trip to northern italy

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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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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Northern Italy Tours & Trips

Whether you are dreaming about a gondola ride in Venice or searching for inspiration in the fashion capital of Milan, Northern Italy boasts cities that will enthrall you. Take an adventure to explore hidden gems and live like a local in the Dolomites , or discover the big cities and experience la dolce vita right before your eyes. From here, you can also visit  Swiss Alps .

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Hiking in the Dolomites

Great value for money. Good tour guide. Excellent travel company. Some days the hiking was a bit light. Would have given it 5 stars if the hiking was every day. Also tourradar/intrepid could also consider providing a higher cost tour where we stay at different refuges every day. This will reduce the transportation constraints and time and increase the Dolomites amazing experience.

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Deluxe Italian Escape with picturesque Cinque Terre

We had a great trip to Italy. Excellent communication while we were traveling. They really made us feel like they were with us every step of the way. Made things very easy so that we could just enjoy the experience.

• Food & Culinary
• Wine tasting

Italy Real Food Adventure

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

• In-depth Cultural

4 Days NORTHERN LAKES TOUR - from Milan

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide was very efficient, and thorough. She managed all inconsistencies in a professional and timely manner. Her professionalism and efficiency made our tour a sucess.

Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit

My 10-year-old son and I just came back from Rome-Florence-Venice and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was our first time in Italy and first time using a tour. There were a couple of minor hiccups but our tour operators, Hannah, Barbara, Rose, Wendy, Alberto, Sam were extremely helpful and pleasant to work with. They were super responsive via WhatsApp. I thought our itinerary was very reasonable. We mostly travel independently but the travel logistics were all arranged for us. Thanks again for the top-notch customer service.

• Mountain Hikes

A simply fantastic experience from so many perspectives. Andy was a brilliant guide… both in terms of hiking and integrating the group. The mountains were extraordinary. What an awesome landscape… and the hiking difficulties were challenging at times but not undoable. Came away with a great sense of achievement. Hoyle very comfortable. Good, solid Tyrolian food. Well organised and lovely company. Totally recommended.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights

Eduardo was fantastic! He paid great attention to every little detail throughout our tour. He has great knowledge of history and background of places we covered, and most importantly he ensured everyone was having a great time. Thanks Eduardo!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

From Lake Garda to Venice

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Lakes & Lagoon, Como, Lake Garda & Venice 6 days private tour

This tour needs to experienced to be believed. Every day of the tour was simply great!

• Coach / Bus

Let's Go North - 9 Days/ 8 Days

I loved this tour. I had two guides, first Sasa in Florence and then Veronica for the rest of the tour in Venice and Milan. Both of them were very friendly and knowledgeable. I was excited to have Veronica as my guide because I met her at a London travel expo and I actually booked the tour because she was so knowledgeable and passionate about her company. Even though I was the only one for the second part of the tour, they still ran it for me and I had such a fun time with Veronica. Florence was such a beautiful city. I also loved Venice and we had excellent weather. It was amazing drinking wine and eating Cicchetti by the water. I didn't know very much about Lake Como but I was so glad to go because it was a highlight for me. It was so stunning! I would actually recommend having one night less in Milan and instead have one at Lake Como. The day trips were very nice. I loved wine tasting at San Gimignano. I bought some of the amazing truffle oil. Cinque Terre was also very beautiful. Veronica was an excellent photographer for me!

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The tour content and locations were fantastic but it would not have been as good without the amazing tour director Andrea. He was very patient, kind but steered us all towards punctuality! Nothing was too much trouble! He went out of his way to provide a fun, informative and very full schedule, but also allowed us free time and helped cater to most requests! Thanks Andrea, we will be back! Also our coach driver Paulo got us through some tough roads and was always fun and helpful. What a great team!

Best of the Italian Lakes (9 Days)

This was actually the first long tour I ever took in my life. So I didn't have any expectations. Overall, I would recommend this itinerary, it was excellent! Accommodations were good, buses were comfy, food wasn't great but average. Tour guide was a lot of fun! You had an opportunity to be active or relax which was nice. And the nature and beauty of the lakes and mountains can't be beat.

South Tyrolean Wine & Alpine Pasture Trail

Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice

I'm a convert! Great guide, great group of people, great food, great sights and great prosecco!

Tuscany to Cinque Terre: Wines, Villages & Unforgettable Walks

What people love about northern italy tours.

TourRadar was excellent. The tours they scheduled were well-run by knowledgeable and amiable guides. Of course, the Italy locations were superb. The office staff kept in constant contact, but unobtrusive. And when I changed plans on the fly, the staff was responsive and thorough. I definitely cannot wait to book my next adventure with TourRadar!

Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!

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10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: 2 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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.

If you’re planning a Northern Italy itinerary, it can be tough to map out the ideal route if you only have a limited amount of time. There is a lot to see in the north of this diverse country — from beautiful cities to storied lakes to incredible coastline — that there is absolutely no way one can pack everything into just 10 days in Northern Italy.

However, if you know what you want to see and adequately plan out your time, you can see a lot in 10 days if you simply prioritise your top destinations.

Whether you’re after a Milan-Venice-Lake Como itinerary or you’re searching for something that loops you through Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, the routes below are sure to help you plan out your perfect trip to Northern Italy!

Table of Contents

Getting To & Around Northern Italy

Whether you’re looking to map out a route by train or would like to opt for a North Italy road trip, it is important to discuss A) how to get to your desired destination and B) how you plan to get around whilst there.

We will start with the first point. Both of the routes outlined below begin in Milan and that is for good reason – Milan Malpensa Airport is the second highest traffic airport in Italy and it’s also the second-largest city in the country. This means that it is the most logical starting-off point if you’re visiting Northern Italy.

There are a few other airports near Milan that can also be a point of entry into the region – especially if you’re flying a budget airline from elsewhere in Italy or from Europe in general.

I’m speaking of the Bergamo airport, which is often billed as the “Milan Bergamo Airport” but do keep in mind that this airport is in the city of Bergamo and is located about one hour from Milan’s train station itself – though it is easy to reach Milan.

There are other airports in most of the cities that are mentioned in both routes, including Venice, Bologna and Genoa, however, they are smaller and not as many flights go to them from as many destinations.

When it comes to getting around on your trip to Northern Italy, you also have a few options open to you. By far the easiest way to go on either of the routes listed below would be by car. This will help you save time and also allow you to make stops along the way and reach further-flung places.

Driving in Northern Italy is easy and holds none of the stressors that you may experience in the south of the country.

You don’t need a car to get around the major cities like Milan, Venice, Bologna, Bergamo, Verona and Genoa, meaning that it makes the most sense to find a place to park your car and use public transit (or your own two feet) while in these destinations. However, having your own vehicle can make day trips exceptionally easy and convenient.

Having your own car is also ideal for exploring Lakes Como and Garda as, again, it gives you a lot more flexibility. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on rental cars.

However, if you don’t want to rent a car or don’t drive for whatever reason, both of the routes outlined below are also doable via train with a few considerations in mind.

You likely won’t be able to see as much as you could if you had your own vehicle just because coordinating timetables can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean you will have any less of a fulfilling trip to Northern Italy. You can browse schedules and book train tickets here.

Lombardy & Veneto in 10 Days

This itinerary for Northern Italy is perfect for those who want to see the well-known highlights of the region including Milan, Venice and Lake Como. There are also a couple of lesser-visited gems on this route to ensure you have a varied and interesting time exploring the Lombardy and Veneto regions – two of the best places in Northern Italy to visit.

Day 1 – Milan

Plan to spend the first day of your Northern Italy trip exploring the highlights of Milan . Italy’s second-largest city has a lot to offer visitors and you need to spend at least 2 full days getting to know the city.

Your first day should be dedicated to seeing all of the main sites of the city. Begin your day at the iconic Milan Duomo – the city’s main cathedral. A visit here can take several hours and is truly spectacular. You can pre-book tickets here .

You can fill the rest of your day wandering by the Royal Palace, the Museo de Novecento, the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II and, of course, the famous Teatro La Scala. Plan to spend at least two nights in Milan before moving on to your next destination.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – If you’re visiting the Lombardy capital on a mid-range budget, then this classical hotel is a great option. Located in the centre of Milan within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, they have a range of great rooms to choose from and breakfast included for guests each morning.

Castello Guest House Milano   – This luxury guesthouse is an excellent choice for those after a bit of a splurge while visiting Milan. Well-located for exploring the highlights of the city within a stone’s throw, they have countless lovely rooms on offer and plenty of other amenities to enjoy, as well. 

QUO Milano  – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally-located hostel. Well situated for exploring the best Milan has to offer, it is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and they offer both dorms and private rooms.

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

Day 2 – Milan

Your second day in Milan should be spent getting to know the city just a little bit better. Check out some of the city’s smaller churches, some cool areas and, of course, one of the most famous paintings in the world – da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

Start your day at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio before making your way over to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie where you can view the Last Supper. Afterwards, you can go over and explore Castello Sforzesco and tranquil Sempione Park.

End your day by exploring the hip and happening Navigli district, which is a great place to partake in Italy’s favourite pre-dinner pastime – aperitivo!

Day 3 – Lake Como

Day 3 of this North Italy itinerary takes you out of Milan and to beautiful Lake Como . Keep in mind that it is best and easiest to explore Lake Como if you have your own car, however, it is still possible to see a lot of the villages by relying on the extensive ferry system around the lake.

Many treat Lake Como as a day trip from Milan , however, it is best to spend at least a couple of days here to really get a good feel for this beautiful area.

Plan to spend your first day in Lake Como exploring the iconic villages around the lake – Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. These three villages are well-connected by ferry and you can very easily enjoy this day without your own car.

Each village is small and has its own charm so make sure to take your time to get lost in the beautiful little streets and take in tons of incomparable lakeside views.

Where to Stay in Lake Como

B&B Villa Rosalinda – This bed and breakfast in the quiet town of Dongo in the north of Lake Como is a great option for those looking for a tranquil escape on the lake. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from and offer breakfast to guests each morning.

Villa Lario Resort Mandello – Luxury travellers will swoon over this beautiful hotel located in the town of Mandello del Lario – about fifteen minutes south of quaint Varenna. They have countless luxe rooms to choose from and an extensive list of amenities to ensure that your stay is absolutely perfect.

Miralago B&B and Apartments – This bed and breakfast located just outside of Bellagio offers both en-suite rooms and some apartment options for those looking for a comfortable self-catering notion. They are in a great area for exploring Lake Como and breakfast is available upon request.

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

Day 4 – Lake Como

Dedicate day 4 to exploring some of Lake Como’s larger cities and also taking in one of the lake’s famous villas and their beautiful gardens.

Spend your morning touring a villa – there are countless to choose from on Lake Como. It’s best to get to whichever villa you choose as early as possible as they can get very busy and popular, especially if you’re travelling in the high season.

Your afternoon can be spent exploring the cities of Como and Lecco, both located on either end of the south of the lake.

Keep in mind that if you’re keen to visit both of these cities in a day, it’s best if you have your own car. If you’re relying on the ferry system on Lake Como, then plan to simply spend your afternoon in Como and maybe go on a cruise or boat tour on the lake to enjoy it from a different perspective.

Day 5 – Bergamo

On day 5, it’s time to leave Lake Como and drive about an hour to the lovely city of Bergamo. Though its airport acts as a hub for a number of budget airlines across Europe, not enough visitors take the time to explore this delightful city and this is really a shame – it has a lot to offer.

Its compact nature means that you only really need to spend one day in Bergamo to do it justice. Split over two parts – the Citta Alta and Citta Bassa – the majority of the historic sites lie in the Citta Alta, so that is where you will likely dedicate the majority of your time.

You can take the funicular up to the Citta Alta before taking in Piazza Vecchia – Bergamo’s main square. Take another funicular up to the Castello di San Viglia where you can get fantastic views of the city from above. We recommend walking down and making a stop in the botanical gardens on your way.

Later, explore the Duomo di Bergamo and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. And if you want even more fantastic views of the city, head up the Campanone tower. Then make your way down, on foot, to the Citta Bassa. You will walk along the Venetian Walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End your day in Citta Bassa for aperitivo and dinner with the locals.

Where to Stay in Bergamo

B&B Entro Le Mura – Located in Citta Alta close to all the top sites in Bergamo, this bed and breakfast is an excellent option for mid-range travellers. They offer a number of cosy rooms to choose from and, of course, breakfast is included for guests to enjoy each morning.

Petronilla – This luxury hotel located in Citta Bassa is great for those looking for a plush stay in Bergamo. Well located for exploring all this wonderful little city has to offer, they have a number of rooms on offer, there is an on-site restaurant/bar and they even allow pets.

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

Day 6 – Lake Garda

From Bergamo, it’s time to head to the incredible Lake Garda for the sixth day of your itinerary. Though you could easily spend 2 or 3 days in Lake Garda, you can get a good feel for the lake and some of its towns in just one day, as well.

Where you decide to go in Lake Garda really depends on if you have a car or not, as the lake can be difficult to navigate without your own vehicle. Keeping that in mind, if you’re doing your Northern Italy itinerary by train, plan to explore the area in and around Sirmione, which has easy train connections.

If you have a car, you have the option to go wherever you choose on the lake, however, keep in mind that this is the largest lake in Italy and it may take some time to drive between places.

You can opt to spend the morning in Sirmione before heading up the western side of Garda and exploring the towns of Salo, Maderno and Gargnano.

Alternatively, you could spend your time at the north of Lake Garda and explore the towns of Limone and Riva del Garda before heading down the eastern coast to lovely Malcesine.

Plan to spend the next two nights on Lake Garda – there are lots of lovely towns to stay in on the lake .

Where to Stay in Lake Garda

Ambienthotel PrimaLuna – This hotel is an excellent mid-range hotel in Lake Garda. Located in the lovely town of Malcesine, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and there is even a great swimming pool to enjoy and a fantastic breakfast available for guests each morning.

Grand Hotel Fasano – Located in Gardone Riviera between the towns of Salo and Maderno on Lake Garda’s western side, this hotel is perfect for those after a bit of luxury when visiting Italy’s largest lake. They have a number of plush rooms to choose from, two swimming pools to enjoy and an on-site bar, spa and wellness centre.

Blue Sky Garda – This two-bedroom apartment can be a great option on Lake Garda if you’re after the convenience and privacy of your own flat. Situated in the town of Malcesine on the eastern side of the lake, its location is perfect for exploring the area.

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

Day 7 – Verona

From Lake Garda, it’s time to head to nearby Verona. An oft-overlooked city in the Veneto region, Verona is perhaps most well known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet , however, this city has a lot more to offer than just that.

Much like Lake Garda, you could easily spend 2 or 3 days in Verona , however, you can also see the highlights of this compact city in just a simple day trip , which is what we recommend here.

During your day in Verona, make sure not to miss the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house) and, of course, the Verona Arena.

The arena is an impressive Roman colosseum that attracts only a fraction of the crowds found at the most famous one in Rome. There are plenty of other Roman ruins to enjoy in Verona, not just this incredible arena.

Plan to spend your night on Lake Garda before heading to Venice the next day.

Day 8 – Venice

Generally, no visit to Northern Italy is considered complete without visiting the iconic city of Venice.

This is a city that needs no introduction but keep in mind that the city has been struggling under the stresses of overtourism and it is important to spend a good amount of time here in order to travel a bit more sustainably and have the most benefit to the local economy. That is why we recommend spending up to 3 days in Venice.

Spend your first day in this city of canals taking in the top and most iconic sites. These include, of course, the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. Make sure to take your time to simply enjoy the ambience of this incredible city and even get out onto the canals on a gondola!

Spend your evening in a cosy taverna eating local fare and simply enjoying the final destination on your fantastic itinerary through Northern Italy.

Where to Stay in Venice

Ca’ Angeli – This hotel in the San Polo neighbourhood only has 6 rooms on offer, but it is a great choice for those looking for a wonderful, central place to stay when exploring Venice. They have a number of great amenities for guests to enjoy along with a wonderful breakfast on offer each morning.

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel – Located within spitting distance of the iconic Rialto Bridge, this is the perfect place for a luxury escape to Venice. Couples are sure to love the chic rooms on offer and there is also an on-site bar and wonderful breakfast included each morning.

Combo Venezia – Those looking to save as much money in notoriously expensive Venice as possible will love this small, locally-run hostel. Perfect for solo travellers, as well, it is located in the cool Cannaregio neighbourhood and they have a range of dorms and privates available along with great common areas.

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

Day 9 – Venice

Your second day in Venice should be spent digging a little bit deeper and enjoying some of the lesser visited neighbourhoods of the city – the places where the Venice locals live away from the tourist crowds.

Start your morning by wandering around the historic San Polo neighbourhood before making your way over to the lovely Dorsoduro neighbourhood. Cross over the Accademia Bridge back to the historic, central San Marco neighbourhood to round out your afternoon.

In the evening, head to the lively Cannaregio neighbourhood in order to get a real local feel and to dine at a wonderful Venetian restaurant!

Day 10 – Venice

On the final day of your trip, you’re still in Venice and it’s time to explore some of the islands off the coast of this incredible city. The most famous of these islands include Murano and Burano, known for their incredibly colourful houses and charming atmosphere.

If the season is right, you could also use this day as a beach day, lounging on one of the many sandy stretches close to the city. You can book a tour here.

Alternatively, you could opt to go on a day trip to the nearby Prosecco region and sip some of the area’s eponymous Sparking wine. Another popular day trip option is to the town of Treviso, which is located just outside of Venice and worth the journey.

Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna & Liguria in 10 Days

Also beginning in Milan, this 10-day itinerary is great for those looking for something different from the routes that include the lakes and Venice (such as the one outlined above).

Winding you through gastronomic Emilia-Romagna before ending in gorgeous Liguria, you’re sure to fall in love with this area of Northern Italy.

Begin day one of this route through Northern Italy in the vibrant city of Milan. As mentioned in the route outlined above, spend this first day exploring the highlights of the city centre, including the Milan Duomo and the Teatro La Scala.

End your day like the Milanese do with an aperitivo before heading out to dinner. Plan to spend three nights in Milan for this itinerary, though we will only spend 2 full days exploring the city proper.

Your second day in Milan should be spent seeing all of the sites in the city that you didn’t get to on your first day in the city. This includes various churches, viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and relaxing in a tranquil park.

Spend your evening exploring the hip and happening Navigli district where you can get an authentic taste of Milanese life away from throngs of tourist crowds.

Day 3 – Lake Como or Bergamo

The third day in Milan should be spent on a day trip – where to is up to you! Milan makes for an excellent base to explore a couple of nearby areas, so you have a couple of options open to you.

If you’d like to head to the Italian lakes, then a day trip to Lake Como is definitely in the cards. You can hop on a train to Varenna and spend the day riding the ferries between beautiful Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna itself. Alternatively, you can organise a guided tour here.

Alternatively, if you want to explore a city that isn’t on the radar of a lot of international visitors to the Lombardy region, consider going on a day trip to historic Bergamo.

Bergamo has a lot to offer visitors and it is an absolutely beautiful city to visit and spend some time in. One day is definitely enough to see all of the highlights of this lovely place.

Day 4 – Modena

Day 4 sees you heading to the incredible Emilia-Romagna region. Your final destination for today will be the region’s capital of Bologna, however, make sure to make a pit stop in the charming city of Modena first.

Modena is known, primarily, for being the homeland of Balsamic vinegar and heading to an acetaia (the place where traditional vinegar is made) is an excellent thing to do in the city. However, there is a lot more on offer here than just that – especially if you’re into food!

Spend your day wandering through the incredible Mercato Albinelli to see what fresh produce and local pastas are made fresh here. Then simply take the time to get lost in the city. Wander through the winding streets and grand piazzas, take in the lively Cathedral and simply enjoy this lovely city.

Modena is located only about a 30-minute drive or train ride from Bologna, so it’s not difficult to end your day in the latter city.

Where to Stay in Bologna

B&B Chez Moi Lame 57  – This cute boutique B&B is perfect for those after a romantic escape to Bologna. They offer a handful of chic, quaint, clean and comfortable rooms on offer and there is a breakfast voucher given to guests daily to dine in a nearby local cafe.

Hotel Metropolitan – If it’s luxury you’re after in Emilia-Romagna’s capital, then this plush hotel is the perfect option. They have an excellent location in the heart of Bologna, myriad chic rooms on offer and countless luxe amenities to ensure your stay is fantastic.

Dopa Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this hip hostel located in the centre of Bologna. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms on offer, breakfast is included each morning and it’s a great place to meet other travellers.

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

Day 5 – Bologna

The fifth day of this route through Northern Italy sees you exploring Emilia-Romagna’s capital city of Bologna . Home to ragu bolognese and plenty of other gastronomic delights, Bologna has a lot to offer visitors beyond its food scene (but it’s totally fine to visit just for that, as well!).

Start your day in Bologna in the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square. Take in the towers and the Basilica di San Petronio before wandering down Via Rizzoli, the city’s main drag filled with shops. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring the university area – Bologna is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

End your day in one of the city’s many restaurants dining on local fare and enjoying every minute.

Day 6 – Bologna

On day six of this itinerary, you have the option to either continue exploring Bologna or to go on a day trip to nearby Parma . If you choose the former, there are a number of things that you can choose to occupy your time.

One of the best things to do in Bologna is to go on a food tour – some of the most famous Italian dishes come from this city and it is a great chance to sample them with context.

If you choose to go on a day trip, you can’t go wrong with beautiful Parma. Parma is well-known for being the homeplace of such delicacies as prosciutto di Parma and, of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

You can sample these to your heart’s desire in Parma, along with exploring what is one of the most charming and historic cities in the region.

Day 7 – Cinque Terre

When you get to your seventh day of this trip through Northern Italy, it’s time to head to another region and area of the country – Liguria and, more specifically, Cinque Terre .

Literally translating to “five villages,” this area is made up of five lovely little towns situated on the dramatic Ligurian coast. These postcard-perfect towns are a can’t-miss destination on this itinerary!

Spend your first day in the main city near Cinque Terra, La Spezia. Though not one of the five villages itself, it is absolutely beautiful and it has a lot to offer visitors.

You can also use this day to explore two of the five villages. Take the time to wander around beautiful Riomaggiore and charming Manarola before calling it a day and resting up for another perfect day of exploration tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

L’Approdo Dell’Ammiraglio – Those after a good mid-range place to base themselves for exploring Cinque Terre will love this guesthouse in La Spezia. They have numerous lovely and bright rooms on offer and an unbeatable location.

Miramare Apartments&Suites – This aparthotel is great for those after the convenience of an entire apartment with all the benefits of a traditional hotel. Located in La Spezia within easy reach of Cinque Terre, they have a number of different fully-furnished apartments available that range in size.

La Serra Sul Mare – Located in the town of Monterosso, this is one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre for those looking for a luxury option. They have an unbeatable location within five minutes of the beach, all rooms have their own balcony and there are countless other amenities offered.

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

Day 8 – Cinque Terre

Your second day in Cinque Terre should be spent exploring more of the five lovely villages. Start your day in Monterosso al Mare – the largest of five towns that make up Cinque Terre. Known for its beautiful beaches, incredible scenery and charming old town.

From Monterosso, head to the village of Vernazza. This is a gorgeous fortified town with, like all other villages in the region, incredible sea views to enjoy. In fact, this is a great place to enjoy a sunset cruise on the sea, if it suits your fancy.

Day 9 – Genoa

The final destination for this particular 10-day Northern Italy itinerary should end in the Ligurian capital of Genoa. This seaside city is absolutely beautiful and full of interesting things to do – in fact, plan to spend 2 days in Genoa to round out your trip to the north of Italy.

Your first day in Genoa should begin by wandering down Via Garibaldi, the city’s main drag. After getting your bearings, head over to the Palazzi dei Rolli. Once you’ve explored this former palace, visit the San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Of course, no visit to Genoa would be complete without gorging yourself on delicious pesto pasta — the famous basil, pine nut and parmesan sauce hails from this city.

Where to Stay in Genoa

B&B Dormire Dai Grimaldi – Mid-range travellers will love this quaint and cosy bed and breakfast in the centre of Genoa. They offer a number of different en-suite rooms, a lovely communal lounge area and there is a hearty breakfast included each morning.

Hotel Astoria – If you’re after luxury in the Ligurian capital, then this plush hotel is a great option. For those looking for a high-end option, then this luxe hotel is a great choice. They have an excellent central location for exploring Genoa and have a range of lovely rooms to choose from, along with numerous other amenities.

OStellin Genova Hostel – For those looking for a budget option or a great social atmosphere while travelling, then this hostel is a great option. They offer both private rooms and dorm beds and have an excellent location for exploring all Genoa has to offer.

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

Day 10 – Genoa

Dedicate the final day of this itinerary to getting to know Genoa just a little bit better. Spend your morning in Genoa along the seaside and visit the renowned Genoa Aquarium which is the largest aquarium in Italy and the largest of its kind in all of Europe.

There is a lot to see here so plan to spend a good amount of time learning about all of the sea creatures here.

In the afternoon, take the time to get lost in the lovely Porto Antico (old port) neighbourhood along the harbour. Dine on delicious, fresh seafood and really make sure to savour you last day of your Northern Italian adventure.

Have 14 Days in Northern Italy?

If you, for example, have 14 days in Northern Italy or more to spend, your options are virtually unlimited. There are so many incredible areas to explore that you won’t struggle to figure out where to go.

If you’re following the first route on this itinerary, you could easily add a visit to the Dolomites after exploring Venice. Spending time in getting to know the regions of Trentino and South Tyrol and taking in the incredible views of the Italian Alps is always worth it with stunning mountain peaks and lakes like Lagi di Braies.

Alternatively, a good place to visit when moving on from Genoa is the city of Turin . As one of Italy’s largest cities, it can be overlooked. However, there is a lot to do in Turin (and in the Piedmont region , in general) that it is definitely.

You could also choose to fuse the two itineraries together for a longer trip through Northern Italy. From Venice in the first route, head to Bologna, Cinque Terre, Genoa and beyond!

Northern Italy is one of the most fascinating regions of the country to explore. With so much to offer, mapping out the ideal 10-day itinerary can be a bit overwhelming, but once you weigh out your priorities, you’re sure to have an exceptional trip.

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

Related Posts:

The Perfect 2 or 3 Days in Verona Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days on Capri Itinerary

Milan or Rome: Which Italian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie. It was great reading about northern Italy. We’re planning a southern Italy trip soon. Naples and amalfi coast and around. Could you please send me an itinerary for 15-18 days. Thanks. Paul

Hi Paul, you may find some inspiration in one of our generic Italy itineraries ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/10-day-italy-itinerary/ ), our Amalfi Coast itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/amalfi-coast-itinerary/ ), our Puglia itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/puglia-itinerary/ ) and our Sicily itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/sicily-itinerary/ ). Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

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The Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary: Must-See Destinations

• Post author: angelo
• Post published: November 4, 2023
• Post category: Italy

When it comes to exploring Italy , each of its regions offers something unique and captivating. In this comprehensive northern Italy itinerary guide, we’ll cast a spotlight on the enchanting northern part of the country. Whether you’re struggling to narrow down your travel options or starting from scratch in search of inspiration, this post is designed to help you craft the perfect itinerary, complete with valuable tips for navigating this fascinating region.

As someone who visits northern Italy on a regular basis, this area holds a special place in my heart. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of traversing its picturesque landscapes, savouring its delectable cuisine, and immersing myself in its rich culture. There is so much to see and do in the North of Italy that a single trip for sure may not suffice. To address this delightful dilemma, I’ve curated five distinct northern Italy itineraries (plus a suggested itinerary at the end), each catering to different interests and preferences. These itineraries are tailored for those who wish to explore the most famous locations, outdoor enthusiasts, city lovers, couples seeking romance, and avid foodies. With these options, you can experience a bit of everything that northern Italy has to offer, making it easier to compile your northern Italy bucket list.

How long should a northern Italy itinerary be

Before delving into the itineraries, let’s address a crucial question that often plagues traveler’s: How long should a northern Italy itinerary be? Ideally, a robust northern Italy itinerary should span between 10 and 14 days. If you have more time at your disposal, that’s even better. You can delve deeper into the local culture, take the slow travel route, and unearth hidden gems. On the other hand, if you have a shorter timeframe and still want to explore a variety of places, careful planning of your transportation and a jam-packed schedule of activities await you.

While I’ll recommend a particular order for the stops on the itineraries, I won’t prescribe a fixed number of days for each location. The flexibility of your travel dates and the pace of your journey should guide your choices. I’ll also sprinkle in additional tips and suggestions based on my own experiences to ensure you don’t encounter the same hiccups I did, and I’ll introduce you to extra destinations in the region that are well worth your time.

The Best Time to Visit North of Italy

Now, let’s consider the best time to visit northern Italy. As a frequent visitor of this region, I can confidently tell you that the optimal times to explore northern Italy are during the months of June and September. These months offer the perfect blend of pleasant weather, the beginning or tail end of the busy summer tourist season, and the opportunity to secure great deals on rental cars and accommodations if you book in advance. For adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, winter in the Italian Alps , during the peak ski season, is a thrilling option.

How to Move Around

Now, let’s turn our attention to the essential aspect of moving around northern Italy . This region is the most developed part of the country, making transportation readily accessible and convenient. However, northern Italy is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating the Italian Alps. While you can easily travel between cities and even towns using regional trains, crossing the mountainous terrain may limit your train options. In some cases, there may be no train connections available at all. For those planning to explore the Italian Alps, I recommend either renting a car or booking a tour that takes care of transportation during your daily activities. Another option is bus travel, which comes with its own set of challenges, such as understanding regional bus routes within a limited timeframe and a lack of flexibility when using coach buses.

Here’s a more detailed look at your transportation options in northern Italy:

Northern Italy boasts both national and regional train lines, ensuring well-connected travel between major cities and smaller towns. Trains are generally easy to navigate, making them an attractive option for tourists. While trains may not be as cost-effective as buses, they are more budget-friendly than renting a car.

Italy lacks a national bus line, so most buses are regional or city-specific. However, companies like Flixbus operate throughout the country and Europe, providing options for interregional travel.

Buses are often the most economical choice for transportation, with Flixbus tickets available for as low as €5. Nonetheless, they tend to have longer travel times. Regional buses offer access to smaller towns, while Flixbus primarily serves cities. Navigating regional or city buses can be challenging, requiring careful planning around timetables.

Opting for buses is ideal for a slower travel itinerary when you have ample time to explore Italy. This approach allows you to save money while immersing yourself in the local experience.

Embarking on an Italian road trip is a thrilling adventure, providing the opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes. Renting a car in Italy offers maximum flexibility but comes at a higher cost compared to other modes of transportation.

If your itinerary involves visiting many places outside major cities or tourist hotspots, renting a car is highly recommended. Any of the itineraries discussed here can easily be transformed into a road trip, allowing you to relish the scenic beauty of Italy at your own pace. Now, let’s dive into the five enticing northern Italy itineraries designed to cater to your distinct interests and preferences:

• The Bucket List Northern Italy Itinerary:

If you’re embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Italy, this Northern Italy itinerary is tailored to your aspirations. This comprehensive route covers the five major areas on everyone’s northern Italy bucket list, including Milan , Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Venice, and the Dolomites. You can start your journey in either Milan or Venice , with both cities serving as excellent home bases for exploring the region. Spend time in Milan, venture to the enchanting Cinque Terre and Lake Como, and consider exploring additional day trip options. Subsequently, make your way to Venice, from where you can embark on a day trip to the stunning Dolomites. With a 10-day itinerary, you have the flexibility to allocate two days to each location. However, you can adapt this itinerary according to your preferences and the time you have available.

