This 10-day itinerary through Northern Italy features Venice, the Dolomites, Verona, Milan, and Lake Como, with hiking suggestions, hotel recommendations, and practical planning advice based on our numerous trips to Italy.
We’ve visited Italy numerous times, exploring these destinations on separate trips over the years, hiking in the Dolomites, wandering the canals of Venice, strolling the streets of Verona, and cruising across Lake Como. Using our firsthand experience, we’ve put together what we believe is an incredible route through Northern Italy for travelers who want a blend of world-class hiking and vibrant, history-rich cities.
You’ll spend two days in Venice, four days in the Dolomites (with options for both hikers and non-hikers), one day in Verona and Milan, and a memorable day on Lake Como. It’s a balanced itinerary designed to maximize scenery, minimize backtracking, and make travel between destinations simple and efficient.
If you’re looking for one well-organized plan that brings together mountains, lakes, and some of Italy’s most beautiful cities, this is it.
If this is your first time planning a trip to Italy, start with our Italy Travel Guide, where we cover when to visit, transportation tips, regional breakdowns, and links to all of our in-depth city and regional guides.
The Essentials
DESTINATIONS | Venice → Dolomites → Verona → Milan → Lake Como
START/END | Venice to Milan (point-to-point route)
BEST FOR | First-time visitors who want a mix of hiking and iconic cities
PACE | Moderate (4 mountain days + 3 city days + 1 lake day)
CAR NEEDED | Yes, for the Dolomites portion only
BEST TIME TO VISIT | June through September for hiking
TRIP STYLE | Scenic road trip with world-class mountain views and historic cities
TOTAL NIGHTS | 9 nights
February 2026 Update: Added updated cost estimates, added new photos, verified all links and pricing.
10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Dolomites
Day 4: Dolomites
Day 5: Dolomites
Day 6: Dolomites
Day 7: Verona
Day 8: Milan
Day 9: Lake Como & Bellagio
Day 10: Fly Home
Northern Italy Itinerary Map
Here is a map of the route. It is a point-to-point route that starts in Venice and ends in Milan.
Northern Italy itinerary map (map adapted from Google)
Why This 10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary Works
First, it groups destinations geographically. You begin in Venice and gradually move west, minimizing long travel days and eliminating unnecessary backtracking. The only significant driving is through the Dolomites, where having a car gives you maximum flexibility for hikes, scenic passes, and cable car rides. Once you reach Verona and Milan, trains make getting around easy and efficient.
Second, it balances mountains and cities. You’ll spend four days in the Dolomites, enough time to hike iconic trails, ride cable cars, and explore multiple alpine regions, but you’ll also experience Venice’s canals, Verona’s Roman arena, Milan’s cathedral, and the beauty of Lake Como. It’s a trip that combines outdoor adventure with culture, history, and food.
Finally, the pace is intentional. Two nights in Venice allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Four nights in the Dolomites gives you flexibility in case of weather changes (important in the mountains). And the final stretch through Verona, Milan, and Lake Como keeps travel days manageable while ending the trip on a scenic high note.
If you want a Northern Italy itinerary that blends dramatic alpine scenery with some of Italy’s most iconic cities, without feeling rushed or overly complicated, this route strikes the right balance.
Best Time to Do this Northern Italy Itinerary
The best time to follow this itinerary is June through September, when hiking trails and cable cars in the Dolomites are fully open and mountain weather is most reliable.
- June: Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, some high-elevation snow possible early in the month
- July & August: Warmest weather and full alpine access, but also the busiest
- September: Ideal balance of good hiking conditions and lighter crowds
If hiking in the Dolomites is a priority, avoid late fall and early spring, when many lifts and trails are closed. In winter, this route works best if you plan to ski instead of hike.
Hiking in the Dolomites
Do You Need a Car?
For this itinerary, it is best to rent a car. The entire itinerary can be done as a road trip or you can rent a car just for the Dolomites.
The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. You can travel on your own schedule and get to places where it is difficult to get to by bus. It is possible to get around by bus, but buses have limited schedules and do not always run on time.
