Northern Italy: Itinerary with must-see cities and towns!
Italy is a dreamy destination in Europe, and it has so much to offer whether you're visiting for a week or two months. Part of Italy's appeal is undoubtedly connected with the strong cultural and culinary heritage that comes from its centuries-long history.
There are many world-class monuments and landmarks, including the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Florence Cathedral(Duomo). There are also art masterpieces, a one-of-a-kind gastronomic culture, picturesque streets and towns, and great entertainment.
The country is so attractive that travelers often come back a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time to see and experience a little more.
There's so much to explore in Italy that we always recommend splitting your trips by main areas (Northern, Central, and Southern Italy). Each region has a lot to offer: its culture, food, and traditions, but Northern Italy might be the best!
Northern Italy has the perfect combination of ingredients: natural beauty, cultural blend, and unique destinations that can make a trip to the region a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Milan, Lake Como, the Dolomite mountains, Venice, Lake Garda, and the plentiful towns overlooking the Adriatic Sea are some of the most visited destinations in the area.
I've written this itinerary to share the best places to visit in Northern Italy and why we found the area so appealing. It includes the best cities, the quaintest towns, and the can't-miss things to do!
When planning your Northern Italy itinerary, we recommend spending 7 to 10 days in the area so you have enough time to explore and relax.
Day 1: Milan: Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, vintage shopping, Milano Navigli
Milan will forever be my favorite of all the Italian cities we have visited, even after 5+ trips and countless hours of exploration!
The city has the perfect mix of historical, artistic, and contemporary attractions. Popular restaurants blend perfectly classic Italian flavors with international cuisines; every store is a design heaven for fashion enthusiasts, and every street has something interesting to see.
Stop 1: Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are the two places on almost everyone's Northern Italy itinerary. You could spend a whole day exploring both.
Still, since we are visitors and not locals (at least for now), I recommend you spend your first morning there and leave the rest of your day (afternoon and evening ) to explore all other equally impressive neighborhoods.
The Duomo di Milano is a majestic building in the Piazza di Duomo, which connects the Cathedral with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The Cathedral boasts beautiful stained glass windows, state-of-the-art chapels, paintings, and highly detailed sculptures.
Besides the building's famous Gothic facade and architecture, the rooftop is a can't-miss highlight of the Duomo. Due to its popularity, if you are visiting Milan for a short time, we recommend you get your tickets in advance and consider some of the skip-the-line options available. The lines can get VERY long!
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the world's oldest shopping center. Its intricate design details, mosaic floors, and luxury stores have made this space one of Milan's cultural, tourist, and social epicenters.
Stop 2: Vintage Shopping, Gallery Hopping, Biking
There are many places to visit and things to do in Milan in one day; after all, the city is one of the most cosmopolitan in Italy. You could easily spend the whole afternoon going from gallery to museum to gallery.
Some of our favorite art institutions are:
The Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) houses Raphael, Caravaggio, and Tintoretto pieces.
The Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie showcases "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci.
A big part of what makes Milan Milan is the local lifestyle and culture. There's no better way to experience those than by exploring popular neighborhoods or biking through the different areas while cafe and market hopping or vintage shopping.
A few great neighborhoods to explore on your own are:
Brera
Brera is a very famous neighborhood in Milan. It's centrally located, and it has always been very well-known. Years ago, Brera was prominent for its bohemian and artistic influences. But the neighborhood underwent a period of transformation, and it's now known as one of the wealthiest parts of Milan.
There are plenty of things to do in and around Brera. We recommend going on a long walk in the streets leading to The Orto Botanico di Brera (Brera Botanical Garden) while admiring the old-world architecture.
Isola
Isola is about 30 minutes by foot from Brera and close to Milano Centrale (Milan central train station). It is one of the city's most incredible and creative areas.
The neighborhood has thrift shops, natural food stores, coffee shops, and mom-and-pop trattorias. Travelers can visit places like Deus Ex Machina (a great coffee shop and space to do some remote work), Fabrica del Vapore, and the weekend flea market.
Porta Venezia
Porta Venezia offers the perfect blend of old and new Milan. On the one hand, you can find the iconic Milanese architecture with its Italian art nouveau houses and palazzos, and on the other, a diverse culinary and nightlife scene that genuinely embodies the diversity of people who reside in the area nowadays.
Porta Romana
Porta Romana is another favorite area of the Milanese. The neighborhood has incredible local vibes, fashion, good food, and creativity.