• Explore the Italian Alps:

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, the Italian Alps offer a breathtaking and invigorating experience. This itinerary delves into the Western Alps, including Courmayeur, Gran Paradiso National Park, and Breuil-Cervinia, followed by a journey through the Central Alps, covering Lake Como, Bergamo, and Val Brembana, and concluding with the Eastern Alps in the Dolomites . The Western Alps in Valle D’Aosta offer a unique blend of French and Italian cultures, with the stunning Mont Blanc and Matterhorn as prominent highlights. Moving through the Central Alps, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque Lake Como and the charming towns that grace its shores. A deeper exploration of Val Brembana reveals hidden treasures in the form of villages like Branzi and Cornello dei Tasso. Finally, the Eastern Alps, with their jagged grey peaks and lush valleys, make the Dolomites a must-visit destination for mountain enthusiasts.

• City-Lovers’ Paradise:

For travellers who relish the hustle and bustle of historic European cities, this itinerary presents an array of vibrant urban centers. From the bustling metropolis of Milan to the medieval charm of Bergamo, the major cities in northern Italy offer diverse landscapes and captivating experiences. The itinerary covers Milan, Turin, Bergamo, and Venice. You can choose to start in Milan, home to major airports, or consider Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport , a hub for Ryanair flights. Milan and Bergamo, while just 40 minutes apart by car, offer entirely distinct atmospheres. Milan exudes energy and excitement, while Bergamo, with its historic Città Alta, boasts a more relaxed pace of life. Continuing westward, Turin awaits, adorned with Baroque-style architecture and the iconic Mole Antonelliana. Finally, journey east to the enchanting Venice, known for its unique water-based transportation system and picturesque alleyways that beckon travelers to get lost in their beauty.

• Most Romantic Places for Couples:

Italy has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking an amorous getaway. This Northern Italy itinerary takes you to the most enchanting and intimate locales, including Portovenere, Lake Como, Franciacorta, Verona , Lake Garda, and Venice. Portovenere, a hidden gem along the Ligurian coast, offers stunning views, a tranquil harbor, and romantic spots like Lord Byron’s Grotto and Palmeria Island. Lake Como, renowned for its luxury, features villas, alpine peaks, and the picturesque town of Bellagio. Franciacorta, nestled between Bergamo and Brescia, is a haven for wine lovers, with its sparkling wine and vineyard vistas. Further exploration in Veneto reveals Verona, the city of love, immortalized in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Lake Garda , the largest lake in Italy, boasts small, charming towns, including Sirmione and Limone sul Garda, offering an intimate atmosphere. Venice, the ultimate romantic city, beckons with gondola rides and timeless charm.

• A Foodie’s Northern Italy Itinerary:

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide, and northern Italy’s traditional dishes are a departure from the stereotypical pasta and pizza. The meals here are heartier, reflecting the lifestyles of industrial workers and the challenging winters faced by those in the Alpine regions. Additionally, northern Italy is passionate about local ingredients, resulting in a delectable array of regional specialties. Here are some of the delightful foods you can savor in each region on this itinerary:

Piemonte: Truffles Liguria: Seafood, Focaccia, and Pesto Bergamo: Polenta Bologna: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, Ragù Bolognese, Balsamic Vinegar, and Lasagna , Tortellini in Brodo

The northern Italy foodie itinerary commences in Piemonte, renowned for its exquisite truffles. A fall visit is ideal, coinciding with the White Truffle Festival in Alba. To make the most of this experience, consider booking a truffle hunting tour and indulging in a Barolo wine tasting. Liguria , with its fresh seafood, delectable focaccia, and iconic pesto, awaits your palate. Don’t miss out on the trofie al pesto, a Ligurian pasta favorite. Venturing into Bergamo, you’ll encounter two regional specialties: polenta and pizzoccheri. Polenta, a versatile grain dish, comes in various forms, including Polenta Contadina, which combines cheese, spinach, and local sausage. Pizzoccheri, a unique blend of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens, hails from Valtellina, a valley bordering Switzerland. The final stop on this delectable journey is Bologna, the birthplace of Italian food favorites such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, Ragù Bolognese, Balsamic Vinegar, and Lasagna. Arrive with an empty stomach to fully savor these culinary delights of this wonderful city.

If you are not sure where to start on planning your Northern Italy itinerary I have a solution for you with a suggested itinerary if you are a first timer visiting the North of Italy.

Exploring Northern Italy: A 10-Day Itinerary

Northern Italy, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for travelers. From the romantic canals of Venice to the art-filled streets of Florence, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes, Northern Italy offers a diverse range of experiences. In this article, we will take you on a 10-day journey through this enchanting region, providing you with a comprehensive Northern Italy itinerary packed with 10 incredible ideas for an unforgettable trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Your Northern Italy adventure begins in Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy. Upon arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport , settle into your accommodation and spend your first evening exploring the city. Take a stroll through the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the iconic Milan Cathedral. Don’t forget to visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , a 19th-century shopping gallery with luxurious boutiques and restaurants.

Day 2: Milan Exploration

Start your day with a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper” located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Book your tickets in advance, as this is a popular attraction. In the afternoon, explore the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful surrounding park. Milan is also known for its fashion, so indulge in some shopping along Via Montenapoleone or Corso Buenos Aires.

Day 3: Venice – The City of Canals

Leave Milan behind and take a train to the enchanting city of Venice and begin your exploration of this unique city built on water. Start with a visit to St. Mark’s Square and the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and explore the charming streets of Venice.

Day 4: Venice Islands

Spend a day exploring the beautiful islands surrounding Venice. Take a Vaporetto (water bus) to Murano , famous for its glass-blowing traditions, and then proceed to Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace-making heritage. Finally, visit Torcello, home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Attila’s Throne, where you can enjoy the tranquility of this island paradise

Day 5: Verona and Juliet’s Balcony

Leave Venice and travel to Verona, the city of love. Explore the well-preserved Roman arena, where you can catch an opera performance if you visit during the opera season. Don’t miss a visit to Juliet’s House, with its iconic balcony. Take a romantic stroll along the Adige River and enjoy a meal in one of Verona’s charming restaurants.

Day 6: Lake Garda

Head to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by picturesque villages and stunning landscapes. Spend your day in the town of Sirmione, known for its thermal baths and Scaliger Castle. Take a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear waters and savor delicious Italian gelato as you enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Day 7: Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Say goodbye to Lake Garda and board a train to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli. Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, don’t miss a visit to the Florence Cathedral.

Day 8: Florence’s Art and Culture

Dedicate a full day to Florence’s art and culture. Explore the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David, and then wander through the Boboli Gardens. In the evening, savor Tuscan cuisine in a local trattoria.

Day 9: Tuscany Day Trip

While in Florence , you can’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Take a day trip to the charming towns of Siena and San Gimignano. In Siena, visit the Piazza del Campo and the stunning Siena Cathedral. In San Gimignano, admire the medieval towers that dot the skyline and enjoy local wines and cuisine.

Day 10: Milan Departure

End your 10-day Northern Italy itinerary by returning to Milan for your departure. If time allows, visit the Brera district to explore its art gallery and charming streets. Before leaving, savour a last Italian meal, perhaps in one of Milan’s top-rated restaurants.

A trip to Northern Italy offers a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling city life of Milan to the romantic canals of Venice, the cultural richness of Florence, and the serene beauty of Lake Garda. This 10-day itinerary provides a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty, allowing you to make the most of your visit to this enchanting region.

In conclusion, northern Italy is a captivating and diverse region, offering a rich tapestry of experiences, from breathtaking mountains and tranquil lakes to vibrant cities and delectable cuisine. While it’s challenging to encompass all of its wonders in a single trip, I hope these itineraries provide you with the inspiration and guidance you need to craft your dream northern Italy adventure. You can customize these itineraries based on your interests, time frame, and preferred pace of travel. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a romantic at heart, northern Italy has something special to offer, and these itineraries are your key to unlocking its treasures.

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Northern Italy Itinerary

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Discover the charm of the Northern Italy region with our carefully designed itineraries. From the romantic canals of Venice to the artistic wonders of Florence, the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre and trendy Milan, these five Northern Italy itineraries promise an unforgettable adventure for every traveller.

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 5 days - 7-days - 10 days - 14 days - South Italy

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Italy, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2646 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3289 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

5 days  / from 1615 USD

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

4 days  / from 1026 USD

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

6 days  / from 2700 USD

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

Itinerary #1: From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive 16-day Northern Italy trip .

The 16-day Italian adventure begins in Venice, where travellers are transferred to a hotel. On day two , a private guide leads a city tour, ending with a gondola ride.

Day three explores the Venetian lagoon, visiting Burano and Murano islands. Day four is a leisure day in Venice.

Day five involves a 3-hour journey to Milan , where travellers have free time to explore or engage in arranged activities. Day six includes a walking tour of Milan's historic sites.

Day seven takes travellers on a 1-hour train journey to Como . Day eight features a short ride to Lugano, Switzerland , renowned for its picturesque surroundings and mild climate.

Day nine offers a guided boat trip on Lake Como, providing stunning views. Day ten is a free day for leisure activities.

Day eleven involves a transfer to Cinque Terre , with the evening free to explore. Day twelve presents an extensive tour of Cinque Terre, visiting Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Manarola.

Day thirteen is another leisure day at Cinque Terre. Day fourteen includes a visit to Pisa's famous Leaning Tower and Lucca's Renaissance wall before transferring to Florence.

Day fifteen features a private tour of Florence's iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Ponte Vecchio.

On day sixteen , the tour concludes, and travellers are transferred to the airport for departure. Read more .

St Mark's Square from the Grand Canal. Venice, Italy © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

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Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Supercars in the Heart of Northern Italy

Discover the world’s finest sports cars in the Italian cities of Bologna and Modena and see beautiful Venice and Florence as part of this luxury automotive 12-day Italian trip .

This 12-day Italian adventure begins in Venice with a private water taxi ride to the hotel. Enjoy a private walking tour of Venice and a gondola ride through its canals on day two .

On day three , take a train to Bologna with transfers included. Day four offers a visit to the Lamborghini factory and museum, witnessing the creation of renowned sports cars.

Embark on a small group Vespa tour to the hills outside Bologna on the fifth day . On day six , visit the Maserati Museum in Modena , with a private walking tour of the city and a wine tasting.

Day seven is a leisure day in Bologna. Day eight is dedicated to Ferrari, visiting the Enzo Ferrari House Museum , Maranello town, and enjoying a guided tour of the Ferrari factory and museum. Experience driving a Ferrari on the racetrack.

On day nine , visit the Pagani factory and have lunch in Castelvetro. In the afternoon, visit the Ducati Museum and Factory. Take a short train ride to Florence for a day of leisure on day ten .

On day eleven , enjoy a half-day walking tour of Florence with an English-speaking guide, visiting iconic landmarks and the Uffizi Gallery.

On day twelve , bid farewell to Italy as a private driver takes you to the airport for departure. Read more .

Bologna, Italy @ Shutterstock

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Modena, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan with this self-drive Northern Italy itinerary .

This 8-day Italian adventure begins with a rental car pickup at Milan International Airport. On day one , you'll check into your hotel in Milan and have the day to explore at your leisure.

Day two starts with a tour of Milan's iconic sites, beginning at Castello Sforzesco. After the tour, you'll drive to Lake Garda , stopping at the picturesque resort of Sirmione en route.

Day three is dedicated to exploring the beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda, known for their Roman heritage and stunning landscapes.

Day four takes you to Verona , the city of Romeo and Juliet, for a fascinating city tour.

On day five , you'll enjoy a walking tour of Como, a charming town on the shores of Lake Como. You can then choose to catch a boat to Bellagio, another picturesque town on the lake.

Day six is all about exploring Lake Lugano, situated between Lake Como and Maggiore , and straddling the Swiss-Italian border. On day seven , you will explore Stresa, a serene town on Lake Maggiore, and the Borromean Islands, known for their beauty and history.

Day eight involves driving back to Milan International Airport to return your rental car and catch your departure flight. Read more .

Verona image during summer sunset © Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary. 

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Lake Maggiore, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Romantic Venice

Indulge in a charming weekend getaway in Venice, a captivating city nestled in the heart of Northern Italy. This delightful 4-day trip offers a pleasant walking tour, immersing you in the rich history, art, and architecture of Venice.

Day one welcomes you as you arrive at Marco Polo International Airport and are transferred to your hotel, leaving the day free to explore Venice at your leisure.

On day two , embark on a private walking tour, beginning at the Saint Mark's area, where you'll delve into the historical significance of the powerful maritime empire of the Mediterranean. The tour includes iconic landmarks such as The Doges' Palace, St. Mark's Square, and the Basilica, each showcasing unparalleled beauty and historical importance.

Day three commences with a sumptuous breakfast, followed by a picturesque 30-minute gondola ride through Venice's waterways, allowing you to soak in the city's unique ambience. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, culminating in a delightful three-course dinner at a centrally located restaurant (drinks not included).

Enjoy a free day on day four , allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Venice and discover its hidden gems.

As your journey comes to an end on day five , check out of your hotel after breakfast. A private transfer will take you to Marco Polo International Airport, leaving you with cherished memories and the desire to return to this mesmerizing destination once again. Read more .

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

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Venice, Canal, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Trieste - a combination of hiking and culture

Take this 5-day trip to Northern Italy and truly get to know the charming city of Trieste. This journey goes beyond simple sightseeing, offering a unique perspective from the locals' point of view.

Day one welcomes you in Trieste with a warm reception at the train station or airport, followed by a leisurely exploration of the city centre. Marvel at the historic streets and squares, the seafront, and the renowned Piazza Unità.

Day two takes you on a scenic journey to the Karst plateau. Hop on the iconic Opicina tram to ascend to the plateau. Embark on a picturesque walk with panoramic views of the city and sea, leading you to the splendid Miramare Castle Park.

On day three , embark on a discovery of the equestrian park of Lipica, an oasis of tranquillity and home to the elegant Lipizzan horses. After a guided tour and serene strolls in the estate, visit the valley of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes.

Day four begins with a trip to the Rosandra Valley Reserve. Walk along the ancient salt road, enjoying views of the Rosandra stream with its waterfall and natural pools.

Conclude your trip on day five with a visit to the awe-inspiring Grotta Gigante, the largest cave in the world. At the end of the visit, you will return to the city. From here, once you have recovered any luggage left at the deposit of your facility, you can continue your journey independently or return home. Read more .

Trieste, Italy @ Shutterstock

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Fisherman, Trieste, Italy @ Shutterstock

You might also want to browse our customisable Italy itineraries or talk to our local Italy experts .

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How to Plan an Incredible Northern Italy Trip

Would you like to plan a northern Italy trip? Well, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime!

With so much to see, do, and experience, though, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about how to spend your precious days in northern Italy!

This guide has everything you need to plan northern Italy travel, from the beginning research steps to the necessary pre-departure steps to take for a successful trip.

Ready to start planning? Andiamo!

1. Planning Northern Italy Travel: What to Do First

As you think of planning a trip to Italy, you may be wondering if it’s worth visiting only northern Italy.

After all, “il Bel Paese” has so many incredible places to visit from north to south!

Northern Italy has a rich history, culture, and so many beautiful places to explore, experience, and enjoy. You can hardly go for more than a short drive or distance without passing local restaurants serving the most amazing specialty you’ll ever taste or charming towns with can’t-miss historic centers!

Spectacular panoramic views stretch as far as you can see from the Adriatic Sea to the mountain ranges of the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the beautiful cities in Emilia Romagna. Major cities from Turin to Milan and Venice and the surrounding areas have historic buildings like the Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale in Turin to the numerous castles and historic sites waiting to be discovered in the hills, alongside the lakes, and in the mountains.

The best way to plan a trip to Italy is to focus on specific regions instead of trying to crisscross the country. In addition to the amazing sites, food, people, art, and natural beauty, you don’t want to miss out on “la dolce vita!”

You want your itinerary to include time to enjoy simple moments, like the pleasure that comes with sipping a cappuccino in a quiet piazza overlooking a lake, strolling through a market with a gelato cone, or sitting seaside as the day trippers leave watching the sun dip closer to the horizon.

Northern Italy allows for all of this and more! You can check off must-sees, discover hidden gems, and experience a small slice of the Italian lifestyle.

Travel in northern Italy is always a good idea!

It depends more on your preferences, where you’d like to visit, and what you’d like to do. For example, a city-hopping sightseeing trip can be better in the spring, fall, and even winter because the temperatures (even chillier winter temps) are more pleasant for walking around than during what can be the sweltering heat of summer. Not to mention sights and museums tend to be less crowded and great spots to escape an off-weather day. Whereas if you want to ski in the Alps or lounge beachside in the Italian Riviera, the season to visit will be more fixed.

If you don’t have travel flexibility (i.e. we must travel in summer because the kids are on summer break), consider the general weather of each season and plan your perfect northern Italy itinerary accordingly. Traveling in summer but want to avoid the heat? Plan time in the mountains of the Dolomites or the Valle d’Aosta. Prefer water to mountains? Retreat to the sea in the Italian Riviera or northern Italy’s beautiful Lakes Region.

I’ve spent time in Italy during every season, multiple times. I would recommend you consider spring or fall if your schedule allows. These seasons offer the best combination of pleasant weather, pricing, and the number of visitors.

Below is an outline of each season. I’ve included a sampling of the things you can see and do in northern Italy during these months, as well as some general tips to help as you plan your trip.

December-February: Generally, winter in northern Italy comes with cooler temperatures and fewer travelers sightseeing. This makes it easier to book tickets for popular attractions like the Doge’s Palace in Venice or the Last Supper painting in Milan and less expensive to book flights and hotels.

In December, lights and decorations sparkle in cities like Turin, while the Christmas markets in places like Bolzano and Milan add to the festivities. Carnevale is celebrated in February and is most famous in Venice. Not only do prices rise during this time, but it also may not be the best time to visit the city if you don’t intend to take part in the festivities. Snow sports abound in Italy’s stunning Alps in the Dolomites and the Valle d’Aosta while the beach towns in the Cinque Terre will be quiet with some restaurants and hotels closed for the season.

March-May: As spring arrives so do more pleasant temperatures. Keep in mind that Alpine resort towns and the surrounding mountains are chillier than lower elevations and largely still in winter ski mode. But elsewhere, flowers begin to bloom and the rolling hills once again turn to green.

That being said, spring is an ideal time to visit northern Italy, especially if you’re hoping to blend time between city sightseeing and natural wonders. Hotels and restaurants re-open along the Ligurian coast and in the Lakes Region. In particular, it can be a great time to visit the Cinque Terre to hike the famous coastal trail because the temperatures are moderate and the trails still largely quiet compared to the crowds of summer.

It’s smart to prepare for any potential rainy days, but typically these days are mixed in with plenty of days of sun.

June-August: Summer is Italy’s peak travel season, and the north is no exception. With high season, expect pricing for flights, hotels, and rental cars to match the demand, as well as for popular sights and places to be at their busiest. Temperatures will be warm to hot so it’s best to pace any city explorations and better yet, mix in days near the water or in the mountains.

The summer months are also the time of year when many Italians take time off for vacation. Coastal towns are a hive for beachside activities and lounging. Hotels and other accommodations, especially, book up quickly in these areas. Aside from beaches along northern Italy’s eastern and western coastlines, places like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore also offer a waterside retreat and outdoor activities. It’s also the best time to road trip and hike in the spectacular Dolomites in Italy’s northeastern corner.

September-November: Similar to spring, fall can also be a perfect time to plan a trip to northern Italy. Temperatures are mild, with crisp nights as you get deeper into the season. If you love Italian food and wine (and who doesn’t?!?), fall is for you! In Piedmont, the grapes are ready to harvest and truffles are in season. The oranges, reds, and yellows of fall can be enjoyed whether you’re visiting the Lakes, city hopping through Emilia-Romagna, or visiting castles and Roman ruins in the Aosta Valley.

September is also nice for a little bonus beach time. The waters of the Mediterranean Seas are still warm and the days have plenty of sunshine. Even better, accommodation prices cool and the crowds begin to thin in many of these coastal regions

As with spring, rain is possible but with enough blue-sky days to make your time in northern Italy unforgettable.

What’s on Your Travel Northern Italy Bucket List?

In this beginning phase of travel planning, determine which regions and places you’d like to visit during your northern Italy trip. It’s not necessary to limit yourself yet or make any final itinerary decisions. Use resources like travel blogs, northern Italy guidebooks , Pinterest, and Instagram to inspire you. Facebook Groups are good for asking questions and getting tips and ideas.

Spend time getting to know the 8 regions of northern Italy . Each one has its own history, culture, dialect, cuisine, and landscape to discover!

Discover the best places to visit in northern Italy through lists like these and then spend time looking up the places that catch your eye. Even if you already have an idea of the places you’d like to go to in northern Italy, take a little time to research. Oftentimes, hidden gems are hiding in plain sight just near some of the area’s most famous towns and sights! Including a few of these gems is the key to eventually planning a one-of-a-kind trip to northern Italy.

Visas & Passports

Italy is part of the European Union and is a member of the Schengen Area. If you aren’t a citizen of the European Union, you will need a passport to enter Italy. Now is the time to make sure your passport is valid and not damaged if you don’t have a passport or haven’t used yours in a while. If need be, apply or renew now.

Please beware that your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from when you enter Italy. It may be possible to enter Italy with slightly less passport validity (i.e. 5 months), however, it’s not something to be left to chance. In addition, you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport booklet.

If you are a citizen of the U.S, Canada, the U.K, Australia, or New Zealand, you are allowed to stay in Italy for 90 days in any 180-day period. Through 2022 and into 2023, citizens of these countries can enter Italy with just a valid passport. Beginning in November 2023, citizens of these visa-free countries will need to apply for an ETIAS, which is not a visa, but rather a travel authorization application.

The form will be filled out online and processed immediately. You need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the 7 Euros for the application fee. Once issued, your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or when your passport expires, if that occurs first.

Passport and visa information is always subject to change. Please use this website to confirm the requirements for your country. If you are a citizen of one of the countries below, I’ve included your country’s travel guidelines page which is also good to look at for the latest entry requirements.

• U.S. Citizens
• Canada Citizens
• U.K. Citizens

Northern Italy Trip Budget

Travel budgets are subjective, based on each person’s travel style, must-sees and dos, as well as seasonality. Obviously, the number of days you plan to spend in northern Italy also plays an important role in understanding how much money you can spend each day.

The cost of flights tends to be closely linked to seasonality and holidays. Busier seasons like summer or around school vacations tend to bump up the cost of airfare. But with a little flexibility, even traveling just a month out from the summer season, you can find airfares for much less during these times when the demand has gone down.

Airfare sites like Google Flights , Momondo , and Skyscanner do a great job of finding the best-priced flights. Google Flights also has a calendar view when you click on the field to enter your travel dates. The calendar will drop down and show the lowest price fares across many months so you can get an idea of what flights to northern Italy cost compared to the dates you’re considering.

You can find a range of accommodation pricing in Northern Italy, from extravagant luxury hotels on the shores of Lake Como or in the Italian Riviera’s Positano to budget-friendly B&Bs in the many small towns and villages that dot the countryside.

Once you move away from bigger cities, food costs also tend to be more affordable.

As you work out what your Italy trip budget might be, it’ll also help you better focus on the things you really want to see and do. While this may not sound great, it definitely is! Budgeting helps you manage your trip money and helps you avoid a very typical travel mistake…an overpacked itinerary!

2. Northern Italy Itinerary Planning & Booking

This is the time to decide where in northern Italy you would like to go and to outline how long your itinerary will be.

As tempting as it is to try and see “everything,” think of it this way. North Italy is more than 46,000 square miles, with countless cities, towns, sights, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And don’t forget the Alps, the lakes, the beaches along the Italian Riviera, and the rolling hills of vineyards. For a visual, check out this detailed map of northern Italy complete with lakes, cities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you’re planning a 7-day northern Italy itinerary, then you’ll want to try to limit yourself to 2 places as “bases.” You can certainly day trip from these places to see more but you’ll have a much more comfortable pace, as well as time to adequately experience a place, by not changing accommodations each day.

With extra time, like 10 days in northern Italy, 14 days in northern Italy, or more, your options for what’s possible expand.

Instead of day tripping to Lake Como or Lake Garda, you can stay in one of the many beautiful lakeside towns and perhaps also discover Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella, and Lake Orta.

One day to the Cinque Terre villages like Monterosso al Mare can become multiple days to enjoy the more off-the-beaten-path (but no less spectacular) villages along the Mediterranean coastline.

A day in the Italian Alps can become a mini road trip to drool over the breathtaking mountain scenery.

For a quick reference, consider these northern Italy itinerary tips. The suggested number of days is the minimum in order to avoid really rushing from place to place. Add more days if you plan to day trip from these points.

Venice : 2 days to explore and enjoy the city, more if you’d like to see any of the small islands or take a day trip to nearby places like Verona or Lake Garda.

Milan : 2 days in Milan to explore beyond the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Last Supper painting.

Lake Como or Lake Garda : At least, 2-3 days at each lake to village-hop and enjoy the countless sights and activities around the lakes.

Cinque Terre : With 2 days, you can move at a comfortable pace among the 5 villages. If you stay longer, you can visit hidden gems like Portovenere.

Turin : 2 days in Turin gives you the chance to see the city’s top sights, including the Royal Palaces and the view from the top of the Mole.

Bologna : You’ll need at least 2 days to see and eat your way through Bologna!

Dolomites : At least 3 days, if you plan to hike, and base yourself in 1 area like in the Val Gardena/Ortisei area. It’s possible to road trip 5-7 days in just the Dolomites, if you’re also hoping to hike and enjoy the mountain villages and lakes into the Cortina d’Ampezzo area.

Regardless of how long your northern Italy itinerary is, the area’s food, culture, history, landscapes, people, and language will absolutely capture your heart!

Getting to Northern Italy

There are several major airports in northern Italy . Milan’s Malpensa Airport is the busiest, with flights arriving from within Italy and from many points around the world. Venice’s Marco Polo airport also has international flights, including seasonal routes operated from cities in the U.S. and Canada.

There are also airports in cities like Turin, Bergamo, Genoa, Bologna, Verona, and even another Milan airport that services flights from many European cities.

The great thing about so many airports in the north of Italy is the ability to fly into 1 airport and out of another airport. This not only maximizes your time by avoiding needless backtracking to your original airport but also the price usually isn’t that much more when you factor in transportation costs to return to your original airport.

When to Book Your Flight to Northern Italy

Generally, for flights to Italy you want to book 4-12 months in advance. If you’re traveling in summer, around a holiday period, or have no flexibility with your travel dates, book as far in advance as you can.

Tools like Google Flights have the calendar view mentioned above and airlines generally open their schedules 331 days in advance. That means at the end of August, can see prices for flights to Milan the following June. Google Flights also has helpful tools like their “Date Grid” and “Price Graph” to help you see which dates are the cheapest to fly. Sometimes one small change can result in big savings.

Skyscanner and Momondo are also great places to search. They are flight aggregators, which means they are looking for the cheapest prices and not favoring results they themselves are selling.

Hopper is a travel app that also has great flight data. Hopper analyzes data and will tell you whether you should book now or wait.

Regardless of where you search, be sure to use an incognito or private browser tab and clear your cookies and computer cache regularly. If you’ve searched often and noticed that prices have gone up, consider switching devices. For example, use a spouse’s computer or your phone instead to see if the original price will re-appear.

Lastly, it’s typically cheaper to fly into Milan compared to Rome. So even if your trip to Italy includes places further south, it likely makes sense to start your itinerary in northern Italy.

Train Travel to Northern Italy

The northern regions of Italy are well-connected by trains from cities all over Europe. A potential benefit to arriving by train is not having to position yourself from an airport but rather to start in the exact place you need, like Turin or Trieste.

If you are coming from another point in Europe, use a tool like Omio to help piece together your route. Keep in mind that the further out you book your train tickets, the less the price will be. Prices rise the closer to the departure date you are. In addition, some popular train routes can also sell out. So, if you need to travel by train on a specific day, book in advance to ensure the seats are available.

Traveling in Northern Italy

Trains are also a convenient way to get around Italy. High-speed rails connect cities like Turin, Milan, Bologna, Venice, and Trieste. Regional trains make it easy to reach places like Lake Como, Asti, Modena, Trento, Brescia, and Bergamo. If your northern Italy itinerary is solely in cities and bigger towns, it’s not only possible to rely solely on trains to travel through the region but the most hassle-free option.

Once again, Omio makes it easy to search and book train tickets. Download their app and store all your tickets on your mobile device. You can access the ticket with its barcode for the conductor to scan regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not.

Renting a Car in Italy

With a car, you’ll have more flexibility to explore the countryside and dictate your own timetable. And if you have your sights on road tripping in the Dolomites or through the Aosta Valley or enjoying the wines and truffles in Piedmont’s rolling hills, you will absolutely need to rent a car.

Driving in Italy is relatively simple. Highways and roads are well-maintained and fueling stations can be easily located.

Here are a few Italy driving tips to keep in mind.

To drive in Italy, you need to have an International Driver’s License . For U.S. citizens, you can easily get one through AAA by showing your U.S. driver’s license and having a passport photo taken. The license is good for 1 year and is valid in many countries around the world.

To be clear, rental car agencies will allow you to rent a vehicle without this international license. However, if you get stopped on the road and don’t have one, you may incur a steep fine. In my experience, it’s arbitrary and depends on who pulls you over.

Manual transmissions are the norm so when renting a car be sure to select an automatic transmission if you need it. Automatic transmission vehicles typically cost more to rent.

When choosing a car, go with the smallest option that makes sense for your needs. Even in cities, roads can be no more than the width of an alley, not to mention it’s much easier to find parking for a smaller car, too.

To save the most money on a car rental, track your reservation with Autoslash . They will search for a better price (whether you booked through Kayak or directly with a rental car company) right up until the day you pick up the car. If they find a better price, you can cancel your first reservation and rebook at the better price. For this rental car hack to work, make sure your original reservation has free cancellation.

Autostradas charge tolls. Typically, you take a ticket from the toll booth when you enter the highway. Upon exiting, you insert your ticket into the toll booth machine and pay the amount on the screen. You can pay in Euros or by credit card. Lanes have symbols for coins and credit cards so you know which form of payment is accepted.

If you’re driving in a city, beware of ZTLs, or Zona Traffico Limitato. These are areas regulated by cameras and local authorities where only cars with a specific permit can drive in these areas. These are often historic city centers and tight residential areas where the municipality wants to control congestion. Driving in these ZTLs comes with a fine so avoid them at all costs.

Where to Stay in Northern Italy

You’ll find all manners of accommodations in northern Italy, from hotels, B&Bs, apartment and house rentals, as well as unique agriturismo countryside properties. Fortunately, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. And while not all northern Italy accommodations need to be booked months and months in advance, hotels, in particular, do raise prices the closer it gets to the check-in date.

In larger cities, like Milan, Turin, and Venice, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options. Unless you have a specific property where you want to stay, you can comfortably book stays with less lead time.

It’s much more important to book your accommodation in advance in smaller towns, especially in touristy areas. Villages along Lake Como and Lake Garda, as well as in the Italian Riviera (Cinque Terre, Portofino, etc.) have only so many available places to stay. Book in these places as early as you can!

The same is true if you’re traveling to northern Italy for a particular event or holiday. For example, if you want to be Piemonte for the fall wine and truffle season events, then you’ll want to book at least a few months in advance.

Use sites like Hotels.com , Booking.com , VRBO , and Plum Guide to research and find the right properties for your trip.

Sightseeing and Day Tours

It’s also important to plan how and when you’ll visit the sights and places on your northern Italy itinerary. While it’s possible to book some things as you go, there are popular sights and tours that need to be booked in advance. You’ll also avoid long lines that eat up time and are no fun to stand in, especially in the sweltering summer heat.

