I reach St. Magdalena/St. John church by bus? I checked google maps there is this option, just not sure how reliable is the public transport in Dolomites area. If not, any car rental company you are aware of that offers affordable rate? Thank you.

I’ve never tried public buses in the Dolomites so I’m afraid I don’t have any reliable information other than the one you gathered on Google. We took our own car to the Dolomites but in other cases, we always check car rental sites like RentalCars, DiscoverCars, etc. and choose the one that has the best ratings and rates in the area.

Hey! No, unfortunately, it’s not possible unless you have a hotel booked in the area. In this case, you are allowed to drive up but only to your hotel, not any further, and you also need to obtain a special permit from your hotel. This is valid on the first day of your arrival, on other days you still can’t drive up between 9 am and 5 pm.

Just wanted to thank you for all this information! Super easy to comprehend, detailed, and informative. My family and I just got back from the Dolomites where we primarily used your blog for our itinerary and it was a fantastic trip. Much appreciated.

Aww I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing it with me 🙂

Thank you, Kriszti. All helpful info as we plan our trip for March.

So happy to hear that! Hope you’ll have a great trip!

Thank you so much for this post! Do you know anyone that has been to the Dolomites in May? I would really like to spend time there in May but certain information I keep reading makes it sound like a lot is closed in the area then or hikes may not be doable.

Unfortunately not, we’ve been twice so far but both of it was in September. I think hikes should be absolutely doable in May already, the only ones I would really double-check are the ones that require a cable car ride to the trailhead but most don’t. I would love to go back in May too so let me know how it goes! 🙂

Hi Kriszti ,

Did you see Lake Misurina on your itinerary ?

On this trip we only drove by but on our second visit we spent a bit of time at the lake too, it was really beautiful!

i love your frank tips which really help put things in perspective when planning for a trip!

would you by chance have any more info re driving a german rental to the dolomites? e.g. would it be easy to find a rental firm that allows it (i’ve heard some allow with extra fees), as the major rental firms aren’t really clear on this on their websites nor their online rental contracts/selections.

i’m keen on combining a trip to bavaria with the dolomites, but have not been very confident in the planning process due to the lack of info for a multi country trip with a german rental. if logistics are too much of a hassale, i may have to split the places into separate trips or look at renting separate cars in the different countries!

Thanks so much for your nice comment, I really appreciate it! Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with rentals in the area as we always drove our own car from Hungary. Generally speaking, crossing the border with a rental is always a bit complicated but I’m pretty sure that there are some companies who allow this, maybe for an extra fee, so I think it’s best to contact them directly. Sorry that I couldn’t help more!

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The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como, dramatic coastlines of Cinque Terre and the canals of Venice, to the culture, art and beauty of Milan, Florence and Rome, it’s time to plan the ultimate northern Italy road trip! 

When it comes to road trips, a journey through northern Italy offers some of the most varied scenery. One minute you’re faced with a view across a tranquil lake, the next you’re learning about the Romans with a trip around an ancient amphitheatre. 

There’s a variety of cuisines to sample too, with amazing fresh truffles in Turin and Alba, venetian cicchetti (snacks) in Venice and the delights of ‘appy hour’ (aperitivo hour) in Milan . You could even visit Emilia-Romagna, often referred to as the food capital of Italy, with cities like Bologna an absolute must-visit!

Oh and you’ve got a mix of activities on offer too. You can swim on the beaches of Cinque Terre, climb across the rooftop of Milan’s impressive Duomo, take a gondola ride in Venice or trace Romeo and Juliet’s love story in Verona.

And the best part about a road trip through northern Italy? The freedom to veer off course from time to time! While I’ve suggested an Italy itinerary on the map below, I’d encourage creating your own route between places. It’s often when you find super special spots that aren’t in the guide books!

So rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided the country in two! Read on for my northern Italy road trip or check out my route for an amazing  southern Italy road trip . 

Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

If you’ve got time on your side, then this northern Italy road trip is a great option. I’ve started it in Milan and ended in Rome, as they’re easy for flights. From the beauty of Lake Como to the gorgeous coastline in Cinque Terre, to impressive, historic cities including Venice, Florence and Rome, this Italy road trip has a bit of everything. It’ll definitely show you some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

If you’d rather break it up into smaller chunks, you could visit Milan, Lake Como and Cinque Terre across a week. I’d recommend taking a look at my guide to the best hidden gems in Italy too – you might find a few other stops to add to your route! 

Northern Italy Road Trip Map

I’ve used a map to plot the perfect route for your Northern Italy road trip . I recommend opening it another window to study in detail!

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list. I’ve also included lots of must-haves at the end of this post, to make the process much easier!

Northern Italy Road Trip: Stop 1 – Milan

Milan, in Italy’s Lombardy region, is a unique blend of historical architecture, contemporary skyscrapers and well-known as a fashionista’s Italian city of choice. The icon of the city is the Duomo Cathedral. It’s the world’s largest gothic cathedral and is absolutely stunning!

I’d recommend heading up to the roof in the lift. I remember how stunning those views were, and you can literally wander all over the rooftop, taking in the details of the architecture and some vertigo-inducing views of the main piazza.

There are plenty more sights to see in Milan including the famous La Scala Opera House, a 15th century castle and Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper. While you might associate Milan’s shopping scene just with high end designer stores, there’s actually something to suit every budget. One place you must go though is Galleria Vittorio Emanuale II – one of the oldest and most beautiful shopping malls in the world. It was constructed in 1867 to celebrate the unification of Italy and is decorated with stunning mosaics symbolising the different cities in the country.

On my last visit I learned all about the city’s love of ‘appy hour (the Italian version of happy hour!) Head to Navigli (Milan’s pretty canal area) and you’ll find plenty of great bars specialising in ‘appy hour! It’s not just about drinks – once you order a drink you get access to a buffet of small bites.

Milan is a great starting point for your northern Italy road trip. You can collect your car rental at one of the cities two airports, and after spending a couple of days exploring the city, you can head up to Lake Como or down to Cinque Terre.

READ MORE: One Day In Milan: A 24-Hour City Guide

Northern italy road trip: stop 2 – lake como.

Lake Como is just over an hour and a half from Milan , so you could easily visit for a day if you don’t fancy the overinflated prices of the area. It boasts spectacular alpine scenery, narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional pizzerias and boat trips across the lake. It’s a lovely contrast to Milan, so perfect if you want a variety of places on your Italy itinerary.

READ MORE: How to get from Milan to Lake Como

I visited a few years ago and while there are dreamy hotels like Grand Hotel Tremezzo where you could splurge your entire Italian road trip budget, you can also visit Lake Como on a budget !  There’s a hostel, some cheap pizzerias and well… looking at the lake is free!

Como is the largest town and has a lively café culture, gothic-style cathedral and museums. Meanwhile, the famous town of Bellagio is a great place to shop for souvenirs, stop for a gelato or enjoy a romantic waterside dinner.

You can reach Bellagio from Como by boat for around 9.50 EUR (£8, $11) per person. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, I’d recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at Villa d’ Este , the location of many celebrity weddings and events over the years!

For a thorough plan, I’d recommend reading my guide to the top things to do in Lake Como – it’s full of handy travel tips.

Northern Italy Road Trip: Stop 3 – Verona  

Continuing from Milan or Lake Como you can travel east to Verona in the Veneto region, or southwest towards Genoa and Cinque Terre. If you choose the Verona route as part of your Italy itinerary you can look forward to exploring 1st century AD Verona Arena , Piazza Bra with its gelaterias and fine restaurants and the house which inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

For the best views of the city, climb to the top of Torre dei Lamberti in the heart of the Verona. I’d also recommend a walking tour of the city to learn all about its history.

While you can drive to Venice, I’d say a less stressful option is to leave your car in Verona and catch the train to Venice. Otherwise you’ll find yourself paying for overpriced car parks, and negotiating some pretty chaotic roads! In comparison, the train journey takes just over an hour and costs approx 9.50 EUR (£8, $11) per person. 

Northern Italy Road Trip: Stop 4 – Venice

No Italy road trip planner would be complete without a trip to Venice. Spend your days floating under the Bridge of Sighs, browsing handmade Venetian masks, learning how gondolas are built in Dorsoduro, or exploring the magnificent artwork of Doge’s Palace.

For the best photos head to the top of St. Mark’s or Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, consider taking a water taxi across the lagoon to Murano to see skilled glassblowers in action. In the evenings you can soak up Venice’s romantic vibes, with a drink in a wine bar, an evening at a jazz club or a delicious dinner right by the water. 

Venice is hard to do on a budget, so if you’re lacking funds, consider my idea of basing yourself in Verona and taking a day trip to Venice by train.

READ MORE: The Best Day Trips From Venice

Northern italy road trip: stop 5 – cinque terre.

This picturesque coastal area of Liguria, Italy is famous for its boldly-coloured cascading houses, rugged coastlines and picture-postcard views. It looks too perfect to be real and has been on my dream Italy itinerary for a long time. I hope I make it there soon!

Cinque Terre translates as ‘five earths’ and consists of five villages – Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Manarola. As the villages are difficult to drive in with narrow winding streets, I’d recommend enjoying some hiking in Cinque Terre . Alternatively, head for La Spezia or Porto Venere and jump on a ferry or train from there. Once there, enjoy the food, stunning views, take a dip in the sea, hop on a boat and enjoy some world class sunsets!

It’s a magical part of Italy, and while it gets busy during the summer, if you can time your visit for just out of the peak seasons, you’ll have a great time. 

Northern Italy Road Trip: Stop 6 – Florence

Florence sits in the heart of Tuscany, and is within easy reach of Cinque Terre or Venice/Verona depending on what route you decide to take on your Italy road trip. The city is famous for its striking medieval cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its distinctive red-brick cupola.

Other must see landmarks in Florence include 13th century Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is lined with jewellery shops. If you’re travelling to Florence on a budget start with a look around open-air Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria where you can check out some iconic sculptures of mythical legends for free. Feeling hungry? Don’t miss San Lorenzo Market – a great place to pick up some tasty Italian delicacies, including meats and cheeses.

Then for the best panoramic city views, walk to Piazzale Michelangelo across the Arno River. Photos from there are truly breathtaking.

Want to see a bit more of the region? Why not book a stay at one of these incredible vineyard hotels in Tuscany . They’re ideal locations for a couples break in the region.

Or if you fancy getting off the beaten track, I’d recommend planning some days out to see some of these beautiful towns and villages in Tuscany .

Northern Italy Road Trip: Stop 7 – Rome

Take the scenic route from Florence to Rome , and you could divert from your road trip itinerary to squeeze in a lunchtime stop in romantic Siena or Grosseto. We’ve all heard our fair share of stories about the crazy drivers in Rome, so make sure you’ve packed your nerves of steel!  I’d also recommend checking if your hotel has parking, and consider walking or hopping in a bike to get around the city centre.

If you have one day in Rome , you can’t miss the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. Sit on the Spanish steps and mingle with locals or venture to Trastevere on the western banks of the Tiber River and enjoy its cobbled streets, charming tavernas and laid-back vibe.

To explore one of the world’s religious hubs, take the metro to Vatican City and marvel at Michelangelo’s artwork in the Sistine Chapel. After dark, Rome comes to life with bars, cabaret shows, live music, nightclubs and plenty more entertainment! Before visiting, I’d recommend reading these interesting facts about Rome – you’ll be amazed by what you learn! 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Northern Italy?

Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is a lovely destination to visit all year round.

Temperatures vary by region, but as a quick example, you can expect average temperatures of around 0°C in around Cortina (a ski resort in the mountains) in January, and as high as 37°C in July in cities such as Milan and Venice. Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter, making destinations like Puglia and Sicily great options for a winter holiday.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit northern Italy, I’d suggest planning a trip between April and June, or in September or October, just after the peak summer season.

The weather tends to be consistent in these months, but isn’t too hot. Plus, as you’re missing peak season, you should benefit from lower prices and fewer people.

Packing List For Northern Italy

Now you’ve got your route planned out, it’s time to decide what to pack! Here are a few quick suggestions of what to take, with some links to specific items I’d rate picking up before you travel.

Women’s packing list for Northern Italy

Women’s lightweight trousers – It’s good to have some conservative items and not flash too much skin. These are practical, lightweight but a bit cute too! Women’s sundress – Something pretty and not too short for when it’s appropriate. Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two. If you pair it with a cardigan it’s more conservative too. Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.

Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts , and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too. Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours work best as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down! Women’s zip up hooded jacket – A few places get chilly, so you’ll want to be able to layer up occasionally. A zip up hoody like this will come in handy. Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from! Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts. Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities. Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Under Armour one which has some built in padding for extra support. Women’s leggings – Leggings are great for active adventures. These Under Armour ones are great as they’re very lightweight. Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit! Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself. Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Men’s packing list for Northern Italy

Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use. Men’s chinos or jeans – I’d recommend a few pairs of chinos, jeans or cargo pants. Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too. Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts . They look very cool!

Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more comfortable in the heat. Men’s zip up hooded jacket – You might want to layer up if it gets chilly in the evenings. Men’s jumper – A smarter option for keeping warm.   Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent. Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in. Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too. Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one , so it’s more breathable. Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans !

Other general items to pack for Northern Italy

If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one . If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this , that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen , which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here . 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum . 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun . It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack . It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle   – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the  Chilly’s water bottles . I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws . They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.

Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.

I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment , which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges multiple items at once, using plugs or USB and can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!

Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this . It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my northern Italy road trip! Looking to explore more of the country? Check out my southern Italy road trip itinerary ! 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

Italy is one of my favourite places to visit! I’m desperate to visit Milan, Cinque Terre and Lake Como! So many beautiful places to explore!

Thank you Jess! I hope you get to visit soon. I absolutely adore Italy – esp the food!

What about Lake Garda and the Dolomite area? There is so much to see there but only Italian and Germans seem to know about this area.

Love that area too! So many places to choose from but this felt like a great route to pack a lot in!

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The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

by Neota Langley

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Italian Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world. Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, an unforgettable Dolomites road trip itinerary should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Jagged peaks towering over fairytale villages, rolling meadows and turquoise alpine lakes. We’ll be visiting the highlights and some secret spots along the way, so pack your camera and hiking boots to spend the ultimate 3, 4 or 5 days in the Dolomites.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Dolomites?

There is no easy answer when it comes to how many days to spend in the Dolomites. There are thousands of hiking trails, mountain passes, alpine towns and lakes to explore.

You could easily spend weeks or even months in this varied region and still have more to discover. For the purpose of this Dolomites itinerary, we recommend you spend between 3 and 5 days exploring the area.

Just passing through, you won’t have time to see all of the highlights. But with 3 days, you’ll have just enough time to visit Alpe Di Siusi, Val Di Funes, Lago Di Braise and Tre Cime. These are the top 4 destinations when visiting this region, but you will miss out on a few of the hidden gems.

Spending 4 days in the Dolomites gives you extra time to experience one of the day hikes the region is so famous for. You’ll have the opportunity to take a break from the crowds at the most popular destinations and head into the mountains to experience nature at its very best.

If you are not into hiking, you could opt to spend the fourth day shopping in Cortina D’Ampezzo, a small town full of designer stores, outdoor equipment shops and a large department store.

If you have time, 5 days in the Dolomites is the best way to experience this incredible area. With the extra time, you can slow this jam-packed itinerary down and take your time soaking in the incredible mountain vistas.

Spend the additional day discovering some of the hidden gems around Cortina, including the painstakingly preserved trenches of Cinque Torri.

Getting To & Around the Dolomites

It’s easy to get to the Dolomites, with several travel options available whether you are coming from further afield or a nearby European destination. 

The Dolomites don’t have a dedicated airport, but there are several nearby cities with international airports to choose from. Three of the closest are Venice Marco Polo Airport, Innsbruck Airport (Austria), and Verona Airport. 

The Dolomites are also well-connected by train. You can take a train from major cities across Europe, such as Verona , Venice , Milan and Paris , to cities like Bolzano, Brixen, or Belluno, which are all gateways to the Dolomites. You can view train schedules here .

Many of the smaller towns and alpine villages are not connected by train, so if you are planning on using public transport to get around, you will have to rely primarily on local buses. 

If you are travelling with your own vehicle or are planning to rent a car ( browse Rentalcars.com for rental car options), reaching the Dolomites is easy. In Italy, you don’t need a vignette to use the motorways like in Switzerland or Austria . If you want to use the toll roads, you simply pay at a booth on entry and exit.

The Dolomites region is connected by winding mountain passes and alpine valleys. Some of the top destinations can’t be reached using public transport, so if you want to truly make the most of this region, it’s best to travel by car. If you don’t want to drive but want the flexibility of a car, there are multi-day private tours that will take you some places in the Dolomites.

The region is also perfectly set up for campervans, with plenty of beautiful campsites in the heart of the mountains. You can hire a camper to live the ultimate van life in the Dolomites if you don’t have your own.

Motorhomes can be tricky to manoeuvre on the narrow mountain passes, so make sure you are confident with the size when hiring a camper and driving in the Dolomites. 

Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

The Dolomites are an adventure playground all year round and there really is no bad time to plan a trip to the Dolomites. When you choose to visit depends on what you want to see and do during your stay, but there are a few key things to note.

The summer is the peak season for tourist hotspots, hiking trails and refugios. The roads and trails can be busy, but the hours of beautiful sunshine and blankets of wildflowers are worth the queues. 

The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons, from May to June and from September to October. Out of these 4 months, the most magical time to visit is autumn. The forests of the Dolomites are largely made up of Larch trees that turn a vibrant orange colour in October, this makes the landscape feel like something directly out of a fairytale.

The roads and paths are much quieter, but some Refugios will be closed for the season, and the temperatures can drop, so make sure you pack a warm, waterproof coat just in case. 

During the winter months, the landscape transforms into a winter sports paradise. The Dolomiti Superski area, comprising of 12 resorts, is the largest ski area in the world. The Alta Badia area has some of the most magnificent pistes weaving through gullies and harsh rock formations.

Winter is not a good time to visit if you are hoping to hike or climb. Several of the main destinations are closed or are only open to skiers until late April or sometimes into May, depending on snowfall. 

3, 4 or 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary

Now you know more about the region itself, it’s time to put together your ultimate trip. Whether you have 3 days in the Dolomites or 5, this itinerary is jam-packed full of the top destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems. Use this comprehensive guide to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1 – Bolzano, Val di Funes, Alpe Di Suisi & Vale Gardena

Bolzano .

Our itinerary starts and ends in Bolzano, the capital city of South Tyrol in northern Italy. A vibrant and culturally rich destination nestled in the heart of the Dolomites with a unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences.

This city is easy to reach, making it the perfect place to set off on your adventure. We have allocated an entire afternoon to explore this diverse destination at the end of this itinerary but for now, grab a quick bite to eat and a smooth Italian coffee before heading out into the mountains to start exploring. 

Bolzano also makes for an excellent base for the first night.

Val Di Funes 

Val di Funes, also known as Villnöss Valley, is a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains. The valley offers breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. It is famous for its two iconic churches, set against the backdrop of the stunning Geisler/Odle mountain range. 

San Giovanni Church in the village of Ranui is the most famous, with photos of the rolling meadow, white stone church, and towering mountains to be found on every social media platform. There are two main viewing platforms, one is a raised platform at the edge of the field, and the other is a short walk up the road towards the church.  

Santa Maddalena Church in the village of the same name is the second church. The grey stone church and Obermesnerhof Farmstead make the perfect foreground to the inhospitable jagged peaks that dominate the horizon. 

However, there is more to do in this picturesque valley than snap photos. If you have time, consider taking one of the many hiking trails from Santa Maddalena. The churches are a hotspot for tourists but take a step out onto the trail, and you’ll see this area is relatively untouched by tourism.

The perfect short hike is the Panoramaweg or the ‘Panorama Trail’, an hour-long route that, as the name suggests, provides breathtaking views across the valley. If you want to hike in the Dolomites, this is an excellent first trail to head out on!

Ortisei & Alpe Di Siusi 

Ortisei is a picturesque town in Val Gardena, Italy, serving as an excellent starting point for a visit to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), Europe’s largest high-altitude Alpine meadow. Alpe di Siusi is one of the most iconic photography destinations in the region, and it’s not hard to see why.  

From Ortisei, you can easily reach Alpe di Siusi via a 10-minute cable car ride that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks. Once you arrive at Alpe di Siusi, you’ll be greeted by a stunning natural landscape dotted with charming alpine huts and trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, depending on the season. 

With over 440km of trails to explore and countless rustic mountain cabins, Alpe di Siusi is a haven for any outdoor enthusiast. If you want a short hike and a perfect picnic spot,  take trail 9 heading towards Saltria. This path will lead you through the rolling meadows to the most famous photo spot, Belvedere dell’Alpe di Siusi.

The entire hike is 14km, but this short section to reach the viewpoint is just 3km. When you have finished exploring the plateau, head to the cable car station to get back down to Ortisei to explore a bit of Val Gardena.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is a breathtaking alpine valley renowned for its natural beauty, charming villages, and world-class outdoor activities. The valley comprises three main villages: Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Selva (Wolkenstein), and Santa Cristina (St. Christina).

The valley exudes a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Ladin architecture, woodcarving, and folk traditions still alive.

Where to Stay in Bolzano

Feichter Hotel & Bistro – This hotel in the centre of Bolzano makes for an excellent place to stay in the Dolomites. They have a number of rooms on offer, friendly hosts and a great buffet breakfast available daily.

Hotel Greif – If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket during your Dolomites trip, then this hotel is an excellent option. They have a number of elegant rooms to choose from, a great location and plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy.

Bogen Bistro & Apartments – Those after their own space in Bolzano will love these apartments in the centre of Bolzano. They have a range of fully-furnished flats to choose from along with all the amenities associated with a traditional hotel.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bozano hotels!

Day 2 – Gardena Pass, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza & Cortina d’Ambrezzo

Gardena pass .

We start day 2 with a thrilling drive over the Gardena Pass. Also known as Passo Gardena or Grödnerjoch, the Gardena Pass is a winding mountain pass connecting the Val Gardena and Alta Badia valleys.

This region is so beautiful that the road trip is part of the adventure. Some of the mountain passes, including the Gardena Pass, are the most spectacular roads in the world.

Take your time, stopping along the route at the many viewpoints before ending up in the Alta Badia Valley on the other side. From here, take the short drive up to the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park.  

Lago Di Braies 

One of the most famous locations in the Dolomites (and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the sparkling emerald mountain lake, Lago Di Braies. You’ll want to start your day early for this as during the high season, the road up to the lake closes at 10 am or even earlier if the car parks are full.

There are several car parks on the way up to Braies, the best option is the P2. This car park is the last to fill up but is actually cheaper than the main car park P1. It is a short walk to the lake (around 10 minutes), and there is a food truck at the entrance that is well worth visiting for a bite to eat after your hike. 

Although this is one of the busiest spots in the entire region, it is worth seeing, especially if you are an early riser and can beat the crowds.

If you want to take one of the traditional wooden rowing boats out onto the lake, you’ll find the hire hut at the main entrance to the lake area. One-hour rental is 30 euros, and if you get there early enough in the shoulder season, you may be lucky enough to have the lake to yourself.

The hike around the lake is just over 3km and takes between one hour and two hours, depending on how many photo breaks you want to take along the way. Don’t miss the hidden alpine church hidden in the trees on the western shore before heading back to your car. 

Prato Piazza

The next stop as we drive from Lago Di Braies to our final destination for today, Cortina d’Ampezzo, is the Prato Piazza.

This plateau is a hidden gem known for its natural beauty and tranquillity. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Prato Piazza is a vast plateau surrounded by majestic peaks, including the famous three peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

It offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. The area is dotted with alpine huts and offers numerous hiking trails showcasing the pristine alpine landscapes.

Prato Piazza is also renowned for its vibrant alpine flora during the summer months, creating a colourful tapestry against the backdrop of the towering mountains. You can drive your car right up to the base of the plateau before heading out on foot to explore.

For a short hike with some of the best views, take trail number 37. Along the route, you will find several war memorials, two Refugios (alpine huts offering food and board) and incredible views across Croda Rossa D’Ampezzo and the surrounding peaks of the Braies national park.

Although similar to Alpe Di Siusi, this area is considerably quieter, so if you want to avoid the crowds, this is the perfect place to relax and take in your surroundings. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Our last stop on day 2 is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Often known as the heart of the Dolomites, this town is the gateway to the world-renowned alpine resort, Dolomiti Superski. Known for its stunning natural beauty and glamorous atmosphere, we will be spending the next two days getting to know Cortina and its surrounding mountain ranges. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo is not only famed for its natural beauty but also for its elegant and vibrant town centre.

The Corso Italia, the main street, is lined with high-end shops, designer boutiques, and exquisite restaurants serving delectable local cuisine. The town exudes a unique charm with its blend of Italian and Tyrolean influences, reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. 

No trip to Italy would be complete without treating yourself to a pizza. Head to Ai Due Forni Di Aldo E Alverà Brothers down a small side off the main high street to find the most authentic, delicious pizza in Cortina.

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina – This 3-star bed and breakfast is an excellent place to base yourself in Cortina d’Ampezzo. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from, a great location and a fantastic breakfast available daily.

Franceschi Park Hotel – This opulent lodge in the mountains is the perfect place to stay while you explore the Dolomites. They have countless beautiful rooms on offer along with a number of plush amenities to ensure you want for nothing during your stay.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cortina d’Ampezzo hotels!

Day 3 – Tre Cime, Lago Misurnia & the Olympic Ice Stadium

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, is one of the most iconic and spectacular mountain formations you’ll see during your time in the Dolomites. These three distinctive peaks, Cima Grande, Cima Ovest, and Cima Piccola, stand tall and majestic, offering breathtaking views.

To reach the car park at Rifugio Auronzo, you’ll have to take the toll road up the mountain. If you are visiting in a self-contained campervan, you are permitted to go up the night before (after 7 pm) and stay the night – waking up to the sunrise reflecting onto the peaks. If you are driving from Cortina, the road gets very busy, so it’s best to visit as soon as it opens at 8 am to avoid the queues. 

The Tre Cime circuit trail (clockwise) is the best way to explore the area. This hike is suitable for the whole family as it is fairly flat, but it does take 3-4 hours, so make sure you pack snacks and enough water. 

If you want to do a shorter walk, one of the most iconic viewpoints is the Cadini di Misurina, but be aware this route is not suitable for children or dogs due to sheer drops beside the path.  

If you are an experienced hiker and don’t want to pay to drive up the toll road, you can access Tre Cime from the valley below on a 17km circuit trail. Starting in the Antoniusstein Car Park, this path is challenging, with over 1200m of elevation and some scrambling using metal cables and rungs.

Via Ferrata equipment is not required, but it may be a good idea to take a helmet and climbing gloves if you have them.  

Lago Misurina

A quick stop on your way back down into Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lago Misurina sits directly beside the main road, so gives you the perfect opportunity to pull over for a photo opportunity or to visit the large souvenir shop or alpine bar on its shores.

There is a short walk around the lake if you haven’t had enough hiking for today, but a quick stop-off is enough to take in the surrounding beauty. 

Olympic Ice Stadium

Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a must-visit destination for snow sports enthusiasts. However, if you are visiting during the summer months, you can still experience some of the winter magic in the Olympic Ice Stadium.

Here you can enjoy year-round ice skating and various competitions for curling, figure skating and ice hockey. If there are any events during your stay, it’s well worth getting tickets. The atmosphere of the competition is incredible.

Although the building was recently restored, they have preserved the original 1956 building within the more modern surrounds. 

The Dolomites sit on the border between Italy and Austria, so the Tyrolean cuisine on offer is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean Italian and cosy Alpine Austrian cuisine.

There are several restaurants to choose between, including the fine-dining Ristorante Tivoli or the more casual wine bar offering small plates, Enoteca Baita Pie Tofana . If you only have 3 days in the Dolomites, this is the perfect way to round off your trip. 

Day 4 – Lago di Sorapis or Croda di Lago Loop

Lago di sorapis.

The Dolomites are recognised worldwide for their jagged peaks, alpine lakes and endless hiking trails. For day 4, we are combining all of the above and are heading out into the Sorapis mountain range for a hike you will never forget.

This hiking trail is moderate in difficulty, at 14km long with 700m of elevation but is doable whether you are an experienced hiker or not – as long as you don’t have a fear of heights.

This scenic hike starts from the Sorapis car park at the top of the Passo Tre Croci, just a 12-minute drive from the centre of Cortina. The number 215 trail is easy to follow, winding its way through the forest, passing several WW1 bunkers and out onto the mountainside.

This part of the trail can be tricky as you have to rely on metal cables along the rock face for stability, but as long as you don’t look down, this section is over fairly quickly. 

The Refugio before the lake offers board, food and drink and shelter from bad weather should you need it. Once you have arrived at the bright blue lake, you can choose to walk around it on a well-maintained path, but swimming is prohibited.

You can either walk back the way you came no trail 215 or opt to go the quieter way down and take the fork in the path to join trail number 216 to make the hike a circuit. This route may have fewer people to pass, but it comes at a price. There is a section of scrambling and a sharp ascent up a rubble-filled slope to tackle before you can enjoy the descent.    

Croda Di Lago Loop 

Starting from the Giau Pass, the Croda di Lago loop is another jaw-dropping hike just 15 minutes out of Cortina. Starting at the car park at Ponte di Rocurto, the trail leads to the picturesque Lago di Federa, nestled beneath the majestic Croda di Lago peak.

This hike is 13km in length with 800m of elevation, there are a few technical sections, but it is a relatively easy hike if you are used to walking uphill.

This particular loop follows the Alta Via 1, a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the Dolomites until you reach Rifugio Palmieri before looping back on trail number 437.

Day 5 – Cinque Torri, Falzarego Pass & Bolzano

Cinque torri .

If you have 5 days, Cinque Torri is the perfect place to spend your last day. This area is much quieter than the likes of Tre Cime or Lago di Braies, with plenty of space to find your own piece of mountain paradise.

You can opt to take the cable car up to Cinque Torri (Five Towers) or hike up beside the ski slope in the summer months. The hike is a short, steep climb up 360m, but as you reach the brow of the hill, the views over to Cinque Torri and beyond are some of the best in the Dolomites.

This area is not just known for its beautiful views. Once you have reached the Refugio, the WW1 trenches and bunkers around Cinque Torri are well worth visiting. During the conflict, the Dolomites served as a front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces.

The harsh terrain and challenging weather conditions made the Dolomites a formidable battleground. Painstakingly restored, the trenches and bunkers are now a WWI open-air museum (the Museum of the Great War) and are free to visit.

Before heading back down to the car park, grab a bite to eat at Refugio Cinque Torri. The food on offer here is delicious, from polenta and sirloin steak to truffle pasta. Although there is a large outdoor seating area, there is a small hidden terrace upstairs where you can enjoy a drink with the best views in the house.

Dolomiti Superski Area & Falzarego Pass

As our final day comes to a close, it’s time to head back towards the bright city lights of Bolzano. The drive from Cinque Torri to Bolzano takes around 2hrs but it’s best to allow an additional hour or two for photo breaks along the way.

This drive takes in several mountain passes, including the Falzarego Pass and the Pordoi Pass. No matter which route you chose, you will pass through several Dolomiti Superski areas so if you are planning a winter sports holiday, this is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the area.

You could also opt to detour to the beautiful Lago di Carezza. This Alpine Lake is small, but one of the most beautiful in the region.

Bolzano is the ultimate endpoint for our Dolomites road trip. After a busy few days of hiking and exploring the wilderness, we bring this itinerary to a close with an afternoon in the city. 

First, wander through the charming streets of Bolzano’s historic centre, admiring the colourful buildings and medieval architecture. Don’t miss the Piazza Walther, a bustling square with a beautiful fountain and surrounded by cafes and shops.

Next, visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Discover the famous Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved mummy of a man who lived sometime between 3350 and 3105 BCE. Otzi was discovered in the Ötztal Alps between Italy and Austria and was naturally mummified within the ice. Learn about the region’s archaeological history and the life of this ancient individual.

Before dinner, take a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens of Renon/Ritten. Admire the colourful flowerbeds and sculptures, and enjoy panoramic views of Bolzano.

