Affordable Northern Italy Itinerary with Relaxing Massage Experiences in Mid to Late Fall

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on October 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and Italian espresso at this local favorite bakery, perfect for starting your day with authentic tastes without breaking the bank.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral, its stunning architecture and rooftop views. Open from 9am to 7pm, tickets cost about EUR10.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try Luini’s famous panzerotti, a budget-friendly and delicious quick bite close to the Duomo.
EUR7, 0h45m

2:00pm

Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Sforza Castle grounds

Experience the historic arcade for window shopping and enjoy a free stroll around Sforza Castle's courtyard and nearby Parco Sempione.
Free, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Madonnina

Dine on traditional Milanese dishes at this cozy trattoria known for good prices and great atmosphere. Try the risotto alla Milanese.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 2: Lake Como Day

Lake Como, Italy on October 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café in Milan

Grab a quick cappuccino and cornetto before taking the train to Como.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Milan to Como

Scenic 1-hour train ride to Como. Purchase tickets in advance for about EUR5-8.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:00am

Walk lakeside promenade and visit Como Cathedral

Explore the historic town of Como with its beautiful lakeside views and notable cathedral, open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Gallo

Enjoy affordable local cuisine featuring fresh lake fish and Italian classics.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ferry to Bellagio

Take a scenic 45-minute ferry across Lake Como to visit picturesque Bellagio.
EUR10, 0h45m

3:00pm

Explore Bellagio cobblestone streets and gardens

Wander charming streets and relax in lush gardens with stunning lake views. Most attractions are free to enter.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return ferry to Como and train to Milan

Make your way back to Milan for dinner and overnight stay.
EUR17, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Spontini

Have a budget-friendly, hearty Italian pizza famous with locals.
EUR10, 1h0m

Day 3: Verona & Culture

Verona, Italy on October 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Start early with a simple Italian breakfast for energy before the train ride to Verona.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Train from Milan to Verona

Approximately 1.5-hour journey costing around EUR15 booked ahead.
EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Verona Arena

Explore one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Italy, open 8:30am-7:30pm. Entry fee approx EUR10.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Stroll to Juliet’s House and Piazza delle Erbe

Visit the famous balcony and lively town square full of markets and cafes, free to explore.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria al Pompiere

Taste authentic Veronese cuisine at affordable prices in this cozy spot.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk along the Adige River and visit Castelvecchio Museum

Enjoy a scenic walk followed by a visit to the castle museum with works from the Middle Ages, entry EUR6, open 1pm-7pm.
EUR6, 2h0m

5:00pm

Train to Venice

Travel approximately 1 hour for about EUR10-15.
EUR12, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner near Venice Santa Lucia

Eat at a casual bacaro (Venetian wine bar) like Osteria al Squero, ideal for cicchetti (small plates) on a budget.
EUR18, 1h30m

Day 4: Venice Highlights

Venice, Italy on October 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dal Mas

Savor Venetian pastries and coffee to fuel your day of sightseeing.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Walk to St. Mark’s Square and visit Basilica di San Marco

Marvel at Venice’s stunning main square and Basilica with its golden mosaics, open 9:30am-5pm, free entrance.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Doge’s Palace

Visit the historic palace and former seat of Venetian government, tickets cost EUR25, open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Enjoy seafood pasta and Venetian specialties in an affordable yet atmospheric setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leisurely stroll over the Rialto Bridge and market area

Wander the vibrant market for a sense of local life and souvenirs at no cost.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relaxing Venice massage

Book a 60-minute massage session at a reputable spa like Aquae Venezia Day SPA to unwind (open until 8pm). Approx EUR60.
EUR60, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Anice Stellato

Unwind with a well-priced dinner featuring fresh local ingredients and Venetian dishes.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Dolomites Spa & Scenic

Dolomites, Italy on October 19, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or local café

Quick and light to prepare for scenic travel day.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Dolomites region (e.g., Ortisei or Cortina d'Ampezzo)

Rent a car or take a guided shuttle for roughly 3 hours through beautiful mountain scenery, cost approx EUR50.
EUR50, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and light lunch at local café

Fuel up with fresh sandwiches or light pasta dishes in a mountain town.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Enjoy a rejuvenating mountain spa and massage

Book a spa session with mountain views including sauna and 60-minute massage at well-reviewed hotels like Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti. Expect approx EUR70-90.
EUR80, 2h0m

3:00pm

Leisurely nature walk or cable car ride

Explore scenic trails or enjoy panoramic vistas via cable cars available till late afternoon, costs around EUR15.
EUR15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rifugio local restaurant

Sample hearty local mountain cuisine such as polenta and venison dishes in cozy alpine surroundings.
EUR25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Relax and restful evening

Rest up enjoying peaceful mountain ambiance to conclude your trip budget calmly.
Free, N/A