Scenic Italian Itinerary: Bologna to Milan with Coastal and Lake Adventures

Day 1: Arrival and Bologna

Bologna, Italy on May 6, 2025

1:00PM

Arrival at Bologna

Arrive in Bologna around 1 PM and check into your hotel to settle in.
EUR0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Meloncello

Enjoy traditional Bolognese cuisine, including rich ragù alla Bolognese in a charming trattoria.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Walk around the central square of Bologna, taking in the medieval architecture and lively atmosphere.
FREE, 1 hour

5:30PM

Climb Asinelli Tower

Get sweeping views of Bologna from the top of its iconic leaning tower, a must-see landmark.
EUR5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Dine on authentic Bolognese dishes in this warm local favorite with excellent wine choices.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Bologna Leisure Day

Bologna, Italy on May 7, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

Savor freshly brewed coffee and pastries at one of Bologna’s best artisan cafés.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theatre

Explore the historic University building with beautiful frescoes and the renowned Anatomical Theatre.
EUR4, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa

Relax over homemade pasta dishes and local wines in a beloved Bologna eatery.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Leisurely walk under Porticoes

Discover Bologna’s famous porticoes, particularly the long stretch leading to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Sorbetteria Castiglione

Sample creamy gelato from one of Bologna’s top gelaterias to refresh your afternoon.
EUR5, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Gianni

Enjoy traditional Northern Italian dishes in a friendly and authentic setting.
EUR28, 2 hours
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Day 3: Bologna to Florence

Florence, Italy on May 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel before departure.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel from Bologna to Florence by train

Board a direct train from Bologna to Florence, approximately a 35-minute journey.
EUR9, 1 hour including transit

11:00AM

Check-in at Florence hotel

Settle into your accommodation centrally located for easy exploration of Florence.
EUR120, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Savor traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively, authentic Florentine trattoria popular with locals.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Duomo and Cathedral Square

Experience the iconic Florence Cathedral’s exterior and nearby piazzas with their vibrant ambiance.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk on Ponte Vecchio

Stroll over the historic bridge with its quaint shops and excellent views of the Arno River.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy an intimate dinner with exceptional Tuscan specialties and regional wines.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Florence Exploration

Florence, Italy on May 9, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start your morning with specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Piazzale Michelangelo Viewpoint

Take a short bus or walk to this hilltop terrace offering stunning panoramic views over Florence.
FREE, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore this lively food market with diverse local offerings, perfect for sampling various Italian favorites.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Walk through Boboli Gardens

Stroll through these extensive Renaissance gardens for a refreshing nature escape in the city.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Treat yourself to creamy gelato from one of Florence's highly rated gelaterias.
EUR5, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Enjoy hearty Tuscan cuisine and excellent local wines in a cozy setting.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Florence to Pisa to La Spezia

La Spezia, Italy on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before heading out for the day’s travels.
EUR10, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Train to Pisa

Departure by train to Pisa, approximately a 1-hour journey.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli

Explore the famous tower and surrounding cathedral grounds; perfect for memorable photos.
EUR18, 2 hours

11:30AM

Light lunch at Il Peperoncino

Enjoy simple and savory Tuscan antipasti and sandwiches near the tower.
EUR15, 1 hour

12:45PM

Travel to La Spezia

Take an early afternoon train to La Spezia, gateway to Cinque Terre, about 1 hour travel time.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Check-in at hotel in La Spezia

Settle in and prepare for the next day’s coastal explorations.
EUR80, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore La Spezia town center

Take a stroll along the harbor, enjoying seaside ambiance and local shops.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Della Corte

Relish Ligurian seafood dishes in this highly recommended restaurant with friendly service.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cinque Terre, Portofino, Genoa

Genoa, Italy on May 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for a full day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Travel to Cinque Terre (Monterosso)

Catch a short train ride to Monterosso, the largest village of Cinque Terre.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Explore Monterosso al Mare

Enjoy a peaceful morning walking the beaches and scenic streets of this colorful village.
FREE, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Train to Vernazza

A brief train ride to the picturesque village of Vernazza for more stunning coastal views.
EUR5, 20 minutes

11:00AM

Quick visit and photo stop in Vernazza

Explore the small harbor and vibrant harborside cafés in this iconic village.
FREE, 1 hour

12:00PM

Travel to Portofino

Journey by train and boat to the luxurious harbor town of Portofino for a leisure afternoon.
EUR25, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Portofino

Enjoy fresh seafood with scenic views at this waterfront restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Portofino harbor and village

Wander the boutiques and admire luxury yachts in this exclusive seaside town.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Travel to Genoa

Head to Genoa by train, your home base for the next two nights.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Ugo

Indulge in classic Ligurian dishes and fresh seafood in a welcoming local spot.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Genoa City Day

Genoa, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tagliafico

Enjoy traditional Ligurian biscotti and excellent coffee at this historic pastry shop.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Walk through Genoa Old Town

Discover narrow alleys, historic palaces, and charming piazzas in one of Italy’s largest medieval city centers.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Antica Osteria di Vico Palla

Sample authentic Genoese pesto pasta and Ligurian specialties in an atmospheric eatery.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Porto Antico and Aquarium Area

Enjoy the revitalized old port zone, watch fishing boats and modern vessels, without entering the aquarium.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee and pastries at Caffè degli Specchi

Relax in this elegant café in Piazza De Ferrari, enjoying coffee and dessert with a view.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Rosmarino

Treat yourself to delicious Ligurian seafood dishes and fresh pasta in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 8: Genoa to Milan and Lake Como

Milan, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before your day of travel and sightseeing.
EUR10, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Train to Milan

Depart Genoa by train to Milan, approximately 1.5-2 hours.
EUR20, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral’s exterior and rooftop terraces for fantastic city views.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Travel to Lake Como

Take a train or car to Lake Como, about 1 hour from Milan, for a scenic afternoon.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:15PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Punta, Bellagio

Enjoy lakeside dining with views of the water and excellent local cuisine.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Bellagio

Wander charming streets, visit gardens, and admire views in this beautiful lake town.
FREE, 2 hours

5:15PM

Return to Milan

Head back to Milan for overnight stay.
EUR15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Luini Panzerotti

Treat yourself to Milan’s famous panzerotti for a casual dinner near the city center.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 9: Milan and Departure

Milan and Bergamo, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your morning in Milan with fresh pastries and excellent coffee at this trendy bakery.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll Milan city center

Leisurely explore iconic sites around the Duomo and nearby shopping streets at a relaxed pace.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Early light lunch at Panificio Pattini

Grab delicious sandwiches or focaccia bread and take them with you on your transfer.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Travel to Bergamo Airport

Take a comfortable coach or taxi to Bergamo Airport, allowing ample time for check-in.
EUR25, 1 hour
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