Another busy day and you are sure to have worked up an appetite for one last Tyrolean meal. Situated in a historic building, Batzenhäusl is a popular spot for traditional Tyrolean cuisine. The menu features hearty dishes such as dumplings, schnitzel, and local game, all served in a cosy and rustic ambience.

Alternatively, if you want to finish your trip in style, try Gourmetstube Einhorn . Located in the historic centre, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on regional ingredients and creative presentations. 

A Dolomites road trip truly is an experience of a lifetime. This itinerary whisks you away into a dreamland, the towering white mountains, turquoise lakes and sheer valleys all have to be seen to be believed. Whether you have 3 or 5 days to spend in this majestic region, you’ll be in for a real treat. 

Are you planning to visit the Dolomites? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Puglia Itinerary

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About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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The Ultimate Two Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

If you’ve read this blog before you’ll know Italy is my favourite place in the world.  The food, scenery, beaches and people are all wonderful – so much so that I married an Italian! So the hubby and I decided to take an epic northern Italy road trip and explore some of the beautiful regions in North Italy, and eat as much food as we could along the way. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Where to start your Italy road trip?

As this Italy road trip follows a loop, you can start and finish at any point of the itinerary. We started in Enrico’s home town of Treviso, which is easily accessible by two airports; Treviso and Venice. This 14 day Italy itinerary crams in a lot, and can easily be slowed down if you have more time. I’ve also offered options to add on other locations if you’re travelling for longer too or adding Italy to part of a longer Europe itinerary . 

Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary Summary

Day 1-3 veneto.

• Day 4-6 Emilia Romagna 

Day 6-10 Tuscany 

Day 10-11 liguria.

• Day 12-14 Lombardy/Veneto

Camper or Car?

Either option is great for a road trip of Italy. If you’re driving a motorhome or campervan, there are lots of ‘area di sosta’ where you can often park for free – many with waste disposal and water facilities. There are also paying campsites with excellent facilities in some prime locations. If you’re travelling Italy by car, then you’ve got lots of accommodation options to choose from – just make sure they offer parking as it can be hard to come by in the cities. All suggested accommodations in this article offer parking (some at a fee). 

Hire a car in Italy.

Hire a motorhome or camper in Italy.

Tips for driving in Italy

Italians use the horn often – but don’t get offended – it’s just to let you know they are there. Be careful of your speed when driving through towns and villages – even if there isn’t a sign to say so – it’s likely the speed limit is 50km/h, and there are often speed cameras.

This northern Italy itinerary includes all the things that make Italy great: gastronomy, architecture, art and beaches. Whilst there are plenty of famous and fantastic cities in the North of Italy, we have only included a few as driving in Italian cities is not always enjoyable and one of the benefits of having a car is that you can visit some of the places off the beaten track (and tourist route). 

Check out our southern Italy road trip itinerary.

Treviso 

We began our Italy trip in Treviso in the Veneto region in Italy’s northeast. I’m obviously completely biased as Enrico is from this area but I think it’s such an underrated and incredible region to visit. 

Treviso is known for a number of things, including being the origin of the popular Italian dessert tiramisù and more importantly, the home of Prosecco. So visiting a few wineries or at the very least, sampling a few glasses is a must while you’re here. 

I recommend spending a morning in the city of Treviso, it’s a walled city with lots of canals and little laneways filled with bars, restaurants and shops. Due to its proximity to Venice, it is often overlooked, which means you’ll find fewer tourists and more locals. 

Things to Do in Treviso  

• The five domed Treviso Cathedral 
• Walk the ancient city walls
• Visit the Isola della Pescheria (fish market on an island) 
• Eat radicchio – a Treviso speciality (usually available between Autumn and Spring) 

Where to Stay in Treviso 

Budget – Dafne B&B offers rooms just outside the city walls. There is a garden and a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use.

Mid-Range – Locanda Ponte Dante is set in a historic building, 500 m from Piazza dei Signori square.

Luxury – Maison Matilda Boutique Hotel has luxurious rooms located next to Piazza Duomo.

Campsites – There is an area di sosta with water and waste facilities on Via Castello d’Amore – outside the city walls. 

Find accommodation in Treviso

Venice 

Venice is hugely popular and with good reason, it really is like stepping into a fairytale. It’s worth spending 2 days in Venice , or at least a day and a half to see the main sights.

Things to Do in Venice

• Hire a gondola and admire the city from the water 
• Eat cicchetti and drink a spritz along Fondamenta dei Ormesini 
• Admire the colourful buildings and lacework in Burano 
• Visit a glass-blowing factory in Murano 
• Marvel at the the  Basilica di San Marco  (a Byzantine marvel), the  Torre dell’Orologio  and the  Doge’s Palace  in Piazza di San Marco
• Visit during Carnevale or the Biennale for an added experience

Where to Stay in Venice

Venice is really not the place to bring a car, so I recommend leaving your car in Treviso and catching the train in – it takes about 30 minutes. You can also park at Mestre and take the train from there (20 minutes). If you want to drive into Venice, there is a multistory in Piazzale Roma which costs €39 for 24 hours.

Budget – B&B Exclusive features Venetian-style rooms with shared bathrooms a 5-minute walk from Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station and Piazzale Roma.

Mid-Range – Ca’ Amadi is set in a 13th-century palace, a 5-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge.

Luxury – Residenza d’Epoca San Cassiano overlooks the Grand Canal and is a 5-minute walk from Rialto Bridge. The 14th-century villa is furnished with antiques and Murano glass chandeliers.

Super Luxury – Baglioni Hotel Luna is a 5-star hotel set 80 m from Saint Mark’s Square, with views over the lagoon.

Campsites – Venice Utility Park in Mestre has a free shuttle service to Venice Island. For €20 per night for a camper. But I’d recommend leaving your camper in Treviso and taking the train from there.

Find accommodation in Venice

Conegliano and Valdobbiadene 

Next, head 40 minutes north of Treviso to Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. This picturesque area has DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controlla/Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) status for Prosecco, meaning only Prosecco produced in these two towns can be awarded the prestigious DOCG classification. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with undulating hills covered in vines with a mountain backdrop. I honestly think it is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. I love it so much that Enrico and I got married here in 2019. 

Things to Do in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene 

• A visit to some of the wineries for prosecco tasting – my recommendations are Cantina Vigne Matte (we held our wedding reception here and aside from the excellent wines, the views don’t get much better)
• Osteria Senz’Oste – a hillside spot with Prosecco vending machines and an honesty bar for delicious Italian charcuterie and cheese
• Molinetto Della Croda – a 17th century water mill (and where we got married!)
• Cycle the Strada del Prosecco (Prosecco road)

Where to Stay in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene

Budget – Oasi di pace nel sito UNESCO del Prosecco DOCG is an apartment with a kitchen, living area and terrace.

Mid-Range – Agriturismo due Carpini is located above Salis restaurant a short walk from Osteria Senz’Oste in Valdobbiadene. We stayed here after our wedding and enjoyed some delicious meals at the restaurant and relaxed by the pool with views of the vines.

Luxury – Hotel Villa Soligo is a gorgeous 18th-century Venetian villa with lovely grounds and a swimming pool. We stayed here during our wedding with all our guests and it was fabulous! It has just undergone major renovations.

Campsites – There is an area di sosta in Valdobbiadene on Via della Pace. 

Day 4-6 Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna has some amazing towns and cities. If you have lots of time, then I recommend visiting Bologna, Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Ferrara. If you’re sticking to two weeks then follow the itinerary below. Otherwise, check out our 4 day Emilia Romagna itinerary. 

Read our Emilia Romagna itinerary here.

Depart Treviso and drive an hour and a half to Ferrara for a lunch stop. 

Things to Do in Ferrara

• Wander the ancient streets (the whole city is a UNESCO site) 
• Visit the Estense Castle and Palazzo dei Diamanti – named for its diamond-patterned walls
• Grab a Pasticcio di Maccheroni (a macaroni pie) for lunch

Continue on your north Italy itinerary to Modena. Take the scenic route through the countryside and stop at an Acetaia – a balsamic vinegar producer – such as  Acetaia Paltrinieri  and sample some of the world-renowned Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP.

Then stop at a winery or two to try the region’s specialities – Lambrusco and Pignoletto. Cantina Vini Garuti and Vini Zucchi  are both less than ten minutes drive from the Acetaia. 

Modena 

Modena packs a lot into a small city. It’s the home of Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati, the birthplace of Pavarotti and also a gastronomic paradise with one of the world’s best restaurants.

Things to Do in Modena

• Explore the covered Albinelli Market – full of delicious Italian food
• Eat at three Michelin star Osteria Francescana – winner of the world’s best restaurant in 2016 and 2018. (Book at least 6 months in advance)
• Admire the UNESCO listed Duomo di Modena
• Watch an opera or concert at the Luciano Pavarotti Municipal Theatre

Where to Stay in Modena

Budget – Ostello San Filippo Neri is located 700m from Modena Cathedral and has rooms with shared and private bathrooms. There is a shared kitchen and living area.

Mid-Range/Luxury – Vittorio Veneto 25 has modern rooms a short walk from the centre.

Super Luxury – Hotel Rua Frati 48 is a 5-star hotel with frescoed rooms, a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar.

Campsites – We slept at Cantina Vini Garuti which offers camper parking. Closer to the city, Mutina Camper Club has paid spots.

Find accommodation in Modena

If you’re a fan of cheese, then get up early the next day for a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory. We visited  Fattoria Scalabrini and watched the cheese masters at work, before sampling some of the delicious cheese. Book in advance .

Next on your Italian road trip is the popular region of Tuscany. There is so much to do in Tuscany and you could easily spend your entire road trip in this region alone. 

Read our guide to the best things to do in Tuscany. 

It’s difficult to pick only a few places to visit in Tuscany, with so many stunning towns and villages. This northern Italy road trip sticks to the northern part of the region, but I’ve included other recommended places to visit further south if you have time. 

Florence needs no introduction as one of Italy’s most famous cities.

Things to Do in Florence 

• Eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)
• Stroll across Ponte Vecchio 
• Visit Piazza della Signoria and admire Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune and Perseus with the head of Medusa
• See Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Galleries
• Admire the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (The Florence Cathedral/Duomo)

Where to Stay in Florence 

If you’re staying in the centre parking can be tricky – so make sure you book a hotel that has parking. Alternatively, stay a little further outside the city and take the train or bus in. 

Budget – Residenza Conte di Cavour & Rooftop is situated 200m from Accademia Galleries and has a rooftop terrace.

Mid-Range – Relais Piazza Signoria is located on the corner of Piazza Signoria and offers studios and apartments, some with terraces.

Luxury – The 4-star Hotel Berchielli is located on the River Arno, with views of Ponte Vecchio. Rooms are decorated in a classic style with antique furniture and details.

Campsites – Florence Park Scandicci is a 15 minute drive from the city centre with regular buses.

Find accommodation in Florence

From Florence, drive south to San Gimignano. On the way stop at one of the chianti wineries for a tasting, such as Antinori nel Chianti Classico , Villa Mangiacane  or Castello di Verrazzano . 

San Gimignano

This small town is known for its many towers – 14 to be exact (Although at one time there were 72!). Spend the afternoon and evening here. 

Things to Do in San Gimignano 

• Eat delicious gelato at prize-winning  Gelateria Dondoli  in Piazza Della Cisterna
• Visit the Florentine fortress – Rocca di Montestaffoli
• Enjoy a glass of Vernaccia at the wine museum
• Climb the Torre Grossa – the tallest remaining tower 

Where to Stay in San Gimignano

Budget – Hotel La Cisterna in Piazza Della Cisterna – a few steps from the gelateria! We stayed here and you couldn’t ask for a better location.

Mid Range – Casa Torre Margherita has a terrace overlooking the hills, set in a renovated 13th-century building.

Luxury – Located a 5 minute drive from San Gimignano in a converted Franciscan convent. Hotel La Collegiata has stylish rooms and a large outdoor pool.

Campsites – There is an area di sosta at Strada Comunale Di Santa Lucia, which is an 8 minute bus from the city. 

Find accommodation in San Gimignano

The next morning, drive 50 minutes north to San Miniato. 

San Miniato

There is a tasty reason for stopping in this sleepy Tuscan town: truffles. You can take a tour with Massimo from  Truffle in Tuscany  and his dog Mela, who is incredibly skilled at sniffing out truffles. During our trip, Mela found two and we were then treated to some delicious truffle dishes after the hunt. 

Continue north on your road trip in Italy to Lucca. 

Growing up, I spent many summers in Lucca and it’s one of my favourite Italian cities. Lucca is a walled city, and its 16th-century wall is still intact. Inside it has cobbled streets and laneways full of restaurants and bars. 

Things to Do in Lucca 

• Hire bikes and cycle around the 4km path on top of the walls
• Visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a huge circular piazza that was once a Roman amphitheatre 
• Climb Torre Guinigi to enjoy the views and check out the trees at the top

Where to Stay in Lucca

Budget – Rooms at Al Tuscany include breakfast. We had a lovely room here with views over the city.

Mid Range/Luxury – Palazzo Rocchi  offers double rooms with breakfast included. We loved our stay here – such opulent decor.

Campsites – Parking del Borgo is located a 5 minute walk outside the city walls and has paid camper spots.

Find accommodation in Lucca

If you have more time, then I highly recommend driving south to Siena and to Montalcino and Montepulciano – famous for wines of the same name. Another hour’s drive southwest is Val D’Orcia, a region of incredible natural beauty (so much so it was a filming location for Gladiator). And nearby are the San Filippo Thermal Springs. 

Read more about Montalcino, Siena, Montepulciano, Val D’Orcia and San Filippo here. 

From Lucca, drive an hour to Lerici. Stop along the way at Viareggio – a glamorous seaside resort. 

Lerici 

Located in the Bay of Poets, Lerici is a seaside town with a sandy beach.

Things to Do in Lerici

• Visit a mussel farm 
• Enjoy the beaches in Lerici and nearby Fiascherino 
• Eat pesto, focaccia and Ligurian honey (the region’s specialities) 

Where to Stay in Lerici 

Budget – B&B Camera Bellavista has views of the coastline a 10 minute walk from the town.

Mid-Range – Hotel Byron has modern rooms, some with sea views, 1 minute walk from the beach.

Luxury – Located in the centre of Lerici, Doria Park Hotel has a terrace with views of the Gulf of Poets, the castle, and the old town. We had a lovely stay here.

Campsites – There is a paid area di sosta at Località Vallata which has no facilities. Alternatively, there is a cheaper site in La Spezia at Viale San Bartolomeo.

Find accommodation in Lerici

Cinque Terre National Park 

On your second day in Liguria head to Cinque Terre National Park. Cinque Terre means five lands in Italian, and the park is made up of 5 main villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These picturesque villages are well photographed and you’re bound to have seen images of the colourful houses overlooking rocky beaches. It’s a very popular spot and parking is limited here, so I recommend taking the train from La Spezia station (20 minutes drive from Lerici). Train tickets cover the whole area and can be used as many times as you like in a day. The first village of Riomaggiore is only 8 minutes by train from La Spezia. 

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre 

If you prefer to stay in Cinque Terre there are a few accommodation options with parking. 

Budget –  Villa Caribe is set in Monterosso al Mare village, 800m from sandy Gigante Beach.

Mid-range – Also in Monterosso al Mare village, Locanda A Cà Du Gigante is 50 m from Gigante Beach. Parking is €15 per day.

Luxury – Stellio Affittacamere is a guest house in Riomaggiore. Parking is available nearby at €15 per day.

Super Luxury – Arpaiu has rooms and apartments with sea views in Manarola. Parking costs €60 per day.

Campsites – Il Poggio is a camper area within the Cinque Terre National Park in Monterosso al Mare. Campers cost €25 per night which includes transfers to the village. Booking is advised. 

Find accommodation in Cinque Terre

If you have more time in Liguria, then visit the pretty town of Portovenere. Read about it here . 

Read our full guide to Liguria here. 

Travel 3 hours northeast on your road trip of northern Italy to Lake Garda. On the way stop in Parma for lunch or take a small detour into the countryside to Bré del Gallo – a Culatello cellar. Culatello is a delicious cured meat and though it’s not as famous as Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello is considered the king of salumi.

Day 12-14 Lombardy/Veneto 

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)

Beautiful Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, with mountains to the north and beaches to the south. There are lots of lovely towns and villages dotted around its shores and it can be hard to pick one or two to visit. Our recommendations are: 

Salò is located on the western shores of the lake in the Lombardy region. With a mountain backdrop, it’s an attractive town, particularly the historic centre – which is full of quaint lanes and small piazzas. It has the longest lakeside promenade on the whole of Lake Garda.

Things to Do in Salò

• Relax on the beaches 
• Admire the view from the Rocca (castle) – known as the ‘balcony of the lake’
• Shop at the Saturday market 
• Enjoy canoeing, fishing and sailing on the lake 
• Admire the Romanesque cathedral and the Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower)

Where to Stay in Salò 

Budget – Rivalta Life Style Hotel is located 150 m from Lake Garda promenade. Breakfast is included.

Mid-Range – Hotel Vigna is situated in the historic centre of Salò, with a gorgeous terrace with panoramic views across Lake Garda.

Luxury – Hotel Laurin is located in a charming Art Nouveau style villa from the early 20th century, 5 minutes’ walk from Salo town centre. The hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool and an excellent restaurant.

Campsites – Paradiso is located on the shore of Lake Garda and has 50 paid spaces.

Find accommodation in Salo

The next stop is Malcesine. Drive to Limone del Garda – considered the prettiest town on the lake and take the car ferry across to Malcesine. If you’re travelling outside of the summer season, this ferry doesn’t run but you can take a ferry from Maderno to Torri del Benaco. 

Malcesine 

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Malcesine is a picturesque town with cobbled lanes and a castle at the foot of Monte Baldo.

Things to Do in Malcesine

• Take the cable-car up to Monte Baldo for hikes and impressive views 
• Wander the cobbled streets
• Visit Castello Scaligero and its museum 
• kitesurf or sail on the lake (the best spot for kitesurfing is Torbole – a 20 minute drive north)
• Visit the Palazzo dei Capitani
• Taste local olives

Where to Stay in Malcesine 

Budget – Hotel Lago Di Garda has a roof terrace with views of Lake Garda. 

Mid-Range – Hotel Antonella features an outdoor pool and restaurant, 600m from the lake. Free private parking is available on site.

Luxury – Hotel Castello Lake Front has panoramic lake views and a private beach with parasols and deck chairs. Parking is free.

Campsites –  Camping Priori has twelve pitches a few metres from the lake and 150 meters from the cable car.

Find accommodation in Malcesine

From Malcesine, drive south along the coast for an hour to Verona. Along the way stop at some of the lakeside towns including Garda and Bardolino.

Verona 

Considered one of the most romantic cities in Italy, if not the world, there are plenty of reasons to visit Verona . It is full of ancient buildings, has fantastic food and wine and was also the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

Things to Do in Verona

• Visit Juliet’s Balcony 
• See an opera at Verona Arena 
• Drink Amarone (a delicious red wine from the region) or eat risotto all’Amarone
• Visit Castelvecchio 
• Stroll through Piazza Delle Erbe in the heart of the historic centre

Where to Stay in Verona 

Budget – La Nuova Corte Rooms are 600m from the Verona Arena. Many have a balcony or terrace. Parking is €15 per day.

Mid-Range – Relais Ponte Pietra is located in front of Ponte Pietra bridge and 350m from Verona Cathedral in the centre of Verona, in an elegant 13th-century building. Free parking is available at Relais Ponte Pietra.

Luxury – Hotel Accademia is set in Verona’s centre, just 350 m from the Verona Arena, in an 18th-century building. Parking is €21 per day.

Super Luxury – Due Torri Hotel has a large roof terrace with views of the historic centre and is a 5-minute walk from Juliet’s balcony. Parking is €35 per day.

Campsites – Camping Castel San Pietro is located within the ancient city walls, surrounded by lush gardens. 10 minutes walk to the city centre.

Find accommodation in Verona

From Verona, it’s the final stretch on your northern Italy road trip back to Treviso. It’s an hour and a half drive and it’s worth stopping in the walled city of Padua along the way. 

Longer than 2 weeks in Northern Italy?

There are plenty of options to extend your trip:

The Dolomites

Instead of returning to Treviso after Verona, continue north to the Dolomites. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area offers fantastic skiing in winter and amazing hiking in the summer, with a fusion of Italian and Austrian culture. 

Things to Do in the Dolomites

• Row a boat on Lago di Braies  
• Ski at Cortina d’Ampezzo (or check out the glamorous shops and restaurants in the summer)
• Hike to Lago di Sorapis – A stunning blue lake 
• Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo – The three peaks 
• Try a Bombardino
• Snowshoe in the winter

Read our guide to the Dolomites here. 

Where to Stay in the Dolomites 

Budget – Chalet Planvart is located 100m from the Santa Croce ski lift in Badia and 45 minutes drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Mid-Range – Ristorante Rifugio Ospitale is a traditional mountain-style hotel with a restaurant in Rufreddo. 12 minutes drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Luxury – Sporthotel Tyrol is located in the centre of San Candido and has an indoor pool, a spa and panoramic views of the Dolomites. We had an awesome stay here.

Luxury – Hotel Leitlhof Dolomiten has an indoor pool and wellness centre in San Candido, 800m from the Haunold ski slopes.

Campsites – Camping Cortina International is a campsite with a pool and buses to the ski lifts.

Find accommodation in the Dolomites

Have you taken a road trip of northern Italy? Leave us a comment below. 

How long do I need for a Northern Italy road trip?

Ideally two weeks or more. In two weeks you can explore a few of the regions in Northern Italy. If you have more time you can travel at a more relaxed pace, spend longer in each destination and add a few additional stops.

What is the best time of year to visit the south of Italy?

Spring, Summer and Autumn are all great times to travel in Northern Italy. In the summer you will have the highest temperatures, but the biggest crowds. In the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy exploring the towns, cities and countryside with fewer people while generally still having warm weather. Some parts of Italy, such as  the Dolomites  may be cold during Spring and Autumn, so pack accordingly.

What are the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy?

Tuscany  is famous for its beautiful walled towns, such as San Gimignano, Lucca and Siena. Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the  Ligurian coast  is also home to some incredibly scenic towns and villages, such as the towns of the Cinque Terre, Portovenere and Portofino.

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Thank you for sharing. I have been looking for tips and guides in planning my trip, with husband in northern Italy. You have give lots of details and information I’ve been looking for, especially where to find affordable accommodation in those different regions. Can you tell if I need to pre book accommodation prior traveling? I will be renting a car before leaving Florence.

Thanks Jackie. I would recommend booking accommodation in advance, especially if you’re travelling in the high or shoulder seasons. I was in Italy again in September and October and it was very busy. Have a lovely time!

Thanks so much for this. We are planning a northern Italy road trip for next summer and this has given me so much inspiration!

You’re welcome! Have an amazing trip!

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Best Of Northern Italy Itinerary: 10 Days With Tips [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 87 mins read
• Post last modified: April 24, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Northern Italy is one of my favorite places in Europe. Its stunning nature and the most outstanding European mountains are the  Dolomites . Not only that, but it’s also famous for its  incredible lakes ,  cute towns  and  cities , and the most touristy must-see city,  Venice .

I visited the Dolomites and northern Italy , as it’s been my dream to make a road trip through all these stunning places. After spending over 14 days in northern Italy, I’ve put together this itinerary so you can explore its highlights.

So take this road trip based on my experience and have a great time!

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Northern Italy Itinerary For 10 Days

Here is a quick overview for the ultimate Northern Italy itinerary for 10 days:

Map Of The Northern Italy Itinerary

Here is a map of this northern Italy road trip. Save it to your phone and navigate to the places once you travel:

How To Get To Northern Italy

The best way to get to northern Italy is to travel to Milan . It’s the biggest city in the area, has one of the biggest airports in Europe, and many connections to the nearby countries and cities.

Flying to Milan is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Northern Italy. It has great international connections.

➡ Get the best flight deals to Milan via Skyscanner here.

If you’re arriving in Milan from nearby countries like Switzerland , Slovenia , Austria , or southern Italy , you should consider taking a train.

Check Trenitalia for connections within Italy; when arriving from Switzerland, look up trains via SBB . I recommend taking the Railjet train (my favorite) from Austria.

➡ Check out the best train connections to Milan via Trainline here.

If you’re on a budget , you can also take a bus from neighboring countries. It’ll be a long journey, but the cheapest. Flixbus has great connections to Milan from major European cities.

➡ Look up bus connections to Milan via Busbud here.

How To Get Around Northern Italy & Make This Itinerary

The  best way to explore  Northern Italy  is by car . There is no better option than  making a road trip . So I recommend you  rent a car in Milan  and embark on the journey.

It’s especially worth it  driving through the Dolomites . Even if you don’t visit anything, just driving through its tiny  mountain roads  is an experience of a lifetime. You’ll love every second of it. The  views are spectacular , the environment amazing, and the  cute little Italian towns  are worth the stop.

There are trains between major cities like Milan, Verona, and Venice. The rest of the places on this itinerary are reachable by bus. But you’d lose a lot of time waiting for the connections.

So  rent a car in Milan for 10 days and make your 10-day itinerary. You can then return it to Milan.

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

0. DAY: MILAN ⇒ VERONA

If you want to stay in Milan,  arrive one or two days before  starting your itinerary. It’ll be an excellent place to fight the jet lag and relax.

Then, rent a car in Milan and embark on the journey. At the beginning, you’ll  drive from Milan to Verona .

Distance Milan ⇒ Verona: 2 hours by car (160 kilometers/100 miles)

Verona belongs to  my favorite cities in Italy . It’s not because of the Balcony mentioned in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet poem. It’s because of its beautiful architecture and atmosphere. Unfortunately, many people, for some reason, choose to skip it when traveling in Italy. 

Now, you’ll get to explore its beauty.

So check in to your accommodation and head for lunch or dinner in the city center, depending on your arrival time, and get a first glimpse of the city.

Where To Stay In Verona: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

SAN GIACOMO B&B – budget-friendly apartment HOTEL MILANO & SPA – mid-range hotel HOTEL ACADEMIA – luxury hotel NH COLLECTION PALAZZO VERONA – luxury hotel

Restaurants In Verona

🍕 Trattoria Pizzeria Impero 🍕 Trattoria al Pompiere 🍕 Antica Bottega del Vino 🍕 Locanda 4 Cuochi

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

👉 READ ALSO: Milan To Amalfi Coast: Ultimate Travel Guide

1. DAY: VERONA

Good morning to Verona. Today, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city with its hidden gems.

Ready? Let’s go.

Sightseeing In Verona

🔆 Juliet’s House 🔆 Piazza delle Erbe 🔆 Torre dei Lamberti 🔆 Piazza dei Signori 🔆 Castelvecchio 🔆 Arena di Verona 🔆 Garden Giusti

Verona’s best ‘attraction’ is walking around, strolling through its  tiny historical streets , and seeing some locals on their balconies.

So take it easy, and enjoy the city this way.

I recommend seeing the famous  Juliet’s House  (in Italian called  Casa di Giulietta ) in the morning with its balcony and Juliet’s statue (to avoid crowds). This house was featured as the residence of the Capulet Family in Shakespeare’s play  Romeo and Juliet . Thanks to its balcony, Verona attracts thousands of visitors each day.

The house dates back to the 14th century. Many visitors come here specifically to  leave notes and love letters on its walls , asking Juliet to solve their issues (mainly related to romantic relationships).

You can also visit its museum and learn more about Shakespeare’s story and the house.

Suggested Itinerary For 1 Day In Verona

Admire the  Piazza delle Erbe’s  cute cafes and stunning architecture. Sometimes, it hosts  markets  so you can buy souvenirs.

From there, admire the  Torre dei Lamberti  built by the  Lamberti family  in the 11th century. It houses four bells, is 84 meters high, and offers panoramic city views.

Check out the  Piazza dei Segnori , too. I recommend eating the best pizza in the restaurant  Trattoria Pizzeria Impero .

Then walk to the  Castelvecchio , the most important museum in town. It was built in the mid-1300s by the  Scala family . Nowadays, you can explore many Renaissance sculptures, weapons, armor, jewelry from the past, and ancient bronze bells.

Finally, check out the famous  Arena di Verona . It’s the ancient Roman theater,  one of the largest arenas in the world , and the best-preserved structures in Europe. It’s been used as a filming location in several movies, including Quo Vadis and Letters to Juliet.

Nowadays, many  performances are organized  on its stage. It can accommodate up to 30000 spectators.

NOTE: Check out if there is a  performance in the Arena di Verona  in the evening . I highly recommend you experience it.

Verona Guided Tour

Join this guided tour of Verona and learn more about its history and culture with a local guide.

2. DAY: DAY TRIP FROM VERONA: PASTA, GELATO, WINE

Verona is a perfect place for some  great day trips . What would a visit to Italy be without participating in a  cooking class ,  gelato class , or a  wine-tasting tour ? So for now, we’ll stay in Verona, and you’ll have the entire day to make a day trip of your choice.

I’ve picked the  top 3 day trips from Verona  so you can choose which one you feel like doing.

One of them is  private   pasta making  in an Italian home. You’ll learn how to make Italian pasta and eat it with locals in their homes.

The other activity is  gelato-making class . You’ll learn how to  cook fresh fruit sorbet  and make your  Italian gelato . After, you’ll get to taste what you’ve made.

The last tour is visiting a  family-run winery  and  experiencing wine tasting  in their vineyards. You’ll taste the most  delicious Italian wines , enjoy spectacular views, and see the  17th-century old cellar  where they produce the wine.

So  book one of these three activities  for today, and enjoy Italian culture fully.

3. DAY: VERONA ⇒ ST. ULRICH ORTISEI (Dolomites)

Today, we’ll drive from Verona up to the northern part of Italy. It’s time to explore the most beautiful mountains in Europe – the Dolomites .

In the morning, drive from Verona to St. Ulrich Ortisei.

Distance Verona ⇒ St. Ulrich Ortisei: 2 hours & 20 minutes by car (188 kilometers/116 miles)

If you want, you can  stop in Trento  on the way. You can have lunch or  taste Italian delicacies , such as prosciutto, salami, pesto, and cheese, in local shops. Then, continue driving to St. Ulrich Ortisei.

St. Ulrich Ortisei (Dolomites)

Welcome to the  Val Gardena , one of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites. We’ll stay overnight and explore the best attractions tomorrow.

St. Ulrich Ortisei is a small Italian town in the middle of the Dolomites. It’s famous for its  excellent outdoor activities , winter skiing, and summer  hiking trails .

The most famous mountain to visit in this region is  Seceda . You can take a funicular and a cable car up and enjoy the stunning atmosphere. Tomorrow, we’ll explore this place.

For now,  check in to your accommodation , enjoy the beautiful atmosphere with mountain views, walk around the town, and relax.

Where To Stay In St. Ulrich Ortisei: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

B&B VILLA ANGELINO HOTEL GENZIANA HOTEL ANGELO ENGEL

Restaurants In St. Ulrich Ortisei

🍕 Cascade Ristorante Pizzeria Bar 🍕 Restaurant Pizzeria Terrazza 🍕 Mauriz Keller – Restaurant – Pizzeria

4. DAY: SECEDA

Good morning to Val Gardena. Today, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful mountains and enjoy hiking with delicious food.

Seceda  was my favorite place in the Dolomites that I visited. It’s part of the so-called Odle  Group,  a subrange of the Dolomites mountains. You might also see the term  Sëceda  in the local  Ladin language .

Its elevation is  2,519 meters  (8,264 feet), making it a perfect spot to  admire the mountain views .

I’ll never forget getting up, seeing the beauty, and staying at the local mountain hut. I sat on the grass, ordered  Italian delicacies  (Bombardino and apple strudel with vanilla sauce), and kept staring at the mountains. It feels like heaven, and I’ll say it once more – Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in Europe.

How To Get To Seceda

So in the morning,  take a cable car from St. Ulrich Ortisei town  to the  Furnes . From there, take a huge  cabin car up to Seceda .