Get Your Guide makes it super easy to search for tours, activities, and entry tickets. Plus, you can store all of your activities in the Get Your Guide app for easy access to your booking. Even better, all bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For northern Italy specifically, Milan and Venice have a few specific sights to get tickets to in advance.

Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket : Get access to all areas of Milan’s famous Duomo without needing to wait in long ticket lines.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper Painting: To see this painting, you must book ahead of time. Slots are limited and fill up sometimes months in advance. While you can get Last Supper tickets directly, this tour is much easier to book and gives you skip-the-line access with an expert guide. More info in this guide about all the ways to get tickets for the Last Supper.

Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Day Trip : This popular day trip from Milan gives you the opportunity to spend a full day at Lake Como exploring a few of the beautiful villages along the shores. While this trip may not sell out as quickly as the activities above, if you have a specific day slotted for a day trip to Lake Como in your itinerary, be sure to book it in advance.

Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket : Skip the line by heading straight to the entry for those with reserved tickets and explore this incredible palace.

St. Mark’s Basilica : There are several options for getting tickets to St. Mark’s including going to the official website , as well as a popular combination tour together with the Doge’s Palace. Either way, you want to book in advance because this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see while in Venice!

3. Pre-Departure Checklist

With all of the big things like flights and accommodations booked, this phase is all about the things you’ll want to plan in the weeks leading up to your trip to northern Italy.

Pay attention to the tips about packing and money discussed below. If there’s anything you need to get, allow for the time it will take for those things to arrive.

The season you travel to Italy will, of course, determine the types of clothes you need for your trip. Be mindful that Cathedrals and other religious sites often require shoulders and legs to the knee to be covered. If you’re traveling in summer, a simple scarf or wrap will suffice. Knee-length skirts or dresses, as well as convertible pants, are also easy ways to stay cool and respect the rules.

And it is certainly easier said than done, but when you’re packing less is truly more. Maneuvering big, heavy bags on and off trains, along cobblestone, and into small B&Bs with perhaps no elevator is not fun. If you’re renting a car, larger suitcases can be too big for small cars.

This is the suitcase I use for trips to northern Italy up to 2 weeks long. With the help of rolling my clothes and storing them in these compression packing cubes , I can pack everything I need.

My carry-on backpack has some personal essentials and my electronics like my laptop, camera, and lenses.

No matter what season visit northern Italy, here are a few things you’ll want to pack.

Plug Adapter – Pack type “C” adapters. Type “F” adapters may also come in handy in some older buildings. A universal plug can convert both. Power Strip – Great for charging multiple devices at the same time. The best ones also include USB ports. Perfect if you already have a single plug adapter and want to be able to charge multiple devices. Battery Pack – Make sure your phone or camera has enough power to get through a full day with heavy use. Comfortable Walking Shoes – Regardless of the season, you’ll be walking a lot! Historic towns and cities have cobblestones and a lot of uneven pavement. Water Bottle – You can safely drink the water in Italy. There are refilling points in cities, towns, and popular tourist areas like the Cinque Terre. Day Bag/Pack – Easy to tuck into your suitcase or carry-on and perfect for carrying around the day’s essentials. Face Mask – In Italy, you still must wear quality masks like a KN95 or better on public transportation like trains and buses. You may also be asked to wear one in other situations, as well.

Airport Transfers

The northern Italy airports are well-connected so whether you want to take a train , bus , private car, or even water transfer (from Venice’s Airport), you have options. You can also rent a car and begin a northern Italy road trip. Whichever transportation suits your plans best, research all the details and book ahead whenever possible to make the transfer from the airport to the city as smooth as you can.

For many international arrivals, Milan’s Malpensa Airport and Venice’s Marco Polo Airport are likely to be the entry point into northern Italy. Below, there are some quick at-a-glance tips, as well as links to detailed guides for arranging your airport transfer.

Milan Malpensa is 30+ miles from the center of Milan. The Malpensa Express is a train that runs between Terminal 1 at the airport to Piazza Cadorna and Milano Centrale. Piazza Cadorna is in central Milan, not far from Castello Sforzesco and Santa Maria delle Grazie, the place where Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting is displayed. Milano Centrale is the main train station with high-speed and regional trains running to cities and towns throughout Italy.

The Malpensa Express train is the best option for your time and budget. As you make your plan to get from Milan Malpensa to the city center, use this guide to learn more about the Malpensa Express and all of your options in fuller detail.

Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is a few miles north of Venice’s city center. It’s important to figure out the details of your transfer from the airport to the city center particularly if your hotel is not on the Grand Canal. Venice can be very confusing to walk around and the signs sometimes are more frustrating than helpful, especially when you’ve got your luggage…in the heat of summer!

The Alilaguna water buses run from the airport to Piazza San Marco. Overland express ATVO buses and taxis run to Piazzale Roma and from there you can take the vaporetto (water bus) to the city center. You can also book a private water taxi directly to your hotel. Keep in mind this is the most expensive of the options. To split the difference between cost and comfort, you can arrange a shared water taxi instead.

Use this guide to plan your transfer from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport to the city center .

Learn a Few Basic Italian Phrases

It always helps to know a few basic phrases in the local language when you travel and Italy is no different. No one expects travelers to speak fluent Italian but when you try, it signals respect which is always appreciated.

Here are some Italian words and phrases to start with.

Buongiorno = Hello Ciao = Hello or Goodbye (informal) Grazie (mille) = Thank you (very much) Per favore = Please Prego = You’re welcome (Italians also use this word to mean “please,” as in please, come in or please, sit down.) Il Conto = the bill/check Non parlo l’Italiano = I don’t speak Italian Si/No = Yes/No Arrivederci = Goodbye Tutto a posto / Tutto bene = Everything is fine/good.

If you’d like to learn more, download the Google Translate app and download the Italian language to your phone. You’ll be able to make translations even if you’re offline. It can also be helpful to have a good Italian phrase book to help with specific situations.

Italy uses the Euro as its currency. It’s best to withdraw Euros with your Debit Card once you’re in Italy, just not at your arrival point like at an airport. These usually have some of the worst exchange rates. Once you arrive at your accommodations, find a bank with an ATM to take cash out.

Debit cards with a pin can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. In some cases, like at a self-pay gas station, you can only use a card that is PIN-enabled. If your credit card doesn’t also have a PIN for these instances, your Debit Card can serve as the backup.

ProTip: For extra bank account security when you travel, consider opening a Schwab bank account. Not only does it reimburse you for ATM fees, but you can also use this account to put just some money for travel. If your debit card gets stolen or skimmed, the thief only has access to the money in that account instead of everything in your regular account.

In many places, especially in cities and larger towns, credit cards are also widely accepted. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are typically ok, however, it’s best to travel with more than 1 type of credit card. For example, bring a Visa card and an American Express card to ensure you have a backup in case one isn’t accepted.

In addition to the types of cards, be sure your credit card does NOT charge foreign exchange fees. For example, the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred does not charge these fees but the Chase Freedom Unlimited does.

When using your credit card, always opt to pay in Euros instead of your local currency. You’ll avoid the worst exchange rates and baked-in convenience fees by doing so.

In small towns and villages, it’s best to have some cash on hand in case there’s a cash-only shop or cafe.

ProTip: It’s a good idea to alert your bank that your Debit Card may be used overseas. However, many traveler favorite credit cards like the Sapphire Preferred or an American Express Gold Card can be used internationally without any advance notice.

We all know how important cell phones and connectivity are, whether it’s to look up directions to a location, access online tickets and reservations, or send a text message. So it goes without saying, you need to stay connected even when you’re traveling in northern Italy whether you’re in a big city or the countryside.

Wireless carriers often have international data plans but these are pricey, often charging a flat rate per 24-hour period and slowing your speed if you go over a set amount of data.

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can purchase a SIM card intended for travelers. I’ve used TIM & Vodafone while traveling in Italy. You can typically find them at transportation hubs like airports and train stations, but you can also buy them in cell phone shops and even online prior to your trip. Expect reliable 4G coverage with some 5G in larger cities.

Depending on your phone model, you may also be able to get an e-SIM. Providers like OneSim sell both physical and e-SIM cards. The great thing about the e-SIM is that you don’t need a physical card. Instead, you download the e-SIM just as you would for an app. Only newer model phones are compatible so be sure to check you have the right phone.

Regardless of what type of SIM you buy, if you purchase it through a company outside of Italy, make sure Italy is included in the list of countries with coverage.

Another option is a portable Wi-Fi device. This allows you to create your own hotspot and connect multiple devices. This can be a great solution for families or if you want a secure connection for your laptop. If you’re staying in a countryside rental home, a portable Wi-Fi brings peace of mind that you’ll have a connection.

Some car rental companies, like Hertz, rent these devices for a flat rate per day. And while this may seem not much better than your wireless carrier’s international plan, it actually is. For starters, data isn’t capped so there’s no slow down of speeds. Second, you can connect multiple devices.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s more cost-effective to purchase your own portable Wi-Fi device. Companies like GlocalME and Huawei products are solid options to consider.

Time Zones & Jet Lag

Italy has only 1 time zone, Central European Time. Central European Summer Time is used when Daylight Savings is in effect. With only a couple of exceptions, this means Italy is 6 hours ahead of New York City’s Eastern Standard Time. Italy’s Daylight Savings calendar is slightly different than the U.S. so for a couple of weeks in the year, the 6-hour time difference is affected.

Chances are you have just 1-2 weeks for your northern Italy trip. You don’t want jet lag to cost you precious days.

Here are a few basic tips to help you manage, and possibly, avoid jet lag.

24-48 hours before your trip, start to be aware of what time it is in Italy. If you can, eat a meal as if you are already in Italy.

Get up early on your departure day. It’s likely your flight to Italy (when coming from the U.S. or Canada) is at night. The more tired you are when you finally board the plane, the more likely it is you’ll sleep on the flight.

Try to sleep even a little bit on the flight. Even a couple of hours will help!

Plan a full and active first day, preferably with walking and outdoor activities like visiting the roof of Milan’s Duomo or getting lost on foot in Venice’s labryinth of alleyways. Take rests to eat when the locals do and stay up as late as you can, but at least to a regular bedtime hour.

Plan Your First Day in Full

When you’re planning an itinerary for your northern Italy trip, it makes sense to leave some flexibility for when you stumble upon the cutest countryside village ever or just want to have a few extra cappuccinos at the cafe in the piazza.

But that’s not for the first day.

From the moment you land, you need a plan. Know where you will go once you’ve collected your luggage and how you’re getting there. If you need train tickets or to arrange a private airport transfer, have this pre-arranged (if possible).

After this, have a plan for what you want to see and do. If you need to get tickets or arrange an activity, book it in advance.

Consider making a reservation for dinner, too. Reach out to your hotel for assistance if you need or use a website like The Fork to make restaurant reservations online. (Not all restaurants are available for online booking so if you don’t find what you’re looking for, do a broader search for your area using Google.)

Having a solid plan for your first day reduces stress, helps to maximize your time, fights jet lag, and gets your northern Italy vacation off to a successful start! It’s an absolute win-win!

Traveling Northern Italy…

…is an absolute dream! With research and time, you can plan a trip to northern Italy that includes must-see sights, hidden gems, and unique local experiences.

By specifically focusing on the regions in the north, your northern Italy travel itinerary will be about sightseeing, of course, but also about the amazing discoveries and experiences that only come from a one-of-a-kind itinerary away from crowded touristy hotspots.

The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks

A Northern Italy road trip means enchanting lakes, astonishing mountains, and romantic cities. Along the way, you will experience delectable Italian gastronomy, adrenaline-pumping hikes, and fascinating museums and art galleries.

There is so much to take into account when planning the perfect Northern Italy itinerary so my travel guide is here to help you get started.

In this 2 weeks in Northern Italy article, you will find all the necessary information about where to visit, where to stay and what to do, along with many useful travel tips and information about the region. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

* 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. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Rather than proposing what to do each day of your 2 week Italy road trip, I have split your itinerary into 6 sections that cover a different region.

Each segment contains useful information about how to get there, where to stay and where to eat as well as the best things to do in that specific area.

Breakdown of your 2 weeks in Northern Italy

• Milan: 2 days
• Lake Como: 2 days
• Lake Garda: 2 days
• Verona: 1 day
• Dolomites: 5 days
• Venice: 2 days

You can choose whether you start in Milan and end in Venice, or go in reverse. This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way!

Map for your Northern Italy road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Northern Italy road trip itinerary.

I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit in each area.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Milan (2 Days)

Milan is the Italian equivalent of Paris with its hundreds of boutiques, splendid landmarks, and fashion-centric identity.

The city was subject to devastation during World War II although fortunately the monuments such as the Duomo di Milan were salvaged and resurrected. That being said, Milan has the most modern vibe of the cities featured on this Northern Italy road trip.

Although it’s a huge city, most of the tourist attractions are centrally located so 2 days in Milan is sufficient time for getting to know the city. 

Best things to do in Milan

Duomo di milano .

The most iconic landmark in the city, the Duomo di Milano (Cathedral of Milan) is the perfect place to start your 2 weeks in Northern Italy.

You can admire the gothic architecture from the outside and visit the rooftop for panoramic city views. I strongly recommend doing both!

Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the line . Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Piazza del Duomo

The Cathedral Square is the center of Milan and is a great place to hang out with an espresso or gelato while you take in the sights and observe stylish Milan locals going about their day.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping mall in Italy. You can browse luxury stores in this elegant 19th-century arcade or just visit to take photos.

It’s beautiful at night when it’s illuminated by street lights and if you want to have it all to yourself, make sure to be there before 8 am.

The Last Supper

Did you know that one of the most famous paintings in the world is located in Milan? Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper is housed in the 15th-century basilica, Santa Maria Delle Grazie.

Tickets are usually sold out months in advance so it’s important to book a ticket online the moment you know the exact dates of your Northern Italy road trip!

Castello Sforzesco

Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza (the Duke of Milan), the Castello Sforzesco is wonderfully preserved and it’s one of the most beautiful castles in Europe to this day.

The castle is free to visit and you can visit the current art exhibition at the museum for a minimal fee.

Royal Palace

This impressive 18th-century palace was formerly a governmental seat but now it hosts historic artworks in an opulent setting. It’s worth coinciding a visit with the Modern Art Gallery to note how styles have evolved. 

San Siro (AC Milan) Stadium

Perhaps not for everyone but if you are a football fan you might want to book a tour of the AC Milan Stadium and Museum.

The museum houses historic and contemporary memorabilia while the tour includes the VIP stand, interview room, and dressing rooms. 

Navigli 

This bohemian neighborhood features funky canalside trattorias and floating bars.

After lots of art and landmarks, it makes a nice change to your Milan itinerary and is a great place to spend an afternoon pottering around flea markets and vintage stores or an evening of laid-back drinks. 

Where to eat in Milan

• Caffè Vergnano 1882 : Situated within walking distance to the Duomo, this is a great place to grab a morning pastry and fresh brew before you dive into a day of sightseeing.  
• B : B operates a restaurant and a cafe within walking distance of one another. Both are set within chic interiors and give you the chance to enjoy authentic Italian. Visit B for artistic fine dining and wine and B Cafe for gourmet sandwiches and cocktails.
• Macha Cafe : Because you’re going to be eating a lot of Northern Italian dishes over the next few days, spice things up with some fresh Japanese food. Sushi, poke bowls and stacked pancakes served with matcha are on the menu at this cute string of restaurants. 
• Rita : One of the coolest bars in Milan, this canalside bar mixes innovative cocktails and serves a mix of comforting Italian dishes 
• Pavé : If you love the combination of delicious pastries with a heavenly cappuccino, drop by this cute cafe for a hearty breakfast or a quick afternoon snack. Each product is carefully crafted and beautifully presented so it’s a real feast for the eyes and the soul as well!

Where to stay in Milan

As you are only spending 2 days in Milan, I recommend that you stay centrally, especially if this is your first time in the city.

The Centro Storico is the heart of the city and this is where you can discover all of the major cultural attractions as well as shops and places to eat. More affordable accommodation is located on the outer rim of the historic center, in Brera and Navigli.

Milan’s center is fairly walkable and has good public transportation so it’s enough to pick up your rental car before leaving. This way you can save some money on the rental time as well as on parking. 

If you want to read more about the different neighborhoods, make sure to check out my in-depth article about where to stay in Milan .

If you’re in a rush, below you can find my top picks for hotels in Milan for different budgets.

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Milano
• Mid-range: Sina De La Ville
• Budget: Acca Palace

Lake Como (2 Days)

Located in the Lombardy region at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy.

The azure water is surrounded by cute little lakeside towns, each with its own portfolio of stylish hotels, trendy restaurants, historic churches, landmarks, and museums as well as boat piers that connect to other towns.

Its dramatic setting means that you have viewpoints from pretty much anywhere. Swimming is possible in Lake Como but be prepared for the deep water to be cold even at the peak of summer.

Due to the peculiar shape of the lake (like the letter ‘Y’) the perimeter of the lake is 171 km (106 miles) and this makes it tricky to drive around the entire lake during this Northern Italy road trip itinerary.

Bellagio is strategically positioned to enable you to drive to other nearby towns and hop on boats to those further afield.

Driving time: 1 hour (56 km/35 miles) from Milan to Lecco, 1.5 hours (70 km/44 miles) from Milan to Bellagio or Varenna

Best things to do in Lake Como

Even if you choose to stay elsewhere during this leg of your road trip to Northern Italy, you should still consider spending at least a few hours in this picturesque lakeside town. Wander the cobblestone streets, dip into cafes and soak up the atmosphere – you won’t be disappointed!

Sail Lake Como

There are plenty of opportunities to hire a motorboat or board a sailing trip to explore Lake Como from the water. This Sailing Boat Experience gives you the chance to have a go at playing captain and swimming opportunities. 

Villa del Balbianello 

Right out of a fairytale, this villa is set upon the Lavedo headland and juts out to provide splendid lake views from its grounds and terraces. The villa has been used for special events and as a film set many times over the years, if you’ve seen James Bond or Star Wars it may ring a bell.

Villa Carlotta 

A short drive south of Menaggio, this luxurious 17th-century lakeside villa is set within 14 acres of botanical gardens. The residence showcases masterpieces including The Kiss by Francesco Hayez and exhibits how the stately home would have looked in the 19th century. 

Isola Comacina

Isola Comacina is the solo island of Lake Como and is located in the southwest part of the lake. Boats shuttle tourists to the island from Ossuccio as well as towns further afield.

For a small place, Isola Comacina has a large history that you can discover via its churches and historic buildings before slashing out on an upscale meal at the island restaurants.

As one of the largest towns, Lecco has a monopoly on some of the most interesting attractions in Lake Como. Tour the Palace of Fears and the Manzoni Museum of Municipal Art and walk along the Lungolago di Lecco.

There are numerous short hiking trails that are accessible from Lecco if you have some extra time.

Como-Brunate Funicolare

Ride the Funicolare Como-Brunate from Como Town to the mountain town of Brunate for magnificent views.

You’ll find restaurants at the top or you can hike to the summit of Monte Boletto. This 11.7 km (7.3 miles) hike is moderate to challenging and takes approximately 3-4 hours in total. 

Where to eat in Lake Como

• Kitchen : Located in Como, Kitchen puts a modern twist on traditional Italian staples within an exquisite setting that’s perfect for special occasions.
• Trattoria Corte Fiorina : Hidden away down one of the oldest streets in Lecco, this lovely restaurant features an outdoor courtyard and a sophisticated internal dining room. The risotto is highly commended.
• Gelateria del Borgo : Homemade ice cream, milkshakes, and cakes to go or savor in a tranquil courtyard in beautiful Bellagio. 
• Osteria Il Pozzo : This rustic trattoria in Menaggio has a compact menu but every dish is loaded with flavor and the place has a casual ambiance. 
• Babi Como : Located in Como, this lovely cafe serves the most delicious and aesthetic dishes ever. If you’re looking for a delicious brunch in a beautifully decorated cafe with all the good vibes, don’t miss out on this one!

Where to stay in Lake Como

As Lake Como comprises many small resort towns you have plenty of choices available with accommodations varying from basic guesthouses to luxury villas.

Bellagio is perhaps the most idyllic and most convenient place to stay in Lake Como. However, Como, Lecco, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Varenna are all worthy contenders. 

You can decide whether you want to book 2 nights and stay in the same hotel or spend the two evenings in different towns.

Whichever one you choose, make sure to ditch your car during the day and use the public boats and ferries to get around Lake Como as driving (and especially finding a parking spot) would be a big hassle.

To get you started, below you can find my personal recommendations for staying in Bellagio or Varenna for every budget which is a great base for your Lake Como itinerary .

If you want to know more about where to stay in Lake Como, check out my detailed guide about the best places to stay in Lake Como which includes 7 different towns with pros-cons and hotel recommendations!

Best places to stay in Bellagio

• Luxury | Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
• Mid-range | Hotel du Lac & SPA
• Budget | Hotel Bellagio

Best places to stay in Varenna

• Luxury | Hotel Royal Victoria
• Mid-range | Hotel Olivedo
• Budget | Hotel Montecodeno

Lake Garda (2 Days)

In terms of surface volume, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. As with Lake Como, Lake Garda is a popular destination for international and domestic tourists alike and it’s the most family-friendly of Italy’s lake destinations.

The glorious sapphire water is framed by resort towns with historic sites and lively restaurants. If you wanted to drive around Lake Garda in its entirety, it would take approximately 3 hours, subject to traffic, to complete the 140 km (90 miles) radius. 

The northern end of Lake Garda almost resembles a system of fjords and arguably is the most impressive visually. As with Lake Como, swimming is possible at Lake Garda so add your swimmers to your Northern Italy road trip packing list. 

Driving time: 2.5 hours (150 km/93 miles) from Bellagio to Sirmione or 3 hours (185km/115 miles) from Bellagio to Riva del Garda

Best things to do in Lake Garda 

Rocca scaligero castle.

The main landmark of Sirmione is the moated 13th-century Scaligero Castle. Open to the public, you can pay to tour the interiors and clamber around the towers for sprawling lake views. 

Thermal baths 

Sirmione is known for its thermal baths which are believed to have healing benefits. There is a selection of bathhouses on the peninsula or you can drive further afield to Parco Termale del Garda or Villa dei Cedri. After all, 2 weeks in Northern Italy calls for some indulgence, am I right?

Cruise Lake Garda

Watersports and sailings are rife in Lake Garda and provide a unique way to experience the surroundings. You can choose from short boat tours by speedboat , four-hours cruises , and sunset sailings . 

Monte Baldo hiking trail

Lake Garda provides a wealth of hiking trails that are accessible without a guide. The Monte Baldo circuit is a moderate 8 km (5 miles) trail that takes around 4 hours to complete.

To access the trailhead you will need to ride the cable car from Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo, which is worth doing regardless of whether or not you want to hike. 

Riva del Garda promenade

Riva del Garda’s backdrop with the towering mountains and greenery really helps make the pastel-colored buildings pop. Take the time to wander the promenade or take a boat ride to appreciate the postcard-perfect landscape even if you don’t choose to stay in the town.  

Lake Garda markets

Traditional Italian markets operate most days in the towns of Lake Garda and give you the opportunity to purchase fresh local produce and souvenirs such as leather goods and ceramics. You can check the schedule for the current locations and timings of the Lake Garda markets online. 

Gardaland 

Italy’s leading amusement park is located right next to Lake Garda and provides white knuckle rides and family-friendly alternatives to appease all. If you’re traveling with children or teenagers, Gardaland is a fun addition to factor into your Northern Italy road trip.

Where to eat in Lake Garda 

• Jamaica Bar : Nab yourself a spot at one of the most scenic parts of Sirmione and soak up views of Lake Garda over a sunset cocktail. 
• Mamba Beach Club Limone : Providing incredible views of the lake, a pool and sun terrace, artistic dishes, and flashy cocktails, this is a great spot if you want to indulge in some lakeside luxury. 
• Hosteria Croce d’Oro : A small family-owned trattoria in Desenzano del Garda that serves homemade pasta, succulent meat, and wholesome seafood with an expansive wine menu. 
• Aril Pizzeria : An unpretentious diner in Malcesine with an ample pizza menu at budget-friendly prices. 
• Ristorante Al Vaticano : Situated in a quintessentially Italian courtyard in Riva del Garda, the environment is just as pleasing as the hearty Italian fare. 
• La Darsena : Operated by Grand Hotel Fasano, this lakeside restaurant offers an extensive outdoor space shaded by chestnut trees right by the lake. They serve aperitifs and cocktails along with authentic local cuisine such as homemade pastas and delicious pizzas.

Where to stay in Lake Garda 

Similar to Lake Como, I recommend booking accommodation for two nights in Lake Garda but consider splitting your accommodation across two towns.

As you approach from the south, you can start your Lake Garda road trip in the southern end and book a hotel in the peninsula town of Sirmione or historic Desenzano del Garda.

For your second night, I suggest either Malcesine in the shadow of Monte Baldo or the colorful resort towns of Riva del Garda or Limone sul Garda. 

All of these proposed towns are well-equipped with amenities, restaurants, and attractions for your road trip to Northern Italy. But, of course, you might prefer to book somewhere more remote along the lakeside – it’s totally up to you!

If you want to know more about the best towns to stay at the lake, make sure to check my in-depth guide about where to stay in Lake Garda .

If you don’t want to spend too much time with searching for accommodations, check out my recommendations below for different budgets.

• Luxury: Hotel Olivi Spa & Natural Wellness
• Mid-range: Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort
• Budget: Albergo Ristorante Montebaldo

Verona (1 Day)

Verona is a small medieval city that’s teeming with ancient sights. The historic center, Città Antica, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of landmarks that predate the Rome equivalents.

Verona is also the gateway to the Valpolicella wine region and while you’re in the city you can sample the esteemed local reds for yourself, best enjoyed with a delicious Verona meal.

It’s a small city so spending 1 day in Verona is sufficient for your Northern Italy road trip.

Driving time: 50 minutes (45 km/28 miles) from Sirmione to Verona or 1 hour 10 minutes (85 km/53 miles) from Riva del Garda to Verona

Best things to do in Verona

Piazza brà.

The beating heart of Verona, Piazza Brà, is where you most likely start your day in Verona. It’s a lovely spot and believed to be the largest public square in Europe.

Note the statue of Italy’s original ruler, King Vittorio Emanuele II, in the center and spend some time admiring the historic buildings and walls of the Verona Arena. 

Juliet’s Balcony

Sure it’s a little touristy but seeing the legendary balcony that Romeo wooed Juliet from is worth adding to your Northern Italy itinerary.

The square that Casa di Giulietta is located in is tiny and gets crowded so you should visit as early as possible in the day to snap a photo. Romeo’s house is just around the corner! 

Torre dei Lamberti

Situated in Piazza del Erbe, the Torre dei Lamberti is a Medieval bell tower that dates back to the 12th century. You can tackle the stairs or hop into the elevator and take in the panoramic views across the rooftops of Verona from the top.

Verona Arena

This Roman amphitheater is so fantastically preserved that it’s still used to this day for opera. You can tour the arena or even watch a live performance if your visit coincides with a concert.

A number of walking tours operate in town that include skip the line entry to Verona Arena . 

Castel San Pietro

An alternative option for getting a birds-eye view of Verona: ride the funicular to this ancient fortress that was built upon a castle.

To access the funicular station, you will cross over the ornate Ponte Pietro which is a sight within itself.

Wine tasting

Enjoy a tipple of Valpolicella in one of Verona’s world-class restaurants or book a Valpolicella Wine Garden Visit with Wine Tasting for deeper insight.

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Another one for the Shakespeare fans, the crypt of the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is where the marriage of Romeo and Juliet took place. The Romanesque-style church was constructed between 967-1398 AD in honor of St Zeno of Verona. 

Where to eat in Verona

• Trattoria Reale : Positioned down a photographic alleyway, this elegant eatery serves a mix of classic Italian dishes. 
• Elk Bakery : Fluffy pancakes, delicious toasted bagels, and americanos that will satisfy those seeking a reprise from espressos; this is a great little breakfast spot to squeeze in. 
• Ziga Bar : A cozy vegetarian restaurant that also has excellent vegan options. Perfect for plant-based foodies seeking brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Amorino : For anyone seeking their daily gelato fix, the servers at Amorino will present it sculptured into the shape of a flower.

Where to stay in Verona

As you will only spend 1 day in Verona I suggest that you stay close to the Città Antica, the historic center. Cittadella and Borgo Trento are alternatives where accommodation is a fraction cheaper or where parking spaces are more likely to come by.

Below you can find some of the best places to stay in Verona for every budget.

• Luxury: Due Torri Hotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Giulietta e Romeo
• Budget: Hotel San Marco Fitness Pool & Spa

Dolomites (5 Days)

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising razorblade peaks as well as alpine lakes and fairytale meadows.

The area spans the three provinces of Belluno, Trentino, and South Tyrol and you will notice that many towns, lakes, and landmarks have both Italian and German names due to the close proximity to Austria and Switzerland. 

My advice is to split the Dolomites section of your Northern Italy road trip into West and East with 3 days in the Western Dolomites and 2 days in the Eastern Dolomites.

From each base, you will be able to plan short hikes and check out picturesque churches and turquoise lakes. 

To plan this part of your Northern Italy itinerary in more detail you can read my ultimate Dolomites road trip itinerary for 5 days .

Driving time: 2 hours (190 km/118 miles) from Verona to Ortisei, then 1.5 hours (65 km/40 miles) from Ortisei to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Best things to do in the Dolomites

Alpe di siusi (seiser alm).

Hiking at Alpe di Siusi is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites as it enables you to see right across this alpine meadow and at the peaks of the Western Dolomites.

You can get there by riding the cable car from Ortisei during the day but if you want to visit for sunrise or sunset, you’ll have to drive up to Compatsch and hike for about an hour to reach the scenic viewpoint.

It’s important to know that you can only drive to Compatsch and not further, and it’s not allowed to drive up between 9 am and 5 pm.

From Ortisei, you can ride the cable car high into the Puez Odle Nature Park and follow a short hiking trail to see the shocking ridgeline of Seceda with its huge dropoff.

You can continue by walking across the ridge if you have time and you can choose to take some longer hikes in the area as well. 

Churches of the Dolomites

Two of the prettiest churches in the Dolomites are within driving distance of Ortisei. Framed by the Odle mountain range, Santa Maddalena Church is located in the town of the same name.

From here you can choose to walk or drive to the neighboring St. John Church in Ranui which is said to be the most photographed church in the entire Dolomites.

Passo Gardena 

This high-altitude mountain pass connects Sëlva in the Val Gardena with Corvara in Val Badia. This is the best way to connect with Cortina d’Ampezzo where you will spend the next few days of your 2 week Italy road trip. Make sure you stop at Rifugio Frara where you can find a fantastic viewpoint!

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

There are many beautiful lakes in the Dolomites but perhaps the most famous of all is Lago di Braies. During the summer season, you can rent a rowing boat and sail yourself across the water.

Visit as early as possible to beat the crowds, otherwise, you might not be able to snag a parking spot later!

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

This relatively easy yet utterly scenic hike provides jaw-dropping views of the famous three peaks. It’s a relatively easy hike that can be completed within 4-5 hours and requires no special skills.

Read my complete guide to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike and put this at the top of your list of things to do in the Eastern Dolomites.  

Cadini di Misurina

This is a short hike that rewards you with one of the most spectacular viewpoints that you’ll see during your 2 weeks in Northern Italy.

It’s not a very popular find and it’s generally hard to find information about it online so make sure to check out my Cadini di Misurina hiking guide before you go!

