Last Updated on 07/04/2022
In this itinerary, I’ll show you how you can see the best of Northern Italy in 10 days. I’ve included transportation tips, where to stay, where to eat and what to do in each stop along the way. I’ve also got a map at the bottom to help you visualize the journey. The most efficient way to see Northern Italy is by starting in Venice and ending in Milan (or vice versa). In between these two cities, it’s easy to access the gems of Northern Italy: Lake Como, Verona, Lake Garda and the Dolomites.
You could definitely tailor this Northern Italy itinerary to be only 7 days. I personally prefer to relax a little on a vacation, but I also understand American vacation days are numbered (like literally to 10). To my European readers: we are all very jealous.
If you want to take this trip in the winter, I’d recommend skipping the lakes. Lake Como and Lake Garda are really impacted by seasonal closures.
*Updated in July 2022. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support and helping me run this site.*
Transportation in Northern Italy
Both Venice and Milan have large international airports and numerous car rental options. Most car rentals are manual transmission, but automatics are available so don’t get discouraged or assume they are nonexistent. Expect to pay tolls and choose a car rental company that doesn’t charge extra for one way drop off.
I have used Rentalcars.com to book in the past, but always read the fine print or reach out to their very helpful customer service in the chat option if you need clarification. Be sure to read more of my tips for driving in Italy.
Driving doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? This itinerary could be done by train and bus too, it would just take longer to travel between destinations. Also, consider swapping out Lake Garda and the Dolomites for Bologna or Bolzano (both are more accessible by train). There are so many possibilities and something for everyone in Northern Italy.
Let’s dive in…
Venice: 2 Days
Where to Stay: Hotel Bisanzio
Hotel Bisanzio is close to a water taxi stop and San Marco Square. We felt completely spoiled here when they upgraded us to a room with a terrace because we had Alfie (my dog, if you’re a new reader).
Travel Tip: You won’t be able to bring a car into Venice itself. You can rent a car at the airport and park it near the Venice port. Alternatively, you can wait until you are departing Venice to rent a car.
On arrival from the airport, book a water taxi transfer to arrive to your hotel by boat.
Things to do in Venice
- Doge’s Palace and Piazza San Marco (book your tickets in advance and skip the line)
- Take a gondola ride
- Day Trip to Burano or Murano (you might need three nights if you want to see these islands)
- Go to the rooftop of Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store, possibly pick up something special while you’re there
- Enjoy a fancy coffee at Caffe Florian
- Have a cheap spritz at Al Merca and visit cicchetti bars
More Resources:
20 Photos that will Inspire You to Visit Venice in the Winter
Corvara, Dolomites: 2 Days
Where to stay: Hotel Kolfuschgerhof or sister property Hotel Belvedere
These two hotels are connected underground and share the same breakfast room part of the year. Hotel Kolfuschgerhof is the more luxury property, but we chose Hotel Belvedere for the view (above photo). We loved Cordova so much we actually decided to stayed a third night. We were there for a wedding and had the most memorable time.
Things to do in Corvara
- Go skiing or hiking depending on the season
- Take gondolas up to Piz Boè Alpine Lounge or Col Pradat Hütte for a nice meal and stunning views of the Dolomites
- Boconara is great for a casual meal and access to an easy hiking trail
Lake Garda: 1 Day
Where to Stay: Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
This resort is the premier luxury property in Riva del Garda. The location was perfect for access to the lake and walking distance to the town. We stayed as guests as part of photography collaboration and I still can’t believe the views from our room.
Things to do in Lake Garda
- Stroll the town of Riva del Garda
- Lounge at the lake
- Rent a bike, kayak or boat
- Have gelato at Gelateria Flora (this is a non-negotiable)
- Eat at Panem for high quality panini and charcuterie boards with friendly service
More Resources:
Verona: 1 Day
Where to Stay: Hotel Milano & Spa
Don’t expect the rooms to be spacious, but Hotel Milano is in an ideal location to see Verona. We had a lovely aperitivo on the rooftop bar and watched the sun go down over the arena.
Things to do in Verona
- Visit Juliet’s balcony
- See the ancient Verona arena
- Take in the views from Castel San Pietro (you can walk or take a funicular)
- Visit the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum
- Taste the regional wine Amarone and order Amarone risotto
More Resources:
Lake Como: 2 Days
Where to Stay: Hotel Bellagio
The weather was less than ideal when we visited Lake Como in early spring. I’m still glad we decided to spend a little extra for the room with a lake view. Hotel Bellagio is right in the middle of Bellagio making it easy to walk to ferries and restaurants.
Things to do in Lake Como
- Rent a boat for incredible view of Lake Como
- Have lunch with a view at Trattoria Baita Belvedere
- Visit Villa Melzi or Villa Carlotta
- Go to the wine bar Enoteca Cava Turacciolo
More Resources:
Milan: 2 Days
Where to Stay: B&B Hotel Milano
We chose to stay at B&B Hotel Milano Central Station to be within walking distance of the train station. It’s an average hotel (compared to other properties in this itinerary), but it’s clean and located near public transportation. Being near a tram or bus stop is important in Milan because the city is so big. Skip the hotel breakfast option and walk over to Pave for excellent coffee and pastries.
Want something more central and glamorous? Book TownHouse Duomo for a luxury experience and views of the Duomo.
Things to do in Milan
- Visit the Cathedral and upper terraces (get your ticket in advance)
- See the Last Supper
- Go inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Stroll around and have an aperitivo in the canal area of Naviglio Grande
Have more than 10 days? Consider adding on Bologna, Bergamo, Modena or two days in Cinque Terre.
Someone mentioned Bassano. Is that worth seeing. I want to get a local vibe. My husband doesn’t want to rent a car so public transportation. Planning on being in Italy for six weeks and definitely want to see Sicily, Agrigento. I’ve been to Rome and Firenze, Almalfi Coast but may take a few days there again. I prefer at least 3 nights in a place. We are 70.
Hi Sharon, I have not stayed in Bassano, but I have been to an amazing ceramic shop on the outskirts of town called La Ceramica VBC. You MUST go if you are in the area. They make pieces from Vietri, Tiffany’s, Pottery Barn, etc for a fraction of the retail price.
6 weeks will be ample time! Enjoy!
I love your itinerary and I have one question. I don’t want to drive to Milan if
we rent a car can you drop off somewhere in Lake Como and train to Milan? Thanks.
There are probably car rentals in the bigger town of Como. You might pay a premium, but depends on how much it is worth to you. You could always look at the rental car agencies at the different Milan airports, then train into Milan from the airport.
Hi! My husband and I are planning a trip similar to yours! Question: From the Dolomites to Lake Como, did you feel like you were in the car forever?! Or is that why you added a stop at Lake Garda? We are trying to avoid stopping too much, but it looks like we may have to!
Hi Nicole,
It is actually not that long of a drive. I just love Lake Garda and would highly recommend it! So it is really up to you and what you want to see most. Enjoy your trip!
I feel like I just took a mini vacation : ) Great post xx
I feel that way when I write my posts too. I’ll feel like I spent the whole day in a place just by looking at all my photos and remembering the details to share! Glad you enjoyed it!