The cheapest option is to rent a car just for the Dolomites portion of this trip. Pick up the car on the morning of day 3, when you leave Venice, and then drop the car in Verona. From Verona, it is easy to do the rest of the trip with public transportation.
Alternatively, you can rent a car for the full 10 days. This is a more expensive option, since daily rental fees typically cost more than train tickets, plus you will have the added parking fees and hassle of parking in Verona and Milan. But you will have a little more flexibility for Lake Como.
As for picking up your rental car, you can do it on day 1, if you are arriving to the Venice airport. Pick up the car from the airport, drive to Venice, and park it in a parking garage during your time in Venice (you won’t need it). On the day you drive to the Dolomites, you will save a little bit of time, since you will not have to get back to the airport to pick up the car. But this is more expensive, since you are paying for 2 days of a rental car plus parking fees.
If you plan to pick up the car on the day you drive to the Dolomites, the best place to rent the car is at the Mestre train station followed by the Venice Marco Polo airport. Pick up the car ideally between 8 and 9 am (but even earlier is better), to give yourself as much time as possible in the Dolomites. It’s a little more of a hassle on this day but it does save money.
How to Get Around Northern Italy
Northern Italy’s train network is fast, reliable, and easy to use. Once you reach Verona and Milan, trains are typically the easiest way to travel between cities.
For Lake Como, you can take the train from Milan to Varenna (about 1 hour), then use ferries to move between towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.
Our Recommendation:
- No car in Venice
- A car for the Dolomites
- Train from Verona to Milan
- Ferry on Lake Como
PRO TRAVEL TIP: For Lake Como, take the train to Varenna rather than Como — it’s faster, more scenic, and puts you right in the heart of the lake’s most charming towns.
How Much Does 10 Days in Northern Italy Cost?
Northern Italy can be as affordable or as luxurious as you choose, but expect it to be one of the more expensive regions of Italy, especially in summer.
Here’s a rough estimate per person for a 10-day trip (based on mid-range travel during peak season):
🏨 Hotels (per night, double occupancy)
- Budget: $75–150
- Mid-range: $150–300
- Luxury: $300+
GOOD TO KNOW: Mountain hotels in the Dolomites and lakeside stays near Lake Como tend to cost more than city hotels in Milan or Verona.
🚗 Transportation
- Rental car (4–5 days): $75–150 per day
- Train tickets between cities: $20–60 per leg
- Lake Como ferries: $5–15 per ride
🍝 Food
- Casual meal: $15–25
- Sit-down dinner: $25–50+
- Gelato and espresso stops: priceless 😉
🎟️ Entrance Fees & Activities
- Major city attractions: $20–40 per site
- Dolomites cable cars: $25–50
- Museums and churches: $5–20
The estimated total for a mid-range traveler (excluding international flights) is $2,000 to $3,000 per person. You can save money by staying outside major city centers, booking accommodations early, using regional trains instead of high-speed trains (but you’ll have less time for sightseeing), and limiting cable car rides in the Dolomites.
10 Day Northern Italy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Venice & Explore the Grand Canal
Overnight: Venice
Highlights: Light sightseeing + iconic canal views
Transportation: Airport transfer or vaporetto into the city
Ideally, plan to arrive in Venice early in the morning, or even the night before, to make the most of this day.
If you arrive in the morning on a red eye flight, this first day can be challenging. Drop your luggage off at your hotel and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Venice. I do not recommend making big plans today (no St. Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace visits) because you might be exhausted.
Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
If you will have a car, park your car at Tronchetto Parking. This large parking garage is located in Venice in Santa Croce. We parked here on one of our visits to Venice. The parking garage can hold 4500 vehicles. Learn more here.
To get from the airport to your hotel in Venice, you can take the bus, a taxi, a vaporetto, or a water taxi. This article does a great job describing the numerous options, which can be overwhelming to choose from. I also recommend asking your hotel for the best way to get to the hotel.
You can also book one of the transport options below.