Our favorite place to hang out in the area is Un Posto a Milano, a farmhouse/restaurant/ coffee shop where you will truly feel like a Milanese. Perfect to grab a bite after a bike ride! An afternoon pasta-making class in Milan is another excellent idea. Some classes that we recommend are:
Stop 3: Dinner and Drinks in Milano Navigli
Milano Navigli is one of the IT neighborhoods in Milan and our favorite area in the city. Navigli is very well known among the locals for having some of the best restaurants, bars, music venues, and entertainment in the whole city!
It's the perfect neighborhood to explore late in the evening!
Sit canal-side to drink a Hugo or Spritz before dinner. Grab dinner at one of the famous trattorias or go on a food tour before experiencing Navigli's nightlife, an essential part of the Milanese experience!
Tip: When traveling among different areas in a larger region of any given country, it's always a good idea to carefully plan your time in each destination and between destinations. Avoid overbooking your itinerary with different activities and leaving no room to relax.
Day 2: Lake Como: Bellagio, Sunset Cruise and Tratorrias
Start your 2nd morning in Northern Italy by heading to Lake Como.
If you drive from Milan to Lake Como, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Once you arrive at the lake shores, the winding roads will bring you through several lake towns well–known for their fancy Italian villages overlooking the sapphire-blue waters of the lake.
Any of these towns make the perfect home destination to explore the area in the next two days!
Public Transportation Tip: Trains from Milan to Lake Como usually depart from Milano Centrale, Milan's central train station, and they will arrive at several train stations in the Lake Como area: Como S. Giovanni, Lecco, Varenna.
From there, you can take a local bus or ferry to your home base town. Your specific route determines the journey, which takes 2 to 3 hours.
Stop 1: Bellagio is our favorite town in Lake Como! Spend the afternoon of your first day strolling the small winding roads and exploring the town.
Bellagio has everything to offer: family-run trattorias, boutique hotels, grand villas, and beautiful shops.
Enjoy a few hours of leisure, stopping lakeside for an espresso before heading to one of the classic wooden boats for a sunset sailing tour. A highlight of any Lake Como trip!
Most classic wooden boat rentals come with a captain, but if you prefer to be the captain, you can rent one of the small motor boats for a more private boat ride.
Stop 2: Dinner at a local trattoria
After the cruise, we recommend relaxing and eating delicious Italian food at a local trattoria!
Lake Como is known for its many food options. Some of the most popular dishes are fish and polenta. Our favorite trattorias in the area are: La Baia, Trattoria San Giacomo, Polentoteca Chalet Gabriele.
Day 3: Villas, Swim, and Varenna
Stop 1: Explore an Italian Villa
If you choose Bellagio as your home base, spend your second morning walking around the manicured gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril before heading to one of the nearby beaches. Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio or Spiaggia di Pomodori are two great options!
Other beautiful villas in nearby towns worth visiting are Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, and Villa del Balbianello in Lenno.
Stop 2: Go for a swim
If your hotel is not near a villa, go for a morning swim on a nearby beach before heading to Varenna to visit Villa Monastero.
Villa Monastero is one of the most visited villas in Lake Como. In its heyday, Villa Monastero served as a monastery and, later, a patrician residence. While in the villa you can visit the beautiful garden and the museum.
Stop 3: Explore Varenna
Varenna is known for its fishing traditions and its beautiful Italian Villas. There are plenty of things to do in the town!
Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi are always worth visiting. Sit in one of the cafes in Riva Grande and spend your last hours in Como strolling along the cobblestone streets that lead to Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of lovers) while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Other fun things to do in Lake Como include walking around the historic Como town center and riding the funicular to Brunate.
Day 4: Road Trip Lake Como to Dolomites
Next, we are heading to the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. The Italian Alps' peace and majesty will appeal to even the most seasonable travelers!
It could take anywhere between five and a half to seven hours to go from Como to the Dolomites. Three main roads will take you there. Two of them go more towards the south, while one runs more around the mountains in the north.
Although the northern route adds an hour to the fastest route, the views and the Swiss towns along the way would add to the experience of one memorable road trip.
Recommended stops for drivers:
Iseo
Trento
Bolzano
Note: Travelers planning to take the train will likely have to bo back to Milan Central Station and, from there, head to Bolzano (there is a train connection in Verona).
For train travelers, I'd recommend leaving Como early for Milan, taking the train towards Bolzano, spending the night and early morning in Verona, and then continuing towards the Dolomites.
The final stop could be Trenton or Bolzano; both towns are in the Dolomites area. It all depends on where you choose to stay.
