Are you planning a Northern Italy travel itinerary? Are you overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the Internet? Do you need a detailed plan that includes places to visit, to eat, to stay, and practical tips? Look no further, in this article, Cabin Zero has compiled everything you need to ensure a fun, easy, and economical trip just for you. Read till the end because there will be a comprehensive and scientific summary file of all the places, times, and activities you can follow during your trip. Now, first, let's get to know the basics of Northern Italy's transportation.

Is Northern Italy expensive?

The North is more expensive than the South. Even more so if you go to popular cities such as Milan, Venice, and Turin. Italy, as a whole, is a pricey destination, so you really have to plan ahead.

Prices for hotels and transport add up quickly, yet you can save a lot by travelling light and following some basic tips.

One easy win is flying budget airlines like Ryanair with an underseat backpack, which lets you skip baggage fees entirely and move straight through the airport. Pair that with trains instead of cars, local bakeries over sit-down breakfasts, and staying just outside the city centre, and Northern Italy becomes far more manageable without cutting back on the good bits. Check out our underseat backpacks and keep Northern Italy (and your flight) stress-free.

Where to base in Northern Italy?

Bologna is undeniable a solid place to base yourself. For reference, almost all of the major cities are within reach via train. Venice and Florence are just 90 minutes and 40 minutes away, respectively. It’s also easy to have day trips to other Emilia-Romagna cities. If you want to see Cinque Terre, Genoa is another option. The industrial port city itself is charming, and it also has Europe’s largest preserved medieval historical centre.

Northern Italy Essentials: Train vs. Car

The most convenient way to travel in Northern Italy is by train, as it’s a cheap, convenient, and fast option to reach central locations such as Venice or Milan. The biggest plus point when comparing train vs car is that you do not need to find parking or pay tolls, which will save you a lot of time and money. 

If you choose to travel by train, you can book tickets on websites or buy them directly at the counter at the station. For general tourists, Omio is better for transparent pricing and lower service fees. For UK travellers, Trainline can sometimes offer better deals.

If you still decide to travel by car throughout the journey, don’t forget to learn about ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) to avoid fines.

A reasonable and popular option is to combine both forms of travel: Use the train to travel between cities and rent a car to get to rural locations like Lake Como.

Okay, let’s officially kick off your trip!

10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary

Day 1-2: Milan

Where To Stay

We strongly recommend basing yourself near Milano Centrale Station. Why? Because these first 48 hours are crucial: you're jet-lagged, you've got bags, you're trying to hit the Duomo, and catch an early train to Lake Como the next morning. Staying near the Centrale Station is convenient enough. It's your gateway to Lake Como and where you'll eventually pick up your rental car for the Dolomites.

Day 1: Duomo di Milano and Teatro alla Scala

Duomo di Milano has always been considered a must for Northern Italy trip. Photo by muratart on Adobe Stock

First and foremost, make sure to check off the packing list before you get on the plane. 

Milan, like Florence, is home to many unique architectural works that withstood the test of time. To start your trip, the Duomo di Milano should be the very first attraction. This is a famous cathedral with Gothic architecture that has existed for more than 600 years, through the Renaissance period, and is a timeless symbol of Italy. 

Because it’s a very famous place, you need to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing, and don't forget to look for skip-the-line or all-access passes.

Depending on the places you want to visit, there will be different types of tickets; some tickets will only let you visit the cathedral or the terraces, and some are a combination of these.

If you decide to go to the Rooftop Terraces, be prepared to climb stairs because you can take the elevator up, but there will be no elevator down. However, this will be a great place for you to have a panoramic view of Milan and the Alps.

In addition, you will also admire many ancient masterpieces or famous statues, so it will probably take at least half a day to visit the entire Duomo di Milano.

The cathedral is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, but it is best to come in the morning to avoid the crowds. The fastest way to get here is by Metro via the Duomo subway station, served by the M1 and M3 lines.

Since it’s a sacred place, you need to dress politely. No hats, shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or bare midriffs. Note that you cannot bring bulky items or food into the Cathedral except for water bottles. Do not use the flash when taking photos or videos, and remember to switch your phone to silent mode.

