Discover more specific destinations for loved-up travelers on the map: Italian food is in a league of its own, but youll soon find out when visiting northern Italy that the traditional dishes are not pasta and pizza. 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). Your email address will not be published. You can use these Google Maps as a recommended route to follow.Click on the image to open the map on GoogleMaps.com. They'are also a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers from all over the world. With the Northern Italy Highlights 10 days itinerary youll cross the most important highlights, cities and landmarks in the northern part of Italy. We chose for Milan as a starting point because it is easy to reach, either flying or overland. Theres a constant wind blowing from the mountains which makes both lakes favorable for a fun sports day on the water. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you dont want to spend four days in the Dolomites, you can take out a day and add it to Venice or spend a day at Lake Garda. Hit the 5 major areas on everyones northern Italy bucket list. Discover more day trips from Milan to beef up your itinerary. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. Northern Italy Itinerary - 8. Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. A perfect place to buy a fresh sandwich and enjoy your time at the main square of the village. RENTAL CAR: You can drop your rental car in Verona (and travel by train for the rest of this itinerary, which is the cheapest, most environmentally friendly option) or keep it until the end of your trip. Youll be able to use your time in the most efficint way. One of our favourite Northern Italy itineraries calls for a leisurely weekend in Northern Italy focused around the Italian Lakes, a popular stop on the European grand tour. Renting a car in Italy is the most flexible yet most expensive option for traveling around northern Italy. Gondolas in Venice | Northern Italy Itinerary. The road trip to Rome will take up a half-day. Many people think this village was the scene for the movietwilight. Ill 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. Your seat on this tour is just a click away! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is the capital of the Tuscany region. The best time to visit is in the fall, also when the White Truffle Festival takes place in Alba. It is on the road youll 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. Not to worry. Between wine, fairytale villages, and intimate vistas, youll be feeling the Italian romance. Our website uses cookies. Northern Italy itinerary: what to see and how to see it Northern Italy Itinerary: One to two-week guide to Northern Italy Day 1 in Milan - hit the highlights. Regardless, these two sister cities are only 40 minutes apart by car, but exhibit completely different landscapes. The months July and August are the high tourist seasons, so it is busier during these months. The biggest lake in Italy and Europe. Start as far west as possible in Courmayeur to visit Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. You can travel on your own schedule and get to places where it is difficult to get to by bus. On the second day, we recommend you to travel to Lake Como, somewhere after lunch. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The upside is that you can explore Venice by night when you arrive not too late. I've also offered options to add on other locations if you're travelling for longer too or adding Italy to part of a longer Europe itinerary . Two villages you dont want to miss areGardaandSirmione. Nowadays it has the third biggest harbor in the Mediterranean Sea. Select your preferences and let us take care of the rest. Check out the map to see this sample itinerary and extra suggestions on where to visit: Some travelers cant get enough of a historic, bustling European city and Italy is rich with them. Stay overnight in Lake Como (for longer Northern Italy itineraries) Additional day trip from Milan - Bergamo. Or that you need to wait a long time in line. Curious about more spots to hit? We were pleasantly surprised during our visit to Parma, and recommend anyone to stay here and explore this lovely city. 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. Day 10 Milan. Genoa is excellent to spend a few days and explore the extensive history. Its 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. It will take around 2 hours to reach the lake. We recommend booking a departure from Florence because it saves you a lot of time. We recommend staying a bit out of the center, which saves you tons of money. This medieval town is great for a day visit. Temperatures on average in the Northern part of Italy are favorable. If you like hiking, hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano. 8 Discover Emilia Romagna - 10 days. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. So if you intend to visit the famous tourist city of Venice, you should spend an extra day or two exploring Verona also known as the city of love. We parked here on one of our visits to Venice. Gondola ride for two? Curious for more ideas? All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Not a big hiker? You can also go around Switzerland and stay in Italy, but thats a longer drive. It is always fun to explore a city for the second time. Its a little more of a hassle on this day but it does save money. If you have longer, great! As for picking up your rental car, you can do it on day 1, if you are arriving to the Venice airport. For the best experience, we recommend arriving in Bellagio or Varenna by 10:30 am, to give yourself enough time to visit the area. Your email address will not be published. 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. Visions of Northern Italy: Hiking and Touring Lake Maggiore, Dolomites, Italian Riviera. Nowadays the most important source of income is tourism. An afternoon is plenty of time to see these sights. And they really are wonders - this is the land of the cathedral-like Dolomites, the actual cathedrals of Milan, and the glistening Italian Lakes, after all. From the Dolomites, visit lovely Verona, Milan, and spend a day at Lake Como. Built-in 30 AD and today still used as a concert venue. We recommend staying in the town of Varenna, which is the easiest to reach, and on the road, youll need to follow the next day. You will have the afternoon free to do something, whether that is a hike or a scenic drive or a cable car ride. 