Airport Transfers & Water Taxis
Afternoon: Rialto Bridge & Grand Canal
Once you have checked into your hotel, have a quick lunch and then make your way to the Rialto Bridge. Depending on where you are staying in Venice, you can get here on foot or ride the vaporetto.
The vaporetto is a water bus that runs along the Grand Canal (and also out to the lagoon, Murano, Burano, and Lido). It’s a cheap way to get around Venice and the views are amazing, as you cruise along the Grand Canal.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops. From here, you get one of the best views of Venice, and it is a nice way to start your visit to this city. A visit here is quick, taking 10 to 15 minutes for the view and lots of photographs.
View from the Rialto Bridge
Pont dell’Accademia
From the Rialto Bridge, ride the vaporetto to Pont dell’Accademia. From this bridge, you get another iconic view of Venice and the Grand Canal.
Ponte dell’Accademia view
More Canal Views and Dorsoduro
From Ponte dell’Accademia, it is a short walk to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. From the cupola of this basilica, you get another spectacular view of Venice. Get updated hours before you go and you can learn more about how to visit this basilica in our Things to Do in Venice article.
View from Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
In the afternoon, you can also stroll through the Dorsoduro neighborhood and/or ride a gondola through the canals of Venice.
👉 For a full breakdown of what to see, read our 2 Day Venice Itinerary.
Evening: Dinner
For dinner, we recommend Osteria Enoteca San Marco (one of our favorite restaurants and it is located near St. Mark’s Square), Impronta (a seafood restaurant popular with locals and tourists), Ristorante Ca’Dolfin (gets rave reviews and is located in Canareggio), and Restaurant Quadri (a Michelin-starred restaurant).
Tonight, sleep in Venice.
Where to Stay in Venice
On this itinerary, you will spend 2 nights in Venice.
We have a detailed guide on Where to Stay in Venice, which has recommendations for the best neighborhoods and the best hotels for every budget.
Why Keep Day 1 Light?
Between jet lag and travel logistics, most travelers don’t have the energy for timed tickets or packed sightseeing. Saving major attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace for tomorrow ensures you’ll experience them fully. Tomorrow, you’ll dive into Venice’s most iconic sights.
Day 2: Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Square
Overnight: Venice
Focus: Venice’s iconic landmarks
Pace: Moderate sightseeing day
Tickets Needed? Yes — reserve major attractions in advance
Today is dedicated to Venice’s most famous sights. Plan to start early — lines build quickly at the city’s top attractions.
Morning: St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Square dates back to the 9th century AD. It is a gorgeous basilica, both inside and out. Lines can be long to enter it, but it is worth it, both to see the golden interior and to stand on the terrace for a view across St. Mark’s Square.
The basilica opens at 9:30 am. For the best experience, book your ticket online in advance through the official website or book your ticket in advance with an audioguide.
This very highly rated tour has skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, it includes the terrace, and it also includes Doge’s Palace (the next stop on today’s itinerary).
A visit to St. Mark’s Basilica (once you are inside), lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, to walk through the basilica, see the Pala d’Oro, and take in the view from the terrace.
Get the full details on what to see and do in our guide to St. Mark’s Basilica.
How to Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
Things to do, how to skip the line, and top tours of the basilica.
Mosaics on St. Mark’s Basilica
On the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica
Late Morning: Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace served as the residence for the Doge, the seat of the government, and a palace of justice. Now, it is a museum.
As you tour Doge’s Palace, you will cross the Bridge of Sighs. From this window, prisoners on their way to execution would have one final view of the city.
The Doge’s Palace is located next to St. Mark’s Basilica. Again, expect long lines here. You can either join the ticket line (expect a long wait), book your ticket in advance (highly recommended!!), or visit on a guided tour.
Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.
Lunch Near St. Mark’s Square
There are lots of restaurants located in and around St. Mark’s Square but most of these are overpriced and mediocre. We recommend Ai Do Leoni, which is next to St. Mark’s Basilica and serves sandwiches and small plates of pasta.