For lunch, stop by Luini and try their signature panzerotto (only €3 - a bargain!). You can eat it in or take it away to avoid the crowds. It’s a quick meal to fuel up for your afternoon journey. 

The breathtaking dome of the Vittorio Emanuele gallery. Photo by YOUproduction on Adobe Stock

After visiting the Duomo Cathedral, slow things down by spending the afternoon exploring the surrounding places. Piazza del Duomo is the obvious place to start. It’s a lively square where you can take wide-angle photos of the cathedral or the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, and simply watch the city move around you.

To the right of the cathedral’s main door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping area with unique cross-shaped architecture and two entrances with glass domes that look extremely splendid.

There are countless fashion stores, jewellery stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars here. If you visit during the festive season, there’ll be special decorations. Don't forget to do the bull ritual: Spin around three times clockwise on the bull mosaic's crotch region for good luck.

In the evening, you can have dinner at any restaurant nearby and then visit Teatro alla Scala to experience a magnificent opera or ballet.

The theatre is open all year round, but the main performance season here is from December to July, especially on December 7th - the feast of St. Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan.

To avoid sold-out tickets, buy online in advance and arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. Don't forget to avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless t-shirts, as you will not be allowed into the auditorium.

And that's it for the first day of your northern Italy travel itinerary.

Day 2: Sforzesco Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Navigli district

Exploring through the knock and cranny of Sforzesco Castle is great things to do in Northern Italy. Photo by dudlajzov on Adobe Stock

Start your second day at Sforzesco Castle, one of the most iconic structures in Italy. Sforzesco Castle is located in the city centre, so it is very convenient to reach via metro at the stops Cadorna and Cairoli on the M1 line, or Lanza on the M2. If you are not near a metro, you can take bus lines 18, 50, 37, 58, 61, and 94, or tram lines 1, 2, 4, 12, 14, and 19.

You can enter the castle for free, but you have to buy tickets to visit the museums. A pass grants you entry to all the museums inside the castle.

Since there are quite a few museums spread across two floors, you will need at least half a day to explore them all; otherwise, about two hours is enough. 

Right in front of the castle is Parco Sempione, the green lung of Milan - an English-style garden with shady green paths. This is a favourite relaxing place for many locals, so if you have extra time, you can stay here or come back in the evening to watch the sunset.

Around Sforzesco Castle, there are many famous restaurants for lunch and a rest. One you cannot miss is Al Politico. These little Italian sandwiches have earned the place more than 1,000 positive reviews on Google.

In the afternoon, head to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. If you can’t secure a ticket, there are many alternatives, such as Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology (if you love science), or Pinacoteca di Brera (if you are an art enthusiast). 

Another captivating church you should visit during your Northern Italy travel plan. Photo by Giama22 on Adobe Stock

The last part of the day takes you to the Navigli district by taking the metro to Porta Genova station (line 2) or the tram (line 3) to a stop near the canals for dinner and browsing the boutiques and studios. Like other tourist destinations, it will be quite crowded, but you will definitely enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 3-4: Lake Como

Where To Stay

Here's where most first-timers make a mistake: they book a hotel in Bellagio because it's the most famous town on Lake Como. Don't do this. Varenna has a direct train connection from Milan. Bellagio, whilst stunning, requires you to take a train, then a ferry, then drag your bags uphill through narrow streets.

Day 3: Varenna

Lake Como has always been one of the best places to visit in Italy. From Milan, the train is a convenient way to get to Varenna, a beautiful little lakeside town, which is the first place to explore on the third day of your northern Italy travel itinerary. It will take about 1 hour to reach Varenna.

There is no need to rush to catch the train, as there is a train at 10:20 am and you will arrive in Varenna in time for lunch. There are many restaurants here. Do not forget to try the risotto with fried lake perch or pizzoccheri, and remember to book a table 1-2 days in advance to avoid running out of tables due to the large number of visitors.

The first attraction will be Villa Monastero, a famous botanical garden with rare and exotic plants. The villa is only about 1km from Varenna-Esino station, and the terrain is quite favourable for walking with a slope and some small stairs.

