9 Days in Northern Italy
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive to Milan and settle into your hotel. Freshen up and have a relaxing coffee at a local cafe, setting the tone for your Italian adventure. Take a leisurely stroll through Milan's fashionable streets, absorbing the city's unique blend of modernity and history. Spend the day immersing yourself in Milan's vibrant atmosphere, perhaps exploring stylish boutiques or relaxing at a trendy café.
Evening: As the sun sets, indulge in a delectable dinner at Osteria de Fortunata, known for its authentic Milanese flavors and charming ambiance.
Day 2: Milan / Lake Como
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Milan's iconic Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Buy your tickets online and go as early as you can to avoid the crowds. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Luini, a historic bakery known for its delectable panzerotti.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art and history with visits to Galleria Mall, Sforzesco Castle, and Sempione Park. Lunch awaits at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, where you can savor authentic Italian pizza.
Evening: Head to the train station and embark on a scenic journey to Varenna. Settle into your accomodations and grab a quick dip in the lake to cool off. Freshen up and prepare for an evening of lovely eats and beautiful sunset views at Bar Il Molo. Don’t forget to end your day with some gelato!
Day 3: Lake Como
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the splendid Villa Monastero, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Como. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the Villa and taking some beautiful pictures.
Daytime: Explore Bellagio by ferry, relishing the stunning lake promenade. Spend some time walking through the picturesque streets and exploring the quaint town. Enjoy a leisurely lakeside lunch in Bellagio before continuing your ferry journey to Lenno.
Afternoon: Discover the historic Villa Del Balbianello. I recommend spending a few hours here to take in the sights and explore the interior architecture. Due to its appearances in films and historical significance, do not be surprised if you see many photoshoots going on throughout the Villa.
Evening: Head back to Varenna for an afternoon of kayaking and swimming at the beach or if you prefer a pool with views of the lake, you can stop by the Sporting Club. This is a great place to catch the sunset as well.
Day 4: Cinque Terre
Morning: Embark on a picturesque train journey to Riomaggiore, the first of the enchanting Cinque Terre villages.
Afternoon: Enjoy a mesmerizing lunch with panoramic views at Nessun Dorma in Manarola. Explore the narrow streets and vibrant colors of Manarola's old town. Stop and visit the famous churches or trek over the luscious vineyards for a wine tasting.
Evening: Venture to Vernazza and soak in the charm of its picturesque harbor and lively atmosphere. This is one of the most photographed spots in the 5 towns, so be prepared for some crowds. Grab some wine and sandwiches for a scenic picnic with views of the stunning coastline. Lastly, indulge in delightful gelato from Gelateria Dal 1968 before heading back to Riomaggiore.
Day 5: Cinque Terre
Daytime: Embark on a breathtaking coastal hike from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, capturing stunning vistas along the way. Stop and relax at Monterosso Beach, taking a refreshing dip in the Ligurian Sea.
Afternoon: Take the train and return to Riomaggiore to rest and freshen up. Explore the charming streets of Manarola, savoring the unique atmosphere.
Evening: Head to the famous restaurant again for their excellent nighttime views: Nessun Dorma for a memorable evening, enjoying the sunset over the tranquil sea.
Day 6: Florence
Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Florence, dropping off your bags at your accomodation. Explore the grandeur of Florence Cathedral and marvel at the iconic dome.
Afternoon: Dive into Florence's culinary scene with lunch at Mercato Centrale, a bustling food market. Visit the renowned Academia Gallery to witness the awe-inspiring David statue. Explore optional sites like Piazza Della Repubblica and Fontana del Porcellino. Climb the Arnolfo Tower for panoramic views of Florence.
Evening: Be sure to catch the sunset from the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo. Cross the Ponte Vecchio for a charming riverside dinner and conclude the day with a visit to Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace.
Day 7: Tuscany
Day Trip: If you are planning to stay in Florence, I highly recommend booking a day tour to visit the highlights of Tuscany and visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa on your way back to Florence. Embark on a captivating tour, exploring vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages. This day is a celebration of Tuscany's beauty and flavors, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary indulgence.
Evening: If you have the energy, be sure to make a reservation for a late dinner at La Gisostra. This was hands down the best meal we had in Italy. The ambience is perfect for a date or a dinner with friends.
Day 8: Bologna
Morning: Take a scenic train journey to Bologna, dropping off bags, and preparing for a day of culinary exploration.
Afternoon: Embark on a food tour to savor Bologna's renowned culinary offerings. Immerse yourself in a guided food tour, exploring the city's culinary gems. Indulge in local specialties like fresh pasta, prosciutto, and Parmesan.
Evening: Explore the historic streets on a walking tour, discovering the city's rich heritage. Visit Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square, and explore landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio and the Two Towers. Conclude your Bologna journey with a short train ride to Venice.
Day 9: Venice
Morning: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a charming canal-side café. Walk on over and explore the stunning Basilica and climb the Cupola for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Visit Ponte dell’Accademia and take a Vaporetto ride to the iconic Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a quick lunch by the Grand Canal, soaking in the atmosphere.
Evening: Stroll along Venice's captivating canals, considering an optional Gondola ride. Conclude the evening with waterside dinner and drinks in the magical ambiance of the Venice canals.
Day 10: Venice and Fly Back
Morning/Afternoon: Explore the historic St. Mark's Basilica, reveling in its intricate architecture and rich history. Stroll along the iconic canals, crossing picturesque bridges, and grabbing some souvenirs on your last day in Northern Italy. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a traditional osteria before heading to the Venice International Airport.
