7-Day Northern Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northern Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Northern Italy, incl. Milan and Venice

  

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  • Day 1

    Milan

    Begin in Milan with a walk through the historic center. Take the Malpensa Express train from the airport to Milano Centrale. It's quicker and costs less than a taxi during busy hours. End your day with drinks in the Navigli district, where you can join locals for the traditional aperitivo.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Como & Bellagio

    Travel to Como city (1 hour from Milan) to visit the Gothic Cathedral and Piazza Cavour. When in Bellagio, you'll find steep cobblestone streets. Wear sturdy shoes, especially from October to March when steps get slippery. Walk along the lake to Villa Melzi gardens. Late morning offers the best photo opportunities.

    
  • Day 3

    St. Moritz & Bernina Express

    Leave early for St. Moritz (3 hours away). Take the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express train to Tirano. Choose the right side of the train to see the Morteratsch Glacier. Pack extra clothes. The temperature drops quite a bit at higher altitudes, even in summer.

    
  • Day 4

    Brescia & Lake Garda

    Spend your morning at Brescia's Roman ruins and Renaissance squares. Visit Lake Garda's Sirmione peninsula after 3 PM when tourist numbers drop. The thermal springs near Grotte di Catullo are quieter in early evening.

    
  • Day 5

    Verona & Padua

    Visit Verona early. Juliet's House gets packed between 10 AM and 2 PM. For Padua's Scrovegni Chapel, book your 15-minute slot at least a day before. Take an evening walk on Via del Santo to see authentic local life.

    
  • Day 6

    Venice

    Take a boat to Venice. The Grand Canal looks beautiful in morning light. Be ready for potential flooding in St. Mark's Square from October to March. Bring waterproof footwear. A recent visitor shared: "The secret was exploring the quiet streets of Dorsoduro in late afternoon—we found amazing cicchetti bars where locals eat, away from the tourist crowds."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Venice

    Book afternoon flights if possible. Morning water taxis to Marco Polo Airport can face delays from fog, particularly in fall and winter.

    

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• 7 Day Northern Italian Lakes Itinerary, incl. Como and Dolomites

  The lakes of Northern Italy unfold over 7 days from Milan, with stops at Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Private boats glide to the Borromean Islands, past Bellagio's luxurious villas, and Sirmione's medieval castle. The tour includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels, expert multilingual guidance, and tastings of Prosecco and local specialties.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Italian Lakes Region

    Begin in Milan and travel to Lake Orta, a hidden gem among Italian lakes. Take a morning boat to San Giulio Island to explore its monastery before crowds arrive. Next, visit Lake Maggiore and tour the Borromean Islands. "The islands were a highlight, especially Isola Bella with its baroque palace." Spend your second day at Lake Como, taking an early ferry to Bellagio. Go before 10 AM to avoid crowds and get clear photos where the lake splits into three parts.

    
  • Day 3

    Lake Garda & Verona

    Visit Sirmione on Lake Garda to see the medieval Scaliger Castle. Take a boat ride around the peninsula for great views of Roman ruins. Later, head to Verona. "Getting into Verona's Arena early evening was perfect – fewer tourists and beautiful golden light for photography." Visit Piazza delle Erbe in the evening when it's quieter.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Dolomites Base in Cortina

    Drive through Val di Fassa to reach Cortina d'Ampezzo, your mountain base. Start early the next day to visit Lake Misurina for photos of the Tre Cime peaks. Remember to bring warm clothes. "Even in summer, bring a warm jacket for the high passes, where temperatures can drop significantly."

    
  • Day 6

    Mountain Passes & Merano

    Take a scenic drive over Falzarego Pass to view the Marmolada glacier. Stop at Lake Carezza to see its green waters. Visit Merano to walk through medieval porticoes and sample Südtirol wines. End your day in Bolzano to see the Ötzi Ice Man museum.

    
  • Day 7

    Wine Route to Trento

    Travel the Südtirol Wine Route through small villages like Caldaro. Stop at local family wineries along the way. Your final stop is Trento, where Buonconsiglio Castle offers great city views. Drive back to Milan takes about 3 hours on the highway.

    

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• 7 Day Northern Italy Itinerary, incl. Lake Como and Cinque Terre

  Five major lakes and the Italian Riviera reveal their charms over 7 days, featuring intimate boat tours of Isola del Pescatori and Isola Bella. The route winds through 17 cities, taking in medieval Bergamo's Upper Town, Verona's Roman Arena, and the fishing villages of UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Daily breakfast and prosecco tasting included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Milan to Lake District

    Leave Milan by 8:30 AM to avoid traffic. Visit Lake Orta first, a hidden Italian treasure. Take a boat to San Giulio Island before 11 AM when crowds start arriving. Move to Lake Maggiore in the afternoon to explore the Borromean Islands. "The Isola dei Pescatori feels frozen in time with its narrow lanes and stone portals - try to visit during sunset when the day tourists have left."

    
  • Day 2

    Como and Bellagio

    Start your morning with prosecco tasting in Como's old town. Take the mid-morning boat to Bellagio (45 minutes). Pick the right side of the boat for the best villa views. Your afternoon is for exploring Bergamo's medieval Upper City. If you want to avoid lines at the funicular between Bergamo's upper and lower towns go after 4 PM.

    
  • Day 3

    Lake Garda Region

    Visit Sirmione on Lake Garda at 8:30 AM when the castle opens. Book a boat tour around the peninsula to see Roman ruins. Stop in Lazise for lunch before a 45-minute drive to Verona. Book your Verona hotel early if you're visiting during opera season.

    
  • Day 4

    Verona and Lake Iseo

    Get to Verona's Arena first thing in the morning. Walk through the medieval center and visit Juliet's House early or late to skip the crowds. Drive to Lake Iseo for a more local Italian lake experience with fewer tourists than Como or Garda. Plan to reach Genoa before sunset to see the port in golden light. The drive takes about 3 hours.

    
  • Day 5

    Italian Riviera

    Start in Genoa's medieval streets. Take the coastal road to Rapallo (45 minutes) then visit Santa Margherita Ligure. Skip driving to Portofino and take the boat instead. Remember most restaurants close from 3-7 PM so plan your meals around these hours.

    
  • Day 6

    Cinque Terre

    Catch the first ferry from Portovenere to make the most of your Cinque Terre visit. Start in Vernazza before crowds arrive. The train works well if the sea is rough. "The steps between villages can be slippery - wear proper walking shoes and carry water, especially in summer months."

    
  • Day 7

    Western Riviera to Milan

    Drive west from Genoa to see Laigueglia's beaches and the medieval village of Finalborgo. Plan about 3 hours for the drive back to Milan. Add extra time if you're flying from Malpensa Airport which is 45 minutes outside the city.

    

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