Planning for a visit may be difficult, particularly when there may be restricted time and so many lovely cities to select from. To allow you to, now we have designed 5 excellent Italian itineraries, so brace your self for an enriching expertise by way of the cultural wonderland that’s Northern Italy. Each itinerary for Northern Italy unveils the secrets and techniques of this fascinating area, the place each twist and switch of the street guarantees enjoyable, meals and tradition.
From the romantic canals of Venice to the greatest issues to do in Florence, and the colourful power of Milan, these 10-day Italian journeys promise an unforgettable expertise for the curious traveler. So, pack your wanderlust, seize a map, and let these be your information as we unlock the treasures of this outstanding vacation spot.
The Best Itinerary for a 10-Day Road Trip Through Northern Italy
FIVE NORTHERN ITALY ITINERARIES
Itinerary 1: Milan to Bologna
Day 1: Milan
Day 2: Milan
Day 3: Milan
Day 4: Lake Como
Day 5: Lake Como
Day 6: Verona
Day 7: Venice
Day 8: Venice
Day 9: Bologna
Day 10: Bologna
Itinerary 2: Milan to Verona
Day 1: Milan
Day 2: Milan
Day 3: Lake Como
Day 4: Lake Como
Day 5: Dolomites
Day 6: Dolomites
Day 7: Venice
Day 8: Venice
Day 9: Verona
Day 10: Verona
Itinerary 3: Venice to Genoa
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Bologna
Day 4: Bologna
Day 5: Modena
Day 6: Parma
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Day 8: Cinque Terre
Day 9: Genoa
Day 10: Genoa
Itinerary 4: Florence to Milan
Day 1: Florence
Day 2: Florence
Day 3: Florence
Day 4: Pisa
Day 5: Cinque Terre
Day 6: Cinque Terre
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Day 8: Portofino
Day 9: Milan
Day 10: Milan
Itinerary 5: Florence to Bologna
Day 1: Florence
Day 2: Florence
Day 3: Florence
Day 4: Siena
Day 5: Siena
Day 6: San Gimignano
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Day 8: Cinque Terre
Day 9: Bologna
Day 10: Bologna
If you’re nervous about driving or taking trains by way of northern Italy, take into account taking one in all these high rated excursions:
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MORE ABOUT EACH NORTHERN ITALIAN CITY
Milan
Italy’s style and monetary capital affords a fascinating mix of historical past and modernity. It can also be the proper place to place in your itinerary for a Northern Italy street journey. Some of town’s highlights embody the enduring Duomo di Milano, an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, and the lavish Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, identified for its high-end buying and high-quality eating.
For one thing on the creative facet, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper,” is unquestionably value testing on the UNESCO Heritage website Santa Maria delle Grazie. A grand medieval fortress, the Sforza Castle, homes a number of museums and artwork collections. Don’t miss the colourful Brera district, identified for its bohemian environment and artwork galleries.
As for town’s Italian meals delights, the risotto alla Milanese (Milan’s signature rice dish) and panettone (a conventional Christmas dessert) is one thing you shouldn’t miss out on.
Top Milan City Tour: Milan: Segway Tour
Lake Como
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Italian Alps, Lake Como is a superb addition to any Northern Italy itinerary. Cruise alongside the picturesque lake, marveling on the opulent villas dotting its shores, together with the well-known Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta with their gorgeous gardens.
Of course, the lake’s bounties make for savory native cuisines, with dishes like missoltino (dried and salted agoni, a small fish discovered within the lake) and lavarello (whitefish), complemented by the area’s beautiful wines.
For magnificent views, discover the close by charming city of Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” with its slim streets and stylish boutiques. Another metropolis value testing within the space is Brunate (often called the balcony of the Prealps,) the place you’ll be able to take a cable automotive and revel in panoramic vistas of Como from above.
Top Lake Como Tour: Lake Como: Electric Bike Tour
Verona
Ah, Verona. The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet exudes romance and historical past. Begin on the Verona Arena, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater internet hosting spectacular opera performances. If you’re a fan of the enduring star-crossed lovers, take a look at Juliet’s House, the place the well-known balcony scene unfolded, and depart a love be aware on the wall.
Let your ft take you thru Piazza delle Erbe, town’s energetic market sq., stuffed with colourful stalls and historic buildings. Nearby, you’ll be able to go to the beautiful Romanesque Verona Cathedral and the gorgeous Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore. And in terms of Veronese delicacies, some must-try dishes embody bollito con pearà (boiled meat with a spicy bread sauce) and torta Russa (an area dessert).
Top Verona Tour: Verona: History and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
Venice
The “Floating City” is a singular vacation spot famend for its intricate canals, lovely bridges, and fascinating structure. The greatest strategy to get round (and discover) town is by hopping on one of many many gondolas or a vaporetto (water bus), which takes you to completely different canals and bridges across the metropolis, together with the S-shaped Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Due to town’s measurement, nevertheless, strolling round Venice can also be an amazing (and cheaper) possibility.
