Northern Italy Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Italy tour packages
- What people love about Northern Italy Tours
- Travel Northern Italy your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Italy tours
- Popular Northern Italy Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Northern Italy tour
- Discover Northern Italy tours for every budget
- Northern Italy tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Italy
- Contact our Northern Italy travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Italy Tours & Trips
The best Northern Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar
Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was our first time in Italy and first time using a tour. We mostly travel independently but the travel logistics were all arranged for us.”
Thu, traveled in March
Rome's ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum launch this 8-day Northern Italian adventure, flowing through Florence's artistic heritage to Venice's romantic canals. Approx. $250 per day includes UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre villages, traditional Venetian gondola rides, and 3-star hotels throughout. Suitable for ages 8+, with 50+ reviews and perfect 5.0/5.0 ratings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $2,657
10% Off- NZ$2,391You save $266
Hiking in the Dolomites
63 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a trip I will remember as an adventure of a lifetime.”
Katie, traveled in September
The Hotel Tschurtschenthaler in Dobbiaco serves as base for Northern Italy's alpine wonders. Trails lead to Lake Braies (1,494m), circle Tre Cime peaks, and reach Strudelkopf's summit (2,307m). Optional visits include Bolzano's Iceman Museum and medieval Brunico with Messner Mountain Museum.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Dobbiaco, Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, Moos, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lienz, Bolzano, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Prato Piazza Mountain Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
10% Off- NZ$4,400
Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure
56 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You get right into the heart of the mountains. We were lucky we had 2 days of snow - it really made the trip even more spectacular.”
Karen, traveled in September
The finest mountain scenery of Northern Italy unfolds on this 8-day trek from Villabassa. Lake Braies, Monte Piana's WWI sites, and the Three Chimneys circuit create memorable vistas. The luxurious Hotel Adler offers spa facilities and gourmet dining. Moderate walks with 1,600-2,400ft daily ascents led by expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Niederdorf, Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dobbiaco Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
10% Off- NZ$4,620
Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent guide with excellent itinerary.”
Suk, traveled in September
The picturesque coastal region of Northern Italy beckons for 8 days, from Levanto to Santa Margherita Ligure. Cinque Terre's famous trails, converted railway bike paths, and Portofino's crystal waters by kayak create active adventures. Seven breakfasts and local accommodation included, perfect for active travelers at around $2,700 total.
Duration 8 days Destinations Levanto, Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$3,750
What people love about Northern Italy Tours
- Italian Tour Gondola Ride & Cinque Terre Visit
What a great trip, we loved Italy !!! Wanderful Holidays went above and beyond to make this trip special. They took care of any hiccups we had with the delay in arrival due to the airlines. They were quick to respond to all my questions and our stay was magnificent. I would definitely book through them again and we hope to travel with them again in the future.
- Hiking in the Dolomites
As my first solo trip I wanted to be part of an organized trip that could provide me with flexibility, security, and the opportunity to be able to see a lot every day. Joe did all that and more. Everyday was a totally different experience and just so well organized. All the meals were way more than I expected and everyone had a place there. I got to learn a lot from Joe about the area of the dolomites from the history to the flowers and the way of living which was just over the top amazing. I couldn't say more about Joe who took care of everything and made my trip an experience of a lifetime.
- Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure
This was an excellent holiday. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and assessed the ability of our group well. We had excellent weather and we felt we had achieved quite a few challenging walks by the end of the week. The hotel was good and we had an upgrade. The set menu food was disappointing with a lot of heavy carbohydrates eg cheese dumplings, ravioli, etc. The three or four of us with a vegetarian diet struggled but they did try. Our group was very sociable and we had a fun week. Alex, our guide, gave a few options for the free day. He also was very informative on walking skills especially on the rough terrain.
