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17-Day Northern & Central Italy Itinerary

Viewed by 50 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Morning: Arrive in Milan and settle into your accommodation. Start your exploration at the Duomo di Milano, admiring its stunning Gothic architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and enjoy a coffee at one of its elegant cafes. Take a stroll to see La Scala Opera House.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Milanese restaurant and optionally catch a show if available at La Scala.

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Day 2: Milan to Lake Como

Morning: Travel to Lake Como and check into your accommodation. Explore the charming town of Como and its lakeside promenade.

Afternoon: Take a boat tour around the lake to visit picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna.

Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner with stunning sunset views over the water.

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Day 3: Lake Como to Turin

Morning: Depart for Turin. Begin with a visit to the elegant Piazza Castello and the Palazzo Reale.

Afternoon: Explore the Egyptian Museum and walk through the historic center admiring baroque architecture.

Evening: Taste traditional Piedmont cuisine at a local trattoria.

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Day 4: Turin to Bologna

Morning: Travel to Bologna and check in. Visit the iconic Towers of Bologna, particularly the Asinelli Tower for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Wander through the medieval streets and visit Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio.

Evening: Enjoy Bologna’s famous cuisine, known for its rich pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù.

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Day 5: Bologna to Venice

Morning: Travel to Venice. Begin your visit at St. Mark’s Square, admiring St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Afternoon: Explore the winding canals by gondola or vaporetto, visiting Rialto Bridge and the vibrant markets.

Evening: Dine in a canal-side restaurant and enjoy the magical ambiance of Venice at night.

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Day 6: Venice to Dolomites

Morning: Depart for the Dolomites. Check into a mountain lodge and enjoy fresh alpine air.

Afternoon: Explore scenic trails or take a cable car for panoramic mountain views and photo opportunities.

Evening: Relax with hearty mountain cuisine and unwind in the peaceful mountain environment.

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Day 7: Dolomites Hiking & Exploration

Morning: Embark on a guided hike through the stunning Tre Cime di Lavaredo or other notable routes.

Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic amidst magnificent landscapes, then visit alpine villages nearby.

Evening: Return to your lodge and enjoy a cozy evening with local specialties.

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Day 8: Dolomites to Florence

Morning: Travel to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo).

Afternoon: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Stroll along the Arno River.

Evening: Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at a local trattoria and explore the lively streets of Florence.

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Day 9: Florence to Siena

Morning: Travel to Siena and explore Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio horse race.

Afternoon: Visit the Siena Cathedral and its ornate interiors and artworks.

Evening: Experience Tuscan hospitality at a local wine bar with regional wines.

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Day 10: Siena to Rome

Morning: Travel to Rome. Begin exploring at the ancient Colosseum and nearby Roman Forum.

Afternoon: Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona, enjoying Rome’s vibrant atmosphere.

Evening: Dine with views of the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin to ensure a return to Rome.

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Day 11: Rome - Vatican & Historic Center

Morning: Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Afternoon: Explore Trastevere neighborhood, known for its charming streets and lively cafes.

Evening: Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine in Trastevere’s atmospheric restaurants.

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Day 12: Rome to Sorrento

Morning: Travel to the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento. Take in views overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Afternoon: Explore the old town with its quaint streets, shops, and piazzas.

Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner featuring fresh catches from the Mediterranean.

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Day 13: Sorrento & Amalfi Coast - Positano Day Trip

Morning: Take a scenic drive or boat trip to Positano, a cliffside village famous for its colorful buildings.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach or explore boutique shops and local artisan studios.

Evening: Return to Sorrento for a sunset dinner with coastal views.

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Day 14: Capri Exploration

Morning: Ferry to the island of Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto and marvel at the azure waters.

Afternoon: Explore Marina Grande, Anacapri, and enjoy panoramic views from the Gardens of Augustus.

Evening: Return to Sorrento or spend the night on Capri to savor island life.

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Day 15: Sorrento to Cinque Terre

Morning: Travel north to Cinque Terre, a rugged coastal region of five colorful villages.

Afternoon: Begin exploring villages like Monterosso and Vernazza, hiking scenic trails or relaxing by the sea.

Evening: Enjoy Ligurian cuisine and fresh seafood in a local trattoria.

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Day 16: Cinque Terre Exploration

Morning: Continue hiking or take the train to nearby villages such as Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Afternoon: Swim in the azure waters or relax at charming cafes overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Evening: Savor a farewell dinner featuring pesto and regional specialties.

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Day 17: Departure from Milan

Morning: Travel back to Milan for your departure. If time allows, visit any missed sights or shop for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Prepare for your flight home, reflecting on your incredible Italian journey.

Evening: Depart Milan.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Duomo di Milano: 2 hours, €15
  • Boat Tour on Lake Como: 3 hours, €30
  • Egyptian Museum, Turin: 2 hours, €12
  • Towers of Bologna: 1.5 hours, €5
  • St. Mark's Basilica, Venice: 2 hours, €20
  • Dolomites Cable Car: 3 hours, €25
  • Uffizi Gallery, Florence: 3 hours, €20
  • Siena Cathedral: 1.5 hours, €8
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum: 3 hours, €18
  • Vatican Museums: 4 hours, €25
  • Blue Grotto, Capri: 2 hours, €14
  • Cinque Terre Train Pass: Various hiking and village visits, 1 day, €16

Total Estimated Cost: approximately €213 (excluding accommodation, meals, and transport between cities)

Tips

If you’re short on time, consider reducing the trip to focus on one or two regions, such as just Northern Italy (Milan, Lake Como, Dolomites, and Venice) or Central and Southern Italy (Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast). For a longer trip, add more days in the Dolomites for hiking, or spend additional time exploring smaller villages and countryside areas around Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast to enjoy a more relaxed pace.

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