Restaurant Terrazza Danieli. Hotel Danieli is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on Riva degli Schiavoni. You can have lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Lagoon. This is the priciest lunch option on our list.
Afternoon: Views & Canal Wandering
The Campanile
Ride the elevator to the top of the Campanile for the best 360° view of Venice. To avoid waiting in line, you can purchase your ticket in advance on the official website.
View from the campanile
Stroll the Canals of Venice
For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the canals of Venice.
Strolling the canals is one of the best things to do in Venice and there are several ways to do it. You can either wander the canals on your own or take a walking tour.
I recommend starting on Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a wide promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon. As you cross Ponte della Paglia look down the canal for the iconic view of the Bridge of Sighs. As you continue east on the promenade, you will pass Hotel Danieli and to your right will be gorgeous views across the canal.
As you stroll through Venice, go shopping, have a glass of wine or aperitif at a café, snack on cicchetti, or hire a gondola.
Gondolas in Venice
Evening: Dinner
In the evening, have dinner. See Day 1 of this northern Italy itinerary for restaurant suggestions.
Helpful Venice Planning Guides
Here are a few of our detailed city guides, including recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your time.
Where to Stay in Venice 2026: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Choosing where to stay in Venice is one of the biggest decisions you will make as you plan your trip to this city. The location of your hotel will have a big impact on your overall experience. Venice is made up of neighborhoods, also called sestieri, and each neighborhood has its advantages and disadvantages for […]
2 Days in Venice Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
If you are planning your first trip to Venice, this Venice itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Venice, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this beautiful city and stroll the canals. Tour Doges Palace, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, drift through the canals on a gondola, and explore the […]
Venice Bucket List: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Venice, Italy
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Day 3: Drive to the Dolomites & Explore Cortina d’Ampezzo
Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Drive Time: ~2 hours from Venice
Highlights: Scenic mountain drive + short hike or cable car
Today you trade canals for alpine peaks. In the morning, pick up your rental car and begin the scenic drive from Venice into the Dolomites.
Morning: Drive to the Dolomites
In the morning, check out of your hotel. Pick up your rental car, either from the parking garage in Venice, the Mestre train station, or from the airport.
From Venice, it is a 2-hour drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the Dolomites.
The final stretch into the mountains is especially beautiful, winding roads and your first glimpse of the jagged limestone peaks that make this region famous. We always find this part of the drive to be thrilling.
Afternoon Option 1: Short Scenic Hike
If you’re ready to stretch your legs after the drive, choose one of these shorter hikes near Cortina:
- Cinque Torri – Easy loop with dramatic rock towers; add on rifugios Averau and Nuvolau for even better views
- Lagazuoi to Passo Falzarego – Scenic ridge walk with incredible views
👉 See our full guide to the Best Hikes in the Dolomites for trail details.
Lagazuoi, Dolomites
Afternoon Option 2: Ride a Cable Car
Not in the mood to hike? Ride the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to Cima Tofana for panoramic views without a long walk.
This is a fantastic introduction to the Dolomites and gives you sweeping views across multiple mountain ranges. Note: this is best done if the weather is clear; if it is cloudy in the peaks you may not get to see the incredible view.
The view of Cortina d’Ampezzo from the Tofana cable car
Evening: Explore Cortina
Spend the evening strolling through Cortina’s pedestrian-friendly center. Have dinner in town and enjoy the relaxed alpine atmosphere.
This first afternoon is intentionally flexible. The next three days are the heart of this itinerary — packed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
We have tons of information on the Dolomites, which you can see in our Dolomites Travel Guide. I recommend referring to this as you pick out what you want to do in the Dolomites.
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
You will spend 2 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Savoia, which is a beautiful 5-star hotel in Cortina. The Dolomiti Lodge Alverà gets exceptional reviews. Restaurant Rifugio Ospitale is located outside of town but is also very highly rated. And if you need a pet friendly apartment, take a look at Cristallo & Faloria Suite Apartments.
