We wrote several articles about Genoa which we recommend reading before going to the city. After a few days in Venice, youll spend four days exploring the Dolomites, a world-class hiking destination filled with some of the best outdoor scenery in all of Europe. Its hard to fit it all into one trip, but hopefully youve found the perfect itinerary for your trip to northern Italy or at least sparks of inspiration! 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. The big question when planning a trip is always: how long you should spend in northern Italy? The city is known for its parma ham and renowned parmesan cheese. In the morning, travel to Milan. You could definitely tailor this Northern Italy itinerary to be only 7 days. Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. We feel it is essential that you plan your trip with the best booking recourses. It is still busy, but starting from 10 a.m., it is getting swamped. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Most of the landmarks are in walking distance, and public transport is excellent. So the first day we dont plan that much. For the remainder of the day, we have a few more options of great things to do in this area of Venice. Where To Stay In Cinque Terre. All the major cities on our 10 day Italy travel itinerary were accessible by public transportation, and the train . Northern Italy Itinerary: One to two-week guide to Northern Italy As you stroll through Venice, go shopping, have a glass of wine or aperitif at a caf, snack on cicchetti, or hire a gondola. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes to do in the Dolomites and you can easily add on the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. 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. From the cupola of this basilica, you get another spectacular view of Venice. Some hotels will have designated parking, either with or without an additional fee. This 17 km (10.6 mile) hike takes 6 to 9 hours and starts in Selva di Val Gardena. If you still have a rental car, drive to Bellagio (1.5 hours) or Varenna (1.5 hours). Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is an airport in both Venice and Milan so you could start your itinerary in either place. To avoid waiting in line, you can purchase your ticket in advance on the official website. To check train schedules and to book your trains online, Italiarail.com is the easiest website to use. In the afternoon, you can also stroll through the Dorsoduro neighborhood and/or ride a gondola through the canals of Venice. Both beginning in the vibrant city of Milan, you cannot go wrong with either itinerary and you're sure to fall in love with this incredible area of the country. For this itinerary, it is best to rent a car. You can easily make it everywhere in Florence by walking, but public transportation is available if you need it. Regardless, these two sister cities are only 40 minutes apart by car, but exhibit completely different landscapes. We recommend booking a departure from Florence because it saves you a lot of time. We have made a train itinerary for you that can be shortened or lengthened based on your preferences. ITINERARY. There are many accommodations to find in Varenna, but the two that stand out the most, regarding customer reviews are: 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. Northern Italy itinerary: what to see and how to see it Get the full details on what to see and do in our Guide to St. Marks Basilica. 3 recommendations for a northern Italy itinerary Our website uses cookies. Whats more exciting than an Italy road trip? We always use rentalcars.com for booking a car. Milan 2 Nights. 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. 10 Days In Italy: An Unforgettable Northern Italy Itinerary I use Omio for purchasing train tickets or go straight to the Trenitalia website. We will get into the details of this in a little bit. The Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops. This Italy itinerary is a great starting point for designing your own custom itinerary. The airport is located nearby the city and offers city buses (Aerobus) which can take us to the center for 6. Here's a one week in Northern Italy Travel Itinerary you'll want to follow. Lago di Braies is a beautiful lake to visit and great for families and those who dont want to do a lot of hiking. from $16,495 /10 days. Depending on your departure time you can explore the islands around the historical city of Venice or go directly to the airport. Tickets are often fully booked, and you need to choose a particular time slot to visit the Duomo. All of Italys regions offer something unique and in this guide, the spotlight is on the north. The weather around the lakes and in the mountains can vary heavily day to day. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and it sits between the Dolomites and Milan. The roads are good condition, and the views are just stunning. 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. Lots of time and effort goes on behind the scenes to keep the free resources coming, so, if you have found my website or personal help useful and want to support me. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. Best Northern Italy Itineraries & Tours 2023-2024 | Zicasso But if you like, you can explore the city. Italy Tourism Italy Hotels . The Dolomites looks like a small area on a map, but there is a LOT to do here. 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. Arena Suite is a 4-star hotel in the city center that has large rooms and gets exceptional reviews. 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 epic northern Italy itinerary begins in Valle DAosta, the smallest and most underrated of the regions. Use this link or the banner below to get a quote. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The great thing is that even this itinerary is worthwhile for people who arent nature lovers but love the mountain landscape. Milan is bustling, crowded, the energy is always high. 6 Northern Italy Road Trip itinerary: Nature edition (6-14 days) 6.1 The Dolomites - 6 days. We recommend staying a bit out of the center, which saves you tons of money. Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of Verona. On the day you drive to the Dolomites, you will save a little bit of time, since you will not have to get back to the airport to pick up the car. They cover over 150 activities, even some extreme sports and have 24/7 emergency assistance when necessary. You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido, from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center. Drive over the Sella Pass and check into your hotel in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei. Note: This post contains affiliate links. A visit to St. Marks Basilica (once you are inside), lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, to walk through the basilica, see the Pala dOro, and take in the view from the terrace. Hi Michela, I would love some suggestions on a 14 day itinerary to Northern Italy. This itinerary works best from the months of June through September, when the hiking trails are open in the Dolomites. Start as far west as possible in Courmayeur to visit Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. 