2 Days in Florence Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors Genoais known as the birthplace of Columbus, the renowned sea navigator. You can find more information about Tuscany in this article, where we tell more about the different villages in this region. This Italy travel itinerary includes in a lot of variety. Your email address will not be published. Even though two nights in Venice are not quite enough, my Northern Italy itinerary would include just that. Florence was the center of trade and banking during medieval times. It is not a coastal city as many people think, the region consists out of five different coastal towns. The big question when planning a trip is always: how long you should spend in northern Italy? Italy Flights to Italy 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. Tonight, sleep in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei. For dinner, we recommend Osteria Enoteca San Marco (one of our favorite restaurants and it is located near St. Marks Square), Impronta (a seafood restaurant popular with locals and tourists), Ristorante CaDolfin (gets rave reviews and is located in Canareggio), and Restaurant Quadri (a Michelin-starred restaurant). There is so much to find in Rome, historic building, culture, and great food! DAY: MALCESINE & LIMONE DEL SUL (Lake Garda) Sightseeing In Limone Sul Garda Sightseeing In Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 10. He travels the world with the love of his life and writes about inspiring cultures and practical travel tips. Parmawill be the last city on this itinerary before you head back to Milan. 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. Meals: Meals cost $10 to $30 per dish, depending on the restaurant. Dont forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. 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 youll get dropped off in one spot and you dont have much freedom to travel around. Alternatively, you can rent a car for the full 10 days. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary by Train: Fun Guide From Milan to Venice Click on the banner to get more information on the website of World Nomads. However, we recommend you to drive a few hours to Venice during the evening and stay overnight in Venice. Restaurant Terrazza Danieli. 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. We recommend using rentalcover. 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). 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. Day 1 - 2: Welcome Northern Italy's Romantic and Bustling Milan. Next, take the metro to the Duomo. I do not recommend making big plans today (no St. Marks Basilica or Doges Palace visits) because you might be exhausted. The two best lakes for watersports like kite- and windsurfing are Lake Como and Lake Garda. Gondolas in Venice | Northern Italy Itinerary. A few of the highlights you dont want to miss are: It is also great to visit the surrounding islandsBurano, Lido di Venezia, Murano, which is comfortable with one of the taxi boats. The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks Tuscany is a bit different than the other regions in Italy. This is our second trip. The weather around the lakes and in the mountains can vary heavily day to day. 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. Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! Get the full details on what to see and do in our Guide to St. Marks Basilica. If you arrive in the morning on a red eye flight, this first day can be challenging. However, for those arriving on a red eye flight, you will have just the afternoon for sightseeing. Hit the 5 major areas on everyones northern Italy bucket list. And if you need a pet friendly apartment, take a look at Cristallo & Faloria Suite Apartments. 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. Here's my suggestions for a one week Itinerary in Northern Italy: One night in Turin. From Venice, it is a 2-hour drive to Cortina dAmpezzo, in the Dolomites. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport. Polenta is a versatile grain made plain, with cheese or as Polenta Contadina, made with cheese, spinach, and local sausage. Italy Itinerary: Where to Go in Italy by Rick Steves That does not include tours, only entrance fees. Where To Stay In Milan. Teatro Farneseis a theater you should visit while in Parma, it is a 16th-century theater, built entirely from wood. Map for your Northern Italy road trip I'm Michela, a travel photographer living in northern Italy with a passion for empowering wanderlusting women like you to travel fearlessly and start living their travel dream. 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. Many people say the lake is less spectacular then Lake Como, but we think it is a must-visit while traveling through this area. Northern Italy is a diverse landscape: mountains, sea, lakes, floating cities, metropolitan centers, food-rich countrysides. From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. The train system is easy to use and efficient and you can get tickets in advance and with no extra agency charges on the official train site trenitalia.it What to pack for northern Italy Northern Italy has varied weather depending on the season and location. Head east and end your itinerary in Venice. 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. You can use these Google Maps as a recommended route to follow.Click on the image to open the map on GoogleMaps.com. Discover more day trips from Milan to beef up your itinerary. 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. The biggest lake in Italy and Europe. In the evening, check into your hotel and have dinner. We've only ever traveled by public transportation in Italy and so that's how we designed these itineraries. