Whether you like hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, the mountains are paradise. The top places in Northern Italy are Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient. 7 days in Italy - Option 1: the Northern Italy itinerary bucket list destinations First stop: 2 nights in Venice. Tuscany region is great to spend more time. Lagazuoi, Dolomites | Northern Italy Itinerary, The view of Cortina dAmpezzo from the Tofana cable car | Northern Italy Itinerary. Not to worry. The route will be slightly different. Sirmione is a historic town on a peninsula at the lake. Or that you need to wait a long time in line. Youll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. Those are all amazing places to visit! Where To Stay In Cinque Terre. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Breakdown. So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. We prefer Lake Como over Lake Garda, which is why we designed this northern Italy itinerary with Lake Como. Day 7 Lake Garda - Sirmione. And the Medici Family, in particular, had significant influence at the modern banking system. Cinque Terre is known for its beautiful coastline, colorful houses that are built into the cliffs, stunning nature and excellent hiking trails. Optional: On the drive to Verona, you will be very close to the Santuario Madonna della Corona. 5 days is very short, and you need to make some choices in what places youre going to visit. No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places there is - Venice. MILAN & LAKE COMO: Learn how to visit Milan on a day trip or while traveling between the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. Today youll travel to Lake Garda. The Ultimate Two Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary 2023 From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. For more information on how to do this, click here. I recommend for anyone visiting the Italian Alps either rent a car or plan to book a tour that handles transportation throughout the days activities. At every place where we recommend staying overnight, we put some recommendations for hotel bookings. For full details of this itinerary, plus suggestions on how to visit the Duomo and see the Last Supper, refer to our One Day in Milan Itinerary. We also have guides about How to Visit St. Marks Basilica, where to get the Best Views of Venice, and how to spend Two Days in Venice. 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. 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. 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. For more details about this day, refer to day 1 of our 2 Day Venice Itinerary. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'madefortravellers_com-box-3','ezslot_3',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-box-3-0'); When you feel it is more convenient, you can also choose to start your road trip at Venice. Strolling the canals is one of the best things to do in Venice and there are several ways to do it. The entire itinerary can be done as a road trip or you can rent a car just for the Dolomites. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano trail | Northern Italy Itinerary. And despite Romeo and Juliet is a fictional love story, it is possible to visit Juliets house. Ideally, a robust northern Italy itinerary falls somewhere between 10 and 14 days. Hopefully, youll never use it, but when you need it, it is good to know theres a company out there helping you. Make sure to bring some warm clothes, even in summer! We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia. Discover more day trips from Milan to beef up your itinerary. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Luckily theres much more to see in Verona, some of the famous landmarks are Castelvecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Verona Arena. Manage Settings Made For Travellers also participates in affiliate programs with Booking.com, Clickbank, WorldNomads, Rentalcars.com, TUI UK, Adsense, and other sites. On the second day, we recommend you to travel to Lake Como, somewhere after lunch. For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. 2 Days in Florence Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors Things To Do In Milan. Bergamo is big in size, but quaint in spirit. To save money, stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, put together picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner. Here youll find two specialties: polenta and pizzoccheri. Dont forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. Here are some foods to try in every region on this itinerary: Starting in Piemonte, the speciality is one of the most expensive and luxurious foods in the world: truffles! However, you will have more travel time tomorrow to get to the airport. Leave a comment! There is so much to find in Rome, historic building, culture, and great food! Youll drive around 62 miles (100 kilometers) a day, but that gives you enough time to explore the historical and traditional villages and countryside. From metropolitan Milan to the medieval hilltop city of Bergamo, the major cities in Italy all offer a different landscape to be explored. Northern Italy Itinerary, 7 Days From The Alps To Milan 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. However, if you have more then 10 days for your holiday, it is easier to manage. Day 1: Arrive in Venice Day 2: Venice Day 3: Dolomites Day 4: Dolomites Day 5: Drive to Milan Day 6: Lake Como day trip Day 7: Fly home. 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. 7 Days in Italy Itinerary - a guide to what not to miss in Northern Italy They arent as cheap as buses, but theyre less expensive than renting a car. This way, you have enough time to explore the highlights in Milan. 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.. 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! If you cant reserve a time slot on the official website, here is a one hour tour that includes your admission to see the Last Supper.. The center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. 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. The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks We recommend leaving early in the morning, so you have enough time to reach the park. Sitting next to the Rialto Bridge is the T Fondaco Terrace. