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! Lake Maggiore is in the second largest lake in Italy, and also crosses the border with Switzerland. The great thing is that even this itinerary is worthwhile for people who arent nature lovers but love the mountain landscape. Or, venture to Val di Funes, to hike the Adolf Munkel Weg and/or walk the Santa Maddalena Trail for gorgeous views of the Santa Maddalena church. As for picking up your rental car, you can do it on day 1, if you are arriving to the Venice airport. In the next part, you'll find step by step itineraries where we explain the best stops, famous landmarks, and best places to stay. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport. Visions of Northern Italy: Hiking and Touring Lake Maggiore, Dolomites, Italian Riviera. But for the cities of Venice and Florence, it is busy year-round. If youre into hiking, watersports, or just want to experience the beauty of nature, this road trip might be something for you. Which one you choose really depends if you want to cruise up Lake Como or just get to Varenna as quickly as possible. Franciacorta is a territory between Bergamo and Brescia that produces sparkling wine or spumante, mostly Prosecco, Italys version of Champagne. From the Rialto Bridge, ride the vaporetto to Pont dellAccademia. The historic center is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Italy. We recommend taking the scenic route, though. However, for those arriving on a red eye flight, you will have just the afternoon for sightseeing. So the first day we dont plan that much. Made For Travellers is about a lifestyle of freedom, fulfillment, and happiness. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor Youll find both French and Italian are spoken here because of how close the two countries are. Northern Italy itinerary: 4 comprehensive itineraries We recommend using the parks website to find out the best hiking trails. We recommend using rentalcover. This park in the heart of the Dolomites is probably the best stop for a day visit. If you head out on your adventure using one of these itineraries or have questions for curating a totally customized itinerary, share with me Id love to hear how your trip has gone or help you further plan your dream northern Italy itinerary! However, we recommend you to drive a few hours to Venice during the evening and stay overnight in Venice. This very highly rated tour has skip-the-line access to St. Marks Basilica, it includes the terrace, and it also includes Doges Palace (the next stop on todays itinerary). Bus can also be a flexible and inexpensive option for airport transfer. 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. In this road trip, we recommend you to start in Milan and leave the country from Venice. Lets start with the 10-day highlights! Cinque Terreis a Unesco world heritage site. When you still have time for exploring, we recommend dropping your rental car at the drop-off and head to the city center. Theres not much I need to explain as to why Venice is a good city-break: the uniqueness of its landscape and how it affects every aspect of life from transportation to food. If you have a flight leaving from Marco Polo Airport (Venice), from Milan it takes a minimum of 3.5 hours to travel by train and just over 3 hours by car. 6.2 Lake Garda - 2 days. Your email address will not be published. From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and Passo Pordoi, two beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites. 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. 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. Croda da Lago Circuit | Northern Italy Itinerary, Lago di Sorapis | Northern Italy Itinerary. We selected two options, both with excellent customer reviews, which we think are great to spend one night. Northern Italy is the most developed part of the country, so transportation is easy-to-access and can take you just about anywhere. I was thinking of flying into Rome due to convenience and cost and flying out of Milan mostly due to convenience. Bologna is a big university city. A Cost Guide. 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. If you have any questions about this northern Italy itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. If you enjoy hiking, put as many days as you can in the Dolomites (in our opinion, its a better use of time than adding on Lake Garda, mentioned next). Are you planning to travel to Italy? 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. View from the Rialto Bridge | Northern Italy Itinerary. Rentalcover offers the best coverage for a rental car, and it is cheaper than insurance via the rental company. Best Things to Do in the Dolomites (with Little to No Hiking), Things to Know When Planning a Trip to the Dolomites, Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana, 10 Days in Italy: 4 Amazing Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice, 14 Days in Italy: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy, How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como, 10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 4 Amazing Ideas for Your Trip to Italy, Lake Garda Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in Lake Garda, Italy, 20 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map & Photos). Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Were here to help you plan the best road trip in Northern Italy. For a splurge, we recommend the Granbaita Dolomites, a luxury hotel with a wellness center. There is truly so much to do and see that one trip may not be enough, which is why I have curated 5 northern Italy itineraries that play to certain strengths: one for those who want to see the most famous locations, one for outdoor adventurers, one for city-lovers, one for couples, and one for foodies, so you experience a little bit of everything. On the second day you drive to Lake Como, but thats only around 2 hours drive. From Pisa, it is only a short drive to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Italy. For this itinerary, it is best to rent a car. (Psst! Our northern Italy itinerary, 7 days from the Alps to Milan, is all about exploring the wonders that lie at the top end of the boot. 