You don’t have to book your tickets in advance. Just go in the morning and  pay directly at the counter .

Take Cable Cars: St. Ulrich Ortisei Town ⇒ Furnes ⇒ Seceda

Things To Do In Seceda

Once you’re up at the Seceda, take your time to walk up to the viewing point,  Panorama Seceda . A big compass shows where other big European cities and mountain peaks are. You’ll be able to  see Switzerland and Austria  from there, too.

Then walk towards the famous  Seceda Ridgeline  and take some nice photos.

After, head to the mountain hut called  Baita Sofie Hütte . They have the  best apple strudel with vanilla sauce . You can also eat lunch and have it for dessert. Don’t forget to  try Bombardino , the famous Italian sweet drink made from alcohol and egg yolk liquor.  Add whipped cream  on top.

If you want to do some hiking in Seceda , here are my top picks:

🏞 Seceda Panorama Trail 🏞 Odle High Route 🏞 Adolf-Munkel Trail

Other two activities you can enjoy are  mountain biking  and  paragliding .

After, enjoy another evening in St. Ulrich Ortisei , get some good food, and relax.

5. DAY: ST. ULRICH ORTISEI ⇒ RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI (Dolomites)

Have some delicious breakfast, and  hit the road again . This is  the most scenic ride  on your entire road trip. So have your camera and phone ready.

You’ll be passing through the famous  Sella Ronda . It’s a  skiing route around the Marmolada mountain  in the Dolomites. You’ll cross several mountain passes and drive through curved roads. Stop whenever you can and  enjoy the views . Pay attention to the bikers as they’re everywhere, cycling on the side of roads.

Drive to the Falzarego Pass . Leave your car there. We’ll be visiting the beautiful mountain hut called  Rifugio Lagazuoi .

Distance St. Ulrich Ortisei ⇒ Falzarego Pass: 1 hour & 15 minutes by car (48 kilometers/30 miles)

Falzarego Pass

Once you’re at the  Falzarego Pass , you have two options to get to Rifugio Lagazuoi: hike up or take a cable car .

Falzarego Pass  has a small hut where you can use the bathroom, change clothes, have a coffee or a cake, and buy souvenirs. From there, you can continue up to Rifugio Lagazuoi. 

The  big parking next  to the hut is free of charge.

Rifugio Lagazuoi

Rifugio Lagazuoi, an Italian word for a mountain hut, is located on  Mount Lagazuoi . It’s mainly famous for its role in  World War I . You can explore the  impressive outdoor Lagazuoi War Museum  below the mountain hut.

You’ll see the  hiding spots of soldiers  with wooden doors. Just imagine how the Italians and the Austro-Hungarian forces were fighting and shooting from those mountains.

Once you’re at the Rifugio Lagazuoi, take some time to walk around and enjoy the incredible views. After,  have a delicious Italian lunch  inside.

PRO TIP:  If you want, you can  first take a cable car up . Then,  walk back to the Falzarego Pass  and see the entire outdoor museum. You’ll only see a few shooting spots when you walk around the Rifugio Lagazuoi.

Stay Overnight At The Rifugio Lagazuoi

If you want, you can  stay overnight in the Rifugio , which is an amazing experience. You can enjoy the  sauna  at night,  watch the stars , and wake up to stunning mountain views.

NOTE:  Rifugio Lagazuoi is only open from June to September , so plan your trip accordingly.

👉 RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI – book rooms on their website at least 4 months in advance (they’re almost always fully booked)

Alternatively, if you don’t like staying up in the mountains, return to the Falzarego Pass and drive to  Cortina d’Ampezzo .

Distance Falzarego Pass ⇒ Cortina d’Ampezzo : 30 minutes by car (18 kilometers/11 miles)

Where To Stay In Cortina D’Ampezzo: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOTEL COLUMBIA & SPA RADISSON RESIDENCES SAVOIA PALACE HOTEL LAJADIRA & SPA

6. DAY: RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI ⇒ VENICE

Good morning to the Dolomites. Whether you stayed at the Rifugio Lagazuoi or in Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s time to leave the Dolomites today.

We’ll drive from the Dolomites down to the sea, visiting the romantic city of Venice.

This will be another stunning ride. I loved driving through the  impressive mountains  and slowly  descending to the sea . You’ll see a castle ruin, mountain lakes, and spectacular mountains. So enjoy until you come to the sea and reach Venice.

Distance Falzarego Pass ⇒ Venice: 3 hours by car (195 kilometers/121 miles)

Once you drive to Venice, I recommend leaving your car at the  Piazzale Roma Parking  garage . It’s the closest to the center.

Remember, Venice is a car-free town, where the  main transportation  is the water taxi called the  Vaporetto .

Where To Park In Venice: Piazzale Roma Parking

Piazzale Roma Parking is the one closest to the city . It’ll be slightly more difficult to reach it because of the traffic, but you’ll be fine.

Parking Price:  11 Eur for 3 hours, 21 Eur for up to 24 hours

Once you park your car, take the most important stuff for your 2 nights in the Venice center. Take only the things you need and  leave everything else in the car . You’ll only return to the car the day after tomorrow, so plan accordingly.

Once ready,  take a water taxi  (Vaporetto) from Piazzale Roma to San Marco. It’s the  water taxi line 2  (red one). It leaves from the Piazzale Roma  ‘G’ platform . You can buy tickets on the spot.

What would an Italian itinerary be without visiting the most famous city of all, Venice?

It’s time to enjoy the  city of romance and  ride the Venetian Gondola.

Tomorrow, we’ll also visit  Murano Island , famous for its  glass-blowing factories . I love visiting this island and seeing how they produce beautiful glass things. So this is one thing you can’t miss in Venice.

Let’s dive into things you should see while you’re here.

Sightseeing In Venice

🔆 St. Mark’s Square 🔆 Rialto Bridge 🔆 St. Mark’s Basilica 🔆 St. Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower) 🔆 Doge’s Palace 🔆 Gondola Ride 🔆 Murano Island – glass-blowing 🔆 Arsenal

Suggested Itinerary For 1 Day In Venice

Once you arrive in Venice, check in to your accommodation and head to the city to explore it for half a day. First, go to  St. Mark’s Square  and enjoy its atmosphere.

Sometimes, there are  musicians  next to the restaurants, so enjoy the music and admire St. Mark’s Basilica and its Bell Tower (called  Campanile  in the Italian language).

If you want, you can also visit the  St. Mark’s   Basilica with the Doge’s Palace . To do so, I suggest buying  skip-the-line tickets . The lines are always super long, and you would waste time waiting to enter.

What I highly suggest you see is  Arsenal . During the 4th Crusades, Venetians built a massive fleet of ships to  transport the Crusaders  and feed the knights. Venice constructed a  naval facility  called Arsenal (translated from Arabic as the house of manufacture).

Later, this Arsenal became the  center of the Venetian state  and the  world’s largest military installation  producing weapons. Just imagine how much power Venice had in the past. It’s impressive to see the Arsenal and learn about its history.

In the late afternoon, ride the romantic Gondola  through the  Venice canals . It’s one thing I enjoy doing in Venice, even though I’ve already done it 5 times. It’s a  special occasion  and a unique experience.

Venice Gondola Ride

Book the gondola ride in Venice here and experience the best gondola ride in the city.

Where To Stay In Venice: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOTEL AI PIAVE ALL’ ANGELO ART HOTEL HOTEL DONA PALACE

Restaurants In Venice

🍕 Venissa Ristorante 🍕 Trattoria da Romano 🍕 Pizzeria Principe 🍕 Riva Rosa

👉 READ ALSO: 9 Best Hotels In Amalfi Town Italy

7. DAY: VENICE & MURANO ISLAND

I hope you had a great day in Venice yesterday. To be completely honest with you, Venice can be overcrowded and sometimes loses the atmosphere. It’s a tourist hotspot and not really my favorite city. But visiting it onces in a lifetime is worth it.

What is even better is the nearby Murano Island , which we’ll visit today. After breakfast,  take a water taxi to Murano Island  and see the  glass-blowing show .

You can  go alone  or  take an organized group tour , visiting Murano and Burano Island.

Take a water taxi  (vaporetto),  Line 7 , to Murano Island. It takes 27 minutes to get there.

The vaporetto Line n. 7 runs every 30 minutes , starting at 10:14 am. I recommend coming to the port at St. Mark’s Square earlier to get the ticket for the vaporetto ride. Or you can also buy the tickets in the evening before (better). The last vaporetto from Murano Island is at 4:45 pm.

Sightseeing On Murano Island

🔆 Glass Blowing Factory 🔆 Museo Del Vetro – Glass Blowing Museum 🔆 Campo Santo Stefano

🔆 Glass Blowing Factory

The most important thing to see on this island is the glass-blowing art . So you can’t miss visiting one of the local factories and, with some, even try making your own glass. Book some of the glass-blowing shows and experiences on Murano Island.

Some excursions include a water taxi from St. Mark’s Square, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

🔆 Museo Del Vetro

If you’re still interested, visit the glass-blowing museum ( Museo del Vetro ). First, you’ll learn the Venetian techniques and art of glass blowing, a tradition for centuries. After, you can also buy some unique glass pieces as a souvenir for your home.

🔆 Campo Santo Stefano

Campo Santo Stefano is mainly famous for its blue glass sculpture in the middle of the square. It’s officially called the ‘ Comet Glass Start. ‘ Walk to the square and take some photos.

Once you’ve seen the glass-blowing art on Murano Island,   head back to St. Mark’s Square ,

Enjoy the evening in Venice, have delicious dinner, and relax.

Guided Tour To Murano & Glass-Blowing

Join this guided tour to Murano & Burano Islands from Venice , ride on a private boat, enjoy the glass-blowing show, and hear interesting stories from your guide.

8. DAY: VENICE ⇒ BASSANO DEL GRAPPA ⇒ MALCESINE (Lake Garda)

Good morning to Venice. Today, we’ll be heading to our last destination. On the way, we’ll  visit one charming town  few people know about.

So take your luggage and the  Vapetto line no. 2 to the Piazzale Roma  parking in the morning.

After, start driving to Bassano del Grappa town.

Distance Venice ⇒ Bassano Del Grappa: 1 hour & 15 minutes by car (96 kilometers/59 miles)

Bassano Del Grappa

This cute Italian town is mainly famous for its beautiful  covered wooden bridge  over the River Brenta,  grappa liquor  produced in the area,  best pizzetta , and  ceramics .

I’ve brought you here to see its picturesque bridge over the River Brenta. Walk through the historic town and enjoy its atmosphere.

Stop at the  Bottega del Pane  for lunch to try the most  delicious pizzetta . Afterward, walk around the town and  buy some grappa liquor  to try later once you reach today’s destination.

Then, have a coffee and continue driving towards Lake Garda. I’ll use the official Italian name in this itinerary: Lago di Garda. It’s the largest Italian lake .

Distance Bassano Del Grappa ⇒ Malcesine: 2 hours & 10 minutes by car (167 kilometers/104 miles – drive via Vinceza & Verona)

Lago Di Garda & Malcesine

Lago di Garda has many small towns to visit. For tonight, we’ll sleep in the town named  Malcesine .

On the way from Bassano del Grappa, you’ll drive  alongside Lake Garda . Once you arrive in Garda, the road leads alongside the lake, and the scenery is spectacular . So enjoy it until you arrive in Malcesine.

Then check in to your accommodation and have a good dinner. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the town and enjoy the lake.

Where To Stay In Malcesine: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

BREATHTAKING VIEW APARTMENTS HOTEL VEGA WELLNESS HOTEL CASA BARCA LUXURY APARTMENTS NATURA

Restaurants In Malcesine

🍕 Ristorante La Cambusa 🍕 Ristorante Pizzeria Italian da Nikolas 🍕 Taverna dei Capitani 🍕 II Covo della Taranta

👉 READ ALSO: How To Get To Capri Italy: Full Guide

9. DAY: MALCESINE & LIMONE DEL SUL (Lake Garda)

Good morning to Malcesine. Today, we won’t be driving , so you can relax.

In the morning, I recommend taking a boat to the other side of the lake, a town called Limone Sul Garda .

Enjoy the beautiful boat ride, which takes about 30 minutes .

PRO TIP:  You get the best views of the towns and enjoy Lake Garda the most from a boat. So this is a must-to-do activity.

Once you arrive in Limone Sul Garda, take your time to walk through the town.

Sightseeing In Limone Sul Garda

🔆 Stroll its streets 🔆 Walk the promenade 🔆 Eat delicious gelato 🔆 Visit Lemon Museum 🔆 Explore local shops

Limone Sul Garda  is a tiny place at Lake Garda with  just over 1000 inhabitants . The best way to enjoy it is to stroll through its streets,  eat as much gelato as possible , and explore local shops with  local production . 

My favorite activity is going to the local stores and  tasting various Italian products . You can taste things from  prosciutto  to homemade  sausages , Italian  cheese ,  pistachio cream , other  cream varieties ,  liquors , and more.

After, visit the  Lemon Museum  to learn how they grow and how locals care for them.

In the afternoon,  take the boat back to Malcesine .

Sightseeing In Malcesine

🔆 Scaliger Castle 🔆 Cable Car To Monte Balto 🔆 Malcesine’s Harbour 🔆 Stroll its streets

Scaliger Castle  is the most beautiful medieval castle on the shores of Lake Garda. It was constructed to control navigation on the lake.

I highly recommend you  take a cable car to Monte Balto . It’s truly spectacular. Firstly, it offers  unique views of Malcesine  town. Then, as you’re approaching the top of Monte Balto, the northern part of Lake Garda opens up in front of you. These  views are breathtaking .

Once you’re on the top, walk around, enjoy the views, and soak up the atmosphere.

After returning to Malcesine, walk through its promenade  to see the Scaliger Castle from a different side and  enjoy the sunset .

In the evening, have a good dinner in one of the local restaurants.

10. DAY: DRIVE AROUND LAKE GARDA ⇒ SIRMIONE ⇒ MILAN

On the last day of your road trip, we’ll do a  scenic drive around Lake Garda , the largest Italian lake, and drive back to Milan in the evening.

FUN FACT: Drive around Lake Garda is 150 kilometers long and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours .

In the morning, hit the road again and  drive north alongside Lake Garda  until you reach a small town called  Riva del Garda .

Then,  continue driving south . Today, you’ll drive almost around the entire lake. You’ll pass by Limone del Sul, which you visited yesterday. Drive further until you reach  Tremosine Sul Garda .

Below, I’m giving you a few stops and highlights of the drive .

📍 Tremosine Sul Garda

Tremosine Sul Garda is a unique spot as it offers some of the  best views of Lake Garda . However, the most beautiful town in this part is  Pieve , also known as the  paradise of cliffs .

I suggest  stopping  to enjoy the views from the observation deck named  Terrazza del Brivido . Or enjoy coffee in some of the local restaurants in Pieve.

📍 Strada Della Forra

Tremisone is mainly famous for its  beautiful road with tiny bridges . It’ll be the next sight to see while driving. Just above Pieve, you’ll reach the  Strada della Forra  road when you continue driving south.

Make sure you  open the windows  as you drive through the  cave tunnels  to hear the stream and waterfalls. This is the  most spectacular part of the entire ride  today. So enjoy.

PRO TIP:  When you’re in Malcesine on day 9.  ask locals if the Strada della Forra  leading from Pieve  is open . Sometimes, it’s closed, so make sure  what’s the status .

📍 Spiaggia Toscolano Beach

If you want to enjoy the lake, stop at the  Spiaggia Toscolano beach  for a while. Go for a swim or have a moment to look around.

Then, continue driving all the way south to  Sirmione . It’ll be our last stop at Lake Garda before leaving.

PRO TIP: I recommend stopping at this  Parking lot in Sirmione:  Via XXV Aprile, 98, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy.

Sightseeing In Sirmione

Sirmione is the  most visited city on the lake , which is  often very crowded . It’s very popular with cruise ships, taking customers here for a day trip. Yet it’s still nice to see and a good spot to have lunch.

🔆 Castello Scaligero 🔆 Cruise around by boat 🔆 Explore the medieval city center 🔆 Take comboio to Grotte di Catulo 🔆 Visit Grotte di Catulo

The best way to see the city is to stroll through its tiny streets, see local shops, and enjoy the  best coffee and croissants .

BEST COFFEE & CROISSANTS:  You must go to  Caffè Grande Italia  for the best croissants. They also make  delicious cappuccino , so try it out for yourself.

Another great way to see it is by  hopping on a boat  and doing a small cruise around the peninsula. This is the  best way to get unique views  of the city.

You can take a boat tour around Sirmione from this spot; Piazza Giosuè Carducci, 2, 25019 Sirmione.

Taking a comboio ( touristic train ) towards the  Grotte di Catulo  is a lot of fun, too. You can take it from  ‘II Trenino Delle Grotte.’  In the end, you can explore the Roman excavation Grotte di Catulo. These are Roman ruins that have been standing here since the 1st century BC.

Restaurants For Lunch In Sirmione

🍕 La Roccia 🍕 L’Accanto 🍕 II Vicolo (hamburgers)

Drive To Milan

In the evening, drive back to Milan. Or if you want, you can stay an additional night at Lake Garde.

Distance Sirmione ⇒ Milan: 2 hours by car (132 kilometers/82 miles)

This will be the end of our itinerary . I hope you get the most out of it, enjoy every second, and see as many places as possible.

👉 READ ALSO: How To Make A Day Trip From Rome To Amalfi Coast: Full Itinerary

14-Day Itinerary For Northern Italy

If you have more than 10 days, that’s perfect. In this case, I recommend adding Milan for a day (one day is enough). Spend an extra day in the Dolomites and go hiking or relax in a spa hotel. And visit Lake Como for 2 days before returning to Milan.

Here is an ideal 14-day itinerary for Northern Italy :

7-Day Itinerary For Northern Italy

If you have less time than 10 days, that’s also fine. You can still follow the basic itinerary as I designed above. I recommend skipping one place on the itinerary – either Verona or Venice – or spending only half a day driving around Lago di Garda (instead of staying there for 2 nights). Here is my suggested 7-day itinerary for Northern Italy :

Practical Tips For Visiting Northern Italy

To help you plan your trip to northern Italy even more, I’ve got some further tips for you. See how many days you should spend, when the best time to visit is, what to pack, and what budget you’ll need.

Passport & Visa To Italy

Check the  expiration date of your passport . Most airlines don’t even take you on board if your passport expires in 6 months . Avoid issues with boarding and on the road. Ensure your passport won’t expire in the next 8 months.

Check if you need a Visa to Italy. iVisa will give you detailed information on whether you need a Visa and other necessary documents to travel.

➡ Click here to see what kind of travel documents you need for Northern Italy .

How Many Days Do You Need For Northern Italy?

10 days is the perfect time to visit northern Italy and also the minimum time. If you can, spend up to 14 more days in the Dolomites or places you’ll enjoy the most.

But generally speaking, 10 – 14 days is the perfect time to explore northern Italy.

Best Time To Visit Northern Italy

The best time to visit northern Italy is June and September . These months have great weather, everything is open, and they’re less crowded than the peak summer months .

July and August are also good times, but expect many tourists, especially in cities like Venice or the Dolomites.

I don’t recommend visiting northern Italy in the winter , as some places are closed, and the scenery isn’t as beautiful as in the summer .

If you want, you can go skiing in the Dolomites in the winter – it has some of the best ski slopes in Europe.

👉 READ ALSO: Italy In Summer: What To Do & Where To Go By An Expert

Tips For Driving In Northern Italy

Northern Italy has well-developed highways between major cities like Milan, Verona, Trento, and Venice.

Roads are smaller, narrower, and curvy if you drive through small towns alongside the lakes and the Dolomites. So, it gets a bit challenging.

However, you’ll be fine if you pay attention and give way.

Here are some of the tips I have for you to when road-tripping through northern Italy:

🚔 Italian highways don’t have a vignette – you pay for the toll at the toll gate when driving through the highway.

🚔 Italian highways are called ‘ Autostrada ‘ – I recommend stopping at Autogrill station to get delicious croissants and coffee.

🚔 The speed limit on the highway is 130km/h ; on bigger roads outside of cities, 90km/h , and in cities and towns , you can travel a maximum of 50km/h .

🚔 If you’re from the US or outside of Europe, you need an International Driving License to be able to drive in Italy.

🚔 It’s compulsory to wear a seatbelt .

What To Pack For Northern Italy

Northern Italy is the most diverse region in Italy , so you need to pack for different weather conditions, places, and situations.

You’ll visit the Dolomites and need hiking clothes for it. You’ll spend some time in the romantic towns of Verona and Venice and relax at the lake, so you’ll need some beach stuff .

Here is a quick packing list for northern Italy for you:

🎁 T-Shirts 🎁 Shorts/Skirts 🎁 Dresses 🎁 Good shows for walking 🎁 Sandals 🎁 Flipflops 🎁 Swimming Suit 🎁 Hat 🎁 Sunscreen 🎁 Hiking boots/trekking shoes 🎁 Hiking Pants/Shorts 🎁 Small Backpack For Hiking 🎁 Trekking pools 🎁 Download Maps.me (for hiking in the Dolomites) 🎁 Sunglasses

I’ve also designed a printable packing checklist for your trip to Italy. It’ll help you stay organized and plan your outfits for different parts of Italy.

Get my free packing list for Italy & the Dolomites by clicking on the image below:

👉 READ ALSO: What To Pack For 12 Days In Italy: Complete Guide

Cost Of A Road Trip In Northern Italy

The budget for a 10-day Northern Italy itinerary per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $1535 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car and travel conveniently, enjoy hiking, and each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category (assuming you travel as a couple):

So the total budget for a 10-day trip to Northern Italy , without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the region offers, is $ 1535 per person .

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of the budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $700 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $1535 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $3000

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 10-day trip to Northern Italy. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about northern Italy. Check my answers below:

Where Is The Best Place To Fly Into Northern Italy?

Milan is the best place to fly into to explore Northern Italy. It’s the biggest city in the region with great international connections, whether you’re arriving from Europe, the USA, or Asia.

What Is The Best Way To Get Around Northern Italy?

The best way to get around Northern Italy is by car . Northern Italy has many beautiful towns and hidden gems (including the Dolomites), where buses and trains don’t go. So the best is to rent a car in Milan and drive around. You’ll be flexible and can get everywhere .

Is 10 Days In Italy Enough?

No, 10 days isn’t enough for the entire Italy. If you only want to visit a few places, then 10 days are fine. But Italy is big and offers so many beautiful places. So I recommend staying at least 20 days to explore the highlights .

How Easy Is It To Drive In Northern Italy?

Driving around Northern Italy is fairly easy , depending on where you go. Driving in the Dolomites is slightly more difficult because the roads are curvy and steep , and you’ll pass many mountain passes.

There are also many small villages , and the roads alongside the lakes (Lago di Garda) are tiny . But overall, if you pay attention, it’s fairly easy.

WRAP-UP: Northern Italy Itinerary

This is my ultimate northern Italy itinerary for you. It’ll show you some of the country’s highlights , with various activities. You’ll explore a lot of history and culture, enjoy delicious food and stunning mountain views in the Dolomites, and relax at Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garde.

I made this road trip by myself and still reflect on it – it was one of the most magical times of my life. I’m sure you’ll love it, too.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip , contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Italy Travel

Looking to visit more places in Italy? Check out my related articles:

Italy In Summer: What To Do & Where To Go By An Expert

Milan To Amalfi Coast: Ultimate Guide

9 Best Hotels In Amalfi Town Italy

How To Make A Day Trip From Rome To Amalfi Coast: Full Itinerary

How Far Is Paris From Italy? Ultimate Guide

How To Get To Capri Italy

21 Italy Souvenirs To Bring Home: What To Buy In Italy

What To Pack For 12 Days In Italy: Complete Guide & Printable Sheet

Ultimate Day Trip From Milan To Switzerland

How To Make A Perfect Day Trip From Milan To Zermatt

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

ITALY: Interested in more articles for Italy? Check out my Italy Travel Page :

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The ultimate Northern Italy road trip guide inclusive 5 best campsites

• Published on December 21, 2020
• Last updated on November 13, 2023

This summer, we got the chance to travel with a campervan for the first time, and we decided to go on a road trip through northern Italy. This blog post includes the best places we visited during our Italy road trip and the best Campsites to stay overnight along the route.

Italy is one of the dreamiest and most romantic countries for us. We explored many old and beautiful towns and had the best food, including lots of Gelato. 

Day 1 – 3 Dolomites

Our first stop on the ultimate northern Italy road trip is the beautiful Dolomites. This region of Italy reminded us a lot of our home Switzerland. It offers beautiful hikes and landscapes and the most magical blue lakes like Lago di Braies (Prager Wildsee). We highly recommend visiting the Dolomites to all adventurers and hiking lovers.

Top things to do in the Dolomites 

• Sunrise at the famous Lago di Braies
• Visit Lago di Carezza
• Hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen)  
• Enjoy the dreamy landscape of Alpe di Siusi .
• Lago di Sorapis – a stunning blue lake

Best Campsite in the Dolomites

If you want to be one of the first people at Lago di Braies, we recommend staying in the parking right next to it. It’s not much of luxury there and definitely best if you have a campervan with a toilet/shower inside. But it’s cheap, and you can walk 2 min from your van before sunrise and experience the most magical moment.

Day 3 – 6 Venice

Venice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and charming cities we have ever been to. All these lovely little streets where you can get lost and enjoy your surroundings combined with countless cute little bridges to cross the canals and the singing gondoliers make this city very special.

Top things to do in Venice

• Piazza San Marco and Saint Marco Basilica
• Bridge of Sights
• Ponte di Rialto
• Gondola Ride through the canals
• Get lost in the beautiful streets of the city

Best Campsite in Venice

There is a parking spot called Venezia Tronchetto Parking at the city’s entrance, the closest place to park your home on wheels. It costs 60.00 Euro per night, which is a cheap way of staying in Venice. But be aware there are no toilets/showers because it’s only a place for parking vans, not a campsite. So it’s best to have a van with a toilet and shower inside if you stay here. But you will have electricity and water to fill your tank included. You can get to the city center by the water bus in about 30 min from the parking.

10 Best things to do in Venice

Day 6 – 9 Tuscany

It’s hard not to feel like in a romantic movie when exploring Tuscany. Whether we were relaxing in a natural hot spring or strolling through a dreamy city, tasting wine, or watching magical sunsets, every minute we spent in Tuscany was magical.

Top things to do in Tuscany

• Visit Florence
• Sunset Picnic at Winding Road
• Terme di Saturnia
• Explore Pienza
• Bagni San Filippo
• Stroll around Siena

Best Campsite in Tuscany

We found the ultimate campsite in Tuscany at the Agriturismo Podere Dell’Albergo . They offer space for campervans to park, and guests can use the bathroom, eat at their guesthouse, and even use the pool. It was so perfect for us, and the view from the campsite was unbeatable. In general, we recommend staying at one of the many Agriturismo in Tuscany. It is a much more personal and beautiful experience to stay with a family than in a hotel. We could have stayed here for weeks.

UPDATE: We got the information that this Agriturismo unfortunately closed its doors. We recommend agriturismo.it to find other agriturismos and park4night to find other campsites in Tuscany.

8 Best things to do in Tuscany – The ultimate guide

Day 9 – 11 Rome

Oh, Rome! What a magical city. There is so much history to find and so many things to explore. Not to mention the incredible food choices.

Top things to do in Rome

These are the top sights you can not miss when visiting Rome.

• Visit the Colosseum
• Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Vatican City

Best Food in Rome

Italy is famous for the most delicious food, and we must say in Rome we found some very delicious restaurants.

• Rifugio Romano – Best vegan Italian Food
• Barzilai Bistrot – Excellent Bistro run by young people

And don’t miss Rome’s best Gelateria dell’Angeletto , which has the best Gelato we had on our whole trip. Also, with a big choice of Vegan Gelatos.

Top Tip: Their Vegan Nut Cream Gelato is so good! It tastes like Nutella but even better.

Best Airbnb in Rome

In Rome, we decided not to stay at a campsite and park our van for a few days to stay in an apartment in the city. The reason for that is that the campsites are quite far out of the city, and traveling back and forth would have cost us too much time. Also, we enjoyed the comfort of an apartment in the city so much. We found the best Airbnb in Rome , which was very cozy, at a great location, and had a fair price.

Day 11 – 13 Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre the five famous and colorful towns in northern Italy. They offer lots of cute streets to stroll, hiking trails, delicious food, sunbathing on the rocks around the towns, and swimming in the crystal clear and blue water.

Top things to do in Cinque Terre

The best thing to do in Cinque Terre is, obviously, visiting the five colorful towns called Riomaggiore, Manarola (our favorite), Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

There is a hiking trail with spectacular views which you can follow while you go from one town to the other. Alternatively, you can buy a day pass for the train, which costs 16.00 Euros per person and allows you to drive around between the towns.

Best Campsite in Cinque Terre

When it comes to camping in Cinque Terre, it got a bit tricky. There is no way you can drive to these towns by car, especially not with a big one. We drove to La Spezia, parked the car on a parking lot , and drove to Cinque Terre by train. When we returned in the late evening, we decided to sleep there on this parking because the next camping would have been too far, and we wanted to return to Cinque Terre in the early morning. Well, it wasn’t too comfortable, but it’s doable when you have a campervan with a toilet/shower inside. If you stay longer, you will surely find a nice campsite close by. We recommend the app park4night to find the best spots.

Day 13 – 14 Portofino

Before we were heading back home, we spent our last day in Portofino, and we totally fell in love with this place. The water is so clear and blue, and there are lovely places to relax along the coast. We decided that we definitely want to come back here for longer one day.

Portofino is another colorful lovely town you can explore. We decided to spend our day outside of the city by relaxing on the rocks and ocean swims. The bay where we took these photos with the beautiful colorful houses is called Baia Cannone .

Best Campsite in Portofino

Same as in Cinque Terre wild camping with your van around Portofino is a bit difficult. There are barely any places to find. We stayed at a parking spot which is next to Gio e Rino beach and which was the closest for us to walk to the Baia Cannone where we wanted to go swimming in the morning. We had an ocean view for dinner, met other vanlifers and the night was free so we were happy with this find.

Budget for a 2 weeks Italy road trip

• Campsites: from free up to 60.00 Euro per night
• Airbnb in Rome for 2 nights: 175.00 Euro
• Food around 50.00 Euros per day (mostly cooked in the van)
• Highway fees: We paid 80.00 Euro for 14 Days
• Gasoline: 220 Euros for 14 Days
• Train in Cinque Terre: 60.00 Euros for 2 days and 2 people
• Boats in Venice: 30.00 Euros for 2 people

For this two weeks road trip around Italy, we paid around 1’500.00 Euro for two people. This is a low budget journey because we mostly cooked our meals ourselves and often wild camped overnight. This should give you an idea about how cheap an Italy road trip can be.

Italy really has our hearts. It’s one of these countries we keep going back to. It is effortless and close to get there for us from Switzerland, and there is so much to experience in Italy. During these two weeks, we had everything we could dream of during a summer road trip from hikes in the mountains to gelato in romantic Venice, sunset picnics in Tuscany with a good glass of wine, historical sighs and dreamy strolls around Rome, and refreshing dips in the Ocean in Cinque Terre and Portofino.

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The Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary: Venice, Dolomites + More!

December 12, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   2 Comments

Looking for the ultimate Northern Italy itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

This fun itinerary stops at some of the most iconic places in Northern Italy, including Milan, Venice, the Dolomites, and much more!

Northern Italy has so much to offer from historical sites to hiking trails to food. It’s home to some of the best things to do in all of Ital y !

I love visiting Northern Italy, and it is such an underrated part of the country. Although I include suggestions of where to go, what to do, and where to stay on your road trip to Northern Italy, don’t be afraid to make changes to suit you better.

For example, if you’ve already visited Lake Como, consider spending a little more time in Lake Garda!

Remember this guide to Northern Italy is meant to provide you with a structured idea of what you CAN do on your Italian vacation, not what you MUST do!

I recommend that 7-10 days are needed for Northern Italy. Spread out your time according to what interests you the most! Ten days in Italy is perfect to see everything!

