This Northern Italy road trip itinerary works either way! 6 Northern Italy Road Trip itinerary: Nature edition (6-14 days) 6.1 The Dolomites - 6 days. Read my full disclosure! 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. With more time, you can add extra days to Venice, the Dolomites, or Lake Como. 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. Four nights in Milan with a day trip to the Lakes OR two nights in Milan and two nights at Lake Como. They cover over 150 activities, even some extreme sports and have 24/7 emergency assistance when necessary. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Dynamic pricing from $3,575. 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. Arrive on an empty stomach! We recommend booking a departure from Florence because it saves you a lot of time. Next, take the metro to the Duomo. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you can choose different activities. ), or visit on a guided tour. We have tons of information on the Dolomites, which you can see in our Dolomites Travel Guide. So you can use your time in the most efficint way. Best Time To Visit Italy For a 10 Day Trip. During these months youll have the best weather conditions, less rain and most chance of sunshine. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. But in five days you still can see a lot. 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. We found that insurance can be a tricky thing, but since were using Rentalcover.com for our rental insurance, we stopped worrying. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); It is lovely to spend the night in Verona. Get updated hours and pricing on the official website. Tuscany region is great to spend more time. Your seat on this tour is just a click away! It saves you a day in rental- and parking costs. Parma is a city that will surprise you. Then youll head to Venice, from which you can do a day trip to the Dolomites. 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. To get here, you will park in town and it is a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) downhill walk to the church (or you can take a bus). You can also choose to do this road trip in the other way around. San Gimignanois another great historic medieval village to visit. Milan 2 Nights. Here are the most romantic places in northern Italy: Portovenere is an underrated, hidden gem on the coast of Liguria. Our recommended articles are: Driving from Genoa to Parma is a beautiful road when you skip the tollroads. 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. Santuario Madonna della Corona | Northern Italy Itinerary. But this is more expensive, since you are paying for 2 days of a rental car plus parking fees. Discover more specific destinations for loved-up travelers on the map: Italian food is in a league of its own, but youll soon find out when visiting northern Italy that the traditional dishes are not pasta and pizza. View from the campanile | Northern Italy Itinerary. It is the highest mountain in this mountain range. So we recommend staying at the outside center ring, which makes it easy to park your car. This Northern Italy Itinerary is really made for all of the free-spirited travelers. As you stroll through Venice, go shopping, have a glass of wine or aperitif at a caf, snack on cicchetti, or hire a gondola. No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places there is - Venice. 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. You wont reach the Tuscany region. 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). Milan Lake Como Cinque Terre Venice Dolomites Highlights Renting a car in Italy is the most flexible yet most expensive option for traveling around northern Italy. Day 1 in Milan - hit the highlights. Italy in Spring guide coming soon!). DAY: VENICE BASSANO DEL GRAPPA MALCESINE (Lake Garda) Bassano Del Grappa Lago Di Garda (Lake Garda) - Malcesine Northern Italy Itinerary - 9. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Spend the day either hiking near Cortina dAmpezzo or visiting Lago di Braies. I also recommend asking your hotel for the best way to get to the hotel. And despite Romeo and Juliet is a fictional love story, it is possible to visit Juliets house. Day 4 The Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cinque Terre. If you have less time and want to see a lot, plan out your transportation well and get ready for days jam-packed with things to do and breathtaking places to see! Rentalcover offers the best coverage for a rental car, and it is cheaper than insurance via the rental company. 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. Plan on spending about 2 to 3 hours in both Varenna and Bellagio. You can have lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Lagoon. We always use rentalcars.com for booking a car. Check out our article What is Cinque Terre Famous For? Hotel Garn La SoldanellaandHotel Villa Fosineare both located around 5 kilometers from the parks entrance. Our northern Italy itinerary became: Venice Florence Milan Lake Como Lake Maggiore. However, if you have more then 10 days for your holiday, it is easier to manage. In the morning, check out of your hotel. Italy Tourism Italy Hotels . If you dont want to wait in line, you can join a skip-the-line tour. For more details about this day, refer to day 1 of our 2 Day Venice Itinerary. We also have information about things to do in Sirmione and Riva del Garda. Your email address will not be published. 8 Discover Emilia Romagna - 10 days. 