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: 5 days - 7 days - 10 days - 14 days - South Italy

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

Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive 16-day Northern Italy trip.

The 16-day Italian adventure begins in Venice, where you will be transferred to a hotel. On day two, a private guide leads a city tour, ending with a gondola ride.

Day three explores the Venetian lagoon, visiting Burano and Murano islands. Day four is a leisure day in Venice.

Day five involves a 3-hour journey to Milan, where you will have free time to explore or engage in arranged activities. Consider taking day trips to nearby attractions such as Lake Como or Bergamo to enhance your experience. Day six includes a walking tour of Milan's historic sites.

Day seven takes you on a 1-hour train journey to Como. Day eight features a short ride to Lugano, Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque surroundings and mild climate.

Day nine offers a guided boat trip on Lake Como, providing stunning views. Day ten is a free day for leisure activities.

Day eleven involves a transfer to Cinque Terre, with the evening free to explore. Day twelve presents an extensive tour of Cinque Terre, visiting Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Manarola.

Day thirteen is another leisure day at Cinque Terre. Day fourteen includes a visit to Pisa's famous Leaning Tower and Lucca's Renaissance wall before transferring to Florence.

Day fifteen features a private tour of Florence's iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Ponte Vecchio.

On day sixteen, the tour concludes, and you will be transferred to the airport for 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

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano, and Maggiore, and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan with this self-drive Northern Italy itinerary.

This 8-day Italian adventure begins with a rental car pickup at Milan International Airport. On day one, you'll check into your hotel in Milan and have the day to explore at your leisure.

Day two starts with a tour of Milan's iconic sites, beginning at Castello Sforzesco. After the tour, you'll drive to Lake Garda, stopping at the picturesque resort of Sirmione en route.

Day three is dedicated to exploring the beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda, known for their Roman heritage and stunning landscapes.

Day four takes you to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, for a fascinating city tour.

On day five, you'll enjoy a walking tour of Como, a charming town on the shores of Lake Como. You can then choose to catch a boat to Bellagio, another picturesque town on the lake.

Day six is all about exploring Lake Lugano, situated between Lake Como and Maggiore, and straddling the Swiss-Italian border. On day seven, you will explore Stresa, a serene town on Lake Maggiore, and the Borromean Islands, known for their beauty and history.

Day eight involves driving back to Milan International Airport to return your rental car and catch your departure flight. 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

Indulge in a charming weekend getaway in Venice, a captivating city nestled in the heart of Northern Italy. This delightful 4-day trip offers a pleasant walking tour, immersing you in the rich history, art, and architecture of Venice.

Day one welcomes you as you arrive at Marco Polo International Airport and are transferred to your hotel, leaving the day free to explore Venice at your leisure.

On day two, embark on a private walking tour, beginning at the Saint Mark's area, where you'll delve into the historical significance of the powerful maritime empire of the Mediterranean. The tour includes iconic landmarks such as The Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, and the Basilica, each showcasing unparalleled beauty and historical importance.

Day three commences with a sumptuous breakfast, followed by a picturesque 30-minute gondola ride through Venice's waterways, allowing you to soak in the city's unique ambiance. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, culminating in a delightful three-course dinner at a centrally located restaurant (drinks not included).

Enjoy a free day on day four, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Venice and discover its hidden gems.

As your journey comes to an end on day five, check out of your hotel after breakfast. A private transfer will take you to Marco Polo International Airport, leaving you with cherished memories and the desire to return to this mesmerizing destination once again. 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

Take this 5-day trip to Northern Italy and truly get to know the charming city of Trieste. This journey goes beyond simple sightseeing, offering a unique perspective from the locals' point of view.

Day one welcomes you in Trieste with a warm reception at the train station or airport, followed by a leisurely exploration of the city center. Marvel at the historic streets and squares, the seafront, and the renowned Piazza Unità.

Day two takes you on a scenic journey to the Karst plateau. Hop on the iconic Opicina tram to ascend to the plateau. Embark on a picturesque walk with panoramic views of the city and sea, leading you to the splendid Miramare Castle Park.

On day three, embark on a discovery of the equestrian park of Lipica, an oasis of tranquility and home to the elegant Lipizzan horses. After a guided tour and serene strolls in the estate, visit the valley of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes.

Day four begins with a trip to the Rosandra Valley Reserve. Walk along the ancient salt road, enjoying views of the Rosandra stream with its waterfall and natural pools.

Conclude your trip on day five with a visit to the awe-inspiring Grotta Gigante, the largest cave in the world. At the end of the visit, you will return to the city. From here, once you have recovered any luggage left at the deposit of your facility, you can continue your journey independently or return home. 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 10.06.2024

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