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 Lake Garda Cycling, incl. Desenzano and Salò

  Lake Garda's shores guide this 7-day cycling route from Desenzano del Garda. Riders pass Peschiera fortress, pedal through Bardolino's vineyards, and venture into the Sarca Valley, visiting Lake Ledro and Lake Idro. Daily 50km rides feature stays at quality hotels like Hotel Bonotto and La Perla.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Desenzano/Sirmione

    Start your Lake Garda cycling adventure in Desenzano del Garda. Take time to check your bike setup and explore the area. The historic center and lakeside promenade offer a perfect warm-up walk. The Desenzano train station is centrally located with easy bike access to most hotels.

    
  • Day 2

    Desenzano to Garda (45 km)

    Start your counterclockwise lake circuit through the Lugana wine region. The route to Peschiera's star-shaped fortress stays mostly flat but becomes hillier later. You'll need extra water since the Bardolino vineyard stretch has few refill spots. A pine-shaded lakeside path leads into Garda town offering cool relief from the afternoon sun.

    
  • Day 3

    Garda to Torbole/Riva (65 km)

    The route leaves the lakeshore for the Adige Valley climbing through olive groves before dropping to Mori. You'll need good stamina for the Passo San Giovanni climb but the lake views make it worthwhile. Start early since afternoon winds can be strong on the final stretch to Torbole.

    
  • Day 4

    Sarca Valley Circuit (50 km)

    Follow the Sarca River's cycle path to Pietramurata through peaceful nature park terrain. Stop at Arco's hilltop fortress but secure your bikes well at this popular spot. The valley provides good shade but bring layers since mountain weather can shift quickly.

    
  • Day 5

    Torbole to Salò (65 km + transfer)

    Begin with a transfer to Lake Ledro before tackling rolling terrain. The route passes Lake Idro with its crystal waters and mountain views. Enjoy the mostly downhill ride through Val Sabbia but watch for loose gravel. As one cyclist shared: "The lakefront gelaterias are a perfect reward after a long ride - try the local pistachio flavor while watching the sunset over the water."

    
  • Day 6

    Salò to Desenzano (45 km)

    The final leg goes through inland wine country. Sample the local Lugana or Chiaretto wines after your ride. Morning fog can make paths slippery so consider starting mid-morning. It's a shorter route but still includes some hills.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Desenzano

    Leave time for bike return and travel arrangements. Consider staying longer to enjoy Sirmione's thermal baths or take a lake ferry to other towns.

    

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• 7 Day Italian Alps Cycling Itinerary, incl. Bormio and Stelvio Pass

  Cyclists tackle five major passes over 7 days, from Bormio to Tirano. The route conquers historic Mortirolo (1850m) and Gavia (2621m). Daily rides average 105km with 3000m elevation gain, supported by minibus and fueled by authentic Valtellina cuisine.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bormio Introduction

    Arrive in Bormio (2,739 ft), your base for the week. Get fitted for bikes and meet your guides for a briefing. Plan to arrive by early afternoon to adjust to the altitude before tomorrow's first climb. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Valtellina dinner and try the local buckwheat pasta (pizzoccheri).

    
  • Day 2

    Gavia Pass Challenge

    Your first major climb takes you up Gavia Pass (8,599 ft). This 15.4-mile ascent averages 5.4% gradient with some sections reaching 15%. The support van follows with dry clothes for the descent. After the pass, head down to Ponte di Legno and continue to Edolo. Total distance: 64 miles with 10,433 ft elevation gain. Bring arm warmers and a windbreaker, as mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Day 3

    Bernina Pass Adventure

    Start in Tirano and climb to Lake Poschiavo, then continue to Bernina Pass (7,638 ft). The route averages 5.5% gradient with some 12% sections. Take photo breaks at the glacier viewpoints to catch your breath. After descending to St. Moritz, tackle Maloja Pass. Distance: 65 miles. Start early to avoid the common afternoon thunderstorms.

    
  • Day 4

    Recovery Ride to Lake Cancano

    Take it easy today with a climb to Lakes Cancano, featured in the 2020 Giro d'Italia stage 18. Enjoy a two-hour gentle ascent on quiet roads. Spend the afternoon at Bormio's thermal baths. Remember to pack swimwear and flip-flops to soothe those tired legs before tomorrow's challenge.

    
  • Day 5

    Mortirolo Pass Challenge

    Face the infamous Mortirolo Pass (6,069 ft). Start from Mazzo for this brutal 7.7-mile climb averaging 10% with sections up to 18%. Stop at Marco Pantani's monument at mile marker 8. One cyclist shared: "With the van assistance, I could deal with these passes serenely." Total distance: 65 miles.

    
  • Day 6

    Ultimate Stelvio Pass

    End strong on Stelvio Pass (9,045 ft), Italy's highest paved mountain pass. The climb maintains a 7% average gradient with 15% sections over 48 hairpin turns. Start early to avoid dangerous afternoon winds. Descend to Prato dello Stelvio and visit medieval Glorenza before returning to Bormio. Distance: 65 miles with 10,170 ft elevation gain.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Have breakfast before departing. Book afternoon transport to allow time for packing bikes and gear.

    

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• 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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