Where to eat in the Dolomites

• Caffè Val d’Anna : This apres joint in Ortisei dishes up comforting South Tyrolean dishes and light Italian dishes. Their apfelstrüdel is touted as the best in the Dolomites!
• Baita Resch : A warm and cozy restaurant with warming plates that will provide nourishment after tackling the local hiking trails around Cortina d’Ampezzo.
• Dolomiti : Feast on freshly baked bread and pastries to start your day or wind down in the evening with a glass of wine at this friendly restaurant and bar. 

Where to stay in the Dolomites

Head to Ortisei (Urtijëi) in the valley of Val Gardena and make this your base for the first 3 days where you will explore the Western Dolomites. This is the largest and prettiest of the three Val Gardena towns.

Then you can relocate to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the province of Belluno for the last 2 days. Considered the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’, this is an alpine ski resort that offers excellent summer hiking. 

If you want to learn more about the best areas to stay in the Dolomites, make sure to check out my detailed post about where to stay in the Dolomites which contains pros and cons, and hotel recommendations for each area.

In case you don’t want to spend too much time for searching, check out my recommendations for staying in Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Best places to stay in Val Gardena:

• Luxury: Hotel Angelo Engel
• Mid-range: Garni August
• Budget: Hotel Edda

Best places to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo:

• Luxury: Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Mid-range: HOTEL de LEN
• Budget: Hotel Meuble Oasi

Venice (2 Days)

As one of the most beautiful cities in Europe , Venice is swimming in evocative views and attractions to make your heart swoon. A cluster of around 100 islands within the Venetian Lagoon form the city of Venice.

The main six sestieri (districts) are wrapped around the Grand Canal but further afield you have other islands such as Burano and Murano that have a different identity of their own.

Venice is a pedestrianized city so you can discard your rental car for the final two days of your 2 week Northern Italy road trip. Regardless of where you choose to stay in Venice, you can get to most places easily on foot or by water taxi (Vaporetto). 

As Venice is a paradise for photographers you might want to check out my guide to the best Venice Instagram spots which contains some essential shooting tips along with the exact coordinates for each location. 

Driving time: 2 hours (160 km/100 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Venice

Best things to do in Venice

St. mark’s square & st. mark’s basilica .

Start your Venice exploration in the core of the city from where you can access the top tourist attractions and photograph the landmarks.

While you’re there you can also dip into St. Mark’s Basilica and ride the elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile for the best panoramic views over the city.

Doge Palace

Doge Palace is an ornate complex comprising exhibition halls brimming with artworks, armor, and the famous golden staircase.

It’s worth planning ahead and booking a Doge Palace skip the line ticket which shortens the time spent queuing. 

Bridge of Sighs 

A splendid bridge with a darker history, the Bridge of Sighs is where prisoners released one final breath in daylight before being imprisoned next door to Doge’s Palace. Gondolas usually take you beneath it but it’s worth visiting on foot as well for a different perspective.

Gondola Ride

Although the costs will raise any eyebrow, riding on a traditional Venetian gondola is such a special occasion it’s really worth doing it.

Prices are steep, usually around €120 but you might be able to negotiate a little bit. 

Rialto Bridge 

Originally constructed during the 12th century (with subsequent reconstruction), Rialto Bridge is the oldest in Venice and one of the city’s most arresting sights. Pay a visit to take some photos and watch the passing gondolas. 

Murano is another one of Venice’s islands that is accessible via Vaporetto and is a joy to explore on foot. Visit the Glass Cathedral of Santa Chiara which all makes sense once you’ve educated yourself on the island’s glass-blowing heritage at the Glass Museum.

Another island you can spend a half day exploring, Burano is known for its colorful architecture, lacemaking, and seafood. Find Bepi’s House, cross the Love Bridge, and order the catch of the day.

Where to eat in Venice 

• Cantina Do Mori : It’s tricky to find hidden restaurants in Venice but this historic local joint fits the bill. Come with a hunger for Cicchetti (Italian tapas) and a thirst for wine.
• Ristorante Wistèria : Fresh, authentic Venetian fare crafted from seasonal produce that suits vegetarians and carnivores alike. Book ahead to secure a table in the canalside garden.
• Gelatoteca Suso : Rumored to be the greatest gelato in the world, this gelateria is conveniently positioned next to the Rialto Bridge and even offers vegan options. 
• Caffè Florian : Said to be the oldest cafe in Europe, this is a lovely place to grab a coffee, negroni, or signature hot chocolate in a charismatic setting. Although dining at Caffé Florian is truly a once in a lifetime experience, be prepared that you will have to pay big bucks for it!
• Trattoria Al Gatto Nero : Stop for the freshest calamari and seafood linguine at this historic Burano trattoria. 

Where to stay in Venice 

Although central Venice spreads across six sestieri, the city is far smaller than you might think, therefore 2 days in Venice is all you need to explore the best sights.

San Marco and San Polo together form the touristic center of the city which means that there are lots of accommodations available within walking distance of the major tourist spots, although they are on the pricier side.

Cannaregio is a great alternative that’s still super convenient but a tad more affordable.

To learn more about the different parts of Venice, make sure to read my in-depth guide about where to stay in Venice . And if you want to make your stay even more memorable, you can stay in one of the most incredible Venice hotels with canal views !

Below you can find my personal recommendations for the best places to stay in Venice for different budgets.

• Luxury: Baglioni Hotel Luna
• Mid-range: H10 Palazzo Canova
• Budget: Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino

Useful Info for Your Northern Italy Itinerary

How to get to northern italy .

As you can start this Northern Italy road trip itinerary in either Milan or Venice, you will need to fly to either Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE).

Both are international airports that connect to other Italian cities and destinations in mainland Europe and you can usually find budget flights so keep an eye on upcoming sales. Nonstop flights operate between New York JFK and Milan. 

If you are already in Italy then you might want to take the train to your starting point and then pick up your rental car. Milano Centrale Railway Station (Milan) and Santa Lucia Train Station (Venice) connect to most major Italian cities.

If you’re coming from another European country that is not so far away from Italy and you own a car, it’s worth considering bringing it with you.

This way you can save a lot of money by not having to rent a car but on the other hand, you will need to calculate with the extra fuel usage for getting to Italy from your home country.

But since you’ll be spending 2 weeks in Northern Italy, having your own car is a lot better financially!

Best time go on a Northern Italy road trip

Italy experiences four seasons and the climate is a fraction cooler year-round in the north in comparison to the south. You can practically visit Northern Italy anytime and you’ll be greeted with beautiful scenery! But let’s see what are the absolute best times for your Northern Italy road trip itinerary.

The shoulder seasons of April, May, June, September, and October are the best times to visit and do this 2 week Italy road trip. This way you will benefit from the most pleasant weather and you will be able to visit everywhere on my itinerary including the hiking trails.

The months of July and August are considered as the peak tourist season which means everywhere will be busier, accommodation rates higher, and the weather at its hottest.

However, if you don’t mind these factors then summer is a wonderful time to visit Northern Italy for seeing the wildflowers in full bloom!

That said, if you like winter wonderlands you’ll love seeing the Dolomites when they’re topped with snow. Although please keep in mind that most of the hiking trails in the Dolomites will be closed during the winter and you will need to take some extra precautions for driving in the snow.

On the other hand, you can go skiing in the mountains which can be a nice addition to your Northern Italy road trip.

Tips for driving in Northern Italy

When planning your dream road trip to Northern Italy don’t forget to check the local driving laws and prepare any paperwork before you pick up your rental. Here are some quick tips to help you get started.

Driving License

If you’re coming from overseas, you will need to carry your driving license from your home country as well as an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) while driving in Northern Italy.

If your driving license was issued by one of the member states of the European Economic Area, you will not need the IDP as your license is valid in Italy.

Seatbelts & Speed Limits

Seatbelts are compulsory in Italy so remember to buckle up. Speed limits in Italy are usually 130 kph (81 mph) on major highways, 110 kph (68 mph) on non-major highways, and 90 kph (56 mph) on local roads. Always check for signs. 

Driving on Autostradas

When driving on autostradas (toll roads) you are required to pay at the booth as you exit the autostrada. Make sure to check the boards above each line in advance because it’s very important to stand in line at the correct one!

Avoid the yellow board that says “Telepass” and choose either the blue board that says “Carte” where you can pay with credit cards or the white board that indicates cash payment only.

Most toll roads accept credit cards but it’s worth having cash in your pocket in case the machine doesn’t work (it happens more than you would think!).

Driving in the Dolomites

When you reach the Dolomites region of your Northern Italy road trip itinerary prepare for narrow winding roads. Err on the side of caution and drive slowly if you are less confident behind the wheel.

Parking lots in the Dolomites are very limited so you will need to arrive early to grab a space at viewpoints, lakes, and trailheads. 

Parking in Northern Italy

When booking accommodation make sure that the hotel provides parking and check whether you need to reserve it in advance or pay extra to secure a spot. Parking in Northern Italy is hard to come by!

There’s no need to drive in the cities as they are generally walkable and you will find the public transport is less stressful. In case your hotel doesn’t provide parking, it’s best to find a parking house and leave your car there while exploring the cities.

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4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks”

Would love to follow your great itinerary leaving from Milan but also returning to Milan for our flight home. We have visited Venice but would like to stay one night in Verona before returning to Milan. Do you have suggestions for a scenic, interesting drive from Verona back to Milan? Would like to avoid the Autostrada completely if possible. Thanks for any help with this!

Hi Tish! During our Northern Italy road trip we only used the autostrada between Verona and Milan so unfortunately I don’t have any suggestions for a scenic drive. But if you’re not planning to stay at Lake Garda, maybe you can drive around the lake before returning to Milan from Verona? It’s a super scenic road for sure!

This is the most professional, complete, informative, awe inspiring and beautiful travel blog / guide I have seen. Well done! I plan to use this as a travel guide for sure. I did not see any dates as to when you took this adventure, nor an estimate of costs along the way and overall, but this would be very helpful too. Thank you Kriszti. 😁

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback!

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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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7 Days in Northern Italy Itinerary: Pastels, Prosciutto & Parmigiana

The Best Northern Italy Itinerary

If you’ve visited Italy before and want to venture off the beaten path, I highly recommend Northern Italy! We recently spent a couple weeks in and around Milan, exploring Italy’s northern lake towns, foodie cities and pastel coastal villages.

The best time to visit is in spring or fall, when the scent of magnolia and lemons bloom along the region’s quaint cobblestone roads. I’ve put together a Northern Italy itinerary below featuring some of my favorite small cities and towns that we visited!

Keep reading for advice on planning a Northern tour of Italy!

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1 Week in Northern Italy

When planning my trip to Northern Italy’s small towns and charming cities, I relied heavily on Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook .

It’s a great planning resource with lots of information on popular sights, timetables and transportation info as well as hotel and restaurant recommendations. I definitely recommend grabbing his  guidebook before your trip to Italy.

With that being said, Rick Steves has curated his version of what he thinks American visitors to Italy would like. He omits a lot of beautiful places in Northern Italy that deserve a visit! I did additional planning research through family / word of mouth and online forums and blogs to put the below itinerary together.

7 Day Northern Italy Itinerary

Personally, I love quaint towns, charming architecture and good food so that’s the theme for my Italy trip.

I also hate crowds so I did a number of day trips that were off the well-beaten Italy tourist path. To find out about quaint day trips in Northern Italy, you can check out this post .

Below is my recommended 7 day itinerary for Northern Italy which covers the highlights and must-see cities.

Days 1-2: Lake Maggiore

Located at the foot of the Swiss Alps, there are 5 major lakes in Northern Italy: Maggiore , Orta , Como , Iseo and Garda.

Here you’ll find aristocratic, old-world romance, quaint villages and glacial lakes fed from the Swiss Alps. With dramatic limestone peaks, sleek Rivieria sailing boats and incredible local wines and spas, it was easy to fall in love.

I think most Americans overlook the Italian Lakes in favor of the Amalfi Coast, but what they don’t realize is that they’re seriously missing out! For a base, pick either Stresa or Baveno. All the boats that go to the islands stop at both towns. Stresa is larger, with more hotels and shops, while Baveno is cozier and less touristy.

Things to do in Lake Maggiore

• Visit the beautiful botanical gardens of Villa Taranto where over 300 dahlias bloom in spring
• Explore the Baroque palace of  Isola Bella   and its stunning pyramid garden.
• Have a fresh seafood dinner on Isola Superior  (also called Isola dei Pescatori or Fisherman's Island)
• Take the alpine cable car to the top of Mount Mottarone for dramatic panoramic views
• Spend the afternoon in Lake Orta with its lakeside piazza and excellent gelato shops!
• Visit the Basilica di San Giulio  a monumental old seminary that dominates the tiny island
• If you like gardens, Isola Madre  has a beautiful villa and exotic plants

Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore : Grand Hotel Dino

Baveno was a popular resort town for aristocratic Italian families during the Romantic Age so the best hotels around here have Victorian names, grand staircases and waterfront promenades.

Our corner room was spacious, comfortable and clean with a beautiful balcony overlooking Lake Maggiore. The hotel has been family owned for 150 years so it's dated, but in a charming way. You can wander for hours on the property – it's huge!

There's an excellent on site restaurant Last Hall, that was designed by Paolo Maldotti and has cool, egg shaped wine barrel seating. With fantastic modern Piedmont cuisine, a couple swimming pools, ivy covered walkways and a fantastic location along Lake Maggiore, there are so many reasons to stay at Grand Hotel Dino.

The dock for water taxis and boats is right off the edge of the hotel too!

Book rooms:   Hotels.com ,  Booking.com ,  Travelocity

Check prices: TripAdvisor

Days 3-4: Lake Como

Lake Como is a quick getaway from Milan. From the sleepy village of Varenna to posh  Bellagio and dreamy Balbianello , the entire area is lovely!

If you want a relaxing vacation, the lakes of Como are perfect. Hopefully you have time to visit both the sights of Lake Maggiore and the towns of Lake Como. Even though they are both part of the Italian Lakes region, they’re quite different and both worth a trip!

Things to do in Lake Como

• Relax with an apertivo in Varenna's tiny harbor. Don't forget to wander its narrow lanes until you find its castle, Piazza San Giorgio and church.
• Try the local specialties : lavarello, a white lake fish and missoltino, pasta with salted fish
• Shop the boutiques in classy Bellagio , a substantial island town with busy streets stuffed full of restaurants and stores

If you’re tight on time you can explore the highlights of Lake Como on a day trip from Milan. I would definitely recommend staying overnight though, to properly soak in the charm and avoid the tourist hoards who swarm the towns during the day.

If you can only make a day trip, check all the ferry timetables before hand – they run selectively throughout the day so you’ll want to properly time the ferries, islands and train back to Milan to make sure you can fit everything in 1 day.

Where to Stay in Lake Como :  Hotel Villa Cipressi

Varenna was my favorite of the towns on Lake Como. It's quieter, with lots of charm. Villa Cipressi is located near the church, a bit higher than the waterfront so the rooms have excellent views of the lake.

It's an older hotel but incredibly beautiful and the staff is great. If the restaurant is open, try it! It's known for its food.

The best part of Villa Cipressi is that guests have access to the private gardens which run along the lake. Really amazing gardens that are terraced into the village!

Book rooms: Hotels.com ,  Booking.com ,  Travelocity  

Check prices:   TripAdvisor

Day 5: Day Trip to Bergamo

Bergamo is a medieval city in Northern Italy that was held by the Venetians for many years. It’s such a unique town to visit in Italy because the Old Town is built on top of the modern town.

Ride the funicular to the top of the medieval city and explore its grand plazas, impressive churches and romantic art museums. It’s well off the tourist trail so the food here is classic Northern Italian cuisine and delicious!

We gorged ourselves on stuffed pastas richly cooked in brown butter sage sauce and then walked it off on the old Venetian walls which once served as the city’s defenses.

Things to do in Bergamo

• Ride the funicular which connects Bergamo's two city centers
• See the Cappella Colleoni , a gorgeous red and white marble mausoleum
• Climb up to the ancient Rocca di Bergamo fortress for a great view of the Italian hills – all the way to Milan!
• Walk the magnificent Venetian walls and catch the sunset!
• Try the local pasta, pizzoccheri , a buckwheat pasta with greens, potatoes and lots of cheese!

Where to Stay in Bergamo :  Hotel Relais San Lorenzo

This modern 5 star hotel has 30 elegant rooms, an on site restaurant and spa. It's one of the most classic hotel choices in the city and its lounge bar is perfect for cocktails and sunset dinners, as it has a view of the town center and Alps!

Day 6: Parma

Emilia-Romagna

Now it’s time to eat! Head to the foodie city of Parma , famous throughout Italy and the world for its production of prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This is the capital of Italy’s cured meat production and I highly recommend visiting local prosciutto and parmigiano factories.

Parma was the first city in Italy to be heralded a UNESCO creative city for Gastronomy and there are more than enough restaurants to fill your belly with amazing delicacies.

From Parma ham to Parmesan cheese, Parma is world famous! This is also the city where Barilla pasta originated and where Lambrusco wine is plentiful. Parma, Italy is quite compact so you can easily explore it on foot.

Things to do in Parma

• Learn how to make real parmigiano reggiano at an Italian caseificio, or dairy farm
• Explore a prosciutto factory … just prepare yourself now for the smell!
• Wander through Parma , a lively university town known for its famous 19th century opera house, art museums and Romanesque buildings

Where to Stay in Parma :  Starhotels Du Parc

Great location within walking distance of Parma's old city center. There's free parking on site and the rooms are clean, simple and comfortable. If you want an affordable room at a great location, Starhotels is a solid choice.

Days 7: Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Italy’s Emilia Romagna region and sprawling. It’s the 7th most populous city in Italy and after a high speed train was built to connect it to Milan, it’s both a convenient city to visit and crowded to boot!

Bologna is famous for its beautiful plazas and arched colonnades which can be found all over town. In medieval times, the town was dominated by two families whose towers can be explored today. Make room in your stomachs – Bologna is a foodie’s paradise !

Things to do in Bologna

• Bologna is nicknamed La Grassa (the fat) by local Italians for its delicious food. Try both tortellini en brodo and tagliatelle al ragù here.
• Explore the world's oldest university, the University of Bologna , famous for its creepy anatomical theater where dissections were once performed
• Try several scoops at the Gelato Museum and at gelato shops all over town. La Sorbetteria Castiglione makes some of the best gelato in Italy!
• Climb the Two Towers to see aerial views of Bologna's red roofs.

Where to Stay in Bologna :  Aemilia Hotel

Bologna is a huge town so visitors can choose to stay either neither the train station in modern day Bologna, or near the historic city center. If you prefer the charm of the latter, Aemilia is a fantastic, modern hotel with affordable rates and clean spacious rooms.

Rates include a pretty extensive complimentary breakfast (this is Italy so most hotels offer a bare bones yogurt / espresso) and there's also a convenient parking garage next door. Overall the hotel is located in a quiet and peaceful part of town.

If you love a good city view, you'll enjoy the roof terrace! It has excellent views over all of Bologna and the famous Assineli tower. If you also want to do any day trips from Bologna, the hotel is about a 10 minute bus ride from the train station!

Book rooms: Hotels.com ,  Booking.com ,  Travelocity

Check rates: TripAdvisor

Visiting Northern Italy

There are so many more towns in Northern Italy to explore but I picked my absolute favorite small Italian cities for this itinerary, in order to keep it to 1 week.

Northern Italy in 7 Days

Here’s a recap of my recommended 7 day Northern Italy itinerary.

If you have more time, there’s much much more to see, and you can get additional inspiration in my Northern Italy article here and in my Italian Lakes post here . Or, you could take on Switzerland ! Happy planning!

What are you most looking forward to in Northern Italy? Let me know any questions in the comments below!

Visiting Italy – Trip Planning Checklist

There's so much to see and do in Italy that you can visit again and again and still discover new sights. I recommend concentrating on the big 4 cities (Rome, Venice, Milan & Florence) if it's your first time and then coming back to explore either Northern Italy or Southern Italy in more depth.

Go |  Flight prices from the US to Italy are highly seasonal. You can set a fare alert here to be notified of discounts. Every fall & winter, I've seen great deals to Milan. One word of caution: avoid Alitalia at all costs!

Getting Around | A convenient way to explore Italy is via high speed train . You can search train schedules and book online here . Buy your tickets in advance to save on fares. Make sure to validate your ticket on the platform!

It also helps to speak a little Italian. Brush up on your Italian language skills with Rosetta Stone . You can take 10% off with promo code  CJBT10 .

Stay | Book hotels in advance to save, or check here for last minute deals . Many hotels in Italy are older so don't be surprised if even 5 star accommodation feels slightly dated. Opt for a room with a view instead of breakfast, as Italians don't eat breakfast in the same way Americans do and you'll probably be disappointed with their offering.

Alternatively, groups or budget travelers can check out Airbnb . 

Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Italy with  travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most.

A rail strike occurred during our trip, unexpectedly shutting down transportation for an entire day. Get a quote for your Italy trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Italy Vacation Planning Articles

The First Timer's Guide to Italy: A Classic Itinerary

THIS is the Best Time to Visit Italy

What to Wear in Italy: A Packing Checklist

Northern Italy

The Most Beautiful Places in Northern Italy (that are still a secret!)

Headed to Northern Italy? Here's the Perfect 7 Day Itinerary

Exploring Bologna: Travel Guide

Quick Guides to: Bologna Day Trips & The Best Bologna Restaurants

Visiting Parma : The Center of Parma Ham & Cheese

7 Reasons to Explore Medieval Bergamo

Visiting Ravenna's Mosaics

Test Driving Fast Cars & Touring Car Museums in Italy's Motor Valley

Cinque Terre

Plan Your Trip:  Travel Guide

How to Choose Which Village to Stay

A Blissful 3 Day Cinque Terre Itinerary

The Best Cinque Terre Airbnbs for Large Groups

Quick Guides:  The Best Restaurants &  Popular Hiking Trails

Inspiration: Photo Diary of the 5 Villages

The Italian Lakes

Exploring Lake Como: Travel Guide & Where to Stay

Quick Guides to: Varenna , Bellagio & Villa del Babianello

Visiting Lake Maggiore

Quick Guides to: Isola Bella  & Villa Taranto

Discovering Hidden Lake Orta

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

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Hi I have been to Italy 3 times in the last three years. I have never been to northern Italy and want to go. Can I follow your 7 day northern Italy itinerary using trains and buses. I will be flying from Boston Ma. and will only fly without connecting flights. I have no problem booking my own air, hotel and train reservations. I have Rick’s guide book and have studied Italian on line for two years. I don’t want to pay for a tour. Your thoughts please.

Hi Ted – You’ll love Northern Italy! You can fly into Milan and use the city as a hub to get train connections all over Northern Italy (like Bologna, Ravenna, Venice, Parma, etc). The only area in my itinerary where transportation is a little trickier is the Italian Lakes region.

Without a car or tour, I’d suggest visiting Lake Como instead of the other lakes. You can take the train from Milan to Varenna, then hop on a local boat to explore the Como villages. I have more transportation info on my Lake Como series. Start with this Como guide and feel free to check out my posts on the individual towns too!

Thank you soooooo much for the response. I will figure this out.I really want to put this together

I notice that you use Milan as your base city for the 7 day northern Italy tour. What are your thoughts of using Bologna as a home base? Or do you have any other recommendations? Thanks

Hi Lucy! Bologna is a good base too because the frequent train connections. It depends on your itinerary though, some of the Northern Italy destinations route through Milan, so you might find yourself backtracking a lot.

For example, if you want to see Bologna, Milan, and the Italian Lakes, you probably don’t want to go all the way back to Bologna every night.

But if you’re going to visit Bologna, Parma, Modena, Ravenna and maybe Venice, Bologna is a great base.

Once you’ve decided on the towns you want to visit, browse the train schedules on Omio for your dates and then you can plan out the most straight forward (and cost effective) route :)

Would love to visit northern Italy in 2022

Same! Here’s to hoping it becomes reality…

Nice Ideas.

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Three Weeks in Northern Italy: a Travel Itinerary

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I recently took a three-week trip to northern Italy that blew my socks off.  I had an opportunity to attend a conference in Trento in the Trentino region, and I used it as inspiration to plan a trip concentrating solely on the far north of Italy. Concentrating on this part of the country gave me the chance to go more off the beaten path, and I loved my itinerary so much I knew I had to come home and share it with all of you!

If you’re able to spend three weeks in Italy, you’re VERY lucky. As an American, I know how hard it is to get this much time off, but if you’re able to swing a longer trip, you’ll be able to explore Italy so deeply. And if you don’t have quite enough time, I have ways to modify the itinerary to fit your time frame.

I’ve been traveling extensively in Italy for 15 years. It’s one of the countries I know best. When I travel to Italy these days, I’m not looking to travel the well-worn itinerary — I’m looking to go deeper.

That’s what led me to plan this trip, and write this post for you. While some of the locations on this trip are well-touristed, the majority of them don’t get a lot of tourism. As a result, this is an offbeat Italy itinerary that will be full of surprises.

Who is this Italy travel itinerary for?

This itinerary is best for people who have traveled to Italy before and have already been to the major sites. This itinerary could potentially also work for first-time travelers to Italy who would rather get off the beaten path than visit the busiest spots.

This Italy travel itinerary includes in a lot of variety. You’ll visit two of Italy’s best culinary regions, Emilia-Romagna and Piemonte; you’ll marvel at Italy’s most picturesque mountains in Trentino and Alto Adige; and you’ll visit four lakes: Garda, Como, Orta, and Maggiore. You’ll spend time in the quiet but very pretty city of Trento, the busy and modern metropolis of Milan, the warm and fun city of Bologna, and visit two of the more touristy spots, Florence and Verona, on day trips only.

To me, this itinerary is true bliss: everything that I love about northern Italy with few of the drawbacks that plague more touristed areas like Venice, Cinque Terre, and Rome.

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, train to Bologna

If you’re flying overnight to get to Milan, chances are you’ll be a zombie.  Don’t set super-high expectations for yourself for the first day. I spent my first day hanging out with my friends and taking it easy. You may want to take a nap; you may want to push through. Either way, I recommend taking melatonin at bedtime to help you get on the right time zone.

When you arrive in Milan, take a bus or train to Milano Centrale, the main train station. (If you’re arriving at Milan Malpensa, the bus and train take the same amount of time but the bus runs more often and is cheaper.) From there you can book and hop on a train to Bologna. The Frecciarossa train is an engineering marvel that only takes one hour.

Days 2-5: Bologna

Bologna is a fantastic, underrated Italian city — and it happens to be my favorite city in Italy. Bologna is a city that comes with a lot of nicknames — la rossa , or the red, because of the red colors of the city (and its politically liberal history), la dotta , or the learned, because of its long history as a university city; and la grossa , or the fat, because it’s one of the best food cities in both Italy and the world.

Bologna is a beautiful, culture-filled city that doesn’t get nearly the number of tourists of Rome, Florence, or Venice. As a result, it feels like a lived-in city devoid of tourist traps. The cuisine is outstanding, so much that many Italians grudgingly admit that Bologna has the best food in the country. It also helps that Bologna is surrounded by lots of great cities for day trips.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Bologna: Eat, eat, eat. Check out my 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy for 25 ideas. At the very least, go to Osteria dell’Orsa for a cheap and delicious tagliatelle ragú and hit up the aperitivi near the city center.

Where to Stay in Bologna: Phi Hotel Bologna is an upscale and charming hotel just 2 minutes from the town square (rates from $136). Almarossa is a simpler, cheaper option in a great location near the university (rates from $76). Find deals on more Bologna hotels here.

Day Trip from Bologna: Florence

Florence is one of the all-time great cities of Italy.  It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world; the art is unparalleled. Unfortunately, Florence is also one of the most touristed cities in Europe, and if you visit during high season, the crowds will be particularly intense.

My advice? Plan this day trip extremely carefully. If you want to visit the Uffizi or see David at the Accademia (I recommend one but not both in the same day unless you’re a hardcore art appreciator), BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE. That is vital. If not, you’ll spend most of your day waiting in line. Beyond that, choose a few sites you want to see and roughly plan your route.

Choose your priorities in Florence without scheduling every moment of the day — you need to allow for a bit of serendipity, even if it’s just a gelato break (my favorite is Gelateria Dei Neri). But having a few sightseeing goals will help you navigate this city much more easily.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Florence: Enjoy the sunset from the Giardino Rosato, pictured above. This is very close to the much more popular Piazzale Michelangelo but with far fewer tourists, and the roses add to the ambiance.

Where to Stay in Florence: If you choose to stay overnight in Florence,  Hotel Torre Guelfa Palazzo Acciaiuoli  has colorful, central rooms and an unreal rooftop terrace. If you’re on a budget, Plus Florence  has value-for-money rooms with amenities like a rooftop pool. Find deals on more Florence hotels here.

Day Trip from Bologna: Verona

Verona is most famous for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet — but today’s visitors admire the ancient amphitheater, the calm riverside setting, and the pristine city center, clad in the soft colors of the Veneto.  Verona is a major transportation hub and a growing tourist attraction, but it’s much calmer and low-key than other Italian cities. The amphitheater, for one, only gets a fraction of the tourists Rome’s Colosseum gets.

Plenty of Romeo and Juliet tourists make their way here and set up shop at the Casa di Giulietta, where you can go out on Juliet’s balcony (built long after the play was written) or pose with the statue of Juliet. It’s a running gag for tourists to pose with a hand on Juliet’s breast. (Creepy. She’s barely pubescent in the play, you know.)

My Favorite Thing to Do in Verona: The one activity I didn’t do that I wish I did was to climb to the best view in town: Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Go up during sunset for especially good photos overlooking the city skyline.

Where to Stay in Verona: If you choose to stay overnight in Verona, Escalus Luxury Suites has gorgeous, modern suites in the heart of the city for surprisingly low rates starting from $101.  Find deals on more hotels in Verona here.

Alternate Day Trips from Bologna: Parma, Modena, Ravenna, Ferrara, Rimini, San Marino

Bologna makes a great base for lots of reasons, including that there are several great cities in Emilia-Romagna.  You can easily visit several on day trips. Parma and Modena are located close together on the same train line and you could visit Parma in the morning and Modena in the afternoon.

Ravenna and Ferrara are two other great cities easily day-trippable from Bologna. Ravenna has outstanding mosaics ; Ferrara is a gorgeous medieval town.

You could even visit a new country — San Marino ! Take the train to Rimini, then the bus to San Marino from there. Rimini is a terrific beach destination and it’s a nice city to explore, too.

San Marino: The Tiny Nation Surrounded by Italy

Days 6-9: Trento

Trento and the surrounding Trentino region aren’t often on travel itineraries — but it’s worth it. I visited Trento for a conference, which is why I spent a few days here in the first place, but I was surprised by how hard I fell for this little city. Trento is immaculate yet unpretentious, covered with frescoes and surrounded by mountains. Tourists here are very few, and many are cyclists and hikers exploring the mountains.

I encourage you to base in Trento and spend some time exploring this incredibly and underrated region, filled with spectacular mountains, beautiful towns, and sensational wine. Riva del Garda and Rovereto make great day trips, and there are tons of mountain hikes available too.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Trento: See the frescoes inside Buonconsiglio Palace. Far from your average frescoes, my favorites are in a tower where a portion of the wall represents each month of the year. Each panel is so detailed and full of interesting symbols.

Where to Stay in Trento: I highly recommend the Grand Hotel Trento . Beautiful rooms, nice bedding, super quiet, and in an ideal location just a four-minute walk from the train station and on the edge of the city center, with easy access to everywhere. Rates from $107. Find deals on more hotels in Trento here.

Day Trip from Trento: Riva del Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is split between the regions of Trentino, Lombardia, and the Veneto. I visited the most popular destination on the Trentino portion: the town of Riva del Garda.

Other Italian lakes may be more about the beauty or luxury. Lake Garda made me feel humbled by its nature — the waves seemed more intense; the mountains seemed more foreboding. Even so, it felt so Italian and refined.

