Northern Italy Itinerary

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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 traveller.

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 5 days - 7 days - 10 days - 14 days

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

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, 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 travellers are transferred to their hotel. On day two, a private guide leads a city tour, visiting St. Mark's Basilica, Loggia dei Cavalli, and Doges Palace, and ending with a gondola ride.

Day three explores the Venetian lagoon, visiting Burano and Murano islands known for lace-making and glassblowing industries. Day four is a leisure day in Venice.

Day five involves a 3-hour journey to Milan, where travellers have free time to explore or engage in arranged activities. Day six includes a walking tour of Milan's historic sites, such as Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and La Scala opera house.

Day seven takes travellers on a 1-hour train journey to Como, with the day at leisure. 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 travellers are transferred to the airport for departure. Read more.

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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

Day one

  • Arrival in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day two

  • Sightseeing in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day three

  • Murano and Burano boat tour
  • Overnight in Venice

Day four

  • Free day in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day five

  • Train to Milan
  • Overnight in Milan

Day six

  • Sightseeing in Milan
  • Overnight in Milan

Day seven

  • Train to Lake Como
  • Overnight in Como

Day eight

  • Lugano and lakeside villages
  • Overnight in Como

Day nine

  • Lake Como boat tour
  • Overnight in Como

Day ten

  • Free day in Como
  • Overnight in Como

Day eleven

  • Train to Cinque Terre
  • Overnight in La Spezia

Day twelve

  • Exploring Cinque Terre and around by train
  • Overnight in La Spezia

Day thirteen

  • Free day in Cinque Terre
  • Overnight in La Spezia

Day fourteen

  • On to Pisa and Lucca
  • Overnight in Florence

Day fifteen

  • Sightseeing in Florence
  • Overnight in Florence

Day sixteen

  • Departure from Florence

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

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. You’ll visit the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati factories and museums, and take a Ferrari out 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. 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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

Day one

  • Arrival in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day two

  • Venice walking tour & gondola ride
  • Overnight in Venice

Day three

  • From Venice to Bologna
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day four

  • Lamborghini Factory
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day five

  • Vespa tour on the Bolognese hills
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day six

  • Modena Maserati Museum
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day seven

  • Day at leisure in Bologna
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day eight

  • Ferrari experience
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day nine

  • Pagani factory and Ducati museum
  • Overnight in Bologna

Day ten

  • From Bologna to Florence
  • Overnight in Florence

Day eleven

  • Florence walking tour & Ufizzi Gallery
  • Overnight in Florence

Day twelve

  • Transfer to the airport and departure

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Modena, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, 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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

Day one

  • Arrival in Milan
  • Overnight in Milan

Day two

  • Milan city tour and Lake Garda
  • Overnight in Garda

Day three

  • Lake Garda exploration
  • Overnight in Garda

Day four

  • Verona walking tour
  • Overnight in Como

Day five

  • Como and Bellagio exploration
  • Overnight in Como

Day six

  • Lake Lugano discovery
  • Overnight in Stresa

Day seven

  • Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands
  • Overnight in Stresa

Day eight

  • Departure from Milan

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

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. Glide through the picturesque canals with a memorable gondola ride, and savour the romantic atmosphere that defines this enchanting destination.

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 Doges' 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 ambience. 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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

Day one

  • Arrival in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day two

  • Venice walking tour
  • Overnight in Venice

Day three

  • Exploring Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day four

  • Free day in Venice
  • Overnight in Venice

Day five

  • Departure from Venice

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

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. Immerse yourself in the true essence of this northern Italian city and have an unforgettable adventure.

Day one welcomes you with a warm reception at the train station or airport, followed by a leisurely exploration of the city centre. Marvel at the historic streets and squares, the seafront, and the renowned Piazza Unità. Wander up to the hill of San Giusto for breathtaking views.

Day two takes you on a scenic journey to the Karst plateau. Hop on the iconic Opicina tram, dating back to 1902, 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 tranquillity 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, a unique sanctuary dating back to the 1800s.

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

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the Northern Italy itinerary.

Day one

  • Arrival in Trieste
  • Overnight in Trieste

Day two

  • From the Karst to Miramare Castle
  • Overnight in Trieste

Day three

  • Lupica Stud farm
  • Overnight in Trieste

Day four

  • Rosandra Valley Nature Reserve
  • Overnight in Trieste

Day five

  • Grotta Gigante
  • Departure from Trieste

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

Fisherman, Trieste, Italy @ Shutterstock

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

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updated 7/20/2023
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