Start your trip in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. In the morning, visit the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral. Take a stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant shopping arcade. In the afternoon, explore the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful grounds. As the evening approaches, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at a local trattoria.
Duomo di Milano: €10, 2 hours
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Free, 1 hour
Sforza Castle: €5, 2 hours
Dinner at a trattoria: €30, 2 hours
Friday, September 29: Lake Como
Spend the day amidst the picturesque beauty of Lake Como. In the morning, take a scenic boat ride to Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como." Explore the charming streets and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit Villa del Balbianello, a stunning villa with breathtaking gardens. As the evening sets in, savor a romantic dinner overlooking the lake.
Boat ride to Bellagio: €15, 4 hours
Exploring Bellagio: Free, 3 hours
Villa del Balbianello: €10, 2 hours
Dinner with lake view: €50, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at La Vita è Bella. This charming cafe serves freshly baked pastries and a selection of gourmet coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Ristorante La Punta, situated right by the lake. Indulge in their mouthwatering seafood dishes while enjoying panoramic views. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Ristorante La Veranda. This elegant restaurant offers a delectable menu of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Verona
Head to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. In the morning, visit the iconic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater. Explore Piazza delle Erbe and admire the historic buildings and market. In the afternoon, wander through the romantic streets and visit Juliet's House. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Italian opera performance at the Arena.
Verona Arena: €10, 2 hours
Piazza delle Erbe: Free, 1 hour
Juliet's House: €6, 2 hours
Opera performance at the Arena: €50, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffè Mazzini, located near Piazza delle Erbe. This charming cafe serves traditional Italian pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 7 euros per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Osteria Sgarzarie, a hidden gem in Verona. The restaurant offers a variety of homemade pasta dishes, such as tagliatelle al ragù and risotto. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Trattoria Al Pompiere, a traditional Italian trattoria. Enjoy authentic dishes like ossobuco alla milanese and tiramisu for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about 25 euros per person.
Sunday, October 1: Venice
Experience the enchanting city of Venice. In the morning, take a gondola ride along the canals and soak in the unique atmosphere. Visit St. Mark's Square and marvel at St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets and discover hidden bridges and canals. As the evening sets in, enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the Grand Canal.
Gondola ride: €80, 2 hours
St. Mark's Square: Free, 2 hours
Exploring Venice: Free, 3 hours
Dinner overlooking the Grand Canal: €60, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffè Florian, the oldest café in Venice. Indulge in a traditional Italian spread of pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria da Ignazio and savor authentic Venetian cuisine. Try their seafood risotto or the famous spaghetti alle vongole. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Ristorante Da Ivo, known for its excellent seafood dishes. Enjoy their lobster pasta or grilled fish while enjoying the stunning views of the Grand Canal. Average cost for a meal is about €50 per person.
Monday, October 2: Cinque Terre
Discover the colorful villages of Cinque Terre. In the morning, hike the scenic trails between the five villages or take a train ride along the coast. Explore the charming streets of Monterosso and Vernazza. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. As the evening approaches, enjoy fresh seafood at a traditional trattoria.
Hiking or train ride: €16, 4 hours
Exploring Monterosso and Vernazza: Free, 3 hours
Beach time: Free, 2 hours
Seafood dinner at a trattoria: €40, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Cantina di Miky. This charming restaurant offers a variety of pastries, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Nessun Dorma overlooking the breathtaking views of Vernazza. Indulge in their mouthwatering bruschetta, panini, and salads. The average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Gambero Rosso in Monterosso. This renowned seafood restaurant specializes in traditional Ligurian dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole and grilled fish. The average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Florence
Visit the artistic city of Florence, renowned for its Renaissance masterpieces. In the morning, admire the magnificent Florence Cathedral and climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views. Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to iconic artworks. In the afternoon, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and visit the stunning Pitti Palace. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Florentine dinner.
Florence Cathedral: €20, 2 hours
Uffizi Gallery: €20, 3 hours
Ponte Vecchio: Free, 1 hour
Pitti Palace: €10, 2 hours
Dinner with Florentine specialties: €40, 2 hours
Wednesday, October 4: Milan
Return to Milan for your last day in Italy. In the morning, visit the historic Brera district and explore its art galleries and boutiques. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria. In the afternoon, visit Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. As the evening approaches, take a walk along the Navigli canals and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Brera district: Free, 2 hours
Lunch at a trattoria: €30, 2 hours
Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie: €12, 1 hour
Navigli canals: Free, 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring northern Italy, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the picturesque town of Bergamo, with its medieval charm and stunning views. Discover the Prosecco wine region near Treviso and enjoy a tasting at a local winery. Explore the charming town of Sirmione on Lake Garda and relax in its thermal baths. These off the beaten path attractions will give you a unique and authentic Italian experience.