Riva del Garda is a pastel-colored little town that felt more like Liguria to me than Trentino. You could lounge in a cafe on the edge of the lake while sipping an aperol spritz, or you could waltz among the sherbet-colored buildings with a cup of artisanal gelato.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Riva del Garda: Climb the Torre Apponale, the tower that dominates the landscape. You’ll have amazing views of the lake, the town, and the mountains. The top photo in this post is from the tower!

Where to Stay in Riva del Garda: If you choose to stay overnight in Riva del Garda, I highly recommend the city center. The outskirts are home to campgrounds and cheap motels — probably not what you’re looking for on this particular Italy trip. Hotel Canarino is an option just off the city center with rates from $126.  Find deals on more hotels in Riva del Garda here.

Days 10-13: Dolomites

The Dolomites, in the Alto Adige region of Italy (also known as South Tyrol), are home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Italy. This is also the region least like the rest of Italy — it feels more like Austria or Switzerland!

Before you plan your trip, make sure you’re timing it correctly. Summer is hiking season and winter is ski season — but many resorts, Ciasa Salares included, are closed during the shoulder seasons. Keep this in mind before your trip. Also keep in mind that snow can last a long time here — 2019 was particularly intense and some of the last snow didn’t melt until June!

The summer is all about hiking, and the winter is all about skiing. Either way, the Dolomites are center stage — they’re jagged, pointy, and absolutely stunning.

My Favorite Thing to Do in the Dolomites: Hike, hike, hike! There are so many great hikes in the mountains, and there are hikes available for all levels of fitness. Talk to your local accommodation about a hike that is close to you. Oh, and eat plenty of soft, feathery speck.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Ciasa Salares is a fantastic high-end resort that I highly recommend. I loved this place and it’s a must if you want outstanding cuisine in addition to your mountain adventure. Find deals on more hotels in the Dolomites here.

Day 14-15: Lake Como

Lake Como is famous for its beauty, its mountains, its palazzi, its Las Vegas namesakes. Oh, um, and George Clooney, easily the lake’s most famous resident. Here you’ll fine palatial residences, picture-perfect towns, flowering gardens and palm trees, and mountains leading straight down into the lake.

Lake Como is enormous and the biggest transit hub is the city of Como, home to an attractive city center. An hour away by bus are the cities of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, three of the prettiest cities in the area and easy to explore by ferry.

Do know that it took us so long to get to Lake Como on the first day that this was essentially a lost transit day — bus from La Vila to Brunico (Bruneck), train to Bressanone (Brixen), train to Verona, train to Milan, train to Como. Looking back, I think things would have been easier if we had rented a car from Trento or Verona and driven into the Dolomites and back.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Lake Como: While I didn’t get to explore much in Lake Como due to illness, I’ve been told that Bellagio is the prettiest city of all. There’s a reason why it inspired a Las Vegas casino!

Where to Stay in Como: I highly recommend two places: Ostello Bello is one of the nicest hostels I’ve stayed in lately with excellent amenities like laundry, breakfast, and free activities; and they have gorgeous private ensuite rooms (though the shower was so shockingly small that average-sized people will struggle to fit inside; there are shared showers that are a bit larger if you need them). Dorm rates from $28; private rates from $136.  Alessia’s Place is a quiet, well-decorated B&B with perhaps the most comfortable bed and pillows I’ve ever enjoyed in Italy. Rates from $151. Both are centrally located near the old town of Como. Find deals on more hotels in Como here.

Day 16-17: Lake Orta

Lake Orta is one of the lesser-known lakes in northern Italy — and after visiting four of the lakes, Orta is my favorite.  Lake Orta is much smaller than Como, Maggiore or Garda; it’s much less developed, and it has far fewer tourists. Most of Lake Orta’s visitors are Milanese looking for a nearby getaway, which gives it a much more local feel than the other lakes.

Orta San Giulio is the main hub of Lake Orta and home to a very pretty old town. You can take a boat to the island in the lake: Isola San Giulio, a spooky place filled with signs encouraging you to be silent. You can head up to Mottarone, a local mountain where on a clear day you can see 360-degree views of all the lakes in the region. But I think Lake Orta is best experienced by enjoying the peace and quiet.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Lake Orta: I had the best meal of my trip at Il Cucchiaio di Legno , an agriturismo in Orta San Giulio. 10 courses of astoundingly fresh, local, inventively prepared dishes. And I only paid 32 EUR ($36) for the food and 23 EUR ($26) for three glasses of wine, including a fine Barolo. One of the best value for money meals I have had anywhere in the world.

Where to Stay in Lake Orta:  You can actually stay at Il Cucchiaio di Legno if you’d like, though it’s a bit of a ways out of town (rates from $94). While there are lots of towns around Lake Orta, I recommend basing in Orta San Giulio as it’s a beautiful, centrally located town with lots to do. Hotel la Bussola is a great option close to town (rates from $127).  Find deals on more hotels in Lake Orta here.

Day Trip from Lake Orta or Lake Como: Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is very close to Lake Como, but a world away in lots of ways. It has a lot of elegance, but a vintage kind of elegance, the kind that you could see lighting up the lake in the 1950s but fading a bit into the present day. It doesn’t get a lot of the first-time-to-Italy travelers that dominate Lake Como; instead, people visiting here tend to be regular Italy visitors. And it doesn’t have quite the panache of Lake Como, but does it even need it?

Stresa is one of the transit hubs of Lake Maggiore and it’s a great base from which to explore the lake. It also gives you access to the pretty little islands in the lake: Isola Bella and Isola Superiore o delle Pescatori.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Lake Maggiore: Enjoy the architecture of Stresa and the surrounding towns while walking along the lake, pretending you’re in a Wes Anderson film.

Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore: If you choose to stay overnight in Lake Maggiore, Stresa is a good, well-connected base. Hotel Fiorentino is in the heart of town — highly rated with rates from $108 per night. Find deals on more hotels in Stresa here.

Day 18-21: Milan

By this point, you’ll probably be feeling tired from such a long trip, and it’s nice to have a place to crash for a few days near the end. Milan makes a great spot to base for the tail end of your trip to Italy, especially if you’re flying out of Milan.

Milan is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in Italy — only Rome comes close. You’ll be surrounded by incredibly well-dressed people sitting cocktails on piazzas, as well as some great attractions like the Duomo and The Last Supper . Take this time to soak up the best of Italy: the aperitivi, the gelato, the people-watching. Be sure to get some risotto with saffron, too.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Milan: Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper . There are limited slots to see the painting and it books out months in advance, so I joined a tour with Walks of Italy, who comped my tickets. Seeing the painting was a moving experience and after I got to tour a bit of Milan and go up to the roof of the cathedral! Get your tickets here.

Where to Stay in Milan: Most recently, I loved staying in an apartment in the Zona Risorgimento — an up and coming place with great transportation access and tons of cool bars and restaurants. One great hotel in this neighborhood is Bianca Maria Palace Hotel , with huge rooms and bathrooms, a great gym, and rates from $124. Find deals on more hotels in Milan here.

Day Trip from Milan: Torino

The Italian city of Torino, also known as Turin, is perhaps best known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. But there is plenty more to explore in this city: the Egypt Museum, the endless elegant squares. THE BICERIN, a hot beverage made from chocolate and coffee. And all the wonderful food and wine from the surrounding Piemonte region.

Torino feels much more international than other cities in Italy — at times I felt like I was in Switzerland, or maybe France. It felt more quiet, more refined, more cultured. And absolutely beautiful.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Torino: Head to Cafe Al Bicerin to try the bicerin, either outside at one of the tables or inside in the cafe that has been open since 1763. Afterward, walk across the street to Santuario al Consolata and marvel at the collection of paintings depicting the church’s parishioners at the moments they narrowly escaped death. The paintings were commissioned to say thanks to God.

Where to Stay in Torino: If you choose to stay overnight in Torino, stay in the city center for the maximum convenience. Turin Palace Hotel is one of the highest-ratest hotels and a stone’s throw from most of the city’s attractions. Find deals on more hotels in Torino here.

How to Get Around Italy: by Train with an Italia Rail Pass

On this trip, I traveled Italy by train with an eight-day pass from Italia Rail Pass . I love traveling in Italy by train and having this pass saved me a lot of money, especially because I did a lot of day trips by train.

There are two kinds of trains in Italy: local and express. If it’s a local train, you can hop on any train, show your pass, and be covered. But if it’s an express train, like one of the high-speed Freccia trains, you need to make a reservation in advance or you’ll be charged extra on board. You do this at any train station that has a station employee.

It costs 10 EUR ($11) for each Freccia reservation, no matter how far it goes (even on the 11-hour train across the country from Torino to Lecce !). And while it may seem annoying to pay for trains, they save you a ton of time. Milan to Bologna is just one hour, and it often travels at 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour)!

On several of my day trips, including Florence, Verona, and Torino, I paid the 10 EUR for the fast train in one direction and took a “free” local train on the way back. Sometimes there isn’t even that much of a difference; at other times, I didn’t mind taking a two-hour local train instead of a one-hour fast train.

To get the most out of your pass, I highly recommend doing day trips by train. Because the pass charges you by the day, using a day of rail pass will cover you for unlimited rail journeys on that day. It’s even more worth it if you do a few trips in one day — say, if you’re staying in Bologna and take the train first to Parma in the morning, then to Modena in the afternoon, then back to Bologna.

There is only one place where taking the train was a bit of a pain: the Dolomites. We made it work, but it was complicated taking several trains and a bus, including trains that didn’t run often and had to be timed precisely. It would have made more sense to rent a car in Trento or Verona to get to the Dolomites and back, then resume our train travels from there.

But overall, I loved having a pass from Italia Rail Pass and I would absolutely get another on my next trip. I adore traveling Italy by train and I see more rail passes in my future.

Three weeks is too long! What about a two-week northern Italy itinerary?

You can absolutely shave this itinerary down to two weeks if you’d like.  Believe me, a two-week trip to northern Italy is absolutely wonderful. Just go through the itinerary and take off a day here and there, or axe a few destinations altogether.

If you’re not visiting during the summer, you may want to omit the Dolomites, as much as I loved them, as the winter is all about skiing and many places are closed during the spring and fall.

What are other destinations you can easily axe? Milan was lovely but I don’t consider it as essential as the other cities. Cut down on the day trips and definitely skip Florence or Verona if you’ve been before. Choose between Lake Como and Lake Orta.

If you only have 7-10 days to travel northern Italy, I recommend you base in two cities, three at the absolute max. Choose your favorites.

Italy Travel Tips

Italy is a very popular country to travel, and northern Italy in particular has excellent tourism infrastructure. It’s a relatively easy place to travel, but there there are lots of ways you can make your Italy trip even better.

Never eat right in front of a monument. Walk a few blocks away and take a few turns and you’ll find restaurants that don’t pander to tourists.

Remember to validate your ticket on the train. If you don’t have a rail pass or are not using it for a particular journey, you must validate your train ticket by putting it into the machine and stamping it.

It helps to dress to blend in with Italian women. Italians tend to be well dressed and groomed, especially in the cities; dressing this way will help you keep a low profile. Don’t wear athletic wear, shorts, baseball caps, or torn jeans unless they’re fashion items. Don’t wear sneakers or flip-flops; instead, bring nice flats, boots, or sandals.  The Walking Company  is my go-to for comfortable shoes that are cute; I strongly recommend black ABEO flats , which have fantastic arch support.

Italians tend to wear a lot of black, but you don’t have to restrict yourself to dark colors. In summer, I wear tailored dresses; in other seasons, I wear tall boots, nice jeans or pants, and a leather jacket. Italians tend to wear designer sunglasses; some solid black frames at any price range should do you well.

Consider bringing a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf .  These beautiful scarves are designed and sewed by my friend have a hidden passport pocket in them. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ) and they are so good at keeping your valuables hidden. They’re also extremely chic, enough to work in a fashion-conscious country like Italy.

Men can be aggressive with street harassment; the best thing that you can do is ignore it. Don’t react to the “Ciao Bellas”; if he grabs your arm, shake it off and keep walking. Italian men are used to local women ignoring them. 95% of the time, their behavior does not escalate if you do not give them a reaction.

In the event that the behavior continues without abatement or escalates, go into a shop or restaurant. Ask for help. Locals are familiar with this behavior and know how to defuse it.

Get travel insurance for your Italy trip. This is nothing to mess around with. I’ve been sick and injured in the EU before, and an emergency room visit cost me 300 euros — which was refunded by my travel insurance company. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Italy.

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 40 Italy Landmarks to Experience Once In Your Lifetime
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime
• 30 Italian Cities To Visit Once In Your Lifetime

Cool Places in Southern Italy:

• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fun Things To Do In Sorrento
• 17 Fun Things to do in Bari, Italy
• 16 Fab Things to do in Lecce, Italy
• 15 Best Things to do in Monopoli, Italy
• 17 Fun Things to do in Matera, Italy

Cool Places in Sicily:

• 22 Best Places to Visit in Sicily
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
• 30 Iconic Dishes To Try In Sicily

Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Most of this trip was paid for out of pocket for me, but there were a few exceptions: I received two eight-day rail passes from ItaliaRail ; I had a comped four-night stay at the  Grand Hotel Trento , as well as several meals and activities in Trento, and my flights to and from Italy as part of my speaking engagement at Traverse; I had a comped three-night stay at Ciasa Salares  in the Dolomites; I got two comped tickets on Walks of Italy Best of Milan and Last Supper tour. The rest of this three-week trip was at my own expense. Many thanks also to my friends in Italy who welcomed me into their homes, neighborhoods, and cities!

Have you traveled in northern Italy? Have any tips? Share away!

Northern Italy Itinerary: One to Two-Week Guide to Northern Italy

So you are thinking about a trip to Northern Italy but you are not sure exactly where to go and for how long. With this guide, you will discover the perfect Northern Italy itinerary including fashionable Milan, colorful fishing villages, breath-taking Alpine vistas, gorgeous lakes, wine-clad slopes, and Venice’s palazzos. Ready for the trip of a lifetime?

Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, perhaps even the world. Ancient ruins, ornate churches, pristine beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine are but a few of the main attractions. Il Bel Paese has 20 regions to choose from, each one more enticing than the next. Traveling to Northern Italy entails a mixture of bustling tourist hotspots & rustic tiny villages. The undisputed starlet of northern Italy is Venice, yet there is plenty to be said for Cinque Terre, Milan, the lake district, and of course the spectacular Dolomites region . This Northern Italy travel guide takes you through the highlights of the region, what to eat, and how to get around, and provides a sample itinerary for a one and two-week trip.

Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Northern Italy Travel at a Glance

SUSTAINABLE PLACES TO STAY

• Cinque Terre: Agriturismo Buranco
• Milan: Hotel Milano Scala
• Dolomites: Residence Altea
• Venice: B&B Palazzina Veneziana
• Garda Lake: Residence Verdeblu

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Renting a car: Compare Rates
• Bus: Timetables & Tickets
• Milan – Historical Walking Tour
• Venice skip the line: Dodge Palace & St Mark’s Basicilica Dolomites day tour from Venice

How Long Should My Itinerary for Northern Italy Be?

There are a lot of places to go in Northern Italy, one could easily spend a month discovering all the delights on offer. Yet sadly for most of us, unlimited holidays are a pipedream. One week will allow you to see a sprinkling of what there is to see. ONE WEEK : A tightly packed itinerary can include Milan, Dolomites, and Venice, then renting a car is essential in this case to get around faster. TWO WEEKS : This timespan provides a bit more breathing room and ensures Cinque Terre and beautiful Lake Garda can also be added to the itinerary without it feeling too rushed. In this case, you could opt for slow travel, and use the local public transport to travel between the various site s

Best Time to Visit Northern Italy?

A Northern Italy vacation is wonderful any time of the year, however, it will depend greatly on what activities you like to partake in. Northern Italy has cold winters (the average temperature for Milan in winter is 5°C or 45°F) and some of the well-known tourist hotspots are a lot less lively in winter months with seasonal bars & restaurants closing between December and March. Temperatures start to climb end of March, and the beginning of April and stay warm until the end of October (18°C/65°F). Aim for shoulder season April-June; September – October to stay away from the crowds and to enjoy Northern Italy travel at its best, with ample time for dolce far niente in little villages and towns. It is not unusual for the first snowfall in the Dolomites to take place in October, if the thought of snow sends instant shivers down your spine (as it does for me) avoid visiting Northern Italy past September.

How to Travel Around Northern Italy?

Northern Italy is the most well-developed part of Italy in terms of public transportation. Regional busses and trains are readily available to transport you between all the cities in Northern Italy. Getting to smaller villages, especially in the mountainous Dolomites could prove to be less easy and rather time-consuming, therefore if your Northern Italy itinerary is short on time consider renting a car. Northern Italy has a number of charging stations for electric cars , so if you do opt to rent a car it is possible to look into renting an electric car. Alternatively, look into booking a sustainable hotel in the Dolomites with a charging station.

Renting a car in Italy

Renting a car and going on a Northern Italy road trip is a great idea! It gives you the most flexibility and control over your own schedule. Not surprisingly, there will be a fair amount of driving involved, to give you an idea Vernazza (Cinque Terre) to Venice is around 340 kilometers (211 miles) and traverses the mountainous Dolomites area.

Roads are well maintained, and locals have a healthy respect for both roadsigns and red lights. Respect that dwindles the further south you travel in Italy. Renting a car in Northern Italy will cost between €30 and €80 euro ($32-$85) a day depending on the type of car & insurance you end up booking.

Budget Tip: Compare rentals via  Auto Europe and be sure to book in advance!

Documents needed to rent a car in Northern Italy

AGE: Drivers need to be at least 19 years old. Be warned that drivers between the age of 19 and 25 will be required to pay an additional charge (young driver surcharge).

DRIVING LICENSE : Valid driver’s license. Should you be renting from outside of Europe an International Drivers Permit is required.

INSURANCE : According to Italian Law, a Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection insurance for your car is required. These usually come in the standard rental package, though best to check in advance!

Public Transportation in Northern Italy

TRAIN National and regional trains crisscross through the various different cities in Northern Italy. They will transport you all the way from Milan to Venice, with plenty of stops in little villages. Taking the train in Italy is easy, though a little patience is warranted as trains tend to run late.

Get your tickets : Plan your itinerary and purchase tickets via Omio

BUS The bus between regions is a bit trickier as each region has its own bus company. Getting hold of the latest up-to-date timetable proved to be a bit of a challenge. The only region where I successfully took the bus was in the South Tyrol and Trentino province (Dolomites), and that was not between regions but to get from point A to point B inside the same region

TIP: For South Tyrol check out Mobil Card and for Trentino look into the Guest Pass . These cards, to be purchased once, allow you access to the vast majority of public transport in the region.

Northern Italy Itinerary Overview

Where to go in the North of Italy will really depend on the amount of time you have available. To say there is a lot to see and experience is an understatement, squeezing everything into one trip is not feasible. The distances to cover might not seem huge, but remember there is a whole mountain range separating the Eastern and Western coasts of Northern Italy. What is not covered in this guide is the beautiful Piedmont region , this part of the country is known for wine and majestic scenery.

Best of Northern Italy in one week: Milan, Dolomites, Venice

GETTING THERE: Fly into one of the three international airports in Milan ( Malpensa, Linate, and nearby Bergamo ) and out of the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Get the cheapest price via Skyscanner .

GETTING AROUND : If you are renting a car, pick it up directly from the Milan airport and drop it off as you get to Venice. You will not need a car to get around Venice! Save your pennies for some delicious Cicchetti instead! Compare rentals via Auto Europe

MILAN (2 DAYS)

Day 1 and 2 of your 7 days in Northern Italy are spent in Milan. Milan is the fashion and financial capital of Italy, a feat that becomes clear the very second you step off the train. Extraordinarily well-dressed locals – in black of course – dart in and out of upscale restaurants and boutique stores. If you are looking where to go in Northern Italy for a bout of shopping, or for a great weekend break in Italy there is no better place than Milan.

Must see in Milan

Milan is large, no trust me – it is enormous. The most iconic way to get around the city is by hopping on one of the many trams. Pay €4.5 ($4.8) for a biglietto gionaliero (day ticket) at the Metro station or any newsagent around town. This ticket gives you access to all trams, metro, and even buses for the day. There are plenty of Milan highlights , prepare to spend 2 full days taking in art, culture, and gastronomy. Starting with the classics, the 14th century Duomo di Milano contains a terrace with views to die for (cathedral + terrace tickets €20/ $17 ($21/$19) can be booked online ), walk over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and marvel at the world’s oldest shopping mall. Walk one kilometer from the Duomo and visit the impressive Castello Sforzescoa, a 15th-century medieval fortification (Entrance tickets €5 ($5.3)). More history of Milan can be witnessed in the oldest building of Milan, built in 379 AD Sant Ambrogio still stands proudly (Entrance fee €2 ($2.10))

Next up is a spot of art with Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the Santa Marie delle Grazie Convent (Entrance tickets €6 ($6.40)). Lovers of Caravaggio can head over to the Pinacoteca di Brera to see the artist’s work titled Supper at Emmaus (Entrance tickets €15 ($16)) . The cherry on top of the art sundae is without a doubt the renowned ‘home of opera’, La Scala (guided visits possible for €25 ($26.70) or instead splurge and come and watch one of the many shows.)

Make your way to the Darsena neighborhood for a well-deserved aperitivo and spot of dinner.

Tip: Get the most out of Milan with the top-rated walking tour of Milan, including a skip-the-line ticket to the Duomo & the ‘Last Supper’. Avoid the crowds! Check availability

Where to stay in Milan

BEST VIEWS: Amabilia Suites It is hard to beat a view over the Duomo from your hotel room. The hotel is located 100 meters (109 yards) from Duomo Square and 300 meters (328 yards) from Palazzo Reale, it does not get more central than this!

VALUE FOR MONEY: Biocity Located within walking distance of the Milano Central Train Station and downtown Milan. The Biocity hotel uses exclusively eco-friendly materials on its premises. Serving organic cakes for breakfast and using a certified zero-emissions climate control system.

DOLOMITES (3 DAYS)

Day 3-4 and 5 of your 7 day Northern Italy trip are spent in the Dolomites. Perched on the Italian-facing side of the Dolomites Alps, Sud Tirol is the northernmost point of Italy and in many senses a natural continuation of Austria, with which it borders. As your Northern Italy vacation is but a week, this is the section of the Dolomites I suggest you focus on! The connection between the two places goes beyond geographical proximity and extends to culture and language: The feeling Sud Tirol gives is indeed more akin to the one you could experience in Innsbruck or Munich rather than in the neighboring regions of Italy and the region –  although officially bilingual – is primarily a German-speaking autonomous region where Italian is often only a second language for its inhabitants.

Must see in the Dolomites

Start exploring the Dolomites in Bolzano, Sud Tirol’s capital, a lovely city of ancient merchant origins. This heritage is still clearly visible in the city’s buildings and many squares, where today like in the Middle Ages city markets are hosted. The city can be visited in a few hours, enough to enjoy its slow pace and the main sights, among which Walther Square, the 15th-century Cathedral, and Castle Maretsch deserve a special mention.

A note for the passionate mountaineer: Bolzano hosts Reinhold Messner’s Messner Mountain Museum.

Lago di Carezza/ Karersee

Northern Italy is also famous for the host of gorgeous lakes and Bolzano is the perfect launching pad for the Lago di Carezza/ Karersee , a 30-minute scenic drive from South Tyrol’s capital. The lake is a stunning if small example of a typical alpine lake in the Dolomites , with brimming green water surrounded by evergreen trees and with the Dolomites in the backdrop.

Val Pusteria and Tré Cime

From Bolzano continue driving to the East, towards Val Pusteria. On the way drive by the beautiful Alpi di Siusi , the biggest mountain highland in Europe. They offer kilometers and kilometers of hikes and mountain paths, which will welcome both the novice and the most hardened mountaineer.

The keen observer will notice the many vineyards dotted around the region. Make sure to pass by The South Tyrol’s Wine Route – an area between Nalles in the North and Salorno in the South – a gorgeous stretch where bending roads are surrounded by vineyards full of grapes that will later produce the famous South Tyrol’s white wines.

Arrived in Val Pusteria, consider stopping for the night in San Candido (we stayed in the Leitlhof Hotel ) perfectly positioned between the main most well-known Northern Italy highlights: Lago di Braies, Lago di Dobbiaco, Brunico, and the world-famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo . Words are at fault when trying to describe the beauty of this region.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE DOLOMITES

The Dolomites region is vast and wide, do you know which part of The Dolomites is best suited for you during your stay? These are the best areas I would recommend for all types of travelers.

What to eat and drink in the Dolomites

Let’s be honest: You are planning a trip to Northern Italy, therefore you must already be dreaming of all the food and wine you will be eating. The typical cuisine in the Dolomites is an interesting mix of Austrian, Swiss, and Italian dishes. Traditionally heavy on the meat, starches, and cheese among its most famous dishes are the Canederli (boiled dumplings, traditionally done with the available leftovers), the Ravioli alla Pusterese/Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta made from rye and wheat flour, and usually served with butter and parmesan) and the Austrian-originated Strudel and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake with jam).

Practical information for driving in the Dolomites

If you have chosen to explore the best of Northern Italy via a road trip, you need to be prepared for the millions of ‘Tornanti’ (hairpin bends). If you get carsick (like I do) it might not be a bad idea to hop in the front of the car or even better behind the wheel. Luckily the roads are well kept and drivers respectful of the rules of the road, admittedly to a higher degree than in the more southern part of Italy. Parking is normally well located (i.e. a short walk from the place you intend to visit) and relatively cheap, but be aware that in high seasons many of the most famous attractions such as Lago di Braies sees the main roads closed from ~9 to ~5 to reduce local congestions and environmental pollution.

VENICE (2 DAYS)

Venice hardly deserves an introduction and is an absolute must-see in Northern Italy. Capital of the Republic of Venice for over a millennium, it was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, a staging area for the Crusades, as well as an important center of commerce. Today’s Venice is the capital of the Veneto region and a mandatory stop on any Northern Italy itinerary as it managed to preserve much of its past glory. Built across 118 islands and connected by over 400 bridges, views of Venice are absolutely unparalleled and the city offers its many tourists a unique setting that no other city can reproduce, filled with small alleys, majestic Palazzi, and more churches than one can visit in a week.

Accommodation Tip : Stay in the quieter, more local neighborhood of Venice, Cannaregio. Away from the hordes of tourists and close to all the delicious street food! We stayed in the lovely Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Dogi (a slight splurge, but worth it for the breakfast and impeccable service).

Must see in Venice

Explore the various neighborhoods of venice.

The first step to exploring Venice is to understand the geography of the city. Venice proper is divided into 6 sestieri (neighborhoods) with the one in San Marco having the lion’s share of architectural beauties. With this primacy, however, comes another one: The vast majority of tourists visiting Venice storm the San Marco area and make it extremely busy. My favorite neighborhood is that of Cannaregio, the biggest and northernmost neighborhood of Venice. It is full of Bacari (bar) with Venezia’s famous Cicchetti (tapas), and the perfect pied-à-terre for exploring the rest of Venice or going for a delicious aperitivo . Incidentally, Cannaregio is also home to Venice’s ghetto (the world’s first) and its 5 synagogues, an absolute must-see when in Venice.

Visit the various Palazzi and Churches in Venice

But let’s go back to the Palazzi and Churches for which you came to Venice. The first to mention is of course Piazza San Marco , the historical and current heart of the city. Hosting Venice’s cathedral ( Basilica di San Marco ), Palazzo Ducale (the seat of the Repubblica di Venezia government), and the Clock Tower (the tallest building in Venice, I dare you to reach the top!), the square understand is the focal point of every visit to Venice. Palazzo Ducale is an architectonical celebration of Venice’s grandeur, built to impress the foreign functionaries who would request a meeting with Venice’s greats and that today continues to amaze the museum’s visitors. An integral part of it, and accessible during the Palazzo’s visit, it’s the famous Bridge of Sighs , famous for its beautiful design. It must have not appeared as beautiful to the prisoner walking through it to reach the prisons on the other side of the canal, the reason for the Bridges’ name.

Other sights not to miss in Venice are the Rialto Bridge, the Ponte dell’Accademia, the Grand Canal, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection , which hosts some of the most beautiful oeuvres of 20th European and American art.

Save Time : Book your Dodge Palace and St Mark’s Basilica (with terrace access) tickets in advance and skip the always long cue, which can be gruesome, especially in the boiling summer. Book tickets online .

Things to do around Venice: Visit Murano and Burano

If you want to take a break from Venice, I recommend you add Murano and Burano to your list of things to see in Venice. The former, just a small 10-minutes boat ride from Venice, is home to the famous glass-makers, who creates marvelous pieces of art by blowing air into hot glass. 

HOW TO GET THERE : Hop on a boat and visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello Island. Make it a day trip with a guide , or simply book your transportation and visit the islands in half a day.

Where to stay in Venice

RECOMMENDED: Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Do gi

Located in the local neighborhood of Cannaregio, this luxury hotel is an oasis of tranquillity. Set in a beautifully renovated palace with the largest private garden in the city.

THE BEST VIEWS: Airbnb Palazzo DaPonte 03

Not just any Airbnb, one with a spectacular view over the canals and located in the heart of Venice. Rooms are spotless, linens are hotel quality, and the tips we got from our host proved to be invaluable.

What to eat and drink in Venice

No guide would do justice to Venice’s culinary cuisine if the first thing mentioned wasn’t Aperol Spritz . This cocktail – which dates to the early 19th – was finally created in its current form in 1919 in neighboring Pauda by the Barbieri brothers. Today Aperol Spritz is not only a locals’ favorite but a world-famous drink which can be found everywhere in the world but nowhere as good – and as cheap! – as in Venice. Speaking of it, looking for cheap eats in Venice to fill you up while sipping a spritz? Cicchetti is the term you’ll hear most often referring to the Venetian tradition of antipasti or Venetian tapas, which is served as a small plate (tapas) or finger food during Aperitivo or Happy Hour. Cicchetti is budget-friendly and traditionally served with a little round-shaped glass of wine called an ombra or an Aperol Spritz. You’ll find all sorts of bites, nibbles, and small plates at bacari bars in Venice. Some of the more common Cicchetti dishes available in Venice include baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor, fritto misto di mare (mixture of fried seafood), or buranelli biscuits for a sweeter taste.

Foodie Tip : Want to learn more about the culinary delights of Venice? Why not take a food and wine tour with Cicchetti tasting or the top-rated Get Your Guide tour for street food in Venice, with a local .

Practical information for visiting Venice

Where to park in venice.

You’ll be surprised but Venice is a lagoon so no cars are allowed in – unless yours can double as a boat! Therefore I would suggest you return your rental car and continue your Northern Italy Trip without a car from here. If however, you do decide to keep your rental car, par in the Tronchetto Parking (€21 ($21)/night).

How to get to Venice from the parking Tronchetto

This parking is perfectly connected to Venice proper by a little electric train called People Mover that for €1.5 ($1.60) will bring you to Piazzale Roma, from where you will be able to take a Vaporetto (€7.5 ($8) per 75 minutes) to reach the different parts of the lagoon.

Places to visit in Northern Italy in 2-weeks: Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Garda, Dolomites, Venice, and optional pitstop Verona

GETTING THERE : As you have decided to spend 14 days in Northern Italy, the possibilities to add on to the above-described 7-day itinerary are endless! My personal recommendation would be to fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA) and out of Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Get the cheapest price via Skyscanner .