Travel Northern Italy your way
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Northern Italy. We have 31 cruises that vary from 5 days to 11 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all River Cruise toursThe Dolomites form the backdrop for our most requested hikes in Northern Italy, with routes designed for different fitness levels and interests. A favorite among our travelers circles the Three Peaks of Lavaredo - it's a satisfying full-day walk with natural stops to capture the limestone peaks and clear mountain lakes. Over at Lake Como, we've got a nice 7-night setup in Gravedona where you'll walk daily through hillside vineyards and old villages, and there's this really special view of Bellagio from Madonna della Grazie di Paullo chapel that our guests love. For those drawn to higher ground, the routes up Mount Elmo along the Austrian border offer a good challenge, and the paths through Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park lead you past waterfalls and along the Boite River. What works well here is how flexible these tours are - you can take on a summit climb when you're feeling strong or stick to the valleys on days when you want to take it easier.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursCycling enthusiasts have excellent options for exploring Northern Italy on two wheels. The most comprehensive routes run from the Dolomites down to Venice, following dedicated bike paths through alpine meadows and along river valleys. What makes these trips work so well is the mix of cycling with cultural stops - you'll pedal through South Tyrol's wine country and still have time to explore Verona's Roman amphitheater. Our travelers consistently praise the quality of the cycling routes, especially around Lake Garda where you can take a ferry across the lake as part of the journey. The tours typically run 6-8 days, and while you'll need decent fitness for some uphill sections, the well-planned routes make it manageable. Many guests mention loving the traditional Tyrolean hotels and the excellent guidance from tour leaders who really know how to handle both the cycling and cultural aspects.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Italy. We have 9 adventures that vary from 5 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus tours
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Northern Italy tours
From what our travelers tell us, Wanderful Holidays does an excellent job with the details - they're particularly good at finding those special hotels and making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. You'll have someone to talk to throughout your trip if you need anything. If you're watching your budget, Italy on a Budget has some dedicated guides like Eduardo and Marie who really make Milan and Lake Como come alive. The accommodations are basic but clean, though we've had mixed feedback about the 4-Day Northern Lakes tour - some rooms didn't quite match what was advertised and the quality varied between stops. Explore's trips are solid choices if you're fit and experienced with hiking. Their guide Joe gets lots of praise, and the routes show off some incredible mountain scenery. Just keep in mind these aren't gentle walks - you'll need proper hiking experience and good stamina to fully enjoy them. I'd suggest choosing a different option if you're new to mountain hiking or prefer a more relaxed pace. In all cases, we've found the guides make a huge difference to how much people enjoy their trips. Each company has its sweet spot: Wanderful for luxury and attention to detail, Italy on a Budget for value with good guidance and Explore for active mountain experiences.
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Popular Northern Italy Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Northern Italy tour
Milan stands out as the main gateway for Northern Italy tours, with 29 of our customers choosing to start there. Venice comes in second with 18 departures, while Rome, Merano and also Innsbruck each handle about 5 tour starts. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in plans roughly 3.7 months (111 days) ahead to get the dates and places you want. While you can find budget hotels, our travelers often say it's worth going for mid-range spots for better quality. The real gems are often family-run agriturismos in the countryside - past guests tell us the warm welcome and local cooking made their trips special. For anyone heading to the Dolomites, our customers often wish they'd planned an extra day or two - there's just so much to photograph and explore in those mountains, more than most people expect.
Discover Northern Italy tours for every budget
Northern Italy can be explored nicely without breaking the bank. Many of our travelers love the 3-day Milan and Lake Como combination - it's quick but covers a lot of ground. The hotels are basic but well-located near transport links, making city exploration really straightforward. People who've taken this tour tell us they like how it mixes guided walks in Milan's old center with free time to discover Lake Como's small towns. There's also a solid 10-day option by train connecting Rome, Florence, Venice and also Milan. It's flexible enough to adjust daily plans, and our customers often mention how local guides help them navigate efficiently while keeping costs in check.
The refined side of Italian travel comes alive in tours that pair excellent hotels with special access. A really popular 15-day route starts in Milan, meanders through the lakes and continues to Venice and also Rome. You'll get private evening visits to St. Mark's Basilica, intimate wine sessions at noble estates and nights in well-chosen 4-star hotels in the best spots. The 10-day Alps and lakes tour is another favorite, with stays in historic palazzos and nice touches like meeting local nobility in their homes. Our guests particularly like having just 20 people max in the group, and the smart scheduling helps dodge the busy times at major attractions.
Northern Italy budget tours- Northern Italy luxury tours
Northern Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
158 tours in Northern ItalyExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Italy. We have 158 adventures that vary from 3 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
65 tours in Northern ItalyOur small-group trips in northern Italy let you experience both alpine majesty and culinary excellence, with groups staying intimate at 16-20 people. Dolomites hiking takes you through UNESCO-protected terrain, where guides adapt daily routes based on conditions and group dynamics - from Lake Braies' crystal waters to the towering limestone faces of Tre Cime. Past travelers tell us how much they appreciate their guides weaving local culture with outdoor exploration, especially near Monte Elmo, where you can literally stand between Italy and Austria. For food lovers, the Venice-to-Rome route combines practical cooking sessions in Bologna, visits to family Parmigiano Reggiano producers and authentic balsamic vinegar artisans in Modena. Our guests particularly enjoy dining in local homes and intimate wine tastings at organic estates across Tuscany. The balance of organized activities and free time works beautifully - you'll have companions for Rialto market visits in Venice and traditional cicchetti tours through local wine bars, yet plenty of time to wander Bologna's terracotta streets at your own rhythm.