You can begin by exploring the enduring St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), house to St. Mark’s Basilica, Campanile, and Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Next, witness the fascinating magnificence and listen to the intriguing tales in regards to the Bridge of Sighs, simply behind the palace. If you occur to go to in February (round two weeks earlier than Ash Wednesday,) its world-famous Carnival is one thing you wouldn’t need to miss, with its elaborate costumes, masks, and celebrations.
Shopping-wise, Le Mercerie is simply the proper place to be, with streets lined with completely different outlets and stalls that promote souvenirs, clothes, and whatnot. Mercato Rialto is nice if you happen to’re searching for contemporary produce and seafood, particularly if in case you have entry to a kitchen. Don’t miss attempting Venetian specialties like cicchetti (small plates much like Spanish tapas) and sarde in saor (marinated sardines).
Top Venice Tour: Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice
Bologna
When it involves Italian delicacies, Bologna is the proper metropolis to be. Known because the gastronomic capital of Italy, it’s house to pleasant meals experiences, like sampling native delicacies reminiscent of tortellini, mortadella, and ragu alla bolognese. You can discover many of those within the bustling Quadrilatero market, a premier foodie vacation spot.
Of course, it’s not simply the meals that makes town identified worldwide. Its cultural and creative heritage are additionally value testing. You can hang around on the coronary heart of town, Piazza Maggiore, the place you’ll be able to admire the magnificent Basilica of San Petronio. One of town’s well-known landmarks, the Fountain of Neptune, may also be seen within the space. At the close by Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, you’ll be able to climb the historic Two Towers for panoramic views of town’s crimson rooftops (which is the place Bologna bought its different title, Red City.)
Top Bologna Tour: Bologna: City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour
Dolomites
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage website, boast awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling outside adventures. With 18+ peaks reaching 3,000 meters, it affords rewarding alternatives for difficult actions reminiscent of mountain climbing, mountain biking, and mountaineering. Additionally, simpler hikes to Piz Boè, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Seceda Ridge are accessible for all.
Explore the enchanting cities of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Livinallongo del Col di Lana, famend for his or her ski resorts and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Don’t miss the pleasant valleys of Val Gardena and Alta Badia, celebrated for his or her wooden carving traditions and delectable South Tyrolean delicacies, that includes turtres (fried spinach pastries) and gröstl (a meat and potato dish). Experience the distinctive flavors and genuine roots of the Dolomites, the place polenta harmoniously combines with native components like venison and cheese.
Top Dolomites Tour: From Bolzano: The Heart of the Dolomites Private Tour by Car
Modena
A captivating metropolis within the Emilia-Romagna area, Modena is understood for its wealthy culinary heritage and architectural gems. It boasts a UNESCO World Heritage website, which incorporates the magnificent Modena Cathedral, Torre Ghirlandia (the bell tower), and Piazza Grande.
To the west of the plaza is Palazzo dei Musei, a palace divided into completely different galleries, museums, and libraries. At Piazza Roma, the gorgeous Palazzo Ducale can also be value exploring. And being the ‘Supercar Capital’ of the world, you’ll additionally discover automotive museums devoted to a few of the large names within the trade, just like the Enzo Ferrari Museum and Museo Lamborghini.
For some buying remedy, check out the historic Mercato Albinelli. Don’t miss a few of Modena’s gastronomic delights, together with conventional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and delectable native pasta dishes like tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù.
Top Modena Tour: Modena: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P. Lunch
Parma
Parma is a picturesque metropolis celebrated for its historic treasures and culinary delights. The gorgeous Parma Cathedral, adorned with beautiful frescoes, is a superb place to begin your journey. Visit the Palazzo della Pilotta, housing the National Gallery and the Farnese Theatre. Don’t miss the prospect to style Parma’s well-known prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, considered a few of the best on the earth. Immerse your self within the metropolis’s wealthy musical heritage and catch a efficiency on the annual Verdi Festival.
Top Parma Tour: Parma: Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Tour
Cinque Terre
When it involves a 10-day Italy itinerary, the breathtaking great thing about Cinque Terre will certainly ship. This place is a fascinating assortment of 5 vibrant coastal villages on the Italian Riviera. Start in Monterosso, the biggest village, with its fascinating seashores and historic heart. Traverse scenic trails that join the villages, revealing gorgeous cliffside views and the glowing Ligurian Sea.
Climb the Lardarina to succeed in the tranquil hillside village of Corniglia, providing panoramic coastal vistas. Admire the gravity-defying, brightly-colored homes in Riomaggiore, and expertise romance on the La through dell’Amore pathway linking Riomaggiore and Manarola. Don’t miss Vernazza’s picturesque harbor and chateau ruins or Manarola’s charming environment that appears to move you again in time. Indulge in native seafood delights and savor the famend Sciacchetrà wine.
Top Cinque Terre Tour: From Levanto: E-bike Through the Cinque Terre to Vernazza
Genoa
Genoa, a fascinating coastal metropolis, showcases its wealthy architectural and maritime historical past by way of iconic landmarks like Palazzo Ducale, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, and Palazzo San Giorgio. The coronary heart of town is adorned by Le Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Sixteenth and Seventeenth-century streets and palaces.
