5-Day Scenic Exploration of Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como, Verona, Venice, and Florence

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with delicious freshly baked pastries and Italian coffee at this popular Milan bakery open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan's stunning Gothic Cathedral, one of the largest in the world; don't miss the rooftop for panoramic city views. Open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

10:45am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Walk through this iconic 19th-century shopping gallery filled with luxury boutiques and historical cafés, perfect for some leisurely window shopping.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy famous Panzerotti, a traditional Milanese street food, at Luini, located near the Duomo, open daily till 9:00pm.
EUR12, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this historic fortress and its museums showcasing art, ancient artifacts and Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà Rondanini. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Parco Sempione

Relax in Milan’s central park located behind Sforza Castle, perfect for an afternoon walk or rest.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Dine on traditional Milanese cuisine in the charming Brera district, open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lake Como Day

Lake Como, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Have a light breakfast before heading to Lake Como, featuring freshly brewed Italian espresso and pastries.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel from Milan to Lake Como

Take a scenic train ride from Milan Central to Como San Giovanni station, roughly 1 hour.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Boat Tour of Lake Como

Enjoy a 2 to 3-hour guided boat tour visiting picturesque towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Tours typically start at 10:00am and 1:00pm.
EUR30, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo, Bellagio

Dine waterside with authentic Italian dishes and fresh lake fish specialties. Open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll the beautifully landscaped gardens of this historic villa in Bellagio, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR7, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Milan

Take the train back to Milan to prepare for the next day’s travel.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Tua Osteria, Milan

Enjoy classic Italian comfort food with a cozy atmosphere. Open until 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Verona History and Culture

Verona, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a quick Italian breakfast before traveling to Verona.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel from Milan to Verona

Enjoy the 1.5-hour train ride from Milan to Verona Porta Nuova station.
EUR20, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Verona Arena

Tour this well-preserved Roman amphitheater, famous for opera performances. Open daily 8:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h

10:45am

Piazza delle Erbe

Explore Verona’s lively central square with market stalls, cafes, and beautiful architecture.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Taste traditional Veronese dishes in a cozy osteria near the Piazza delle Erbe. Open noon to 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Juliet’s House

See the famous balcony said to inspire Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The house is open 8:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR6, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along Adige River and Castel San Pietro

Climb up to Castel San Pietro for panoramic views of Verona and the surrounding area.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Milan or stay overnight in Verona

Optional: Return to Milan or spend the night in Verona for an early start to Venice.
Varies, Varies

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Pompiere

Enjoy hearty Veronese cuisine in a rustic setting, open until 10:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before heading to Venice.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Venice

Take the train from Verona or Milan to Venice Santa Lucia station (about 1.5 to 2.5 hours).
EUR25, 2h

10:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit this iconic Byzantine cathedral with its golden mosaics. Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Free (museum entry EUR5), 1h30m

11:45am

Explore Doge’s Palace

Tour the historic palace and former seat of Venetian government, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood in this intimate Venetian restaurant near the Basilica. Open noon to 2:30pm.
EUR40, 1h

2:45pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic 30-40 minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals. Available all day.
EUR80, 0h40m

4:00pm

Walk along the Rialto Bridge and Market

Discover Venice’s bustling market and iconic bridge with great photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, Burano

Take a short boat ride to the colorful island of Burano for traditional Venetian cuisine. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Florence Renaissance

Florence, Italy on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before traveling to Florence.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Florence

Take the morning train from Venice to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, approx. 2 hours.
EUR25, 2h

10:00am

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces curated in one of the world’s top art museums. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes at this renowned Florence eatery, open till 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb the dome

Explore the stunning cathedral and climb Brunelleschi’s dome for breathtaking city views. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Stroll along this historic bridge lined with jewelry shops and enjoy views of the Arno River.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Indulge in authentic Tuscan flavors at this charming restaurant, open until 10:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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