Recommended stops for train riders:
Verona: The famous setting of the beloved story of Romeo and Juliet
Trenton: A non-touristy, laid-back local town
Desenzano del Garda, Lake Garda: Similar to Lake Como, but less fancy and not as pricey.
Alternatively, you can book a bus tour from Milan to your base town in the Dolomites. Once in the Dolomites, public transportation is very accessible, and the locals use buses extensively.
Day 5: Dolomites: Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Ortisei
There are many small towns and villages to choose from when traveling to the Dolomites Mountain Range. A lot depends on what you plan to do while in the area: relaxing, hiking, exploring local villages… the options are endless!
Whether you stay in a larger town or a smaller village, there are a few things you shouldn't miss while in the area.
Stop 1: Val Gardena
al Gardena is an incredible valley in one of the most popular regions of the Dolomites. It has astonishing hiking trails and quintessential, breathtaking alpine scenery.
Spend your first morning hiking or biking through Val Gardena or nearby trails. Stop by some smaller churches and take in the beautiful mountain landscape.
Two of our favorite mountain churches were San Giacomo Church and St. Valentin Church (this one is closer to Castelrotto).
To get to either church, follow the hiking trails and signs, as there's no parking near either church. Dolomite locals are very proud and protective of their rich heritage and culture. Always follow and respect local signs and guidelines when in the area.
We recommend the tours below for travelers who prefer to explore the area while being guided by a local and participating in fun activities in the valley.
Dolomites Bike Tour: Passo Pordoi-Sella-Gardena-Campolongo
An Incredible biking tour of the Dolomites! Some highlights include passing by the Sella pass, climbing the Pordoi, stopping by Gardena, and heading towards Campolongo.
In this tour, a local guide will take trekkers through valleys, mountain huts, and Alpine lakes. You can book a day tour or a multi-day trekking experience.
Choose one of the tours to climb via Ferrata, one of the most incredible parts of the Dolomites.
This helicopter tour takes you through Cortina, Val Gardena, and past the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, to mention a few highlights.
Stop 2: Alpe di Siusi and Castelrotto
Next, we head towards CasAlpe di Siusi or Castelrotto for horseback riding, paragliding, or skiing. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest Alpine meadow in Europe and a can't-miss destination while in the Dolomites. You can drive or take the cable car from Siusi Seis to get there.
Once you are ready for dinner, you can either stay in Alpe di Siusi and enjoy some of the traditional Alpine cuisine many mountain huts and restaurants offer or head towards Ortisei.
Stop 3: Dinner at Ortisei
There are plenty of great restaurants in Ortisei serving delicious local dishes. Most of them focus on meat and local pasta dishes.
Anna Stuben is a Michelin-star restaurant; Turonda is known for its great pizza; and Tubladel is a rustic Alpine restaurant serving delicious steak, ribs, and yummy desserts.
Day 6: Dolomites: Lago di Braies, Castelrotto, Val di Funes
Stop 1: Lago di Braies
There are many beautiful lakes and natural escapes in the Dolomites, but the Lago di Braies will be one of the highlights of your trip. The lake is located in the Prags Dolomites and is widely known for its mirror-like blue waters, lush surroundings, and majestic mountains.
The lake is not as big as you might think, but the experience of being there peacefully surrounded by the beautiful colors and sounds of nature is quite surreal.
During the warmer months, visitors to Lago di Braies often book a rowboat onsite to paddle around the lake and experience the scenery from different viewpoints. In the winter, they go ice skating on the frozen surface.
Alternatively, you can pre-book other excellent tours and activities in the lake area. Some of our favorites include paragliding, fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
Stop 2: Drive around and Stop by a Castle
After taking in all the beauty of Lake Braies, we recommend driving around the different areas of the Dolomites. A few activities that are ideal to do while driving are:
Village/Town hopping (Cortina D'Ampezzo, Ortisei, Chiusa, and Castelrotto are some must-see small towns.)
Visiting some mountain huts, castles, and vineyards. We visited Prösels Castle and Trostburg Castle, and we loved them!
Exploring Val di Funes and Stopping at the Church of St Johann
Watching the sunset at Santa Maddalena Valley
Stop 3: Dinner at Home
For your last dinner in the Dolomites, you can eat at a local restaurant in a nearby village or get some provisions at the local store and cook at home.
For our last night in the Dolomites, we chose the latter to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains at night.
Drinking local wine and eating handmade pasta with fresh cheese and vegetables purchased from a local farm feels right in the Dolomites.
