From glamorous lakeside villages to romantic canals and dramatic coastal cliffs, this Northern Italy 7-day itinerary delivers the ultimate experience.
With a full week to explore, you’ll visit Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Verona and of course beautiful Venice.
Whether you’re planning your first Italian adventure or a return trip, our Northern Italy 7-Day Itinerary combines must-see sights with hidden gems.
Quick Overview of Visiting Northern Italy in 7 Days
Here’s your perfect week-long adventure through Italy’s most captivating northern regions.
- Day 1: Arrive in Milan and explore the fashion capital
- Day 2: Discover Milan’s neighborhoods and aperitivo culture
- Day 3: Lake Como day trip (Bellagio, Varenna, villa visits)
- Day 4: Cinque Terre day trip and coastal magic
- Day 5: Transfer to Venice via Verona exploration
- Day 6: Authentic Venice neighborhoods and bacari crawl
- Day 7: Final Venice morning before departure
Where We Recommend You Stay
For the ultimate Northern Italy experience, we recommend this accommodation strategy:
4 Nights in Milan (Days 1-4)
- Has an international airport close by to the city
- Positions you perfectly for Lake Como and Cinque Terre day trips
- Excellent high-speed train connections throughout Northern Italy
- We recommend you stay at Uptown Palace or Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo
- Browse the most popular Milan Hotels
2 Nights in Venice (Days 5-6)
- Allows you to experience Venice’s evening magic and peaceful mornings
- Easy departure logistics from Marco Polo Airport
- We recommend Hotel Danieli (luxury) or Hotel Al Reali (boutique charm)
- See the most popular hotels to stay in Venice here
Airport Suggestions: Arrival and Departure
For the best flight strategy fly into Milan Malpensa, depart from Venice Marco Polo. This follows your natural travel flow without backtracking.
Flying Into Milan:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): Major international hub with direct flights from most cities worldwide
- Milan Linate (LIN): Closer to city center, mainly European flights
- Bergamo (BGY): Budget airline hub, 1 hour from Milan center
Flying Out of Venice:
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE): Perfect for departure, good international connections
- Travel time from Venice city: 20 minutes by bus or water taxi
How to Get Around Northern Italy
Airport Transfers:
- Milan Malpensa to city: Malpensa Express train (purchase tickets online here) or airport shuttle bus (purchase tickets online here)
- Venice Marco Polo to city: Airport express bus (purchase tickets online here) or water bus (purchase tickets online here)
High-Speed Trains (Recommended):
- Milan to Venice: 2.5 hours direct on Trenitalia or Italo
- Regional trains: Perfect for day trips (Lake Como, Cinque Terre)
- Booking tip: Purchase tickets in advance through Omio for better prices
Car Rental:
- Pros: Ultimate flexibility, especially for Lake Como
- Cons: ZTL zones in city centers, parking challenges
- Booking tip: Easily rent an affordable car through DiscoverCars
The Ultimate Northern Italy 7-Day Itinerary
Let’s dive into the perfect 7-day itinerary to experience the best of Northern Italy’s stunning destinations.
Day 1: Arrive in Milan & First Impressions
Your Northern Italy adventure begins in Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital.
Morning: Arrival in Milan
- Transfer: The most popular way to get from the Milan airport to the city center is via the airport express bus – book your tickets here.
- Check into your Milan accommodation near Duomo or Brera district (We recommend Uptown Palace or Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo)
Rest of Day: Historic Milan Exploration
Discover the heart of this dynamic city that has attracted visitors for centuries:
- Begin at the magnificent Duomo di Milano – climb to the rooftop terraces for city views (secure your spot by booking online in advance) – This could take around 2-3 hours.
- Marvel at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s oldest shopping mall
- If You Have Time (Allow 2-3 Hours): Explore Castello Sforzesco and its surrounding Parco Sempione (grab skip-the-line tickets online here)
Evening: Aperitivo and Dinner
- Experience Milan’s famous aperitivo tradition in the Navigli district
- Dinner Recommendation: Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda Milano for authentic Italian cuisine
Where to Stay in Milan:
Day 2: Deep Dive into Milan’s Soul
Today reveals Milan’s authentic character beyond the famous landmarks, by exploring the various districts.
Morning: Brera District
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Milan’s artistic quarter
- Visit Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery for Renaissance masterpieces
- Browse independent boutiques and design studios
- Coffee Stop: Pasticceria Marchesi for traditional Milanese pastries
Afternoon: The Last Supper & Fashion Quadrilateral
- Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (Tip: Advance booking is essential – grab your ticket here) – 1 hour duration.