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. Lago di Braies | Northern Italy Itinerary. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations. Continue with Recommended Cookies. We started our adventure in Bologna. We wrote an in-depth guide about Cinque Terre. During these months youll have the best weather conditions, less rain and most chance of sunshine. Hit the 5 major areas on everyone's northern Italy bucket list. Public transport adaptations. Ponte dellAccademia view | Northern Italy Itinerary. It is also worth it to hire a boat to cruise by the villas, or even tour one of them. Today, you have several options to choose from. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor Planning your trip to the Northern part of Italy is exciting but can be overwhelming as well. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For? Dynamic pricing from $3,575. The drive is a bit far, around 3 hours from the national park Ademello Breno, but youll have the best views from the cable car of the highest mountain peak! The Ultimate Two Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary 2023 Answer 11 of 11: I'm planning a 10-day trip and would like an opinion on the following itinerary: Day 1 Arrive in Milan AM, Rent Car Drive to Lake Como - 1 Hour Lake Como Day 2 Lake Como. This article does a great job describing the numerous options, which can be overwhelming to choose from. . This walled village with a big cathedral dates back to the 8th century BC! Get updated hours before you go and you can learn more about how to visit this basilica in our Things to Do in Venice article. Highlights of your one-week itinerary include visiting the Museo Egizio in Milan, taking a boat trip on one of the lakes . Bergamo is big in size, but quaint in spirit. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. With more time, or some modifications, you can also add in Lake Garda or more time in the Dolomites. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Select your preferences and let us take care of the rest. View from Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, Malcesine, Lake Garda. Verona is the ultimate city of romance in Italy: the setting of Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet, made up of rose-hued buildings and castles nestled over the Adige River. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Once you have checked into your hotel, have a quick lunch and then make your way to the Rialto Bridge. Day 7 Lake Garda - Sirmione. Made For Travellers also participates in affiliate programs with Booking.com, Clickbank, WorldNomads, Rentalcars.com, TUI UK, Adsense, and other sites. So you can use your time in the most efficint way. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. See Day 1 of this northern Italy itinerary for restaurant suggestions. 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. No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places there is - Venice. Their search engine gives the best and most affordable results. You can have lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Lagoon. The two best lakes for watersports like kite- and windsurfing are Lake Como and Lake Garda. You also have the option to add Lake Garda. Thats why we selected the recourses we use all the time while booking our trips. We recommend staying close by the park entrance. Part of the eastern Alps in northern Italy and marking the border between Italy and Austria, these natural beauties are another UNESCO heritage site. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Milan has many accommodations where you can stay. From metropolitan Milan to the medieval hilltop city of Bergamo, the major cities in Italy all offer a different landscape to be explored. I recommend starting on Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a wide promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon. However, for those arriving on a red eye flight, you will have just the afternoon for sightseeing. PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. It truly is the best way to visit the country and enjoy just how vastly different the landscapes are across the peninsula. They made these islands in the beautiful botanical gardens which they are now. Manage Settings For DaVincis Last Supper you must book a time slot in advance. Franciacorta is a territory between Bergamo and Brescia that produces sparkling wine or spumante, mostly Prosecco, Italys version of Champagne. Northern Italy Itinerary: Venice, Dolomites, Verona & Lake Como From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and Passo Pordoi, two beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites. Answer 11 of 12: I'm planning a 10-day trip and would like an opinion on the following itinerary: Day 1 Arrive in Milan AM, Rent Car Drive to Lake Como - 1 Hour Lake Como Day 2 Lake Como. 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). A Cost Guide. The Best Northern Italy Travel Itinerary (7 days) - The Mindful Mermaid Also, we cover several itineraries for 5 and 14 days. Medici Family,who invented modern banking, but also a few popes came from this family. Customize your leisure days by adding excursions to your Northern Italy Itinerary. At the Grand Canal, there are many taxi boats where you can hop on and off with your ticket. Map for your Northern Italy road trip But you will have a little more flexibility for Lake Como. It is one of the oldest places in Tuscany. Youll need to choose between some highlights when you have less amount of time to spend in Italy. ): 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. So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. Volterrais another small village on top of a hill. Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. 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! Visit Sirmione for its enchanting castle and Limone sul Garda for its quiet charm. Dynamic pricing from $3,217. We also find that their customer service is excellent. If youre working with a 10 day northern Italy trip, you can make it simple by spending two days in each place, or do as Im suggesting using Milan and Venice as your home bases to explore more with day trips. Curious for more ideas? From the views, to the quiet harbor, to the unreal swimming spots like Lord Byrons Grotto and the untouched beaches of Palmeria Island, its a lovers paradise and exudes Italian charm. This way you can reach the historic city of Venice early morning and spend a few moments when it is not too busy. