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!) Were here to help you plan the best road trip in Northern Italy. But it's the fastest way to get there with buses routing every 11 minutes. The Dolomiti Lodge Alvergets exceptional reviews. To make sure you dont spend to much time in the car we recommend staying somewhere around Lake Garda. This Italy travel itinerary includes in a lot of variety. Trains are generally easy to navigate, so tourists shouldnt be intimidated. 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. 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. You can easily spend a few weeks in the Tuscany region, but during this road trip in the Northern part of Italy, we recommend that you stay in the west part of Tuscany.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madefortravellers_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-leader-2-0'); Leaving Florence we recommend you to drive toSiena San Gimignano Volterra Pisa. 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. Dont forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. Its worth a visit! Places you dont want to miss while visiting Florence are: When you want to visit the Duomo, you must reserve a ticket in advance. Then youll head to Venice, from which you can do a day trip to the Dolomites. However, the Dolomites can be cold year-round, especially when you go high into the mountains. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Travel west to another of northern Italy's fabled lakesLake Orta and spend the morning discovering the medieval lakeside town of Orta San Giulio.Set on the water's edge overlooking a picturesque island, the town is a delightful maze of cobblestoned streets and pastel-colored homes that date back centuries. For full details on how to do this, refer to our Lake Como Day Trip guide and Things to Do in Bellagio. Click on the banner to get more information on the website of World Nomads. Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip. View from Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute | Northern Italy Itinerary. A visit here is quick, taking 10 to 15 minutes for the view and lots of photographs. Best Northern Italy Itinerary: Backpacking - Barefoot Surfer During these months youll have the best weather conditions, less rain and most chance of sunshine. Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary For 10 Days Voices of Travel I would love to hear your suggestions for an itinerary and how long to spend in each place. The Ultimate Two Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary 2023 To discover the most elegant and upper-class side of Italy. It is recommended to plan this a few weeks before your arrival. However, during this trip, you dont have that much time to explore the most significant hiking trails. If you have longer, great! Northern Italy Itinerary: Veneto, Emilia Romagna & San Marino Stay overnight in Lake Como (for longer Northern Italy itineraries) Additional day trip from Milan - Bergamo. See Day 1 of this northern Italy itinerary for restaurant suggestions. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. We chose to take on Northern Italy by train and it was super easy and comfortable! A perfect place to buy a fresh sandwich and enjoy your time at the main square of the village. However, coach bus companies like Flixbus operate throughout the country and Europe, so you could travel between regions using their service. As far as how long to spend in each place, here are my recommendations for a minimum amount of stay based on how much there is to do in each place (& my personal favorite spots! Arrive on an empty stomach! We have tons of information on the Dolomites, which you can see in our Dolomites Travel Guide. However, for those arriving on a red eye flight, you will have just the afternoon for sightseeing. You could engage in sports or you could visit to admire the views and the alpine culture! So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. Day 2 in Milan. However, you will have more travel time tomorrow to get to the airport. Instead, this itinerary will help you pick a route to travel across some of the best places in Northern Italy. 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. Curious about more spots to hit? 8.1 Bologna - 7 days. Here are a few more itineraries for Italy: To see all of our articles about Italy, take a look at our Italy Travel Guide. As you stroll through Venice, go shopping, have a glass of wine or aperitif at a caf, snack on cicchetti, or hire a gondola. Day 3 Florence. Renting a car in Italy is the most flexible yet most expensive option for traveling around northern Italy. Most of the time, we use Booking.com to book our accommodations. Hotel Garn La SoldanellaandHotel Villa Fosineare both located around 5 kilometers from the parks entrance. You can also stay at the neighboring island Venice Lido, from where you can easily take a taxi-boat to the historical center. Customize your leisure days by adding excursions to your Northern Italy Itinerary. For DaVincis Last Supper you must book a time slot in advance. Head east and end your itinerary in Venice. You could definitely tailor this Northern Italy itinerary to be only 7 days. Not much driving after that . 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you can choose different activities. The top places in Northern Italy are Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre. However, the travel time is the longest. Italy in Spring guide coming soon!). Youll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. Id also like to see Lake Como, Lake Guardia, Dolomites and Piedmont but know we cant fit it all in and Im ok with making another trip some day. 