If you are wondering what the best month is to visit Northern Italy, you cannot go wrong with the springtime. This is shoulder season with fewer crowds and beautiful weather.

September is also a great option. For skiing, however, choose winter. Check out my full guide on the best time to visit Italy !

Let’s dive into my Northern Italy trip planner!

Northern Italy Itinerary Map

Sometimes it is helpful to have all of the suggestions in one place! I created this handy-dandy map of your Northern Italy itinerary for you to visualize!

My pro tip would be to download the Google Maps app and then make sure to download my map offline so you have it easily accessible when you are on the go exploring the country.

Click Here For Your Northern Italy Itinerary!

Northern Italy Itinerary: Venice, Dolomites, Lake Como, and more!

Stop 1: explore milan.

When planning a trip to Northern Italy , Milan is the perfect place to start. Plenty of flights from all over the world land at the international airport here.

This city in Northern Italy is filled with tons of amazing sights and shopping opportunities.

You can see practically everything that you want in Milan in one day , making it a great starting point for a North Italy vacation.

Things To Do In Milan

Visit the amazing milan cathedral.

The Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is an iconic Gothic cathedral located right in the center of the city.

It took almost 600 years to build and between the intricate details both on the inside and the outside, you can tell why! To avoid the long lines, try to get to the Milan Cathedral early in the morning.

Make sure to buy your ticket in advance!

Book Here: Milan: Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket

Go Shopping At The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

If Milan is known for one thing, it’s shopping! For some of the best shopping here, go to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Located just steps away from the Duomo di Milano, this is one of the oldest shopping malls in the entire world!

Even though it’s been around for centuries, it’s still a great place to stock up on the latest fashions or simply do a bit of window shopping. 

Pretend To Be Royalty In Castello Sforzesco

The Castello Sforzsco, also known as Sforza Castle, was originally built in the 13th century for Galeazzo Visconti, the Lord of Milan.

After undergoing a crazy history of destruction and siege, Castelle Sforzesco is now a gallery filled with museums on Milanese art and history.

Book Here: Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Digital Audioguide

Take a Bus Tour

A hop-on-hop-off bus is a great way to explore the city if you have a limited amount of time.

Not only will you be able to see many of the top sights, but you’ll also learn so much about the city from the audio tours provided on the hop-on-hop-off bus tours!

Book Here: Milan: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Where To Stay In Milan

Since you’ll only have a day or so here during this Northern Italy itinerary, you’ll want to stay at an accommodation close to all of the attractions. This will help you make the most of your time here.

If you want to stay longer in this beautiful Italian city, check out our post on  where to stay in Milan  to help you decide! 

Mid-Range:  Art Hotel Navigli . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:  Duomo Rooms . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 2: Bask In The Beauty Of Lake Como

Also known as Lago di Como, this is easily the most famous lake in all of Italy! When you travel to Northern Italy, you have to visit here!

Lake Como is separated into many different towns, including Como, Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Menaggio, Varenna, and Bellagio.

For this Northern Italy itinerary, I suggest making Bellagio your base. You can also easily do Lake Como as a day trip from Milan if that is easier or you want to spend less time there.

There is also no reason to wonder if Lake Como or Garda is better since I include both in this North Italy vacation guide.

Book Here: From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip

Things To Do In Lake Como  

Take a stroll through the town’s tiny streets.

There are so many things to see just within Bellagio’s old town center.

On the old town center’s main road, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, there are cute restaurants to eat at, leather goods stores to shop at, and even historic churches to explore! 

Take A Boat Tour

There are a couple of different options when it comes to taking a boat tour of Lago di Como.

You can take an information-packed, private boat tour catered to visitors. You can also take a public boat or ferry if you’re just in it for the views.

Book Here: From Como: Bellagio, Lugano, and Como Boat Tour

Head To Punta Spartivento

Lake Como is shaped sort of like the letter “Y.” Punta Spartivento is a little lookout point right in the middle of the three sections of the Y-shaped lake.

Take a little bit of time to watch the locals in their boats and perhaps snap a few pictures of the breathtaking scenery.

Wander Around The Villa Melzi Gardens

Each year from March to October, the Villa Melzi opens its manicured gardens to the public.

Filled with bright, blooming flora, including rhododendrons and azaleas, the Villa Melzi Gardens are a wonderful place to visit in Bellagio.

Book Here: Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries

Where To Stay In Lake Como

Because this Northern Italy itinerary is focused on the Bellagio part of Lake Como, the accommodations suggested below are also in Bellagio.

That said, there are beautiful places to stay all around Lago di Como.  

Boutique Hotel:  Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury:  Hotel Du Lac . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 3: Discover The Charm Of Lake Garda

Along with Lake Como, Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy .

Because Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy at nearly 150 square miles, it’s more of a region than a city. It’s definitely more than you can tackle in one or two days.

Instead, for this itinerary for Northern Italy, I suggest using the lakefront city of Sirmione as your base.

Things To Do In Lake Garda

Get transported back in time at scaligero castle  .

The most popular thing to do in Sirmione is to visit Scaligero Castle.

Scaligero Castle has served many functions over the years, including as a port, a fortress, and a castle. Now you too can discover the significance of this Northern Italian castle by exploring within its walls.

This will be one of your Northern Italy highlights!

Book Here: Lake Garda: Historic Castle Cruise with Wine Tasting

Wander Around Grotte Di Catullo

Built between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D., Grotte Di Catullo is easily the oldest part of Lake Garda.

Within this archaeological park, there are the remains of a large Roman villa known as Grotti Di Catullo.

You can be sure that a Roman elite in the 1st century with their pick of the land chose the spot on Lake Garda with the very best views.

Enjoy The Water

It’d be a shame to visit one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes and not enjoy the water!

Try out a new water sport, relax on Jamaica Beach, or perhaps take a boat tour of Lake Garda. Which of these amazing water activities will you choose to enjoy?

Book Here: Sirmione: Sunset Boat Cruise with Local Wine

Where To Stay In Lake Garda

While visiting Lake Garda, you’ll want to be as close to the lakefront as possible. Luckily for you, there are accommodations for all budgets right on the water!

You will love staying on one of the best lakes in Northern Italy!

Affordable:  La Luce Di Sirmione . Check Rates:  Booking.com 

Luxury:  Villa Cortine Palace Hotel . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 4: Photograph the Western Dolomites

Before visiting the Dolomites, most people don’t realize how big this natural wonder is. This mountain range takes up over 6,000 square miles. It’s HUGE!

While you won’t be able to explore all of it, this Northern Italy itinerary splits this natural wonder up into the Western Dolomites and the Eastern Dolomites, so you can see a bit more.

Things To Do In The Western Dolomites

Explore seiser alm.

Seiser Alm is a mountain plateau in the Dolomites that has something to do no matter what time of year you visit.

In winter, it’s a great place for skiing. In the spring and fall, it’s a great place for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding!  

Take In The Stunning Views of Val Di Funes  

Val Di Funes is one of the best photography spots in the Dolomites.

Situated in a blooming valley with picturesque buildings and towering mountains, Val Di Funes looks like it came straight out of a magical storybook!

Tackle The Seceda Ridge Hike

The 5.5-mile Seceda Ridge hike is one of the best Dolomites hikes. After hopping on a cable car, you’ll reach the trailhead.

Along the way, you’ll be able to catch unparalleled views of the mountains, including the twin spires of Pieralongia, Cisles Alm, quite a few horses and cows, and several adorable huts.  

Cycle Along The Passo Gardena

The Passo Gardena, also known as the Gardena Pass, is a famous cycling area in the there mountains.

Each year, it is one of the seven peaks that cyclers must peddle through during the Maratona dles Dolomites, the Dolomites Marathon.

Rather than trying to tackle all seven peaks, many visitors opt to cycle through the Passo Gardena.

Where To Stay In the Western Dolomites

Because the Dolomites are so large, it’s important to find accommodation that is relatively close to the activities you want to do that day or the following day.

It’s a bonus if the hotel just so happens to have stunning views of the towering Dolomite mountains.

Affordable:  Smart Hotel Saslong . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:  Hotel La Perla . Check Rates:  Booking.com 

Stop 5: Discover Stunning Lakes In The Eastern Dolomites

While the Western Dolomites are filled with towering mountain tops, the Eastern Dolomites have similar towering mountain tops and a few stunning lakes!

Both sides of this natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site have something to offer.

Things To Do In The Eastern Dolomites  

Take in the beauty of lago di braies.

Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is a breathtaking lake nestled in the middle of the Eastern Dolomites.

In summer, this turquoise lake is perfect for a picturesque boat ride

In winter, you can take in the great views of the frozen lake and snowcapped mountains from the very same place!  

Visit Lago Di Limides

While Lago di Braies has been getting more and more famous, Lago di Limides still manages to slip under the radar.

While it does require a bit of a hike to reach its shores, this lake is another amazing spot. If you visit in the winter, there’s a good chance that Lago di Limides will be dried out.

Hike The Three Peaks Of Tre Cime  

Tre Cime, which translates to “three peaks,” are three of the most iconic Dolomite mountains.

There is a flat, six-mile hike that gives you the best views of these otherworldly peaks. If you happen to visit in the summer, the towering mountains of Tre Cime are accompanied by a beautiful carpeting of wildflowers!

Where To Stay In the Eastern Dolomites

It’s a bit harder to find solid accommodations in the Eastern Dolomites than the Western Dolomites.

You want a well-rated hotel near the activities, filled with the necessary amenities, and preferably boasting an amazing view.

Mid-Range:  Hotel Christof . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:  Park Hotel Bellevue . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 6: Step Into Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet in Verona

Verona is most well-known as the setting of Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet . But that Shakespeare reference isn’t all this picturesque Italian town has to offer.

Visit Northern Italy’s version of Rome’s Colosseum or climb up a tower that took almost 700 years to build!

Things To Do In Verona

Check out the arena di verona.

Everyone knows about Rome’s Colosseum! Luckily, Northern Italy has its own coliseum, the Arena Di Verona.

Built in 30 A.D., this historic structure is now used primarily as an opera venue. If you’re not an opera fan, don’t worry!

Other performers, including Mumford & Sons, One Direction, and Paul McCartney, have performed at the Arena Di Verona as well.

Book Here: Verona Arena Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Wander Through Casa Di Giulietta

Casa Di Giulietta, which translates to “Juliet’s House,” is believed to be the home of Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . Although Shakespeare himself never explicitly specified where Juliet lived.

This house was used in the 1968 Romeo and Juliet film, which means you’ll be able to see Juliet’s iconic balcony while at Casa Di Giulietta.

Book Here: Verona: Juliet’s House & Piazzas Skip-the-Line Private Tour

Escape The Crowds At Giardino Giusti

Odds are Casa Di Giulietta will be packed with visitors. To escape from the crowds, head to the calming Giardino Giusti.

This maintained garden gives off vibes similar to that of the Gardens of Versailles, just on a smaller scale.

Giardino Giusti is a wonderful place to pause traveling around Northern Italy and just enjoy a little bit of stillness.  

Catch Amazing Views From The Top Of Torre Dei Lamberti

Standing at 275 feet tall, the Torre Dei Lamberti is the tallest structure in Verona. But it took a while to reach that height.

Construction started in 1172. After a pattern of construction and reconstruction, the finishing touch – a clock – was added in 1798!

Now, you can climb this structure that took nearly 700 years to build to catch one of the most amazing views of Verona.

Book Here: Verona from Above: Lamberti Tower Entry

Where To Stay In Verona  

As a city, Verona embodies romance and classiness, and your hotel should be no different. Like Romeo and Juliet , you’ll want to feel like you’re in a fairytale during your stay in Verona.

Affordable:  Hotel Leon D’Oro . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:  Due Torri Hotel . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 7: Float Along Canals in Venice

After Rome, Venice may be the most iconic city in Italy.

It’s so amazing that it made it onto both our ten-day Italy itinerary and two-week Italy itinerar y .

Between its romantic gondolas and hundreds of bridges, Venice is a place unlike any other. You’ll want to dedicate two days in Venice to explore this one-of-a-kind city on the northern coast of Italy.

Things To Do In Venice

Spend some time at st. mark’s square.

St. Mark’s Square, also known as Piazza di San Marco, is the center of Venice.

It is very important to Venetians for many reasons, one being its dominance as the center of both political and religious power in Venice.

From this single square, you can climb the Campanile de San Marco Bell Tower, explore Doge’s Palace, and wander around St. Mark’s Basilica.

This square is a must-see if you only have one day in Venice !

Book Here: Skip the Line: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour

Stare At The Breathtaking Bridge of Sighs

Just steps away from St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs is another fascinating Venetian bridge.

Historically, this bridge was used as a walkway for prisoners. After criminals were convicted in Doge’s Palace, they were walked across this bridge to prison.

According to Venetians, these convicted criminals would see the outside world for the last time on the Bridge of Sighs, hence, causing them to sigh.

While most people can’t access the Bridge of Sighs, there is one under-the-radar tour that allows you to walk across it.

Book Here: Secret Itineraries Tour

Go On A Gondola Ride

As a city that uses boats rather than cars, a gondola ride is a must in Venice. Float around Venice’s colorful buildings and under the ornate bridges for a tour unlike any other.

Gondola rides in Venice can be very expensive, so be sure to ask the gondolier how much the ride will cost before hopping in the boat.

This is easily one of the best things to do in Venice !

Book Here: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Pop On Over To Murano

Venice is home to some of the most beautiful islands in Italy , and Murano is one of them!

Just a short boat ride away, Murano is home to some of Italy’s best glass makers. You should definitely watch a glass-blowing demonstration!

Watch as a glass-blowing artist transforms piles of sand into a beautiful piece within just a few minutes. If you want to purchase a Murano glass piece for your home, you can do that too!  

Cross The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge, also known as Ponte di Rialto, is the oldest bridge in Venice that crosses the Grand Canal. This was quite a feat, as this 157-foot bridge was built between 1588 and 1591!

Despite its age, the Rialto Bridge is still a stunning sight to see. This is confirmed by the fact that it also happens to be one of the most popular Instagram spots in Venice .

Where To Stay In Venice

When staying in Venice, it’s much more convenient to stay in the city center. If you find yourself too far outside of that, you’ll end up back in the land of cars and buses, which ruins the canal-based magic of Venice.

For a few more options, feel free to check out our guide on exactly where to stay in Venice !

City Center:  Hotel Danieli . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Pensione Seguso . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 8: Embrace Your Inner Foodie In Parma

Food lovers! This stop on this Northern Italy itinerary is just for you!

Parma is the home of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Be sure to taste authentic ingredients and food while you’re in this delectable Italian city.

Things To Do In Parma

Take a food tour.

Since Parma is the land of iconic Italian foods, a food tour is at the top of the list of things to do here.

Not only will you taste authentic Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn how these special ingredients are made.

Book Here: Parma: Parmigiano Production and Parma Ham Tour & Tasting

Visit The Parma Cathedral And Baptistry

Located side by side, the Parma Cathedral and Baptistry are monuments for history, religion, and architecture.

Built between 1196 and 1216, the Parma Cathedral and Baptistry were constructed as the Romanesque architecture period was ending and the Gothic architecture period was beginning, allowing for the buildings to have elements of both styles.  

Wander Through The Cobbled Side Streets

Food isn’t all there is to do in Parma, as this hidden gem is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy .

While Italy is filled with cobbled streets lined with lovely buildings, you rarely get ones as authentic as those in Parma.

Many of the side streets of major Italian cities like Rome and Venice are packed with tourists. In Parma, however, the side streets are filled with Italian locals (mostly students from the University of Parma), who are simply walking through or enjoying a cup of coffee at a small cafe.

Where To Stay in Parma

SInce most of the cities on this Northern Italy itinerary have become well-known to visitors, think about treating Parma as a stop to experience more genuine Italian culture.

After all, you’ve likely already got the tasty part of culture covered, so why not have Italy’s lovely culture seep into your accommodation as well?

Affordable:  Hotel Forlanini52 . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:  Grand Hotel de la Ville . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 9: Take In The Picture-Perfect Colorful Buildings In Cinque Terre 

The five small Italian t owns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore make up the area known as Cinque Terre.

Once upon a time, you could only walk between villages, but now that journey is quite easier. You can take the train, a bus, or a car.

On this Northern Italy itinerary, you can choose to visit all five of these colorful towns or just a couple of them.

There are so many things to do in Cinque Terre !

Things To Do In Cinque Terre  

Tackle the monterosso footpath.

As I said, back in the day, you could only walk between the villages. The Monterosso Footpath, which connects the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza, gives visitors a little taste of this experience.

This activity isn’t just great for hikers. If you love stunning views, the Monterosso Footpath allows you to see awe-inspiring views of Cinque Terre’s colorful villages and the Mediterranean Sea.

Be sure to bring a lot of water with you on your one- to two-hour journey!  

Take A Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre

While you can see a couple of the towns of Cinque Terre from the top while on the Monterosso Footpath, consider experiencing the villages from the opposite perspective – from the water.

Instead of exerting a ton of energy hiking, you’ll be able to grab a comfy seat on a boat and see all five of the breathtaking villages!

Book Here: Cinque Terre: Golden Hour Boat Tour with Appetizers & Drink

Relax On One Of Cinque Terre’s Stunning Beaches

There are many stunning beaches in Cinque Terre . Some beaches, like Monterosso Vecchio Beach, are filled with sand, sun, and relaxation.

Others, on the other hand, are a little more unique, like Vernazza Beach, which you’ll have to cut through the cliffs to experience.

Visit Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the most picturesque national parks in Italy.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is meant to showcase the blending of the work of nature and the work of humans. Humans carved the steep slopes into steps to plant food.

Of course, the views of the five villages and the Mediterranean Sea don’t hurt!

Book Here: The Heart of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso and National Park

Where To Stay in Cinque Terre

When deciding where to stay in Cinque Terre , the biggest factor is which city you want to stay in.

If you’re looking for a larger village with shopping and nightlife, Riomaggiore might be your style. On the other hand, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, Corniglia might be the town for you!

There are a ton of cute bed and breakfasts in Cinque Terre !

Catch The Best Views In Manarola: Olimpo Affittacamere . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Escape The Crowds In Corniglia: Arbanella . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Soak In The Sun In Monterosso: Villa Tanca Hotel . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 10: Finish The Northern Italy Itinerary in Milan 

Finish your North Italy travel itinerary where you started. Head back to Milan. That way, if you would like, you can book a round-trip flight out of the Milan Malpensa International Airport.

It’s also convenient if you are driving in North Italy rather than taking trains.

You’ll be able to drop your vehicle off in the same place. This will avoid the pesky fee that comes with dropping off your car in a different place.

Don’t forget to check out my guide to renting cars in Italy !

My guide will help you plan your trip to Northern Italy at any time of the year.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Italy or you are a seasoned traveler, this North Italy itinerary will point you in the right direction!

When planning your Northern Italy itinerary, remember you can budget the days of the trip in any way you like!

If you want to see more of the country, take a longer Italy road trip !

Reader Interactions

February 3, 2022 at 11:16 pm

Do u think it is better to go Milan , Venice, Florence, cinque terre, back to Milan OR Milan, cinque terre, Florence, Venice back to Milan I was thinking of those places with 2-3 nights each.

February 4, 2022 at 1:32 pm

i would do your first route!!! just so you have a shorter train back to milan to fly out but i think this is great and 2-3 days in each is wonderful!

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Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip from Milan to Rome

A northern Italy road trip is a great way to experience the diversity and beauty of Italy’s regions, cultures, and history. As you travel south through Italy, you will experience picturesque lakes, artistic and historical cities, the beautiful Mediterranean coast, and UNESCO sites tucked away in small Italian towns. 

A north Italian road trip offers a wealth of experiences! From exploring charming lakeside towns and the beautiful Italian countryside to admiring the region’s famous art and architecture, you can also take time to stop and visit local wineries, and sample delicious Italian cuisine on this road trip through northern Italy.

We’ve spent months exploring Italy and in this northern Italy road trip planner we share travel tips, the best routes between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect Italian itinerary.

Where is Northern Italy?

Northern Italy, or in Italian Nord Italia , is an area that stretches from the southern Alps south to the Po valley, and from the northernmost coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea across to the coast of the Adriatic Sea on the northeastern side of Italy. The area consists of eight administrative regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Technically and geographically speaking, that is! But we’ve decided to also include the regions of Tuscany and Lazio, to add even more experiences and diversity to this northern Italy road trip.

The landscape of northern Italy is made up of fertile rolling hills, the flatlands of the vast Po River, deep mountain lakes, and the dramatic peaks of the  Dolomites , making the region one of the best for Italian road trips.

Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Northern Italy

Whether you’re taking a road trip to northern Italy in a car , motorcycle, or campervan, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular region of Italy.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport to start your north Italy road trip. With direct flights from America, Europe, and the UK, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Italy? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Travel Tip: Non-EU visitors planning to rent a vehicle car in Italy may require an international driving permit (IDP) as well as their driving license. You can find out if you need an IDP here . 

Driving in Italy

Lots of people will tell you that renting a car in Italy is madness, that driving through Italy is dangerous and the roads are dreadful.  

Don’t let your fears about driving in this beautiful country put you off taking a road trip through northern Italy. Take your time as you drive Tuscany and be prepared for the differences in driving styles from back home. Follow our driving in Italy tips to stay safe and stress-free!

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Italy . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Best Time to Take a Road Trip in Northern Italy

March to may.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit the northern part of Italy, with temperatures warming up across the country. Blooming wildflowers, vibrant greenery in the mountains and the outdoor cafés opening up mean spring is a fantastic time to experience Italy by car. You’ll find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

In summer, the north of Italy enjoys beautiful weather, stunning coastlines, and the prospect of swimming and dining al fresco. However, the roads, cities, and attractions will be at their busiest and it can get really hot, especially in the lowlands.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for northern Italy road trips . The grapes and crops are being harvested, food festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, and you might enjoy an Indian summer, with the fall colors of the vine aflame.

December to February

The winter months in northern Italy can be very cold and wet. But, the big attraction of a northern Italy trip in winter is that there is no one else around, although some attractions may well be closed. If you travel from late January through February, you’ll get a taste of northern Italy’s loud and colorful carnivals, the most famous being the flamboyant Carnival of Venice .

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Italy.

Northern Italy Road Trip Map & Route

This two week northern Italy itinerary is best started in Milan and ended in Rome. These cities are easily accessible and span the largest portion of northern Italy, and driving from Milan to Rome is an exciting and scenic journey through some of Italy’s most beautiful and historical regions. 

We’ve even added a couple of side trips, which help you to see more of Italy as you drive between destinations!

Starting in Milan, your first stop should be Lake Como, known for its picturesque towns, elegant villas, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. When you head to this area of Italy, the towns of Bellagio and Varenna are must-see destinations, with their charming streets, picturesque harbors, and beautiful gardens.

After your trip north from Milan to Lake Como, you can begin journeying south, via Lake Garda, to explore the cities of Verona, Venice, and Bologna. 

On your northern Italian road trip, it is worth finding the time to explore the west coast and Cinque Terre, and the city of Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower. 

Continuing further south into the Italian region of Tuscany, you will pass through the city of Florence and smaller towns including San Gimignano and Siena, all of which are rich in history.

Finally, our north of Italy road trip ends in Rome, the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world and it is easy to see why!

Top Tip: The northern Italian road trip is simplest when following the Italian motorways, which connect the vast majority of this route. However, we would recommend seeking out local SS roads which offer a more scenic experience.

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Italy
• DK Eyewitness Road Trips Northern & Central Italy
• Northern Italy: Emilia-Romagna Bradt Guide: including Bologna, Ferrara, Modena, Parma, Ravenna and the Republic of San Marino

Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Milan – lake como – verona – venice – bologna – cinque terre – pisa – florence – san gimignano – siena – rome.

• Distance 1312km
• Duration 10-14 days
• Drive Time 17 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Milan 

Milan, known as the fashion capital of Italy, is an incredible blend of old and new. The most iconic site in Milan is its Il Duomo di Milano. From the outside, the Cathedral of Milan provides an incredible example of Gothic architecture. By booking a tour of the cathedral , you will receive panoramic views of the city from the cathedral’s rooftop terrace.

Following closely in terms of importance is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can see The Last Supper , the unrivaled masterpiece painted between 1495 and 1497 by Leonardo da Vinci, whose work ushered in a new era in the history of art.

Another must-see site is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, which is perfect for those interested in luxury brands.

If you have an extra day in Milan, take a day trip to Turin , Italy’s first capital. With diverse architecture and a well-preserved historic center, the city is best known for the Turin Shroud, housed in the Duomo de Torino. Make sure to look out for the Campanaria Duomo di Torino, the only flying equestrian bronze statue in the world!

Travel Tip:  Milan is split into distinct districts. The Navigli district, known for its picturesque canals, is perfect if you’re looking for bustling nightlife and late-night shopping, while the Brera district is Milan’s artistic neighborhood, home to art galleries and museums, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera.

• Where to Stay in Milan

Upmarket: Portrait Milano – Lungarno Collection – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Aparthotel Meneghino – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: 21 House of Stories Città Studi – Booking.com | Agoda

The drive from Milan to Lake Como is a relatively short journey of around an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the route you choose to take. Once you reach Como, you can take the SS340 and SS639 roads to get to the towns around the lake. 

Visitors to Lake Como can either enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and incredible scenery or fill their days with a variety of activities. Cruise on a boat tour around the lake , enjoy a wine tasting in the Damaso region, explore the lake by kayak or discover the hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. 

The towns of Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, and Tremezzo are worth visiting. Bellagio, referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como, is famous for its elegant, lakeside villas, as are Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Varenna.

Como is the largest town on the lake and is home to the Cathedral of Como, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Broletto, a medieval town hall. You can easily catch ferries between the lakeside towns and experience incredible views of Lake Como from its waters.

Travel Tip: Brunate, a small town next to Como, is home to a cable car that, for a few euros, will take you high above Como’s city center and give you spectacular views of the surrounding Alps. 

• Where to Stay in Lake Como

Upmarket: Villa Lario Resort Mandello – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Casa Olea Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Residence Caffè Maya – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Verona 

The driving time between Lake Como and Verona takes around 2-3 hours along the SS36, which connects Como to Lecco and then to Verona. You will pass the picturesque towns of Brescia, Desenzano del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda on the shores of Lake Garda. If you have time to stop, Lake Garda is blessed with spectacular views of the Italian Alps.

Travel Tip:  The cable car from Malcesine up Mount Baldo, on the edge of Lake Garda, is a must-see attraction. It travels 580 meters, turning 360 degrees, to give draw-dropping views of the Italian alps. 

Verona’s Roman Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not take a tour of the Arena di Verona and learn about its incredible history? Our recommended Verona arena guided tour includes skip-the-line tickets so you can make the most of your time in the city.

Alternatively, Verona offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of enjoying a live opera performance within the amphitheater walls. Listening to Aida , Carmen , Il Barbiere di Siviglia , Rigoletto or La Traviata in the world’s largest amphitheater is an experience not to be missed!

A trip to Verona wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza dei Signori, charming squares in the heart of the city, the Castelvecchio, a 14th-century fortress that houses the Castelvecchio Museum, and the famous balcony of Juliet’s House, the alleged home of Romeo and Juliet’s heroine.

• Where to Stay in Verona

Upmarket: Due Torri Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Accademia – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Leonardo Hotel Verona – Booking.com | Agoda

Italian Travel Ideas

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Monte Cassino: How to Visit the Abbey & War Graves

Southern Italy: Discover the Best 33 Places To Visit

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

Venice .

The drive from Verona to Venice is most enjoyable along the SS11. The drive will take you through the Veneto region, where you can see the charming town of Padua, known for its historic center and the Scrovegni Chapel.

With 14 million annual visitors, a day trip to Venice will be the busiest stop on your trip. Make sure to take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, the main waterway in Venice, and admire the city’s beautiful architecture. 

Travel Tip: A gondola ride will set you back €80 before sunset and €100 after sunset; it is definitely worth budgeting for this iconic experience!

Other top tourist destinations within Venice include St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning Byzantine church, the Rialto Bridge, a beautiful stone bridge over the Grand Canal that offers views of the city, and the Piazza San Marco, the main square of Venice filled with lively cafes.

Travel Tip: No cars can enter Venice. As you arrive, head for Garage San Marco (you can reserve a space online in advance) in Piazzale Roma. From here you can walk or catch a water bus to Venice’s historic center. Booking a private water taxi into the city offers unrivaled views as you head into Venice, and it absolutely the best way to arrive!

RELATED POST: One Day in Venice – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Venice

Upmarket: Sina Centurian Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Palazzo Veneziano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Saturnia & International – Booking.com | Agoda

Bologna 

Taking the SS309 and SS16 from Venice to Bologna will take you through the picturesque countryside of the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions. This route will offer spectacular views of small towns including Ferrara, known for its historic center, and Rovigo, situated on the Adigetto River.

Known as ‘ la Rossa, la Grassa e la Dotta ‘, meaning the red, the fat, and the learned, Bologna has so much to see and do. Red is in reference to the terracotta red rooftops of the historic center, fat refers to the delicious food and produce found in Bologna and the wider Emilia-Romagna region, and learned refers to Bologna University, founded in 1088, AND one of the most ancient and prestigious universities in the world.

Once you reach Bologna, the city of towers, you will be able to admire the beautiful architecture, art, and food that the city has to offer. Make sure to look out for the porticoes of Bologna, which UNESCO listed in 2021, and the two towers, the famous symbol of Bologna.

You can take a tour of the nearby Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums , visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca , or take this highly-rated secret traditional food tour and experience the delights of the local cuisine.

Travel Tip: If you’re on a budget or prefer to manage your own time, grab our free self-guided Bologna food tour and experience the best of Emilia-Romagna’s food. With suggestions for a DIY lunch in Bologna’s oldest osteria and information about the best delicatessens and wine bars, as well as tips about where to see authentic Italian pasta being made, this self-guided tour is a must for gastronomes!

• Where to Stay in Bologna

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: PHI Hotel “Al Cappello Rosso” – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Social Hub Bologna – Booking.com | Agoda

Bologna Side Trips

These are the perfect side trips for foodies , and are literally off the road between Bologna and Cinque Terre!

First up is Modena , home to Balsamic Vinegar DOP or aceto balsamico , a delicious syrupy and intensely flavored vinegar made from grape must, and aged in wooden barrels. Balsamic vinegar is a quintessential Italian ingredient and must be produced exclusively in either Modena or Reggio Emilia to qualify for the highly prized protected designation of origin status. Find out more when you take this tour of an authentic balsamic producer and get to taste their vinegar with local foods.

Neat, head to Parma , home to Prosciutto di Parma DOP, uncooked, unsmoked, and dry-cured ham. Parma ham pairs wonderfully with Emilia-Romagna’s other famous food, Parmigiano Reggiano or parmesan cheese, also of protected origin. See how both are made and sample each with local wine on this highly-rated guided food tour .

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing the five charming towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, all stacked on the rugged cliffs of the Liguria coast. 

Three unique ways to experience the unique national park of Cinque Terre are its hiking trails, which link the villages, relaxing with a boat tour to see the Cinque Terre from the water, and trying the locally caught seafood! Nessun Dorma in Manarola offers delicious seafood with views of spectacular Mediterranean sunsets.

Top Tip: If you decide to stay in Cinque Terre, head for delightful Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre towns. Parking in the five villages is very restricted – we suggest parking your car at Park Centro Stazione’s secure   underground parking garage at the La Spezia Centrale train station and getting the Cinque Terre express train or passenger ferry to Monterosso.

• Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Upmarket: Sesta Terra – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Ca’ D’Andrean – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Taverna del Metallo Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

The SS1 and SS326 connect Cinque Terre and Pisa in roughly an hour and a half. The SS1 will take you through coastal towns including Forte dei Marmi which provides incredible views of the Apuan Alps, or you can take the short detour to visit the Rennaisance-era city of Lucca.

A trip to Pisa wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top of the Leaning Tower for unmatched views across Pisa. If heights aren’t your thing, capture the iconic photo supporting the Leaning Tower in your own two hands!