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. However, if you like the idea of visiting Lake Garda, here is a sample itinerary, if you have 12 days in Italy. in northern Italy also love their local ingredients. Dive deeper into the Val Brembana to the north of Bergamo to visit the villages of Branzi and Cornello dei Tasso. As a resident of northern Italy, I can share with certainty that the best time to visit is either June or September. Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! Well, that is why I created this article to help you in the best way Why Is Everything So Cheap In Portugal? It is essential to plan ahead while planning a road trip in Italy. Milan to Florence is a great road trip, where you see the best parts the Tuscany and Cinque Terre region. 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. Regional trains can take twice the length of time to cover the same distance as a high-speed train, and cost half as much, but you will be sacrificing sightseeing time. Verona itinerary 1 day Suggested Verona one day trip & how to spend 2 Days in Florence Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors Here youll find many small traditional restaurants, the best place to have a relaxing night after much walking in the city! The last day of this road trip itinerary is traveling back to Milan. Yes, its a tourist experience, but its also still incredibly unique and wholesome to run away to the city and get lost in its alleys for a few days. Day 3 - 4: Swoon Over Picturesque Cinque Terre. For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano trail | Northern Italy Itinerary. Built-in 30 AD and today still used as a concert venue. Rentalcover offers the best coverage for a rental car, and it is cheaper than insurance via the rental company. 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. Nowadays it has the third biggest harbor in the Mediterranean Sea. Which itinerary is on your bucket list? 6.3 Add on: Verona/Venice/Milan 2 days eachItaly. Grand Canal of Venice from T Fondaco Terrace | Northern Italy Itinerary. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum. Any of these itineraries can be turned into a road trip itinerary like I said, the country is best experienced by road trip! The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks 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. Hopefully all these options make clearer what is at the top of your northern Italy bucket list! A Northern Italy itinerary From the canals of Venice to the mighty Dolomites and the stunning Italian Riviera, there's so much to see and experience in this part of the country, so not everything is included in this list. Between wine, fairytale villages, and intimate vistas, youll be feeling the Italian romance. It's the world's largest gothic cathedral and is absolutely stunning! Three rocky islands that were bought by the Borromean family centuries ago. Day 2 in Milan. Our itineraries focus on four of the eight regions of northern Italy: Emilia-Romagna (Bologna and Ferrara), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Udine and Trieste), Lombardy (Milan and Bergamo), and Veneto (Venice, Verona, and Vicenza). 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. You can travel on your own schedule and get to places where it is difficult to get to by bus. You might even drive tothe Queen of the Dolomites Marmolada. Instead the meals are heartier, which reflect the lifestyle of people living here: industrial workers or those living in the Alps having to face long winters. Walking into this village is like youre stepping back in time. We will skip the Dolomites during this road trip because the drive is taking to much time. If you love the idea of vineyard views on end and wine tasting with your partner, it must be added to your romantic itinerary. Take the time to purchase the Firenze card right away. Its easy to travel between Milan and Venice by train, so you can get back to your starting point without much time, effort, and money. However, the town Volterra in this movie is a fictional village and not the same as the historic Italian village. Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. 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. Of course, youll visit the famous landmarks asColleseum,Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City. However, during this trip, you dont have that much time to explore the most significant hiking trails. Pick up the car ideally between 8 and 9 am (but even earlier is better), to give yourself as much time as possible in the Dolomites. Italy does not have a national bus line, so most buses are only regional or city. Milan - 2-3 nights. Day 5 Cinque Terre. If youre someone whos embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, this itinerary is for you. While youll easily be able to get from city to city and even towns using regional trains, going through the mountains will mean there are less stops and train options, or there may just be no option at all. Renting a car in Italy is the most flexible yet most expensive option for traveling around northern Italy. It is one of our favorite cities in Italy! To discover the most elegant and upper-class side of Italy. We wrote some articles about Rome, that might interest you: There are many options for a road trip in the Northern part of Italy. The easiest way to get around northern Italy is by train. 5 days is very short, and you need to make some choices in what places youre going to visit. An afternoon is plenty of time to see these sights. Day 1 in Milan - hit the highlights. But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round. Making your way from the Western Alps, youll cross Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo in the Central Alps. By car, it is a 160 km drive that takes 2 hours. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. Also, the countryside is renowned for its vineyards, so it is excellent to go for a local winetasting. Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. Make it easier to visit using my Lake Como budget tips, but dont be afraid to indulge in visiting its most romantic places like Villa del Balbianello and the town of Bellagio. Youll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. Book your stay in Milan and spend time exploring the city, while using the next few days to visit Cinque Terre and Lake Como. 9 Day Custom Tour. 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.