Private / Personalized
134 tours in Northern ItalyFor complete freedom with expert backup, private tours hit the mark perfectly. Many guests go for the 7-day driving experience through the Italian lakes - you can take your time exploring Maggiore, Como and also Garda. We suggest stops at historic villas, scenic lookouts and lake towns, but you're in charge of the schedule. The 8-day Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre combination works well too, mixing private city guides with first-class train travel. Our travelers often tell us how much they value having WhatsApp support while keeping their independence to explore as they please.
Top Northern Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
Week-long Northern Italy tours follow two main patterns: lakes or mountains. The lakes circuit starts in Milan then moves to Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore and also Lake Como. You'll boat to islands like Isola Bella with its baroque palace and Isola dei Pescatori where fishermen's houses line narrow lanes. For mountain lovers, Dolomites tours usually begin in Venice before winding through high passes to places like Cortina d'Ampezzo and also Lake Misurina. Our customers often mention loving how cultural stops mix with natural scenery. The local guides get great feedback, especially for city walks in places like Verona with its Roman sites and Juliet's balcony. With 2-3 nights in each spot, the pace stays comfortable.
See all tours
Longer 10-day tours let you really sink into Northern Italy, running from Rome all the way to Turin or Venice. You might start with two full days in Rome exploring the Vatican and Forum before taking fast trains north to Florence, Venice and also Milan. Some routes continue to Turin to discover its elegant squares and chocolate heritage, while others spend more time around Lake Como and the Italian Alps. Our travelers like how full free days mix with guided activities. Special experiences often pop up - like after-hours visits to St. Mark's Basilica or private prosecco tastings in Conegliano. The longer duration means you can take things slower while still hitting the major sites.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Verona, Lake Maggiore, Stresa
Demographics
The Dolomites hiking tours work really well for solo travelers - our groups are small and the guides adjust the routes based on weather and how everyone's feeling. Previous travelers tell us they love finding quiet spots for picnics and learning about the UNESCO mountain landscapes. If you're into food, the Venice, Bologna and Rome tours let you get hands-on with pasta making and explore local markets without feeling awkward on your own. People particularly mention how much they enjoy having hotels right in the center and sharing meals with their group. Lake Como is another good option - you'll stay in one nice lakeside town and take daily walks to different viewpoints and villages, joining group activities when you want or exploring by yourself.
Our northern lakes tours really hit the mark for couples, running 4-6 days from Milan through Lake Como, Lake Garda and also Verona. Past guests tell us they love having both guided walks and free time, especially in Bellagio where they can wander the old streets together whenever they like. The Bernina Express train adds something special - you'll share incredible Alpine views through big panoramic windows. For couples who like being active together, the Dolomites hiking tours combine quiet mountain paths with lovely Alpine hotels serving excellent local food.
Our active tours that mix outdoor activities with city life really appeal to young adults. The 10-day Italy Escape connects Rome, Florence and also Venice by train, with a good balance of guided tours and free time to explore. Many like having the transport sorted between cities while keeping the freedom to find their own favorite spots. The northern lakes tours are popular too, particularly when combined with Milan's fashion scene and evening aperitivo culture. The food tours through Venice, Bologna and also Tuscany let you learn traditional cooking right from local producers.
The northern lakes tours work perfectly for seniors with their well-planned 4-6 day itineraries covering Lake Como, Lake Garda and also Verona. Our guides share detailed historical knowledge while keeping an easy pace that works for everyone. The Bernina Express train journey is a real highlight - you get amazing mountain views from comfortable seats without any difficult walking. Many of our senior travelers also enjoy the food tours through Venice and also Bologna, where you can learn about traditional products while staying in central hotels that keep walking distances short.
- Solo Travelers236 tours
- Couples82 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)5 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)88 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Northern Italy
- Summer 2025
Summer opens up every mountain trail in Northern Italy. Our 8-day Dolomites programs mix serious hiking with nice hotels in Dobbiaco, and the Three Peaks circuit gives you views that seem to go on forever. The lakes really come alive too - Como and Garda are perfect for mixing culture with swimming breaks. We build in time between town visits so you can cool off at local beaches. The Bernina Express train comes with welcome air conditioning for the Alps crossing, and those warm evenings work perfectly for tasting sessions at Franciacorta's hillside wine estates.
- 166 tours
- 194 tours
- popular 206 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings out the best in Northern Italy's food scene. September and October visitors join the wine harvest in Franciacorta, where our small groups get private tastings at family vineyards. The mild weather makes city walks much nicer - especially around Milan's Duomo without the summer crowds. Lake Como puts on a show as mountain leaves turn gold and red, making a perfect setting for boat trips to Bellagio and also Varenna. Our Bologna cooking classes really shine this season too - you'll learn to make fresh pasta while trying new olive oils and wines straight from harvest.