GETTING AROUND : If you are renting a car, the cheapest option will be to pick up the car in Milan. You will not need a car to get around Cinque Terre. Drop the car off the minute you get to Venice and take a direct train to Verona (1-hour train ride). Compare rentals via Auto Europe

CINQUE TERRE (3 Days)

Day 1,2 and 3 of your 2 weeks in Northern Italy are spent exploring Cinque Terre. One of the most well-known Northern Italy attractions is Cinque Terre , or rather the five quaint villages that make up the Cinque Terre National Park: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. These pastel-colored villages clinging to cliffs, surrounded by spectacular aquamarine waters are a veritable mecca for the snap-happy tourists. The little towns are small and can easily be visited within half a day, combining 2 villages a day is very feasible without feeling rushed. Getting from one town to done by train (no cars allowed). Trains run daily and head out every 30 minutes. Purchase the Cinque Terre Treno Card (€18 ($19)/1 day, €33 ($35)/2days, €47 ($50)/3 days) for unlimited access to the trains and hiking trails.

Where to stay: Stay in Monterosso al Mare, it has the best train connections direction Milan and has a ton of lively bars and restaurants. A few great local and sustainable guesthouses include: Agriturismo Buranco (recommended), Villa Tanca (beachfront), and La Serra Sul Mare (those views!)

Must see in Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore.

Riomaggiore is the village closes to La Spezia and receives the majority of tourists visiting Cinque Terre. The little village is vaguely reminiscent of Rovinj in Croatia, with its pastel-colored houses and dazzling cliff-studded beach. Highlights include tanning on the Spiaggia di Riomaggiore (a pebble beach), a 3.5 km loop hike to the Sanctuary of Montenero, languorously walking around Via Colombo in the old town and watching the sun set for the day in the harbor (sunset spot can be found here ) Tip : Catch the Cinque Terre Ferry (€27 ($29)/day) connecting the various villages to each other over water. Purchase your tickets on the day itself at the main ticket office.

Hike your heart out: Looking to combine an active holiday with a spot of culture? Why not join a private hiking tour along with ancient villages including Riomaggiore, Groppo, Manarola, and Vernazza. Learn the local tales, and the history of the villages and find the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Northern Italy.

Quaint in its pastel perfection and rocky beaches, Manarola is a favorite among travelers. The Manarola Scenic Viewpoint ( here ) is highly popular with photographers, professional and amateur, and an absolute must-around golden hour. Walk around Via Renato Birolli and Via Antonio Discovolo, darting in and out of local stores bursting with artisanal souvenirs. End the day with a – slightly cliché but oh-so-worth-it – pizza at the harbor, watching the sun dip into the ocean.

Unlike its neighboring villages, Corniglia is not located right by the beach. Instead, it soars high atop a hill with the most majestic views every which way you turn. A walk through old town will prove that point perfectly. The main highlight here is the peace and quiet (fewer tourists venture out to Corniglia) and the uninterrupted views.

One of the undisputed most beautiful places to visit in Northern Italy is the little village of Vernazza. Pictures of golden hour at the famous viewpoint (found here ) have inspired many a traveler to visit the area. Highlights of Vernazza include swimming and sunbathing around the Harbour, visiting the Doria Castle, marveling at the Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochio and hiking parts of the blue path .

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the most developed of the five villages. It has a well-defined “old” and “new” town, the former glorious in its pastel perfection the latter a treasure trove of bars and good restaurants. Explore the Fieschi castle, the Capuchin Monastery, the church of Saint John the Baptist, and the church of the dead or Oratorio dei Neri Splurge and get a colorful umbrella and chair at one of the best beaches in the whole region Spiaggia Tragagia or lounge on the only sandy beach available for miles – Spiaggia Fegina. Both are not free, but worth the €30 ($32) fee (includes 2 sunbeds and a parasol, bring your own towel).

Tip: Get away from the crowds and experience the sunset from the water. A sunset boat trip with prosecco and snacks is the perfect end to a day!

How to get to Cinque Terre from Pisa

Once you land at Pisa International Airport make your way to the Pisa Centrale train station, getting there is easy enough with the PisaMover , a high-speed shuttle. Tickets cost €2.7 ($2.9) and the train ride is a quick 5 minutes. Purchase your tickets directly at the departure station. From the Pisa Centrale train station, your next stop is Cinque Terre. There is no such thing as a ‘Cinque Terre’ train station, instead check for trains going to one of the five villages inside the Cinque Terre National Park: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. For most of these villages, you will be required to change trains in La Spezia

Get your tickets : Check train schedules and purchase tickets online via Omio

LAGO DI GARDA (2 Days)

From Cinque Terre take the train to Milan and spend two days in Milan. From Milan drive towards Lago di Garda and spend day 6 and 7 of your two-week Northern Italy trip traveling around Lago di Garda.

A Northern Italy guide without the mention of at least one of the lakes in the famous Italian lake would be akin to traveling to Belgium and not eating chocolate. Exactly, simply not done! The Italian lake district is home to five striking lakes: Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Como , Isea, and Garda. Lago di Garda is partially located in the Trentino province (one of the three provinces that make up the Dolomites area). Pick up your car in Milan and drive to the city of Riva del Garda (168 kilometers (104 miles) / 2h22 drive), your base for the next 2 days of exploring.

Budget tip: Look into the Garda Guest Card to get access to a variety of discounts for activities and tickets for public transportation in and around the lake.

Things to do at Lake Garda

Lake Garda is 370 square kilometers (143 square miles) and is the largest lake in Italy. The pristine lake surrounded by jagged mountain peaks cascading into aquamarine waters offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Milan. The picturebook villages nestled on the banks of the make are just waiting to be discovered. The active traveler has a host of things to do, from hiking the famous GardaTrek (three trails of varying lengths and difficulties) to cycling around the lake on well-indicated cycling paths to languorously walking around the many towns. Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Desenzano del Garda and Limone sul Garda are but a few. Travelers keen to partake in guided outdoor activities can choose from a top-rated guided day hike around Lake Garda or a panoramic e-bike tour

Where to stay around Lago di Garda

RECOMMENDED: Eco Hotel Ariston

This family-run hotel has an incredible view over Lake Garda and some of the town’s oldest waterfront structures and the Scaligeri Castle. Ideally located within ideal proximity to a few trailheads, as well as the old town center.

VALUE FOR MONEY: epOche Hotel Zanella

Stay in a beautiful yet affordable 3-star hotel, with its very own private beach on Lake Garda. This hotel is family-run and offers a gastronomic experience with all organic ingredients

VERONA (1 Day)

For your last day in Northern Italy venture out and explore Verona for a day. Verona is an easy day trip from Venice, located a mere 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. While it does not hold a candle to Venice or Florence, it is filled with charm not to mention an impressive Arena that would give the Colosseum a run for its money! If you find yourself with a day to spare on your trip through Northern Italy, pencil in a visit to Verona. Daily trains run, multiple times a day between Venice (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia) and Verona (Verona Porta Nuova). The train ride is a comfortable 1h30, tickets start as low as €9 ($9.6).

Book your tickets : Check timetables and book the cheapest tickets online via Omio .

Things to do in Verona

Verone is one of the best places to visit in North Italy for lovebirds. Originally Verona was not on my itinerary, but an unexpected change of plans meant spending half a day in this Medieval city, known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette. My absolute favorite thing to do in Verona was to get lost in the many little alleys of the Centro Storico with the 1st century Verona Arena being the absolute highlight. Sadly it was closed when we visited, but I was told it still hosts many performances, especially during the summertime. Check their calendar before going or book a guided tour . Visit Juliette’s house right before closing (18:30 PM) but forego the museum. Remember the balcony is a 20th-century addition and a bit of a tourist trap (quaint enough to merit a quick cheesy snap), clamber up the Torre dei Lamberti (€6 ($6.4)) for a spectacular view over the terracotta rooves of Verona and make sure to catch golden hour while walking across the Ponte Pietra.

SPEND THE NIGHT : Verona is great to visit on a day trip from Venice. If you do want to spend more time in the city, consider booking one night. The best views are to be found in the Verona Luxury Apartments , a splurge of luxury is to be found at Hotel Colomba d’Oro while B&B Tosca is the best value for money.

Extend your Northern Italy Itinerary With a Few Hidden Gems

Two weeks is enough to visit the highlights of Northern Italy, but perhaps not to delve a little deeper and uncover some of the region’s darling hidden gems. If time is on your side, consider taking it slower in the Dolomites or take advantage of the additional days to drive through to undiscovered Umbria.

Additional Lakes in the Dolomites

This guide only briefly touched upon the Dolomites recommending a mere 3 days in the region. Yet after 3 trips, each multiple days, I feel like I have touched but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the Dolomites. One could easily spend a full two weeks driving around this majestic region swimming, hiking, eating, and visiting quaint towns.

Read more : Read up on some of the much lesser-known lakes in the Dolomites or pick one of the region’s finest sustainable hotels to spend a few days chilling out in.

Undiscovered Umbria

Driving down to Umbria from Venice is a stretch (386 kilometers or a solid 4-hour drive) and only to be undertaken if you truly have additional time on your hands. Truth be told Umbria is not considered a Northern Italy attraction by locals, in fact, it is considered central or even Southern Italy. I won’t tell if you don’t! Umbria is one of my beloved places in Italy. While the vast majority of tourists flock to Tuscany, gushing over the storybook villages entwined by kilometers of vineyards, what is rarely mentioned is how busy it gets. Umbria is very similar to Tuscany in terms of topography, cuisine, and highlights yet somehow has remained marvelously unexplored allowing it to remain wonderfully authentic, and surprisingly budget-friendly. My favorite places to visit in Umbria include the hilltop village of Todi (those views!), the UNESCO-classified Orvieto (a cathedral that will blow you socks off) and the UNESCO-classified Assisi (no eloquent words do justice so I will stick with “amazeballs all around”).

Read more: Learn more about all the quaint villages in Umbria as well as the delicious typical foods to eat in Umbria . Be aware, you might want to book a trip to Umbria after reading!

Map of Places to Visit on a Northern Italy Trip

All the places recommended in this Northern Italy Travel Guide can be found on the map. The red pins are for the 7-day itinerary while the purple pins are the additional places you can cover should you decide to spend 14 days in Northern Italy instead of 7. Click the interactive Google Map to zoom in.

Responsible & Sustainable Travel in Italy

HEAD OFF THE BEATEN PATH : Italy has a wealth of amazing little towns, cities and natural attractions to offer the discerning traveler. Yet, the vast majority of people tend to stick to the same Itinerary. Swap busy Cinque Terre for other colorful villages in Liguria, and explore Lombardy instead of only sticking to Milan.

TAP WATER : Tap water is drinkable all over Italy. Bring a reusable water bottle with you on your travels.

DRESS CODE : Most visitors will pop into at least one church when in Italy if only to see the majestic architecture. Make sure to dress appropriately for your visit: Cover your shoulders and knees.

LEAVE NO TRACE BEHIND : Heading out to explore a few of the natural parks in Italy, or embark on a hike in the epic Dolomites? Make sure to leave not a single piece of trash behind.

TRY DOP PRODUCTS : Products labeled with DOP or the “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” are regional products using ingredients coming from a specific location and/or family and adhere to the highest standard of quality.

Northern Italy Itinerary Final Thoughts

Although a trip to Northern Italy is usually equated with Cinque Terre or Venice, the region has a lot more to offer. Two weeks is the perfect time to spend in Northern Italy, especially if you rent a car. Northern Italy has its fair share of charging stations, so consider renting/driving an electric car for your trip. Fly into Pisa, spend a few days in pastel perfection or the five storybook villages of Cinque Terre, catch the train to fashionable Milan and take in the sights, rent a car and head out to Lago di Garda for some swimming and hiking before exploring the magnificent Dolomites Area for a couple of days. Drive over to spectacular Venice, hand the rental car back and continue your Northern Italy vacation by exploring Venice for two days. Drink all the Aperol Spritz and fuel up on tons of the Venetian street food (ciccheti). Pop on the train for a day trip to Medieval Verona, the stage for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette. Et voilà, Northern Italy conquered!

MORE RESOURCES FOR TRAVELING AROUND ITALY

Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites Where to stay in the Dolomites Quaint villages in Umbria you simply cannot miss A vegetarians foodie guide to the various regional foods in Italy Little towns in Sicily that usually escape the tourist radar Where to stay in Sicily for the perfect relaxing holiday

Northern Italy Itinerary: One to two week guide to Northern Italy: Pin it

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Thanks for dropping in! With this blog I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. 

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The 21 Most Breathtaking Destinations in Northern Italy

Northern Italy is as topographically diverse as it is beautiful: spectacular mountain vistas in the Dolomites and the Alps, vast crystalline lakes, undulating, vineyard-covered hills, dramatic coastlines, enchanting historical cities and architecture. Get inspired with this introductory list of some of the most stunning locations in the region.

Keen to visit Italy but not sure where to go? Check out our selection of specially curated small-group Italian adventures.

1. Langhe, Piedmont

In the wine-producing region of Langhe, rolling, vineyard-covered hills give way to views of the snow-covered Alps. Picturesque Piedmont villages form in clusters on small winding roads throughout the region, with striking contemporary architecture and sculptures found on many vineyard estates. A trip here is incomplete with a tour (and tasting, of course) at one of the region’s finest wineries.

2. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Architectural Landmark

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4. Turin, Piedmont

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Baroque buildings and art nouveau cafes line the grand boulevards and squares of this refined and cosmopolitan city. Geometric stained glass windows, plasterwork with floral motifs and curvaceous ironwork decorate the elegant townhouses and dreamy villas on the Po River. The cityscape, set against the dramatic outline of the Alps, is often shrouded in mist. Be sure to book a tour of the Royal Palace, and get to know the city properly on a gourmet food tour.

5. Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, Aosta Valley

With 724km (450mi) of marked trails and mule tracks, this national park in the Aosta Valley is a walker’s paradise in all seasons. During winter, hike the pristine snowy peaks and in the spring and summer months watch the biodiversity of the landscape blossom. You are also likely to see horned goats grazing peacefully on the alpine pastures, or spot rare birds overhead.

6. Basilica di San Vitale, Emilia-Romagna

The plain facade of this Byzantine-inspired church belies the splendour within – one of the most sublime examples of early-Christian mosaic art in Europe. The Basilica di San Vitale was built in Ravenna in the sixth century and across every surface, tales and allegories expressing the ideology and religious beliefs of Christianity in the Justinian period are relayed in exquisite coloured and gilded tiles. The conflation of eastern and western aesthetics is also distinct in the church’s unique architecture.

7. La Venaria Reale, Piedmont

This magnificent royal estate built in the 17th-century for Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy is considered Turin’s Versaille. The famous Hall of Diana designed by Amedeo di Castellamonte is a fairytale Baroque masterpiece.

8. Camogli, Liguria

Savour fresh seafood on the azure pebble beaches of this picturesque fishing village. The main beach is lined with buildings painted in sherbert hues, others are nestled in secluded coves surrounded by lush greenery. The ancient Abbazia San Fruttuoso creates a special backdrop for a small bay beneath a steep wooded hill; its cloisters lead directly onto the beach that is only accessible by foot.

9. Bagni di Bormio, Lombardy

Natural Feature

10. Livigno, Lombardy

It may be renowned as a ski resort, but Livigno is also within the prized Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. Stunning panoramas of the Alps are peppered with traditional baita (chalets) whilst in February, the town comes alive with a famous snow polo tournament. Fear not if your shaky on the slopes, there are plenty of good ski lessons you can book here.

11. Lake Orta, Piedmont

Lake Orta is smaller and less frequented than its more glamorous counterparts; Como, Maggiore and Garda, which creates a distinct atmosphere. The single island at the centre of the lake is enchanting, as is its principal town Orta San Giulio. The calm and reclusive feeling that people find at Orta has been a pull for writers across the centuries – Friedrich Nietzsche, Samuel Butler, Lord Byron, Honoré de Balzac and Robert Browning all visited. From a hillside vantage point, take in the in its entirety and admire the seasonal changes in the surrounding topography.

12. Lake Como, Lombardy

Lake Como is celebrated for outstanding natural beauty, crystalline bays and Renaissance architecture. The area remains popular thanks to a location just an hour from Milan , yet Como is undeniably stunning. The ‘upside-down Y’ shaped lake is set against the foothills of the Alps and spectacular lakeside vistas surround you in every quaint village and town. Bike to a hillside summit and survey the area’s Mediterranean yet alpine majesty.

13. Lake Garda, Lombardy

Situated at the edge of the Dolomites, this is Italy’s largest lake and its beauty has been eulogised by many writers, including Catullus, Tennyson, DH Lawrence and Ezra Pound. At the northern part of the lake, the Gruppo del Baldos mountains create a dramatic backdrop and at the centre, you will find small islands home to grand villas. Garda’s many charming lakeside villages and towns drip with lush and fragrant Mediterranean plant life and fishing boats rest in their harbours. Fresh mountain water gently laps at the sand and pebble beaches that dot the lake’s perimeter.

14. Bergamo, Lombardy

15. Venice, Veneto

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

16. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto

One of the most quaint ski resorts in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has slopes for beginner and advanced skiers and breathtaking mountain views. In winter, chocolate box chalets sit covered in heavy snow whilst in summer they are dressed with bright red geraniums.

17. Wine country, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia has a unique geographical position, bordering Slovenia , Germany and the Adriatic Sea, all of which make it a much-celebrated wine region. The Collio is a series of picturesque hills nestled between two rivers and the Slovenian border. Mostly small-scale, family-run vineyards sprawl across the valley in every direction, so when the seasons change the entire landscape changes colour too – from intense and vivid green to burnt amber, the all-encompassing vineyard views are truly stunning.

18. Monte Lussari, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

At the peak of Mount Lussari in the Julian Alps stands a shrine that has been a pilgrimage destination since the 16th-century. The story, which features in both Italian and Slavic folklore, states that in 1360 a shepherd lost his sheep before finding it in a bush of mugo pine alongside a statuette of the Madonna with Child. Climb up through the old world village and admire panoramic views of the Tarvisian basin.

19. Isarco Valley, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Italian and Germanic culture conflate is the fairytale landscape of the Isarco Valley. Steepled churches and traditional wood chalets are surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests which lead to stunning vistas of the rugged Dolomites. The valley’s rich cuisine reflects the culinary heritage of the Austro-Hungarian empire and the Veneto region.

20. Pragser Wildsee, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Be enchanted by one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites. Located in the Pragser valley between Felsberg and Niederdorf branching off from the Puster Valley, the Pragser Wildsee is surrounded by dense pine forest and its perfectly calm water is an almost unreal turquoise.

21. Messner Mountain, Südtirol

The summit of the plateau of Kronplatz is one of the most magnificent viewing platforms of Südtirol. The breathtaking panorama moves from the Lienz Dolomites in the east to the Ortler in the west, from the Marmolada in the south to the Zillertal Alps in the north. The Messner Mountain Museum designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is located here and the grey, modernist design built into the landscape is equally inspiring.

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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 makes a fantastic starting point for 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
• 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 – 1 Week Itinerary

Updated April 26, 2022

// By Margherita

Planning a visit to Italy? A Northern Italy road trip is an incredible way to experience a wide range of beautiful and world-famous cities in a very short space of time. Among the Northern cities are Turin, Milan, Verona, Venice and Como, all within a 400 km straight line.

Are you planning to travel to Italy? I’m sure you’ll be aware that high-speed Italian trains are an excellent way to move around the country – for example, you can travel from Milan to Venice in just 2 hours, and all the way from Milan to Rome in 3!

However, by travelling fast you’re bound to miss those unusual sights and offbeat places that make travelling to a country like Italy so special. But guess what – we have the solution. How does a Northern Italy road trip sound?

Driving around Italy is a great way to discover individual regions and escape the crowds, visiting Tuscany in spring or Sardinia in winter for example, but it’s also a fun, hassle-free way to move between major cities, while discovering smaller villages and scenic locations along the way. 

That’s why we put together a road trip from the West to the East of Northern Italy – starting in Turin , the home of Fiat and the first capital of Italy, and ending in Venice via Milan, Lake Como and more. 

Our Northern Italy road trip itinerary is a week long , but you can easily extend it to 10 days, two weeks or more, depending on how much time off you have.

We’ve included some practical tips and frequent questions for a Northern Italy road trip, plus a full itinerary including what to see, and how to travel between cities – the quick and the scenic option!

Northern Italy Road Trip Practical Tips

What do i need to rent a car in italy.

If you have a valid car driving licence issued in a EU country , you can simply rent a car in Italy with that. If your driving licence was issued in the US, Australia or elsewhere, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Not all car rentals might require an IDP, but we highly recommend having yours on you at all times – if you’re pulled over for a check, or you’re involved in an accident, you’ll DEFINITELY need it.

You’ll also need a credit card , since all car rentals will want one as a guarantee. Prepaid or debit cards are not usually accepted.

What is the best way to rent a car in Italy?

We highly recommend renting for your Northern Italy road trip only from international brands like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and the like.

You’ll find them at all major airports , including Turin, where this itinerary begins, and Venice, where the trip ends. Alternatively, all major cities also have car rental offices in town, usually near the station or in the centre. 

You may find local car rentals advertising cut-price fares – from experience, we can tell you that very often scams are a possibility. Save yourself a headache and only rent from reputable brands like the ones mentioned above. 

When you collect your car, make sure you also check and double-check the body of the car for dents and scratches , no matter how tiny, and take photos. Italian car rentals have the reputation of being very pedantic for body damage and charge hundreds of euros even for tiny dents – if you can, get extra insurance!

Do I need visas to travel to Italy?

That depends on your passport. Italy is part of the Schengen area , alongside 25 more EU countries, so Schengen visa requirements apply to Italy.

Currently, many nationalities (including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more) can access the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days.  

Make sure you double-check Schengen visa requirements well before your road trip to Italy, so that you have enough time to gather all documents you need!

Is driving around Italy dangerous?

Italian drivers have a reputation for being reckless and hot tempered, but to be honest, having driven in dozens of countries, I can safely state that driving around Italy is no more dangerous than driving around any other EU country. 

Just make sure you use common sense – never drink and drive, try to drive during the day rather than at night if you’re not familiar with the roads, and avoid driving in and out of cities at peak hour. 

Also, make sure never to leave valuables in your car , especially if it’s parked in the street or somewhere unattended. Car break ins are very common!

What is the best time for a Northern Italy road trip?

Personally I would say any time is good to road trip around Italy , except for summer. June-August is peak season in all of Italy, and it’s usually very hot. Holiday destinations are booked out months in advance, and places like Venice and Lake Como will be very, very crowded. 

Autumn is a great time for an Italian road trip , especially from October onwards, when you’ll find lots of food-related events in smaller towns. Winter is also a good time if you don’t mind the cold , and it’s the best time to visit Venice with no crowds.

If you want warm weather, just visit in Spring, but try to visit before Easter – that’s when high season starts again!

1 Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Turin (1 day).

Where better to start a Northern Italy road trip than Turin ? The capital of the Piedmont region is packed full of attractions, the roads are not too busy, and it’s a great starting point for a day trip to the Alps – perfect if you’re visiting in Winter!

Turin is also worth a visit for two main reasons – first and foremost, it was Italy’s first capital , and it still houses many points of interest from the time. The easiest to visit is Piazza Castello , surrounded by stunning buildings including, Palazzo Reale , the former home of Italy’s royals, UNESCO-listed Palazzo Madama , and Teatro Regio , Italy’s first theatre.

Another unmissable point of interest in Turin is the Duomo , housing the Sindone (also known as the Turin Shroud), which is exhibited once every 10 years, drawing crowds of worshippers.

The second reason to start your Northern Italy road trip in Turin is that the city is home to Fiat , the car manufacturer behind the Cinquecento and so many other cool cars. The historic headquarters of Fiat are in Lingotto – the building has now been turned into a shopping centre, but you can still check out the test track on the roof, from where you get great views over Turin. 

Finally, for more amazing views, don’t miss climbing to the top of the Mole Antonelliana , the most iconic building in Turin, housing a great cinema museum. 

The centre of Turin is a little busy to drive and park, so you can venture to the Northern outskirts where you can tour the iconic Allianz stadium, Juventus’ 41,000 capacity football stadium .

Looking for some unusual Turin tours? Have a look below!

• Magic Turin Tour: Dark Arts and Black Magic
• Turin and Piedmont Card
• Turin Mysteries and Legends Tour
• Private Tour: Piedmont Wine Tasting of the Barolo Region
• Turin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: 24 or 48-Hour Ticket
• Turin Underground Tour

Here are some of the best Turin hotels!

• Turin Palace Hotel – retro charm a few steps from Porta Nuova
• Principi di Piemonte – luxurious and modern rooms near the Egyptian Museum
• NH Piazza Carlina – stay in a 17th century palazzo with two rooftop terraces
• Allegroitalia Golden Palace – colourful hotel near the centre with a great spa!
• Palazzo del Carretto Art Apartments – if you want your very own Turin apartment, full of art pieces
• Cascina San Vito – a haven of peace not far from town, with great mountain views
• Villa Erre Literary B&B – perfect for road trippers, this literary B&B is in a small town a quick drive away from Turin

Lake Como (1 Day)

Road tripping to Lake Como is fun! True story, the lake is easy to visit by train from Milan , but you’ll be stuck in Como and Bellagio with all the other tourists.

If you have your own car, you can visit smaller villages like Lenno , to visit the amazing Villa Balbianello, or places like Dervio and Varenna, that only see a handful of visitors. 

Lake Como is worth including in your Italy road trip because of the stunning scenery – the lake is surrounded by mountains, and on a sunny day, with the sun sparkling over the calm waters, it’s a place of rare beauty.

Hiking lovers will also be pleased to know that the Lake Como and surrounds are full of trails , allowing you to explore on foot at your own pace. A nice easy trek is the one from Brunate to Faro Voltiano – or if you want to extend your trip, you can hike the 4-day Sentiero del Viandante (Wanderer’s Trail) along the eastern branch of Lake Como. 

Turin to Como – Direct Way:  A4 to the outskirts of Milan, then A8/A9 to Como. Distance 167 km – travel time 2 hours

Turin to Como – Scenic Way: follow provincial and minor state roads to Vercelli, Novara, Busto Arsizio and finally Como. Distance 165 km – travel time 4 hours, or more depending on stops!

Looking for some fun Lake Como tours? Have a look below!

• From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip
• Lake Como with Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip from Milan
• Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan
• Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, & Madonna del Ghisallo Day Trip
• Lake Como: Classic Tour and Cruise to Bellagio
• Lake Como and Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Here are some of the best Lake Como hotels!

• Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como  – probably the BEST Lake Como hotel!
• VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como  – stunning views and charming surrounds
• Palazzo Albricci Peregrini  – stay in a period Palazzo
• Hotel Villa Flori  – boutique hotel surrounded by nature
• B&B Vista Lago  – to enjoy lakeside Italian hospitality
• Ostello Bello Lake Como  – great value for money in the Lake Como chapter of famous Ostello Bello! 

Milan (2 Days)

After chilling on Lake Como, it’s time to visit Milan , my hometown and favourite city in Italy! There’s so much to see and do in Milan – the city boasts an incredible blend of contemporary city skyscrapers, historical sights, industrial architecture and more!

We recommend spending at least two days in Milan , especially if it’s your first time. The main unmissable sight is the Milan Duomo , arguably the most iconic gothic cathedral in the world. 

Make sure to book your tickets in advance and allow at least half a day, to have time to visit the interiors and to climb to the top for great views of Milan from above. 

The second big-ticket Milan attraction is Leonardo’s Last Supper , located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. For the Last Supper, it’s crucial to book tickets in advance as only 25 people are allowed in at any time – but it’s really worth doing!

Another great thing to do is walking along the Navigli , Milan’s two surviving canals, and a lively nightlife area. Just one piece of local advice – skip the touristy happy hour buffets! Food is really poor quality. Opt for one of Milan’s best cheap restaurants instead!

Como to Milan – Direct Way: take the A9 and A8. Distance 51 km, travel time 1 hour.

Como to Milan – Scenic Way:  follow the SP31 to Saronno, and then keep following the blue ‘Milano’ signs through the Brianza area and Milan’s northern suburbs. Distance 53 km, travel time 1 hour 40.

Looking for some fun Milan tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Milan guided tour
• Skip-the-Line Tour of the Duomo and Rooftops
• Milan Duomo and Rooftop Tour with Virtual Reality
• The Best Of Milan Tour With Last Supper Tickets & Milan Duomo Rooftop
• Milan Sforza Castle Guided Tour
• Milan Sforza Castle and Leonardo Skip-the-Line Tour
• Milan Sforza Castle Virtual Reality Tour

Here are some of the best Milan hotels – or else, check out our full Where to Stay in Milan post!

• Park Hyatt Milan – only steps away from the Duomo, with a stunning rooftop terrace
• Four Seasons Milan – luxury rooms in a 15th century convent with a secret garden
• Hotel Principe di Savoia – the most iconic luxury property in town, with lavish rooms and a decadent spa
• Armani Hotel Milano – completely furnished by Armani and located above the Armani flagship store!
• Ostello Bello – great value stay in this luxury hostel offering lots of perks
• Palazzo Segreti – modern comfort in an 18th-century palazzo
• Klima Hotel Milano – perfect for road trippers! Large, comfortable business hotel near the A4 exit, it’s also pet friendly!
• Hotel Milano Scala – luxury property with a special attention to sustainability, perfect for eco friendly travellers!
• Nu Hotel – with Asian-inspired decor and plenty of parking space nearby

Verona (1 Day)

160 km East of Milan you will find Verona , with its picturesque historic centre which includes the Verona Arena , a Roman amphitheatre completed in 30 AD.

The Arena is almost 2000 years old and it is still used today for opera and ballet performances, seating 30,000 spectators!

There are also several castles to visit in Verona and magnificent religious buildings , like the Romanesque Duomo, Sant’Anastasia with its Gothic architecture, and the Basilica of San Zeno , dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

Verona also has their own version of Rome’s Arch of Constantine, known as Arco dei Gavi , which was built in the first century AD as a defensive gate into the city.

You’ll noticed that I failed to mention the best known tourist trap in town , Juliet’s Home – please, instead of wasting time rubbing boobs or sticking chewing gum on a wall, head for a walk along the Adige river or for an aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe, or follow this Verona tips from a local!

Milan to Verona – Direct Way:  just take the A4 motorway, or the A35 to Brescia and then the A4. Distance 160 km, travel time 2 hours.

Milan to Verona – Scenic Way:  you could even take a full day to drive from Milan to Verona, even though distance is only 160 km. Some of the points of interest you can check along the way are Bergamo and Soncino castle , but definitely make sure you also stop on the southern shore of Lake Garda , in Sirmione for example.

Distance 160 km, travel time from 4 hours to the whole day!

Looking for some fun Verona tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Verona Walking Tour
• Verona: Private Pasta-Making Class at a Local’s Home
• Vespa Tour around Verona
• Verona Arena Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
• Verona from Above: Lamberti Tower Skip-the-Line Entry
• Verona: Vineyard and Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
• Verona: Soave, Borgo and Amarone Wine Tasting Tour
• The Highlights of Verona Small Group Walking Tour

Here are some of the best Verona hotels!

• Fiore d’Arancio – truly stunning Baroque-inspired two bedroom apartment with lots of golden details!
• Due Torri Hotel – classic luxury hotel with over 700 years history!
• Byblos Art Hotel – contemporary art in a period villa
• Hotel Trieste – great value and lots of 20th century art in this colourful hotel 
• Relais I Tamasotti – perfect for roadtrippers, a country retreat in the hills around Verona
• Hotel Villa Malaspina – historical residence away from the centre, surrounded by nature
• Locanda Al Vescovo – with a great spa and chromotherapy rooms

Venice (2 Days)

Venice is the perfect place to end your Northern Italian road trip . First of all, cars are not allowed in the historic centre – so we highly recommend selecting Mestre or Venice Airport as your rental car drop off point, and making your way into Venice by water bus for a truly scenic arrival.