Other notable landmarks in Pisa include the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale.

A visit to Pisa would not be complete without a visit to the Ristorante Trattoria da Mario . Just a five minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this highly regarded hidden gem serves an array of traditional Tuscan food and wine. 

• Where to Stay in Pisa

Upmarket: Palazzo Cini – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Di Stefano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel La Pace – Booking.com | Agoda

The drive from Pisa to Florence takes roughly 1 hour, depending on the traffic conditions. For a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, take the SS67 and visit the small town of San Miniato, known for its truffles, the hunting of which is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Once you reach Florence, you can visit famous landmarks including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known for its beautiful dome, the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world, and Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge over the Arno river.

A trip to Tuscany isn’t complete without a visit to a local winery. Surrounding Florence is the Chianti region, famous for its full-bodied red wines, olive oils, and meats. Take a tour of this area from Florence and experience rolling hills, historic stone castles, and iconic cypress trees. 

RELATED POST: One Day in Florence – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Florence

Upmarket: Hotel Spadai – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Soprarno Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Perseo – Booking.com | Agoda

San Gimignano  

The trip from Florence to San Gimignano is roughly 60km, taking just over an hour to travel south. We recommend taking a detour to the Azienda Agricola Montefioralle Winery , a small, family-run winery serving Chianti Classico paired with Tuscan food. This incredible vineyard offers spectacular views of green, rolling hills synonymous with Italy’s Tuscan region. 

San Gimignano is a small town known for its medieval architecture, including its 14 towers that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend stretching your legs and using the local hiking trails to enjoy panoramic views of this Italian region. Alternatively, relax and explore the town’s many shops and restaurants. 

A vineyard wine tasting and lunch in the heart of Tuscany is on everyone’s bucket list. San Gimignano, with its excellent wineries, is the perfect spot for this experience. In fact, San Gimignano has its own famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which has been produced in the area since the 14th century.

RELATED POST: Tuscany Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

• Where to Stay in San Gimignano  

Upmarket: Agriturismo Mormoraia – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Bel Soggiorno – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Relais Cappuccina – Booking.com | Agoda

The short drive from San Gimignano to Siena will take you through attractive towns including Monteriggioni, famous for its medieval walls that give stunning views across Tuscany.

Siena is a beautifully preserved historic city at the height of Tuscany. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race that takes place around the Piazza del Campo twice a year in July.

The city also boasts the magnificent Cathedral of Siena, a gothic masterpiece with intricate marble floor mosaics, the Torre del Mangia, a tower offering panoramic views of the city, the Basilica of San Domenico, the Museo Civico, and the Palazzo Comunale. 

Top Tip: Make sure to stop for lunch at one of the many lively restaurants lining the streets around the main square and sample delicious ribollita , a traditional Tuscan soup made with vegetables and bread.

• Where to Stay in Siena

Upmarket: Palazzetto Rosso – Art Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Athena – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Palazzo di Valli – Booking.com | Agoda

Siena Side Trips

As you head south through the wonderful landscape of Tuscany, there are a few places you may want to stop and enjoy.

The first is the hill village of Montepulciano , famous for the classic, rustic wine of the same name, and a masterpiece of ancient city walls, cobbled streets, charming piazzas, restaurants, and craft shops that can easily draw you in for a deliciously pleasant afternoon and evening. The town is also one of the best spots on this itinerary for a  wine-tasting tour of a local vineyard , to understand the history and process of making wine in Italy.

From Montepulciano, take a detour east on the scenic SP146 to San Quirico d’Orcia, through the iconic Val d’Orcia, one of Europe’s best driving routes . This journey will take you through vineyards and olive groves, and you’ll pass row upon row of majestic cypress trees lining the roads and on the skyline, and you might even spot the famous house from the film ‘Gladiator’, some of which was filmed in Tuscany.

The final stop on our northern Italian road trip is Italy’s capital city, Rome . The drive from Siena to Rome takes over two and a half hours and can be particularly busy due to traffic during the summer. Once you arrive in Rome, we suggest parking your rental car in a parking garage, or dropping it off at the airport and exploring the main attractions on foot.

Rome’s world-famous landmarks include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is also located within Rome and is home to the Pope and priceless artworks and architecture, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. 

Other popular attractions include the Spanish Steps, the Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum. As the Italian capital, unsurprisingly the city offers a wide variety of delicious Italian cuisine, from pizza and pasta to gelato and wine!

RELATED POST: Rome in a Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Rome

Upmarket: Casa Fabbrini – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Tree Charme Augusto Luxury Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Viminale View Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

A northern Italian road trip, from Milan to Rome, offers a spectacular route to experience the diverse culture and history of Italy, making it one of the best road trips in Europe . Along the way, you can visit some of Italy’s most iconic cities, including Milan, Florence, and Rome.

You can take in the beautiful countryside, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine and wines, and explore the many museums, art galleries, and UNESCO world heritage sites that the region has to offer. 

Overall, a northern Italian road trip will be an unforgettable adventure that you will cherish for a lifetime!

Northern Italy Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Italy.

• Search for affordable flights to Italy with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Italy with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Italy with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable car rentals in Italy with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

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Ultimate 7-10 Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

The Italian Dolomites are among one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world. It’s a part of the Alps that is extremely unique and attracts outdoor enthusiasts and all types of tourists from around the globe. If you’re planning your own trip to Northern Italy during spring, summer or fall, and are making a road trip to the Dolomites out of it, I’ve put together this itinerary that you can squeeze into 7 days or elongate to 10 days based on my own tried and true experience!

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases/bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.

Prior to making our way to the Dolomites, we did a TON of research and saved inspirational ideas over the year and a half that we were cooped up from the pandemic. We had originally planned to make our way to Italy in 2020 and had a basis for our Dolomites journey already drawn up, but of course our overseas trip had to be put on hold. Fast forward to fall of 2021 and we were excited to book our flight out finally! Our prior research and knowledge set us up for success for our ten autumn days in the Italian Alps and I hope they will make for a formidable visit for you too!

Table of Contents

How Do I Get to the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are found in the northeast region of Italy and are widely known as the Italian Alps. If you’re flying into Italy with the Dolomites being your first or only destination for the trip, the two main cities you should be looking at to land in are Venice and Milan . But mostly Venice because it is irrefutably closer than Milan is (2-3 hour drive vs. 4-5 hours). And that is where we flew into! We grabbed our rental car from the Venice Marco Polo airport – a Volkswagen Golf perfect for the two of us – and headed for the mountains.

If you’re hoping to minimize your costs and forget about renting a car altogether, you certainly can! In the Dolomites, they have a bus system that will allow you to reach all the main attractions without depending on a car. Of course, this means less flexibility and a dependency on the public transit system schedule. BUT it is entirely possible and a number of people choose this plan of action! You can book your transfer from the Venice airport to the Dolomites for only €15 !

Where Should I Stay in the Dolomites?

Now there are two main areas to consider staying in throughout your Dolomites trip: Cortina d’Ampezzo on the east side and Ortisei on the west . There are certainly magnificent towns and accommodations spread throughout the entire region, but finding a home base within or near the towns of Cortina and Ortisei is key to maximizing the sights you’ll get to see within your time frame. We managed to spend five nights in Cortina and five nights in Santa Cristina Valgardena, a town 15 minutes west of Ortisei.

Itinerary Breakdown

We spread our time in the Dolomites over 10 nights. We needed the extra time to rest up between excursions as Italy was on the last leg of our Europe trip, but had we dedicated 7 full days here, we could’ve made it happen. I’ve broken down the itinerary over 10 days (9 nights) for you but feel free to combine sights and activities if you’re short on time and are hoping to spend at most a week in the Dolomites.

• Day 1 – Travel to Cortina d’Ampezzo This is a day reserved for making your way to the Alps from the city you land in. If you’re lucky to arrive early, you can spend half a day wandering the streets of this quaint town and grab a meal plus food to make for the following days.
• Day 2 – Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina Our two favourite hikes piled in one day to make the most of being in this neck of the woods and paying for the daily toll road fee. Be prepared for an early wakeup and food for the road.
• Day 3 – Visit Lago di Braies and other lakes near Cortina A relaxing day to recover from the hikes by taking in the different shads of blue and green water at some of the Dolomites’ most beautiful lakes.
• Day 4 – Hike to Lago di Sorapis A third and optional hike you can add to the itinerary to reach yet another gorgeous lake and mountain.
• Day 5 – Travel to Ortisei, visit Mount Lagazuoi & Passo Gardena Head west to relocate your home base to Val Gardena. Stop along the many scenic spots that highway SS243 has to offer, including the cable car up Mount Lagazuoi and Passo Gardena.
• Day 6 – Get Lost in Val di Funes & Ride Up Sassolungo Take a stroll through the rolling meadows of this former Austrian valley and capture the picturesque churches with a gorgeous view of the Odle-Geisler massif. Head over to the Sassolungo mountain and ride up in the coffin-like cable car to reach the top of this rocky cliff.
• Day 7 – Hike the Seceda Ridgeline Ride up the cable cars to the iconic ridgeline of Seceda to hike the trails to different huts with views of never-ending pastures and mountains all around.
• Day 8 – Alpe di Siusi & Lago di Carezza Watch the sun rise over the largest high-altitude alpine plateau in Europe and the many unobstructed and breathtaking mountain ranges. Visit your final but possibly new favourite lake in the Dolomites for sunset.
• Day 9 – Explore Ortisei (Bonus: Earth Pyramids in Renon) Take a relaxing day to stroll the streets of the quaint Ortisei for your final full day in the Italian Alps, and potentially head further west somewhere off the beaten path to witness an out-of-this-world natural phenomenon.
• Day 10 – Visit Lake Garda and Depart from the Dolomites Make the most of your drive back to your point of origin by taking a day to visit Italy’s largest lake. A few stops at charming and historical towns while driving lakeside as well as checking out a beautiful church built on the side of the cliff will give you the opportunity to finish your trip in Northern Italy on a high note.

Day 1 – Travel to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Depending on where you’re coming from, whether it’s a continuation of your Italy trip or you’re just now flying into the country, make your way to Cortina d’Ampezzo for the day. You’ll likely be starting your journey to the Dolomites later in the day so simply enjoy your drive through the mountain roads, settle into your abode and grab some dinner for the evening.

There are options to do your Dolomites trip without a car – the public bus system is beneficial for those on a tighter budget and is quite dependable. You can even book your transfer from the Venice Marco Polo airport (VCE) to Cortina for only €15 per person !

But for the most ease, convenience and flexibility, I highly recommend you rent your own car for the trip. In early October, we only paid €350 for the entire 10 days to rent from the Venice Marco Polo airport. The rest of this itinerary will assume that you will be taking your own vehicle, hence your road trip in the Dolomites!

When you arrive in Cortina, depending on where you’re staying, you’ll likely have tons of well-rated Italian eats in short walking distance from your accommodations. We enjoyed freshly baked and affordable thin-crust pizza from Ai Due Forni a couple of times throughout our stay and we grabbed delicious and hearty sandwiches for the next day’s hikes from Molo Cortina . Take this evening to rest up and prepare yourself for what’s to come!

There are many cozy hotels and vacation rentals you can stay at in Cortina d’Ampezzo. We stayed right in town along Lago delle Poste which was perfect. Just a short walking distance from the grocery stores CONAD CITY and La Cooperativa, as well as all the good eats in town. If you’re craving some mouthwatering Italian pizza, you can just walk out of your accommodations and into the piazza for some!

Day 2 – Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina

Tre cime di lavaredo.

Start your first full day in the Dolomites on a high note with the iconic three chimney peaks: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) . This circuit is by far the most popular hike of the region and demands that you come see it for yourself. The hike is deemed easy to moderate with 10 km in length, 340 m in elevation gain and about 3-5 hours to finish the circuit. This was one of the best hikes we’ve ever been on and I highly recommend saving up a morning to do it! You’ll be glad to come to the area for a sunrise treat over the mountains and valleys, and not have to scramble for parking or deal with high heat in the middle of the day.

If you want to come up to this point for the views without doing the hike, by all means go for it. The mountains are gorgeous and you can see them from the trailhead at the Rifugio Auronzo .

BUT you won’t really get to see the Tre Cime peaks in all their glory. In order to see the iconic frame of the three peaks, you’d have to continue on the trail. The counter-clockwise loop follows trail 101 , passing Rifugio Lavaredo and reaching the Forcella Lavaredo junction where you’ll get your first side-view peak at the peaks (pun may have been intended). This is also where you’ll cross the invisible line that brings you to the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy.

The Tre Cime hike offers beautiful sceneries throughout, our favourite being at the Dreizinnenhütte – or Rifugio A. Locatelli/S.Innerkofler .

Once you reach Forcella Lavaredo, keep right and follow the trail down that continues on 101, passing on the west side of Monte Paterno (Paternkofel) to reach this serene refuge. This will be your first time crossing into the South Tyrol region, an area that once belonged to the Austrian Empire prior to the end of WWI.

By Dreizinnenhütte, there’s an immense valley to gaze down upon, two calm and reflective lakes called the Laghi dei Piani and surrounding mountains that you wouldn’t have been able to see from the trailhead. We spent a good two hours here it was so peaceful! Tons of folks continued climbing upwards to reach these cave windows situated within mountains northwest of the hut. I could only imagine the view they got of the three peaks through these rock windows!

The rest of the loop trail is incredibly well defined and captures different points of view of the Tre Cime, follows the beautiful valley to other mini lakes and a third rifugio called Malga Langalm, and we were all for it! But there’s another iconic hike you have got to do before the afternoon comes to an end.

Cadini di Misurina

The Cadini di Misurina is a short out-and-back trail that leads you to a marvellous and incomparable vista point that you will never forget. It is one of the highlights of this entire Dolomites itinerary and I hope you get the chance to complete it before leaving the Tre Cime area.

From the same trailhead you were at at the beginning of Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Rifugio Auronzo – you’ll begin your hike heading southwards this time, away from the three peaks with your back facing them. The hike is less than 2 km one-way and about 120 m in elevation gain so you might feel the steepness in your lungs and legs. The trail may split here and there so always be on the lookout for red and white striped pole markers and keep following signs for trail 117 .

Not long after starting the hike, you’ll already be greeted by the marvellous spiked peaks that make up this phenomenal mountain group. You’ll also be able to spot some gems down below in the valleys as this hike in entirely exposed with no visual obstructions. The trail is mostly made up of loose rocks and dirt and because the final path to reach the iconic viewpoint consists of a narrow edge adjacent to a drop-off and ends with a narrow ridge, it’s highly recommended not to complete this hike when the soil is wet from recent rain and precipitation. The trail can get quite slippery so reserve this hike on a clear day where it hasn’t rained recently.

The hike really is about the final destination at the end of the ridge. You might arrive and notice others at the vista point already or be lucky to have it all to yourself. It’s intensely humbling to stand at the edge that point amidst the panorama of these formidably jagged peaks often referred to as the Towers of Mordor . Sunset would be a gorgeous time to be shooting at Cadini di Misurina, but anytime throughout the day this place will take your breath away.

Important note: To reach Tre Cime by car, there is a 30€ toll fee in order to drive a car up and park at the trailhead (it’s 20 € for motor-vehicles and 45 € for camper vans). The fee can be paid by cash or card, but fair warning, sometimes the connection is too poor for the card machine to function. The private toll road is open 7am-7pm in the summer months and 8am-6pm in the shoulder months (June and mid-October), however the arm was open to let traffic through when we reached the booth at 6:15am. You can always exit the park after the allocated closing time. There are alternatives to this expensive toll fee if you’re looking to save money. 1) you can park in the free car park at Lago d’Antorno and hike up to Rifugio Auronzo (about 90 minutes with 500 m of elevation gain – a strenuous hike). 2) you can take a shuttle bus from various locations, the closest being Lago di Misurina. The roundtrip cost is 16 per person (one-way is 10) and you may be limited in flexibility with the bus operation times, but it could be advantageous if you’re riding solo.

Day 3 – Lago di Braies, Lago di Dobbiaco, Lago di Landro & Lago di Misurina

Though the Dolomites have but a few easily accessible lakes, each one of them is picturesque in its own way. Whether it’s water colour, mountain views or on-water experience, each lake is distinguishable and worth a visit.

Lago di Braies

If you’ve heard of the Dolomites, you’ve probably already seen images of the Instagrammable Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) plastered online. Is it deserving of its given title “Lago di Instagram”? I would say, yes! The Seekofel massif surround the lake and have incredible rocky and alpine features. The water reflects a deep emerald colour and shines a brighter turquoise in the sun. If you come to the lake early in the morning around sunrise and there’s no rain, you’ll catch a pristine reflection of the imposing mountains on the green water as well as the rustic Italian boats that line the shore.

Our favourite feature of this lake, and likely a huge tribute to why it’s so popular, is the fact that you can take out one of these classical row boats onto the water. The rowing manoeuvres might take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be flowing in a sea of emerald. Opening hours for the boat rentals vary throughout the season, and even though the sign said “opens at 9am” the day we came, the attendants let us know it wouldn’t be open until 10am. Regardless of the long wait, it was well worth it for us to be there early and at the front of the line.

Check out their website for up-to-date pricing and hours! There are two prices: one for 30 minutes and one for an hour. You pay upfront for the hour and if you only row for half the time, you’ll get the remainder refunded. They only took cash at the time so have the amount of cash ready for your rental! After rowing and docking the boat back, you’ll be able to exit through the hut and select a couple of many amazing Lago di Braies postcards as souvenirs!

Lago di Dobbiaco

An underrated lake also situated in the South Tyrol region like the aforementioned lake, is Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See) . This lake is very much worth the stop as it’s just off the side of the SS51 road coming back towards Cortina from Lago di Braies, about a 25-minute drive from the other lake. Its tranquility brings all the cute ducks swimming along the shoreline and the deep green-blue colour is formidable to look at. I loved that the colour separation between the shallow green water by the north edge and the deeper blue was very apparent. On a non-windy day, you could also see right to the bottom in the shallow section as if the surface were glass, and spot some tiny fish swimming through the pond weeds.

The best view in my opinion is from the north shoreline just a short walk from the parking lot. It also makes for the perfect framing for photography. In this frame, you’ll be able to capture the two different colours of the water as well as the picturesque alpine mountains that are so ideally placed to create a V-shaped valley in between.

Though Lago di Dobbiaco doesn’t often show up on Dolomites visitors’ radars, I was so glad we got to witness its glory and hope you will too. If you’re keen to spend more time here, you could take a light 45-minute stroll around the whole lake, rent a pedal boat for €8/€15 for 30 minutes/1 hour (pricing subject to change), or enjoy a lunch at Seerestaurant (Ristorante al Lago) .

Lago di Landro

Another 10 minutes south of Lago di Dobbiaco is a stunning glacial lake called Lago di Landro (Dürrensee) right next to the same road, SS51. The colour of the water is drastically different from what you’ll have seen so far at the other lakes, as it shines a pastel aquamarine. As the season progresses from summer to fall and later to early winter, the colour will get lighter and lighter as the lake recedes. The reason for this vibrant colour is thanks to something called glacial wash , which is essentially rock flour carried in the glacial melt that trickles down to the lake. And the bright pastel tone is due to the lake sitting on a light grey clay-like soil.

As the lake recedes in autumn, you can walk actually along the shoreline on the wet clay – it definitely gets sticky and slippery to wear good traction shoes if you do! The light pastel blue colour was something, but the captivating sharp multi-peak mountains of the Cristallo massif most definitely caught our attention. This was also our first spotting of fall colours which we found on the south side of the lake in the foreground of the majestic mountains!

Lago di Misurina

The final lake to visit on this day is just another 10 minutes south from Lago di Landro, yet again located right off the road, this time on SP49. Lago di Misurina is one of my favourite lakes and there’s no wonder why there are a number of chalet-style hotels situated around it. This lake has a gorgeous deep blue colour and the water surrounds this cute little island in the centre. There are imposing rocky mountains that completely envelop the lake, so it was neat to walk around the shore to get different vantage points where we captured various beautiful frames that pictured glistening water in the foreground, an Italian chalet hotel in the centre and striking peaks in the background.

The award-winning view, however, goes to the south shoreline because the Sorapis mountains are just so remarkable. You can best capture this view from the north parking lot along Via Guide Alpine, the same location you can rent a row boat or pedal boat if you’re hoping to take in more of the lake from the water. If you manage to visit Lago di Misurina on a day where it just rained, you’ll be lucky to watch the clouds rise behind the south building on Via Monte Piana and above the valley that separates the lake from the magnificent Punta Sorapis.

Note: You’ll notice that after leaving the South Tyrol region and being back in Veneto, the places you visit no longer have a German name as well an Italian. Lago di Misurina is one of those places. Some landmarks in South Tyrol also have a third spelling which is in Ladin, which is the parent language of South Tyrol. The language has been spoken for a thousand years and is still spoken today by 18,000 people in the Val Badia and Val Gardena valleys of the Dolomites.

Day 4 – Hike Lago di Sorapis

If you have the time and energy for a third hike on this trip, Lago di Sorapis is a stellar lake to trek to. A glacial lake much like Lago di Landro, this body of water does dry up in the winter months but is an absolute gem of a crystal blue lake in the summer and early fall. Hiking this trail in early October was still a valuable experience for us even though the lake had receded, but I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves and you can decide if it’s worth the trip for you depending on the season you’re visiting the Dolomites.

The trailhead for Lago di Sorapis can be found at Passo Tre Croci , a mountain pass just 15 minutes east of Cortina d’Ampezzo. There’s a dedicated free parking lot situated along road SR48 about 850 m before the trailhead if you’re coming from Cortina, but if you’re coming here early in the day, you can park right on the road’s shoulder beside the trailhead .

The trail is incredibly well defined with clear signs for trail 215 as well as red-white-red horizontal striped markers painted along the way. Trail 215 takes you straight to Rifugio al Sorapis A. Vandelli , the hut/teahouse located just minutes from the alpine lake, and leads you on an out-and-back hike. Roundtrip, the hike is about 10 km in length and 430 m in elevation gain , and is considered to be moderate in difficulty.

The hike can also be extended into a circuit by climbing a steady ascent along the mountain pass following trail 216 back home, but this route is more technical with some scrambling, and steep with about another 400m in elevation gain. If you’ve got the energy to complete the circuit, then by all means do it! But we only came for the lake view and chose, just like the majority of folks, to hike the same way back down.

The trail starts off very easy and flat and about 15 minutes in, you’ll come across a fork in the road. The most instinctive path heading upwards on the right is in fact not the right way to go, and it’s clearly blocked off with a line of rocks placed across. Take the left path heading down the slope and you’ll be on the right track. The trail continues through the woods and we experienced quite the fog passing through here, but as we emerged through to the cliff edges, we started seeing faraway mountain peaks make an appearance above the clouds and it was phenomenal!

Because of some narrow ledges towards the top of the trail, we recommend only hiking to Lago di Sorapis if the terrain isn’t wet. So avoid rainy days as well as days after which it rained. The ledges aren’t guarded on the cliffside but the rock walls are guided with metal cable handrails. Though I often have nervousness around unguarded heights, I barely felt that on this hike. The trail is definitely steeper in the second half versus the first. But it was easy to pace ourselves, especially with the trail being flat in some sections along the ledges, sometimes traversing wooden plank walkways. Towards the top, you’ll have some metal stairs to climb but nothing crazy and you’ll likely forget the physical effort because you’ll be so distracted by the many layers of mountain views.

Finally, you’ll make it to Rifugio Vandelli and a little further you’ll spot the vibrant turquoise lake and the towering 3200m Mount Sorapis. The Lago di Sorapis hike has a short window in the summer season, starting in July as the snow melts and ending in September when the water recedes. But even in early autumn, there were no regrets for making the beautiful trek up.

Day 5 – Travel to Ortisei, visit Mount Lagazuoi & Passo Gardena

Now that you’ve spent the last few days visiting some spectacular sites on the east side of the Dolomites, it’s time to make your way west towards Ortisei. Day 5 would be spent taking this scenic drive up and down the valleys and stopping at the eye-catching spots that call out to you along the way.

Having the freedom to simply drive and allow your eyes to have control where you stop, even if it’s a random spot, brings a certain kind of joy of appreciating the present. But to give you an idea of what to see en route to Val Gardena, here are a couple spots you can start with.

Mount Lagazuoi

For the history buffs, Lagazuoi Mountain is a top place to be if you want to immerse yourself in WWI history. There’s a cable car that can take you up the mountain where you’ll be in the thick of incredible scenery and be able to walk through the carved out tunnels that the soldiers mined over a century ago. They’re not incredibly advertised but we easily came across a wooden door near the top of the cable car that led us into a cave where there was actually a sniping rifle set up (you can access it of course as it’s barred off). It’s quite the open-air museum, and it’s pretty neat to find yourself in these tunnels where Austrian and Italian soldiers had once set up camp.

The cable car cost varies throughout the summer months and you can check out the new pricing here . It’s one of the only cable cars that remains open later into the fall – from early June to late-ish October. If you’re a keen hiker, you can hike from the gondola parking lot instead, meeting further tunnels and suspension bridges along the way. To our surprise, there was quite a bit of snow and ice that accumulated at the top which we weren’t prepared for. So a word of advice from our experience, always wear your hiking boots when making it up to mountain tops in the Dolomites if you’re not coming in the dead of summer.

The views up here are really something else and they reminded me of home in the Canadian Rockies. You could also spot the Cinque Torri (meaning “five towers”) from up here, another well known hiking area with WWI history to explore. You’d have passed by the Cinque Torri rock formation on your way to Lagazuoi from Cortina on the south side of SR48. It’s a great option for a sunrise hike if you have the time and energy this day, as it’s categorized as relatively easy, or you can simply ride the chairlift which is operational in the summer months from 9am to 5pm – check here for updated pricing.

Back to where we were at the top of Mount Lagazuoi. If you’ve worked up a hunger, you can keep enjoying the panoramic views and a good meal at Rifugio Lagazuoi before heading back down the cable car.

Passo Gardena

One of the most gorgeous mountain passes we’ve ever driven through goes to Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch / Ju de Frara) . It was slow and steady as we drove up the steep and winding road that lead us up from Val Badia to the beautiful pass before we made our way down to Val Gardena.

We couldn’t hesitate to get out of the car and adventure through the high-elevation mountain pass on foot. You can park at Rifugio Frara and from here there are a number of trails you can follow to get different vantage points of the 360-degree vista. It’s a fantastic place to stretch out your legs during the drive to Ortisei or to spend a whole day out hiking in the vast mountains of Northern Italy with few people in sight. If you’re hoping to prioritize Passo Gardena on your way westward, consider doing a hike from here like Cima Pisciadu , or test your fear of heights by doing the rock climbing via ferrata at Gran Cir or Piccolo Cir (a.k.a.”Big Cir” & “Little Cir”), provided you have the proper climbing equipment!

Exploring the area might call for some good food to refuel with. We personally loved dining at Hotel Chalet Gerard, just 7 minutes further down SS243 from Passo Gardena, and indulging in some tasty pasta before ending our day in Ortisei.

Day 6 – Get Lost in Val di Funes & Ride Up Sassolungo

Val di funes.

Towards the north side of the Dolomites is a stunning valley that’s known to show off the Puez – Odle (Geisler) massif like a crown jewel. Val di Funes (Villnöß) is one of the quaintest areas in the Italian Alps and it is home to two monumental churches in the most scenic backdrop.

Santa Maddalena

The medieval Santa Maddalena (or St. Magdalena) church sits atop a vast hill overlooking the town homonymous village of Santa Maddalena. Though it’s a small structure, its gothic architecture makes for such a picturesque view at the forefront of the storybook Villnöss valley with the majestic Odle group (Geislergruppe) lining the back. To visit the church, we found the best and closest place to park was here as you can’t drive up and park at the church itself. We then followed an easy-to-follow uphill walking trail to the church and continued further on for some great photo opportunities.

The trail from the church is actually a paved road for local traffic, so it makes it easy to stroll on for however long you want. We didn’t walk very far – maybe about 10-15 minutes from the church – but noticed the few other folks who were here this morning did continue and followed other trails through the woods uphill. It’s one of the places I felt the most at peace in our entire Dolomites trip. Hearing nothing but the sheep “baa” and the cowbells ring makes you truly appreciate being in this Austrian-Italian countryside.

Note: If you need to use the restroom in this quiet town while no shops or restaurants are yet open, there’s a very clean, public bathroom you can use right beside the church on your way back down that you can use for free. You can leave a small donation in the attached donation box if you’d like!

St. Johann in Ranui

The baroque St Johann in Ranui church lays on a flat pasture on the southeast side of the small mountain village. We managed to park here at the small lot situated within a bus station, just a 3-minute drive from where we parked for St. Magdalena. Visiting St. Johann in Ranui was as easy as crossing the road from the car park, where a constructed photography platform was built. I think the reason for why the locals built this viewing area is because it prevents overzealous tourists from hopping the fence onto private pasture land to snap their photos. Though we felt restricted because we couldn’t get any other vantage points to capture the beautiful structure along the road, it was honestly the best vista anyway.

My recommendation for Val di Funes is to come bright and early to avoid the crowds and to truly feel like you’re living your Sound of Music dream – or was that just my dream? If you wanted to discover more that St. Johann in Ranui has to offer and be able to get close up and personal with the landmark, you could also visit the church with an entrance fee of €4.

Sassolungo Mountains

About an hour’s drive south from Val di Funes, you’ll come to a vast mountain pass called Passo Sella (Sellajoch) . You might start recognizing some of the mountain ranges in the area and that’s because it’s only 15 minutes away from Passo Gardena which you would have passed through the day before.

The Sassolungo (Langkofel) mountain group is one of the most iconic ranges in the entire Dolomites. You’ll be spotting them a lot throughout the rest of your road trip when you’re at the top of the Seceda Ridgeline, hiking through the meadows of Alpe di Siusi and even from the town of Ortisei. The name Sassolungo means “long stone” which is a pretty spot on description of the rock formation that makes up this range. The massif is spread across the earth in a distinctive C-shape arch that opens up to the northwest, which you can see on Google Maps in the terrain view. This is why you’ll have a different view of the Sassolungo group from Passo Sella than you will when in Val Gardena.

You’ll be starting your journey up Sassolungo at the (paid) parking lot across road SS242 from the Hotel Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Resort. You may be able to park for free at this mountain resort or the Chalet Sella instead, depending on whether the lot is open for cable car visitors. At this point, you’ll already be greeted with marvellous views of the Sassolungo group on the west and Sella group on the east.

After parking, make your way the cable car station, Telecabine Gondelbahn Forcella del Sassolungo . This will be a highly memorable ride to the top of a mountain if you decide to opt in for the cable car. It’s the most unique gondola I’ve ever seen and consists of a two-person maximum coffin-like lift in which you can only stand the whole way up, and it does NOT wait for you. In order to get on, two attendants would assist you and you’d have to run and jump into the car as it’s moving one at a time. Seems like a lot of fun, or daunting for some!

The cable car would take you all the way up to Forcella del Sassolungo where a lodge called Rifugio Toni Demetz Hütte is insanely built at the base between two monstrous mountains – Mount Sassolungo (Langkofel), the highest peak that the group is named after, and Punta delle Cinque Dita (Fünffingerspitze). To the left of Punta delle Cinque Dita is the second tallest peak out of the five mountains that make up this group. This peak is named Punta Grohmann (Grohmannspitze or Mount Sasso Levante) after Paul Grohmann, an alpinist who in 1869 was the first to conquer the five summits.

Sadly, the Forcella del Sassolungo cableway is the first to close in the fall so it has a short-lived season. You can check the timetable and pricing online for the various cable cars and chair lifts that ride up Sassolungo. If you’ve missed the window and want to venture around the lower parts of the valley, you can roam around the “ City of Boulders” (Città dei Sassi / Steinerne Stadt) where the diverse flora and pines thrive.

A popular circuit hike here you can do in the summer follows trail 525 and goes up the steep and challenging 467m to Forcella del Sassolungo, down the demanding descent to Rifugio Vicenza (Langkofelhütte), makes its way north along trail 526 or 526A reaching Rifugio Emilio Comici, and then continues on trail 526 through the Città dei Sassi to close the loop at Passo Sella. There are many other trails of different levels of difficulty that start from Passo Sella that you can take depending on the challenge and mountain views you want to give yourself.

