Begin your journey in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. In the morning, visit the magnificent Duomo di Milano and climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping arcade. In the evening, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine at a local trattoria.
Duomo di Milano: Estimated Cost: €10, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Local Trattoria: Estimated Cost: €20-30, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi, a famous bakery in Milan. Enjoy their freshly baked pastries and coffee. The average cost for a breakfast here is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria Milanese, a traditional Italian restaurant known for its authentic Milanese cuisine. Try their signature dish, Risotto alla Milanese. The average cost for a meal here is about €20 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Ristorante Da Giacomo, a renowned seafood restaurant in Milan. Indulge in their exquisite seafood dishes like the grilled octopus. The average cost for a meal here is about €40 per person.
Friday, September 29: Lake Como
Embark on a day trip to the scenic Lake Como. Start your morning with a boat ride along the lake, enjoying the stunning mountain views. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Bellagio, known for its picturesque streets and beautiful gardens. End the day with a relaxing lakeside dinner.
Boat Ride on Lake Como: Estimated Cost: €30, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Exploring Bellagio: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Lakeside Dinner: Estimated Cost: €30-50, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Del Lago. This cozy cafe offers a variety of pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and healthy breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria Ristorante Bellavista. This charming restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes, such as homemade pasta and fresh seafood. Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Como while indulging in a delightful meal. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For a memorable lakeside dinner experience, dine at Ristorante La Punta. This elegant restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere with panoramic views of Lake Como. Indulge in gourmet Italian cuisine paired with excellent wines. The average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Verona
Head to Verona, the city of love and the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Spend the morning exploring the iconic Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. In the afternoon, visit Juliet's House and leave a love letter on the famous balcony. End the day with a stroll along the charming streets of the historic center.
Verona Arena: Estimated Cost: €10, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Juliet's House: Estimated Cost: €6, Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
For breakfast in Verona, head to Caffè Tubino, a cozy café known for its delicious pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Trattoria Muramare, a charming restaurant near Juliet's House that serves traditional Italian dishes made with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, dine at Osteria Sottoriva, a rustic yet elegant restaurant tucked away in the historic center of Verona. Enjoy their seasonal menu and extensive wine list. Average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Venice
Take a train to the enchanting city of Venice. Begin your day with a gondola ride along the picturesque canals, admiring the beautiful architecture. In the afternoon, visit St. Mark's Square and explore the stunning St. Mark's Basilica. End the day with a leisurely stroll over the iconic Rialto Bridge.
Gondola Ride: Estimated Cost: €80-100, Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
St. Mark's Basilica: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Rialto Bridge: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
A charming café called Caffè Florian is a great choice for breakfast in Venice. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere while indulging in their delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Expect to spend about 15 euros per person for breakfast.
Ristorante Alle Corone is a fantastic lunch spot near St. Mark's Square. This restaurant offers a menu filled with delectable traditional Venetian dishes such as sarde in saor and risotto al nero di seppia. The average cost for a lunch here is around 25 euros per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Ristorante La Serenissima. Located near the Rialto Bridge, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of seafood and Italian cuisine, with a touch of elegance. Expect to spend about 40 euros per person for a delightful dinner at Ristorante La Serenissima.
Monday, October 2: Cinque Terre
Travel to the picturesque region of Cinque Terre. Start your morning by hiking the scenic trails that connect the five colorful coastal villages. In the afternoon, take a break at one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. End the day with a seafood dinner overlooking the charming village of Vernazza.
Hiking in Cinque Terre: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 4-6 hours
Beach Time: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Seafood Dinner in Vernazza: Estimated Cost: €30-50, Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning at Bar e Ristorante Da Ely in Vernazza, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For a delightful lunch, visit Trattoria Gianni Franzi in Monterosso al Mare. Indulge in their exquisite seafood pasta dishes while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Average cost for a meal is about 20 euros per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza. This cliffside restaurant offers panoramic views of the coastline and serves delectable local specialties such as pesto pasta and grilled seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 40 euros per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Bologna
Visit the vibrant city of Bologna, famous for its culinary delights. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Two Towers, the symbol of the city. In the afternoon, explore the historic Piazza Maggiore and indulge in a traditional Bolognese pasta dish. End the day by savoring a gelato while strolling through the charming streets of the city.
Two Towers: Estimated Cost: €5, Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Piazza Maggiore: Estimated Cost: Free, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffè Terzi, a cozy café known for its freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pastries. A typical breakfast here costs around €10 per person.
For a heavenly lunch experience, head to Osteria del Cappello, a traditional Italian trattoria serving authentic regional dishes. Don't miss their signature tortellini in brodo. Expect to spend around €15-20 per person for a satisfying lunch.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Trattoria Anna Maria, a family-run restaurant in the heart of Bologna. Their menu features classic Bolognese specialties like tagliatelle al ragù. A three-course dinner here costs approximately €25-30 per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Turin
Conclude your journey in the cultural city of Turin. Start your day by visiting the magnificent Mole Antonelliana and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. In the afternoon, explore the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian artifacts. End the day with a visit to a traditional café for a cup of rich Italian coffee.
Mole Antonelliana: Estimated Cost: €10, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Egyptian Museum: Estimated Cost: €15, Estimated Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Enjoy Italian Coffee: Estimated Cost: €2-5, Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffè Mulassano, known for its delectable pastries and aromatic coffees. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head over to Ristorante Consorzio, where you can savor traditional Piedmontese cuisine such as agnolotti pasta and braised meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
In the evening, dine at Osteria dell'Arco, a charming restaurant offering a delightful menu of local dishes. Don't miss their signature dish, risotto con funghi. Average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring northern Italy, don't miss the charming town of Sirmione on Lake Garda, known for its thermal baths and medieval castle. Another hidden gem is the town of Bergamo, with its beautiful old town and stunning views from the Venetian walls. Locals also love the city of Parma for its delicious Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.
Check out Kayak for hotel and flight prices for your Italy adventure!