- Window shop (or splurge) in the Fashion Quadrilateral – Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga
- Visit Corso Buenos Aires for more accessible shopping
Evening: Isola District
- Discover Milan’s trendy Isola neighborhood for dinner and nightlife
- Dinner Recommendation: Ratanà for modern Italian cuisine in a converted railway station
Where to Stay in Milan:
Day 3: Lake Como Day Trip
Today escapes to one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, where Hollywood glamour meets authentic Italian village life.
How to Get to Lake Como
- Independent: Regional train from Milan to Como Nord Lago (takes around 40 minutes – 1 hour) + ferry day pass – purchase train tickets here.
- Guided Tour (Easiest Option): Full-day Lake Como experience from Milan. Multiple stops including Como, Bellagio, stunning Villa Olmo gardens, and a private boat cruise. – Secure your spot on this popular tour
Morning: Como Town and Bellagio
The following itinerary for your day is based on exploration independently (and not if you purchase the tour which is the easiest way to explore the lake in my opinion).
- Get to Como early in the morning. Spend around 1 hour exploring Como, then ferry to Bellagio (1 hour)
- Explore Bellagio, and Villa Melzi Gardens
Midday: Varenna
- Take the ferry to Varenna (20 minutes)
- Lunch Recommendation: Hotel Villa Cipressi terrace overlooking the lake
- Wander Varenna’s colorful lakeside promenade and Villa Monastero
Afternoon: Menaggio
- Optional stop in Menaggio for a more relaxed lake town experience
- Or return to Como town for shopping and the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views
Evening: Return to Milan
- The last train from Como to Milan usually leaves at 10:49pm (but make sure to check the day before).
- Dinner Recommendation: Light dinner at Peck Italian Bar near Duomo
Where to Stay in Milan:
Day 4: Cinque Terre Day Trip
Experience Italy’s picturesque fishing villages clinging to dramatic cliffs. This is a very big day so get started early in the morning.
For those after easier day trips, see the alternative suggestions after the Cinque Terre info.
Getting to Cinque Terre from Milan:
- Guided Tour (Recommended): Full-day experience with time to explore Monterosso and Manarola, and a coastal cruise (13 hours) – secure a spot on this popular tour
- Independent: High-speed train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia (3 hours) then local trains between villages with Cinque Terre day pass – purchase your train tickets
Early Morning: Milan to La Spezia (Monterosso)
- Departure: 7:00 AM high-speed train from Milano Centrale
- Journey Time: 3 hours to La Spezia, then local train connections
Morning: Monterosso al Mare
- Start in the largest village with beautiful beaches
- Visit the medieval center and climb to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Midday: Vernazza
- Journey Time: 5 minutes by local train
- Explore this postcard-perfect fishing village
- Lunch Recommendation: Nessun Dorma terrace for pesto pasta with a view
Afternoon: Manarola
- Journey Time: 15 minutes by train
- Explore this tiny little fishing village and capture the iconic photo of the village from the pathway leading away from the harbor
Evening: Return to Milan
- Head back to Monterosso al Mare and catch the train around 6pm back to Milan
- Arrive back in Milan around 9pm
Where to Stay in Milan:
Alternative Suggestions for Day 4
I understand that day 4 is a massive day as Cinque Terre is a decent train trip away from Milan.
If you prefer something closer by, here are some fantastic alterative suggestions.
1. Italian Lakes Combo: Lake Maggiore & Stresa
- Distance: 1.5 hours drive (rent an affordable car here) from Milan
- Highlights: Borromean Islands boat tour, Isola Bella palace and gardens, charming Stresa town, alpine lake views
- Why it’s great: Similar scenic beauty to Lake Como but less crowded, with stunning island palaces
2. Swiss Border Adventure: Lugano & Bellinzona
- Distance: 1.15 hours via fast train from Milan – purchase your train tickets
- Highlights: Lakeside Lugano with Swiss elegance, medieval Bellinzona with UNESCO castle fortifications, duty-free shopping
- Why it’s great: International flair without the visa hassle, dramatic Alpine scenery, unique cultural blend
3. Wine Country & Medieval Towns: Bergamo & Franciacorta
- Distance: 45 minutes via train from Milan – purchase your train tickets
- Highlights: Bergamo’s stunning Città Alta (upper town), Franciacorta wine region tastings, medieval architecture, funicular rides
- Why it’s great: Perfect blend of history, wine culture, and mountain views – often called “Little Tuscany of the North”
Day 5: Transfer to Venice via Verona Discovery
Today marks a scenic transition as you relocate to Venice with a perfect stopover in Romeo and Juliet’s romantic Verona.
