July usually falls within the school vacations, so there is more than enough time for a 7-day trip across Northern Italy, mixing some of the most iconic views, the most beautiful scenery, and cultural experiences.
On this Northern Italy Itinerary 7 Days, you will find everything from the romance of Venice canals to the natural beauty of Lake Como and the historical streets of Turin. Here is a detailed guide for a week in Northern Italy.
Key Takeaways
- Day 1: Explore Venice’s iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a gondola ride along the canals.
- Day 2: Discover Verona, visit Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Arena, and enjoy dinner in Piazza Bra.
- Day 3: Visit Lake Garda, explore the medieval Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, and relax with a lakeside dinner.
- Day 4: Travel to Milan to see the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and the Navigli district at night.
- Day 5: Experience the elegance of Lake Como, take a funicular to Brunate, and explore Bellagio.
- Day 6: Hike or take the train through the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre and savor fresh seafood.
- Day 7: End your journey in Turin with a visit to the Royal Palace, Egyptian Museum, and a traditional Piedmontese dinner.
- Travel Tips: Utilize Italy’s efficient train network, pack layers for varying climates, and choose the best base for exploration, like Milan.
Northern Italy itinerary 7 days
Day 1: Venice – The City of Water
Morning:
Reach Venice and begin your day at the heart of the city, St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). Be mystified by the intricate architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and the grandeur of Doge’s Palace. AVOID THE LONG LINES and book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Afternoon:
This is your chance to discover the city aboard a gondola trip along the canals of its emblematic place. Grand Canal: You can get up close to Rialto Bridge. Off-the-beaten-track view: Visit Rialto Market and taste some local specialties in Venice.
Evening:
Walk across the Bride of Sighs to the former prison; this forms part of the connection between Doge’s Palace and the old prison. End the day in a restaurant located on a canal with a romantic dinner and enjoy Venetian food like Risotto al Nero di Seppia (squid ink risotto).
Day 2: Verona – The City of Love
Morning:
By train to Verona; just a few miles ride from Venice. Visit Casa di Giulietta, Romeo’s Juliet balcony famous throughout the world. It is mostly touristy, but it’s a site seen by any literature lover.
Afternoon:
Spare time to see the Roman Arena, now often used for opera. Be accustomed to walking through Piazza delle Erbe with its quaint cafes, market stalls, and ancient buildings. Hike to Castel San Pietro for a good view of the town and the Adige River.
Evening:
Dinner in Piazza Bra. Al fresco dining with the majesty of the arena lit at night with dinner and wine to conclude the tour.
Day 3: Lake Garda – Nature’s Harmony with History
Morning:
Lake Garda, the largest and perfectly marvelous piece of nature, was visited in the morning. Sirmione is a town placed on a cape jutting out into the lake. Visit the Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera), which is a medieval fortress holding breathtaking views over the water.
Afternoon:
Have some free time to relax in the waters of the Terme di Sirmione thermal baths. If you wish to remain more energetic, take a boat tour of the lake’s many secret corners, such as Isola del Garda, or challenge yourself to windsurf on the northern shores near Riva del Garda.
Evening:
Dine at one of the lakeside restaurants and indulge in some local specialties, such as Bigoli (tough pasta) and fresh fish from the lake.
Day 4: Milan – Italy’s Fashion and Cultural Center
Morning:
Take the first train to Milan. Your day will start at the Duomo di Milano – Milan Cathedral. You can climb up to the roof, enjoy fantastic views of the skyline of Milan, and see the spires, which, if you’re lucky, include a glimpse of the Alps in the distance on a clear day.
Afternoon:
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, with high-class boutiques and historic cafes.
Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie-visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Try to book tickets in advance as slots sell quickly.
Evening:
Learn about the Navigli district with its canals and experience how alive Milan is at night. Enjoy an aperitivo along the canals and then dinner at a traditional Milanese trattoria.
Day 5: Lake Como- Nature and Elegance
Morning:
Take off from Lake Como which is a favorite retreat for both stars and locals. Begin in Como and take the funicular to Brunate, with spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
Afternoon:
Take the ferry to Bellagio, or the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Wander up and down its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and gardens visiting Villa Melzi with its peaceful botanical gardens and sculptures.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner over dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants. Time permitting, a sunset cruise across the lake affords a breathtaking view of the elaborate shore-side villas.
Day 6: Cinque Terre – Coastal Charm
Morning:
Take an early train to Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque villages that cling to rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Start in Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, which has the most sandy beach and lemon groves.
Afternoon:
Hike the world-famous blue trail to visit the other villages, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Every village is unique, with the colors of the houses, vineyards, and small harbors. Alternatively, you may take a convenient train that connects the villages.