For more recommendations, take a look at our guide Where to Stay in the Dolomites ↓
Where to Stay in the Dolomites (2026 Guide to the Best Towns & Hotels)
How to pick the best region and hotel in the Dolomites.Day 4: Tre Cime di Lavaredo or Lago di Braies
Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Drive Time: 45–60 minutes
Focus: Iconic Dolomites scenery
Hiking Level: Flexible
Today is all about experiencing one of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites. You’ll choose between a legendary alpine hike or an easier but equally stunning lake visit.
Option 1: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Most Iconic Hike)
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is one of the most famous hikes in Italy, and for good reason. The trail circles three dramatic rock towers and delivers nonstop mountain views. We’ve hiked it twice, and from panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, and mountain huts to visit, it has it all.
- Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
- Time: 3 – 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
For even bigger views, add the short but spectacular Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. It starts in the same parking lot, so you get two hikes out of one parking reservation.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: An online parking reservation is necessary to park at the trailhead. This is best reserved in advance and the fee is €40 per vehicle (€60 per campervan).
👉 Read our complete Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hiking Guide for trail details, parking tips, and reservations.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Everything you need to know to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with maps, photos, trail stats, and a few detours that are worth the extra hiking distance.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Cadini di Misurina viewpoint
Option #2: Lago di Braies (Easier & Family-Friendly)
Prefer something less strenuous? Visit Lago di Braies, a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. The cover photo for this itinerary was also taken at Lago di Braies.
At Lago di Braies, you can:
- Walk the scenic loop around the lake
- Rent a wooden rowboat
- Enjoy the views without committing to a long hike
👉 Here’s our guide on How to Visit Lago di Braies (including parking restrictions and timing tips).
Lago di Braies
Option #3: Alternative Hikes Near Cortina
If you’re looking for something different, consider:
- Croda da Lago Circuit – One of our personal favorites
- Lago di Sorapis – Stunning blue alpine lake hike and another iconic, popular Dolomites hike; our guide has an alternative ending, to leave the crowds behind
- Cinque Torri + Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau – if you didn’t do that yesterday.
Croda da Lago Circuit
Lago di Sorapis
Evening
Return to Cortina for dinner and a relaxed evening. Tonight, sleep in Cortina.
Helpful Dolomites Planning Guides
Here are a few more of our articles to help you plan your trip to the Dolomites, including tips we’ve learned from our visits and things to do.
15 Surprising Things to Do in the Dolomites That Aren’t Hiking
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What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting the Dolomites
The Dolomites. This is where jagged pinnacles of rock soar into the sky, mountain huts and cabins dot the green, rolling hills, cable cars whisk hikers and skiers to the highest mountain peaks, and hiking trails connect small hamlets and towns. It’s easy to fall in love with the photos. Planning a smooth trip here, […]
Day 5: Marmolada, Scenic Mountain Passes & Val Gardena
Overnight: Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei
Drive Time: ~3–4 hours total (with scenic stops)
Focus: High alpine views + one of the most beautiful drives in the Dolomites
Today you’ll leave Cortina and drive west across the heart of the Dolomites, crossing dramatic mountain passes and ending in Val Gardena, another spectacular base for hiking.
This is one of the most scenic driving days of the entire trip.
Morning: Marmolada (The Highest Peak in the Dolomites)
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, drive over Giau Pass or Falzarego Pass to Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites.
Ride the cable car to the summit for sweeping views across glaciers, jagged peaks, and alpine valleys. Even without a long hike, this is one of the most impressive panoramic viewpoints in the region.
Allow 2–3 hours total for the cable car experience.
👉 Read our guide on How to Visit Marmolada for ticket tips and timing advice.
The view from Marmolada
Midday: Scenic Mountain Passes & Piz Boè
From Marmolada, drive over Passo Fedaia and Passo Pordoi, two beautiful scenic drives in the Dolomites.
Once at Passo Pordoi, you have the option to ride the cable car to Sass Pordoi, for more big views of the Dolomites, and to hike to Piz Boè, one of the easiest 3,000+ meter peaks to summit in the Dolomites (5.3 km/3.3 miles, 2 to 4 hours).