With 118 small islands, floating around Venice will be a nice break from all that driving – definitely spend one day checking out the main sights in town, like San Marco Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Grand Canal , but also allow some time for some smaller island in the Lagoon – Murano and Burano are a popular and fun option for a day trip. 

Venice is a busy place, especially in summer or times like Carnival – however, don’t let this deter you. You can always get away from the busiest tourist hotspot and wander around places like Dorsoduro or the Jewish Ghetto , or head to the island of Giudecca , where locals still outnumber tourists. 

Verona to Venice – Direct Way: take the A4 and A57 motorway. Distance 120 km, travel time 1 hour 20.

Verona to Venice – Scenic Way: you have two options – drive north along regional roads, through Vicenza, Castelfranco and Scorzè, or south via Este then following the edge of the Venetian lagoon. Either way, it’s amazing!

Distance 150 km – driving time 4 hours

Looking for some fun Venice tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Venice Walking Tour
• Venice Gondola Ride for only €20!
• Boat Tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello
• Doge’s Palace Priority Entrance & St. Mark’s Square Tour
• Underground Venice: Legends and Ghosts
• Saint Mark’s Basilica: Introduction and Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour

Here are some of the best Venice hotels!

• Hotel Danieli – legendary luxury hotel not far from St. Mark’s Square
• Belmond Hotel Cipriani – quite simply, the best hotel in Venice, with its own saltwater pool and Michelin-starred restaurant
• Cà Pozzo – simple yet modern, friendly boutique hotel
• Arcadia Boutique Hotel – great service in this boutique hotel, not far from the station
• The Gritti Palace – lavish 15th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal
• Cà Maria Adele – luxury Baroque-themed suites just steps away from Santa Maria della Salute

When is the Best Time for a Northern Italy Road Trip?

The best times for a road trip around Northern Italy are definitely Spring or Autumn. In Northern Italy, the climate is continental, with warm summers and chilly winters – add to that that most of the itinerary above follows the Po Valley, getting boiling hot and humid in summer, cold and foggy in winter.

So, Spring and Autumn are the ideal times to visit Northern Italy. Spring starts in late March, and April is usually a busy time with Easter and some public holidays – read our post about Italy in April to get the exact dates. March may be a little chilly, but May is also a great month for a Northern Italy road trip. Temperatures should be around 20/25°C during the day, dropping to 15/18°C at night. Early June is also a good time – by the middle of the month, the school year ends and the tourist high season begins.

When talking about Autumn, the best period is between late September and early/mid-October. Temperatures are similar to those found in Spring, and crowds are usually smaller, but as October progresses the weather cools down considerably and the time changes, leading to early sunsets (around 5 pm).

If you don’t mind the cold, winter can also be a good time for a road trip around Northern Italy. It’s normally quite dry, but it can be foggy and cold – in January, the coldest month, daytime temperatures are around 5°C dropping below zero at night. The good thing is that it’s also the quietest time to visit, and you’ll be able to snag good deals on accommodation and car hire!

Is there anything else you’d like to know about planning the ideal Northern Italy road trip? Let us know in the comments!

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Northern Italy by Train Itinerary: Where to Go + How to do it + Info

by Drifter Planet | Jan 29, 2020 | Italy , Most Popular Blog Posts

An epic Northern Italy Itinerary that has everything – lakes, mountains, historical towns,

Italy has always been the centre of attention because of its beauty and culture. Year after year, it ranks in the top 10 as one of the most visited countries in the world . Italy is where you can really experience it all – the best food, beaches , mountains, canals, art, architecture, luxury cars, and history. Can you believe Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world?

Italy’s amazingness isn’t just due to its rich culture or fascinating history, or even the scenic beauty. It is more than that.

It is about experiencing the mediterranean climate, the joy of sitting on a chair along the street in one of the cafes while sipping espresso, tasting the simplicity of food that’s cooked with just 3-5 ingredients, seeing the locals communicate with energetic gestures and listening to the musical sound of Italian chatter. 

An outdoor restaurant in Tuscany, Italy – CC0 by Nina Evensen from Pixabay

If you look at the map of Italy, you will notice the country is shaped like a boot. It is surrounded by water on almost all sides, except the top of the boot. As you go down from the top of the boot to the toe, you will see how the landscape changes from mountains and alpine lakes, to vineyards, and to the beaches. 

Broadly speaking, the regions can be divided into the below sections, and in brackets are the most famous destinations of the regions so that you can get an idea – 

• Northeast Italy, (the Dolomites, Trentino , Venice and Bologna) 
• Northwest Italy, (Cinque Terre, Milan and the Alps)
• Central Italy, (Tuscany region and Rome)
• Southern Italy, (Naples, Puglia , Amalfi and Capri)
• The islands – Sicily and Sardinia.

Each region of Italy offers something completely unique, and there is so much to experience in this incredibly exciting country. You don’t even need to go to the most popular destinations to enjoy the beauty of Italy. 

Beautiful village Tavon in Val di Non , Coredo, Italy

Even if you’re in one of the most unknown towns that doesn’t have a single person who speaks English, you will have an incredible time. Italians have a skill of communicating well with their exaggerated hand gestures, so language isn’t usually a barrier.

Moreover, almost all the towns have pretty streets and lovely town squares with something historic. Most of the city centre also have a free water fountain where you can fill up your bottles.

No doubt all the regions of Italy have something to offer, but the north of Italy is where you will find many of the country’s famous destinations and that’s what this post is all about. Yes, I’m talking about the Lake Como, the Renaissance city of Florence, the canals of Venice, Cinque Terre’s colorful coastline, the majestic Dolomites and the fashionable Milan. 

You can travel internally in the North of Italy in many ways but getting around by road is the best option to experience the natural beauty. 

In particular, getting around by rail is easy and convenient. You can sit back and relax as you gaze out from your window and see the beauty of the country. This is why rail holidays to Italy are super popular . They are relaxing, luxurious and can provide you a good value for money.

Another option is to arrive in Italy by air and rent a car from the airport. You can check and compare the car rental prices here from many different car rental companies.

Northern Italian Train Destinations + Itinerary

Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country’s top destinations. We have made a train itinerary for you that can be shortened or lengthened based on your preferences. You can start this itinerary from top to bottom – Venice to Rome, or the other way round from Rome to Venice. 

The below map is just a very broad depiction of this route map. At this time Google Maps doesn’t let users create a route map with multiple train stops and this is why I have selected a driving map to give you a general idea.

We have mentioned 5 main parts of Northern Italy and optional destinations around those parts that are worth visiting. For instance, if you’re more into art or history and are super short of time, then you can just do Venice, Florence, and end your trip in Rome. However, we suggest you do a mix of both – the big cities and smaller towns so that you can experience Italy’s true natural beauty.

Here are some of the places that you can visit on a rail itinerary in this part of the country. 

Venice (Optional: Trento, Lago di Grada, Lago di Braies) – 3 – 4 Days

Grand Canal in Venice – Northern Italy by Train – CCO via Pixabay

When thinking of Italy, Venice is always one of the first destinations that spring to mind. This floating city is known for its network of canals and bridges. Because of its geographical placement, it is the perfect way to start (or end) your Italy by train itinerary. You can explore the northeastern and northwestern parts of Italy very easily with your starting point as Venice. 

Being a major tourist destination, Venice is well connected by train routes. In fact, the easiest way to reach this city surrounded by water is by train, and you can take one from Austria, Slovenia or Germany. You can also arrive here on a ferry from Pula in Croatia . Or, you can just fly to Venice airport to start your Italy train trip. 

A bridge over a pretty canal in Venice, Italy – CCO – by travelspot via Pixabay

Forget about cars here – Venice is all about getting around via boat. There really is no place in the world quite like Venice, and it should definitely be added to any Italian travel itinerary. 

Besides the beautiful canals and gondolas, Venice is also known for many famous landmarks and attractions.  These include the Doges Palace, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, the Campanile di San Marco, and many more. The buzz and energy experienced when walking around Venice is unlike any other city. After you spend around 2 days in Venice , then consider getting out to see the mountains.

Lago di Braies or The Pragser Wildsee, North Italy – CC0 by vaiunruh via Pixabay

Venice can is a good starting point for you to see Italy’s mountains to see the Lake Grada or Lake Braies or the Dolomites. You can start off in Venice, head to Lake Grada (stations are Desenzano del Garda / Sirmione). If you have more time on your hands, then you can extend this part of your trip to experience the scenic towns around Lake Garda . Or go further up to Trentino.

If you’d like to see the Dolomites, then we suggest you take a train to Trento and consider going further up north to experience the Trentino region. You can include places like Val di Non , the spectacular lesser known Lake Tovel and also Alpe Cimbra . This part of Italy has some of the best lakes in Europe . We actually drove here from Venice with our rental car in 2018 and loved it.

Lake Como ( Optional Lake Orta & Milan) – 2 Days

The lovely Lake Como in Italy – CC0 – by EzPzPics via Pixabay

Italy has some amazing lakes and you can find the most famous ones in the north. These lakes are big, beautiful with the perfect alpine backdrops. They have been attracting travelers for many years.

Thanks to their stunning natural scenery, pretty lakeside towns, ancient villas, perfect gardens, and 19th-century hotels, a holiday along the Italian lakes is all about a luxurious and laid back experience. In the last part we spoke about Lake Grada and Lake Tovel, that are in Trentino region but here we will tell you how to visit Lake Como and Lake Orta.

Don’t let Italy’s more famous destinations like Rome and Venice make you leave out Lake Como in your itinerary. Lake Como (or Lago di Como) is awesome and it will make you fall in love with Italy.

Stay for a few days in one of the little towns along Lake Como and you wouldn’t want to leave. Remember the idyllic Naboo from Star Wars II Attack of the Clones ? It was filmed along Lake Como. 

Varenna, Lake Como, Northern Italy by Train itinerary – CCO Image by travelspot via Pixabay

Lake Como is the most well known of the lakes in Italy. This enormous body of water is speckled with the most charming towns, speedboats, grand hotels, and phenomenal views. This far northern part of Italy is very close to Switzerland, so it offers a completely different atmosphere altogether. 

Lake Como has a shape of an inverted “Y”, so the legs are towards the south. The most scenic villages along Lake Como are up in the north because of the mountains.

Lake Orta, Italy by train – CC0 by Fabio Valeggia via Pixabay

If you would like to experience the magnificent lakes, then taking a rail holiday is one of the best ways to do it. You can experience the Lake Como by taking a train to Como Nord Lago, Como Nord Borghi or Como San Giovanni . You can extend this part of your trip to also visit the Lake Orta by taking a train to Pettenasco .

Depending on your route, you may have to stop at Milan or change trains here. Why not stay for a day in Milan and experience the country’s fashion capital?

The Cinque Terre (Optional Turin) – 3 Days

The colorful houses of Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy – CCO by heidi_ziller via Pixabay

The Cinque Terre is one of the most impressive coastal destinations in Italy. This stretch of scenic coastline is dotted with five of the most magnificent little towns in Italy. These are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. Out of all these towns, Manarola is the one that you see on most of the pictures. 

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre – CC0 by Zotx via Pixabay

The Cinque Terre is best known for its beach, harbors, hiking trails, local wines, and perfect pastel-coloured villages. There are no cars in the Cinque Terre, and each town is connected via train. This makes rail travel the best way of reaching this area. If you are planning a railway itinerary in northern Italy, including a stop at the Cinque Terre is easy.

Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre – Northern Italy by train – CC0 by Felix Wolf from Pixabay

From Milan or Como Nord Lago train stations, you can head to Turin. Either stay here or get on a train to Rapallo . From Rapallo, you can take a ferry to experience the Cinque Terre villages. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Rapallo to Monterosso .

Another option is to take a train directly from Germany to Cinque Terry by travel via the Rhine Gorge and Gotthard Pass to experience the best of Cinque Terre. 

Florence, Tuscany (Optional Umbria) 3 – 5 Days 

Sunset in Florence, Tuscany, Italy – CC0 by Mark Gilder via Pixabay

Tuscany and Umbria are two Italian regions that cover some of the most attractive sights and points of interest in the country. Did you know that the Renaissance art movement started from Italy? It happened right here in Tuscany.

Both Tuscany and Umbria form a part of Italy is that’s very green. In fact, Umbria is also called the “green heart of Italy”, so you will get to experience the nature, the history and the art scene in Tuscany and Florence together.

The real beauty of this area is outside the cities and town – that’s where you will get the typical picture postcards style landscapes.

Tuscany’s famous rolling hills – Italy by train – CCO by monica_valladares from Pixabay

Nestled in the rolling green hills and scenic landscapes of these areas, you will find cities like Florence, Siena, Assisi, Pisa, and Perugia. Between the art, food, wine, history, and natural beauty – there are so many things to experience around here. 

Suggested: Visit Lecc e, the Florance of South Italy [Puglia]

These regions are conveniently located, being within easy reach of major cities. This makes a train journey around these regions very easy.  To experience this region by train, you need to arrive in either Perugia (for Umbria) or Florence (for Tuscany).

Tavernelle – Perugia – Umbria, Italy

If you’re arriving here from the Monterosso or Rapallo train stations because you were visiting the Cinque Terre, then you can take a train directly to Lucca , make a quick side trip to see the leaning tower of Pisa and then head to Florence – a city where it all began.   To experience the best of Tuscany, you can stay for a few days in Florence and then take a train to Siena to explore the Chianti vineyards . You may want to read this Florence travel guide to gather more information about this legendary destination.  

If you have some time on your hand then you can visit Umbria right after Tuscany. From Siena, you can enter the Umbria region by taking a train to Perugia and head to Assisi and Spoleto from there. You can also make a trip to Lake Lucerne or visit Capri from Florence. If you don’t want to spend too much time in Tuscany, you can just visit Florence for a quick visit from Rome.

Rome (Optional Castel di Tora or Naples, Pompeii ) – 2 Days

The bejeweled Rome in Italy – CC0 by Nimrod Oren via Pixabay

Rome is Italy’s capital and most well-loved destination. This ancient city has so much going on, and any holiday to the country should definitely include a stop here. Every single thing in Rome has a history, even a bench along the street.

Rome is characterized by its world-famous landmarks and history , delicious cuisine, vibrant streets, and architectural beauty. Wherever you walk in this city, you will be faced with postcard-perfect scenes.  With its renowned museums, churches, Colosseum, Vatican City, piazzas, fountains, and more, Rome offers the ultimate Italian experience. Being the capital city, Rome is very well-connected and easy to travel to. 

Even the streets in Rome are lovely – CC0 by djedj via Pixabay

While in Rome, you can also easily visit the Vatican City. You don’t even have to make a day trip because it is right there.

Just 50 KMs away from Rome is the stunning Castel di Tora along the Turano Lake. It is a medieval village with lovely narrow streets and stunning viewpoints. The best part is that it next to the water. Include Castel di Tora in your itinerary if you have a little more time in Rome and you’d like to get away from the maddening crowds.

Rome is also a good starting point to see the Northern Italy if you want to start this itinerary from reverse, that is, from south to north. Start at Rome, head to Perugia, then Florence, then to Bologna and finally Venice. You can also alter this route by heading to the Cinque Terre villages at the end instead. Rome can be a part of many different kinds of train itineraries and you can also consider starting in Switzerland.

In case you want to take a peek at the gems of southern Italy, then you will be happy to know that they’re not far from Rome. It will take you just 3 hours to reach Naples and the Pompeii ruins.

Northern Italy Train Travel

The destinations above are some of the most popular stopping grounds in northern Italy. However, you can still customize your trip by adding stops at places like Milan, Bologna, San Gimignano, Verona, and Trentino.  Starting your trip in either Venice or Rome, and traveling between these destinations is easy to do. 

Final Thoughts about Northern Italy by Train Itinerary

If you are planning to explore Italy, then getting around by train is one of the best ways to do it. Italian rail holidays are convenient, and they offer fantastic views and experiences along the way. Traveling by train in Italy is quick and comfortable so it makes a lot of sense. The northern Italy is full of incredible places to visit and varied regions. Visiting some of the above mentioned destinations will give you an excellent taste of Italy that you will remember for life.

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Related Posts:

The Pragser Wildsee is stunning! Would love to visit it. So many other beautiful places in Northern Italy!

Oh wow, I had no idea that the train connections in northern Italy are well developed. I love traveling by train and haven’t seen these lakes yet 😏

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

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Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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8 Day Northern Italy Tour of Milan, Cinque Terre and the Italian Lakes

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The Italian Riviera meets Italy’s beautiful Lake District on a gourmet-filled encounter with the north and its many treasures. All you need to do is live the high life on this most epic of Northern Italy trips, filled with the flavors of prosciutto and parmigiano.

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Explore Milan, Parma, Cinque Terre and Genoa with a Local Specialist

Visit a prosciutto factory near Langhirano, cheese factory in Montechiarugolo and Cinque Terre

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10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary

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Looking for a fantastic trip that combines Italy’s idyllic medieval towns and famous lakes with Switzerland’s most popular cities and the renowned Swiss Alps? Then you’re in the right place. Our 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary takes you on an absolutely amazing trip through Europe’s most beautiful regions.

Planning a trip of this magnitude can be challenging. With so much to explore, like a walking tour in a picturesque Italian town or a scenic train ride through the snowy Swiss Alps, you’re bound to miss some hidden gems.

This is why we created this Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary for you. This 10-day itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful cities in Italy and Switzerland to discover their famous landmarks and historical and cultural attractions. 

Perfect Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary you’ll love

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Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary | At a glance

Before we dive into this Switzerland and Italy itinerary, let’s have a look at what this amazing trip has in store for you:

• Day 1 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Bologna’s historical city centre
• Day 2 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the floating city of Venice
• Day 3 and 4 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles
• Day 5 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Have a scenic escape in Lake Como
• Day 6 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Geneva’s best attractions
• Day 7 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the best of Bern
• Day 8 and 9 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Escape to the resort town of Interlaken
• Day 10 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: End your Italy-Switzerland itinerary on a high in Zürich

Italy and Switzerland Itinerary with a scenic train ride (Bernina Express)

• Day 1 and 2: Fly to Milan, explore for 2 days

Day 3: Day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio (Italy) 

Day 4: Milan to Switzerland via the Bernina Express

• Day 5: Visit Chur (arrive in Zurich in the evening, 1 hour train ride)
• Day 6 and 7: Sightseeing in Zurich for 2 days
• Day 8: Lucerne and Mount Titlis day trip
• Day 9: Bern day trip
• Day 10: Rhine Falls day trip

Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Fly to Rome, and fly out from Zurich

• Day 1 and 2: Rome
• Day 3 : Florence day trip (or extend 2 nights in Florence and visit Siena or Pisa)
• Day 4 and 5 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
• Day 6: Train travel to Chur in Switzerland via Bernina Express (stay overnight in Chur)
• Day 7: Explore Zurich for a day
• Day 8 and 9: Interlaken and Jungfrau
• Day 10: Bern (return to Zurich in the evening)

Switzerland and Italy Itinerary: Start in Zurich, end in Rome 

• Day 1 and 2: Fly to Zurich, explore for 2 days
• Day 3 : Bern day trip 
• Day 4 : Lucerne and Mount Pilatus day trip
• Day 5: Train travel to Tirano in Italy via Bernina Express. Make connections from Tirano to Milan
• Day 6 and 7 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
• Day 8: Explore Lake Como and Bellagio for a day (overnight in Milan)
• Day 9 and 10: Travel to Rome and explore for the next 2 nights

Planning a Switzerland and Italy Trip Itinerary

Begin your Northern Italy and Switzerland trip plan with visa requirements and arrival airports. 

Both countries are located in Europe and they follow Schengen visa requirements to allow non-visa-exempt passport holders to enter the country. Citizens of the United States and Canada can visit Italy and Switzerland visa-free and stay for 90 days. 

At the border crossing, your passports won’t be checked. But when you touch down in either country, your passport and other documents will be checked by immigration. 

Keep in mind, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but Italy is. As mentioned, both follow the Schengen Agreement. 

Italy uses Euros as the official currency, and Swiss Francs are used in Switzerland. 

For your flights from North America, destinations like Zurich, and Geneva (in Switzerland) and Milan and Rome (in Italy) are good options to fly into. 

In the Italy Switzerland itinerary below, we have included samples where you can start in either country; and complete sightseeing using rental cars or public transportation. 

• To start in Northern Italy, fly to Milan Malpensa Airport (you can also arrive in Rome and then connect to Milan via high-speed trains)
• To start in Switzerland, flying to Zurich International Airport makes sense 

Once you’ve decided where to go and what you would like to explore, it’s time to start planning your itinerary . As with any trip, it’s important to determine transportation options within each destination. 

Both countries have a solid public transportation network, and depending on the duration of your trip, it may be best to purchase a rail pass that allows you to freely move between countries and cities.

Eurail Pass is a good option to consider here. Or you can opt for a country-specific pass with attractions access. 

We always use the Swiss Travel Pass when traveling in Switzerland, and use a mix of city passes, and tours to get around in Italy. We recommend booking train tickets and passes prior to your trip to save money. 

SWISS TRAVEL PASS

Get unlimited rides on trains, trams, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Buy it online, show your e-ticket on your phone, and start your Swiss Adventure with ease and stay on budget!

Note that in some cases, connections between cities via trains are faster as compared to a road trip in these two countries. Having said that you can always get a rental car, if that’s what you prefer. 

There are a plethora of guided excursions also available in each country, so you may also decide to take a day trip or do an organized tour from your accommodation base.

Accommodation is another important factor to consider when planning a trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland. We have included top picks for each city/ town where an overnight stay is suggested. 

Finally don’t forget to get travel insurance . 

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Day 1: northern italy itinerary – explore bologna’s historical city center.

Italy’s different regions and their unique offerings make the country one of the most visited in Europe. 

In the northern region of Emilia Romagna, Bologna is world-renowned as Italy’s foodie capital. The city also has lots of beautiful architecture you can explore.

Admire Bologna’s porticoes

The porticoes of Bologna are a recently-declared UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting to be explored. 

Spanning over 26 miles within the historic city center, Bologna’s porticoes and city walls are a symbol of the city’s bustling medieval era. 

Take a walking tour or leisurely stroll through the longest portico in Bologna – Portico of San Luca — it has about 666 arches. 

Or opt to tour the Portico Dei Servi, which extends towards Piazza Maggiore and has the widest corridors.

Grab lunch at Piazza Maggiore

As the heart of Bologna city center, Piazza Maggiore is the best place to hang around, people-watch, and get amazing views of some of the city’s best landmarks. 

Enjoy a tasty lunch while looking out at the dramatic Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio. 

You’ll also find the Fountain of Neptune, depicting the god of the sea with a trident in hand and standing over four cherubs – the ultimate symbol of power.   

Climb Asinelli Tower

From Piazza Maggiore, walk for about five minutes to the colossal Asinelli Tower. The 319-foot tower is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. It stands next to Garisenda Tower, and together they make Le due Torri.  

These two towers are the most well-preserved in the city, and Asinelli is the only one you can climb. 

If you’re up for it, you can get an entrance ticket and climb up 498 steps to reach the top of the tower, where you’ll get stunning views of the city.

Take a food tour + private cooking class

If you’d like to take a piece of Bologna home with you, consider taking a food tour or private cooking class and learn how to make some tasty Italian delicacies. 

As the culinary capital of the world, Bologna offers great food tours that, at times, include cheese and wine tasting.

Marvel at La Finestrella

Discover Bologna’s long-lost canals through a small window on Via Piella. Yes, the city of Venice is not the only place in Italy where you can find canals. 

Bologna’s hidden canals date back to the Middle Ages when they were used for the transportation of goods and people. 

Where to stay in Bologna: 

• Art Hotel Commercianti: Centrally located Art Hotel Commercianti offers a hearty breakfast, and modern amenities in every room. Rooms have a beautiful traditional/medieval charm to them. Book your stay here
• NH Bologna De La Gare : Stay near the Bologna Centrale train station at the NH Bologna De La Gare! This hotel is conveniently located in the shopping district and about a 10-minute walk from Bologna Cathedral. It offers modern rooms, with a bar and parking on-site. Book your stay here

Note : Start early morning for Venice on day 2. Bologna to Venice is 1 hour 30 minutes by train and less than 2 hours by car

Day 2 Northern Italy itinerary – Experience the floating city of Venice

You can’t visit Northern Italy without making a stop in the City of Canals. Venice is dotted with stunning terracotta houses, medieval bridges, floating gondolas, and scenic canals that will make you fall in love. 

Here’s how you can spend one day in Venice .

Take a Grand Canal tour

The Grand Canal is one of the most notable features in Venice. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or spending one day in Venice, taking a tour of the Grand Canal is a must-do . 

You’ll enjoy a boat ride through hidden canals and get a front-row seat to attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gritti Palace, and the postcard-worthy Salute Church.

Tip: Not sure if you should use a vaporetto (water taxi) or a canal tour? This guide about whether a gondola ride in Venice is worth it has what you need to know to make your decision.

Stroll around Piazza San Marco

Sitting in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is the most vibrant square in the city. Flanked by historically significant buildings like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, this public square is a great place to take a guided tour

You can also climb to the top of St Mark’s Campanile, where you’ll get a spectacular view of the city.

Visit Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to see why. 

Aside from the gorgeous Venetian Gothic-style architecture, you’ll also have the palace’s ornate interiors to marvel at. 

As a former residence of the supreme leader of the old republic, the museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city and see its stunning architecture. This Doge’s Palace entry ticket gives you access to the regal interiors and the Bridge of Sighs. 

Get a book at Libreria Acqua Alta

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love spending time at this cozy, eccentric bookstore. Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the best Instagram-worthy photo spots in Venice . 

It boasts colorfully stacked books from floor to ceiling, some are stored in a bathtub and even a gondola.

Note: Libreria Acqua Alta is popular among tourists, and you may find it overcrowded.

Walk across Rialto Bridge

Spanning 66 feet over the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. 

And while it’s an absolutely beautiful piece of architecture to admire, Rialto Bridge also has a long history. It’s the oldest of the four bridges that cross over the Grand Canal. 

Walking across the Rialto Bridge is a great way to get up close views of the architectural details. But if you want to ditch the crowds and see the bridge in solitude, take a gondola tour along the Grand Canal and get stunning views of Rialto Bridge as you’re serenaded.

Where to stay in Venice: 

• Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection: Gorgeous 4-star property, located in the neighborhood of Dorsoduro, the Palazzo Veneziano is perfect for sightseeing in Venice, and you will also find many bars and restaurants nearby. Read traveler reviews and check current availability
• Hotel Campiello : This is an affordable 3-star hotel, located close to San Macro Piazza, and many other sightseeing areas. Check availability here

Note : Start for Milan the next day. You have 2 days of sightseeing here. Venice to Milan is 3 hours by the fastest train and car. 

Day 3 – 4 Northern Italy itinerary – Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles

Milan is the capital of the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy. This bustling metropolitan is also world-renowned as the fashion capital of the world. 

It’s also home to some of Italy’s landmarks, like the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle.

Where to stay in Milan: 

• c-Hotel Atlantic Milano : c-Hotel Atlantic Milano is conveniently located near the central station, and is perfect for sightseeing, as well as for entering and leaving Milan. Plus you will find restaurants, bars with live music and parks nearby. Book your stay here (this hotel is also known as Atlantic Hotel Milano)
• Park Hyatt Milan: Located close to the Milan Duomo in Zone 1, Park Hyatt is a luxury property with stunning views of the city. It is about a 4-5 minute walk from the Duomo. Some suites also have a private terrace, and you can wine and dine in their restaurant on-site. View more information here

Day 3 – Visit Milan’s top attractions

There’s so much to do in this beautiful city that it raises the question, “ how many days in Milan is enough?” — and rightfully so. 

Your first day in the city of Milan takes you through all the city highlights. This is also a great one-day Milan itinerary if you can only stay for 24 hours or less. 

Marvel at the Duomo di Milano

Milan’s pre-eminent cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, is one of the most magnificent churches in the world. 

The white marble Gothic cathedral was commissioned by the Archbishop of Milan, Antonio da Saluzzo, and it took nearly six centuries to complete, from 1386 to 1965. 

Today, Milan Cathedral is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Italy. You can get an all-access ticket to the Duomo and get to see the cathedral’s museum, its terraces, and the rooftop. You’ll also get entry to the Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte. 

Tip: Read this in-depth guide to get the lowdown about visiting Milan Cathedral .

Wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of the oldest restaurants and shops in Milan. Operating since 1877, the Galleria is the oldest active shopping gallery in the city.

You’ll find a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Prada, and more. And although some of these brands may be out of your budget, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth visiting for its Renaissance Revival architecture. 

Stroll through Piazza Mercanti

Piazza Mercanti is one of Italy’s most idyllic squares. Located just a skip away from the magnificent Duomo, this quaint square is home to some of the most gorgeous medieval buildings in the world. 

The piazza was the city’s center of government and industry during the Middle Ages. This is why you’ll find the former courts of justice, the notary seat, and the Chamber of Commerce dotted around the square.

See the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie

Art aficionados will appreciate a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie for a sneak peek at Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The painting sits in its original place along the walls of the refectory. 

To see the historical mural, take a guided tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie , where your expert guide will lead you through the viewing of the world-renowned painting for 15 minutes.

Day 4 – See Milan’s art and medieval architecture

The second day of your two days in Milan takes you through the city’s most famous art museums, galleries, and medieval architecture.

Wander through Sforza Castle + Arco della Pace

Sforza Castle is a Renaissance fortification built in the 15th century. The castle has served as a private residence for royalty, mainly the Visconti lords. It was also used as a weapons depot and as military barracks throughout its life.

Today, you can take an audio guide through the castle’s museums, each boasting interesting artworks and relics. 

Stroll through the castle’s lush grounds while admiring medieval architecture before dashing over to Arco della Pace for incredible photos.

Besides being almost identical to the Arc de Triomphe in France, Arco della Pace is one of Milan’s significant Neoclassical monuments, symbolizing peace between European nations. 

See masterpieces at Pinacoteca di Brera

Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s main public gallery and home to over 400 paintings dating between the 13th and 20th centuries. 

You can browse through the museum via a guided tour and see paintings from artists such as Caravaggio, Piero della Francesca, and Raphael. 

Visit the La Scala Opera House

Teatro alla Scala is an iconic opera house in Milan famous for its absolutely amazing acoustics. The theater is known for premiering many popular operas, especially many of Giuseppe Verdi’s. 

Book a ticket for the La Scala Museum tour , and get to see the famous stages, regal interior, and stunning crystal chandelier.

Note : You can extend your stay in Milan to day 5, and take a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.

Day 5 Northern Italy itinerary – Have a scenic escape in Lake Como

Lake Maggiore and Como offer the ideal tranquil getaway from the Lombardy Region’s bustling cities. Although Lake Maggiore is slightly bigger, the large lake doesn’t get as much tourist traffic as its counterpart. 

Here are a few ways you could spend your day in Lake Como.

Stroll through Como Town

Visiting Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips numerous tourists take from Milan, and it’s not hard to see why. 

But you can’t visit Lake Como without first making a stop at the picturesque city that gives the lake its name. 

Spend some time walking along the city’s gorgeous waterfront promenade, exploring its museums, and visiting famous churches like the stunning Como Cathedral.

Explore Lake Como

Surrounded by rolling green hills, picturesque old towns, and beautiful lakeside mansions, Lake Como is one of the idyllic places to visit in Italy. 

You can enjoy the upscale resort area and its beautiful scenery by taking a Lake Como cruise that ends with a stunning sunset. The lake also offers water sports opportunities, e-biking tours, and a lakeside dinner at a great restaurant.  