Day 7 – Hike the Seceda Ridgeline

One of the very major reasons for why the Dolomites was at the top of our bucket list is the famous Seceda Ridgeline . Nothing has ever compared to hiking along the jutting angular mountain peaks lined with green grass all the way to the edges, with vast valley views on one side and endless meadows and and mountains on the other. This was a must-do for us and I hope I can convince you of the same!

The easiest and fastest way to reach Seceda is by taking the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car. It’s not the cheapest way at a whopping €35 roundtrip when we went (visit here for up-to-date pricing and scheduling), but it’s worth it to save the time and energy for up there. The large parking garage is located right in Ortisei making it double efficient. The first ride (Ortisei-Furnes) consists of a four-person gondola that comes one after the other every few seconds. Once you reach the halfway point, the large bus-like cable car (Furnes-Seceda) comes every 15 minutes and groups of around 20 people at a time. From there, it only takes about 10 minutes to hike up to the first point of the ridgeline.

You could spend endless hours getting lost at the top of the Seceda spires, grabbing the best view at Forcella Pana (Panascharte) and keep continuing along the Odle and Puez peaks as long as you desire. That’s right, what you’d be hiking along are the jagged peaks that you saw from Val di Funes! You might even be able to see into the valley on your left towards the north.

I found it crazy that at such a high elevation in what I would think is a remote area, there were tons and tons of huts dispersed through the grassland towards the south. You’ll likely never go hungry or without shelter if you needed it thanks to all the abundant restaurants that were only walking distance away. This is why some choose to take the Col Raiser cable car from Santa Cristina Valgardena and hike the scenic route up instead, passing many huts along the way to enjoy a meal with a view.

For many photographers chasing Golden Hour, or simply wanting to avoid crowds, and who are up for the challenge can hike all the way up to the Monte Pic summit and Seceda Ridgeline from this small car park in Santa Cristina. If you are keen enough for this climb of at least 750 m for sunrise, you could also take the cableway back down with the Fermeda line, hike a short way east and hop on the Col Raiser down. The walk from the bottom of the latter cable car to your original starting point beats hiking back all the way down from Seceda, unless that’s your thing.

Day 8 – Visit Alpe di Siusi & Lago di Carezza

Alpe di siusi.

You can’t leave the Dolomites without traipsing through the largest high-elevation alpine plateau in Europe. At 52 km², Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) spans so far that it meets multiple mountain ranges. The most famous of course is going to be our beloved Sassolungo (Langkofel) group , now showing off the Mount Sasso Piatto (Plattkofel) meaning “flat stone”. The altitude of Seiser Alm varies between 1680 m and 2350 m as it is spread across such a vast distance.

The best time to visit Alpe di Siusi photography-wise is in the evening for sunset, as the sun hits the Langkofel range to make it glow orange. During sunrise with harsh lighting, the mountains can be back-lit, but coming early in the morning allows you the time to adequately be present in the meadows without rushing to beat the light disappearing. We decided to come for sunrise for that reason and as the day progressed, we made the most of it: walked along trails with no one in sight, greeted some cows grazing, found a bench with a view and enjoyed a light meal just the two of us.

Important note: There are a number of ways to reach Alpe di Siusi, the best method in our opinion being slightly restrictive. Our favourite is by way of driving all the way to Compatsch. But here’s the thing: the road up the mountainous road for incoming traffic to Compatsch is closed from 9 am to 5pm daily. The good news is that you can drive back down at any time of the day. The not so good news is that parking costs €19 for the day (2021 pricing), but the lot is conveniently situated here . If you’re not wanting to drive up or you prefer the flexibility of visiting Alpe di Siusi further in the day, you can take one of two different cable cars. 1) The one that gets you closest to the best viewpoints and comes from the east is the St. Ulrich – Seiser Alm line that comes directly from Ortisei and lands you at the Mont Sëuc cable car station (pricing and timetable here ). 2) The one that gets you to Compatsch and comes from the west is the Seis – Seiser Alm line that comes from the town of Siusi (Seis) (pricing and timetable here ).

We arrived at Compatsch at the early hour of 5am when the stars were still twinkling. We brought our headlamps to hike in the dark, and thankfully, the trail is incredibly flat and well defined with a wide, paved road. The reason for this is because it is meant for cars to drive through, as well as horse carriages which you may see trotting through in the day. As there are a number of huts that people vacation at during the winter months for skiing, and mountain resorts like the ADLER Lodge ALPE, this would be the only way guests would be able to come through. They receive an exclusive permit to drive up the road from Seis to Compatsch at anytime solely on the day they check in.

It was incredible to watch as the frost evaporated and the fog lifted off the green meadows that morning when the sun started to rise on the left side of Sassolungo. It made the hour trek in the dark dodging cow poop here and there worthwhile. The best view in the rolling meadows is at Belvedere dell’Alpe di Siusi, which is where a bunch of us photographers conglomerated. It’s a super spacious area so you’ll never have to fight for a spot! We also wanted to check out this swing located at Malga Sanon which is a great place to grab a meal after hiking around before heading back to your point of origin.

On the way back to Compatsch, we noticed how much the plateau was chair lift galore. We also got to witness the Sciliar (Schlern) massif in all its glory against the blue sky.

Lago di Carezza

I didn’t think I’d come to this conclusion, but I might have to say that this lake is tough competition for Lago di Braies to be the most breathtaking lake in all of the Dolomites. About an hour south of Ortisei, we come to a surprisingly isolated body of water called Lago di Carezza (Karersee) and it might just be our favourite lake in the Dolomites. It’s relatively small and you aren’t able to get close to the water, but its intense, glistening emerald colour with the sharp peaks of the Latemar mountain range in the background make for one of our most adored sights.

An ideal time to visit is around sunset where you’ll see the orange colour gleaming against the mountain peaks. You can walk around the lake to get different vantage points, but since it’s such a short walk, we recommend bringing a light meal here and grabbing a seat at the wooden benches to enjoy the view as long as you can. It can get crowded in the evening as there’s little space along the perimeter of the water, so if you want to come earlier if you’re visiting during the peak summer months, by all means do it.

The parking lot is across the road and is subject to a fee which you pay at the machine to validate your ticket right before you leave. There are different facilities here at this tourism information centre, including restrooms, and after parking you’ll be lead through an underground pedestrian tunnel that leads you to the other side of the road where you’ll see the hidden lake of Carezza.

Day 9 – Explore Ortisei (Bonus: Earth Pyramids in Renon)

The town of Ortisei (Urtijëi / St. Ulrich) is one of the most beautiful towns in South Tyrol and you could spend a few hours aimlessly wandering the narrow streets, grabbing a strong espresso with an Italian/Austrian meal, and visiting a few beautiful churches while playing peekaboo with the Sassolungo range.

One of the cutest chapels I’ve ever seen is St. Anthony’s Chapel, or Cappella Sant’ Antonio . Its white facade with orange accents and tall, narrow roof remind of a storybook monument with its round church bell tower. Another stunning church both on the exterior and interior is the Parochial Church of St. Ulrich, or Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Ulrico . Both of these places of worship are situated in the town centre making them easy to pass by on your promenade.

Photos from Canva

The most marvellous church, however, is the one that hits on a hill top and requires a short hike to reach: the St. Jakobs Church, or Chiesa di San Giacomo (not to be confused with St. Jacob’s Church in town). Parking at the lot by the bus station allows you to walk along the road before taking a sharp left to head uphill to the stunning church with a long spire and magnificent views of the mountains. In total it’s about a 30-minute walk one way, which is still time well spent.

Photo from Canva

Earth Pyramids in Renon (Bonus)

An incredibly unique landscape that is certainly underrated is this pocket of thin, sharp spires that jut out of the earth with round, dark rocks balancing on their pointed ends. It’s a completely natural phenomenon that you would probably scratch your head at to figure out. Their coined “earth pyramids”, hence Earth Pyramids in Renon (Ritten) and they are formed due to continuous alternation between periods of of torrential rain and drought. They are also able to keep themselves from collapsing thanks to the fact that they are in a terrain that protects them from wind.

Important note: We wanted to come check out these fascinating structures up close so we made the treacherous drive up a winding residential road that was the most daunting because it was a one-laner that permitted two-way traffic. It was a bit of a gong show going up when you couldn’t see the cars until they were right in front of you and coming back down the narrow road in the dark. There were definitely a few close calls when we had to pass with an oncoming car at a bottle neck because there were no nearby pull-outs for either of us. So fair warning if you are coming here directly from Ortisei! Arriving here from the south end like from Lago di Carezza will allow to evade this road, but even so, returning to Ortisei will guide you this way for the fastest route. Therefore, I’ve kept this spot as a bonus in the case where you’d prefer not to potentially get yourself in a pickle.

After the stressful drive, we managed to park here in this lot, but there were a number of car parks along the sides of road SP73 to leave our car for our short promenade. To reach the few observation decks of the earth pyramids, you walk back north along SP73 until you reach the point where a walking trail starts on the right side at Cafe Erdpyramiden and keep following signs for trail 24 .

It’s an incredibly easy 10-minute walk from the cafe to reach the first viewing platform. The boardwalk has a couple of benches to sit at to enjoy the view with some information panels to learn about the formation of the funny-looking structures.

You can continue for another five minutes to reach a wooden bridge and go just a little further to catch a view of the surrounding countryside. We loved seeing the sight of the small town with the St. Nikolauskirche church, the orange glowing mountain groups in the distance including the Schlern massif as the sun met the horizon.

Day 10 – Visit Lake Garda and Depart from the Dolomites

You’ve hopefully had the trip of a lifetime in the Dolomites and have hit up all the landscapes you set out to see. Though longer in distance, the most efficient way to leave the Dolomites if you’re heading to Venice (or Milan) would through Bolzano & Trento taking SS12 & A22. It may result in higher toll fees but it’s worth driving on the freeway and making a couple more stops that you couldn’t visit on your way into the mountains.

You could road trip to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda for a beautiful lakeside drive, visiting gorgeous, historical waterfront towns. One of the most scenic would be Limone Sul Garda , which translates to “Lemons on Garda”. A stunning town built beneath large cliffs known for its many lemon groves and colourful houses, it makes for such a romantic spot to visit and sip on a spritz or limoncello after a long week of mountainous adventures.

Drive around the lake to take in the views and if you can add it to the list, make your way to the south town of Sirmione . Here you could make a visit to the renowned Scaligero Castle , a fortress built on the water in the 13th century. It’s truly a sight to see and will perhaps remind you of the floating city of Venice.

Santuario Madonna della Corona

If you have time to tack on one final landmark, this historical church constructed right up against the curvature of a mountain side is something you’ll never see replicated. The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is an enchanting monument found in a tranquil atmosphere. It’s an hour drive from Sirmione so you can make a judgement call if it’s worth it for you before heading to your final destination. If you opt in to go, the best place to park is here and it’s only a 10-minute walk to reach the iconic panoramic view of this formidable church.

That’s it folks! A packed 7-10 day Dolomites itinerary, perfect for road trips in the summer and early autumn season. If you’ve already been, let me know what your favourite spot in the Italian Alps is and what spots you’re now hoping to add to your list!

Comments (10)

November 9, 2022 at 9:30 pm

Wow! You’ve inspired me to go! What an amazing guide.

laurenslighthouse

November 23, 2022 at 11:02 am

Thank you so much! It was one of our favourite trips ever.

May 23, 2023 at 12:15 pm

Hello. In October, my wife and I are planning to visit the Dolomites by following your list. First of all, thanks for such good descriptive information. Your article has been a real guide. Is it possible to get the gpx files of the routes you follow? Thanks

June 11, 2023 at 3:39 pm

Hi! I’m glad my itinerary has been a good help in our travel planning, and I hope you’re looking forward to your trip this fall! We went in October as well and the weather panned out well. I don’t have a gpx file of the routes but Google Maps was all we needed to figure out where to go for the locations we went to. If you check out the Wanderlog map I have at the beginning of the article, it’ll show every location and the default route (which is the best route) between locations. Each colour corresponds to a day for this itinerary. If you’re planning on hiking Lago di Sorapis, be sure to save the GPS coordinates of the parking lot I mentioned in the article. Some other parking lots, for example in Val di Funes, should be saved and all you have to do is punch them in Google Maps and off you go! Provided that you’ll be renting your own car, it is easy to get around by following the automatic routes provided by a maps app.

November 9, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Hiking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo looks like a truly amazing experience! This is such an informative post, thank you for sharing.

That hike was beyond our wildest dreams! Thank you for reading!

November 10, 2022 at 2:28 am

What a long interesting guide to the Dolomites. I loved Lago di Sorapis

November 23, 2022 at 11:05 am

Thank you Laura! Have you seen the Dolomites for yourself yet? Lago di Sorapis, in spite of it being fairly dried up early October, was among one of the coolest hike experiences we had here!

Kidianga Tshiunza

October 26, 2023 at 8:02 pm

This is by far the best itinerary to the Dolomites I have come across. Do you think I can plan my entire trip without the help of a “specialist,” so as to save some money? I like it when all my activities are reserved and set, and I don’t mind paying extra to assure everything is planned ahead instead of freelancing. Your thoughts?

October 29, 2023 at 7:33 am

Thank you so much for your kind words! We have personally never sought out a specialist or travel agent to book our trips and have always used our own research on blogs, YouTube and word of mouth to plan out our itineraries to nearly 30 countries in the past 2 years. If you prefer the peace of mind and having an expert to rely on for your travel plans, then please go right ahead! It definitely saves some time and hassle. Instead of booking everything way ahead of time, we often like to do things on the fly because you never know when weather, closures, etc. will work against you and you’ll need to pivot your plans last minute to make the most of the time and money you’re spending. If you have any questions about the Dolomites, I’d be happy to help out!

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Detailed Northern Italy Itinerary For 7-14 Days

Table of Contents

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I recently had the pleasure of visiting some brand new destinations in Europe including several in Italy . In this guide, I’m going to share my Northern Italy itinerary for those with limited time. There are SO many wonderful destinations in Italy but many are spread between the south and centre of the country, requiring extra time and planning. I decided to save them for a future trip, instead focussing on the north. With vibrant cities, abundant history, delectable regional cuisine, mountain ranges and breathtakingly beautiful lakes, you’ve picked a great destination!

How many days for Northern Italy?

7 days in Northern Italy is enough to see the main cities like Milan, Verona and Venice. If you also wish to visit the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Lake Como, you’ll need at least 10 days in Northern Italy but 2 weeks is better, in my opinion. However long you have, I have a North Italy itinerary to help you out.

NORTHERN ITALY ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com Getting there: flight / car / bus / train Getting around: car / bus / train Activities: GetYourGuide Food experiences: EatWith

When to visit Northern Italy?

Summer in Italy is a popular time to visit but expect it to be crowded and expensive. In my opinion, the best time is shoulder season : March-May or September-October. If you can brave the colder weather, winter is of course less crowded with better deals to be found on accommodation. It’s also a good time for skiing in the Dolomites.

Getting around during 10 days in Northern Italy

By car: a North Italy road trip is a fantastic way to explore. Although you won’t need a car in cities like Verona, Milan and Venice, it’s useful if visiting the Dolomites. Use Rentalcars.com to browse prices and book. For solo travellers in Italy , I recommend the following options instead… By train: these are affordable and efficient in Northern Italy. I use RailEurope and Trainline to compare prices and times. By bus: admittedly, it’s the less scenic way to travel but I’m a fan of the FlixBus because it’s regular and cheaper than the train.

North Italy itinerary for 7 days

• Days 1-2 – Milan
• Day 3 – Lake Como day trip
• Day 4 – Verona
• Day 5 – Lake Garda day trip
• Days 6-7 – Venice.

North Italy itinerary for 10 days

• Days 4-5 – the Dolomites
• Day 6 – Trento en route to Verona
• Day 7 – Verona
• Days 8 – Lake Garda day trip
• Days 9-10 – Venice.

North Italy itinerary for 14 days

• Day 3-4 – Lake Como
• Days 5-6 – Dolomites
• Day 7 – Trento en route to Verona
• Day 8 – Verona
• Days 9-10 – Lake Garda
• Days 11-14 – Venice.

Public transport adaptations

The above itineraries include exploring the Dolomites by car then driving to Verona with a stop in Trento. If you’re travelling by public transport, take the train from Bolzano to Verona directly or add an extra night in Trento (carrying all my luggage always stops me from seeing somewhere en route to somewhere else).

Milan – 2-3 nights

As the second-biggest city in the country, Milan is worth visiting during your Northern Italy itinerary. Italy’s fashion capital never stops moving. Although it can be busy, hectic and expensive, Milan is well worth a visit. I’d suggest spending 2-3 days here depending how much you like big cities.

Read next: how to spend 2 days in Milan

Day 1 in Milan – hit the highlights

On your first day in Milan, I’d recommend exploring Milan’s core. Duomo Square is where you can see Milan’s most famous buildings, join walking tours and reach other key attractions on foot.

• Take a free walking tour with City Walkers . I learned so much from our informative guide. The tour lasts 2 hours 45 minutes, departing daily from Duomo Square. Give a tip if you enjoy it.
• Venture inside the famous Duomo Cathedral that took 600 years to complete. Boasting more statues than any other building in the world (around 3,500), a local law prohibiting any Milan building to be taller was only recently lifted. There are several ticket options: I took the skip-the-line stair climb including access to the interior, museum and archaeological area.
• Wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – this 19th-century arcade is an architectural masterpiece housing designer Italian brands. The prices are sky-high but it’s a must-see.
• Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa – this 13th-century church is not for the faint of heart! Human skulls and bones line the walls of the ossuary chapel.
• Sforzesco Castle – walk through Milan’s 15th-century medieval castle for free or pay to visit the Art Gallery, Archaeological Museum (prehistoric and Egyptian) and other libraries and exhibitions. Closed Mondays.
• Sempione Park – by the castle lies a 47-hectare park with a lake and wide array of bird life. At the back, you’ll find Arco della Pace. Construction began to mark Napoleon’s victories and it was finally completed to celebrate Italian reunification following Austro-Hungarian rule.

Where to eat (affordably) in Central Milan:

• All’Antico Vinaio – truly one of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten in my life! Although the line stretches around the corner, it’s worth it. I paid €7 for a sandwich named ‘the boss’ with black truffle spread, prosciutto, hard cheese and rocket/arugula
• ALDENTE Pastabar – although it’s a budget, no-frills cafe, they offer an excellent package deal of pasta, dessert, a drink AND coffee for €10. Choose from various types of pasta and sauces
• Panzerotti Luini – brave the long line for delicious panzerotti (similar to empanadas) filled with cheese, meat, spinach and other ingredients.

Day 2 in Milan

With a second day in Milan, you can get past the highlights. Explore other neighbourhoods or try a fun class or activity.

• Pasta making class – the best experience of my Northern Italy itinerary was this fantastic workshop hosted by Pietro in his home. We made different types of egg pasta and tiramisu for dessert, learning about Italian food from Pietro and enjoying our creations together with wine
• Relax in Navigli neighbourhood – this part of Milan is more relaxed and affordable than the centre with cool cafes and bars beside the canals
• Monumental cemetery – one of the more unusual Milan attractions is this grand cemetery where the tombs look more like temples, many built by famous architects. Within walking distance is…
• Isola – this quirky neighbourhood is known for its street art and Bosco Verticale, two skyscrapers covered with hundreds of plants, reminding me of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

Where to stay in Milan

I can vouch for Porta Romana as a central neighbourhood with great food. Milano Roastery is a fantastic cafe to start your day with coffee and stuffed croissants (the pistachio cream one was phenomenal) while Il Trapizzino serves pizza cones oozing burrata cheese. Pastamadre and Dongiò are lovely pasta restaurants. Another popular neighbourhood is Navigli , all set around a canal network. With lots of outside cafes and restaurants, it’s a cool hood not far from central Milan. Accommodation suggestions:

• Backpackers hostel : YellowSquare Milan in Porta Romana is a great hostel with two restaurants, a bar and yoga classes. Although it’s a social place, the dorms (each bunk with its own light and plug socket) remain quiet at night. Check availability from €30 per night .
• Budget hotel: BioCity near Centrale Station includes Wi-Fi, TVs in each room, free daily breakfast, biodegradable toiletries and easy access to public transport connections. Check availability from €118 per night .
• Browse all Milan accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Day 3 – Lake Como

Lake Como in the Lombardy region is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe , attracting celebrity guests from around the world. The 146-kilometre lake is shaped like the letter Y, the three branches lined with picturesque villages drinking in views of the Alps. How to visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan: The train from Milano Centrale takes 30 minutes to reach Como San Giovanni. Use Trainline to book from €4.80 . For ease and convenience, companies like GetYourGuide offer Lake Como day trips from Milan from €80 including a guide, transport and boat trip. How to get around Lake Como: by water, of course! An all-day ferry ticket will enable you to visit as many places as you want. At the time of writing (2022), a day pass costs €25.80 (individual tickets cost €4.80).

Stay overnight in Lake Como (for longer Northern Italy itineraries)

With two days in Lake Como , you can get past the highlights and explore the many idyllic and charming places surrounding the lake. As an extra benefit, you’ll avoid the crowds by visiting outside of the typical tourist daytripper hours. Day 1 in Lake Como:

• Bellagio – often dubbed the ‘pearl of Lake Como’, this village is known for its colourful houses and cobbled backstreets… And receiving frequent visits from George Clooney! Villa Melzi and the Basilica of St. Giacomo are two of the most impressive places to visit.
• Villa del Balbianello – if this 18th-century villa looks familiar, it may be because it’s been used for the filming of major productions such as Star Wars and James Bond. The manicured gardens with sea views are some of the most beautiful you’ll see. Arrive by ferry (followed by a 20-minute hike) or the more expensive water taxi. Entry costs €20.

Day 2 in Lake Como:

• Varenna – just 20 minutes from Bellagio, Varenna is one of the most well-photographed places in Northern Italy. After exploring the beautiful town, you can visit natural attractions including waterfalls and Orrido di Bellano gorge and canyon.
• Menaggio – this beloved town is known for its lakeside promenade where you can admire the views, relax in the many cafes and restaurants, or hire a small boat
• Tremezzina   – also easily accessible from Bellagio, this village is full of grand villas such as Villa Carlotta with impressive botanical gardens.

Where to stay in Lake Como:

• Budget – Hotel Borgo Antico is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Como town with a rustic vibe, air conditioning and homemade breakfast. Check availability from €150 per night .
• Splash out – Le Luci sul Lago di Como is an entire apartment with exquisite lake views from a private balcony, fully equipped kitchen with coffee machine & more. Check availability from €200 per night .
• Browse all places to stay in Lake Como on Booking.com .

Additional day trip from Milan – Bergamo

If your Northern Italy itinerary allows, another worthwhile day trip from Milan is to Bergamo, a small yet charming city just an hour away by train. Visiting the ancient Città Alta (Old City) is akin to stepping back in time thanks to its cobbled streets and Venetian walls surrounding the city. Things to do in Bergamo include visiting Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Cappella Colleoni (a shrine to the Italian war hero), riding the funicular and eating at the many authentic snack bars and gelato cafes. Use Trainline to book a ticket from €4.80 .

Dolomites – 3 nights

An undeniable bucket list destination for your North Italy road trip is the Dolomites. This UNESCO-protected mountain range in Northeastern Italy entices visitors with its jutting cliffs, otherworldly green-blue waters and opportunities for hiking, skiing and boat trips. For the ultimate contrast to big and busy Milan, the Dolomoties can’t be missed! Bolzano is the largest town in South Tyrol region and where many people choose to base. A car is highly recommended for this section of our North Italy itinerary because there’s little public transport connecting the various points of interest. The Dolomites region boasts fantastic cuisine, not to mention some of Italy’s best wine from the Eisack Valley.

Days 4-5 – explore the Dolomites

1-3 days in the Dolomites is an optimum amount of time to spend. There are many incredible places to see including:

• Tre Cime – these three striking peaks are almost a symbol for the Dolomites. For an unforgettable hike, take the 10km Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
• Lago di Braies – as one of the most iconic Dolomite locations after Tre Cime, there’s a 0% chance you’ll have this lake to yourself! Escape after on a nearby hike
• Val di Funes – this vast valley with dramatic mountains towering above the Church of St Magdalena is another of the Dolomites’ most photographed destinations, for good reason.
• Val Gardena region – this is your one-stop for skiing in winter and hiking and rock climbing in summer. There are several hikes with jaw-dropping scenery that can be reached via the cable car.

Day 6 – Trento en route to Milan

Assuming you’re travelling by car in the Dolomites, consider visiting Trento en route to Verona. This mid-sized city of 100,000 takes a little over an hour to reach. After being immersed in nature for several days, Trento provides the perfect dose of culture and history. What to do in Trento during one day :

• Tour Buonconsiglio Castle built in Romanesque-Lombard style (€10 entry)
• See Trento Cathedral built upon the original 4th-century basilica 
• Enjoy the cuisine that takes influence from central Europe (the region was part of Austria for 100 years)
• Take the cable car for panoramic views of the city and mountains
• Visit museums such as MUSE (Science Museum), the Museum of Modern Art and the Diocesan museum
• Attend the Trentino Film Festival  in April if your Northern Italy trip itinerary coincides with the dates.

Verona – 2 nights

Verona is a beautiful stop for any Northern Italy travel itinerary. Gone is the hustle and bustle of fast-paced Milan. Verona is small and charming although it gets very busy during peak season.

Day 7 – Verona highlights

Things to do during one day in Verona :

• Verona Arena – this Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra (Verona’s central square) dating back to 30 AD was once used for gory gladiator fights. These days, it holds more peaceful performances: pop concerts and opera in the summer months.
• Romeo & Juliet tourism – Juliet’s Balcony attracts crowds who either visit the courtyard for free and take photos with a golden bust of Juliet OR pay to enter the museum which includes access to the famous balcony. Although Romeo and Juliet probably weren’t real, it’s well documented that their families lived in Verona.
• Summit Castel San Pietro – the castle overlooking Verona can be accessed by a (very) steep climb or a quick cable car ride costing $1.50 each way.
• Find frescos – admire beautiful murals dating back to the 1500s. Since the population was largely illiterate, the frescos visually tell stories with moral and biblical significance.
• Climb Torre dei Lamberti – the best views of Verona, the countryside and castle can be seen from the top of this ancient tower. Pay €6 to climb the stairs or ride the elevator.

You could consider leaving Verona after the day’s sightseeing, arriving in Venice the same evening. Getting to Verona: the city is well connected to other destinations in Northern Italy by train and Flixbus .

Eat & drink in Verona

I had the fantastic opportunity in Verona to partner with Original Travel and experience one of their tailor-made travel experiences. They create travel itineraries based on individual likes and dislikes, ensuring every detail is carefully considered. Based on my insatiable love of food and travel , we embarked on a wonderful tour of Verona, learning how the culinary history has shaped the city and vice versa. From salami-themed frescos to cake-shaped statues and a wine, cheese and meat tasting feast to remember, you’ll need to read my Verona food guide for all the details! Learn more about Original Travel & browse their Italy holidays here .

Where to stay in Verona

• Hostel – the Hostello is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in with spacious rooms, a garden, modern kitchen and relaxation area. Check availability from €25 per night .
• Budget hotel – SALUS Locazione Turistica is near to all the main attractions with comfortable rooms and a lounge area. Check availability from €65 per night .
• Splash out – Theatrum Rooms and Suites have individually-designed arty rooms themed around the city of Verona, alongside all your desired amenities. Check availability from €170 per night
• Browse all Verona accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Lake Garda – day trip or overnight

The largest lake in Italy doubles up as one of the most beautiful places to visit. Like Como, there are numerous towns flanking the Lake, each seemingly more picturesque than the last, but none more lovely than Sirmione . Although you could easily spend a whole week in Lake Como, if you have just 7 or 10 days for your North Italy itinerary, you’ll probably want to visit Lake Garda as a day trip from Verona . To do this, either take the train or a guided day trip inc Sirmione with GetYourGuide (€70) .

How to spend 2 days in Lake Garda

There are plenty of villages to spend the night such as Garda and Malcesine. Using one as your launching point, enjoy the following places and activities in Lake Garda :

• Sirmione – as the most popular destination beside the lake, it’s best to visit early or late. You’ll miss the tour groups and see the village slightly less crowded. Wander the castle, churches and excavated Roman villa
• Malcesine is another of the most beautiful towns on the north banks of Lake Garda alongside Riva del Garda and Limone Sul Garda
• Bardolino – what’s the only thing that could make an Italian village in the foothills of the Monte Baldo mountains more perfect? Ah yes, a wine festival !
• Other southern towns including Lazise and Torri del Benaco
• Marvel at Cascata del Varone waterfall and Arco Castle north of the lake
• Market hop: different towns hold weekly markets selling food, crafts and other goods.

Itinerary suggestion: for 2 days in Lake Garda , explore the northern lake towns during one day and the southern towns during the next.

Where to stay in Lake Garda:

• Budget hostel – for a basic but clean stay close to Garda town, Albergo Napoleone hotel is a steal from €71 a night.
• Splash out – sunny yellow Hotel Bardolino is within walking distance from the lake and beaches, many rooms with balconies and lake views. Check availability from €123 a night .

Venice – 2-3 nights

Although Venice can be insanely crowded (to the extent that a fee to visit the island is being established from summer 2022), it’s a wonder of our world and a must for your North Italy itinerary… Provided you visit outside of peak tourist season!

Accommodation on Venice island can be expensive so, if you’re travelling on a budget , stay on the mainland and catch the bus or train over the bridge (€1.50). Since vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, public transport leaves you at Tronchetto requiring a 40-minute walk (or a boat ride) to St Mark’s Square. Luckily, getting lost down atmospheric side streets is half the charm of Venice. Getting to Venice: From Verona, take the train from €10 or the Flixbus from €5.

Read next: 2 day Venice itinerary for first-timers

Day 9 – Venice highlights

What to do during one day in Venice (the main attractions):

• Take a free walking tour of Venice (booking mandatory)
• Go inside Saint Mark’s Basilica . Entry is free or book a ticket for the full shebang (rooftop access, museum, skip-the-line entry and guide)
• Go up the campanile tower for panoramic views
• Wander St Mark’s Square (but don’t eat or drink anything there – the prices and coperto fees are ridiculous!)
• Go inside Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs named after the sound prisoners would make when seeing Venice for the last time. Entry also includes the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana. Arrive early and queue or get a skip-the-line ticket
• Cross Rialto Bridge and wander Rialto Market.

Delicious affordable eats in Venice:

• Tiramisu at I Tre Mercanti – at this iconic deli shop you can see fresh tiramisu being made. Try flavours from original to pistachio, Nutella and salted caramel. Well worth the €4.50
• L’ Bacaro de’ Bischeri – what dreams are made of! With 4.9 stars on Google, this tiny deli in Rialto serves phenomenal sandwiches for affordable prices. I forget which one I ordered but it had spicy pistachio cream, ham and sundried tomato. They also serve €1 wine!
• Farini – there are a bunch of these pizza cafes serving delicious, fresh pizzas by the slice, best washed down with an Aperol Spritz
• Gelato at Gelatoteca Suso – this place is the bomb! You’ll have to queue but it’s worth it
• We Love Italy (fresh pasta to go)   – perhaps pasta connoisseurs would turn up their nose at this takeaway cafe but in my opinion, it’s a great place to grab try different types of pasta and sauces including famous duck ragu from €6
• Bacarando Corte dell’Orso – nearby the above two places is this casual restaurant with excellent cicchetti. I had three pieces and wine for €11
• Frito Inn – fresh squid for €10? Yes, please! This takeaway stand serves fresh food in cones
• Dolce Vita Venezia – if you’re on a budget, you can’t do better than 3 cicchetti and Aperol for €5!