We really liked this hike, but it is strenuous, with some rock scrambling at the top. It’s perfect for those who like short, tough hikes and want to stand on one of the highest peaks in the Dolomites.
Sass Pordoi
Evening: Arrive in Val Gardena
End your day in either Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei, both excellent bases for tomorrow’s hikes.
Enjoy dinner in town and settle in, the landscapes in this region feel completely different from Cortina, adding even more variety to your Dolomites experience.
In Selva di Val Gardena, Hotel Tyrol has an excellent location and gets wonderful reviews. We had dinner twice at Hotel Freina and this hotel also gets exceptional reviews. For a splurge, we recommend the Granbaita Dolomites, a luxury hotel with a wellness center. For more recommendations, take a look at our Dolomites Hotel Guide.
You will spend 2 nights in Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei.
Day 6: Puez-Odle, Alpe di Siusi, or Val di Funes
Overnight: Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei
Drive Time: Minimal
Focus: Classic Dolomites landscapes
Hiking Level: Flexible
Today you explore the Val Gardena region, home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Dolomites. Whether you want a full-day alpine hike or a more relaxed scenic experience, here are our top recommendations.
Option 1: Puez-Odle Altopiano (Our Favorite Hike)
If you’re up for a big day, hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano. This high plateau hike offers nonstop views of jagged peaks and sweeping alpine meadows. It’s our favorite hike in the Dolomites, but it is a longer, more strenuous trail, so it’s not for everyone. We did this hike when our kids were 9 and 11, so it is doable for older kids.
- Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
- Time: 6–9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Dolomites.
👉 Read our full Puez-Odle Altopiano Hiking Guide for details.
View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano trail
Option 2: Alpe di Siusi (Scenic & Relaxed)
For a more relaxed day, head to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow.
Here you can:
- Walk between mountain huts (rifugios)
- Rent bikes
- Ride cable cars for sweeping views
- Enjoy lunch with Sassolungo towering overhead
It’s an easy way to experience dramatic scenery without a strenuous hike.
👉 Read our Alpe di Siusi guide for more details.
Alpe di Siusi
Option 3: Val di Funes
Val di Funes is famous for postcard-perfect views of the Odle peaks rising behind small alpine churches.
Consider:
- The Adolf Munkel Weg hike
- The Santa Maddalena viewpoint trail
This area feels quieter and more rural than Cortina or Val Gardena.
Val di Funes
Day 7: Verona – Roman Arena & Riverside Views
Overnight: Verona
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Val Gardena
Focus: Historic city stroll + relaxed afternoon
Car Needed? Optional (you can return it here)
Morning: Scenic Drive to Verona
Plan to leave Val Gardena by 8–9 am to arrive in Verona around midday. The drive is straightforward and much easier than the winding mountain roads of the previous days.
From Selva di Val Gardena, it is a 200 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive to Verona. If you leave by 9 am, you will arrive in Verona just before noon.
If you rented a car for the Dolomites only, Verona is a convenient place to return it before continuing by train.
Optional: On the drive to Verona, you will be very close to the Santuario Madonna della Corona. A visit here adds on another hour of driving, plus time to visit the church, which takes about an hour.
Santuario Madonna della Corona
Madonna della Corona is a church that clings to the side of a mountain. To get here, you will park in town and it is a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) downhill walk to the church (or you can take a bus).
Afternoon: Verona Highlights
Spend the afternoon exploring Verona’s compact historic center. Top sights include:
- Verona Arena – A remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater
- Piazza Bra – The city’s lively main square
- Torre dei Lamberti – Climb for panoramic city views
- Ponte Pietra – A beautiful stone bridge over the Adige River
- Juliet’s House – A quick stop for Shakespeare fans
You can see the main highlights in half a day without feeling rushed.
👉 See our full guide to Things to Do in Verona for details.
Verona
Verona
Evening: Aperitivo & Dinner
Verona is wonderful in the evening. Have an aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe, then enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. Compared to Venice, prices are often lower and the atmosphere feels more local.
