12-Day Italy Itinerary: Unveiling Venice and Milan

Day 1: Venetian Charm

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your adventure with fresh pastries and coffee at this beloved local bakery.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate mosaics of this iconic basilica.
Free, EUR5 for museum access., 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria da Carla

Indulge in traditional Venetian cicchetti and a glass of wine at this charming tavern.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Doge's Palace

Discover the rich history of Venetian rule as you wander through the halls of power.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Ride a Gondola

Experience Venice from the water as you glide through its famous canals.
EUR80 (per gondola ride, max 6 people), 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood in the heart of Venice.
EUR45, 2 hours

Day 2: Hidden Gems of Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Florian

Savor breakfast at one of the oldest cafés in the world, located in St. Mark's Square.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rialto Market

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring this bustling market full of fresh produce and seafood.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Jewish Ghetto

Discover the history of Venice's Jewish community in this unique and historical area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gam Gam

Enjoy hearty kosher dishes in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Admire the stunning baroque architecture and picturesque views of the Grand Canal.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll along the Grand Canal

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Venice's main waterway, taking in the beautiful palaces.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Indulge in fresh Venetian cuisine at this intimate restaurant known for its seafood.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 3: Romantic Verona

Verona, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Verona.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Verona

Take a scenic train ride from Venice to Verona, lasting about 1 hour.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Juliet's House

Step into the romantic world of Shakespeare as you explore Juliet’s house and her famous balcony.
EUR6, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore the Arena di Verona

Discover this ancient Roman amphitheater and take memorable photos.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Il Vaio

Enjoy local Veronese dishes in a cozy and quaint setting.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Piazza delle Erbe

Explore this vibrant square filled with local vendors and cafes.
Free unless purchasing., 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wander along the Adige River

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, soaking in the beautiful views of Verona.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Antica Bottega

Delight in classic Italian dishes in an elegant and historic restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Venice

Head back to Venice by train after a lovely day in Verona.
EUR12, 1 hour

Day 4: Scenic Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Venice

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before you head to Lake Como.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Lake Como

Take a train from Venice to Como, lasting about 2 hours.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Como Town

Wander through the beautiful town, visiting the Como Cathedral and its charming streets.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Mistral

Enjoy lunch with splendid views of the lake and delicious local fare.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Take a Ferry to Bellagio

Experience a picturesque ferry ride to Bellagio, known for its stunning vistas.
EUR16, 1 hour

3:30PM

Stroll Through Bellagio

Discover the quaint streets of Bellagio and visit the gardens of Villa Melzi.
EUR5 (for Villa Melzi), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Punta

Dine with a view at this restaurant known for its lake-fresh dishes and ambiance.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Como and then Venice

Travel back to Venice via train after a delightful day by the lake.
EUR20, 3 hours total

Day 5: Introduction to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start your day with traditional pastries at this historic bakery in Milan.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Last Supper

See Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece by visiting the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
EUR15 (reservation required), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Castello Sforzesco

Visit this historic castle and its accompanying museums in the city center.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Milanese

Savor classic Milanese cuisine at this inviting trattoria known for its ossobuco.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Duomo

Climb to the rooftop of Milan's iconic cathedral for magnificent views.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo

Dine in style at this upscale restaurant known for excellent seafood.
EUR60, 2 hours

Day 6: Culinary Delights in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fonderie Milanesi

Enjoy a rustic breakfast in a restored industrial space with a local flair.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Museo del Novecento

Explore the collections of Italian modern art in this beautiful gallery.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Browse shops in Italy's oldest shopping gallery, with stunning architecture.
Free unless purchasing., 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini

Try the famous panzerotto for lunch at this local favorite.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Quadrilatero d’Oro

Wander through Milan's luxury fashion district filled with high-end stores.
Free unless purchasing., 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover the outstanding collection of Renaissance art in this beautiful gallery.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Enjoy a traditional Milanese dinner complemented by local wines.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Art and Culture in Bologna

Bologna, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for your excursion.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Bologna

Take a high-speed train from Milan to Bologna, about 1 hour.
EUR25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Piazza Maggiore

Discover the historical center with its impressive architecture and lively atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Two Towers

Climb the Torre Asinelli for fantastic views over Bologna.
EUR3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Savor traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Archiginnasio

Visit this historic building, home to the University of Bologna's main hall and library.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Join a Cooking Class

Learn how to make authentic pasta dishes with a local chef.
EUR70, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Vissani

Indulge in gourmet cuisine showcasing Bologna's culinary richness.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 8: Art and History in Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delightful breakfast before heading to Florence.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Florence

Take a high-speed train from Bologna to Florence, approximately 35 minutes.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Piazzale Michelangelo

Enjoy breathtaking views of Florence from this famous terrace.
EUR2, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Uffizi Gallery

Discover masterpieces from renowned artists, including Botticelli and Michelangelo.
EUR20 (reservation recommended), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy a variety of Tuscan foods at this vibrant market with amazing food stalls.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Florence Cathedral

Admire the iconic Duomo and, if desired, climb to the top for stunning views.
EUR18 (for climbing), 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

Experience traditional rustic Tuscan flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast to prepare for your day trip.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pisa

Take a train from Florence to Pisa, roughly 1.5 hours.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Leaning Tower

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa for stunning views and iconic photo opportunities.
EUR20 (reservation required), 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Piazza dei Miracoli

Wander this iconic square, visiting the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Free., 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Caffe dell'Opera

Dine on Tuscan delicacies in a delightful atmosphere.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Discover historical artifacts related to the famous Cathedral of Pisa.
EUR10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence by train to continue your adventure.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria I' Riffaiolo

Savor authentic Italian meals cherished by locals.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Back in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your morning with a variety of fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Museo del Design

Discover contemporary design and artistic exhibitions in this innovative museum.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping at Corso Buenos Aires

Enjoy the lively shopping street filled with brands for all budgets.
Free unless purchasing., 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Experience a Michelin-starred lunch that blends traditional and contemporary flavors.
EUR70, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Porta Venezia

Take a leisurely stroll through this historic district with eclectic architecture.
Free., 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Da Giacomo

Enjoy exquisite seafood in an upscale ambiance to round off your day.
EUR60, 2 hours

Day 11: Day in Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a fresh breakfast before exploring Bergamo's highlights.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Bergamo

Catch the train from Milan to Bergamo, about 1 hour.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Città Alta

Visit the medieval upper city filled with stunning views and historical sites.
EUR3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Da Mimmo

Enjoy delectable local dishes in a cozy setting native to the area.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Accademia Carrara

Explore remarkable works of art from the Italian Renaissance in this prestigious gallery.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Taverna di Bergamo

Indulge in a rustic Italian meal paired with local wine.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Milan

Take the train back to Milan after a fulfilling day in Bergamo.
EUR5, 1 hour

Day 12: Final Day in Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Venice with a view of the canals.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shopping at Mercerie

Spend your final morning shopping for souvenirs in this bustling shopping area.
Free unless purchasing., 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bar Luce

Dine in a stylish café designed by Wes Anderson, perfect for a light meal.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Museo di Palazzo Ducale

Explore the rich art and history of Venice in this former palace.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Giardini Pubblici

Conclude your trip with a leisurely walk in the beautiful public gardens of Venice.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Toscana

Celebrate your final evening in Venice with traditional Tuscan flavors.
EUR30, 2 hours