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. We chose to take on Northern Italy by train and it was super easy and comfortable! The city of Genoa was always an important harbor city for Italy. . You can start this itinerary from top to bottom - Venice to Rome, or the other way round from Rome to Venice. Gems of Northern Italy | Smithsonian Journeys You can either join the ticket line (expect a long wait), book your ticket in advance (highly recommended!! However, the town Volterra in this movie is a fictional village and not the same as the historic Italian village. This northern Italy itinerary is a point-to-point trip. If you dont want to wait in line, you can join a skip-the-line tour. 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. Day 9 Milan. It may look like I put a lot of time into the Dolomites (because I did ). Arrive on an empty stomach! Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: 2023 Guide - Wanderlust Chloe Since they are very concentrated in northern Italy, I would suggest flying roundtrip in and out of 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.. Mainly because there are so many medieval villages to visit. Our recommended articles are: Driving from Genoa to Parma is a beautiful road when you skip the tollroads. 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. Or, you can take a train from Verona to Milan (roughly 1.5 hours with ticket prices ranging from $17 to $27 USD). Highlights include time in the beautiful cities of Bergamo and Turin, a visit to the most beautiful monastery in Europe and a glimpse of the most iconic cathedral in the world (seriously!) If you love the idea of vineyard views on end and wine tasting with your partner, it must be added to your romantic itinerary. 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. Our road trip itineraries cover the different highlights in this part of the country. DAY 2: Exploring Venice DAY 3: Off the beaten path Venice DAY 4: Palladio Day! Curious about more spots to hit? 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. Its worth a visit! Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of Verona. The road trip to Rome will take up a half-day. 7 Days in Northern Italy Itinerary: Pastels, Prosciutto & Parmigiana The Top Island Itineraries for 2023's New Cruise Ships 6.2 Lake Garda - 2 days. 10 Day Custom Tour. We recommend spending two full days to explore the Dolomites and do some hiking. The city is bustling, and if you dont book your tickets in advance, there might be a chance you miss out on visiting the historic Duomo. 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. It is also worth it to hire a boat to cruise by the villas, or even tour one of them. Mosaics on St. Marks Basilica | Northern Italy Itinerary, On the terrace of St. Marks Basilica | Northern Italy Itinerary. Youll need to choose between some highlights when you have less amount of time to spend in Italy. Gondola ride for two? See itinerary. We recommend using the parks website to find out the best hiking trails. Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. Those are all amazing places to visit! It will take around 2 hours to reach the lake. Train Travel: To travel from city to city, train fares range from $15 to $60, depending on the distance traveled and the speed of the train. Northern Italy Train Itinerary: 14 Days By Rail If skies are clear, consider riding the cable car from Cortina dAmpezzo to Cima Tofana for one of the best views of the Dolomites. You can use this link to check the latest prices on rental cars in Italy. For suggestions on where to stay in Venice, take a look at our Venice Hotel Guide. Three rocky islands that were bought by the Borromean family centuries ago. If you like hiking, we highly recommend the Croda da Lago Circuit, Lago di Sorapis, and the Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau, if you didnt do that yesterday. 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. Our first trip we visited Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Genoa/Cinque Terre. If you take the train to Varenna, you will have less travel time, which you can then use for a private boat tour of the villas. Stay overnight in Lake Como (for longer Northern Italy itineraries) Additional day trip from Milan - Bergamo. Best Things to Do in the Dolomites (with Little to No Hiking), Things to Know When Planning a Trip to the Dolomites, Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana, 10 Days in Italy: 4 Amazing Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice, 14 Days in Italy: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy, How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como, 10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 4 Amazing Ideas for Your Trip to Italy, Lake Garda Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in Lake Garda, Italy, 20 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map & Photos). 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. 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. Exploring Venice by day is great, but you need to decide what things you definitely want to see. Manage Settings 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. Northern Italy itinerary: lakes, mountains and medieval villages Millions of tourists travel every year to this renowned place. The other option to spend only 5 days in the northern part is excellent for hiking enthusiasts. Sienais renowned for the largest medieval square and the famous Torre del Mangia. Youll be able to use your time in the most efficint way. It is recommended to plan this a few weeks before your arrival. Theres so much to visit in the whole country, and the northern part is no exception to that. 3 recommendations for a northern Italy itinerary Honestly, we think five days is too short to explore the best parts of Northern Italy. Required fields are marked *. That is up to you and the flexibility of your travel dates! Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. Tuscany is often referred to as the most beautiful countryside in Italy. For full details on how to do this, refer to our Lake Como Day Trip guide and Things to Do in Bellagio. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and Passo Pordoi, two beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites. 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. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. Spend the day either hiking near Cortina dAmpezzo or visiting Lago di Braies. Lombardy & Veneto in 10 Days From Varenna, it is easy to explore the lake.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The villages around the lake are great to explore, but Lake Como is renowned for its beautiful nature. You will have to book a time slot in advance, and when to do this depends on your arrival time in Venice today. The city itself is not that big. Not a big hiker? 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. The entire itinerary can be done as a road trip or you can rent a car just for the Dolomites. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Day 1 in Milan - hit the highlights. 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. Cultural Exploration Family Tour of Northern Italy. Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip. It costs 7.50 for a one-way ticket (good for 75 minutes) or 21 for a 24-hour ticket. You can either day trip from Milan, just visiting Lake Como for the day, spending another night in Milan. Again, expect long lines here. Made For Travellers is a participant in the ShareASale and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other websites. 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. So we recommend dropping your rental car when arriving at the city. Milan to Florence is a great road trip, where you see the best parts the Tuscany and Cinque Terre region. Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary For 10 Days Voices of Travel 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. Pick up the car from the airport, drive to Venice, and park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice (you wont need it). Note: This post contains affiliate links. This way we make sure we get the best places to stay. 7.2 Verona - 2 days. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. And the first theater with a podium instead of the round square youll see in the amphitheaters. After reading the itinerary above, you might wonder how to shorten the itinerary to five days. Driving west from Volterra, youll reach the coastal city of Pisa. Its a cheap way to get around Venice and the views are amazing, as you cruise along the Grand Canal. 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.. On the second day you drive to Lake Como, but thats only around 2 hours drive. Restaurant Rifugio Ospitale is located outside of town but is also very highly rated. Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1-3 Veneto. 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! 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. Your seat on this tour is just a click away! North Italy itinerary for 14 days. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. Days 1-2: Lake Maggiore Piedmont Located at the foot of the Swiss Alps, there are 5 major lakes in Northern Italy: Maggiore, Orta, Como, Iseo and Garda. For the best experience, book your ticket online. Day 10 Milan. You can also book one of the transport options below. For those adventure seeker and outdoor sportsmen, you may also enjoy traveling through the Italian Alps in winter during peak ski season. This medieval town is great for a day visit. It is one of our favorite cities in Italy! Sirmione is a historic town on a peninsula at the lake. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum. Northern Italy Itinerary, 7 Days From The Alps To Milan However, coach bus companies like Flixbus operate throughout the country and Europe, so you could travel between regions using their service. The lake is the largest in the southern part of Switzerland. The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your After you woke up and enjoyed the beautiful mountain views, it is time to hit the road again. I switched the days since day 1 of the itinerary is a big sightseeing day and not everyone will have the time and energy for it. In the next part, you'll find step by step itineraries where we explain the best stops, famous landmarks, and best places to stay. Day 5 Cinque Terre. The last day of this road trip itinerary is traveling back to Milan. Hiking in the Dolomites | Northern Italy Itinerary. The terrace is free to visit and you have a great view overlooking the Grand Canal. After heading to the sea, return to the mountains around the area of Bergamo. 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. Sirmione, which is a bit more expensive option, but probably one of the most romantic places youll ever sleep. I would love to hear your suggestions for an itinerary and how long to spend in each place. Tickets to tour the Duomo and the rooftop can be purchased at the Duomo or online in advance. VENICE: Learn more about Venice in our article Best Things to Do in Venice. We also have information about things to do in Sirmione and Riva del Garda. Franciacorta is a territory between Bergamo and Brescia that produces sparkling wine or spumante, mostly Prosecco, Italys version of Champagne. But the true draw is the landscape. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. The other option is staying inPeschiera del Garda, a vibrant town next to the lake, also perfect for a romantic stay, but less expensive. Verona 2 Nights. Not to worry. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano trail | Northern Italy Itinerary. 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. Portugal is not only a beautiful country but is also shockingly reasonable to live in. Drop your luggage off at your hotel and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Venice. Hotel Garn La SoldanellaandHotel Villa Fosineare both located around 5 kilometers from the parks entrance. in northern Italy also love their local ingredients. 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. Alternatively, you can spend the night in Bellagio or Varenna, which are on Lake Como. Bergamo 2 Nights. We recommend starting in Milan and plan your departure from Rome. Tickets are often fully booked, and you need to choose a particular time slot to visit the Duomo. The center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. Italy Tourism Italy Hotels . Depending on where you are staying in Venice, you can get here on foot or ride the vaporetto. It saves you a day in rental- and parking costs. 10 Days In Italy: An Unforgettable Northern Italy Itinerary Once in the area of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, you will get around by ferry, which runs frequently and it doesnt take long to get from town to town. For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. You also have the option to add Lake Garda. Youll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. Verona is a great city to spend your day. Best Northern Italy Itineraries & Tours 2023-2024 | Zicasso And you dont need your rental car while staying in Milan. You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido, from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center. We selected two options, both with excellent customer reviews, which we think are great to spend one night. You can find them on our recommendations page, or scroll down and read the plan your trip part in this article. Milan is bustling, crowded, the energy is always high. Lake Garda is known for its beautiful historic villages and also beautiful landscapes. LAKE GARDA: Plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Lake Garda. Its a big day hike but it is our favorite in the Dolomites. The 922-passenger ship is the first of six planned eco-conscious vessels that will sail six- to 35-night immersive itineraries, first in Northern Europe and then in South America, and feature nine inclusive dining experiences, four pools (one with a tractable roof), and 10 bars and lounges (several featuring hand-crafted Steinway pianos . WorldNomadsinsurance is what we feel is the most comprehensive and reliable travel insurance you can buy. 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. The Borromean Islands are the main attraction at Lake Maggiore. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Read my guides to Italy in Summer, Italy in Fall, and Italy in Winter to dive deeper into which season may be a better fit for you. With the Northern Italy Highlights - 10 days itinerary you'll cross the most important highlights, cities and landmarks in the northern part of Italy. Of course, youll visit the famous landmarks asColleseum,Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City. 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 . However, the travel time is the longest. 5 days is very short, and you need to make some choices in what places youre going to visit. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Genoa is excellent to spend a few days and explore the extensive history. A visit here is quick, taking 10 to 15 minutes for the view and lots of photographs. Then explore Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, the oldest national park in Italy, before heading north to the tiny town, but skiing haven of Breuil-Cervinia to see Monte Cervino otherwise known as the Matterhorn! For the remainder of the day, we have a few more options of great things to do in this area of Venice. This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. It is the capital of the Tuscany region. To save money, stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, put together picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner. 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. Many people think this village was the scene for the movietwilight. Santuario Madonna della Corona | Northern Italy Itinerary. Tonight, stay in Cortina dAmpezzo. Waking up early in Venice and arriving in the historical center before 10 a.m. is recommended. We chose for Milan as a starting point because it is easy to reach, either flying or overland. In the next part, youll find step by step itineraries where we explain the best stops, famous landmarks, and best places to stay. Instead, this itinerary will help you pick a route to travel across some of the best places in Northern Italy. Youll see a lot more of the beautiful countryside of Italy. From Cortina dAmpezzo, drive over Giau Pass or Falzarego Pass to Marmolada. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We have made a train itinerary for you that can be shortened or lengthened based on your preferences. We recommend staying close by the park entrance. Budget Hotel, double room with two people: $50 $150, Mid-Range Hotel, double room with two people: $150 $300, Luxury Hotel, double room with two people: $300+. The below charge are average temperatures in the Milan region. Or, venture to Val di Funes, to hike the Adolf Munkel Weg and/or walk the Santa Maddalena Trail for gorgeous views of the Santa Maddalena church.