Where to Stay in Verona
Arena Suite is a 4-star hotel in the city center that has large rooms and gets exceptional reviews. Relais Balcone di Giulietta is another highly rated hotel located next to Juliet’s balcony. And Hotel Torcolo “Residenze del Cuore” is a centrally located budget hotel that gets very good reviews.
You will spend one night in Verona.
RENTAL CAR: You can drop your rental car in Verona (and travel by train for the rest of this itinerary, which is the cheapest, most environmentally friendly option) or keep it until the end of your trip. If you have a car and plan to stay in the city center, ask your hotel for advice on where to park. Some hotels will have designated parking, either with or without an additional fee.
Day 8: Milan – The Duomo & The Last Supper
Overnight: Milan
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train (or ~2 hours by car)
Focus: Iconic landmarks + art
Car Needed? No
Morning: Travel to Milan
This morning, travel from Verona to Milan by train or car. By car, it is a 160 km drive that takes 2 hours. Or, you can take a train from Verona to Milan (roughly 1.5 hours with ticket prices ranging from $17 to $27 USD).
The Last Supper (Book in Advance)
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is one of the most sought-after tickets in Italy. Reservations typically sell out weeks (or even months) ahead.
Plan your day around your timed entry at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Allow about one hour total for the visit.
👉 Read our guide to One Day in Milan for ticket tips and booking strategies.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you can’t reserve a time slot on the official website, here is a one hour tour that includes your admission to see the “Last Supper.”
Milan Duomo & Rooftop Walk
Afterward, head to the Duomo di Milano, a massive Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city.
Don’t just visit the interior — walk the rooftop terraces for up-close views of the spires and statues. On clear days, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the full Duomo experience.
Milan Duomo
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next door to the Duomo is the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a quick walk through.
Evening in Milan
Have dinner in the Brera district or near the Navigli canals. Milan has a strong aperitivo culture, making it a fun place to enjoy drinks and small bites before dinner.
You will stay in Milan for one to two nights, depending on how you plan to visit Lake Como.
Day 9: Lake Como & Bellagio
Overnight: Milan or Lake Como
Travel Time: ~1 hour by train from Milan to Varenna
Focus: Lakeside towns + scenic ferry rides
Car Needed? No
Today you’ll trade city streets for sparkling lake views and colorful hillside villages. Lake Como is the perfect way to end this Northern Italy itinerary — relaxed, scenic, and effortlessly beautiful.
There are two ways to visit Lake Como today. You can either day trip from Milan, just visiting Lake Como for the day, spending another night in Milan. This has the advantage of not packing and unpacking again, and if you have a flight home from Milan tomorrow, you will already be in town.
Alternatively, you can spend the night in Bellagio or Varenna, which are on Lake Como. This is a good option for those who want to spend the night in a beautiful lakeside town. However, you will have more travel time tomorrow to get to the airport.
Both options can be done with public transportation and by car.
Morning: Travel to Lake Como
From Milan, take the train to Varenna (about 1 hour). Varenna is smaller and more charming than the city of Como and puts you right in the heart of the lake’s most picturesque towns.
If you still have a rental car, drive to Bellagio (1.5 hours) or Varenna (1.5 hours).
Once in Varenna, explore on foot before hopping on a ferry.
For the best experience, we recommend arriving in Bellagio or Varenna by 10:30 am, to give yourself enough time to visit the area.
Varenna
Bellagio
Midday: Ferry to Bellagio
Take the ferry across the lake to Bellagio, often called the “pearl of Lake Como.”
In Bellagio, you can:
- Wander the narrow stone staircases
- Browse small boutiques
- Visit Villa Melzi gardens
- Enjoy lunch with lake views
The ferry rides themselves are part of the experience, offering beautiful views of villas and mountains from the water.
Planning your Lake Como Day Trip
Plan on spending about 2 to 3 hours in both Varenna and Bellagio. There isn’t much to see in Menaggio, so this can be skipped. It is also worth hiring a boat to cruise past the villas or even tour one of them.
