Are you trying to plan a fantastic trip around Northern Italy? If you're not sure where to start, where to go, how much it will cost, or how much time you need, then we've got the answers. This route will let you experience the museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples of the region. This itinerary can be used as a guide and an outline for your next trip, because here you'll find all of the information you need to put together an amazing 10-day trip.
While visiting Northern Italy, you'll find beautiful lakes, gorgeous countryside, quaint towns, and delicious Italian food. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
Milan, Italy
Don't rush past the excellent museums along this route - set aside some time to explore and appreciate them. The museums of Pisa, Florence, and Milan are particularly good.
Northern Italy is known for its large cities full of sights, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and more. By taking some time to explore some of the larger cities, you'll not only have a fun trip, but you'll get a chance to experience the unique culture and vibrant city attractions. With plenty of big city activities, Milan shouldn't be missed.
One of the primary attractions in Northern Italy is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Florence, Pisa, and Milan for the beautiful scenery.
Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture.
Verona, Italy
You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in Northern Italy, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.
Autumn is quite nice in the area. The weather is a little cooler, the natural scenery is stunning, and the tourist crowds are usually gone by this time of year.
Northern Italy isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. For romantic charm, Florence, Como, and Milan especially should not be missed.
Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than Northern Italy, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Venice and Como.
If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Florence, Milan, and Pisa tend to favor budget travelers.
Venice
It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in Northern Italy, as most of these places are an average of 4 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Florence to Venice because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Venice instead of Florence. To get to Florence, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling by train through Northern Italy is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
A great way to get around with this itinerary is by car. If you don't bring your own, you'll definitely want to rent a car to get from place to place. This will give you the most freedom and flexibility on your trip through Northern Italy, as you'll be able to set your own schedule and stop when you want.
In the broader context, buses prove to be an excellent mode of transportation in the area because of their affordability, quick service, and ease of use. For those on a tight budget without a car, check out the prices and make your own judgement. You'll see that buses are a great option.
Yes, 10 days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in Northern Italy. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 10 days to truly savor everything.
Piazza del Duomo, Milan
The estimated budget breakdown for this 10-day trip through Northern Italy is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Florence | $197 | 2 | $393 |
Pisa | $170 | 1 | $170 |
Milan | $213 | 2 | $425 |
Como | $281 | 2 | $562 |
Verona | $226 | 1 | $226 |
Venice | $301 | 2 | $603 |
Total per person | $2,379 | ||
for 2 People | $4,758 |
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy costs $2,379 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Northern Italy based on calculated averages.
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Florence | $118 | 2 | $236 |
Pisa | $73 | 1 | $73 |
Milan | $104 | 2 | $208 |
Como | $175 | 2 | $350 |
Verona | $111 | 1 | $111 |
Venice | $135 | 2 | $270 |
Total expected hotel cost* | $1,248 |
If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.
City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Florence | $23 | 2 days | $45 |
Pisa | $23 | 1 day | $23 |
Milan | $25 | 2 days | $50 |
Como | $17 | 2 days | $34 |
Verona | $29 | 1 day | $29 |
Venice | $35 | 2 days | $71 |
Total expected hostel cost* | $252 |
2 Days
Florence is the capital of Italy's famous Tuscany region. It's a city filled with some of the world's most famous and beautiful art and architecture. There are many iconic sights including the famous Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the The Galleria dell'Accademia where you'll find Michelangelo's David. The city is also filled with cafes and shops where you can buy fine Italian items or souvenir knockoffs.
Many travelers come to Florence because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
Florence has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.