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. As you cross Ponte della Paglia look down the canal for the iconic view of the Bridge of Sighs. Our Florence hotel recommendations:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Florence is known as the heart of the Rennaissance. If skies are clear, consider riding the cable car from Cortina dAmpezzo to Cima Tofana for one of the best views of the Dolomites. 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 has the advantage of not packing and unpacking again, and if you have a flight home from Milan tomorrow, you will already be in town. As you tour Doges Palace, you will cross the Bridge of Sighs. Nearby Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are a few extra stop ideas. Bologna is the origin of many Italian food favorites: Parmigiano Reggiano, Mortadella, Rag Bolognese, Balsamic Vinegar and Lasagne. You can do this itinerary all year, but during the months of November, April, and even May, you will be very limited in what you can do in the Dolomites, as this area transitions between a hiking and skiing destination. Northern Italy Road Trip - 1 Week Itinerary | The Crowded Planet Here are a few more itineraries for Italy: To see all of our articles about Italy, take a look at our Italy Travel Guide. The drive back from Lake Garda to Milan is around 2 hours, so make sure you plan that properly according to your departure. Bologna 2 Nights. Sirmione, which is a bit more expensive option, but probably one of the most romantic places youll ever sleep. The icon of the city is the Duomo Cathedral. We've only ever traveled by public transportation in Italy and so that's how we designed these itineraries. 1000 Gourmet Venezia gets great reviews, serves pizza and pasta, and is located on a side street just a few blocks northeast of St. Marks Square. Sienais renowned for the largest medieval square and the famous Torre del Mangia. Lets start with the 10-day highlights! So we recommend dropping your rental car when arriving at the city. The bus from or to the airport can take up to 1 hour though. I live in northern Italy, so the area not only has a special place in my heart, but Ive also happened to travel all around it! Lines can be long to enter it, but it is worth it, both to see the golden interior and to stand on the terrace for a view across St. Marks Square. Some of these links are affiliate links. It truly is the best way to visit the country and enjoy just how vastly different the landscapes are across the peninsula. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations. If you will be arriving Venice very early in the day (for example, you are already in Europe and wont be dealing with jet lag), or the night before, you can follow our 2 Day Venice Itinerary. Our road trip itineraries cover the different highlights in this part of the country. In this guide, we lay out a 10-day northern Italy itinerary, with tips on how to modify it, depending on your interests and how much time you have. Keep in mind that Milan Bergamo is about an hour outside of Milan. You will stay in Venice for two nights. The cheapest option is to rent a car just for the Dolomites portion of this trip. But in five days you still can see a lot. For drinks and dining, we recommend you to go to theTrastevereneighborhood. Northern Italy itinerary: 4 comprehensive itineraries Best Time To Visit Italy For a 10 Day Trip. Here's a one week in Northern Italy Travel Itinerary you'll want to follow. Life moves just a little bit slower, especially up in Citt Alta, an UNESCO World Heritage site and the medieval, historic old town that rests on a hilltop overlooking the more economic center, Citt Bassa. You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido, from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center. We always feel at home while traveling through Tuscany. If you still have a rental car, drive to Bellagio (1.5 hours) or Varenna (1.5 hours). If you have a flight leaving from Marco Polo Airport (Venice), from Milan it takes a minimum of 3.5 hours to travel by train and just over 3 hours by car. 3 recommendations for a northern Italy itinerary Thats why we selected the recourses we use all the time while booking our trips. We have more info on how to do this in our article Things to Do in Bellagio. LAKE GARDA: Plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Lake Garda. Lake Garda is even the biggest lake in Europe, and Lake Maggiore and Lake Como are set in some beautiful environments. Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip. Cinque Terre is known for its beautiful coastline, colorful houses that are built into the cliffs, stunning nature and excellent hiking trails. Dreamy Northern Italy Itinerary: 7 Days Italian Road Trip Youll drive around 62 miles (100 kilometers) a day, but that gives you enough time to explore the historical and traditional villages and countryside. View from the Rialto Bridge | Northern Italy Itinerary. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum. For full details on how to do this, refer to our Lake Como Day Trip guide and Things to Do in Bellagio. This road trip is around 500 kilometers, maybe a bit more depending on where you go around the lakes. Its a cheap way to get around Venice and the views are amazing, as you cruise along the Grand Canal. To get here, you will park in town and it is a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) downhill walk to the church (or you can take a bus). This very highly rated tour has skip-the-line access to St. Marks Basilica, it includes the terrace, and it also includes Doges Palace (the next stop on todays itinerary). The center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. For information on renting a car, including rental car fees, drop fees, and things to know ahead of time, take a look at our article Important Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Europe. Day 6 To Lake Garda. Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, perhaps even the world. ), or visit on a guided tour. This 14 day Italy itinerary crams in a lot, and can easily be slowed down if you have more time. There is not a whole lot to see in Menaggio, so this can be skipped. And the first theater with a podium instead of the round square youll see in the amphitheaters. For a splurge, we recommend the Granbaita Dolomites, a luxury hotel with a wellness center. We love taking pictures and videos during our travels, but also like to be organized with our stuff. Depending on your departure time you can explore the islands around the historical city of Venice or go directly to the airport. No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places there is - Venice. 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. You can avoid the 5 fee by using Trenitalia.com, but this website is more difficult to use. The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your It is not a coastal city as many people think, the region consists out of five different coastal towns. from $16,495 /10 days. Florence was the center of trade and banking during medieval times. Once at Passo Pordoi, you have the option to ride the cable car to Sass Pordoi, for more big views of the Dolomites, and to hike to Piz Bo, one of the easiest 3,000+ meter peaks to summit in the Dolomites (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours). The roads are good condition, and the views are just stunning. Planning your trip to the Northern part of Italy is exciting but can be overwhelming as well. 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. Our northern Italy itinerary, 7 days from the Alps to Milan, is all about exploring the wonders that lie at the top end of the boot. If youre thinking of using regional or city buses, the real challenge is understanding the routes and planning your itinerary around the timetables. If you cant get one, consider joining a tour. This is the road youll need to take the next day.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-box-4','ezslot_6',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-box-4-0'); The next day you follow road SS36, 38, 39, 42 and 239 to the national park Adamello Brenta. Hopefully, youll never use it, but when you need it, it is good to know theres a company out there helping you. Below is my recommended 7 day itinerary for Northern Italy which covers the highlights and must-see cities. Cinque Terreis a Unesco world heritage site. 7 Days of Northern Italy Itinerary: Northern Italy Itinerary Day 1-2: Bologna. But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round. PRO TRAVEL TIP: You will use the ferry to get between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, so you arent missing out on anything by not cruising from Como to Bellagio. In five days youll 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. Three rocky islands that were bought by the Borromean family centuries ago. You can have lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Lagoon. Day 7 Lake Garda - Sirmione. Our recommended places to stay are in two different villages. It is still busy, but starting from 10 a.m., it is getting swamped. From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. Day 5 - 6: Explore The Port City of Genoa. During these months youll have the best weather conditions, less rain and most chance of sunshine. I also recommend asking your hotel for the best way to get to the hotel. Most of the landmarks are in walking distance, and public transport is excellent. This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor DAY: VENICE BASSANO DEL GRAPPA MALCESINE (Lake Garda) Bassano Del Grappa Lago Di Garda (Lake Garda) - Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 9. Best Northern Italy Itineraries & Tours 2023-2024 | Zicasso From Milan, you can travel by train to Varenna (about 1 hour) or travel by train to Como (about 45 minutes) and then take a ferry to Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna (about 45 minutes). Manage Settings 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Venice Day 2: Venice Day 3: Dolomites Day 4: Dolomites Day 5: Dolomites Day 6: Dolomites Day 7: Verona Day 8: Milan Day 9: Lake Como & Bellagio Day 10: Fly Home Northern Italy itinerary map About this Northern Italy Itinerary Known for its iconic leaning tower. Any of these itineraries can be turned into a road trip itinerary like I said, the country is best experienced by road trip! Once you have checked into your hotel, have a quick lunch and then make your way to the Rialto Bridge. 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. Afterwards, explore the town of Cortina dAmpezzo, check into your hotel, and then have dinner. DAY: MALCESINE & LIMONE DEL SUL (Lake Garda) Sightseeing In Limone Sul Garda Sightseeing In Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 10. However, the Dolomites can be cold year-round, especially when you go high into the mountains. The great thing is that even this itinerary is worthwhile for people who arent nature lovers but love the mountain landscape. Which one you choose really depends if you want to cruise up Lake Como or just get to Varenna as quickly as possible. 4 Northern Italy itineraries - How to spend a week in Northern Italy Northern Italy Itinerary n 1: Milan, Como Lake, Venice, and Verona You can also see the map here Why? Are you planning to travel to Italy? So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. If you like skiing, this northern Italy itinerary works well from December through March, when the Dolomites become one of the best places in Europe to go skiing. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); It is lovely to spend the night in Verona. WorldNomadsinsurance is what we feel is the most comprehensive and reliable travel insurance you can buy. 6.3 Add on: Verona/Venice/Milan 2 days eachItaly. Its airports are very well connected with Milan Bergamo being a major hub for Ryanair and other budget carriers. Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. The big Italian big four road trip. To get from the airport to your hotel in Venice, you can take the bus, a taxi, a vaporetto, or a water taxi. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. After reading the itinerary above, you might wonder how to shorten the itinerary to five days. Once in Milan, the main things to do include a visit to the Duomo (walking on the rooftop is an awesome experience), seeing DaVincis Last Supper, and visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Map for your Northern Italy road trip If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out again! We have three recommendations, where we think you still see a lot of this beautiful part of Italy. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Click on the banner to get more information on the website of World Nomads. Places you dont want to miss while visiting Florence are: When you want to visit the Duomo, you must reserve a ticket in advance. We are coming from the West Coast of the US (California). Day 3 Florence. The Best Guide to Val Brembana: How to Visit this Underrated Corner , The Best Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary You Need to Steal, Mid-range price compared to bus and rental car travel, Well-connected between cities and towns (regional trains), Can be super cheap & is overall less expensive, Takes time to understand routes of regional or city buses. Depending on where you are staying in Venice, you can get here on foot or ride the vaporetto. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. People. Northern Italy Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Northern Italy Itinerary Day 3: Dolomites, Northern Italy Itinerary Day 4: Dolomites, Northern Italy Itinerary Day 5: Dolomites, Northern Italy Itinerary Day 6: Dolomites, Northern Italy Itinerary Day 9: Lake Como & Bellagio. Youll probably stop a few times just to enjoy the views. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Breakdown. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, but its small, cascading hillside towns make the atmosphere intimate. Marvelous to visit!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-banner-1-0'); Theres a lot to see at Lake Garda, so you might be interested in reading our article with in-depth information about this area. 7 Days in Italy Itinerary - a guide to what not to miss in Northern Italy Also, we cover several itineraries for 5 and 14 days. 7.2 Verona - 2 days. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Plus, having a car makes it much easier to get around Lake Garda and transfer from Riva del Garda to Sirmione, and then once in Verona, you can drop the rental car if you prefer. In the morning, travel to Milan. If you have less than 10 days, then remove a day or two from the Dolomites. Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 different 10-14 days itineraries The towns in Cinque Terre used the be fisherman towns. Many people say the lake is less spectacular then Lake Como, but we think it is a must-visit while traveling through this area. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor He travels the world with the love of his life and writes about inspiring cultures and practical travel tips. Instead, this itinerary will help you pick a route to travel across some of the best places in Northern Italy. Mainly because there are so many medieval villages to visit. Fly into Milan or Bergamo airport, pick up a hire car and begin your exploration with Lake Como, the most breathtakingly beautiful expanse of water of all. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Verona is a great city to spend your day. The Best Northern Italy Travel Itinerary (7 days) - The Mindful Mermaid 7 days in Italy - Option 1: the Northern Italy itinerary bucket list destinations First stop: 2 nights in Venice. Northern Italy Itinerary, 7 Days From The Alps To Milan Tonight, stay in Cortina dAmpezzo. To enter Venice, youll need to buy a ticket, which gives you also access to the taxi boats. This 17 km (10.6 mile) hike takes 6 to 9 hours and starts in Selva di Val Gardena. From this bridge, you get another iconic view of Venice and the Grand Canal. Since they are very concentrated in northern Italy, I would suggest flying roundtrip in and out of Milan. If you arrive in the morning on a red eye flight, this first day can be challenging. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. But this is more expensive, since you are paying for 2 days of a rental car plus parking fees. Gems of Northern Italy | Smithsonian Journeys Optional: On the drive to Verona, you will be very close to the Santuario Madonna della Corona. After heading to the sea, return to the mountains around the area of Bergamo. There is still plenty to do here that involves little to no hiking. It's the world's largest gothic cathedral and is absolutely stunning! Here are some in-depth guides to help you plan exactly what to do in each destination: Check out this Google Maps Trip Planner with extra itinerary suggestions: Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with the Italian Alps. Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. Next, take the metro to the Duomo. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For? Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of Verona. Public transport in Florence is perfect, so the next day you dont have any problems reaching the city center. The entire itinerary can be done as a road trip or you can rent a car just for the Dolomites. Part of the eastern Alps in northern Italy and marking the border between Italy and Austria, these natural beauties are another UNESCO heritage site. For the remainder of the day, we have a few more options of great things to do in this area of Venice. Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. Tonight, sleep in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei. Julie Last updated: January 29, 2023 Italy Leave a Comment. DOLOMITES: For links to all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. If you have a car and plan to stay in the city center, ask your hotel for advice on where to park.