northern italy itinerary

If you arrive in the morning on a red eye flight, this first day can be challenging. It is one of the oldest places in Tuscany. After you woke up and enjoyed the beautiful mountain views, it is time to hit the road again. Day 8 Lake Garda - Family Fun. Lake Como is a must stop also for mountain lovers: the peaks soaring above the lake are breathtaking. Verona is located in northern Italy, about 110km from the romantic city of Venice. View from Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute | Northern Italy Itinerary. Then youll head to Venice, from which you can do a day trip to the Dolomites. We recommend using the parks website to find out the best hiking trails. After you arrive in Milan, you probably want to relax a bit first. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and it sits between the Dolomites and Milan. From the Dolomites, visit lovely Verona, Milan, and spend a day at Lake Como. 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 . As a resident of northern Italy, I can share with certainty that the best time to visit is either June or September. This large parking garage is located in Venice in Santa Croce. To get from the airport to your hotel in Venice, you can take the bus, a taxi, a vaporetto, or a water taxi. Fly into Milan or Bergamo airport, pick up a hire car and begin your exploration with Lake Como, the most breathtakingly beautiful expanse of water of all. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We are coming from the West Coast of the US (California). So we recommend dropping your rental car when arriving at the city. 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. We have tons of information on the Dolomites, which you can see in our Dolomites Travel Guide. If you have less than 10 days, then remove a day or two from the Dolomites. For more great itineraries in Europe and around the world, visit our Travel Itineraries page. We recommend booking a departure from Florence because it saves you a lot of time. Things To Do In Cinque Terre. If you plan to pick up the car on the day you drive to the Dolomites, the best place to rent the car is at the Mestre train station followed by the Venice Marco Polo airport. From this bridge, you get another iconic view of Venice and the Grand Canal. 7 Days of Northern Italy Itinerary: Northern Italy Itinerary Day 1-2: Bologna. Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary: 2023 Guide - Wanderlust Chloe Instead, this itinerary will help you pick a route to travel across some of the best places in Northern Italy. So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. The dolomites are great for exploring nature and hiking. 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. This cable car station is located in Cortina dAmpezzo and from the mountain station you have jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. At the Grand Canal, there are many taxi boats where you can hop on and off with your ticket. Youll see the greatest highlights and have enough time for sightseeing, hiking and learn about the Italian culture. Northern Italy Itinerary - Joy of Italy Tours Northern Italy is the most developed part of the country, so transportation is easy-to-access and can take you just about anywhere. DAY 2: Exploring Venice DAY 3: Off the beaten path Venice DAY 4: Palladio Day! This article does a great job describing the numerous options, which can be overwhelming to choose from. Curious for more ideas? This has the advantage of not packing and unpacking again, and if you have a flight home from Milan tomorrow, you will already be in town. Parmawill be the last city on this itinerary before you head back to Milan. From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. Or that you need to wait a long time in line. We recommend taking the scenic route, though. 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. The big question when planning a trip is always: how long you should spend in northern Italy? There is still plenty to do here that involves little to no hiking. In this road trip, we recommend you to start in Milan and leave the country from Venice. They arent as cheap as buses, but theyre less expensive than renting a car. Ponte dellAccademia view | Northern Italy Itinerary. We recommend Ai Do Leoni, which is next to St. Marks Basilica and serves sandwiches and small plates of pasta. Its also a little easier to get from Verona to Milan by train. WorldNomadsinsurance is what we feel is the most comprehensive and reliable travel insurance you can buy. In the Dolomites, the first snow begins to fall sometime in October and continues through May, so during this time, the hiking trails will be covered with snow. You can find them on our recommendations page, or scroll down and read the plan your trip part in this article. Our first trip we visited Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Genoa/Cinque Terre. 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. Dont forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. Not to worry. Its easy to travel between Milan and Venice by train, so you can get back to your starting point without much time, effort, and money. If you still have a rental car, drive to Bellagio (1.5 hours) or Varenna (1.5 hours). Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. In some places, we recommend staying two nights, so it is more relaxed, and you allow yourself to really get to know the city or village. The Ultimate Northern Italy Itinerary | Mr Hudson 7 days in Italy - Option 1: the Northern Italy itinerary bucket list destinations First stop: 2 nights in Venice. We wrote several articles about Genoa which we recommend reading before going to the city. Its a little more of a hassle on this day but it does save money. This 17 km (10.6 mile) hike takes 6 to 9 hours and starts in Selva di Val Gardena. To check train schedules and to book your trains online, Italiarail.com is the easiest website to use. So we recommend to stay in Milan until lunch, and after lunch drive to Lake Como. We always feel at home while traveling through Tuscany. All the major cities on our 10 day Italy travel itinerary were accessible by public transportation, and the train . Discover more day trips from Milan to beef up your itinerary. These suggestions for your time in Venice follows our 2 Day in Venice Itinerary, starting with day 2 and then doing day 1. DAY: MALCESINE & LIMONE DEL SUL (Lake Garda) Sightseeing In Limone Sul Garda Sightseeing In Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 10. Made For Travellers also participates in affiliate programs with Booking.com, Clickbank, WorldNomads, Rentalcars.com, TUI UK, Adsense, and other sites. Many people think this village was the scene for the movietwilight. Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, perhaps even the world. Start as far west as possible in Courmayeur to visit Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. For the remainder of the day, we have a few more options of great things to do in this area of Venice. The Doges Palace served as the residence for the Doge, the seat of the government, and a palace of justice. Its no secret Lake Como is one of the most luxurious destinations in Italy and its exclusivity, plus the incredible views of villas and alpine peaks, makes it an intimate retreat. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Breakdown. The highlights you dont want to miss are; Varenna is the best place to stay at Lake Como for this road trip. 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. Verona is the ultimate city of romance in Italy: the setting of Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet, made up of rose-hued buildings and castles nestled over the Adige River. Sitting next to the Rialto Bridge is the T Fondaco Terrace. For this itinerary, it is best to rent a car. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, but its small, cascading hillside towns make the atmosphere intimate. MILAN & LAKE COMO: Learn how to visit Milan on a day trip or while traveling between the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. You can easily take public transportation from and to the airport. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The view from Marmolada | Northern Italy Itinerary. Things To Do In Milan. We had dinner twice at Hotel Freina and this hotel also gets exceptional reviews. From here, you get one of the best views of Venice, and it is a nice way to start your visit to this city. 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. Nearby Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are a few extra stop ideas. Alternatively, you can spend the night in Bellagio or Varenna, which are on Lake Como. Italy All Italy Hotels We recommend staying a bit out of the center, which saves you tons of money. 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. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient. Which itinerary is on your bucket list? There are several options to spend five days in the Northern part of Italy. He travels the world with the love of his life and writes about inspiring cultures and practical travel tips. It costs 7.50 for a one-way ticket (good for 75 minutes) or 21 for a 24-hour ticket. The city of Genoa was always an important harbor city for Italy. 7 Days in Northern Italy Itinerary: Pastels, Prosciutto & Parmigiana Some of these links are affiliate links. Rentalcover offers the best coverage for a rental car, and it is cheaper than insurance via the rental company. The drive is a bit far, around 3 hours from the national park Ademello Breno, but youll have the best views from the cable car of the highest mountain peak! Here youll find many small traditional restaurants, the best place to have a relaxing night after much walking in the city! 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor I would only use the bus option if you are opting for a slow travel itinerary and have lots of time to spend in Italy, this way you save money but arent wasting half your vacation trying to figure out the buses. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations. Ideally, a robust northern Italy itinerary falls somewhere between 10 and 14 days. We recommend that you pick up your rental car right before you leave the city and travel to lake Como. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. 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. 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.. If you dont want to go hiking on your first day, and the skies are clear, ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana. I recommend starting on Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a wide promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon. I think it is best to cut costs by staying in a cheaper hotel or eating out less often, so you can take the faster train and have more time exploring the city. Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. Portugal is not only a beautiful country but is also shockingly reasonable to live in. Your email address will not be published. For suggestions on where to stay in Venice, take a look at our Venice Hotel Guide. Known for its iconic leaning tower. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. St. Marks Square dates back to the 9th century AD. You can read all the details about Genoa in this. 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. Day 1: Arrive in Venice Day 2: Venice Day 3: Dolomites Day 4: Dolomites Day 5: Drive to Milan Day 6: Lake Como day trip Day 7: Fly home. Lake Garda is known for its beautiful historic villages and also beautiful landscapes. I love simple focaccia, made with just oil, but the bread is so versatile that youll find many different versions. See itinerary. It is the capital of the Tuscany region. Sirmione, which is a bit more expensive option, but probably one of the most romantic places youll ever sleep. 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. Youll probably stop a few times just to enjoy the views. Our road trip itineraries cover the different highlights in this part of the country. Also, the countryside is renowned for its vineyards, so it is excellent to go for a local winetasting. A Cost Guide. Day 5 Cinque Terre. There are two ways to visit Lake Como today. 