Morning: Milan to Verona
- Journey Time: 1 hour by high-speed train from Milan – purchase your train tickets
- Departure: 9:00 AM train arriving in Verona at 10:10 AM
Morning to Afternoon: Verona Exploration (5.5 hours)
Discover the city that inspired Shakespeare’s greatest love story:
- Visit Juliet’s House and Balcony (Casa di Giulietta) for the famous photo
- Explore Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s vibrant market square with medieval architecture
- Marvel at the Roman Arena – one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world
- Wander through Piazza dei Signori with its elegant Renaissance buildings
- Lunch Recommendation: Osteria del Bugiardo for local Veneto wines and cicchetti
Late Afternoon: Verona to Venice
- Journey Time: 55 minutes by high-speed train – purchase your train tickets
- Departure: 5:00 PM train arriving in Venice Santa Lucia at 6:00 PM
Evening: First Venice Impressions
- Take a water taxi or vaporetto to your accommodation (we recommend Hotel Danieli (luxury) or Hotel Al Reali (boutique charm)
- Enjoy the views from the Rialto Bridge without all the crowds
- Dinner Recommendation: Antiche Carampane for authentic Venetian cuisine away from tourist crowds
Where to Stay in Venice:
Hotel Danieli (luxury) or Hotel Al Reali (boutique charm)
Day 6: Iconic Venice
Today reveals Venice’s authentic soul through hidden neighborhoods, local traditions, and the famous Venetian bacari culture.
Morning: St. Mark’s Square
- Begin at St. Mark’s Basilica to marvel at golden Byzantine mosaics and climb to the Loggia dei Cavalli for square views – grab your skip-the-line ticket here.
- Visit Doge’s Palace to walk through opulent chambers and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons – grab your reserved ticket online here
- Take the elevator up St. Mark’s Campanile for 360-degree views of Venice’s red-tiled rooftops and lagoon
- Experience Caffè Florian, Europe’s oldest coffee house, for authentic Venetian café culture
Afternoon: Venetian Islands
- Take vaporetto to Murano (or join this very popular guided tour of both islands to make it easier) for famous glass-blowing demonstrations – Spend around 1-1.5 hours in Murano
- Visit colorful Burano for lace-making traditions and rainbow houses – spend 1.5-2 hours in Burano
- Total time: 3-4 hours including travel
Evening: Bacari Crawl
- Experience Venice’s unique aperitif culture with cicchetti (small plates)
- Start at Al Mercà near Rialto Bridge
- Continue to Cantina Do Spade for traditional atmosphere
- End at Osteria alle Testiere for the best seafood cicchetti
Where to Stay in Venice:
Hotel Danieli (luxury) or Hotel Al Reali (boutique charm)
Day 7: Final Venice Morning & Departure
For your final morning, experience Venice at its most peaceful before the crowds arrive and prepare for your departure.
Morning: Gondola Ride, Grand Canal or Jewish Ghetto
- Take a gondola ride through Venice’s narrow canals for the quintessential romantic experience
OR
- Visit the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto, Europe’s first Jewish quarter
OR
- Take vaporetto Line 1 along the Grand Canal for a slow-motion tour of Venice’s most magnificent palazzos, bridges, and canal life
Departure Logistics:
- Venice to Marco Polo Airport: Easily transfer from Venice to the airport by Airport Express bus or water taxi
- Recommended departure time: Allow 3 hours before international flights
Final Thoughts on Our Northern Italy Itinerary for 7 Days
This carefully crafted Northern Italy 7-day itinerary delivers an authentic Italian experience that truly lives up to the hype.
From Milan’s design scene to Venice’s romantic canals, with Lake Como’s glamour and Cinque Terre’s drama, you’ll experience Northern Italy’s finest destinations.
Looking for more Italy travel inspiration?
- Best Places to Visit in North Italy
- North vs South Italy – Which is Best?
- Tips for Traveling to Italy
Find more Italy travel inspiration and tips on our Italy Travel Blog.
Italy Travel Planning Guide:
**🚑 Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
100% YES! — Italy has great healthcare, but visitors need travel insurance for emergencies. I recommend SafetyWing.
**🚙💨 How to get around in Italy?
By Car: Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the freedom to explore charming hilltop towns and vineyards at your own pace.
By Train: For travel between major cities, trains are efficient and affordable – book tickets through Omio.
**📲 Will my phone work in Italy?
Maybe — But you might come back to massive bill as it might be pricey. For the best experience, I recommend getting an SIM Card online before you travel.
**🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodations in Italy?
My go-to for Italian hotels is Booking.com. However we often prefer a more authentic Italian experience, and book apartments and homes through VRBO.
**✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Italy?
For finding cheap flights to Italy, I recommend Skyscanner.