Evening
Relax in Riomaggiore. Leisurely spend your spare time in the quiet seaside town of Riomaggiore, watching the sun go down over the sea whilst enjoying a dinner of fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try trofie al pesto, the specialty of the house, accompanied by a bottle of local white wine from Liguria.
Day 7: Turin – Splendour of History
Morning:
Travel to Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region. This morning begins with a visit to the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale) and learn about Turin’s royal history. Then, explore one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities that is located outside Egypt: the Egyptian Museum.
Afternoon:
Experience the Piazza Castello and view the Mole Antonelliana, a gigantic building that is home to the National Museum of Cinema. Car enthusiasts will appreciate seeing firsthand Italy’s rich automobile heritage at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.
Evening:
End your tour with a traditional Piedmontese dinner. Enjoy Bagna Cauda and Agnolotti, among others, and end your meal by indulging in some Gianduiotto chocolate. A specialty product of Turin.
Alternative Northern Italy Itineraries
- Extension Itineraries 10 Days in Northern Italy: Hike the Dolomites or explore Bologna’s food and wine scene
- Rick Steves: Northern Italy Itinerary Explore Northern Italy with Rick
- Steves’ philosophy in mind: see the major sights, as well as the lesser-known gems.
- Northern Italy Itinerary 5 Days: If you are short on time, you can visit Venetian Milan and Lake Como.
- Northern Italy Itinerary 14 Days by Train: Choose cities in northern Italy, such as Genoa, Bologna, and Bolzano, on efficiently run trains of Italy for a slow and happy travel pace.
- Northern Italy Itinerary 3 Days: Choose a whirlwind tour that starts by hitting Venice and covering Milan and Verona.
- Northern Italy Itinerary 8 Days: Add an extra day to Lake Garda or in Turin to experience the slower flow.
- Itinerary by Train: Northern Italy Italy has a good train network; you can easily take trains between cities
- Northern Italy 9-Day Itinerary: You can extend with the day tour of the Italian Alps or the Langhe wine region.
Tips for Northern Italy Itinerary
- Italy Map: Get familiar with how Northern Italy is geographically structured to plan your travel routes.
- Transportation: Trains are the most accessible means of transport to move between cities. It’s a good idea to acquire a Eurail Pass, which allows flexible train travel.
- Packing: Pack layers for climate change, especially when traveling to areas with mountains such as the Dolomites.
FAQs About Northern Italy Itinerary
1. How many days do you need in Northern Italy?
You need at least 7 to 10 days for the highlights of Northern Italy. With all that time, you’re not cramped, rushing to visit cities such as Venice, Milan, and Lake Como.
2. Can one see Italy in 7 days?
Yes, 7 days can suffice to see all the key attractions in Northern Italy. In these days, you can visit all the major cities: and enjoy everything intertwined with culture, nature, and history.
3. Which is the best base for Northern Italy exploration?
Milan might be the best base for exploring Northern Italy, thanks to its phenomenal transport hub. One can move around easily and effectively towards other key cities like Venice, Lake Como, or Turin.
4. How much does an Italy 7-day tour cost?
A 7-day tour to Northern Italy is going to range from $1,500 up to 3,000 dollars per person. That covers accommodations, food, transportation, and entrance fees for various attractions. These amounts vary depending on your travel style.
5. Which is preferred, Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Lake Como has much to do with lavishness and beautiful villas. Lake Garda has more watersport activities. To rest, opt for Lake Como, while for an adventure, go for Lake Garda.
6. When should I visit Northern Italy?
The best times to visit Northern Italy are Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and the tourists are less in number.
7. Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast: Which is more wonderful?
Cinque Terre is a more laid-back experience with stunning coastal walks. It’s flashier on the Amalfi Coast with high-end hotels and dramatic cliffside views. Stay, thus, along your lines of hike versus luxury.
8. Is Lake Como worth visiting?
Yes, Lake Como is worth visiting. It’s particularly renowned for its beauty, including quaint towns and super luxury villas. You should take at least one boat ride on the lake.
9. Which Italian city to go first?
If you want to experience the fullness of Italy’s history and then its charm, start with Venice. If you are interested in fashion and modern culture, then start with Milan.
Conclusion
This 7-day in-depth Northern Italy itinerary introduces you to all the varied forms of beauty that the region has to offer, from Venice’s romantic canals to Turin’s royal charm.
Each destination promises unique adventures and memories, and this guide will help plan a trip filled with cultural experiences, natural wonders, and delectable Italian cuisine.
