5-Day Scenic Journey Through Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como & Venice

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start your day with traditional Italian pastries and coffee in one of Milan’s oldest and most elegant cafes, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral, known for its intricate façade and rooftop terraces offering panoramic city views. Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

11:15am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Stroll

Walk through this elegant 19th-century shopping arcade housing luxury brands and beautiful architecture, an ideal spot for window shopping and photos.
Free, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy authentic Milanese street food famous for its savory panzerotti, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Tour this historic fortress with its museums and peaceful grounds, open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, to learn about Milanese Renaissance history.
EUR10, 2h0m

3:45pm

Relax at Parco Sempione

Enjoy a leisurely walk or relax in this large city park adjacent to Sforza Castle, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savor traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese in an authentic setting, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 2: Lake Como Leisure

Lake Como, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Fuel up with a light Italian breakfast at your Milan accommodation or nearby café before heading to Lake Como.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Como

Take the scenic 1-hour train ride from Milan to Como, enjoying views of the Lombardy region.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:15am

Como Cathedral Visit

Explore Como's stunning cathedral featuring Gothic and Renaissance architecture, open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Enjoy a 2-hour boat tour visiting charming lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, with beautiful villas and gardens.
EUR25, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo in Bellagio

Enjoy traditional Italian lakeside dining with fresh seafood and local wines, open until 3:30pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

4:00pm

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Lake Como, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Como Town

Relax and enjoy an evening walk along the lakefront promenade in Como.
Free, 1h

7:45pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale

Savor regional cuisine and fine wines in this historic Como restaurant, open until 10:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Verona History

Verona, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel/Local Café

Enjoy a typical Italian breakfast before departing to Verona by train.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Verona

Travel approximately 1.5 hours by train to the historic city of Verona.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Verona Arena

Tour this ancient Roman amphitheater famous for its operas and concerts, open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Osteria la Fontanina

Relish traditional Veronese dishes with fresh ingredients in a cozy setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)

Visit the famed balcony and museum linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR6, 45m

3:00pm

Piazza delle Erbe Walk

Explore this lively square filled with markets, cafes, and historic architecture dating back to Roman times.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax by the Adige River

Enjoy a scenic riverside walk and sunset views along the riverbank.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante 12 Apostoli

Dine on classic Italian cuisine combined with modern touches in a historic venue, open till 11:00pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 4: Venice Introduction

Venice, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Early Departure

Have an early breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before traveling to Venice by train.
EUR12, 1h

8:00am

Train to Venice

Take a scenic 2-hour train ride to Venice, arriving before mid-morning.
EUR30, 2h

10:15am

Check into Accommodation

Drop off luggage and freshen up at your hotel in Venice’s historic center.
Varies, 45m

11:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit the stunning basilica with its intricate mosaics and Byzantine architecture, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria alla Madonna

Enjoy fresh Venetian seafood dishes in a traditional Venetian setting, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:15pm

Rialto Bridge and Market Walk

Explore the iconic Rialto Bridge and nearby markets featuring fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals for a unique city perspective.
EUR80, 30m

5:00pm

Relax at Piazza San Marco

Sit and enjoy coffee or gelato while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Venice’s main square.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Savor exquisite Venetian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood in an intimate setting, reservations recommended.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 5: Venice Highlights

Venice, Italy on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start the day with fresh pastries and cappuccino at a beloved Venetian bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Tour this historic palace that was the seat of Venetian political power, featuring ornate rooms and the Bridge of Sighs. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy authentic Venetian seafood away from the busiest tourist areas, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h15m

1:30pm

Island hopping to Murano and Burano

Take a boat tour (~4 hours) to nearby islands famous for glassmaking and colorful houses, tours usually start around 1:30pm.
EUR35, 4h

6:00pm

Return to Venice

Relax after the island tour and enjoy some free time to explore lesser-known canals.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Celebrate your trip with gourmet Venetian cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking St. Mark’s Square, open until 11:00pm.
EUR70, 2h
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