Northern Italy Lakes and Renaissance: Milan, Como, Verona, Venice, Bologna
A dazzling 7-day Northern Italian loop. Start in Milan with the Duomo rooftops, take a regional train day trip to Lake Como’s terraced gardens, explore Verona’s Roman arena, navigate Venice’s canals, and end in Bologna feasting on handmade tagliatelle.
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Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Milan Duomo and Navigli Aperitivo
MilanClimb the Duomo rooftop terraces on foot (€15). Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and explore the historic Navigli canal district for evening buffet aperitivo.
Day Excursion to Lake Como (Varenna & Bellagio)
Lake ComoTake the 1-hour train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (€7.10). Tour the botanical gardens of Villa Monastero and take the passenger ferry across to Bellagio.
Train to Verona and Roman Arena
VeronaTake the 1h13 Frecciarossa to Verona Porta Nuova. Tour the ancient Arena di Verona, cross the Scaligero red-brick bridge, and drink local Valpolicella wine.
Regional Train to Venice
VeniceHop on the 1h28 train to Venezia Santa Lucia. Explore the quiet canals of Dorsoduro and Santa Croce, eating cicchetti at neighborhood bacari.
Saint Mark’s and Doge’s Palace
VeniceTour Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Walk the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade with sunset views across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore.
High-Speed Train to Food Capital Bologna
BolognaTake the 1h30 train south to Bologna Centrale. Walk under UNESCO porticoes to Piazza Maggiore, climb the Asinelli Tower, and order tagliatelle al ragu.
San Luca Portico and Mercato delle Erbe
BolognaWalk the 3.8 km covered portico of San Luca to the hilltop sanctuary. Pick up Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar at Mercato delle Erbe before departure.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
Skip Bologna and end in Venice to save a day, or visit Lake Como as a morning stopover.
Make this trip cheaper
These options use the current typical minimum fare in our route records. They are not guaranteed quotes, and prices can change before booking.
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