Day 10 – visit the Venetian islands

• Murano island – known for producing colourful Venetian glass, this is a wonderful island to browse gift shops (which aren’t outrageously expensive), watch glass-making demonstrations and visit Murano Glass Museum. Entry is €11 but it’s well worth it; the arty glass creations are out-of-this-world!
• Burano island – the rainbow-painted houses of Italy’s most colourful island must be seen to be believed. There are a few things to do like visit the Lace Museum but the highlight is wandering and snapping naturally-saturated Insta pics
• Lido – using our daily transport pass, we spontaneously tagged on a visit to this 11km-long island where we strolled the town and visited the beach. We hadn’t expected there to be time after visiting Murano & Burano but thanks to long summer days in Europe, we visited around 6pm.

How to visit the islands: the islands are connected to Venice island by boat. Either get a daily transport pass (€21) from a ticket vending machine or ticket point at a bus/boat station or book a small group Murano & Burano tour inc guide (€30 with GetYourGuide) .

A third day in Venice (optional)

Depending how much time your North Italy itinerary allows for, 2 days in Venice may be enough. However, I enjoyed having a third day to visit the hidden gems and soak up more of beautiful Venice (and eat more cicchetti naturally!)

• Libreria Acqua Alta – if you can’t afford a gondola ride, visit this quirky bookshop with a door leading directly to a harnessed gondola parked on the water. The name translates to ‘high water bookshop’ and, appropriately, the books are stored in bathtubs and waterproof bins in preparation for the regular foods that plague Venice
• Giardini Reali – despite being right beside St Mark’s Square, these hidden gardens are a lovely place to escape the crowds and rest on a bench surrounded by beautiful foliage
• The Jewish Quarter – the Venetian word ‘geto’ evolved to the word we know today as ghetto, originally referring to Cannaregio where the Jewish people of Venice were exiled in the 1500s. It’s now a vibrant area filled with galleries, synagogues and restaurants.

Where to stay in Venice

• Hostel – you can’t do better than AO Hostel Venizia Mestre2 moments from the bus stop transporting you to the island. It’s a clean, modern base with dorms from €29 and private rooms from €50.
• Budget hotel – Hotel Al Malcanton has a grand, retro style within walking distance from all the important Venice attractions. Check availability from €122 a night .
• Splash out – Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal is a beautiful 4* hotel with a rooftop cocktail bar. Check availability from €175 a night .
• Browse all accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Thanks for reading!

Read my other Italy posts:

• How to spend 2 days in Venice, Italy
• The perfect Milan itinerary for 2 days
• Reasons to visit Milan, Italy
• A complete guide to Verona food
• Solo female travel in Italy

For more content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING ITALY Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europ e – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Italy (and all around the world). For trains , both RailEurope and Trainline offer excellent service in Italy. The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use FlixBus . Find journeys from €1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy! For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Need travel insurance? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s some of the most affordable insurance out there but still covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . For Italian food experiences from cooking classes to market visits hosted by locals, use EatWith . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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We spent some time at Lago di braies at sunset with very few people and are aware of our luck. What a beauty!

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Northern Italy Road Trip: 6 Must-See Places

• July 23, 2023 July 23, 2023

Ciao, travellers! Do you also have the feeling that Italy has it all? Gorgeous beaches, fascinating history, cute architecture & excellent gastronomy? If yes, it is time for a little Italy Road Trip of yours. Welcome to your ultimate northern Italy road trip guide. What places should you drive to in Northern Italy, what is the best timing, and how much will this stunning trip cost you?

No wonder that Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe. One can easily choose from picturesque rural villages, astonishing mountains, vibrant costs or fashionable cities with gourmet restaurants. If you are like me, and you don’t want to choose one place only, but want to experience it all – just get a car! Drive through Northern Italy within a week to experience a pleasurable mixture of hiking, beaching, history hunting and fabulous eating.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Why to Choose Northern Italy for Your Road Trip?

This was a road trip from the very beginning. We drove with my brother and his friend from my hometown, Partizánske, in the middle of Slovakia. Therefore, exploring the Northern part was the most practical decision. The second reason was my deepest wish to finally visit the area around Dolomites, and hey, they didn’t disappoint me. 

Reason number three was visiting our mama in Lake Garda, which is one of my most favourite places in Italy in general, and reason number four was fulfilling another travel dream of mine: a road trip in Cinque Terre, which turned into a train trip, explained in detail later on. 

When is the Best Time for an Italy Road Trip?

I personally believe that driving through Northern Italy must be enjoyable during the entire four seasons. You can visit Xmas markets and ski in Winter, Spring surprises you with all the freshness and blooming flowers, in summer you can confidently swim in the sea or lakes and Autumn, with its all blush colours, is just magical (as I describe in my Lake Garda in Autumn article).

This Northern Italy Road Trip of ours took place in summer, exactly at the beginning of July, during quite a big summer heatwave. Dolomites were hot but still doable with 27 – 30 degrees . However, driving through inland Italy to reach the Ligurian or Italian Riviera on the west was extremely exhausting. The temperatures were reaching above 36 – 40 degree s, and not even our non-stop air conditioning was able to provide us with sufficient refreshment. 

We sweated 24/7 after leaving Dolomites. Therefore, if you plan to visit southern and inland parts of Northern Italy, try to aim for colder months (June, September). It is not fun to be in the car driving for hours, and it is not fun to hike through Cinque terre villages during the heatwave. Nothing is fun until 10pm when you still have only a very soft warm breeze and your body is melting. 

How Much Time do You Need for a Northern Italy Road Trip

Again, this is very individual. Our driving holiday in Italy took 1 week, and we managed to see many places. However, it was pretty exhausting. If I were to repeat this Northern Italy Road trip again, I would go for 2 weeks, spend more time in each area and of course add more places, probably lakes and coastal towns. Despite the Italian road trip being intense, we enjoyed it greatly, not regretting anything at all. Maybe only driving a long distance to Livorno, not a very pretty city on the Ligurian coast.

Costs for Your Italy Road Trip

You have to count accommodation, which costs differently in every area; food, train or boat tickets, entrance fees, lots of water and of course, gas and tolls. Our Northern Italy Road trip cost us approximately between 1000 and 1200 euros each . However, we tried to save costs on prepping our own food. Yes, we enjoyed some lovely meals in restaurants, but the quality of food in Italian supermarkets is so great, yet it doesn’t cost much. Additionally, trust me, but you won’t have time to eat out three times a day on a road trip. 

The driving costs were around 600 euro in total , the tolls and parking included. Tolls and parking is a topic on its own. The price for the tolls depends on the region and the distance. We paid from 4 to 20 euros. The parking fees were somewhat unpredictable. The cheapest one was in Levanto, close to Cinque Terre, where we parked for several hours and the most expensive one was in posh Portofino and popular Venice, where a few hours cost us around 20 euros. 

Searching for parking wasn’t always roses, but we always managed to find a nice and safe spot. We used only googling and Google Maps, yet everything went just fine. For the accommodation we booked, parking was always included. Even though it is pretty straightforward, you want to find a place with a parking spot included. 

Your Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary Could Look Like This!

1. Dolomites: to Breathe in Some Fresh Mountain Air

This breathtaking mountain range popular within outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers has been on my bucket list for a while. There is always some internal feeling of satisfaction in being surrounded by tall, spectacular mountains for many of us. It makes me always feel that we humans are part of a bigger plan!

Dolomites completely met our expectations: the nature in the area is captivating. I truly recommend it for anybody into nature walking, hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding and even swimming as there are a few fabulous crystal clear lakes around Dolomites. 

Where to Stay in Dolomites?

I can’t say it was difficult to find a lovely place in Dolomites during our Italy road trip, but it might have been a challenge to choose from so many different options. Some of the accommodations we scrolled through were pretty basic, or way too old-fashioned and cramped with unnecessary accessories or possibly way too secluded, which didn’t fit our travel intent. 

At the end we stayed at B&B La casa di Loretta in Paderno – a small countryside estate surrounded by a Mountain View and forests. We spent only 2 nights in Dolomites, yet it was worth it! We hiked in the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, around a track called Osteria alla Stua. The most beautiful was the trekking through a gorge (unfortunately can’t find the name of it), filled with hundreds of crystal clear ponds and waterfalls. 

From there we drove to Lago del Mis which teal blue water overwhelmed us with its allure. Not all lakes in Dolomites are opened for swimmers, however Lago del Mis is an exception and many people enjoyed swimming and water games over there. 

What Are Dolomites?

For those who love not only the fresh breeze of the Dolomite’s nature but also a cute charm of rural villages, I suggest visiting a town of Feltre. If you get hungry, drive to Ristorante Pizzeria San Fermo with a gorgeous view to Felter and surrounding area. 

Aren’t you familiar with Dolomites? According to ChatGPT (never ever I thought of citing an AI in my blog), the Dolomites, also known as the “Pale Mountains,” are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. They are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and extend across the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino. The Dolomites are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, unique rock formations, and picturesque landscapes. (Well done, GPT!)

2. Venice: to Feel like Struck by a Romance

There is no need to introduce Venice – the unique and picturesque city built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is one of the most visited places in Italy and even though two of our three part ‘Italian road trip’ gang have already been to Venice, we made a quick 1-day visit over there. 

Where to Park in Venice?

The city is prepared for millions of visitors annually, and there are several parking spots you can choose from, which are located at the beginning of the town near the station and the port. I truly don’t remember which one we chose, but it cost us 26 euros for around 4 hours of parking. 

In this very short time we managed to get a city ride through the canals on one of the boat buses, we took a short walk through the narrow enchanting streets, visit St. Mark’s Square and immerse ourselves in the city’s distinctive atmosphere .

Is Venice Worth Visiting for Less Than a Day?

I believe it is! Especially when you are on a road trip, you can come to visit the city for a half day or so. I personally saw Venice twice, always for a few hours and yes, there are plenty of corners and places my eyes have never seen. Yet, I was able to enjoy the atmosphere.

Venice is usually very crowded which feels overwhelming so if you want to experience the romantic sensation without getting annoyed after a while, a day trip to Venice is definitely enough to dive into the vibe of the city. Moreover, the city is not much of fun in a heatwave.

3. Pisa: for the Historical Chic Vibe

Wait, there wasn’t any stop in between Venice and Pisa? It is nearly a 4-hour ride! You’re sensing it correctly – there was something in between! We supposed to stay 3 nights in Livorno – a coastal city in Tuscany, situated on the western coast of the country, facing the Ligurian Sea.

This city unfortunately didn’t charm us enough and our accommodation didn’t meet even our modest standards. It was dirty, half broken and the town felt strange, not clean, not charming and with not many interesting things to do. 

We packed our stuff and cancelled the booking with many relevant arguments (the flat wasn’t basically meeting elementary standards of a holiday home). Afterwards we headed to our new home in Zoagli – a small coastal town located in the Liguria.

My brother – the main driver – wasn’t happy to get to our new holiday house as it was located at the top of a hill with many tiny curvy roads. His anger was swiped away by the picturesque views, heavenly silence and a real Italian holiday atmosphere. 

Can You Visit Pisa Within a Few Hours?

Back to Pisa! On our way from Livorno to Zoagli we stopped to see Pisa. Once again, it is a great place to add to your road trip through Italy. It doesn’t require a long stay, we popped in only for 3 hours, had a look at the historical buildings, walked through lovely Italian streets, took some drinks and ice-cream and headed to Zoagli. 

The plus of Pisa is that the most important stuff is located at the same square: Leaning Tower of Pisa (Campanile di Pisa), Pisa Cathedral (Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta) or Baptistry of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni). 

The parking in Pisa was so cheap that we didn’t even list it in our budget Excel sheet. We literally paid around 2 or 3 euros! 

4. Cinque Terre: for Amazing Views & Fantastic Vibes

Cinque Terre, a renowned and picturesque coastal area located on the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria, was my dream nearly forever! The place, translated as “Five Lands,” didn’t disappoint me. The five villages perched on rugged cliffs offer truly unique and astonishing views to the Ligurian Sea, terraced vineyards, scenic hiking trails, and colourful houses that cling to the cliffs.

What Are The Villages of Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage , consists of five colourful fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore . You can easily visit all of them within a day if you wish so.

Each village in Cinque Terre has its distinct character and attractions. Monterosso al Mare is known for its beautiful beaches, Vernazza captivates with its picturesque harbour, Corniglia is perched on a hilltop, Manarola is famous for its charming streets and vineyards, and Riomaggiore is known for its colourful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. I truly can’t decide which one I enjoyed the most!

However, The views from Vernazza struck me the most. As well, my very first lemon pizza I tasted on the busy plaza. Corniglia also showed us its rough face. We walked down to see the stony beach and an area, which probably used to be a swimming spot with little bunks for getting changed, has turned into a place for homeless people.

It wasn’t anything dangerous in particular, but it felt incredibly change. It is easy to forget about social struggles on your trip, so things like this can really hit you.

Road Trip in Cinque Terre: Is it a good idea?

No, I don’t think that travelling around Cinque terre is a good idea. I can imagine that the road above offers you spectacular views, but it can be extremely time-consuming . The road is curvy, up on the hills and it would require lots of time to come down to the village, drive up back to the road etc.

We drove from our flat in Zoagli to Levante where we purchased 3 one day train tickets for only €54,60 so €18.20 each which is, in my opinion, a great price! With this ticket, you can move from a place to a place for the whole day!

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage any hiking because the w eather was unbearable for long walks. It was around 32 or 34 degrees and walking up and down the stairs ate all our energy. Alert: these villages are built on a hill, their visit requires lots of walking up and down!

5. Portofino & San Fruttuoso: for the Bluest Sea You Can Get

Portofino is a small fishing village and resort town located on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region of Italy. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and exclusive destinations in the Mediterranean. Even though Cinque Terre felt like a dream, Portofino was definitely the highlight of the Northern Italian road trip for me!

The cobalt to midnight blue water in the area is eye-catching and has such a calming effect on your soul. The village is nestled between lush green hills and the stunning waters of the Ligurian Sea, creating a picturesque backdrop.

The waterfront is lined with pastel-coloured buildings, high-end boutiques, and waterfront restaurants. Even though it is considered of one of the most luxurious areas, it still keeps its natural charm – nothing tacky! 

One of the main attractions in Portofino is the Piazzetta, a small square that serves as the heart of the village. The Piazzetta is a hub of activity and a popular spot for people-watching. Visitors can enjoy a coffee or gelato while taking in the charming atmosphere.

Best Waters Are in Fruttuoso!

After a short walk around Piazzetta we decided to take a boat trip to Fruttuoso – without any expectations. What a blast swim we took over there! The return boat tickets from Portofino to Fruttuoso cost us €15 each, which is a very fair price for such an exclusive area. 

San Fruttuoso is a hidden gem along the Ligurian coastline, known for its historic abbey, stunning natural surroundings, and idyllic beach. It is a destination favoured by those seeking a peaceful retreat but mostly, enjoying the dark blue waters which feel like silk on your skin!

Let me reveal one of my weird phobias – sharks! I have a fear of being killed by sharks in an open sea, that is why I am extremely sensitive to the quality of the water. As soon as I can’t see the bottom or as soon as the colour of the water ‘doesn’t seem’ right, I start feeling uncomfortable. 

There are no fears in Fruttuoso waters! It feels just so beautiful. The depth of its colour is incredible: dark blue yet still crystal clear. Entering it just felt so welcoming. I didn’t want to go anywhere else, I wanted to merge with the water and become one!

Portofino and Fruttuoso are must-sees on your Italian road trip, even if you’re considering the south of the country. The Ligurian Sea at this coast was one of the most beautiful seas I have ever seen. 

6. Lake Garda: for Its Rural Charm and Nostalgic Vibe

It took my a while to see the main reason behind my Lago di Garda obsession. Yes, it is gorgeous, cute, the mountains are hugging from every corner and the lake shines like a diamond. But the real reason why I love this place is the nostalgic feeling it triggers in me.

The time stops there, the tall shadows hanging from the mountains are tingling my soul, the lemon trees feel like I am Sophia Loren in an old Italian film and that love awaits around every little corner! Oh man, I love that feeling!

Laka Garda was our last stop during our road trip through Northern Italy. We stopped there not only because we are constantly charmed by the place, but mostly as our mum was working over there. We stayed in Pai and visited Malcesine and Limone. 

I have written several articles about Lake Garda which you can read listed under Lake Garda tag. It was a wonderful closure of our road trip. Once again, get ready for many steps and hilly roads!

Tips for your Northern Italy Road Trip in July

• The temperatures can be extreme, drink lots of water, take great amount of sun blocker, a hat or a cap, try avoiding doing physical activities during lunchtime when the sun is the strongest. 
• Plan the structure of your road trip ahead and possibly stay at the coast where the heatwaves strike softer. Driving through the inland was extremely exhausting. 
• The prices of tolls, parking and petrol vary so much that it is better to be prepared for any costs. 
• Rent or take a white car if possible. We had a black one, and it was damn hot!
• Take the car and travel insurance seriously. The coastal roads offer amazing views but are also a bit dangerous due to its surface, hilly form –  we had a little stone hitting our front window which crashed due to high temperatures. 
• Be ready for never-ending tunnels! A big chunk of the coastal roads on the west are craved into hills or rock, and there is a special tunnel ‘schedule’. The tunnels are narrow and operate in both ways, so you may end up waiting for 15 minutes for your turn. The plus is that you can get off the car and have a little stroll around!

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Home » Blog » Plan the Ultimate Fall Road Trip to the Dolomites of Italy

Plan the Ultimate Fall Road Trip to the Dolomites of Italy

I recently spent some time exploring the Italian Dolomites and now I am convinced that it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth! I’ve lived in mountainous places such as Colorado and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and traveled to destinations like Peru, Alaska, Switzerland, and New Zealand… and nothing quite prepared me for the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. The scenery literally had us laughing out loud at its sheer beauty and scale!

In this blog post I am sharing all the details about our fall road trip around the Dolomites, including everything you need to know to plan your own visit! You’ll find information about where to stay, what to see, a packing guide, location map, suggested itinerary, and more!

Disclaimer : This blog post is in collaboration with  Backcountry.com and features some affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry order (some exclusions apply). You can also learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

The Dolomites are a mountain range located in north-eastern Italy, close to the border of Austria. Although they are entirely within Italy, you could be fooled into thinking that you are in Austria due to the style of architecture that dominates the region, and with the most common language being German. This is due to the region belonging to the Austro-Hungarian empire until it was annexed by Italy in 1918.

The mountains in the Italian Dolomites are some of the most dramatic you will find anywhere on earth, and are a haven to outdoor adventurers and tourists year-round. Popular activities during the summer months are hiking, climbing, and biking. Whereas in the winter over 130 kilometers of ski slopes and 400 ski lifts keep visitors coming back again and again.

When to Visit the Dolomites for Fall Colors

We chose to visit the Dolomites in October (2019), partly because of the reduced crowds, but also due to the INSANE fall colors that surround the region at this time of year. Timing fall colors can be difficult as the dates of peak colors can vary year-to-year depending on the weather.

Our research showed that the most common peak autumn colors were around the 15th-25th of October , so we planned our trip within this window. Lucky for us, these dates ended up working out perfectly this year and we arrived to an incredible display of color that lasted throughout our stay.

How to get to Northern Italy

Getting to northern Italy is fairly easy. There are numerous major airports that are within a short driving distance, with the most common for Dolomites access being Milan and Venice . We opted to fly into Milan, pick up a rental car, and drive approximately 4 hours to our first destination in the Dolomites (see a suggested itinerary further down this blog post!) Another option would be to fly into a neighboring country, with cities such as Munich, Zurich, Innsbruck being relatively close.

• Zurich Airport – Switzerland: 5-6 hours
• Malpensa Airport – Milan, Italy:  4-5 hours
• Munich International Airport – Germany: 3-4 hours
• Marco Polo International Airport – Venice, Italy: 2-3 hours
• Innsbruck Airport – Austria: 2-3 hours

How long to spend in the Dolomites

How long you spend exploring the Dolomites of Italy will depend on your style of travel, how much time you typically enjoy spending at each destination, and whether or not your priority is to capture photos.

My husband and I are professional photographers and one of our main goals when traveling is to capture images. We therefore typically allow for longer at each destination to account for any potential bad weather days, changing autumn colors, etc. Our trip to the Dolomites was 8 nights total, split between two main destinations (see more info below).

If you aren’t so focused on capturing photographs then I would say about 5 nights would be a nice amount of time to see the areas highlights.

Where to stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites has a variety of small towns you can base yourself in. Accommodation options include guest houses, hotels, rifugios, vacation rentals ( Airbnb / VRBO ), tent camping, or staying in a camper van. We opted to stay in apartments booked through VRBO and this ended up suiting our needs really well. Below are the two towns we chose to split our time between:

Ortisei (Urtijëi)

We spent three nights in Ortisei and found it to be a great base to access a lot of the western Dolomites, including Seisler Alm, Val Di Funes, Seceda, St. Valentin Church/Siusi, and Gardena Pass. Note that the town is called Urtijëi in German, which can confuse some visitors.

There weren’t a lot of food options open in October when we visited due to it being the off-season, but there was a couple of really nice restaurants that suited us fine for the time we were there (definitely check out Restaurant & Pizzeria Cascade! )

Cortina D’Ampezzo

Cortina D’Ampezzo was another great base for our activities. We were there for 5 nights and used this as a base to explore the areas further east in the Italian Dolomites, including Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, Passo Giau, Lago Di Braies, Lago Federa, etc.

Cortina D’Ampezzo is actually quite a large town, and numerous food options were open despite it being off-season. With that said, never trust opening hours stated on Google Maps during autumn because many restaurants said they were open when they weren’t. Our favorite food stop in Cortina was the restaurant at Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi , I would definitely recommend checking it out!

Getting around the Italian Dolomites

I think by far the best way to get around the Dolomites is by car . This allows you to have freedom of when and where you want to go, especially in shoulder seasons when there are limited gondolas open. We also noticed that there were limited public transport options available in many of the areas we visited.

We opted to rent our car in Milan and dropped it off in Venice (for a small one-way fee). In fact, we always research car rentals through Sky Scanner , Priceline , and Car Rentals to ensure we get the best deal possible. Be mindful that most rentals in Europe are for manual transmission, so you need to request automatic if that is your preference.

Note that Italian drivers are quite speedy and can be slightly aggressive in the way they navigate traffic – it’s totally normal! Also keep in mind that there are tolls on the major highways (cash or card is fine) and many roads have speed cameras .

Things to know before you visit

• Food options are limited in the Dolomites during autumn. Don’t trust that just because Google Maps says that somewhere will be open that it actually will be.
• Consider traveling with friends to save money. There are a lot of VRBO/Airbnb style accommodations with space for four or more people, and splitting the cost of this will make it cheap for everyone. This also helps break up the costs of entrance and parking fees if you can carpool places.
• A lot of the rifugios, gondolas, cable cars, etc are closed during fall. Be sure to check opening dates online before relying on them to be running.
• The Dolomites are in Italy, and thus use the Euro currency. Make sure to always have some cash on hand as we found that some smaller stores do not accept credit card.
• There are speed cameras in a lot of the towns in the Dolomites. Definitely stick to the speed limit not only for your safety, but also for the sake of your bank account.
• Most people we encountered spoke some English, though keep in mind that Italian and German are the primary languages. It helps to have Google Translate handy!

Dolomites Fall Packing List

Temperatures and conditions can vary during fall in the Dolomites. The average high for mid-late October is around 43-53° Fahrenheit/6-12° Celsius, and the average low is 31-39° Fahrenheit/-1-4° Celsius. It snowed on the mountain peaks during our visit and we did get a couple of days of rain. Below I have suggested some packing items based on what I found most useful during our 8 days, factoring in that we spent most of our time sight-seeing and hiking.

This blog post and the items below are in collaboration with Backcountry.com , who are my go-to for purchasing outdoor and travel gear. They offer free 2-day shipping on orders over $50, easy returns, 24/7 advice from their amazing Gearheads, and they support incredible causes like The Nature Conservancy. Backcountry have kindly offered my readers 15%   off  first-time online orders using code  RENEE15 !  *some exclusions apply

Outer Layers

I found myself reaching for the below outer layers almost everyday of our trip. Some days the cold lows plus icy wind chill even had me layering every single one haha. Most importantly, I would ensure you have at least one warm insulation layer and one waterproof layer for adventure we went on.

For hiking adventures I found myself using the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Jacket + Black Diamond Liquid Point Rain Jacket . Then for more casual sight-seeing adventures I was often reaching for my warm Columbia South Canyon Sherpa Lined Jacket (also waterproof) and cozy options such as the Carve Designs Roley Cowl Neck Sweatshirt and Patagonia Retro Pile Vest .

Again, I found myself reaching for these pieces frequently during our time in the Dolomites. My Icebreaker Quantum Full Zipped Jacket was perfect for layering when hiking, and my Patagonia Fjord Flannel and Backcountry Crewneck Sweatshirt were my go-to’s for more casual moments.

Base Layers

Breathable and versatile base layers are your best bet for a trip to the Dolomites. Make sure to pack a least one long-sleeve top (I opted for The North Face HyperLayer Crew Top ) and one short sleeve (the Icebreaker Sphere Crew Shirt is my favorite). Then I would also suggest packing a pair of thermal bottoms for layering under pants during any super chilly mornings. Icebreaker make my favorite thermals and I packed the BodyFit 175 Everyday Leggings for this trip.

Black on black on black 😉 I pretty much just packed a variety of black pants for our trip to the Dolomites haha. My go-to’s were the Backcountry Sundial Tights (fleece lined and cozy!), the Backcountry Millvue Active Leggings , and a pair of black jeans . I alternated the different options depending on how cold it was and what kind of activities we were doing that day. You can’t really go wrong with this set.

Waterproof Shoes

Comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof shoes are a must if you plan to explore the Dolomites. I opted to pack one pair of hiking boots ( Danner Arika Hikers ) and one pair of slightly more casual shoes ( Blundstone Super 550 Series Boot ). Both served me well and I didn’t find myself needing anything else.

You will want some kind of day bag for your adventures in the Dolomites. Being a photographer, I opted for the Peak Design Everyday Backpack (which also acts as a camera bag). If you don’t have a ton of photography gear then I would recommend a bag like the Osprey Skarab 30L or something more casual like a Fjallraven Kanken .

Accessories

These four items are a must! You will 100% want a warm hat/beanie and some kind of gloves during your time in the Dolomites as it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings. Packing a scarf/neck warmer would also be handy if you have the room. A reusable water bottle is another essential (please don’t buy single-use plastic water bottles), and I also used my Petzl Actik headlamp on numerous sunrise/sunset hiking adventures.

Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites

There are almost endless places you could explore in the Italian Dolomites! I have listed some of our favorites below, including some extra information to help you plan your visit. I also marked them all on this map :

St. Valentin Church/Siusi

In the western part of the Dolomites lies the quaint town of Siusi. Sitting on the hilltop above is St. Valentin Church, which can be accessed via a short walk from town. It is a beautiful spot to visit in the early hours of the day or during sunset, with the mountains providing the perfect backdrop for photographs. Besides its picturesque location below Alpe de Siusi, St. Valentin Church is also marveled for its stunning frescoes inside and on its outer walls.

Visiting Seceda was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to the Dolomites. We woke at 3am so we could make the hike up to Seceda for sunrise. It’s about a 1.5 – 2.5 hour hike to the top depending on your pace. The hike is quite steep, so be prepared and bring enough water. It can also be bitterly cold up there in fall, so pack plenty of layers! We had 2 jackets and were still cold when we got to the top earlier than expected. Make sure to take your time walking down and enjoy the views on the way back.

Note: There is a gondola that runs to the top of Seceda during peak seasons. If you don’t feel like hiking to the top, you can use this depending on the time you visit and if it is currently operating.

Val Di Funes

Val Di Funes was one of our favorite areas in the Dolomites. Our first stop was the Church of St Johann near the town of Santa Magdalena (listed as ‘Kirche St. Johann in Ranui’ on Google Maps). There is a fence which prevents you from entering the property, but there is a small viewing platform which allows you to see the church and snap some photos from a distance. This was definitely worth a quick stop, the backdrop of the Odle mountain range is truly beautiful from here! Apparently you can pay to visit the church but the view from the free viewing platform was perfect for us.

Next we parked in the town of Santa Magdalena and walked about 20 minutes up the road to a viewing point which would provide an epic view of the town at sunset (listed as ‘Chiesa di Santa Maddalena’ on Google Maps). You are not able to drive this road and will get a parking fine if you try. It was definitely worth the walk, the view from up here was incredible and a great way to end the day.

Alpe De Siusi/Seisler Alm

Seisler Alm is the largest high alpine meadow in Europe, and it was absolutely breathtaking! We parked at Compatsch, then walked 1 hour to a location that overlooks some cute cabins for sunrise (photo location marked on the map featured above). You are able to walk as far or little as you feel, but we chose that spot in particular because it is very photogenic for sunrise. Due to limited parking, driving into Seisler Alm is restricted unless you are staying at a hotel within the area (which can be expensive), so factor this into your plans.

Sadly we didn’t get the best weather at Alpe De Siusi (as you can see in the above photo) but it was still beautiful nonetheless!

Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena)

This is one of the main passes in the Italian Dolomites, and it’s absolutely spectacular in fall. Golden larch trees cover the mountainsides and the roads wind through some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen. At the top there is a parking lot with access to a beautiful little trail that provides views of the Sella mountains that we really enjoyed. You can also visit the Gardena Pass Chapel while up there.

Giau Pass (Passo Giau)

Passo Giau is another of the popular passes in the Dolomites and provides stunning, 360 degree mountain views. Up at the top of the pass there is a rifugio and many hiking options for those that want to stretch their legs. There is also a small hotel that is open during busier seasons in case you wanted to spend a night close by.

Tre Cime de Lavaredo

I think Tre Cime de Lavaredo might be my favorite area that we visited in the Italian Dolomites. The peaks are absolutely mind-blowing! There are hiking trails, both long and short, that leave from the parking lot and will provide you with some of the best mountain views you can find on earth. There are also multiple refugios (season dependent) that you can stay at in this area, one right at the parking lot, and two others along the hiking trails.

Note: There is a $30 Euro entrance fee per car to enter the area.

Lago Di Braies

In fact, Lago Di Braies felt like the Lake Louise of Italy. It’s so beautiful, but also incredibly busy! With that said, it was still worth visiting to enjoy the scenery for a couple of hours… and the hot chocolate at the cafe there was to die for! The lake is accessible right from the parking lot, and there is a loop trail that goes around the whole lake if you feel like going for a walk. There are also larger hiking trails that leave from this area.

Note: Parking was $6 Euro per car.

Madonna Della Corona

Madonna Della Corona is not in the Dolomites, but it is a short detour on the way to the Dolomites from Milan. To visit the church you park at the town of Spiazzi and then walk down a short, but steep trail. Be sure to take some water with you, we didn’t and regretted it! There are a few food options in town, so you can get a bite to eat here if you are feeling hungry.

Suggested Dolomites Itinerary

We spent a little over a week in the Dolomites and felt like it was a good amount of time for us as photographers who like to take our time to really explore an area. With that said, we felt that about 5-6 days would be perfect for the average traveler. Here is my suggested itinerary for an incredible time in the Dolomites:

Drive from Milan to the Dolomites, making a short detour to Madonna Della Carona on the way. Eat lunch in Spiazzi, then continue towards Ortisei where you will spend the night. If you have daylight hours remaining on your way through to Ortisei, check out St. Valentin Church in Siusi for sunset. Have dinner in Ortisei. We enjoyed Restaurant and Pizzeria Cascades and ate there multiple times while in Ortisei (options were very limited in October).

Hike up to Seceda in the morning. It’s likely that the gondola will be closed if you visit in fall (most in the Dolomites will be), so walking will be your only option. Pack plenty of water and snacks. We did a loop that ended up being around 9.5 miles and 2700 feet of elevation gain, so it’s a pretty tiring walk! But definitely worth it for the incredible views.

If you started your hike up to Seceda nice and early then you should have enough time to get back to your accommodation in Ortisei, rest up for a little while, and then head over to Val Di Funes for sunset. Visit the Church of St. Johann when you first arrive. This is a beautiful stop and great for photos (there is a platform to stand on so you don’t disturb the farmers pastures).

