A 5-Day Itinerary of Northern Italy
Milan to Venice, and More
Thinking about an extraordinary journey around Northern Italy but unsure about the starting point, the best places to go, the expense, or the length? This itinerary is your go-to companion, loaded with all the details to put together an unforgettable five-day expedition. After all, the region is full of big city activities, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations making it a terrific place to explore.
The reasons to visit Northern Italy are plentiful. You'll find amazing food, historical towns, and gorgeous scenery. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Milan (2 days)
- Como (1 day)
- Venice (2 days)
Venice, Italy
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beautiful Locations
- Big City Activities
- Small Town Charm
- Hiking
- Museums
The stunning scenery of Northern Italy is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Venice, Milan, and Como for the beautiful scenery.
You'll want to make sure you set aside enough time to visit the larger cities with their sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, delectable restaurants, shopping, and more. The cities of Northern Italy are a great way to immerse yourself in its distinctive culture and dynamic urban allure. With plenty of big city activities, Milan shouldn't be missed.
The beautiful and charming small towns of the region are a must-see. They provide an excellent chance to dive into the local culture, history, food, and more.
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Hiking in Northern Italy is an absolute must, so don't even think about skipping it. Take the time to hit the local trails for panoramic views, rejuvenating fresh air, and a healthy dose of physical activity. Some of the best hiking trails are found around Venice, Milan, and Como.
You'll find plenty of great museums along the way, so make sure you take some time to explore. The museums of Milan and Venice are particularly good.
Milan, Italy
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a great time to visit Northern Italy. It's a peak travel season here that draws plenty of visitors for a good reason. Although you might encounter bustling crowds, the upside is that everything will be wide open and within easy reach.
If you can, consider visiting during autumn. This is when the weather takes on a slightly cooler edge, the natural scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, and, as an added bonus, the tourist crowds typically dissipate by this time of year.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's get into the romantic side of Northern Italy. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. For romantic charm, Venice, Milan, and Como especially should not be missed.
Northern Italy makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Venice and Como.
Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Venice, Milan, and Como tend to favor budget travelers.
Venice
Transportation
Getting around between these destinations in Northern Italy isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 4 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Milan 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 Milan. To get to Milan, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Northern Italy is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Exploring with this itinerary is a blast if you've got a car. If you can't bring your own, just rent one. Having your own set of wheels in Northern Italy is the ticket to total freedom and flexibility. Cruise at your own pace and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Generally speaking, buses are a great way to get around in the area. They are very affordable, quick, and easy. If you're traveling on a budget and don't want to drive yourself, check out the price options and consider this as a great alternative to other methods of transport.
Is five days enough time in Northern Italy?
Yes, five days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Northern Italy. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in five days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around five days to see everything.
Piazza del Duomo, Milan
How much does a five-day trip to Northern Italy cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting five-day journey across Northern Italy. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | $180 | 2 | $360 |
| Como | $233 | 1 | $233 |
| Venice | $248 | 2 | $497 |
| Total per Person | $1,090 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,179 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this five-day journey in Northern Italy tallies up to $1,090 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
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.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | $104 | 2 | $208 |
| Como | $175 | 1 | $175 |
| Venice | $135 | 2 | $270 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $653 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Milan | $27 |
| Venice | $33 |
Northern Italy Itinerary
1. Milan
2 Days
Milan is the fashion and design capital of Italy. It has many glamourous shops as well as beautiful art and architecture. The city is also a financial hub for the country. While its often skipped over by tourists for other more popular Italian cities, those who visit will be rewarded with many great experiences.
Milan offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Milan has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
Since Milan is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
What to See in Milan
How to Spend 2 Days in Milan
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.
The delicious food of Milan is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.
Milan is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. In particular, the city center is walkable.
Day 2:
Given that Milan is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. The city is known as the financial, fashion, and (arguably) cultural capital of Italy.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.
Public transit in Milan is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Milan. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Milan, The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Milan, The Best Milan Duomo Tours, and The Best Wine Tours in Milan.
Milan Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Milan hovers around a reasonable $180 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Milan here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $13 | $38 | $121 |
| Food2 | $18 | $42 | $87 |
| Entertainment1 | $13 | $33 | $82 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $26 | $62 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Milan have an average price of $104 based on the average from 1159 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Milan here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Milan, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $27. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Milan here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Milan to Como.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Milan to Como. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Taking a bus from Milan to Como is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
2. Como
1 Day
Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in the northern part of Italy. It's dramatically located near the Alps and it has many charming villages and a glamourous and upscale atmosphere. Visitors come for the resort-like environment with water sports, boating, and shopping among the favorite activities in the area.
Como offers beaches, hiking, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
Since Como is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
What to See in Como
How to Spend 1 Day in Como
Shopping in Como is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.
The culinary scene in Como is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this lake area's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.
Como is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the lake area, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Como. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Affordable Tours around Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Monte Croce.
Como Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Como hovers around a reasonable $233 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Como here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $6 | $16 | $39 |
| Food2 | $28 | $65 | $136 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Como have an average price of $175 based on the average from 191 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Como here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Como to Venice.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Como to Venice. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Taking a bus from Como to Venice is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
3. Venice
2 Days
Venice is one of the most popular attractions in Italy, and at times it does feel more like an attraction than a city. But that doesn't mean that it's not truly beautiful and romantic - a not -to-be-missed stop on any Italian itinerary. Part of the experience in Venice is simply getting lost. Tucked away in the hidden corners you'll find what really makes this city one-of-a-kind.
Venice offers museums, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Travelers visit Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
Venice has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
Since Venice is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
What to See in Venice
How to Spend 2 Days in Venice
Day 1:
When visiting Venice, you absolutely can't miss St. Mark's Basilica as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Venice is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.
Venice is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Day 2:
Venice is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
The public transit in Venice is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Venice. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Venice, The Best Cheap Gondola Rides and Tours in Venice, The Best Doge's Palace Tours in Venice, and The Best Tours to Murano from Venice.
Venice Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Venice hovers around a reasonable $248 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Venice here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $13 | $29 | $59 |
| Food2 | $27 | $70 | $190 |
| Entertainment1 | $40 | $109 | $318 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $26 | $58 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Venice have an average price of $135 based on the average from 1536 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Venice here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Venice, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $33. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Venice here.
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your five-day trip in Northern Italy, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
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