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. Manage Settings And during the night, most tourists left the historic center, so its much quieter. The other option is staying inPeschiera del Garda, a vibrant town next to the lake, also perfect for a romantic stay, but less expensive. Spend the afternoon by hiking one of the nearby trails. Made For Travellers is best known for its in-depth articles about Rooftop Tent Traveling, Caravan Lifestyle, and cultural destinations worldwide.We also share our personal stories of escaping "the corporate rat race" and following the path to freedom, love, happiness, and a fulfilled life. Next to cities and lakes, northern Italy shows its best with its mountains, the Dolomites. It is possible to get around by bus, but buses have limited schedules and do not always run on time. Day 3 - Lake Como. As for picking up your rental car, you can do it on day 1, if you are arriving to the Venice airport. Check out the map with extra suggestions: 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. If youre thinking of using regional or city buses, the real challenge is understanding the routes and planning your itinerary around the timetables. 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. Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, perhaps even the world. Thats why we selected the recourses we use all the time while booking our trips. We recommend spending two full days to explore the Dolomites and do some hiking. The most efficient way to see Northern Italy is by starting in Venice and ending in Milan (or vice versa). Temperatures on average in the Northern part of Italy are favorable. Tonight, sleep in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei. You will stay in Venice for two nights. From the cupola of this basilica, you get another spectacular view of Venice. This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way! This is our second trip. Its also a little easier to get from Verona to Milan by train. Many great artists and philosophers lived in Florence during the middle ages. Milan has many accommodations where you can stay. We have three recommendations, where we think you still see a lot of this beautiful part of Italy. Many people think this village was the scene for the movietwilight. Milan 2 Nights. To make sure you dont spend to much time in the car we recommend staying somewhere around Lake Garda. The stops on this north Italy itinerary include: Youll probably start this itinerary in Milano, given that the most major airports are located just outside the city. This is a more expensive option, since daily rental fees typically cost more than train tickets, plus you will have the added parking fees and hassle of parking in Verona and Milan. The Dolomites looks like a small area on a map, but there is a LOT to do here. Teatro Farneseis a theater you should visit while in Parma, it is a 16th-century theater, built entirely from wood. Tuscany is a bit different than the other regions in Italy. Fourteen Day Northern Italy Train Itinerary Day 1 Begin your Northern Italy Train Itinerary in 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. Check out more in-depth locations for the perfect city-break itinerary to northern Italy on the map: Its no secret Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world to visit, so Ive also curated a North Italy itinerary perfect for couples, whether on honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a romantic trip. 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. The city itself is not that big. Northern Italy Itinerary By Train (Venice, Florence, the Lakes & More) People. The drive from Parma to Milan is around 2 hours. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor 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). Day 1: Arrive in Milan (sleep in Milan) Day 2: Milan to Lake Como (sleep in Varenna) Day 3: Lake Como (sleep in Varenna) Day 4: To the Dolomites via Verona (sleep in Bolzano or Castelrotto) Day 5: Dolomites (sleep in Bolzano or Castelrotto) Day 6: To Venice (sleep in Venice) Day 7: Venice (sleep in Venice) This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. This is a good option for those who want to spend the night in a beautiful lakeside town. On our first trip to the Dolomites, we had three days and once there, we wished we had a lot more time. Not everything has to be perfectly planned out with a route for each day and reservations at a specific restaurant. 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. We wrote an in-depth guide about Cinque Terre. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round. Northern Italy Itinerary: Veneto, Emilia Romagna & San Marino You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido, from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center. They'are also a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers from all over the world. It is recommended to plan this a few weeks before your arrival. Youll need to follow the A9 north from Milan. Pick up the car on the morning of day 3, when you leave Venice, and then drop the car in Verona. Tickets are often fully booked, and you need to choose a particular time slot to visit the Duomo. If you need to start and end in the same location (for example, if it is easier to find flights in and out of one airport), that can be done as well. I would love to hear your suggestions for an itinerary and how long to spend in each place. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Next, take the metro to the Duomo. Ponte dellAccademia view | Northern Italy Itinerary. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary by Train: Fun Guide From Milan to Venice Your email address will not be published. Take the time to purchase the Firenze card right away. ): 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. Day 10 Milan. This article does a great job describing the numerous options, which can be overwhelming to choose from. If youre someone whos embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, this itinerary is for you. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. He travels the world with the love of his life and writes about inspiring cultures and practical travel tips. 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). Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1-3 Veneto. Millions of tourists travel every year to this renowned place. We have more info on how to do this in our article Things to Do in Bellagio. The terrace is free to visit and you have a great view overlooking the Grand Canal. If you are having trouble narrowing down which places are the top to visit for you or youre starting from scratch seeking inspiration, youll find the perfect northern Italy itinerary for you in this post, along with tips for visiting this part of the country. Of course, youll visit the famous landmarks asColleseum,Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City. The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your Or, you can take a train from Verona to Milan (roughly 1.5 hours with ticket prices ranging from $17 to $27 USD). As you continue east on the promenade, you will pass Hotel Danieli and to your right will be gorgeous views across the canal. This is the priciest lunch option on our list. For those who want to combine a few Italian cities with some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, youll love this northern Italy itinerary. Its a big day hike but it is our favorite in the Dolomites. In the Dolomites, the first snow begins to fall sometime in October and continues through May, so during this time, the hiking trails will be covered with snow. You wont reach the Tuscany region. 10 Days In Italy: An Unforgettable Northern Italy Itinerary Any of these itineraries can be turned into a road trip itinerary like I said, the country is best experienced by road trip! We also find that their customer service is excellent. The Best of Northern Italy: 10-Day Itinerary - Petite Suitcase We selected two options, both with excellent customer reviews, which we think are great to spend one night. You can also spend the day in Alpe di Siusi, hiking or biking between the rifugios, dining on Italian food, and enjoying the view of Sassolungo. Are you planning to travel to Italy? Theres so much to visit in the whole country, and the northern part is no exception to that. You can find more information about Tuscany in this article, where we tell more about the different villages in this region. From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and Passo Pordoi, two beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites. The bus from or to the airport can take up to 1 hour though. Lago di Braies is a beautiful lake to visit and great for families and those who dont want to do a lot of hiking. Tuscany is often referred to as the most beautiful countryside in Italy. Day 4 Stresa and Orta San Giulio. This epic northern Italy itinerary begins in Valle DAosta, the smallest and most underrated of the regions. 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. As you tour Doges Palace, you will cross the Bridge of Sighs. Between wine, fairytale villages, and intimate vistas, youll be feeling the Italian romance. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport. Best Northern Italy Itineraries & Tours 2023-2024 | Zicasso Since they are very concentrated in northern Italy, I would suggest flying roundtrip in and out of Milan. Not far from Franciacorta is the region of Veneto, wherein the next half of the itinerary lies. If you leave by 9 am, you will arrive in Verona just before noon. Today, you have several options to choose from. We chose to take on Northern Italy by train and it was super easy and comfortable! Polenta is a versatile grain made plain, with cheese or as Polenta Contadina, made with cheese, spinach, and local sausage. This medieval town is great for a day visit. It truly is the best way to visit the country and enjoy just how vastly different the landscapes are across the peninsula. 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! Here are a few more itineraries for Italy: To see all of our articles about Italy, take a look at our Italy Travel Guide. You dont need a car when in the city of Rome. 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. Day 1 in Milan - hit the highlights. 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. The Dolomiti Lodge Alvergets exceptional reviews. Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! On a privately guided journey that reveals Italy's splendours at their most compelling, enjoy a special early entrance to the Vatican, view the artistic treasures of Florence, learn about an art restoration project and sample Italian cuisine with tastings in Tuscany and a food tour in Venice. We recommend taking the scenic route, though. Hit the 5 major areas on everyones northern Italy bucket list. We recommend using the parks website to find out the best hiking trails. Geisler Alm, Adolf Munkel Weg | Northern Italy Itinerary. Cultural Exploration Family Tour of Northern Italy. The towns in Cinque Terre used the be fisherman towns. Nowadays the most important source of income is tourism. View from the campanile | Northern Italy Itinerary. Franciacorta. The Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops. As you cross Ponte della Paglia look down the canal for the iconic view of the Bridge of Sighs. 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. Almost anything you can name is cheaper and affordable in Portugal, from housing to food, healthcare to travel. Made For Travellers is more than just a travel blog. DAY: VENICE BASSANO DEL GRAPPA MALCESINE (Lake Garda) Bassano Del Grappa Lago Di Garda (Lake Garda) - Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 9. The Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary | Mr Hudson Get the full details on what to see and do in our Guide to St. Marks Basilica. Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. From Cortina dAmpezzo, drive over Giau Pass or Falzarego Pass to Marmolada. Northern Italy Itinerary - 8. Our first trip we visited Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Genoa/Cinque Terre. They cover over 150 activities, even some extreme sports and have 24/7 emergency assistance when necessary. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. Dive deeper into the Val Brembana to the north of Bergamo to visit the villages of Branzi and Cornello dei Tasso. Read my full disclosure! Our website uses cookies. The great thing is that even this itinerary is worthwhile for people who arent nature lovers but love the mountain landscape. In the Dolomites, it is free to go hiking, but there can be parking fees and fees to ride the cable cars.