North Italy Itinerary

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

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration and regions: 5 days - 7 days - 10 days - 14 days - South Italy - Amalfi coast - Tuscany

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

Get ready for 16 days of pure Italian magic, from Venice’s dreamy canals to Florence’s Renaissance treasures.

Your adventure begins in Venice. On day one, settle in and get a first taste of this one-of-a-kind city. Day two brings a private guided tour ending with a gondola ride—touristy, yes, but essential. Day three takes you out to Burano and Murano, where you’ll see rainbow houses and glassblowers in action. Day four is all yours to wander Venice’s hidden corners or catch art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

On day five, a three-hour train takes you to Milan. Spend the afternoon exploring or take a day trip to nearby Bergamo. Day six covers Milan’s highlights: the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and maybe The Last Supper (if you’ve booked ahead).

Day seven brings you to Como. The next day, day eight, cross into Switzerland for a visit to scenic Lugano. Day nine offers a boat tour on Lake Como, with views of cliffside villas and mountain backdrops. Day ten is free for lakeside relaxation or hiking.

On day eleven, travel to Cinque Terre. Day twelve is a full-day tour of its five villages—each more picturesque than the last. Relax on day thirteen with a beach day or a cliffside hike.

Day fourteen stops in Pisa and Lucca en route to Florence. On day fifteen, dive into Florence’s iconic sights—the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s David. Day sixteen marks the end of your trip, with an airport transfer for your departure. Read more.

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

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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in VeniceVenice
2Sightseeing in VeniceVenice
3Murano and Burano boat tourVenice
4Free day in VeniceVenice
5Train to MilanMilan
6Sightseeing in MilanMilan
7Train to Lake ComoComo
8Lugano and lakeside villagesComo
9Lake Como boat tourComo
10Free day in ComoComo
11Train to Cinque TerreLa Spezia
12Exploring Cinque Terre and around by trainLa Spezia
13Free day in Cinque TerreLa Spezia
14On to Pisa and LuccaFlorence
15Sightseeing in FlorenceFlorence
16Departure from Florence-

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan © Shutterstock

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Supercars in the Heart of Northern Italy

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

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

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

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

Day seven is a leisure day in Bologna, where you can indulge in an upscale experience by staying at a grand hotel. Day eight is dedicated to Ferrari, visiting the Enzo Ferrari House Museum, Maranello town, and enjoying a guided tour of the Ferrari factory and museum. Experience driving a Ferrari on the racetrack.

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

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

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

Bologna-italy-shutterstock_419143885

Bologna, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in VeniceVenice
2Venice walking tour & gondola rideVenice
3From Venice to BolognaBologna
4Lamborghini FactoryBologna
5Vespa tour on the Bolognese hillsBologna
6Modena Maserati MuseumBologna
7Day at leisure in BolognaBologna
8Ferrari experienceBologna
9Pagani factory and Ducati museumBologna
10From Bologna to FlorenceFlorence
11Florence walking tour & Uffizi GalleryFlorence
12Transfer to the airport and departure-

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

modena-italy-shutterstock_607173212

Modena, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Enchanting Italian Lakes

Discover Northern Italy’s most stunning lakes—Garda, Como, Lugano, and Maggiore—with this self-drive 8-day itinerary, plus stops in romantic Verona and stylish Milan.

Your journey begins on day one with a rental car pickup at Milan International Airport. Settle into your hotel and explore Milan’s bustling streets and world-famous shopping scene at your own pace.

On day two, dive into Milan’s history with a tour of the grand Castello Sforzesco. Then, drive east to Lake Garda, stopping in the postcard-perfect town of Sirmione, where Roman ruins meet crystal-blue waters.

Day three is all about Lake Garda. Explore its charming lakeside towns, each with its Roman ruins, cozy cafes, and jaw-dropping views.

On day four, head to Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet’s timeless tale. A city tour will introduce you to Verona’s ancient amphitheater, lively piazzas, and Juliet’s (overrated but still fun) balcony.

Day five takes you to Lake Como. After a tour of the lovely town of Como, consider catching a boat to Bellagio, a picture-perfect village known as the “Pearl of the Lake.”

Day six brings you to Lake Lugano, which sits on the Swiss-Italian border. Stroll along the lake and soak up the Alpine-meets-Mediterranean vibe.

On day seven, visit Stresa on Lake Maggiore, then take a boat to the Borromean Islands—famous for their lush gardens and palatial villas.

Finally, on day eight, drive back to Milan, return your car, and head to the airport for your flight home. Read more.

Verona image during summer sunset © Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

Verona image during summer sunset © Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary. 

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in MilanMilan
2Milan city tour and Lake GardaGarda
3Lake Garda explorationGarda
4Verona walking tourComo
5Como and Bellagio explorationComo
6Lake Lugano discoveryStresa
7Lake Maggiore and the Borromean IslandsStresa
8Departure from Milan-

Fascinated by the itinerary? Don't wait, book this trip now.

lake-maggiore-italy-shutterstock_577597000

Lake Maggiore, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Romantic Venice

Immerse yourself in Venice’s charm on this 4-day escape, filled with history, art, and romance.

On day one, arrive at Marco Polo Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon wandering Venice’s canals and hidden streets at your own pace.

Day two kicks off with a private walking tour through St. Mark’s Square. Visit the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace while learning about Venice’s powerful past as a maritime empire.

Day three begins with a gondola ride through the canals—30 minutes of pure Venetian magic. The afternoon is free for exploring, followed by a three-course dinner at a cozy restaurant (drinks not included).

Enjoy day four at your leisure. Discover hidden neighborhoods, shop for artisan crafts, or simply relax by the canals.

On day five, depart Venice with unforgettable memories and a longing to return. Read more.

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in VeniceVenice
2Venice walking tourVenice
3Exploring VeniceVenice
4Free day in VeniceVenice
5Departure from Venice-

Dreaming of exploring? Turn your dreams into reality and book this trip now.

Venice, Canal, Italy

Venice, Canal, Italy @ Shutterstock

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

Experience the charm of Trieste on this 5-day trip combining culture, nature and local sightseeing.

Arriving in Trieste on your first day at the train station or airport, start exploring the city center. Stroll the historic streets, admire the waterfront and take in the grandeur of Unita Square.

On the second day, take the Opicina streetcar up to the Karst Plateau for a scenic walk. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea as you walk to the lush Miramare Castle Park.

Day three is dedicated to the Lipica Stables, home to the famous Lipizzaner horses. Stroll through the tranquil grounds and visit the valley of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes.

Head to the Rosandra Valley Reserve on day four for a hike along ancient salt routes, with views of waterfalls and natural pools.

Wrap up on day five with a visit to Grotta Gigante, one of the world’s largest caves. Read more.

Trieste-italy-shutterstock_1523485277

Trieste, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

DayDestinationOvernight
1Arrival in TriesteTrieste
2From the Karst to Miramare CastleTrieste
3Lipica Stud farmTrieste
4Rosandra Valley Nature ReserveTrieste
5Grotta GiganteDeparture from Trieste

Craving for adventure? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

fisherman-trieste-italy-shutterstock_619430114

Fisherman, Trieste, Italy @ Shutterstock

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

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.

Rough Guides Editors

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 05.11.2024

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