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. But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round. Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! Here youll find many small traditional restaurants, the best place to have a relaxing night after much walking in the city! 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. Many people want to visit these cities while visiting Italy, but especially Rome is a bit far regarding the other cities. 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. You can find more information about Tuscany in this article, where we tell more about the different villages in this region. 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! PUGLIA: Read about 15 beautiful places to visit in Puglia and the best things to do in Alberobello. Among the Northern cities are Turin, Milan, Verona, Venice and Como, all within a 400 km straight line. If youre someone whos embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, this itinerary is for you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For this itinerary, you will get around by rental car and train. Shakespeares love story Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona. We wrote this article you might like, with in-depth information about the city of Milan. Best Northern Italy Itineraries & Tours 2023-2024 | Zicasso The basics are the same as the 10-day itinerary for Northern Italy, but we added more stops and more time for sightseeing and exploring. Verona is a great city to spend your day. VERONA: Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy. From Duomo Square, visit the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Map for your Northern Italy road trip Read about all the best towns on Lake Garda. 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. Day 5 - 6: Explore The Port City of Genoa. We dont want to bring too many things, because simply you dont need that much while traveling.Over the years we tested a lot of stuff, check out our full list of recommendations for packing gear and camera stuff on the recommendations pageHere are some things we recommend you to use during your Italian road trip: Lon Kopijn works and lives as a Digital Nomad. Northern Italy itinerary: lakes, mountains and medieval villages Head west to Turin, a financial and cultural hub like Milan, stylized by Baroque-style architecture and the famed Mole Antonelliana. We tried to be as thorough as possible and make different routes for different interests. When you have more time for a road trip, we recommend using it. Verona itinerary 1 day Suggested Verona one day trip & how to spend 10 Day Custom Tour. Are you planning to travel to Italy? from $16,495 /10 days. For more tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip, consider reading this article: 7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe. The dolomites are great for exploring nature and hiking. Miscellaneous: Factor in approximately $50 USD per day for miscellaneous fees, such as short taxi or Uber rides, souvenirs, etc. 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. The icon of the city is the Duomo Cathedral. 10 Days In Italy: An Unforgettable Northern Italy Itinerary You can use this link to check the latest prices on rental cars in Italy. This is the priciest lunch option on our list. This way we make sure we get the best places to stay. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. Planning your trip to the Northern part of Italy is exciting but can be overwhelming as well. The cheapest option is to rent a car just for the Dolomites portion of this trip. Here are some suggestions: Next stop is Liguria for fresh seafood, focaccia, and pesto! Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, but its small, cascading hillside towns make the atmosphere intimate. As a resident of northern Italy, I can share with certainty that the best time to visit is either June or September. Hit the 5 major areas on everyone's northern Italy bucket list. The bus from or to the airport can take up to 1 hour though. 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. The towns in Cinque Terre used the be fisherman towns. Day 1: Arrive in Venice Day 2: Venice Day 3: Dolomites Day 4: Dolomites Day 5: Dolomites Day 6: Dolomites Day 7: Northern end of Lake Garda (stay in Riva del Garda) Day 8: Southern end of Lake Garda (stay in Sirmione) Day 9: Verona Day 10: Milan Day 11: Lake Como day trip Day 12: Fly home. You can also go around Switzerland and stay in Italy, but thats a longer drive. Made For Travellers is about a lifestyle of freedom, fulfillment, and happiness. Get updated hours and pricing on the official website. Luckily theres much more to see in Verona, some of the famous landmarks are Castelvecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Verona Arena. This road trip through a small part of the countryside of Tuscany will take up the whole day, but it is probably the best drive youll have during the entire trip. I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email. Hopefully, youll never use it, but when you need it, it is good to know theres a company out there helping you. They made these islands in the beautiful botanical gardens which they are now. So when you want to save some money, dont go to a traditional Gondola, but hop-on a taxi boat. Made For Travellers also participates in affiliate programs with Booking.com, Clickbank, WorldNomads, Rentalcars.com, TUI UK, Adsense, and other sites. And during the night, most tourists left the historic center, so its much quieter. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport. The Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops. Day 8 Lake Garda - Family Fun. This way you can reach the historic city of Venice early morning and spend a few moments when it is not too busy. It is not a coastal city as many people think, the region consists out of five different coastal towns. DAY 1: Venice. Answer 11 of 13: 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. By car, it is a 160 km drive that takes 2 hours. Travel insurance is essential for your belongings and healthcare while traveling. Day 3 - Lake Como. If you dont want to wait in line, you can join a skip-the-line tour. We also have a guide to the best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula and how to spend one day in Vieste. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient. For more great itineraries in Europe and around the world, visit our Travel Itineraries page. From here, you get one of the best views of Venice, and it is a nice way to start your visit to this city. We will get into the details of this in a little bit. 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. 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. If you have less than 10 days, then remove a day or two from the Dolomites. After heading to the sea, return to the mountains around the area of Bergamo. Here youll find two specialties: polenta and pizzoccheri. Youll see the greatest highlights and have enough time for sightseeing, hiking and learn about the Italian culture. Its also a little easier to get from Verona to Milan by train. Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. Unless you have a late afternoon flight, you will either have to leave very early in the morning or travel to Venice the night of day 9. You can also choose to do this road trip in the other way around. Lago di Braies | Northern Italy Itinerary. Fourteen Day Northern Italy Train Itinerary Day 1 Begin your Northern Italy Train Itinerary in Florence. After reading the itinerary above, you might wonder how to shorten the itinerary to five days. The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. Well, that is why I created this article to help you in the best way Why Is Everything So Cheap In Portugal? Geisler Alm, Adolf Munkel Weg | Northern Italy Itinerary. Next to cities and lakes, northern Italy shows its best with its mountains, the Dolomites. 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. Northern Italy itinerary: 4 comprehensive itineraries From this bridge, you get another iconic view of Venice and the Grand Canal. 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. Here's my suggestions for a one week Itinerary in Northern Italy: One night in Turin. 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. Visit Sirmione for its enchanting castle and Limone sul Garda for its quiet charm. Take the time to purchase the Firenze card right away. Here's a one week in Northern Italy Travel Itinerary you'll want to follow. Where To Stay In Cinque Terre. That is up to you and the flexibility of your travel dates! 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. We recommend that you pick up your rental car right before you leave the city and travel to lake Como. Read my full disclosure! Temperatures on average in the Northern part of Italy are favorable. With the Northern Italy Highlights 10 days itinerary youll cross the most important highlights, cities and landmarks in the northern part of Italy. The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. So you can use your time in the most efficint way. I recommend starting on Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a wide promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon. With many historical buildings, it is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. Alternatively, you can spend the night in Bellagio or Varenna, which are on Lake Como. Another necessary and important element of visiting northern Italy is knowing how youll get around. Optional: On the drive to Verona, you will be very close to the Santuario Madonna della Corona. We also have information about things to do in Sirmione and Riva del Garda. This 14 day Italy itinerary crams in a lot, and can easily be slowed down if you have more time. . 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. 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. If you have a car and plan to stay in the city center, ask your hotel for advice on where to park. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. Our website uses cookies. I do not recommend making big plans today (no St. Marks Basilica or Doges Palace visits) because you might be exhausted. Ideally, plan to arrive in Venice early in the morning, or even the night before, to make the most of this day. 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 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: 2 Perfect Routes You can start this itinerary from top to bottom - Venice to Rome, or the other way round from Rome to Venice. Restaurant Terrazza Danieli. 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. The center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. Between wine, fairytale villages, and intimate vistas, youll be feeling the Italian romance. 