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. The basilica does not open until 9:30 am, but we recommend getting here at 9 am, or even a little earlier, to avoid a long wait in line. See Day 1 of this northern Italy itinerary for restaurant suggestions. Northern Italy Itinerary - Joy of Italy Tours For this afternoon, we recommend something short and not too far away: Lagazuoi to the Falzarego Pass or the Cinque Torri with the optional add on Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau. Verona itinerary 1 day Suggested Verona one day trip & how to spend The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. However, the Dolomites can be cold year-round, especially when you go high into the mountains. The drive back from Lake Garda to Milan is around 2 hours, so make sure you plan that properly according to your departure. The highlights you dont want to miss are; Varenna is the best place to stay at Lake Como for this road trip. On the day you drive to the Dolomites, you will save a little bit of time, since you will not have to get back to the airport to pick up the car. But if you like, you can explore the city. Renting a car in advance can save you a lot of money. 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. The city is known for its parma ham and renowned parmesan cheese. Their search engine gives the best and most affordable results. Ride the elevator to the top of the Campanile for the best 360 view of Venice. Youll probably stop a few times just to enjoy the views. Known for its iconic leaning tower. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Breakdown. Make sure to bring some warm clothes, even in summer! 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. I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email. Youll see the greatest highlights and have enough time for sightseeing, hiking and learn about the Italian culture. For drinks and dining, we recommend you to go to theTrastevereneighborhood. You wont reach the Tuscany region. One Week Itinerary in Northern Italy: Recommendations for an Artsy Trip Curious about more spots to hit? From Ponte dellAccademia, it is a short walk to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. 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. Milan to Florence is a great road trip, where you see the best parts the Tuscany and Cinque Terre region. That is up to you and the flexibility of your travel dates! If you rather look up a hotel yourself we recommend using the searching tool: Tip: We only book accommodations on Booking.com that are rated with an 8.5 or higher. But the true draw is the landscape. Now, it is a museum. Made For Travellers also participates in affiliate programs with Booking.com, Clickbank, WorldNomads, Rentalcars.com, TUI UK, Adsense, and other sites. If youre hoping to visit many places that arent major cities or tourist spots, then I would absolutely recommend renting a car. However, it would be pretty tough to see this all in a week, even with a car. Sitting next to the Rialto Bridge is the T Fondaco Terrace. Dive deeper into the Val Brembana to the north of Bergamo to visit the villages of Branzi and Cornello dei Tasso. To check train schedules and to book your trains online, Italiarail.com is the easiest website to use. Northern Italy Roadtrip Itinerary | 5, 10 and 14 days At every place where we recommend staying overnight, we put some recommendations for hotel bookings. From the Dolomites, visit lovely Verona, Milan, and spend a day at Lake Como. In Pisa, youll stay overnight. If you decide to avoid the toll roads, which is a more scenic route along the western coastline of Italy, it will take you even around 5 hours. A Northern Italy itinerary From the canals of Venice to the mighty Dolomites and the stunning Italian Riviera, there's so much to see and experience in this part of the country, so not everything is included in this list. You'll visit two of Italy's best culinary regions, Emilia-Romagna and Piemonte; you'll marvel at Italy's most picturesque mountains in Trentino and Alto Adige; and you'll visit four lakes: Garda, Como, Orta, and Maggiore. In the evening, have dinner. On this full day in Venice, you will visit some of the most popular tourist attractions: St. Marks Basilica, the Doges Palace, and St. Marks Square. From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. The cheapest option is to rent a car just for the Dolomites portion of this trip. People. 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. Then, ride the cable car to Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. Many people think this village was the scene for the movietwilight. For more details about this day, refer to day 1 of our 2 Day Venice Itinerary. Built-in 30 AD and today still used as a concert venue. You can do this itinerary all year, but during the months of November, April, and even May, you will be very limited in what you can do in the Dolomites, as this area transitions between a hiking and skiing destination. The city of Genoa was always an important harbor city for Italy. 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. 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. Day 5 Cinque Terre. From Cortina dAmpezzo, drive over Giau Pass or Falzarego Pass to Marmolada. It is the highest mountain in this mountain range. The big Italian big four road trip. Making your way from the Western Alps, youll cross Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo in the Central Alps. This is the priciest lunch option on our list. 