8-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 traditional Italian pastries and coffee at this historic café.
€10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic cathedral and enjoy panoramic city views from its rooftop.
€15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Savor the famous panzerotti, a local favorite since 1949.
€5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tour the Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover masterpieces in Milan's premier art gallery, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael.
€12, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

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

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy authentic Milanese dishes like risotto alla milanese in a traditional setting.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Journey to the Dolomites

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

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

8:00AM

Drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to the heart of the Dolomites.
€50 (fuel), 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante El Toulà

Relish local alpine cuisine with stunning mountain views.
€25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike to Cinque Torri

Experience a moderate hike offering panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Cristallo

Relax and unwind at this luxury hotel with spa facilities.
€200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Tivoli

Indulge in gourmet dishes blending local ingredients with modern techniques.
€50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Culinary Delights in Modena

Modena, Italy on March 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast before departure.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Modena

Enjoy a 3-hour drive through picturesque Italian countryside.
€40 (fuel), 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Acetaia Giusti

Tour the oldest balsamic vinegar producer and sample their aged products.
€20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Aldina

Taste traditional Modenese dishes in a cozy, family-run restaurant.
€20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Modena Cathedral

Admire the Romanesque architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Museo Enzo Ferrari

Discover the history of Ferrari and view classic car models.
€17, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Francescana

Experience a multi-course meal at this three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
€250, 3 hours
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Day 4: Venetian Wonders

Venice, Italy on March 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Venice.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Venice

A 2-hour drive brings you to the enchanting city of canals.
€30 (fuel), 2 hours

10:00AM

Park at Tronchetto and Take Vaporetto

Park your car and take a water bus to the city center.
€10, 0.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the opulent church known for its gilded mosaics and Byzantine architecture.
€3, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Delight in fresh seafood dishes in a quaint setting.
€40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tour the Doge's Palace

Discover the history and art of Venice's former political hub.
€25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gondola Ride through Canals

Experience Venice from the water on a traditional gondola.
€80, 0.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Enjoy a refined dining experience overlooking St. Mark's Square.
€150, 2 hours
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Day 5: Art and History in Florence

Florence, Italy on March 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before departure.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Florence

A 3-hour drive through Tuscany's rolling hills.
€40 (fuel), 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world's most renowned art museums.
€20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Savor traditional Florentine cuisine in a bustling atmosphere.
€25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Climb the Duomo's Dome

Ascend for panoramic views of Florence's skyline.
€18, 1 hour

4:00PM

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio

Walk along the historic bridge lined with unique shops.
Free, 0.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Giostra

Enjoy a romantic dinner featuring Tuscan specialties.
€50, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relaxation at Lake Garda

Sirmione, Italy on March 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Lake Garda.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Sirmione

A 2-hour drive to the picturesque town on Lake Garda.
€30 (fuel), 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Scaliger Castle

Explore the well-preserved medieval castle with lake views.
€6, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria La Fiasca

Taste local dishes in a charming lakeside setting.
€30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Aquaria Thermal Spa

Unwind in thermal pools overlooking the lake.
€40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Boat Tour of Lake Garda

Enjoy a scenic boat ride exploring the lake's beauty.
€25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Risorgimento

Dine on gourmet cuisine with a view of the lake.
€60, 2 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Beauty of Lake Como

Bellagio, Italy on March 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before departure.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Bellagio

A 2.5-hour drive to the 'Pearl of Lake Como.'
€35 (fuel), 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens along the lake.
€8, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Bilacus

Enjoy Italian cuisine with panoramic lake views.
€35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ferry to Varenna

Take a short ferry ride to the charming village of Varenna.
€5, 0.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Varenna and Villa Monastero

Wander through the village and visit the historic villa and its gardens.
€10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Bellagio

Ferry back to Bellagio to relax before dinner.
€5, 0.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Punta

Dine on fresh seafood at the tip of the Bellagio peninsula.
€50, 2 hours
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Day 8: Departure from Milan

Milan, Italy on March 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking Lake Como.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Milan

A 1.5-hour drive back to Milan for departure.
€25 (fuel), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Return Rental Car

Drop off your rental car at the designated location.
Varies, 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Navigli District

If time allows, stroll through Milan's canal district for last-minute shopping or coffee.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

Enjoy a classic Neapolitan pizza before heading to the airport.
€15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight.
€50 (taxi), 1 hour
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