- popular 212 tours
- 185 tours
- 50 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings a different perspective to the classic Italian routes through Rome, Florence and also Venice, with our travelers enjoying the calmer atmosphere. The gondola rides feel more personal without tourist crowds, letting local guides share secret parts of Venice's narrow streets. WhatsApp support throughout each journey proves especially useful when winter weather affects plans, while the itineraries combine guided Colosseum and Roman Forum tours with time to explore independently. Our customers often mention how they appreciate seeing St. Mark's Basilica without the usual queues, and train journeys between cities showcase snow-covered landscapes through the windows. The hotels, positioned near main transport links, make it simple to explore despite the cool temperatures. Flexible scheduling means adjusting activities around weather patterns, and local guides know just where to find welcoming restaurants and indoor activities during the chillier days.
- popular 40 tours
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- 21 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring hits the sweet spot for Northern Italy's lakes and mountain tours. Starting from Milan, our April-May routes head to Lake Como where the Alps create perfect mirror images on the quiet waters. The 4-day northern lakes circuit really works well this time of year - you get perfect weather for boat rides to Bellagio and walks through Villa Carlotta as the camellias start to show their colors. Over at Lake Garda, our travelers love watching the Mediterranean plants wake up along the coastal paths. When May comes around, the Dolomites hiking tours begin just as alpine meadows fill with wildflowers, and those occasional snowy patches on high trails make for great photo opportunities.
- 30 tours
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- popular 49 tours
Contact our Northern Italy travel experts
Laura
Expert in Northern Italy at TourRadar
Laura is one of our seasoned Northern Italy Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Italy tours answered!
- Choose from 295+ Northern Italy tours
- 812 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Italy Tours & Trips
How is Northern Italy's Culture Different from the Rest of Italy?
You'll find Northern Italy has this fascinating mix of Italian and Austrian influences that really shows up in everything from the buildings to the food. It's actually pretty interesting - the whole area was historically tied to the Austro-Hungarian Empire which gives it this unique feel compared to the South. Take Milan for example where cutting-edge fashion sits right next to historic buildings or head up to the Dolomites where the food has these amazing Germanic touches. There's this great dish called polenta taragna in Valtellina made with buckwheat flour that really shows off those Austrian connections.
Which Lakes in Northern Italy Are Worth Visiting and What Can You Do There?
Lake Como is just stunning honestly it's called the Pearl of Lake Como for good reason with these beautiful villages and fancy villas set against the Alps. You can hop on boat tours explore towns like Bellagio and hike for some incredible views. Take a boat to Tremezzo and check out Villa Carlotta the gardens and art there are amazing. Lake Garda's actually Italy's biggest lake and it's got everything from mountains to vineyards and historic castles. You can do water sports explore Sirmione and try local wines like Bardolino plus see UNESCO sites like the Brenta Dolomites. Lake Maggiore's perfect if you want something more peaceful with these lovely islands and gardens. The Borromean Islands are worth exploring especially Isola Bella with its palace that's got 30 rooms and 10 terraces of baroque gardens.
What Are Some Hidden Gems Beyond Milan and Venice?
Bergamo's got this amazing upper town called Città Alta with medieval architecture that really shows you Northern Italy's history. Take the funicular up explore the narrow streets and eat at family restaurants. The main square Piazza Vecchia has this impressive Campanone tower you can't miss. Parma's fantastic for food lovers you can actually visit cheese factories to see how they make Parmigiano Reggiano and check out prosciutto producers. Then there's Verona where Romeo and Juliet was set it's got this incredible romantic atmosphere. Make sure you see the Arena it's this Roman amphitheater where they still do operas today.
What About Those Famous Train Journeys Through Northern Italy?
The Bernina Express is really special it's actually UNESCO listed and takes you through these incredible Swiss Alps to St Moritz. You'll see mountain tunnels villages and views that are just unbelievable. The journey from Rome to Venice shows you everything from rolling hills to coastal towns and the high-speed trains make it super comfortable. The connections between Milan Florence and Venice are great too you get to see the countryside while traveling between the major cities. The Bernina Express takes about 2 hours to cross the Bernina Pass and ends in St Moritz which is this charming Swiss town.
What's the Best Way to Get Around Northern Italy?
The high-speed trains are really efficient for getting between the big cities like Milan Venice and Florence and they're super comfortable. The regular trains are great for reaching smaller towns and you've got ferry services on Como and Garda that let you see everything from the water. Local buses work well in cities and they're pretty cheap too. If you want more freedom rent a car but just remember parking can be tricky in bigger cities and traffic can get busy. From what TourRadar customers say mixing up different types of transport works best. Like when you're at Lake Como take one of those scenic ferries from Cadenabbia to Bellagio the views are incredible.