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. MILAN & LAKE COMO: Learn how to visit Milan on a day trip or while traveling between the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. This is a good option for those who want to spend the night in a beautiful lakeside town. link to 20 Best Things To Do In Fogo, Cape Verde, link to Why Is Everything So Cheap In Portugal? Best Time To Visit Italy For a 10 Day Trip. From this window, prisoners on their way to execution would have one final view of the city. Dynamic pricing from $3,217. Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. ), or visit on a guided tour. Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes to do in the Dolomites and you can easily add on the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. This way, you have enough time to explore the highlights in Milan. 10 Days In Northern Italy With Kids - FAMILY TRAVEL EXPLORE This itinerary takes you all the way from Milan to Venice, and from Venice to Florence. 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. We would really like to visit Bologna and Florence again and have to add Verona for sure due to business (just 1 day business meeting). 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. If you love the idea of vineyard views on end and wine tasting with your partner, it must be added to your romantic itinerary. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary by Train: Fun Guide From Milan to Venice San Gimignanois another great historic medieval village to visit. Or maybe you didnt have time on your first day to see all the highlights of the city. With regional buses you can typically reach small towns, while with Flixbus, youll mostly be limited to cities. This itinerary works best from the months of June through September, when the hiking trails are open in the Dolomites. If you have less than 10 days, then remove a day or two from the Dolomites. If you cant get one, consider joining a tour. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. Depending on your departure time you can explore the islands around the historical city of Venice or go directly to the airport. Luckily theres much more to see in Verona, some of the famous landmarks are Castelvecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Verona Arena. The dolomites are great for exploring nature and hiking. Strolling the canals is one of the best things to do in Venice and there are several ways to do it. Northern Italy Itinerary: 5 different 10-14 days itineraries Here youll find two specialties: polenta and pizzoccheri. There is an airport in both Venice and Milan so you could start your itinerary in either place. Italy Flights to Italy Italy Itinerary: Where to Go in Italy by Rick Steves The entire area is made up of the Western Alps. Millions of tourists travel every year to this renowned place. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out again! But also many historic buildings are to find in this city. 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. Start as far west as possible in Courmayeur to visit Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. Waking up early in Venice and arriving in the historical center before 10 a.m. is recommended. Some of these links are affiliate links. For this itinerary, you will get around by rental car and train. After reading the itinerary above, you might wonder how to shorten the itinerary to five days. Check out the map with extra suggestions: I could go on and on about all of the beautiful places to visit in northern Italy, but this post would then be at least 10,000 words. For a full list of things to do, check out our Guide to Verona, but the top sights include Piazza Bra, the Verona Arena, Ponte Pietra, Torre dei Lamberti, and Juliettes House. Since 1982 the historic center of Florence is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. 7 Days of Northern Italy Itinerary: Northern Italy Itinerary Day 1-2: Bologna. From here, you get one of the best views of Venice, and it is a nice way to start your visit to this city. This road trip is around 500 kilometers, maybe a bit more depending on where you go around the lakes. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. 7 10 day northern Italy Itinerary: Discover Veneto. We recommend staying close by the park entrance. 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary - Italy Forum - Tripadvisor For more information, refer to day #7 of our Dolomites Itinerary. Of course, youll visit the famous landmarks asColleseum,Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Northern Italy has an amazingly extensive train network that connect many of the country's top destinations. Where To Stay In Milan. 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. You can also spend the day in Alpe di Siusi, hiking or biking between the rifugios, dining on Italian food, and enjoying the view of Sassolungo. 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. 7.2 Verona - 2 days. This is our second trip. And despite Romeo and Juliet is a fictional love story, it is possible to visit Juliets house. 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 travel on your own schedule and get to places where it is difficult to get to by bus. 8.1 Bologna - 7 days. Hotel Garn La SoldanellaandHotel Villa Fosineare both located around 5 kilometers from the parks entrance. Two nights in the Dolomites. Not to worry. This Northern Italy Itinerary is really made for all of the free-spirited travelers. On our first trip to the Dolomites, we had three days and once there, we wished we had a lot more time. Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of Verona. This 17 km (10.6 mile) hike takes 6 to 9 hours and starts in Selva di Val Gardena. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For? The Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops. Most of the time, we use Booking.com to book our accommodations. It is not a coastal city as many people think, the region consists out of five different coastal towns. 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. Milan has many accommodations where you can stay. Plan on spending about 2 to 3 hours in both Varenna and Bellagio. These suggestions for your time in Venice follows our 2 Day in Venice Itinerary, starting with day 2 and then doing day 1. Here youll find many small traditional restaurants, the best place to have a relaxing night after much walking in the city! Mainly because there are so many medieval villages to visit. The last day of this road trip itinerary is traveling back to Milan. This way youll spend your time in the most efficient way possible. Both options can be done with public transportation and by car. 10 Day Custom Tour. Pick up the car on the morning of day 3, when you leave Venice, and then drop the car in Verona. Four nights in Milan with a day trip to the Lakes OR two nights in Milan and two nights at Lake Como. 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. Arrive on an empty stomach! So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. It is fantastic to spend a half-day or full-day in this area. You can find them on our recommendations page, or scroll down and read the plan your trip part in this article. Budget Hotel, double room with two people: $50 $150, Mid-Range Hotel, double room with two people: $150 $300, Luxury Hotel, double room with two people: $300+. Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. It costs 7.50 for a one-way ticket (good for 75 minutes) or 21 for a 24-hour ticket. Once you have checked into your hotel, have a quick lunch and then make your way to the Rialto Bridge. But this is more expensive, since you are paying for 2 days of a rental car plus parking fees. Also, we recommend leaving from another city. However, during this trip, you dont have that much time to explore the most significant hiking trails. Hit the 5 major areas on everyones northern Italy bucket list. For DaVincis Last Supper you must book a time slot in advance. Northern Italy is a diverse landscape: mountains, sea, lakes, floating cities, metropolitan centers, food-rich countrysides. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Also, we will recommend places to stay in each recommended city where you will stay overnight during this road trip. With more time, you can add extra days to Venice, the Dolomites, or Lake Como. The Tuscany of northern Italy? From the views, to the quiet harbor, to the unreal swimming spots like Lord Byrons Grotto and the untouched beaches of Palmeria Island, its a lovers paradise and exudes Italian charm. Bergamo 2 Nights. Restaurant Rifugio Ospitale is located outside of town but is also very highly rated. Hopefully all these options make clearer what is at the top of your northern Italy bucket list! 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 center is closed for cars, so you need to walk here, which is easy. Your last stop on this itinerary is tapping into a bit of central Italy territory, but it is a must stop for foodies. 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. Hit the 5 major areas on everyone's northern Italy bucket list. It is on the road youll take the next day, and also it is easy to explore the best highlights of the lake with the taxi boat that leaves from this village. The bus from or to the airport can take up to 1 hour though. Lots of time and effort goes on behind the scenes to keep the free resources coming, so, if you have found my website or personal help useful and want to support me. In the next part, youll find step by step itineraries where we explain the best stops, famous landmarks, and best places to stay. 7 Days in Northern Italy Itinerary: Pastels, Prosciutto & Parmigiana Verona is a great city to spend your day. Lake Garda is known for its beautiful historic villages and also beautiful landscapes. LAKE GARDA: Plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Lake Garda. Thats why we selected the recourses we use all the time while booking our trips. 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. It is still busy, but starting from 10 a.m., it is getting swamped. There are several options to spend five days in the Northern part of Italy. For more information on how to do this, click here. Use this link or the banner below to get a quote. Also, we cover several itineraries for 5 and 14 days. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, but its small, cascading hillside towns make the atmosphere intimate. Alternative: skip Veneto and head to Liguria to enjoy the glamorous Portofino. Lake Como and Bellagio are two more beautiful places in Italy that are great day trip destinations. Relais Balcone di Giulietta is another highly rated hotel located next to Juliets balcony. The weather around the lakes and in the mountains can vary heavily day to day. 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 is a must stop also for mountain lovers: the peaks soaring above the lake are breathtaking. 6 Northern Italy Road Trip itinerary: Nature edition (6-14 days) 6.1 The Dolomites - 6 days. We will get into the details of this in a little bit. Public transport in Florence is perfect, so the next day you dont have any problems reaching the city center. 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. You cant take a romantic trip to Italy without enjoying the swoon-worthy, picturesque atmosphere of Venice. The highlights in Milan are:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_17',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is easy to walk around the city center of Milan. One week in Northern Italy Travel Itinerary: Your 7 Day Guide Verona is worldwide known as the city of love. Lake Garda is even the biggest lake in Europe, and Lake Maggiore and Lake Como are set in some beautiful environments. North Italy itinerary for 14 days. See itinerary. 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