Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Milano, Lake Garda, Venice, San Marino, and Florence Adventure

Day 1: Explore Milano

Milano, Italy on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Check-in and settle

Arrive at your accommodation in Milano, unpack, and prepare for exploration in the city.

0EUR, 1h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and Italian espresso at this popular bakery open from 7am to 7pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic gothic cathedral, marvel at its intricate façade and panoramic rooftop views. Open 9am-7pm.

EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Try the famous panzerotti (fried dough pockets) at Luini, a quick and delicious Milanese street food spot open till 8pm.

EUR8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Walk through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade filled with designer shops and cafes. Open daily during business hours.

0EUR, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Sforza Castle

Tour a historic fortress with museums showcasing Renaissance art and ancient artifacts. Open 7am-7:30pm.

EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Savor traditional Milanese cuisine such as risotto alla Milanese and osso buco in the lively Brera district. Open till 11pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 2: Culture and Shopping

Milano, Italy on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pavé

Relax with artisanal coffee and baked goods at this trendy bakery open from 7am to 7pm.

EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover masterpieces of Italian art from the Renaissance onwards. Open 8:30am-7:15pm.

EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Stroll in Brera District

Enjoy the charming cobblestone streets, boutiques, artisan shops and galleries.

0EUR, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria dell’Acquabella

Try traditional Northern Italian dishes with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. Open 12pm-3pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shopping at Via Montenapoleone

Explore Milan’s fashion district with luxury designer boutiques. Stores generally open 10am-7:30pm.

0EUR, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Parco Sempione

Unwind in this pleasant park behind Sforza Castle, perfect for a gentle walk or people watching.

0EUR, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Experience authentic Milanese dishes in a welcoming traditional ambiance. Open till 10:30pm.

EUR35, 2h0m

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Day 3: Drive to Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before checking out and starting your drive to Lake Garda.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Milano to Lake Garda

Start your approximately 2-hour drive east to Lake Garda, enjoying scenic views.

0EUR, 2h0m

11:00am

Check-in at Lake Garda accommodation

Settle in your hotel or rental near Lake Garda.

0EUR, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Alessi, Lazise

Dine on local lake fish and Italian specialties at this well-regarded spot. Open 12pm-3pm.

EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Scaliger Castle, Sirmione

Explore this medieval castle with panoramic views of Lake Garda. Open 9am-7pm.

EUR6, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Lake Garda Beach

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon swimming or sunbathing by the lake’s shore.

0EUR, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Speranzina, Sirmione

Relish gourmet Italian dining with lake views in this Michelin-recommended restaurant. Reservations advised. Open till 10:30pm.

EUR60, 2h0m

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Day 4: Explore Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Star your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your lake adventures.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat tour of Lake Garda

Take a scenic boat ride to explore the lakeside towns and enjoy stunning views. Tours usually run 9am-5pm.

EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Servite, Gargnano

Enjoy lakeside lunch with fresh seafood and local wines. Open 12pm-2:30pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gardone Riviera

Tour the eclectic estate and museums of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Open 10am-7pm.

EUR14, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the lakeside promenade

Enjoy a relaxed stroll soaking in the views and local atmosphere.

0EUR, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Al Gondoliere, Malcesine

Dine on classic Italian and lake-driven dishes in a charming setting by the water. Open till 10pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 5: Hiking & Village visit

Lake Garda, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before a day of hiking and exploring mountainous trails.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hike Monte Baldo

Take a cable car from Malcesine up Monte Baldo for panoramic hiking trails above the lake.

EUR25, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rifugio Telegrafo

Enjoy mountain cuisine with stunning views, open from 11am to 4pm.

EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Malcesine Old Town

Explore the medieval village streets and shops with unique souvenirs.

0EUR, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax by the lake

Have a peaceful early evening walk or sit by the water.

0EUR, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Pace, Malcesine

Savor fine Italian dishes with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. Open till 10pm.

EUR35, 2h0m

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Day 6: Relax and Sightseeing

Lake Garda, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Gardaland Park

Spend a fun morning at Italy’s biggest amusement park, open 10am-6pm in June, offering thrilling rides and shows.

EUR45, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch inside Gardaland

Several eateries offer pizza, pasta or quick bites available till park closing.

EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at the hotel or Lake Garda shore

Take a much-needed rest or light walk along the lake after an active morning.

0EUR, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Vecchia Malcesine

Enjoy regional Italian dishes and fresh seafood in a traditional setting. Open till 10pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 7: Relaxing Day

Lake Garda, Italy on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast overlooking the lake.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Wellness day at Terme di Sirmione

Enjoy the thermal spa pools and wellness treatments in this renowned spa open 9am-7pm.

EUR30, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Gondoliere

Dine on lakeside terrace with traditional Italian cuisine. Open from noon.

EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Catullus’ Grotto

Tour the ruins of a Roman villa near Sirmione, open 8am-8pm.

EUR6, 1h30m

5:00pm

Coffee and gelato at Bar L’Approdo

Enjoy lakeside coffee and gelato at this popular spot open till late evening.

EUR8, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hostaria La Vecchia Nicchia

Savor creative Italian dishes in a historic setting in Sirmione. Open till 11pm.

EUR45, 2h0m

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Day 8: Day Trip to Verona

Lake Garda, Italy on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day trip to nearby Verona.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Verona

Enjoy a 45-minute drive west to the historic city of Verona.

