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10‑Day Northern & Central Italy Highlights Itinerary

Viewed by 65 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Morning: Land at Milan Malpensa and take the express train to the city centre. Drop your bags at the hotel and enjoy a quick espresso while strolling to the iconic Duomo di Milano.

Afternoon: Explore the magnificent cathedral interior and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views. Walk through the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admiring its glass dome and luxury boutiques.

Evening: Wander the lively Navigli canal district, where you can dine on risotto alla milanese and sip a spritz beside the water.

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Day 2: Milan Exploration

Morning: Visit the impressive Sforza Castle and its museums, then stroll through the adjacent Sempione Park.

Afternoon: Discover the artistic Brera District, browsing its galleries and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

Evening: Enjoy aperitivo in the trendy Porta Nuova area before catching a high‑speed train to Venice.

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Day 3: Arrival in Venice

Morning: Arrive at Santa Lucia station and check in. Begin with a vaporetto ride to the heart of the city, the St. Mark's Square.

Afternoon: Tour the opulent Doge's Palace and its Bridge of Sighs, then wander to the bustling Rialto Bridge and market.

Evening: Take a sunset gondola ride through the quiet canals and enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a local bàcaro.

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Day 4: Venice Islands

Morning: Catch a waterbus to Murano to watch master glassblowers at work.

Afternoon: Continue to the colorful island of Burano, famous for its lace shops and pastel‑colored houses.

Evening: Return to the main islands for a leisurely dinner along the Grand Canal, savoring fresh seafood.

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Day 5: Venice Leisure

Morning: Explore hidden gems such as the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore for a stunning view of the lagoon.

Afternoon: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see masterpieces by Titian and Bellini.

Evening: Attend a classical concert in a historic palazzo before departing by night train to Florence.

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Day 6: Arrival in Florence

Morning: Arrive at Santa Maria Novella, settle in, then head straight to the iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb Giotto’s Campanile.

Afternoon: Tour the world‑renowned Uffizi Gallery, admiring works by Botticelli and Leonardo.

Evening: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, browse its jewellery shops, and dine on Florentine steak in the Oltrarno quarter.

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Day 7: Florence & Tuscan Countryside

Morning: Visit the tranquil Boboli Gardens and the adjacent Pitti Palace.

Afternoon: Take a short bus ride to the scenic town of Siena for a quick explore of its medieval piazza.

Evening: Return to Florence for a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo, then enjoy gelato by the Arno River.

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Day 8: Arrival in Rome

Morning: Arrive at Termini, check in, then begin with a visit to the mighty Colosseum and the adjoining Roman Forum.

Afternoon: Walk to the historic centre to see the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin for good luck.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, sampling authentic Roman pasta dishes.

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Day 9: Vatican City

Morning: Tour the spectacular Vatican Museums, culminating with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Afternoon: Visit the awe‑inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for a sweeping city view.

Evening: Relax on the Spanish Steps, then enjoy a night‑time walk past the illuminated Pantheon.

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Day 10: Departure from Rome

Morning: Take a leisurely breakfast near Piazza Navona and admire its baroque fountains.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping on Via del Corso before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Evening: Travel home with wonderful memories of Italy’s art, history, and cuisine.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Duomo di Milano – 2 h, €5 entry
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – 1 h, free
  • Navigli District – 2 h, free (dinner €30)
  • Sforza Castle – 2 h, €10
  • Brera District – 2 h, free
  • St. Mark's Square – 1 h, free
  • Doge's Palace – 2 h, €25
  • Rialto Bridge & Market – 1.5 h, free
  • Murano Glassworks – 2 h, €15 (demo)
  • Burano Island – 3 h, free (lunch €20)
  • Accademia Gallery – 1.5 h, €12
  • Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – 2 h, €18 (cupola)
  • Uffizi Gallery – 3 h, €20
  • Ponte Vecchio – 1 h, free
  • Boboli Gardens – 2 h, €10
  • Siena Day Trip – 4 h, €30 (transport & guide)
  • Colosseum & Roman Forum – 3 h, €16
  • Trevi Fountain – 0.5 h, free
  • Vatican Museums – 3 h, €30
  • St. Peter’s Basilica Dome – 1.5 h, €10
  • Spanish Steps & Pantheon – 1 h, free
  • General Meals & Transport – 9 days, €250
  • Total Estimated Cost€608

Tips

If you need more time, add an extra day in Florence to visit the Chianti wine region, or extend your stay in Rome to explore the catacombs and Trastevere’s night life. For a quicker trip, combine Milan and Venice into a single “Northern Italy” day by taking an early high‑speed train, and skip the Siena day‑trip, reducing the itinerary to eight days while still hitting the major highlights.

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