Discover Porto Antico, boasting the famend Aquarium of Genoa and the Genoa Maritime Museum. Ascend Montegalletto Hill to discover Castello d’Albertis, a historic residence internet hosting the Museum of World Cultures, housing Captain D’Albertis’ various assortment from his world expeditions.
For Genoa/Ligurian gastronomic delights, the Mercato Orientale Genova (or MOG) is a superb place for native flavors like pesto alla genovese (basic basil pesto) and farinata (Genoa chickpea tart.)
Top Genoa Tour: Genova: Segway Tour
Florence
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a hub of artwork, tradition, and structure. There are many issues to do in Florence, however the must-visit spots embody Piazza del Duomo, Florence Cathedral (or Duomo, which you may also climb!), Giotto’s Campanile, and the Florence Baptistry with its well-known ‘Gates of Paradise’ by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Nearby, Mercato Centrale affords two flooring of Tuscan culinary delights like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, and gelato.
Don’t miss the Accademia Gallery for Michelangelo’s David or the Uffizi Gallery for works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Stroll throughout the Ponte Vecchio, discover the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and be captivated by the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella’s facade and frescoes.
Top Florence Tour: Florence: Pizza and Gelato Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse
Pisa
Pisa is known worldwide for its iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, however there may be rather more to find on this historic metropolis. Begin on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square/Field of Miracles), the place the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistry stand in concord.
Visit the Camposanto Monumentale, a shocking cemetery with beautiful frescoes. Explore the picturesque streets of the historic heart, discovering charming squares and medieval structure. Don’t miss attempting native dishes like cecina (chickpea flatbread) and Pisan-style fish dishes whereas having fun with town’s relaxed environment.
Top Pisa Tour: Pisa: 2-Hour Walking Tour
Portofino
Portofino is a small however luxurious and picturesque fishing village nestled on the Italian Riviera. Start your journey by exploring the well-known colourful harbor, lined with charming pastel-colored buildings going through the ocean. If you need to see one thing distinctive, head to the Portofino Marine Reserve and dive in to see the underwater statue, Christ of the Abyss.
Visit the Sixteenth-century Castello Brown for panoramic vistas of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Check out the close by Portofino Natural Park, with its lush vegetation and mountain climbing trails. Indulge in contemporary seafood dishes at one of many waterfront eating places, and savor the native specialty, focaccia alla Genovese.
Top Portofino Tour: Easy Kayak Tour to Portofino with Optional Snorkeling
Siena
Siena is a medieval gem identified for its historic structure and the world-famous Palio horse race. The coronary heart of town is the Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped piazza housing the Palazzo Pubblico with Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s well-known frescoes and the 400-step Torre del Mangia, providing panoramic views. It can also be within the piazza the place the Palio horse race is being held.
At Piazza Salimbeni, you’ll discover the Palazzo Salimbeni, which homes the oldest financial institution on the earth, the Fifteenth-century Monte dei Paschi di Siena. For artwork and historical past buffs, the hospital-turned-museum Santa Maria della Scala at Piazza del Duomo will amaze you with its assortment of artworks and artifacts courting from the Etruscan and Roman ages. Plus, don’t neglect to go to the magnificent Siena Cathedral (or Duomo), identified for its gorgeous façade and complicated inside.
Enjoy conventional Tuscan delicacies, together with ribollita and pici pasta, in one of many many eating places and family-owned osterias within the metropolis. For one thing distinctive, you’ll be able to take a look at Antica Osteria Da Divo, an enthralling underground restaurant situated a couple of steps from the Duomo.
Top Siena Tour: From Siena: Pienza and Montepulciano Small-Group Tour
San Gimignano
This one is one other excellent place to incorporate to your 10-day Italy itinerary. San Gimignano is a small walled hilltop city well-known for its medieval towers and picturesque magnificence, incomes it the title ‘the Town of Fine Towers.’ Like many on our record, the city’s historic heart is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage website.
Dominating San Gimignano’s skyline are fourteen towers (two of which you’ll climb), all of which date again to across the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The tallest of the bunch, Torre Grossa (54 meters/177.17 ft,) affords panoramic views of the city and the encompassing countryside. Another nice vantage level is Torri dei Salvucci (42 meters/137.8 ft), the one tower changed into a vertical condominium.
Let your ft take you thru the city’s essential squares: Piazza della Cisterna, identified for its many medieval buildings, and Piazza Duomo, house to the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano and Palazzo Comunale, each adorned with lovely frescoes. Taste the city’s famend white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and pattern native delicacies like saffron-flavored dishes and almond cookies.
Top San Gimignano Tour: San Gimignano and Volterra: Day Tour from Siena
Northern Italy reveals a fascinating world of artwork, historical past, delicacies, and pure magnificence. From the romantic canals of Venice to the timeless attraction of Florence and the majestic Italian Lakes, these itineraries for Northern Italy unveils a vibrant tapestry of experiences.
Immerse your self within the heat of its folks, bask in its flavors, and let its magic depart an indelible mark in your soul. Just just like the well-known Italian saying, ‘La vita è un viaggio. Chi viaggia vive due volte,’ it reminds us that life is a voyage, and those that discover the world get to reside twice.
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