9-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: Milan, Dolomites, Modena, Venice, Florence, Lake Garda, and Lake Como

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Milan, Italy on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi, known for its exquisite pastries and coffee.
€10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic Milan Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Don't miss the rooftop for panoramic city views.
€15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy a quick and delicious panzerotto, a local stuffed pastry, at this historic eatery.
€5, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, home to luxury boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Discover the history of this Renaissance fortress housing various museums and art collections.
€10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Aperitivo at Terrazza Aperol

Relax with a classic Aperol Spritz while enjoying views of the Duomo from this stylish terrace.
€12, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savor traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla milanese in a cozy, historic setting.
€40, 2 hours

Day 2: Journey to the Dolomites

Dolomites, Italy on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing Milan.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Drive or take a train to the picturesque town of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
Varies, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante El Toulà

Dine on local alpine cuisine with stunning mountain views.
€30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Cortina d'Ampezzo

Wander through this charming town, known for its boutiques and alpine architecture.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Museo d'Arte Moderna Mario Rimoldi

Discover a collection of modern art by Italian artists in this local museum.
€8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Cristallo

Settle into your accommodation and relax before dinner.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Tivoli Restaurant

Experience fine dining with a menu that highlights regional specialties.
€60, 2 hours

Day 3: Dolomites Adventure

Dolomites, Italy on March 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Embark on a scenic hike to the iconic Three Peaks, offering breathtaking views.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Rifugio Auronzo

Enjoy a hearty meal at this mountain hut with panoramic vistas.
€25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Lake Misurina

Relax by this picturesque alpine lake, known as the 'Pearl of the Dolomites.'
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Lago di Braies

Take a leisurely walk around this stunning emerald-green lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Head back to town to unwind before dinner.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Al Camin

Savor traditional Ladin cuisine in a rustic, cozy atmosphere.
€50, 2 hours

Day 4: Travel to Modena

Modena, Italy on March 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Modena

Travel to the culinary city of Modena, known for its balsamic vinegar and luxury cars.
Varies, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Francescana

Experience a world-renowned dining experience at this three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
€250, 3 hours

3:00PM

Visit Museo Enzo Ferrari

Explore the life and work of Enzo Ferrari in this modern museum.
€17, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Modena's Historic Center

Discover the UNESCO-listed cathedral and charming piazzas.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Aldina

Enjoy traditional Modenese dishes in a family-run establishment.
€35, 2 hours

Day 5: Journey to Venice

Venice, Italy on March 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before departing Modena.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Venice

Drive or take a train to the enchanting city of Venice.
Varies, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Hotel Danieli

Settle into your accommodation, a historic hotel near St. Mark's Square.
Varies, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in this intimate, highly-rated restaurant.
€50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the stunning mosaics and architecture of this iconic church.
€3, 1 hour

3:30PM

Tour the Doge's Palace

Discover the history and art of this former seat of Venetian power.
€25, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Gondola Ride through the Canals

Experience Venice from the water with a traditional gondola ride.
€80, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Dine on classic Venetian cuisine in a charming, off-the-beaten-path location.
€60, 2 hours

Day 6: Venetian Exploration

Venice, Italy on March 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before starting your day.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Rialto Market

Explore this bustling market, offering fresh produce and seafood.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art masterpieces in this renowned museum.
€15, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Jewish Ghetto

Learn about the history of one of the world's oldest Jewish ghettos.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hostaria Bacanera

Enjoy fresh fish and seasonal vegetables in this charming osteria.
€40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Murano Island

Take a vaporetto to Murano to see traditional glassblowing workshops.
€7.50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Venice

Head back to the main island to relax before dinner.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Al Covo

Experience innovative Venetian dishes using local ingredients.
€70, 2 hours

Day 7: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on March 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before departing Venice.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Florence

Take a high-speed train to the Renaissance city of Florence.
€50, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel Brunelleschi

Settle into your accommodation in the heart of Florence.
Varies, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world's most famous art museums, housing works by Botticelli and Michelangelo.
€20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in this popular local spot.
€25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Ascend to the top of Florence's cathedral for panoramic city views.
€18, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across this historic bridge lined with jewelry shops.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor authentic Florentine cuisine in a cozy setting.
€40, 2 hours

Day 8: Visit to Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy on March 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing Florence.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Sirmione

Travel to the picturesque town of Sirmione on Lake Garda.
Varies, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Scaliger Castle

Visit this well-preserved medieval castle with stunning lake views.
€6, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria La Fiasca

Dine on local specialties in this charming restaurant.
€30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Grotte di Catullo

Explore the ruins of a Roman villa at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula.
€8, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Jamaica Beach

Unwind at this beautiful beach with clear waters and scenic views.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Olivi

Settle into your accommodation and relax before dinner.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Risorgimento

Enjoy a gourmet meal with lakefront views.
€50, 2 hours

Day 9: Lake Como Exploration

Lake Como, Italy on March 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before departing Sirmione.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Bellagio

Travel to the charming town of Bellagio on Lake Como.
Varies, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll through these beautiful gardens along the lakefront.
€6.50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Bilacus

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a view of the lake.
€35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ferry to Varenna

Take a short ferry ride to the picturesque village of Varenna.
€4.60, 15 minutes

2:30PM

Visit Villa Monastero

Explore this historic villa and its botanical gardens.
€8, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Bellagio

Head back to Bellagio to relax before dinner.
Varies, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at La Punta

Dine on fresh seafood at this restaurant located at the tip of the Bellagio peninsula.
€45, 2 hours