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. Your last stop on this itinerary is tapping into a bit of central Italy territory, but it is a must stop for foodies. 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. Making your way from the Western Alps, youll cross Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo in the Central Alps. The total length of this road trip is 388 miles (625 kilometers). There is still plenty to do here that involves little to no hiking. Bologna is a big university city. The other option is staying inPeschiera del Garda, a vibrant town next to the lake, also perfect for a romantic stay, but less expensive. Italy All Italy Hotels This walled village with a big cathedral dates back to the 8th century BC! If you're planning to visit the island of Fogo in Cape Verde, you might be looking for a list of the best things to do in Fogo. You will have to book a time slot in advance, and when to do this depends on your arrival time in Venice today. It is essential to plan ahead while planning a road trip in Italy. 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. Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: 2023 Guide - Wanderlust Chloe The roads are good condition, and the views are just stunning. 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. This road trip is around 500 kilometers, maybe a bit more depending on where you go around the lakes. Italy Itinerary: Where to Go in Italy by Rick Steves The Tuscany of northern Italy? Parmawill be the last city on this itinerary before you head back to Milan. We were pleasantly surprised during our visit to Parma, and recommend anyone to stay here and explore this lovely city. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum. Julie Last updated: January 29, 2023 Italy Leave a Comment. View from Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, Malcesine, Lake Garda. Both options can be done with public transportation and by car. The northern part of Italy is renowned for its beautiful mountain lakes. We recommend Ai Do Leoni, which is next to St. Marks Basilica and serves sandwiches and small plates of pasta. It's the world's largest gothic cathedral and is absolutely stunning! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But in five days you still can see a lot. This is our second trip. Made For Travellers is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. View from the campanile | Northern Italy Itinerary. Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 different 10-14 days itineraries And the Medici Family, in particular, had significant influence at the modern banking system. All of Italys regions offer something unique and in this guide, the spotlight is on the north. 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. There is an airport in both Venice and Milan so you could start your itinerary in either place. Northern Italy itinerary: what to see and how to see it The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You can also skip Verona, but it is a wonderful city and one of our favorites in Italy. 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. The people are friendly, and the food is fantastic. View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano trail | Northern Italy Itinerary. No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places there is - Venice. Because theres no traffic, the vibe is even more unique. Part of the eastern Alps in northern Italy and marking the border between Italy and Austria, these natural beauties are another UNESCO heritage site. You might even drive tothe Queen of the Dolomites Marmolada. LAKE GARDA: Plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Lake Garda. For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. Genoa is excellent to spend a few days and explore the extensive history. Tickets to tour the Duomo and the rooftop can be purchased at the Duomo or online in advance. 10 Days In Northern Italy With Kids - FAMILY TRAVEL EXPLORE The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. Hiking in the Dolomites | Northern Italy Itinerary. 6.2 Lake Garda - 2 days. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? But this is more expensive, since you are paying for 2 days of a rental car plus parking fees. So we recommend dropping your rental car when arriving at the city. Ride the elevator to the top of the Campanile for the best 360 view of Venice. DOLOMITES: For links to all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. Drop your luggage off at your hotel and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Venice. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. 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. 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! 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. 7 Days in Italy Itinerary - a guide to what not to miss in Northern Italy So if youre lucky enough to spend more time on the road and enjoy your holiday, this itinerary is for you. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. You can use these Google Maps as a recommended route to follow.Click on the image to open the map on GoogleMaps.com. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For? However, we recommend you to drive a few hours to Venice during the evening and stay overnight in Venice. We have more info on how to do this in our article Things to Do in Bellagio. Those are all amazing places to visit! We always use rentalcars.com for booking a car. 3 recommendations for a northern Italy itinerary 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor