Perfect Northern Italy Itinerary

Northern Italy has an immense cultural, historical, and culinary heritage, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the picturesque hills of Tuscany, this region of Italy boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The region is home to some of the most iconic Italian cities, such as Milan, Venice, Florence, and Turin, each with its unique style. You can expect to see ancient ruins, medieval castles, and museums showcasing priceless works of art throughout your Northern Italy adventure.

Whether you are planning a 1-2 week Italian getaway or an entire adventure lasting a few months, these destinations in Northern Italy deserve a spot on your itinerary.

One of the best locations to begin your Northern Italy adventure is in the industrial city of Milan. Milan is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, known best for its fashion, art, and design scene. Its home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, and its high-end shopping are attracts visitors from all over the world. Besides fashion, Milan is also a hub for art and design, with various galleries and exhibitions, in addition to some of the world’s most unique and largest cathedrals.

Highlights: Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, Teatro alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo de Vinci’s Vineyard.

Located in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, Turin is a great place to explore for a few days. One of the main reasons to visit Turin is its stunning Baroque architecture. Spend a day exploring the city’s many beautiful churches and piazzas, which feature stunning designs. Turin is also a destination for food and wine enthusiasts. The city is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which features specialties such as agnolotti, and is also home to some of Italy’s most famous wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco.

Highlights: Piazza Reale, Mole Antonelliana, Egyptian Museum, underground tunnels, Juventus stadium.

Lake Como is a must-see destination and deserves a spot on everyone’s Northern Italy Itinerary. It is a stunningly beautiful destination in the Lombardy region, known for its picturesque towns, immaculate villas, and jaw-dropping scenery. It provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic or relaxing getaway. Lake Como is also known for its stunning villas and gardens, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Villa del Balbianello is one of the most famous and is often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. Besides its beauty, it’s perfect for outdoor lovers and water enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, kayaking, sunbathing, and boating opportunities.

Highlights: Como Cathedral, Brunate’s Terrace, Menaggios promenade, Villa Del Balbianello, and the Basilica di Saint’Abbondio.

The city of Romeo & Juliette is one of the best stops on any Northern Italy adventure. Verona sits in the Veneto region of Italy, and boasts a rich cultural heritage and romantic charm. The city is best known for its association with William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” which has made it a popular destination for couples and literary enthusiasts. Verona’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to numerous landmarks, such as the Roman Arena. Besides all that, Verona has a vast wine and cuisine scene, making it a perfect spot for foodies and wine lovers.

Highlights: Arena di Verona, Ponte di Castle Vecchio, Castel San Pietro, Juliette’s Balcony, and Piazza Bra.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy and definitely deserves a spot on any good Northern Italy itinerary. The range is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in Europe, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the main reasons to visit the Dolomites is their stunning natural beauty, known for its towering peaks, rugged cliffs, and beautiful alpine meadows. Outdoor lovers can hike through the mountains or opt for taking a scenic drive through the winding mountain roads.

Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Lago di Sorapis.

Finally, complete your Northern Italy journey by admiring the beautiful and unique floating city of Venice. The city is built on a group of islands in a lagoon and is connected by a network of canals and bridges, making it one of the world’s most iconic and enchanting destinations. Venice is home to amazing architecture and artwork, famous world-class bridges, museums, and galleries. Known for having a romantic charm, be sure you take a romantic gondola ride through the canals or watch the sunset over the lagoon from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Highlights: Rialto Bridge, Saint Marks Basilica, Burano, Canal Grande, and Doges Palace.

If time allows, head to the western coastline and spend a few days village-hopping around Cinque Terre. Sitting on the Italian Riveriers in the Linguria region, its rugged coastline is one of the most picturesque places in the country. The name Cinque Terre, which means “five lands,” refers to the five charming and colorful seaside villages that make up the area: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, delicious food, and charming villages.

Northern Italy is, without a doubt, a dreamy destination. While your schedule may only allow you time to stop at some of these places, this itinerary is a great place to start when planning your own perfect itinerary around Northern Italy.