There is not only a garden but also a museum of history, taste, and style of 8 centuries. However, the museum is closed on Mondays, and you need to buy separate tickets for both attractions. Expect a long visit here because the garden runs along the lake, so it will take you at least 2-3 hours.

Varenna is a charming little town. Photo by VinyLove Foto on Adobe Stock

The next place is Castello di Vezio. It is only about 1km from the villa, so visitors often walk to enjoy the view. However, the road is quite steep because it goes up the hill, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

It sounds a bit tiring, but trust us, it will be worth it. On the way, you will pass through the old village of Varenna, with beautiful scenery for taking pictures, and at the end of the journey, there’s the romantic sunset and panoramic view of Lake Como.

Don't forget to check in with the unique "ghost" sculptures. At the end of the day, return to Varenna for dinner, join cooking classes if interested, and rest well.

Day 4: Bellagio

The fourth day of your northern Italy travel itinerary is dedicated to Bellagio, the jewel of Lake Como. The ferry is the most convenient and cheapest way to get there from Varenna. It takes about 15 minutes and costs between €3 and €5 one-way.

Following the promontory tip, you will come to the Basilica of San Giacomo, a traditional Romanesque church that has preserved a fine 16th-century altar and 20th-century mosaics.

Bellagio is a small town and is totally walkable, but we do recommend joining a bike tour or mini-tram if you want to explore the nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to stop by Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni for their gardens with exotic trees, camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, as well as charming Japanese-style ponds.

If you’re into sports, the Hamlet of Pescallo is the place to be, as it’s home to Circolo della Vela and Bellagio Water Sports. These two clubs are dedicated to water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and water skiing.

Book a guided tour to paddle along the Rockefeller cliffs and get close-up views of the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and the Rockefeller Foundation Park. Otherwise, a boat tour is a more suitable option, especially if you’re travelling with a family of elderly or young children.

You can’t miss Bellagio during your 10 days in Northern Italy. Photo by dudlajzov on Adobe Stock

Return to Milan by train at the end of the day and rest there for the next day's trip to the Dolomites. To rent a car, go to Milan Malpensa (MXP) for a rental option like Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, etc, and choose Venice as the drop-off location.

Make sure you have your driver's license and passport or identity card ready. Check if the rental car contract allows access to the mountains/dolomites, has mountain pass restrictions, or has extra charges for “zona ambientale” (polluted areas).

Day 5-7: The Dolomites

Where To Stay

Ortisei (also called St. Ulrich in German) is hands-down your best option for a stay in Dolomites.

• Yes, you'll face a 2-hour drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo on Day 6, but Ortisei offers walkable access to two of the region's most spectacular experiences.
• The cable car to Seceda departs right from the town center, meaning zero driving on Day 7.
• The gondola to Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude Alpine meadow, also leaves directly from town, eliminating driving stress on Day 5.

The alternative is Cortina d'Ampezzo, which cuts your Tre Cime drive to just 40 minutes but leaves you far from Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.

Book Ortisei well in advance (6+ months at least) because it's wildly popular and sells out fast, especially in summer hiking season.

Day 5: Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi

If you drive early, you will arrive in Val Gardena around noon, so to save time, buy breakfast to eat in the car and some snacks for the journey. The total drive will take about 6 hours, including stops, so get plenty of rest the day before.

Val Gardena is one of the most famous bases for hiking and skiing in the Dolomites, with a comprehensive public transport system and cable car network. You can have lunch at the surrounding restaurants, such as Dantercepies Mountain Lounge or Restaurant Tubladel, both of which serve a full range of traditional and modern Italian dishes with a beautiful view of the Alps.

Imagine staying in this stunning landscape. Photo by Kalyakan on Adobe Stock

A little preview of the mountains from the restaurant will surely make you want to immerse yourself in the scenery. So the place you will explore in the afternoon is Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude meadow.

The plateau is accessible via cable car or by car (only between 9 am and 5 pm). Being a popular hiking destination, it has a network of trails for all skill levels, but if you’re not a fan, rent an e-bike (at the base) to explore the area.

