5-Day Scenic Loop Through Northern Italy’s Cultural and Culinary Gems

Day 1: Milan Art & Culture

Milan, Italy on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with fresh Italian pastries and espresso at this beloved local bakery, open from 7am to 2pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic Milan Cathedral with its intricate Gothic architecture and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade to admire glass ceilings and luxury shops. Open daily, best visited in late morning.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Enjoy delicious panzerotti, a local street food favorite near the Duomo, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR8, 0h45m

2:00pm

Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit Milan’s premier art gallery showcasing Renaissance and modern art including Caravaggio and Raphael. Open 8:30am-7:15pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Walk in Parco Sempione

Relax with a walk in Milan’s central park near Castello Sforzesco, open until sunset, perfect to unwind after art immersion.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Enjoy traditional Milanese cuisine such as risotto alla Milanese in the trendy Brera district. Dinner service starts at 7pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lake Como Exploration

Lake Como, Italy on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up for the day with a light Italian breakfast of espresso and cornetto before heading out. Most cafes open from 7am.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel from Milan to Como

Take a scenic 1-hour train ride from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station for a picturesque lake experience.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Boat Tour from Como to Bellagio

Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride across Lake Como to the charming town of Bellagio, renowned for stunning villas and gardens.
EUR25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo in Bellagio

Savor fresh lake fish and local specialties with lake views. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Bellagio Town Center

Wander cobblestone streets, visit the gardens of Villa Melzi, and enjoy panoramic lake views. Gardens open 9am-7pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return Boat to Como

Relax on the return boat and capture sunset views as you glide back to Como town.
Included in morning boat ticket, 1h

5:30pm

Stroll Como Old Town

Explore Como’s historic center with cafes and vibrant piazzas before heading back to Milan.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Gallo

Dine on rustic Lombardy dishes in Como before returning to Milan. Open until 10pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

9:30pm

Train return to Milan

Catch the last train back to Milan, about 1-hour ride, to rest for next day’s journey.
EUR10, 1h
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Day 3: Historic Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè del Tasso

A well-known spot in Bergamo’s Upper Town for excellent coffee and pastries, opens at 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Funicular Ride to Città Alta

Take the short funicular ride to the medieval old town perched on the hillside, open daily.
EUR1.30, 0h15m

9:30am

Walk Bergamo’s Historic Walls

Stroll the UNESCO-listed Venetian walls with beautiful views of the surrounding plains. Open all day.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Cappella Colleoni and Bergamo Cathedral

Explore these architectural gems showcasing Renaissance art and intricate frescoes. Open 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Da Mimmo

Enjoy traditional Bergamasque cuisine, including casoncelli pasta, in a cozy trattoria. Open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Accademia Carrara Art Gallery

Discover an outstanding collection of Renaissance paintings. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax in Parco Suardi

Take an afternoon break in this peaceful park near the old city walls. Open all day.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Roof Garden Suite Hotel Palazzo della Ragione

Dine with panoramic views of Bergamo’s landmarks, serving local and Italian dishes. Open 6pm-10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Romantic Verona

Verona, Italy on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Flego

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and cappuccino in the city center, open from 7am.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel Milan to Verona by train

Board a direct morning train (about 1h15m) from Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova.
EUR20, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit Verona Arena

Tour the well-preserved Roman amphitheater that hosts concerts and events. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Walk to Juliet’s House

Explore the romantic setting of Shakespeare’s Juliet with the famous balcony. The museum is open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Enjoy traditional Veronese dishes in a rustic, cozy setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti

Relax in the historic marketplace and climb the tower for city views, tower open 10am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Castelvecchio Museum

Explore medieval fortress and fine art collection, open 8:30am-7:30pm.
EUR6, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Maffei

Experience upscale Venetian cuisine in a historic palazzo, open 7pm-11pm (reservations recommended).
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Venetian Wonders

Venice, Italy on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Taste Venetian pastries and coffee at this well-loved Venice spot, opens 7am.
EUR6, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel Verona to Venice by train

Take an early train to Venice Santa Lucia station, approximately 1h10m journey.
EUR15, 1h10m

9:00am

Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit Venice’s iconic square and basilica, enjoying Byzantine mosaics and the bell tower views. Basilica opens 9:30am-5pm.
Free (basilica entry free, bell tower EUR8), 1h30m

11:00am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the historic seat of Venetian power with its stunning architecture and art. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Enjoy authentic Venetian seafood dishes near the Rialto, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:30pm

Gondola Ride

Relax on a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s romantic canals, available daily from 9am to dusk.
EUR80 per gondola (up to 6 people), 0h40m

3:30pm

Rialto Bridge Market

Explore the vibrant fresh market near the Rialto Bridge and shop for local specialties.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk through Dorsoduro district

Discover quieter streets, artisan shops, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (open 10am-6pm).
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Savor fresh Venetian seafood dishes in an intimate setting, open 7pm-11pm (reservation advised).
EUR50, 1h30m
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