A 7-Day Itinerary of Northern Italy
Milan to Venice with Como and More
Eager to plan a memorable trip around Northern Italy but feeling a bit uncertain on where to begin, what to see, the budget, or the length? Consider this itinerary your personal travel advisor with all of your answers, laying out all the essential information to plan for an extraordinary seven-day adventure. This journey will let you experience all of the big city activities, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations that you've been eager to see.
If you follow this guide, you'll find stunning lakes, mountain views, and world-class cities. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Milan (2 days)
- Como (2 days)
- Verona (1 day)
- Venice (2 days)
Venice
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beautiful Locations
- Big City Activities
- Small Town Charm
- Hiking
- Museums
Northern Italy pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Verona, Milan, and Como for the beautiful scenery.
This region is also very popular for its world-class cities adorned with sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, enticing restaurants, shopping, and more. On a trip through the area, you'll be able to spend time exploring these dynamic cities and everything they have to offer. Make sure you specifically visit Milan if you love urban vibes.
Don't miss out on exploring the lovely and quaint small towns scattered throughout the region. You'll have a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture while tasting delicious food and soaking in the history.
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Don't overlook the incredible hiking opportunities in Northern Italy; they're simply too good to miss. Plan to spend some time on the local trails for jaw-dropping views, rejuvenating fresh air, and a satisfying workout to boot. Some of the most amazing scenery is found around Verona, Milan, and Como.
Along this itinerary, you'll discover a number of fantastic museums waiting to be explored, so be sure to carve out some time to see them. When it comes to Verona, Milan, and Venice, the museums offer great experiences.
Verona, Italy
When is the best time to visit?
When summer rolls around, Northern Italy becomes a hotspot, buzzing with activity. Anticipate a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors; however, the silver lining is that during this time, everything is accessible and ready for exploration.
Autumn in Northern Italy offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.
Who is this itinerary for?
Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in Northern Italy. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. Especially visit Verona, Como, and Milan for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Como and Venice.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Milan, Como, and Venice can especially help your budget.
Como, Italy
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Northern Italy is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 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.
The train network in Northern Italy offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in Northern Italy means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.
Buses offer an excellent means of transportation within the area due to their affordability, speed, and convenience. For budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to be at the wheel, exploring the various price options makes considering buses an attractive alternative to other transportation modes.
Is seven days enough time in Northern Italy?
Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Northern Italy. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.
Piazza del Duomo, Milan
How much does a seven-day trip to Northern Italy cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in Northern Italy, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | $180 | 2 | $360 |
| Como | $233 | 2 | $466 |
| Verona | $183 | 1 | $183 |
| Venice | $248 | 2 | $497 |
| Total per Person | $1,505 | ||
| for 2 People | $3,010 | ||
The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Northern Italy is approximately $1,505 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
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. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | $104 | 2 | $208 |
| Como | $175 | 2 | $350 |
| Verona | $111 | 1 | $111 |
| Venice | $135 | 2 | $270 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $939 | ||
Hostel Prices
Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Milan | $27 |
| Verona | $30 |
| 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 brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
For foodies, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
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.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse 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
Milan offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Milan, see 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
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Milan average around $180 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out 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
When it comes to accommodations in Milan, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $104, calculated from the data of 1159 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Milan here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Milan offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $27. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Milan.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Milan to Como.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Milan to Como, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Milan to Como are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
2. Como
2 Days
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 brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches, hiking, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
For foodies, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
What to See in Como
How to Spend 2 Days in Como
Day 1:
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.
Day 2:
Don't miss the lakeside setting during your trip to Como, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Como 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 charming villages and beautiful lakeside setting make this and idyllic place to visit in Italy.
The public transit in Como is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the lake area quite easily and affordably. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.
More Activities
Como offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Como, see The Best Affordable Tours around Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Monte Croce.
Como Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Como average around $233 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Como here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $6 | $16 | $39 |
| Food2 | $28 | $65 | $136 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Como, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $175, calculated from the data of 191 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Como here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Como to Verona.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Como to Verona, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Como to Verona are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
3. Verona
1 Day
Located in northern Italy, Verona is the setting of Shakespeare's famous play "Romeo and Juliet". In town you'll find the fictional house of Juliet, with the famed balcony. While many visitors come to town specifically for that reason, they'll be surprised to find a city that is also filled with culture, architecture, landmarks, and great cuisine.
Verona brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, and delicious food. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.
What to See in Verona
How to Spend 1 Day in Verona
Don't miss Juliet's House and Balcony during your trip to Verona, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.
Verona 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. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.
More Activities
Verona offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Verona, see Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, Ponte Scaligero, and The Verona Arena.
Verona Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Verona average around $183 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Verona here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $3 | $7 | $14 |
| Food2 | $47 | $59 | $81 |
| Entertainment1 | $5 | $13 | $30 |
| Alcohol2 | $5 | $12 | $22 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Verona, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $111, calculated from the data of 596 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Verona here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Verona offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $30. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Verona.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Verona to Venice.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Verona to Venice, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Verona to Venice are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
4. 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 brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.
Venice has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse 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
Venice offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Venice, see 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
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Venice average around $248 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out 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
When it comes to accommodations in Venice, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $135, calculated from the data of 1536 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Venice here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Venice offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $33. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Venice.
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 seven-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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