0EUR, 0h45m

9:15am

Visit Arena di Verona

Explore the ancient Roman amphitheater still used for concerts and operas. Open 8:30am-7:30pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Juliet’s House

See the famous balcony and statue associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Open 8:30am-7:30pm.

EUR6, 1h0m

11:45am

Stroll Piazza delle Erbe

Wander this lively square filled with markets, cafes and historic buildings.

0EUR, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Traditional Veronese cuisine in a cozy setting, open 12pm-3pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Castelvecchio Museum

View medieval art and weapons in this red brick fortress museum. Open 8:30am-7:30pm.

EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive back to Lake Garda

Return to your accommodation for a restful evening.

0EUR, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Enoteca la Vigna

Enjoy a quiet lakeside dinner with excellent wine pairings. Open till 10pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 9: Last Lake Garda Day

Lake Garda, Italy on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast savoring last views of the lake.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Gardone Riviera Botanical Gardens

Explore the exotic plants and beautiful views in the Vittoriale Gardens, open 9am-7pm.

EUR7, 2h0m

11:30am

Relax at a lakeside cafe

Enjoy coffee and light snacks while taking in the tranquil lake atmosphere.

EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Lido 84

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for innovative Italian cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open 12:30pm-2:30pm.

EUR80, 1h30m

2:15pm

Pack up and prepare for drive

Return to accommodation to pack and get ready for your next destination.

0EUR, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Venice

Begin your 2.5-hour drive to Venice, aiming to arrive in late afternoon.

0EUR, 2h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and quick freshen up

Settle in your Venice accommodation and prepare for evening stroll.

0EUR, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Taste exquisite Venetian seafood dishes in this intimate, highly-rated venue. Advance booking essential. Open till 10:30pm.

EUR50, 2h0m

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Day 10: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your day with Venetian pastries and coffee at this renowned bakery open from 7am.

EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Piazza San Marco and Basilica

Explore Venice’s famous square and the stunning basilica, open 9:30am-5pm.

0EUR, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour Doge’s Palace

Discover the history and art of this gothic palace. Open 9am-7pm.

EUR25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine away from tourist crowds. Open 12pm-3pm.

EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Gondola ride

Experience Venice’s canals by gondola, a must-do for around 30-40 minutes. Gondolas operate 9am-8pm.

EUR80, 0h45m

4:00pm

Visit Rialto Bridge and Market

Walk through Venice’s famous market area and admire the iconic bridge.

0EUR, 1h0m

6:00pm

Relax with Aperitivo at Skyline Bar

Enjoy cocktails with panoramic views from the rooftop bar of the Hilton Molino Stucky.

EUR20, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Dine on refined Venetian dishes with excellent wine pairings. Open till 11pm.

EUR55, 2h0m

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Day 11: Drive to San Marino

San Marino on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for today's drive to San Marino.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Venice to San Marino

Embark on roughly 3.5-hour drive south to the Republic of San Marino.

0EUR, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Ristorante Righi

Enjoy lunch with scenic views over San Marino city and local dishes. Open 12pm-3pm.

EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore San Marino Historic Centre

Wander the medieval streets, visit the Three Towers, and take in unique architecture.

EUR8, 3h0m

5:30pm

Visit Palazzo Pubblico

Tour the impressive government building and museum. Open 8:30am-7pm.

EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taverna al Castello

Enjoy traditional Sammarinese and Italian dishes in a historic dining room. Open till 10pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 12: Drive to Florence

Florence, Italy on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin the day with breakfast before departing for Florence.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive San Marino to Florence

Enjoy the approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive to Florence.

0EUR, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Trattoria Mario

Famous for traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina. Open 12pm-3pm.

EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Admire the impressive dome and climb up for spectacular city views. Open 10am-5pm.

EUR20, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Ponte Vecchio

Stroll the historic bridge lined with jewelry shops.

0EUR, 1h0m

6:00pm

Relax in Piazza della Signoria

Enjoy the open air sculptures and lively piazza atmosphere.

0EUR, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Delight in romantic Tuscan dining with a warm ambiance. Open till 11pm.

EUR50, 2h0m

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Day 13: Florence Museums

Florence, Italy on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries at this modern roastery cafe. Open from 8am.

EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Uffizi Gallery visit

Explore one of the most important art museums with works from Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.

EUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nerbone

Taste classic Florentine street food including lampredotto sandwiches. Open 11am-3pm.

EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David sculpture and Renaissance art. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.

EUR16, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Boboli Gardens

Relax in this vast Renaissance park behind Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am-7:30pm.

EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Celebrate your last night with hearty Tuscan specialties in a lively trattoria. Open till 10:30pm.

EUR40, 2h0m

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Day 14: Return to Milano

Milano, Italy on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your drive back to Milano.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Florence to Milano

Take the approximate 3-hour drive back to Milan to allow time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

0EUR, 3h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Spontini

Grab a famous Milanese thick-crust slice, open till 3pm.

EUR12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Last-minute shopping or visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Optional visit to see The Last Supper or enjoy shopping nearby. The church requires advance booking and opens 8:15am-6:45pm.

EUR15, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Prepare for your late-night flight.

0EUR, 6h0m

11:00pm

Airport transfer for midnight flight

Depart to Milan Malpensa airport for your flight home scheduled around midnight.

EUR30, 1h0m

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