Day 7: Bolzano and Venice
Stop 1: Bolzano's Old Town
Bolzano is my favorite city near the Dolomites. This larger settlement is the capital of the South Tyrol Region and harmoniously blends the region's Italian and Austrian culture and history. It's the perfect last stop in your Dolomites itinerary!
Explore Bolzano's historic Old Town Center and wander through the medieval cobblestone streets while admiring the old architecture.
Stop by Walther Square and the Bolzano Cathedral to learn more about the town's history and the region. Then, head to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see the oldest prehistoric mummy recovered.
Stop 2: Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology houses important archaeological and historical exhibitions. It is world-renowned for being the home of the Ötzi, the oldest Iceman mummy ever found intact.
As part of the exhibition, the museum does a great job at recreating the conditions that the Otzi lived in during prehistoric times, and it takes visitors through a proper historical and cultural journey!
If you love history and mummies as much as we do, the museum doesn't disappoint!
Once you finish exploring the museum, it's time to grab some lunch before heading towards Venice.
Stop 3: Lunch in Piazza delle Erbe
To finish exploring Bolzano, we'll head to its most popular square, Piazza delle Erbe. Renaissance buildings, cafes, restaurants, and views of the nearby mountains surround this bustling square.
The Piazza is known for its beautiful Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) and the Fruit Market, a daily local market selling fruit, vegetables, and more. The market has been held in the same area for many years.
Grab a quick bite and sip a local Hugo while watching the locals come and go on their bikes. The cocktail was created in Bolzano, so you can't miss it!
Note: Both train and car rides from Bolzano to Venice take 3 to 4 hours.
Day 8: Venetian Landmarks and Canals
Venice is one of my top three favorite cities in Europe! Although the city can be extremely touristy, Venice's appeal is second to none if you find the local spots and neighborhoods that the locals love the most!
Of course, there are also famous landmarks worth visiting. Spend your first morning visiting most of the well-known spots, and then, for the rest of the trip, try to explore Venice like a Venetian.
Stop 1: St. Mark's Square, Basilica, Crypts and Terraces
St. Mark's Basilica, or Basilica di San Marco, is one of Venice's most impressive landmarks and one of the most visited places in the city. The Basilica has a long history, beginning with its construction in the 9th century. It houses relics and historical masterpieces, and the architecture is a work of art.
But as with most popular attractions, visiting the Basilica inside can take a long time as the lines are incredibly long. No matter when you go, there's always a crowd.
Even when you line up in the Basilica way ahead of its opening time, general admission tickets can have extremely long wait times.
For travelers planning to visit the Basilica, we recommend booking a skip-line ticket or an evening tour. Some guided tours we encourage you to check out are:
Once you are inside the Basilica, there are a few places we recommend you stop by:
Tomb of Saint Mark
Terrace
The Treasury
Pala d'Oro
If you prefer to explore less touristy destinations, you can admire the Basilica from St Mark's Square before heading towards two more under-the-radar destinations:
The Crypt of San Zaccaria: The crypt is under the Church of San Zaccaria and is one of the city's hidden gems. The crypt was the resting place of Venice's noblemen and aristocratic families.
Both the crypt and the church are adorned with beautiful medieval and Renaissance paintings, frescoes, and sculptures reflecting passages related to St. Zacharias's life.
The crypt is genuinely unique because it is partially submerged underwater! It's hard to describe how cool it is to stand down there!
The Campanile of Saint George Maggiore is in the Giorgio Maggiore Church, which is part of the San Giorgio Maggiore complex, which is located on the San Giorgio Maggiore island.
To reach the top, visitors have to pay an extra fee and climb a spiral staircase to reach the terrace. From there, they can enjoy panoramic views of Venice and its most important landmarks, such as St. Mark's Square, the Grand Canal, the Castello, etc.
We visited the bell on a cloudy day, but locals said that on a clear day, you can spot some of the Dolomite Mountains peaks, the Venetian lagoon, and the Lido on the horizon.
Stop 2: Canal Boat Tour
There's nothing more quintessentially Venice than a tour of the city in a gondola. Being a Gondolier is considered an art, and renting a private gondola can be pretty pricey (around 120 euros per person). Of course, it's also the experience of a lifetime!
If you have been dreaming about exploring Venice in a private gondola, these are some tours we recommend:
We chose to ride a Traghetto several times. A Traghetto is something similar to a public transportation gondola. Everyone pays 2 euros, and they take people from point A to point B.
We rented a small motor boat for our private tour of the canals and drove ourselves around some smaller canals like the Venetians do. Fake it until you make it, right?