Take a trip to Varenna

Varenna is a small village sitting along the eastern shores of Lake Como. This idyllic old town offers views of colorful homes, medieval streets, and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It’s a great place to escape the high tourist summer season in Lake Como.

Visit Bellagio

Bellagio is another postcard-worthy old town on the shores of Lake Como. You can reach this gorgeous lakeside village via a 50-minute drive from Como Town. 

Once you arrive in Bellagio, hire a boat and take your own trip around the lake. End your day with a tasty meal at Ristorante Bilacus’s vine-covered terrace.

Tip: You can see the best of Lake Como, Varenna, and Bellagio with this day trip from Milan . The tour takes the most popular route to Lake Como, dotted with scenic villas and gardens.

Day 6 Switzerland itinerary – Explore Geneva’s best attractions

From here onwards, you will make your way to Switzerland. You have the option to either arrive in Zurich or Geneva to kickstart sightseeing here.   

Either way, we recommend starting early in the morning from Italy. Here is the travel time for each,

• Bellagio or Milan to Zurich is 3 to 4+ hours by train
• Bellagio or Milan to Geneva is 5 to 6+ hours by train 

As the capital of luxury watches and jewelry making, Geneva is a must-add to any Switzerland trip. This city boasts incredible views of the Swiss Alps, watchmakers, and many diplomatic headquarters to explore.

See the Jet d’Eau (Geneva Water Fountain)

Start this Switzerland trip with a visit to the star of Geneva Harbor. Shooting up to an altitude of 459 feet, Jet d’Eau is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is visible throughout the city and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.

Climb the tower of St. Pierre Cathedral

Nestled on the highest point of Geneva’s Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral combines different architectural styles like Gothic and Ancient. The 12th-century cathedral boasts dramatic interiors and a tower you can climb for amazing views of the town.

Visit Palais des Nations + Red Cross Museum

As we touched on before, Geneva is home to several international headquarters, including the United Nations and the International Museum of the Red Cross. These buildings are of huge significance to all countries across the world and are perfect for taking pictures. 

Take a half-day trip to Chillon Castle (optional)

If you’re looking for something out of a fairytale, look no further than the Gothic-style Chillon Castle. 

Sitting on an island on Lake Geneva, this medieval castle boasts exhibitions across 36 gorgeous rooms and courtyards. 

Where to stay in Geneva: 

• Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva: This is a stunning 5-star lakeside property located in the heart of Geneva. It has about 400+ rooms and is elegantly decorated. Plus it is only a 2-minute walk away from the ferry terminal. Hotel amenities include a pool, spa, and a bar & restaurant. Book your stay here
• Hôtel des Tourelles: Hôtel des Tourelles is an affordable 2-star hotel, located about 10 minutes walk away from the city centre area. At less than $120 USD a night, this hotel serves its purpose. The hotel is pet friendly. Book your stay here

Note : Start for Bern the next day. Geneva to Bern is less than 2 hours by train or drive. 

Day 7 Switzerland itinerary – Experience the best of Bern

Bern has been the de-facto Swiss capital since 1848. And although you’d expect the capital city to be either Geneva or Zürich, Bern has a rich culture and lots of things to do on offer.

Take a walking tour of Old Town Bern

The UNESCO-designated Old Town of Bern is a well-preserved medieval center dotted with sandstone buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming shops and cafes. 

Take a stroll through Bern’s Old Town and discover its fountains, towers, and arcades. 

Visit Einsteinhaus

Head over to Einsteinhaus to see where Albert Einstein lives with his wife and son. This modest museum on the second floor shows the humble abode where Einstein wrote his annus mirabilis papers, which drastically changed how humanity understands the universe. 

Marvel at the Cathedral of Bern

Bern Minster is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, sporting a single spire that soars about 328 miles into the sky. 

After admiring the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, you can take the 400-odd-step climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.  

Stop by the Bern Historical Museum + Einstein Museum

Visiting Bern Historical Museum is a quintessential must-do activity when spending one day in Bern . 

The museum boasts a range of historical and ethnographic collections dating back to the Stone Age. 

It’s also connected to the Einstein Museum, where you can browse through photos, objects, and documentation of the physicist’s time in Bern.

Fun Fact: Albert Einstein spent seven years of his life in Bern, so you’ll find a deep connection between many of the city’s attractions and the physicist.

Note : We recommend leaving for Interlaken by evening. Trains and road trips will take about an hour to get there. 

Where to stay in Interlaken: 

• Hotel Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken is a vintage hotel, dating back to the 1400s. It offers a variety of amenities for a comfortable stay in Interlaken. The hotel has free parking and is a good option if you are road-tripping. And the train station is 10 minutes walk away. Check availability here
• Hotel Staubbach: Hotel Staubbach is one of the first hotels in Lauterbrunnen. Suites feature amazing panoramic views of the Staubbach Falls and Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can choose your accommodation from a private room with a shared bathroom or larger family-friendly rooms. Book your stay here

Day 8 and 9 Switzerland itinerary – Escape to the resort town of Interlaken

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains with dense forests, lakes, alpine meadows, and icy glaciers, Interlaken offers a great escape from Switzerland’s busier cities. 

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Thun

On the west of Interlaken, Lake Thun is a gorgeous deep blue waterbody popular for windsurfing, sailing, and sunbathing. 

The picturesque town also boasts stunning medieval architecture like Thun Castle, which you’ll have unobstructed views of from your boat cruise.

Marvel at Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is one of the biggest draws on any Switzerland itinerary . The panoramic restaurant offers sweeping views of the valley floor, the two lakes, and the Swiss Alps in the distance. 

You can either take a short hike or ride a funicular (cable car) to the top.

Take a train ride to Schynige Platte

Enjoy a scenic train ride to the Schynige Platte, passing forests, alpine pastures, and marvelous views of Lake Thun and Brienz. 

The cogwheel train ride is about 4.5 miles and climbs to a height of nearly 4659 feet. You’ll enjoy spectacular views from the top. 

Go on a half-day trip to Jungfraujoch

Famously known as the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is a saddle between two peaks of the Bernese Alps. 

Sitting at 11,362 feet above sea level, Jungfraujoch is a major feat to tick off your Switzerland trip bucket list . 

Catch this scenic ride to the top of Europe from the Interlaken Ost train station. 

Note : Leave for Zurich on day 9 (in the evening). Settle in with a nice dinner at the Old Town.

Day 10 Switzerland itinerary – End your Italy-Switzerland itinerary on a high in Zürich

As the economic capital and the largest city in Switzerland, Zürich is a great place to end this amazing trip. Admire the city’s architecture and see what its galleries and museums have to offer.

Where to stay in Zurich: 

• Fred Hotel Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Walhalla Hotel) : Conveniently located near Zurich HB, this 3-star hotel is perfect for a short trip to the city. The rooms are spacious and clean. Check availability here
• MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity : Located in District 2, this is an affordable option to stay along the Lake Zurich shores and within walking distance of the FIFA Museum. They have dorm-style accommodation. Check availability here

Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town)

Start your day in Zürich with a leisurely stroll through the city’s medieval Old Town. Its elegant streets are dotted with colorful homes, cozy bars, and art museums like the Kunsthaus. 

You’ll also get to see the colossal Fraumünster Church.

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Sitting across the Zürich HB train station, the Swiss National Museum is home to a vast collection of cultural history, craftsmanship, and artworks from Switzerland’s past. 

A visit to the museum is a great way to learn more about the country.

Alternate Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days

Here is an alternate Italy-Switzerland itinerary that can be explored by public transport, and also includes a scenic train ride.

Day 1 and 2 in Milan (Italy)

Start your trip by exploring Milan for 2 days. Visit Milan’s iconic Duomo, Vittorio Emanuele II, see the Last Supper, and Sforzesco Castle, and enjoy shopping and art walks. 

Visit Lake Como and the famous town of Bellagio from Milan on a day trip. You can also join a day tour to check out all the highlights

Spend day 4 of the itinerary to travel to Switzerland in style by riding the scenic Bernina Express . From Milan, you will arrive in Tirano, located at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. 

The Bernina Express leaves from Tirano and arrives in St. Moritz in Switzerland. For the purposes of this itinerary, plan to disembark in Chur. 

This route can be done in both ways and makes for an unforgettable experience.

To make the most of your trip in Switzerland, we recommend purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass to get unlimited rides on the public transportation network like trains, buses, ferries, and free access to over 500 museums. 

Train rides such as Bernina and Glacier Express require an additional cost for seat reservation, but with the Pass, it is 1000% worth it. 

Stay overnight in Chur (or St. Moritz). 

Day 5: Chur

Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland , making it an ideal destination for history buffs. The Old Town area is a great way to explore the city’s past, with its winding cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. 

There are also plenty of museums and churches to visit, such as the Cathedral of Chur, Rätisches Museum, Shelter for Roman Ruins, and the Alt-Haldenstein Castle. 

You can spend a few hours in Chur before making your way to Zurich. 

Day 6 and 7: Zurich

See the best of Zurich in 2 days . Keep Zurich as a base to explore other destinations in Switzerland for the remainder of your itinerary. 

In Zurich, enjoy a lovely riverside stroll along the Limmat River. This scenic route is one of the most popular spots in Zurich. 

You can easily walk through Old Town, which is the medieval heart of Zurich. 

Stop by Grossmünster, a 12th-century Romanesque-style church with two tall spires that dominate the city skyline. 

Next, visit Bahnhofstrasse for some of the best shopping in Switzerland. Here you’ll find world-famous fashion brands as well as high-end jewelry stores and boutiques.

During your trip, also visit the FIFA and the Swiss Museum of Transport. 

Day 8: Lucerne and Mount Titlis

Go on a day trip to Lucerne and Mount Titlis from Zurich. Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a vibrant city on the banks of Lake Lucerne, filled with medieval architecture, boutique shopping, and world-class restaurants. 

From here, you can take a cable car or funicular to Mount Titlis, the highest mountain in Central Switzerland. Atop the summit, explore an array of Alpine activities, such as paragliding, hiking, and skiing. 

For those seeking a more leisurely activity, there is also an observation deck with stunning views of the surrounding area. 

Lucerne and Mount Titlis are two must-see destinations for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Northern Italy and Switzerland.

Day 9: Bern

Arrive in Bern from Zurich train station, and explore it for a day. Almost all of the primary attractions in Bern are centrally located making it easy to navigate and make the most of the visit. 

The beautifully preserved Old Town of Bern should be top on your list. Here you’ll find cobbled streets flanked by 16th-century buildings that are now used as shops and cafes. 

The city’s centerpiece is the clock tower called Zytglogge – a must-see when visiting Bern. Other destinations include the Einstein Museum, Münster Cathedral, and the Bern Historical Museum. 

If you’re looking for a bit of culture, make sure to check out some of Bern’s many galleries and theaters. And while you’re in Bern, be sure to enjoy some of its delicious local dishes such as rösti or fondue!

For your outdoor needs, take a stroll through the Aare River Gorge, where you can explore historical monuments and beautifully landscaped gardens. 

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained like hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Spend a few hours at the nearby Bear Park, where you can get up close and personal with Switzerland’s national animal!

No trip to Bern is complete without visiting one of its many parks or gardens. The Rose Garden is especially beautiful in summer, while Bundesplatz, an old public square, is great for people-watching. 

Day 10: Rhine Falls 

Taking a day trip to the Rhine Falls is an adventure that should not be missed when visiting Switzerland. 

Located only about 60 minutes from Zurich, the largest waterfall in Europe provides some of the most beautiful views and opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

When planning your visit you will want to decide whether you’d like to make the journey by train or by car. If you decide to use public transportation, it is possible to take a direct train from Zurich main station to Neuhausen am Rhinefall, or drive 35 minutes to get there.

Day tours are also offered on this route!

Once at the falls, you can enjoy free parking as well as easy access to all areas of the site – including its many observation decks overlooking the impressive cascading water.

The Rhine Falls are open all year round and offer a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages. 

Although we focused heavily on Northern Italy in this post, it is possible to explore Rome and the Tuscan region on a short trip as well. 

For this, we recommend flying to Rome and leaving from Zurich in Switzerland. 

A typical itinerary will look like this,

Switzerland and Italy Itinerary: Itinerary in reverse

You can do the same itinerary in reverse by starting in Zurich, the largest airport in Switzerland. 

Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary Travel Tips

Now that we have covered all of our itinerary samples, here are some additional tips, 

Renting a car or using public transportation

It is a personal preference if you wish to explore by driving or riding the train (or any other public transportation). But keep in mind that most of the cities like Venice, Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne all have car-free city centres. 

In places like Lake Como, Milan or Interlaken cars are fine, but you will also find good public transportation options including guided tours to take you there. 

Savings tips

We highly recommend booking accommodation in advance for your trip to Italy and Switzerland. Hotels in Switzerland can be very expensive in the summer and winter months – so book early!

A Swiss Travel Pass for 4 days will be your best bet to save money in Switzerland if you are splitting your 10 days in each country equally. 

For Italy, use websites like Trenitalia to make reservations prior to your trip. To save time, opt for high-speed trains that connect cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. 

Bernina Express is a great add-on to your itinerary to experience the BEST of both countries. The entire route takes 4 hours to complete and has multiple stops along the way. 

Best time to visit Italy and Switzerland

Both countries are perfect for a visit all year round. 

If possible, it’s best to plan your trip for the early summer or fall months when temperatures are milder. This also allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Alps throughout Switzerland and northern Italy in all its glory.  

The Swiss Alps is a world-renowned geographical feature that attracts skiers, climbers, and snow lovers from across the world. Straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak is perhaps the most famous of the Swiss Alps.

Although you can see the Alps from Lake Geneva, just a few hours from Interlaken and Zurich, you can spot stunning views of the Matterhorn from the Swiss town of Zermatt. Zermatt is a must-add when you visit Switzerland in winter !

Note : Both countries are located in the Central European Time zone

Should you visit Switzerland and Italy?

Italy and Switzerland are two of the most visited countries in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. From stunning Italian villages to lakeside resorts in Switzerland, you will find the perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions.

And this 10-day itinerary has got all you’ll want to see and do in this region. So don’t wait, plan your next trip to Italy and Switzerland!

Pin: Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Most Popular Regions of Italy

I f you are planning a trip to Italy, it makes sense to get familiar with the various regions of Italy first and then make an itinerary that takes you to your favorite spots. Here is a list of the most popular regions of Italy, their main cities and what to see and do in each of these Italian regions.

Northern Italy

Northern Italy encompasses the regions of Liguria, Valle d’ Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Fruili. This vast area includes the Italian Alps and Dolomites , the glorious Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, the Italian Riviera, and the mysterious and magical city of Venice . Aside from Venice , Liguria and the lakes area, this part of Italy is still undiscovered by tourists. Until the 2006 Winter Olympics,  Torino  (Turin) was a sleeping beauty, but it has now awakened and has shown its beauty to the world.

Liguria is known as the Italian Riviera; it hugs the Mediterranean coast and offers wonderful resort towns such as Portofino, and San Remo as well as the now-famous Cinque Terre . Genoa is the largest city in this bustling region.

Valle d’ Aosta and Piedmont

Valle d’ Aosta and Piedmont are rural areas with the exception of Torino (Turin), a cultural treasure. From the Alps in the north to the vineyards near Barolo, this part of Italy is alpine or involved in agriculture. The Parco Nationale del Gran Paradiso is prized by naturalists for its unspoiled scenery and wildlife.

The Lombardy region stretches from the Swiss Alps to the plains of the River Po. The lakes region to the north provides ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

In the Po valley, agriculture reigns supreme. Milan , the center of Fashion and commerce is well worth exploring. It is in Milan where you can find the famous Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci.

Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is an interesting region because the language of Trentino is Italian and the language spoken in Adige is German. This area is located in the Dolomite Mountains and has some of the best ski resorts in Italy.

Veneto and Fruili

Veneto’s terrain is mountainous to the north and flat to the south. Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, borders Veneto on the west. Padua, Verona and lovely Venice are the stars of this region. Both Veneto and Fruili border the Adriatic to the south. Fruili also borders Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east. Trieste is a lovely port city on the Adriatic bordering Slovenia.

Climate of Northern Italy

The climate of Northern Italy is best described as cold winters and warm, rainy summers. The average winter temperatures in the lowlands are rarely below 40 degrees and the summer averages in the low 80’s. Rainfall is abundant in spring and fall with October being the rainiest of the year.

A Couple Of Our Favorite Hotels In Northern Italy

Colombina Hotel ****

We love this hotel situated near St. Marks Square and with a breathtaking view if the Bridge of Sighs. You arrive at their doorstep by water taxi and enter a lovely lobby with staff ready to serve you. Hotels in Venice are extremely expensive, but this hotel is reasonable for its category.

Hotel Splendido *****L

This hotel is a luxury hotel beyond belief. Set atop a hill overlooking Portofino and the sea, the views are incredible and the service is as one would expect. The Splendido has a sister hotel, the Splendido Mare, located in Portofino near the sea. It isn’t as regal, but it is half the price and you are able to use the services at the Splendido.

We stayed here and really had the best of both worlds. We swam in the Splendido pool and had a wonderful lunch and dinner there with views that just knock your socks off. We also enjoyed the Splendido Mare piano bar in the evening, listening to Italian arias sung by the talented piano player. So, for Luxury the Splendido is tops, but for a luxurious “bargain”, try the Splendido Mare.

Central Italy

Central Italy includes the regions of Emilia Romagna, Tuscany , Umbria and Le Marche. This area includes beautiful towns and charming landscapes steeped in culture and history.

Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna is one of the most prosperous areas of Italy. With the Po river valley to the north and the Apennine Mountains to the south, this region is the breadbasket of Italy.

Agriculture thrives in this rich area and consequently, Emilia Romagna is known as a great gastronomic center. This is the home of Parma Ham and Parmesan cheese . The main cities in Emilia Romagna are Bologna and Ravenna. Follow our Italy Road Trip Itinerary from Venice to Bologna to explore more of this beautiful region.

There has been much ado about Tuscany in the past several years. Several books and movies about Tuscany have made people fall in love with this area, and why wouldn’t we? Florence , Lucca, Sienna, San Gimignano, and Arezzo are all very special Tuscan towns that are endowed with many of the artistic treasures of Italy. The hills of Chianti and the mountains of the Alpi Apuane provide the scenery we have learned to recognize as Tuscan. Tuscany is the artistic heart of Italy.

Umbria, Tuscany’s neighbor to the east, is considered the “Green Heart of Italy”. the rolling hills and rugged mountains provide a wonderful landscape for the medieval towns and Roman ruins of Umbria. Assisi is the largest town in Umbria, but Perugia, Orvietto, Todai, Gubbio and Spoleto are all places worth visiting. The rich soil of Umbria yields exquisite olive oils, truffles, and many different wines.

Between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea lies the region of Le Marche (the marshes.) This largely undiscovered area is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and its agricultural countryside. The main city in Le Marche is the medieval city of Urbino, which is the home to one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in Italy: Palazzo Ducale, which now houses the Galleria Nationale delle Marche.

Central Italy is what people think about when dreaming of an Italy vacation: Italian Cypress spiking into the sky, red-tiled roofs peeking from behind rolling hills, Renaissance architecture and world-class art treasures, mouth-watering food and famous Italian wines. Central Italy is the heart and soul of this enchanting country.

Southern Italy

Rome and lazio.

For most travelers to Italy, Rome is the furthest south they will travel . The golden triangle encompassing Rome, Venice and Florence is the main route. But the south has so much to offer! The regions of the south include, Lazio and within it Rome and Vatican City, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia along the Adriatic, Naples , and Campania, the toe of the boot Basilicata and Calabria, and the island of Sicily.

Lazio is a region of lakes, mountains, and vineyards. The area was formed by the eruption of four volcanoes and has left the region with numerous hot springs and volcanic crater lakes. Lazio’s best beaches can be found in the Parco Nazionale del Circeo between Gaeta and Sabaudia.

Naples , the capital of Campania, is an ancient city founded by the Greeks but conquered by the Normans, the French, Spanish and more. It has survived through grit and the feistiness of the people, which is evident today in this somewhat impoverished city.

A few of the sights you might want to visit while there are Castel Capuano and Porta Capuana. The Castle was a royal palace until 1540 when it was transformed into the Court of Justice. The nearby Puerta Capuanais the finest Renaissance gateway in Italy. The Duomo was built between 1294 and 1323. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is one of the world’s most important archeological museums in the world. Nearby is the petrified city of Pompeii buried in ash by the 79 AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius . Read our guide on the best things to do in Naples Italy here.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast is a real tourist draw because of the beautiful hill towns such as Sorrento , Praiano, Amalfi and Positano, the enchanting views of the Mediterranean and the Ile of Capri, just a ferry-boat ride away. Ravello offers the best views along this winding cliff-side drive.

Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia

Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia are the three regions forming a long strip along the Adriatic Sea. Dominated by the Apennine mountain range, this region has the contrasts of the Gran Sasso peak at 9554 ft. and The Adriatic sea’s glorious beaches.

L’Aquila, Abruzzo’s capital lies at the foot of the Gran Sasso. Outdoor lovers are intrigued by the Parco Nazionale d’ Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise. This park is one of Europe’s most important nature preserves. This park is open for hiking, trekking, and climbing.

Bari, Puglia’s capital, a port city with ferries to Croatia and Greece is enhanced by the nearby Castle Del Monte , a UNESCO site. Alberobello is distinguished by the number of Trulli within its borders. Trulli are little, circular, white-washed buildings that have conical roofs. The origin of these buildings is obscure, but are interesting historically.

Lecce is home to the Lecce Baroque style architecture mastered by Giuseppe and Antonio Zimbalo. Some examples can be found in the Chiesa de Rosario, the Palazzo Vescovile and Duomo, and the Santa Croce.

Basilicata and Calabria

One of the poorest regions of Italy, Basilicata and Calabria form the toe of the “Italian Boot”. Scattered with Greek ruins, and isolated towns, this region is almost virgin territory for tourists. Matera offers fantastic views from its perch atop a cliff. The Sassi section, below the bustling city, was once home to Matheran cave dwellers. Tropea is one of a string of unspoiled, picturesque towns along the Mediterranean.

Sicily was a crossroads from Africa and Europe and has retained customs from the many cultures that crossed its path. Mt Etna has provided the fertile land that gives this island agricultural abundance. Tourism is still relatively low, so lovers of history and rich Italian cuisine should put Sicily travel on their short-list.

Palermo is an exotic city worth exploring. A few of the many main sights are the Duomo, Palazzo Reale, La Mangione, and Villa Guilia. The Duomo at Monreale with its glorious mosaics is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Sicily. The Port of Marsala evokes memories of the sweet wine that has been produced here since the 18th century.

Taormina is one of Sicily’s most visited resorts. The well-preserved Greek Theater offers magnificent views of Mt Etna. Siracusa , former Greek stronghold is filled with Greek temples and artifacts. The Museo de Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi has important artifacts from the Paleolithic to Byzantine eras.

Most Popular Regions of Italy was Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com

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Celebrating Italy in the Off Season

By CNT Editors

The delights of Italy are universal: clinking Negronis in Rome , spinning a Riva through Venice ’s Grand Canal, island-hopping off the shores of Sicily , all interlaced with hefty doses of wine, mozzarella, and art. It’s this limitless allure that has travelers from all over the world descend on the boot with near insatiable fervency, and often all at the same time—at least that’s how it can feel when trying to claim an inch of the Amalfi’s rocky beachfront in July. But in arriving en masse, travelers risk muting the very thing they come to enjoy: the essence of the place, as conjured by the lifestyle that Italians pull off with aplomb.

As such, we are stealing a page out of the playbook of one of our favorite Italian tastemakers, stylist and writer Gianluca Longo, and declaring the off season the new season . These months, usually between September and April, are when the locals reclaim the corners of their country, and move more easily in their daily rhythms. In other words, it is when the most local version of Italy comes alive.

This isn’t just about skipping the crowds. Crucially, it is knowing that the Amalfi coast has extensive hiking trails and vineyards that harvest in autumn, and that Taormina, Sicily’s clogged-all-August resort town, is simply magic at Christmas, and that Lake Como’s foliage in November rivals that of New England’s. Seasonal destinations don’t just go poof! and disappear when the temperatures drop, but are dimensional, with year-round appeal, and the locals will tell you as much. So, we contacted top tastemakers in many of Italy’s most heavily touristed areas to tell us what they love most about their hometowns in less-visited times of the year. And if you need any more convincing, we gathered our top specialists—who know how to connect travelers to a place better than anyone—to share their own tips for pulling it off. Read on to start planning your trip to Italy in the off season. —Erin Florio and Maddalena Fossati

Restaurateur Francesco Panella’s Guide to Eating Your Way Through Rome in Fall

"I like places that are not famous. I'm used to gourmet restaurants, but places like Cesare al Pellegrino —a small 25-seater in Piazza Farnese—reassure me. I often stop at Roscioli's . If they're full, I eat on a stool. That’s how close we are; we've known each other since we were kids. I arrive and ask, ‘Me dai da mangià (Can you give me something to eat)’?" Read more here .

Florence Comes Alive in Fall, According to Italy Segreta Founder Marina Cacciapuoti

"I love weekend walks outside the city center when the air is cold, and you feel the literal and metaphorical warmth of a countryside restaurant upon entering it. The winter light is clearer, starker, and crisper. Maybe we appreciate it more just because the days are shorter and the weather colder, but the sunsets really do turn the sky the brightest pink. On some days, the visibility is so great that the Ponte Vecchio—seen from the Ponte della Trinita—looks like a painting with the hills extending infinitely behind it." Read more here .

How Artist Alessandro Florio Spends Winters in Taormina, Sicily

"Our climate is great year-round, and getting to enjoy the weather without the crowds is a perk. One captivating place is Casa Cuseni, an early 20th-century villa built by Robert Kitson, an English painter who moved to Sicily for love. It’s now a house museum with a delightful bed & breakfast, a wonderful place where some of the most important 20th-century intellectuals and artists stayed, such as Dalì and the futurist Giacomo Balla." Read more here .

Why Portofino Is Best in September, According to Filmmaker Francesco Carrozini

"When I stroll through the square, I can take my time chatting with the vendors. In August they are too busy for that. A favorite spot is Bar Jolly, where I’ll chat with the owner, Mauro, for hours. This place is wonderful—it channels 1950s Riviera with old-school stripes and wood lacquered tables. In August, there is so much glitz that passes through Portofino but in September that’s all gone and the place starts to feel timeless again." Read more here .

The Romance of Como in the Colder Months, According to Hotelier Valentina De Santis

"At this time of year, you either get crisp days when you can almost reach out and touch the opposite shore or romantic mornings when what we call la bruma—a kind of winter mist—rises off the water and everything is hazy and indistinct. You also get the most incredible sunrises and sunsets, and I love to go for long walks with family and friends in the chestnut woods. We always come home with bagfuls of chestnuts. Then begins the fun of roasting them." Read more here .

How Style Editor Gianluca Longo Spends Fall in Puglia

“For me, off-season travel is all about being able to actually connect with locals. One October, I was swimming in Porto Badisco, one of my favorite coves. I noticed these two older women with perfect hair on the shore with their foldable chairs. They were digging into a lasagne. I couldn’t resist chatting to them with the sneaky hope they would offer me a bite. And they did! Plus they had cold beers! We were there alone, just the three of us, chatting together for half the day.” Read more here .

Springtime in Venice Is Unbeatable, According to Author Alberto Toso Fei

“You can take a lesson in Venetian-style rowing along the city's smaller canals. If it's open, go to the island Lazzaretto Nuovo to see where preventive quarantine was developed in the 15th century. Or visit a few historic artisan workshops. Venice has very long traditions of glassmaking, goldsmithing, beadwork, textiles, mosaics, and boat building. In short, one can get into a different mood and tune into the city and its rhythm by finding ways to talk to those who live there.” Read more here .

Le Sirenuse's Aldo Sersale's Winter Guide to the Amalfi Coast

"Many small towns and villages celebrate their patron saints or local products with events that attract both residents and visitors curious to experience the Amalfi Coast like a local. For example, for the Sagra della Zeppola, a festival on Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach in late December, locals prepare the typical frittelle (deep-fried dough), pasta e fagioli, broccoli and sausage paninis, and pizza." Read more here .

How to Do Italy in the Off Season, According to Travel Specialists

“It’s a little bit of a local secret that fall proper is the best season in the Dolomites . Not only is there the changing of the seasons and the colors, but also a sensation of quiet that the locals find very welcome after what was likely a busy summer and early fall. They are keen to promote this time to visitors—over the years, I’ve been told by owners and general managers of hotels that this really is the best time to be here, you’re sharing the paths with fewer people and the air quality is amazing."

Lead editors: Erin Florio, Maddalena Fossati, Arati Menon, Sarah Allard

Editors: Sarah James, Sara Magro

Adaptation: Jaclyn DeGiorgio

Visuals: Andrea Edelman, Sophie Knight, Pallavi Kumar

Lead social media: Mercedes Bleth

Supporting social media: Lucy Bruton, Kayla Brock

Audience development: Abigail Malbon, Amber Port

Production: Erika Owen

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A woman found dead in a church with no blood in her body may have been a TikToker hunting for ghosts, police say

• A French woman was found dead in an abandoned church in northern Italy after a ghost-hunting trip.
• Police are investigating if her death was a result of a TikTok challenge or murder.
• Witnesses reported seeing the woman, dressed as a vampire, with a man hours before her death.

A French woman embarked on a day trip to northern Italy for what appears to have been a ghost-hunting trip. She never made it home.

The body of the unnamed woman, 22, was found over the weekend in an abandoned church where she had been stabbed to death and drained of blood, according to a CNN report.

Now investigators are trying to figure out if she was TikToker who was part of a ghost-hunting stunt or if her death was something more sinister, such as a consented sacrificial death.

The woman had traveled from her hometown near Lyon, France, to La Salle in Aosta Valley, Italy, and had informed her family of plans to find a "haunted house believed to contain ghosts," police told the outlet.

The journey to the Italian town is estimated to take just over one hour from Lyon when driving, according to a Google Maps estimate.

Witnesses in the town interviewed by police said they had noticed the woman was accompanied by a man hours before her death. Both had been dressed up as vampires, CNN reported.

One witness described the woman as "emaciated" and looked like a "walking corpse," while the man was described as having dark hair and olive skin, the outlet added.

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A camping knife had been used to stab the woman, causing her to bleed to death, the report said. She also had two gunshot wounds on her neck and one on her abdomen, which police told CNN may have been inflicted after she was already dead.

There was no sign of a struggle, CNN reported, though police noted that some of the blood from the floor had been removed when they arrived to inspect the scene. Police are still searching for the man who was with her, the outlet added.

One theory that investigators are considering is that the woman's death was a result of a "consented murder" or a sacrifice, the publication said.

The woman also may have been taking part in a ghost-hunting challenge that's popular among TikTok users in France, police told CNN.

Though the details of this particular challenge were not shared in the CNN article, it's worth noting that "ghost hunting" is a popular search term on TikTok.

The US in particular has seen a rise in "haunted tourism" in recent years, as historic buildings cash in on the ghost-hunting phenomenon, according to a 2021 Bloomberg article.

While the role of a TikTok stunt in the death has not yet been established, the platform has long been criticized for putting people in real-life danger.

For instance, TikTok faced mass criticism in 2020 for promoting the "randonauting" challenge which encouraged users to download a separate app that would use their location to take them on adventures.

One group who participated discovered a suitcase with human remains, Good To Know reported at the time. Then, in 2022, the "blackout challenge" resulted in the deaths of multiple users who attempted to choke themselves into unconsciousness.

At the time, a TikTok spokesperson told The Washington Post that the "disturbing 'challenge,' which people seem to learn about from sources other than TikTok, long predates our platform and has never been a TikTok trend."

Representatives for TikTok, the town of La Salle, and local police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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