Don’t forget to visit a rifugio (alpine hut) for traditional South Tyrolean food like speck, strudel, and local cheeses. Finally, head back to your hotel in Val Gardena, have dinner at nearby restaurants, and rest up, as you’ve had another long day of exploring.

Day 6: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

If you're in the Dolomites, Tre Cime di Lavaredo is impossible to miss. It’s one of the most iconic landscapes in the entire Alpine arc and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most popular activity here is hiking, so be prepared to be physically active. The drive takes about 2 hours in total. Parking is avilable at Rifugio Auronzo, right at the foot of the mountain.

However, note that in winter the road is normally closed due to snow, and you may not be able to get there by car and will have to leave it at Misurina and take a shuttle bus (for a fee). 

Spending a day hiking in the Tre Cime should satisfy any nature lover. Photo by shaiith on Adobe Stock

If you're not keen on driving, many companies in Val Gardena offer Dolomites day tours for between €80 and €150. Booking a tour is quite suitable for inexperienced visitors, so consider this option.

The scenery is so beautiful that you could spend the whole day here, plus a 2-hour drive back to Val Gardena, and you have a full day of sightseeing.

Day 7: Ortisei and Secada

You’ll spend the morning in Ortisei, a small town just 5km west of Val Gardena. Driving is the most popular and convenient option, with plenty of parking in the centre starting at just €18/day or €1.90/hour.

Find moments to simply relax and take in the scenery, or visit one of the many spas for relaxation and the woodwork shops for souvenirs. There are plenty of budget and upscale dining options, including traditional Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, and must-try specialities like venison and gnocchi. 

A popular spot that most visitors to Ortisei visit is Seceda. Just take the cable car if you don’t like hiking (~€45/adult). Before you leave, though, check the webcam on the Seceda website to see if it’s cloudy, especially if you want clear views. The best time to visit is June through mid-September, and the busiest time is in August.

One of the most popular photo spots is Seceda Viewpoint, about a 10-minute walk from the upper cable car station. Here you’ll have 360° views of the Dolomites at 2,500 meters and see Grossglockner - the highest mountain in Austria (if the weather is nice). You can have dinner in Seceda or return to Ortisei for a rest.

It’s wise to leave early so you have time to rest and pack for day 8 of your northern Italy travel itinerary.

Day 8-10: Venice

Where To Stay

Don't stay in San Marco, it is a tourist nightmare. The hotel price is high, crowds are everywhere, and you'll have to lug your luggage around narrow alleys for 45 minutes after arriving at Santa Lucia train station.

Instead, base yourself in Cannaregio, the district closest to the train station. Since you're arriving by train from Mestre (after dropping your rental car), Cannaregio means you're just a 10-15 minute walk to your hotel.

Day 8: Piazza San Marc

The journey from Val Gardena to Venice, the final destination on your northern Italy travel itinerary, will take about 3-4 hours by car. It’s neither short nor long, but it’s best to prepare food and drinks in the car, and especially, get enough rest the day before.

Note that Venice does not allow cars, so after arriving in Venezia Mestre, you will return the car here to enjoy cheaper one-way fares. Take the train to Venice Santa Lucia from Venezia Mestre station. At Santa Lucia station, you will immediately see the canal and vaporetto (Venice's main means of transportation, similar to a river bus).

You'll most likely arrive in Venice during lunchtime, so after checking in, you can grab a bite at any restaurant near your hotel. We'll start our afternoon tour after you’re well rested and full.

The captivating architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. Photo by Art Media Factory on Adobe Stock

The first place you'll explore in Venice is Piazza San Marco, the cultural heart and lifelong symbol of Italy. To get there, take the vaporetto line 1 along the Grand Canal to Vallaresso.

The best time to visit is between 2:30 pm and 5 pm, which is perfect for watching the sunset and avoiding the crowds compared to the morning. Once you arrive, spend about 15-20 minutes taking pictures with the pigeons and the scenery around the square.

Then enter St. Mark's Basilica, today's highlight. You should book a skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour to avoid waiting and better learn more about this place.

Leave your belongings in the free deposit area outside (even your handbags), don’t wear revealing clothes, and don’t take photos or videos inside the church. Make sure to climb up to the balcony for a great panoramic view of Piazza San Marco.