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. In Pisa, youll stay overnight. Note: This post contains affiliate links. There are lots of restaurants located in and around St. Marks Square but most of these are overpriced and mediocre. The Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 Ideas For The Trip Of Your 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. But also many historic buildings are to find in this city. 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). View from the Rialto Bridge | Northern Italy Itinerary. Milan to Florence is a great road trip, where you see the best parts the Tuscany and Cinque Terre region. Teatro Farneseis a theater you should visit while in Parma, it is a 16th-century theater, built entirely from wood. It is also convenient to book a guided tour in the park and its surroundings, that way you make sure youll get the best things to see in the short amount of time. However, we recommend you to drive a few hours to Venice during the evening and stay overnight in Venice. 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. Not much driving after that . An Epic Northern Italy Itinerary (10 Days) - Every Steph Our recommended articles are: Driving from Genoa to Parma is a beautiful road when you skip the tollroads. Instead the meals are heartier, which reflect the lifestyle of people living here: industrial workers or those living in the Alps having to face long winters. Gems of Northern Italy | Smithsonian Journeys Hotel Garn La SoldanellaandHotel Villa Fosineare both located around 5 kilometers from the parks entrance. Day 6 To Lake Garda. Day 10 Milan. Volterrais another small village on top of a hill. You can either day trip from Milan, just visiting Lake Como for the day, spending another night in Milan. Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. Julie Last updated: January 29, 2023 Italy Leave a Comment. Dynamic pricing from $2,859. It saves you a day in rental- and parking costs. Driving west from Volterra, youll reach the coastal city of Pisa. Bologna is a big university city. The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Verona Arena is one of the best-preserved Amphitheaters in the world. In the evening, have dinner and check into your hotel. Regional trains can take twice the length of time to cover the same distance as a high-speed train, and cost half as much, but you will be sacrificing sightseeing time. Franciacorta. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you can choose different activities. Our northern Italy itinerary became: Venice Florence Milan Lake Como Lake Maggiore. From Cortina dAmpezzo, drive over Giau Pass or Falzarego Pass to Marmolada. On our first trip to the Dolomites, we had three days and once there, we wished we had a lot more time. Sirmione is a historic town on a peninsula at the lake. Day 3 - Lake Como. In the evening, check into your hotel and have dinner. We chose to take on Northern Italy by train and it was super easy and comfortable! The icon of the city is the Duomo Cathedral. Last stop for lovers: Venice! Read about all of your options and how to navigate bus lines in my guide on buses in Italy. To discover the most elegant and upper-class side of Italy. Also, youll stay in the northern part of the region. Milan 2 Nights. From metropolitan Milan to the medieval hilltop city of Bergamo, the major cities in Italy all offer a different landscape to be explored. Italy does not have a national bus line, so most buses are only regional or city. But if you like, you can explore the city. Gondola ride for two? That is up to you and the flexibility of your travel dates! Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! 7.2 Verona - 2 days. Artist likeMichaelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Machiavellilived and worked in the city of Florence.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Florence is probably the city with the most historic architecture in Italy. You could engage in sports or you could visit to admire the views and the alpine culture! 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. This epic northern Italy itinerary begins in Valle DAosta, the smallest and most underrated of the regions. Almost anything you can name is cheaper and affordable in Portugal, from housing to food, healthcare to travel. Made For Travellers is more than just a travel blog. 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. When you still have time for exploring, we recommend dropping your rental car at the drop-off and head to the city center. One Week Itinerary in Northern Italy: Recommendations for an Artsy Trip This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. We also have a guide to the best things to do on the Gargano Peninsula and how to spend one day in Vieste. Most of the time, we use Booking.com to book our accommodations. The parking garage can hold 4500 vehicles. Polenta is a versatile grain made plain, with cheese or as Polenta Contadina, made with cheese, spinach, and local sausage. Find out more about Lon on his about page! Learn how to spend one perfect day in Verona. Lagazuoi, Dolomites | Northern Italy Itinerary, The view of Cortina dAmpezzo from the Tofana cable car | Northern Italy Itinerary. Manage Settings Curious about more spots to hit? 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. Its worth a visit! It is still busy, but starting from 10 a.m., it is getting swamped. in northern Italy also love their local ingredients. Public transport in Florence is perfect, so the next day you dont have any problems reaching the city center. Alternative: skip Veneto and head to Liguria to enjoy the glamorous Portofino. VENICE: Learn more about Venice in our article Best Things to Do in Venice. From Duomo Square, visit the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Italy in Spring guide coming soon!). 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.