Stop 3: Dinner and a Drink
Venice has many great restaurants, but if you want an authentic experience, visit more local and smaller restaurants. We found our favorite restaurant in Venice while walking around Dorsoduro. It is a true local gem and very popular among the locals. We were in Venice for three nights and tried to eat there each night. It was always packed!
We went during a rainstorm on our third night, and no tables were available inside. The only tables available were outside, so we ate under one of the establishment's umbrellas while people walked up and down the street under the drizzle.
The lasagna, the tiramisu, and the ravioli were delicious!
After dinner, head to Vino Vero, a local bar serving natural wines next to one of the Venice canals.
Day 9: Venice's Neighborhoods and Trieste Road Trip
On your second full day in Venice, exploring some of the city's neighborhoods while cafe hopping is always a good idea!
Stop 1: Castello
Castello is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Venice. You'll find local boutique shops, eateries and bars, picturesque squares, and much more here. Via Garibaldi is one of the most visited streets in Castello, and it is known for its busy market and local Venetian atmosphere.
Stop 2: Cannaregio
Cannaregio is as locally Venetian as it gets. The area is one of the most diverse in the city. The neighborhood is famous for being home to the old Jewish Quarter and its local-loved canals, picturesque squares, and hidden alleyways.
Once you walk through the neighborhood, you'll notice that the atmosphere here is more local than in other areas. Stop by one of the canal-side cafes to sip a 4-euro Spritz Veneziano.
Stop 3: Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is one of the liveliest and most artistic neighborhoods in Venice. The Accademia Gallery, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Santa Maria della Salute church are all located in the neighborhood. Once you've explored all the cultural and bohemian landmarks, head towards one of the local bars to relax and unwind.
Stop 4: Leave for Trieste
Train and car rides from Venice to Trieste take about 2 hours.
Note: If you are driving to and from Venice, it's worth noting that you won't be able to drive into the islands. Instead, you'll have to leave the car in a designated parking area outside the main islands and take a train from there.
Day 10: Trieste - Coastal Gem
Start your last day of this Northern Italy itinerary in Trieste by walking through the city's old town, passing the Canal Grande, and heading towards the seafront promenade.
Stop 1: Trieste Landmarks
Next, visit some of the cultural and historical landmarks.
Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is the main square overlooking the sea.
Miramare Castle is a beautiful seafront castle with perfectly landscaped gardens and luxury-exuding rooms adorned with lavish furnishings and elegant decor.
Cattedrale di San Giusto has an adjacent Castle and garden.
Stop 2: Coffee or Wine Tasting
Trieste's coffee culture and history are among the richest in Italy. Spend the early hours of your afternoon cafe hopping in Piazza Cavana while drinking espressos. Some must visit stops are Caffè degli Specchi and Caffè Tommaseo.
The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is known for the quality of its wines. So, if instead of coffee, you prefer to go on a fun tour or take a cooking class, check out some of the recommendations below:
Stop 3: Sunset Sailing
Another great way to experience Trieste is by going on a sunset cruise. This is an incredibly popular and fun activity in the city! There are many options to book your sailing experience, from big tourist companies to private tours.
Stop 4: Dinner in the Old Town or Borgo Teresiano
Conclude your day in the Borgo Teresiano or the Old Town, two areas known for their bustling nighttime atmosphere, restaurants, osterias, and trattorias. Take a leisurely walk after dinner to soak in the evening atmosphere.
Additional Information For Your Northern Italy Itinerary
Languages
Northern Italy is the most linguistically diverse region in Italy. Although Italian is the country's official language, other languages, such as German or Ladin, are widely spoken in the region. The region's linguistic diversity is influenced by its close ties to Austria and Switzerland and the area's unique cultural and historical identity.
Best Time To Visit Northern Italy
April, May, Sept, and October are considered the best months to visit Northern Italy. There are fewer crowds and competitive hotel prices.
We agree that the fall and the spring are the best times to visit Northern Italy. Yet, there's not a bad season to visit. If you travel in the winter months, the Dolomites areas turn into an actual fairytale land, and cities and towns like Venice and Milan will have more competitive rates and prices in hotels and restaurants.
Hotels
There are many great hotels to stay in Northern Italy.
We stayed at Vico Milano in Milan and in a rental house in Lake Como. Our favorite hotel in Como is Musa Lago di Como . The Dolomites are known for its spa and wellness hotels. Check out My Arbor, Forestis Dolomites, and Santre Dolomythic Home.
In Venice, we love Al Ponte Antico and the Bauer Hotel, which will reopen as the Rosewood Hotel.
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