7-Day Northern Italy Adventure: Milan, Verona, Venice, Lake Como & Bernina Express

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day at Pavé, a renowned Milan bakery and cafe known for its fresh pastries and rich Italian coffee. It opens early for a perfect breakfast kickoff.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan’s iconic cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic city views. Open daily 9am-7pm.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy Milanese street food at Luini, famous for its delicious panzerotti – fried dough pockets filled with cheese and tomato or other fillings.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione

Explore the historic Sforza Castle museum collection, then stroll the adjacent Parco Sempione gardens for relaxation.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shop or window shop at this elegant 19th-century arcade filled with luxury boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Dine at Ratanà, known for authentic Milanese cuisine with a modern twist in a stylish setting.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 2: Verona Highlights

Verona, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Flego

Enjoy traditional Italian pastries and coffee at this well-loved Verona pastry shop.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arena di Verona

Tour the Roman amphitheater famous for operas and concerts, dating back to 30 AD. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Juliet's House

Visit the legendary home of Shakespeare’s Juliet to see the famous balcony and romantic courtyard.
EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Ponte Pietra

Relax at this charming riverside osteria with traditional Veronese dishes and local wines.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti

Explore the lively market square and climb the Torre dei Lamberti for sweeping city views. Tower open until 7pm.
EUR8, 1.5h

6:00pm

Train to Venice and Check-in

Take an early evening train to Venice (approx 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and relax.
EUR20, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Experience Venetian seafood specialties in a cozy island atmosphere on Burano (arrive by vaporetto or a short taxi).
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Venetian Classics

Venice, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Taste Venetian pastries and espresso at this famous cafe near the Santa Croce district.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

St. Mark's Basilica and Square

Visit the iconic basilica with its golden mosaics and explore the lively piazza. Basilica open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR5, 2h

11:30am

Doge's Palace

Tour the historic palace, exploring the grand halls and prison cells. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy exquisite Venetian seafood in an intimate setting favored by locals and visitors alike.
EUR50, 1.5h

4:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through Venice’s canals for about 30-40 minutes, available throughout the day until sunset.
EUR80, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

End your Venice day with fresh seafood dishes served in this beloved family-run trattoria.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 4: Lake Como - Bellagio Arrival

Bellagio, Italy on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Enjoy a quick Italian breakfast before traveling to Lake Como.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel from Venice to Bellagio

Take train and ferry connections to Bellagio. Journey will take around 4.5 hours with beautiful views en route.
EUR50, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Punta Ristorante

Dine lakeside with spectacular views of Lake Como, featuring Italian classics and fresh lake fish specialties.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll Bellagio Town Center

Explore Bellagio’s charming cobbled streets, artisan shops, and waterfront promenade.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Walk through the beautiful botanical gardens of Villa Melzi, open 9am-7pm, the perfect spot for lakeside views and relaxation.
EUR7, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Silvio

Sample traditional Lake Como seafood dishes in this cozy family restaurant by the water’s edge.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Varenna & Menaggio

Lake Como, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Bellagio

Have a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore the Lake Como towns.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Ferry to Varenna

Take a short ferry ride (approx 15 minutes) from Bellagio to Varenna, known for colorful houses and lakeside charm.
EUR6, 0h15m

10:00am

Visit Villa Monastero Gardens

Explore this stunning lakeside villa’s botanical gardens and museum, open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Il Cavatappi

Enjoy lake fish and Italian fare in this informal ristorante located in Varenna’s center.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Ferry to Menaggio

Take a short ferry ride to Menaggio, famous for its waterfront promenade and mountain views.
EUR7, 0h20m

2:30pm

Explore Menaggio Old Town and Lakeside Walk

Stroll charming streets and relax by the lake with a coffee or gelato.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return Ferry to Bellagio

Head back to Bellagio by ferry, departing around 5pm to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
EUR7, 0h20m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Baita Belvedere

Dine on refined regional dishes with a panoramic lake view near Bellagio center.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Tremezzo & Villa Balbianello

Lake Como, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast around Lake Como before touring more villas.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Tremezzo and Villa Balbianello

Take ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo (approx 20 min), then visit Villa Balbianello, known for its stunning gardens and film history. Open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Darsena

Dine lakeside in Tremezzo featuring fresh fish and classic Italian dishes with beautiful views.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax or explore Tremezzo town

Wander the town, visit local shops or enjoy a lakeside café to unwind.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Milan

Take afternoon ferry and train connections back to Milan for your last night.
EUR50, 2.5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo

Experience upscale Milanese dining with classic dishes in an elegant setting to conclude your trip.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 7: Bernina Express Day

Tirano & Bernina Line, Italy/Switzerland on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with an early breakfast prior to your scenic train adventure.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Tirano

Depart Milan by train to Tirano, gateway to the Bernina Express route, approx 2.5 hours.
EUR30, 2h30m

11:00am

Board Bernina Express to St. Moritz

Take the world-famous Bernina Express train for a breathtaking journey through the Alps to St. Moritz, approximately 4 hours one way. Enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, mountain lakes and picturesque villages.
EUR75, 4h

3:30pm

Lunch/snack on board or in St. Moritz

Enjoy lunch in St. Moritz or pack snacks to enjoy during the trip. Numerous cafes in St. Moritz open from 11am onwards.
EUR20, 1h

4:30pm

Return Bernina Express to Tirano

Take the return leg of the Bernina Express to Tirano, relishing the sunset views on the alpine route.
Included in ticket, 4h

8:30pm

Train back to Milan

Catch an evening train from Tirano to Milan to conclude your journey. Arrive late evening.
EUR30, 2h30m
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