For full details on how to do this, refer to our Lake Como Day Trip guide and Things to Do in Bellagio ↓
How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan or Lugano
Lake Como is a wishbone-shaped lake nestled in the foothills of the Alps. This is where the rich and famous vacation in luxurious villas and visitors flock to the colorful lakeside towns. It is one of Italy’s most scenic destinations and easily visited from Milan and Lugano, Switzerland. If you are planning a day trip […]
8 Amazing Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy
Lake Como…a destination that is glamorous, romantic, and gorgeous. This lake is a slice of Italian paradise, and for many people, a visit to Bellagio is the highlight. Also called the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is the perfect mix of photogenic streets, small shops, wonderful restaurants, and gorgeous views across Lake Como. If you […]
Evening: Return or Stay on the Lake
You have two options:
- Return to Milan for your final night (easiest for early flights)
- Stay overnight in Bellagio or Varenna for a quieter lakeside experience
Day 10: Fly Home
Fly home from Milan (MXP or LIN) or Venice (VCE).
If you have a flight leaving from Marco Polo Airport (Venice), from Milan it takes a minimum of 3.5 hours to travel by train and just over 3 hours by car. Unless you have a late afternoon flight, you will either have to leave very early in the morning or travel to Venice the night of day 9.
How to Modify this Itinerary
With Less Time
If you have less than 10 days, then remove a day or two from the Dolomites. You can also skip Verona, but it is a wonderful city and one of our favorites in Italy.
Here is a sample 7-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Dolomites
Day 4: Dolomites
Day 5: Drive to Milan
Day 6: Lake Como day trip
Day 7: Fly home
With More Time
With more time, you can add extra days to Venice, the Dolomites, or Lake Como. If you enjoy hiking, put as many days as you can in the Dolomites (in our opinion, it’s a better use of time than adding on Lake Garda, mentioned next).
You also have the option to add Lake Garda.
View from Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, Malcesine, Lake Garda
Castello Scaligero, Sirmione
Riva del Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and it sits between the Dolomites and Milan. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Garda to keep you busy here for three days, and the minimum amount of time that we recommend is one day in Lake Garda.
You should also know that Lake Garda is an extremely busy place to visit in the summer, more so than Lake Como, at least in our experience. We prefer Lake Como over Lake Garda, which is why we designed this northern Italy itinerary with Lake Como. However, if you like the idea of visiting Lake Garda, here is a sample itinerary, if you have 12 days in Italy.
Day 1: Arrive in Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Dolomites
Day 4: Dolomites
Day 5: Dolomites
Day 6: Dolomites
Day 7: Northern end of Lake Garda (stay in Riva del Garda)
Day 8: Southern end of Lake Garda (stay in Sirmione)
Day 9: Verona
Day 10: Milan
Day 11: Lake Como day trip
Day 12: Fly home
I put Lake Garda before Verona since you save a little driving time by visiting the north end of Lake Garda first. Plus, having a car makes it much easier to get around Lake Garda and transfer from Riva del Garda to Sirmione, and then once in Verona, you can drop the rental car if you prefer. It’s also a little easier to get from Verona to Milan by train.
For more information on how to plan your time, check out our Lake Garda Itinerary.
Designing Your Own Itinerary?
Looking for a different route through Italy? Here are a few more detailed itineraries to help you plan your next trip:
- 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Route Ideas – A mix of classic first-time routes including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre.
- 10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice – A classic first-time itinerary focused on Italy’s most iconic cities.
- Southern Italy Itinerary – Explore the Amalfi Coast, Matera, Alberobello, and Puglia.
- Two Weeks in Sicily – A detailed road trip through Sicily’s coastlines, historic cities, and Mount Etna.
For more detailed city guides, hiking routes, and regional itineraries, visit our Italy Travel Guide, where we’ve organized all of our Italy content in one place.
Planning beyond Italy? Browse our full collection of Travel Itineraries for more ideas across Europe and around the world.
If you have any questions about this northern Italy itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.
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