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. ITINERARY. 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. Tuscany is often referred to as the most beautiful countryside in Italy. Curious about more spots to hit? To discover the most elegant and upper-class side of Italy. Optional: On the drive to Verona, you will be very close to the Santuario Madonna della Corona. However, the Dolomites can be cold year-round, especially when you go high into the mountains. Hotel Danieli is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on Riva degli Schiavoni. 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! Tre Cime di Lavaredo | Northern Italy Itinerary, Cadini di Misurina viewpoint | Northern Italy Itinerary. Making your way from the Western Alps, youll cross Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo in the Central Alps. 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. The icon of the city is the Duomo Cathedral. Read about all the best towns on Lake Garda. With more time, or some modifications, you can also add in Lake Garda or more time in the Dolomites. Travel insurance is essential for your belongings and healthcare while traveling. If you like hiking, hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano. You can easily make it everywhere in Florence by walking, but public transportation is available if you need it. Northern Italy is a diverse landscape: mountains, sea, lakes, floating cities, metropolitan centers, food-rich countrysides. From this bridge, you get another iconic view of Venice and the Grand Canal. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Temperatures on average in the Northern part of Italy are favorable. Planning your trip to the Northern part of Italy is exciting but can be overwhelming as well. What cities to include in your Northern Italy Travel Itinerary? 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. ): Piedmont: at least 2 nights (Piedmont is a large region, so depending on how much you want to see, you could easily extend this a couple of nights) Lake Como: at least 1 night Bologna: at least 1 night Florence: at least 2 nights Verona: at least 1 night Lake Garda: at least 1 night (or even a day trip from Verona & you stay in Verona 2 nights) Dolomites: at least 2-3 nights. Here are some suggestions: Next stop is Liguria for fresh seafood, focaccia, and pesto! Or maybe you didnt have time on your first day to see all the highlights of the city. The cheapest option is to rent a car just for the Dolomites portion of this trip. There are many accommodations to find in Venice. Venice 2 Nights. Our website uses cookies. Both these cities will be your home base on this kind of itinerary. Not to worry. I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email. The Tuscany of northern Italy? If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out again! If youre thinking of using regional or city buses, the real challenge is understanding the routes and planning your itinerary around the timetables. Milan has many accommodations where you can stay. 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. Breakdown of your 2 weeks in Northern Italy Milan: 2 days Lake Como: 2 days Lake Garda: 2 days Verona: 1 day Dolomites: 5 days Venice: 2 days You can choose whether you start in Milan and end in Venice, or go in reverse. So we recommend to stay in Milan until lunch, and after lunch drive to Lake Como. You might even drive tothe Queen of the Dolomites Marmolada. Youll drive around 62 miles (100 kilometers) a day, but that gives you enough time to explore the historical and traditional villages and countryside. The parking garage can hold 4500 vehicles. But sometimes you just dont have more time. It just depends on what you feel is more convenient. I love simple focaccia, made with just oil, but the bread is so versatile that youll find many different versions. The view from Marmolada | Northern Italy Itinerary. Regardless, these two sister cities are only 40 minutes apart by car, but exhibit completely different landscapes. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. 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. Approximately 100 kilometers driving a day should be your maximum, so you have enough time to explore the beautiful lakes. So when you want to save some money, dont go to a traditional Gondola, but hop-on a taxi boat. We recommend Ai Do Leoni, which is next to St. Marks Basilica and serves sandwiches and small plates of pasta. Leave a comment! This article does a great job describing the numerous options, which can be overwhelming to choose from. The train system is easy to use and efficient and you can get tickets in advance and with no extra agency charges on the official train site trenitalia.it What to pack for northern Italy Northern Italy has varied weather depending on the season and location. The best time to visit the Northern part of Italy is between the months of May and September. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. And Hotel Torcolo Residenze del Cuore is a centrally located budget hotel that gets very good reviews. We recommend using rentalcover. It is a beautiful drive, especially the final 45-minutes, as you drive along winding roads into the mountains. The Dolomiti Lodge Alvergets exceptional reviews. To enter Venice, youll need to buy a ticket, which gives you also access to the taxi boats. They arent as cheap as buses, but theyre less expensive than renting a car. There are some splendid botanical gardens and excellent hiking trails around the lake. Because theres no traffic, the vibe is even more unique. Bergamo is big in size, but quaint in spirit. I'm Michela, a travel photographer living in northern Italy with a passion for empowering wanderlusting women like you to travel fearlessly and start living their travel dream. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dynamic pricing from $2,859. Just be aware that they charge a 5 booking fee to use their website. Also, we cover several itineraries for 5 and 14 days. DAY 5: Beautiful city of Verona DAY 6: Majestic Lake Garda DAY 7: Emilia Romagna, foodie's paradise DAY 8: Parma, gastronomy day DAY 9: Maranello (Ferrari and fun cooking) DAY 10: Gastronomic capital Bologna DAY 11: Ravenna and its UNESCO world heritage sites WorldNomadsinsurance is what we feel is the most comprehensive and reliable travel insurance you can buy. This medieval town is great for a day visit. Day 4-6 Emilia Romagna. Drop your luggage off at your hotel and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Venice. Its a little more of a hassle on this day but it does save money. Our road trip itineraries cover the different highlights in this part of the country. Vicenza. 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. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the canals of Venice. Pizzoccheri are a mix of short buckwheat tagliatelle pasta, potatoes, cheese, and greens. For the best experience, we recommend arriving in Bellagio or Varenna by 10:30 am, to give yourself enough time to visit the area. This way you can reach the historic city of Venice early morning and spend a few moments when it is not too busy. I've also offered options to add on other locations if you're travelling for longer too or adding Italy to part of a longer Europe itinerary . Built-in 30 AD and today still used as a concert venue. As a resident of northern Italy, I can share with certainty that the best time to visit is either June or September. Many great artists and philosophers lived in Florence during the middle ages. Lines can be long to enter it, but it is worth it, both to see the golden interior and to stand on the terrace for a view across St. Marks Square. They'are also a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers from all over the world. Our first recommendation is that you start in Milan. From the Dolomites, visit lovely Verona, Milan, and spend a day at Lake Como. You can either day trip from Milan, just visiting Lake Como for the day, spending another night in Milan. From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. Whats more exciting than an Italy road trip? Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library! DOLOMITES: For links to all of our articles about the Dolomites, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. 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. When you have more time for a road trip, we recommend using it. You can find them on our recommendations page, or scroll down and read the plan your trip part in this article. To save money, stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, put together picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner. If you are having trouble narrowing down which places are the top to visit for you or youre starting from scratch seeking inspiration, youll find the perfect northern Italy itinerary for you in this post, along with tips for visiting this part of the country. Hiking in the Dolomites | Northern Italy Itinerary. Franciacorta is a territory between Bergamo and Brescia that produces sparkling wine or spumante, mostly Prosecco, Italys version of Champagne. Cinque Terre is known for its beautiful coastline, colorful houses that are built into the cliffs, stunning nature and excellent hiking trails. 5 Northern Italy Itineraries You Should Steal The Bucket List Northern Italy Itinerary If you're someone who's embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, this itinerary is for you. In the Dolomites, it is free to go hiking, but there can be parking fees and fees to ride the cable cars. 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+. Portugal is not only a beautiful country but is also shockingly reasonable to live in. There are two ways to visit Lake Como today. It is one of our favorite cities in Italy! Both beginning in the vibrant city of Milan, you cannot go wrong with either itinerary and you're sure to fall in love with this incredible area of the country. You can also book a guided tour through the city, where youll explore the best highlights of Florence. The big question when planning a trip is always: how long you should spend in northern Italy? Mosaics on St. Marks Basilica | Northern Italy Itinerary, On the terrace of St. Marks Basilica | Northern Italy Itinerary. It is possible to get around by bus, but buses have limited schedules and do not always run on time. The lake is the largest in the southern part of Switzerland. Theres a constant wind blowing from the mountains which makes both lakes favorable for a fun sports day on the water. ITALY YOUTUBE CLIPS. Drive over the Sella Pass and check into your hotel in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei. Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. Things To Do In Milan. Learn more here. Alternative: skip Veneto and head to Liguria to enjoy the glamorous Portofino. Dont forget to book your sightseeing tickets for Florence in advance. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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.