Right next to the church is the Doge’s Palace, one of the most famous museums in Piazza San Marco. Book a Secret Itineraries Tour to see exclusive areas and learn about the palace’s history.

At the end of the day, stop by Caffè Florian or Caffè Lavena, Quadri for an Aperol Spritz or espresso, and watch the sunset. It will be a moment you won’t forget.

One of the most popular restaurants in San Marco for dinner you can eat in is La Piazza, with seafood pasta and lasagna, or Trattoria Al Gazzettino with tiramisu, pasta, and a vegan menu.

Day 9: Accademia and Rialto Bridge

Day 9 of your northern Italy travel itinerary begins at the Accademia, one of the most important and significant museums in Venice. It’s on the other side of the Ponte dell’Accademia, which is a 10-15 minute walk from San Marco. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues and arrive early when the Gallery opens.

You’ll be able to see many famous works, including those of Hieronymus Bosch. Make sure to dress modestly before entering the museum and don’t bring too much luggage, as there’s no storage space like at St. Mark’s Basilica.

1-2 hours is enough time to see a lot of this attraction, but if you want a deeper experience of the art, you can stay longer.

For lunch, visitors often choose to enjoy traditional Italian dishes at the Osteria ai Promessi Sposi restaurant in Dorsoduro or take-away and sit on the steps of the bridge/along the canal overlooking the Grand Canal.

We’re sure you have seen this iconic stone bridge countless time on any Venice photos. Photo by franckscarduelli on Adobe Stock

In the afternoon, many tourists' favourite destination is the Rialto Bridge and the surrounding landmarks. You can take a vaporetto or walk about 1km from Ponte dell’Accademia. Make sure to take a gondola ride passing under the bridge to watch the sunset and take some photos of a lifetime to fulfil your Northern Italy travel itinerary.

This is the most famous bridge in Venice, so most of the time, it will be quite crowded with tourists. However, there are still places with fewer people, such as the quiet backstreets of the San Polo district or the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, hidden in plain sight near the bridge. 

At the end of the day, enjoy dinner at Ristorante Caffè Saraceno or Ristorante Rialto Sul Canallgrande, famous restaurants near Rialto Bridge. Don’t forget to book a table in advance.

Day 10: Murano and Burano

Spend your last day relaxing and sightseeing at the islands of Murano (famous for glassmaking) and Burano (known for colourful houses and lace).

As always, the vaporetto will be the most convenient way to get around, but be sure to check the latest lines as routes and schedules can change, and remember to check the specific stops on the islands. 

In Murano, admire many unique works at the Murano Glass Museum, watch a Live Glassblowing Demo, or create your own work when participating in a glass bead-making class. If you intend to buy souvenirs, note that authentic Murano glass is often not sold at a discount, so be sure to look for certified glass to avoid fakes. 

Colorful houses lined along the canal in Burano. Photo by christopher on Adobe Stock

You can have lunch at Trattoria Busa alla Torre, a popular restaurant among locals for its authentic Venetian dishes and fresh seafood, with outdoor seating so you can enjoy the atmosphere around the Grand Canal. Or Ristorante La Fornace, if you want to sit indoors and still be able to enjoy the view. 

Continue your afternoon at Burano, another small island about 9km north of Murano. In addition to the main canal, don't forget to get lost in the smaller alleyways to discover hidden gems and the most vibrant views.

Finally, take a vaporetto back to Venice, rest at the hotel, and prepare your luggage for the flight home the next day. From San Marco, Marco Polo Airport is only about 11km north, and you can take a vaporetto to get there.

So you have completed 10 days in your northern Italy travel itinerary with a memorable experience at many famous tourist attractions. If you want a more organised and easy-to-follow version, check out the file right below.

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Start Your Memorable Journey to Italy

Northern Italy has long been a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide, thanks to its historical attractions and unique architecture. From cities to meadows and high mountains, you will definitely have a memorable and interesting experience when immersing yourself in the outstanding activities in each type of terrain here. Cabin Zero hopes that with the useful tips we have collected from insiders, you can have the best 10 days of your northern Italy travel itinerary.

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Duyen Pham