Next, park in town and follow the crowds up to Panorama Di Santa Magdalena (as it’s named on Google Maps). From here you will get an epic view for sunset over Santa Magdalena and the Odle mountains in the distance. We chose to have dinner at Pizzeria Restaurant Viel Nois in San Pietro on the way back to our apartment and it was quite good.

Start day 3 by driving to Alpe De Siusi and walking around Europe’s largest high alpine meadows. You can park at Compatsch and hike in as little or as far as you’d like, it’s such a beautiful area out there. Our favorite spot was about an hour walk towards Adler Lodge Alpe. Please note that you must park at Compatsch and not drive beyond this point as it is a private road reserved for locals and hotel guests only.

Once you have finished up at Alpe Di Siusi, it should be time to head back to your accommodation and check out. Grab lunch and then drive towards Cortina D’Ampezzo, stopping at Gardena Pass along the way. Up at Gardena Pass there’s a cute little church to check out, as well as hiking trails that you can follow. We did a short walk along the trail that heads south towards some towering peaks and that was a nice little hike to stretch the legs and break up the drive.

From here, take your time getting to your accommodation in Cortina D’Ampezzo , admiring the views along the way. There is another pass along the way that was really beautiful, and there are a lot of cute mountain towns you can stop at to stretch your legs. Finish your day by checking in to your accommodation and having a bite to eat – we really liked the restaurant at Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi.

Start your day by eating breakfast at Pasticceria Panificio Alvera (one of our favorite food stops in the Italian Dolomites) and head out for a drive to Passo Giau . The drive up to the pass is beautiful and the whole area is surrounded by golden larch trees at this time of the year. Once at the pass, there are multiple hiking options depending on how adventurous you are feeling. We chose to walk the short but well-maintained path up beyond the hotel to the top of the hill.

Next, drive towards Tre Cime Di Lavaredo , stopping at both Lago Di Misurina and Lago Di Antorno along the way. Once you reach Rifugio Auronzo make sure you have your hiking boots on, snacks and water packed, and set out on the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo loop hike. It’s a 10.3km hike that does a loop around the incredible Tre Cime mountains. Although 10.3km might sound long to some, this hike can be completed by almost anyone assuming you leave time for rest stops. It’s quite an easy hike with not too much uphill, and the views are absolutely breathtaking the whole way around.

Upon completing the hike head back towards Cortina D’Ampezzo, but stop for dinner at Quinz Ristorante dell Locanda or Pizzeria Edelweiss, both located along Lago Di Misurina.

After breakfast, head towards Lago Di Braies (about a 50 minute drive). The earlier you can do this, the better. Lago Di Braies is one of the most popular places in the Dolomites, and gets extremely busy. Don’t let that turn you off though, it’s definitely worth seeing. Be sure to grab a hot chocolate from the cafe near the parking lot, it might be one of the best I’ve ever had! Take a walk on the trail that goes around the whole lake to escape a lot of the crowds.

Next, head back towards Cortina D’Ampezzo, stopping at both Lago Di Dobbiaco and Lago Di Landro along the way. Spend the rest of the day checking out any areas you felt that you would like to see more of.

Wake up, cry about having to leave, then make your way back to the airport. Another option would be to head south to Venice (what we did!) and enjoy some different scenery for a couple of days. 

Responsible Travel

As always, please respect local rules and leave every place you travel better than you found it . Here are some general tips for being a responsible traveler :

• There shouldn’t be any physical evidence that you were there – don’t carve your name into things, don’t leave love locks, don’t litter. For more information about how to reduce your physical impact, check out the 7 Leave No Trace Principles – a program encouraging sustainable exploration of the outdoors.
• Learn how to say “hello” and “thank you” in the local language. Educate yourself on local customs and actions that could be considered offensive (like taking photographs without permission). The first step to being a responsible tourist is being a respectful tourist.
• Think green – don’t leave lights on in your hotel room, don’t leave water running, pack a reusable water bottle/utensils and avoid buying single use plastics, and take public transport when it is an option. Check out my blog post: 6 Easy Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Impact on the Planet .
• Purchase goods from local people to directly support the economy. Choose locally made handicrafts instead of mass-produced magnets, mugs or keychains. When bargaining for goods, consider appropriate pricing rather than a “sweet deal.”
• Don’t participate in harmful forms of animal tourism/entertainment. Check out the World Animal Protection’s  guide to an animal-friendly holiday  for more information on what to look for in wildlife attractions.
• Consider off-setting your carbon emissions for air travel.  My Climate , Gold Standard  and  Carbon Fund  are non-profit carbon offset organizations that I have found to be easy to use and are doing a lot of good in the world.

PIN to read later!

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21 comments

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE HIGHS AND LOW MONTHS IN COMPACCIO, ALPI SI SIUSI, ITALY. THANK YOU.

Your post is awesome! We are planning to visit Oct 2022 and could you tell us how much did you pay for a car rental? Petrol for the 7 days and any tolls and taxes added?

Thanks so much

Hey I’m actually planing my trip for summer and I’d like to know how much are the tolls motorway etc. and tunnels if you went through any. Thanks

These photos are INCREDIBLE! Thank you for sharing another beautiful trip 🙂

Hi, great post. very informative.

I would lke to know if i can all roads are accessible in dolomites from nov 12- nov 19. If yes, can i handle with 2 wheel drive or is it mandatory to have 4 wheel drive.

Any tips or suggestions about driving are welcome.

Thank you for make me dream to travel again ! 🙂 I really love the color of your Arcteryx Cerium LT coat, do you know by any chance the name of the color ? Thank you so much!

• Pingback: Plan the Ultimate Fall Road Trip to the Dolomites of Italy – Travel Ideas Blog

Thanks for this beautiful post! Do you have any Venice recommendations as well? Where did you stay, top things to see, best places to eat? Thanks again, your blog posts really help with trip planning! 🙂

Hi Renee, my girlfriend and I are planning to go to the Dolomites this year in September. We love hiking and especially wild camping. Do you know if this is allowed in the Dolomites? Thanks for your awesome blog. It helped us a lot with our plannings 🙂

Planning a trip to the Dolomites this year! In the picture you have in this blog post with your “outer gear” listed – where is that? I know in a picture above, you list it as “Tre Cime di Lavaredo”, but when I look it up I do not see anything that looks like that. Looking for the hike name if you remember!!! Thank you!!!

Spectacular photos, thank you! We’re heading to Milan in SEPT 2020 on an REI hiking trip. Lake Como and St Moritz are two of the primary stop overs and then on our own to Florence. Your trip details confirmed that Italy is spectacular. Any Florence tips??

Sadly we didn’t get to Florence this time but I would definitely like to visit one day! Enjoy your time in Italy and Switzerland ☺️

Great post! One thing: Ortisei is called St. Ulrich in German. It is called Urtijëi in Ladin which is the most spoken language in that area.

This is such an amazing and detailed guideline! Dolomites have been on my wish list. Now I’ll make sure I go during autumn for the beautiful colors. Thank you so much, Renee, for all the thoughts and effort you put into this post.

I really appreciate that – thank you Cynthia!

I am sooo excited to go here now even more than before!!

Beautiful pictures and very well explained every detail… love this blog, definitely will be visiting the Dolomites soon! Thank you! ♥️

I never even had the Dolomites on my to do list before your blog post, but I certainly do now. Amazing photos and so much useful information. I’m definitely going to reference this when I organise my own trip. Thanks once again Renee for your fantastic travel advice.

That makes me so happy to hear! 🙂

Your content is, as Always, top notch ! Thanks so much for this post, the pictures are AMAZING (like, really in love with these fall colours), I’m a fan of the packing list (even though none of the links work for me as I live in France…) and this itinerary is interesting. Definitely enticing, I sure should add the Dolomites to the “GO SOON” travel list – especially since it’s just on the other side of the border !

Thank you Marion 🙂 I hope you can take your own trip to the Dolomites soon!

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The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your Dreams

Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Michela

All of Italy’s regions offer something unique, and in this guide the spotlight is on the north. If you are having trouble narrowing down the top places to visit for you or you’re starting from scratch seeking inspiration, you’ll find the perfect northern Italy itinerary for you in this post, along with tips for visiting this part of the country.

I live in northern Italy, so the area not only has a special place in my heart, but I’ve also traveled all around it!

There is truly so much to do and see that one trip may not be enough, which is why I have curated 5 northern Italy itineraries that play to certain strengths: one for those who want to see the most famous locations, one for outdoor adventurers, one for city-lovers, one for couples, and one for foodies, so you experience a little bit of everything.

Hopefully all these options make clearer what is at the top of your northern Italy bucket list!

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Creating The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary

Before we get into the fun part (the destinations!), I must let you know all the practicalities of planning a northern Italy itinerary.

How Long Should A Northern Italy Itinerary Be?

The big question when planning a trip is always: how long you should spend in northern Italy?

Ideally, a robust northern Italy itinerary falls somewhere between 10 and 14 days.

If you have longer, great! You can go more off-the-beaten-path and deep dive into the culture, taking the slow travel route.

If you have less time and want to see a lot, plan out your transportation well and get ready for days jam-packed with things to do and breathtaking places to see!

I’ll be recommending the stops on the itineraries in a certain order, but not necessarily saying you should be spending one day here and two days there. That is up to you and the flexibility of your travel dates!

I will sprinkle in extra tips and suggestions based on my own experience (so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I have) and extra destinations as well, so you can play with how much extra time you have and be informed about other places in the area well-worth seeing.

Want specific help planning your northern Italy itinerary? Check out my trip planning services , where I give you a personalized itinerary with all the suggestions and tips specific to your desires and needs!

When is the best time to visit Northern Italy?

As a resident of northern Italy, I can share with certainty that the best time to visit is either June or September. In these two months you get the best weather, the very beginning or the tail end of the busy summer tourist season and, if you book ahead, you can get great deals on reservations for rental cars and accommodation.

For those adventure seekers and outdoor lovers, you may also enjoy traveling through the Italian Alps in winter during peak ski season , which is early December to late February.

Read my guides to Italy in Spring , Italy in Summer , Italy in Fall , and Italy in Winter to dive deeper into which season may be a better fit for you.

How To Get Around Northern Italy

Another necessary and important element of visiting northern Italy is knowing how you’ll get around. Northern Italy is the mostly well-connected by public transportation that can take you just about anywhere.

Northern Italy is, however, partially composed of the Italian Alps which presents a challenge for train travel. While you’ll easily be able to get from city to city and even town to town using regional trains, going through the mountains will mean there are less stops and train options, or there may just be no options at all.

I recommend for anyone visiting the Italian Alps either rent a car or plan to book a tour that handles transportation throughout the day’s activities.

Bus travel is also an option, but comes with its own challenges: one, understanding regional bus routes in a short period of time, and two, using coach buses means you’ll get dropped off in one spot and you don’t have much freedom to travel around.

Here’s a more in-depth look at how to get around northern Italy:

There are both national train lines and regional train lines, meaning you are well-connected between the major cities and there are also options to reach smaller towns. Trains are generally easy to navigate, so tourists shouldn’t be intimidated.

They aren’t as cheap as buses, but they’re less expensive than renting a car.

If you’re planning on taking a train around northern Italy, read all my Italy train travel tips so you know exactly how to prepare.

• Mid-range price compared to bus and rental car travel
• Well-connected between cities and towns (regional trains)
• Can be less flexible

I use Omio for purchasing train tickets or go straight to the Trenitalia website .

Italy does not have a national bus line, so most buses are only regional or city. However, coach bus companies like Flixbus operate throughout the country and Europe, so you could travel between regions using their service.

Read about all of your options and how to navigate bus lines in my guide on buses in Italy .

Buses are usually the cheapest option for getting around , as Flixbus tickets are as low as $5. However, the travel time is the longest.

With regional buses you can typically reach small towns, while with Flixbus, you’ll mostly be limited to cities.

If you’re thinking of using regional or city buses, the real challenge is understanding the routes and planning your itinerary around the timetables.

I would only use the bus option if you are opting for a slow travel itinerary and have lots of time to spend in Italy, this way you save money but aren’t wasting half your vacation trying to figure out the buses.

Bus can also be a flexible and inexpensive option for airport transfer.

• Can be super cheap & is overall less expensive
• Least flexible
• Takes time to understand routes of regional or city buses
• Longest travel time

What’s more exciting than an Italy road trip ? It truly is the best way to visit the country and enjoy just how vastly different the landscapes are across the peninsula.

Renting a car in Italy is the most flexible yet most expensive option for traveling around northern Italy. If you’re hoping to visit many places that aren’t major cities or tourist spots, then I would absolutely recommend renting a car.

Any of these itineraries can be turned into a road trip itinerary – like I said, the country is best experienced by road trip!

• Most flexible
• Most comfortable
• Most expensive
• Have to get used to driving in Italy

5 Northern Italy Itineraries You Should Steal

The bucket list northern italy itinerary.

If you’re someone who’s embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, this itinerary is for you. Hit the 5 major areas on everyone’s northern Italy bucket list.

• Cinque Terre

There is an airport in both Venice and Milan so you could start your itinerary in either place. Both these cities will be your home base on this itinerary.

Book your stay in Milan and spend time exploring the city, while using the next few days to visit Cinque Terre and Lake Como as day trips. Curious about more spots to hit? Discover more day trips from Mi lan to beef up your itinerary.

Then you’ll head to Venice, from which you can do a day trip to the Dolomites.

If you’re working with a 10 day northern Italy trip, you can make it simple by spending two days in each place, or do as I’m suggesting using Milan and Venice as your home bases to explore more with day trips.

Here are some in-depth guides to help you plan exactly what to do in each destination:

• Milan in 24 hours
• One Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
• Lake Como in One Day: Varenna & Bellagio
• 3 Day Dolomites Itinerary
• Where to Stay in the Dolomites
• Unique Things To Do in Venice

Check out this Google Maps Trip Planner with extra itinerary suggestions:

Explore the Italian Alps

Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with the Italian Alps. Whether you like hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, the mountains are paradise.

The great thing is that even this itinerary is worthwhile for people who aren’t nature lovers but love the mountain landscape. You could engage in sports or you could visit to admire the views!

Here are the itinerary stops:

• Western Alps: Courmayeur, Gran Paradiso National Park, Breuil-Cervinia
• Central Alps : Lake Como, Bergamo, Val Brembana
• Eastern Alps: Dolomites

This epic northern Italy itinerary begins in Valle D’Aosta, the smallest and most underrated of Italy’s regions. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. You’ll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. But the true draw is the landscape!

Start as far west as possible in Courmayeur to visit Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. Then explore Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso , the oldest national park in Italy, before heading north to the tiny town turned ski haven Breuil-Cervinia to see Monte Cervino – otherwise known as the Matterhorn !

Making your way from the Western Alps, you’ll cross Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo in the Central Alps . Lake Como is a must stop also for mountain lovers: the peaks soaring above the lake are breathtaking. Dive deeper into the Val Brembana to the north of Bergamo to visit the villages of Branzi and Cornello dei Tasso.

Then head over to the Dolomites: the most unique of mountains with jagged grey peaks surrounded by the absolutely stunning valleys and green hills of Trentino Alto-Adige.

Check out the map to see this sample itinerary and extra suggestions on where to visit:

North Italy City-Breaks

Some travelers can’t get enough of a historic, bustling European city and Italy is rich with them.

From metropolitan Milan to the medieval hilltop city of Bergamo, the major cities in Italy all offer a different landscape to be explored.

The stops on this north Italy itinerary include:

You’ll probably start this itinerary in Milan, given that the most major airports are located just outside the city. However, if you’re flying from within Europe, you may want to consider flying into Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, which is a hub for Ryanair flights.

Regardless, these two sister cities are only 40 minutes apart by car, but exhibit completely different landscapes. Milan is bustling, crowded, the energy is always high.

Bergamo is big in size, but quaint in spirit. Life moves just a little bit slower, especially up in Città Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the medieval, historic old town that rests on a hilltop overlooking the more economic center, Città Bassa.

Head west to Turin , a financial and cultural hub like Milan, stylized by Baroque-style architecture and the famed Mole Antonelliana.

Head east and end your itinerary in Venice. There’s not much I need to explain as to why Venice is a good city-break: the uniqueness of its landscape and how it affects every aspect of life from transportation to food is crazy to experience in person.

Check out more in-depth locations for the perfect city-break itinerary to northern Italy on the map:

Most Romantic Places for Couples

It’s no secret Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world to visit, so I’ve also curated a North Italy itinerary perfect for couples, whether on honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a romantic trip.

Between wine, fairytale villages, and intimate vistas, you’ll be feeling the Italian romance.

Here are some of the most romantic places in Italy :

• Portovenere
• Franciacorta

Portovenere is an underrated hidden gem on the coast of Liguria. From the views to the quiet harbor to the unreal swimming spots like Lord Byron’s Grotto and the untouched beaches of Palmeria Island , it’s a lover’s paradise and exudes Italian charm. Nearby Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are a few extra stop ideas.

It’s no secret Lake Como is one of the most luxurious destinations in Italy and its exclusivity, plus the incredible views of villas and alpine peaks, makes it an intimate retreat. Make it easier to visit using my Lake Como budget tips , but don’t be afraid to indulge in visiting its most romantic places like Villa del Balbianello and the town of Bellagio .

The Tuscany of northern Italy? Franciacorta . Franciacorta is a territory between Bergamo and Brescia that produces sparkling wine or “spumante”, mostly Prosecco, Italy’s version of Champagne. If you love the idea of vineyard views on end and wine tasting with your partner, it must be added to your romantic itinerary.

Not far from Franciacorta is the region of Veneto, where the next half of the itinerary lies. Verona is the ultimate city of romance in Italy: the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, made up of rose-hued buildings and castles nestled over the Adige River.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, but its small, cascading hillside towns make the atmosphere intimate. Visit Sirmione for its enchanting castle and Limone sul Garda for its quiet charm. Curious for more ideas? Read about all the best towns on Lake Garda .

Last stop for lovers: Venice! You can’t take a romantic trip to Italy without enjoying the swoon-worthy, picturesque atmosphere of Venice. Gondola ride for two?

Discover more specific destinations for loved-up travelers on the map:

A Foodie’s Northern Italy Itinerary

Italian food is in a league of its own, but you’ll soon find out when visiting northern Italy that the traditional dishes are not pasta and pizza.

Instead, the meals are heartier, which reflect the lifestyle of the historic types of people living here: industrial workers or those living in the Alps having to face long winters.

People in northern Italy also love their local ingredients. Here are some foods to try in every region on this itinerary:

• Truffles in Piemonte
• Seafood, Focaccia, & Pesto in Liguria
• Polenta in Bergamo
• Spaghetti alla bolognese in Bologna

Starting in Piemonte, the speciality is one of the most expensive and luxurious foods in the world: truffles ! The best time to visit is in the fall, also when the White Truffle Festival takes place in Alba. I highly recommend booking a tour with a local guide for the unique experience of hunting for truffles and do a Barolo wine tasting.

Next stop is Liguria for fresh seafood, focaccia, and pesto ! You can pretty much walk into any bakery in Liguria and get an amazing piece of focaccia. I love simple focaccia, made with just oil, but the bread is so versatile that you’ll find many different versions. The other dish I ordered at every restaurant in Liguria: Trofie al Pesto.

After heading to the sea, return to the mountains around the area of Bergamo. Here you’ll find two specialties: polenta and pizzoccheri. Polenta is a versatile grain made plain, with cheese or as Polenta Contadina, made with cheese, spinach, and local sausage. Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. It comes from Valtellina, a valley in Lombardy bordering Switzerland.

Your last stop on this itinerary is tapping into a bit of central Italy territory, but it is a must stop for foodies. Bologna is the origin of many Italian food favorites : Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, Ragù Bolognese, Balsamic Vinegar and Lasagne. Arrive on an empty stomach and take a traditional food tour !

Check out the map with extra suggestions:

The SGTD Take

I could go on and on about all of the beautiful places to visit in northern Italy, but this post would then be at least 10,000 words. I highly suggest taking a look at the embedded maps to discover places worth adding to your itinerary based on the amount of time you have available.

Also take advantage of the linked posts within this article to discover individual destinations in depth and ultimately allow you to plan your trip better.

Northern Italy is a diverse landscape: mountains, sea, lakes, floating cities, metropolitan centers, food-rich countrysides. It’s hard to fit it all into one trip, but hopefully you’ve found the perfect itinerary for your trip to northern Italy or at least sparks of inspiration!

Which itinerary is on your bucket list? Leave a comment!

Italy Trip Planning Resources

• Accommodation : For Italy, I mainly use Booking.com to search and book places to stay.
• Booking flights : I like to search for flights through Skyscanner , but I also book direct depending on the airline.
• Activities & experiences : For things to do that require a ticket, and for more unique trip activities, I use Musement .
• Road trip : For renting a car, I get the best prices by comparing companies with AutoEurope . I then use ViaMichelin to estimate road trip costs and Autostrade.it to find gas stations/have live updates on traffic.
• Transportation : Traveling by public transportation is a great way to see Italy. I use Trenitalia or Trainline to book tickets for trains and Flixbus for long-haul bus trips.
• Accessories : I always travel with this portable charger to stay connected and with a universal adapter to accommodate Italy’s plug types.
• Need help planning an itinerary? Fill out my form for a custom itinerary request !

Save these itinerary ideas to Pinterest!

If you head out on your adventure using one of these itineraries or have questions for curating a totally customized itinerary, share with me – I’d love to hear how your trip has gone or help you further plan your dream northern Italy itinerary !

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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Hi Michela, I would love some suggestions on a 14 day itinerary to Northern Italy. We are coming from the West Coast of the US (California). This is our second trip. Our first trip we visited Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Genoa/Cinque Terre. We would really like to visit Bologna and Florence again and have to add Verona for sure due to business (just 1 day business meeting). I’d also like to see Lake Como, Lake Guardia, Dolomites and Piedmont but know we can’t fit it all in and I’m ok with making another trip some day. I was thinking of flying into Rome due to convenience and cost and flying out of Milan mostly due to convenience. We are not opposed to flying in and or out of any airport as long as it makes sense. I would love to hear your suggestions for an itinerary and how long to spend in each place

Those are all amazing places to visit! Since they are very concentrated in northern Italy, I would suggest flying roundtrip in and out of Milan. But if the price is better in Rome, you could always take a train to a major northern Italian city or find a cheap flight with RyanAir, for example.

As far as how long to spend in each place, here are my recommendations for a minimum amount of stay based on how much there is to do in each place (& my personal favorite spots!):

– Piedmont: at least 2 nights (Piedmont is a large region, so depending on how much you want to see, you could easily extend this a couple of nights) – Lake Como: at least 1 night – Bologna: at least 1 night – Florence: at least 2 nights – Verona: at least 1 night – Lake Garda: at least 1 night (or even a day trip from Verona & you stay in Verona 2 nights) – Dolomites: at least 2-3 nights

Planning the best order of visiting these places will depend on what airport you end up flying into, as well as what day your business meeting falls on! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out again!

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How To Plan An Epic Trip To The Dolomites Of Italy

Yes, we’ve all seen that beautiful glassy lake with the wooden boats and towering mountains in the Dolomites of Italy. But the real question is, how do you get yourself there ASAP??

The Dolomites have been popping up a lot lately online as it’s been a growing and popular tourist location for mountain lovers in Italy.

However, coming from the PNW, it’s a daunting task to figure out how to get yourself up in the Dolomites of Italy , let alone all the logistics that come with a European adventure like this.

In this post, we’re here to give you clarity on how you can plan your own Dolomites road trip and everything to see along the way.

You’ve probably seen on our Instagram posts and stories  that Berty and I went to the Dolomites in Northern Italy at the end of December. It was the last stop on our Euro trip, after spending Christmas time in London and Prague .

We learned a lot from our time in Italy, and we’re here to share our Dolomites travel guide to make planning your trip a lot easier!

This is an all-inclusive, meaty blog post with lots of information. Make sure to save this post to read later, or subscribe to our email list so you can be reminded to come back and read it when you’re ready to plan your trip to the Dolomites!

Pin these for more inspiration for the Dolomites in Italy!

How To Plan A Trip To The Dolomites

Thank you Alta Badia Tourism and Visit South Tyrol for hosting us during our stay. We are SO grateful for your generous hospitality! As always, all opinions are our own and we talk about our own real experiences in Italy!

1. Get To Know The Dolomites In Italy

You know you want to plan a Northern Italy trip, but where exactly is this place and why is it so special?

The Dolomites were established as a world heritage site as of 2009 . What makes a place qualify for this status? Here are just some of the UNESCO qualifications :

• “containing superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty / aesthetic importance” ( vii )
• “to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes” ( ix )
• “to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history” ( viii )

The Dolomite mountain area consists of 9 mountain ranges (see picture below) that cover 142,000 hectares, and have 4 official languages spoken among the area (Italian, German, Ladin, and Friulan).

The Dolomites are often referred to as the most beautiful mountain landscapes on earth which include features like towers, spires,  pinnacles, and contrasting landscapes.

Some areas of the Dolomites in Italy have standalone stars of the show like Tre Cime di Lavaredo  or Drei Zinnen, and others have sweeping panoramas .

Convinced yet? Read on to learn how to plan a trip to Northern Italy!

2. Book Tickets To Northern Italy

There are many ways to get to the Dolomites in Italy.

The easiest way would be to fly into nearby cities in Europe (like Venice, Zurich, or Munich) and then driving into the Dolomites by car.

There are lots of airports to choose from, it all depends on the route you want to take. Here are some drive times to the Dolomites to give you a good idea of where you can fly into:

• Munich (Germany) International Airport: 3 Hours 45 minutes
• Malpensa Airport (Milan, Italy) 5 hours
• Marco Polo (Venice, Italy) International Airport: 3 hours
• Bolzano Airport: 1 hour 40 minutes

You can also choose to fly into a cheaper (but farther) airport and spend a few days on an Italian road trip! Just make sure to obtain an International Driver’s Permit to cross borders and keep yourself safe. If you find yourself traveling through multiple European countries, it’s best to find out how to get an international driver’s permit , so you can be safe and legal on the roads.

Really, permits are only $25 for a whole year for driving anywhere in the world, so it should be an essential purchase!

When Should You Visit The Dolomites in Italy?

Depending on what activities you prefer, there are ideal seasons to visit the Dolomites. Here are some suggestions to narrow down your search…

• Winter – Come to the Dolomites in Italy during this time for epic snow sports. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating – they have it all.
• Spring – We were told by many locals that spring didn’t exist for some reason. Check out this weather chart to see what the temperature may be like for the month you want to visit. Be prepared for winter conditions!
• Summer –  Perfect weather for outdoor activities like horseback riding, golfing, hiking and biking. This is also a great time to see wildflowers in the valleys.
• Fall – The ideal time for a road trip in the Dolomites. Mild weather and shorter days make it easier to capture sunrises and sunsets on the amazing peaks.

Read More: Genius Tips On How To Conquer Jet Lag Read More: 7 Tips For Surviving The Airport During The Holidays

3. Find The Best Place To Stay In The Dolomites

The Dolomites are a popular area for tourists, snow sports enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers.

That being said, there is no shortage of beautiful places to stay in the Dolomites . Typical houses in this area of the Italian Alps are double farmhouses (one side for living one side for farming), ski chalets, and stone houses with large wooden frames.

Here are some places to stay in the Dolomites from a range of price points:

• Budget ($100 and under/night): San Cassiano Apartment , Colfocsco Apartment,   3 Person Colfosco Apt  ( Get $40 off Airbnb with our code here ! )
• Mid-Range: ($100-200/night): Hotel La Tambra , Club Hotel Regina e Fassa
• High End: ($200 and above/night): Hotel Miramonti , Hotel La Perla  ($$$), Hotel Rosalpina Dolomites

Also, if it’s your first time booking with Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first reservation!

4. Getting Around (Driving In The Dolomites Italy)

If you are interested in exploring the Dolomites in Italy, you will most definitely need transportation . We suggest renting a car in Italy , to give you the most flexibility and access around the area!

Many of the attractions of the Dolomites themselves are far away from one another, and relying on a bus or taxi to take you around could be expensive and time-consuming.

On our trip to the Italian Dolomites, we went with Sixt which was located in Venice Marco Polo Airport.

We would recommend researching the airport you are planning to fly into and see which rental companies are provided at your location. Reserve a car for driving in the Dolomites in advance ( make sure it’s four-wheel-drive! ) and you will be good to go.

Read More: 30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Need To Pack

5. Map Out The Places To See In The Dolomites

Attractions in the Dolomites in Italy are surprisingly far away from each other.  From Bolzano to Valle di Anterselva , there is so much to see across this area of South Tyrol!

Note: When Google maps may say to expect a 1-hour drive, they don’t take into consideration road conditions, traffic, and the twists/turns in the mountain passes and valleys.

When planning out your days, give yourself a lot of extra time for those unexpected delays and extra time to pull over for photos too. This is especially true driving in the Dolomites in winter. Check road closures, alternative routes, and give yourself extra time.

Here’s a trick we use at all our destinations in the Dolomites ( and you can find more tricks on our road trip planning post! ): Use the “save” feature on Google Maps.

Whenever we discover a new place we want to see, I’ll quickly look it up on google and “star” the location on my map. This way, when we are planning out our driving route, we will know where locations are along the way.

Read More: Tools To Make Road Trip Planning 1000x Easier

Some popular spots to visit in the Dolomites:

• Lago di Braies
• Tre Cime de Lavaredo
• Sass Pordoi (the highest mountain pass in the Dolomites)
• The road from San Cassiano to  Falzarego Pass
• Monte Cristallo
• Lago di Senaiga
• Lago di Carezza
• Val Gardena
• Falzarego Pass
• Alpe di Siusi
• Cinque Torri
• Seceda Ridgline
• Val di Funes
• Lago di Limides
• Lago di Antorni

We also suggest that you make your own Dolomites road trip route, and then consult a local for them to suggest a better one.

They know the roads better than you do! Our friends made tons of suggestions that actually saved us hours of driving!

Read More: 8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

6. Get Local Food Recommendations

Many of the dishes on the Dolomites of Italy are from the Ladin culture – North Italians or communities who have lived in the Dolomites for centuries.

The food has roots in farm culture, where you used things available to you and got creative with minimal ingredients. From local cuisine to traditional Italian appetizers , here are some things you should try in the Dolomites:

• Turtres – spinach and ricotta stuffed tortellini
• Cajinci – ravioli filled with sharp Graukäse cheese
• Barley soup and venison fillet
• You can find more food examples from this Ladin cuisine PDF by Alta Badia Tourism.

In addition to the local cuisine, many restaurants serve Italian favorites like pasta, pizza, and of course, wine.

We also discovered the wonderful experience of taking an Aperitivo . In short, this pre-meal is designed to prepare your stomach for the next meal. You will usually be served with wine, cheeses, meats, and bread.

It’s a fun way to chat with friends, tide your stomach over until the next meal, and nibble on snacks in a cozy setting.

7. The Perfect Packing List For the Dolomites In Italy

Remember that no matter what time of year you visit, you are going to the mountains and it still gets very cold at night!

Pack on the warmer side.

Berty and I visited in the winter and we were really happy we brought these gloves – they let us handle our cameras in the freezing cold without an issue!

We also got lots of use out of our beanies , scarves , and cozy winter coats , which was a huge help in the blizzard-like conditions on our snowshoeing adventure.

We definitely recommend checking the weather before you go! This will help you get an idea of what to expect, and to help you pack accordingly.

For more list and ideas for packing, here are some posts we’ve created that will help you out:

• 30 Essentials For Carry-On Only Travel
• 6 Winter Coats and Jackets To Wear This Season
• 20 Favorite Carry-On Bags For Travelers

40 Essentials For Every Winter Travel Packing List

That’s all we’ve got! We are sharing tips and tricks based off of our own short experience here in the Dolomites.

Thanks for reading along and we hope that you can find use out of it when you plan your own trip. Let us know if we should add anything to this list – our ears are open to hearing from North Italian lovers, locals, and fellow adventurers.

Have you ever been to the Dolomites in Italy? What advice might you have for someone who is traveling there for the first time? Let us know in the comments!

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