Northern Italy Itinerary: 14 Perfect Days
September 6, 2024
italy
By guy yefet
Are you planning a trip to Italy? This Northern Italy Itinerary is for those who want to experience Italy in the best way!
Northern Italy is a paradise for nature lovers. It has a wild landscape, impressive mountains, wonderful lakes, history, picturesque villages, and great Italian-Austrian food.
Would you give up on such a trip?
The South Tyrol region is truly one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Imagine - a breathtaking landscape, studded with granite mountains in many shapes and black-red colors, rising to impressive heights and revealing mesmerizing cliffs, beautiful lakes with clear turquoise water, and small villages in a classic yet modern Central European style. And of course, how can we not mention the excellent Italian food, which this time is accompanied by a careful Austrian touch, which comes due to the proximity of the area to Italy's border with Austria (the area was under the control of Austria until the First World War).
Think of a fine Italian espresso and a warm apple strudel as only the Austrians know how to make. Would you like to visit Northern Italy?
I usually travel alone, but I traveled to Northern Italy with my family.
As always, it is important to me to avoid running from one place to another, stay at least 2 nights at each destination, not drive long distances in one day (no more than 3-4 hours’ drive), and travel slowly.
This itinerary is suitable for single travelers, couples, and families.
Northern Italy is an enormous area where you cannot see everything in two weeks or a month.
This Northern Italy itinerary presents the highlights of the beautiful lakes in northern Italy, the famous coastal towns of Cinque Terre, and the wonderful Dolomites, and you can’t travel to Northern Italy without including Venice on the itinerary.
The route is circular, starting in Milan and returning. If you land at another airport like Venice or Verona, you can start from there circularly, so it is not critical which airport you land at.
The best times to visit Northern Italy and the Dolomites, both in terms of weather and crowding, are June and September-early October.
In July and August - the peak of the tourist season - the days are long, everything is open, and there are many events, but it can be hot and crowded, especially in Venice, Lake Garda, and Como.
As a general rule, traveling in July-August in Europe, certainly in a place as touristy as Italy, can become a nightmare not only because of the heat but also due to the crowding at every site you visit.
We visited Northern Italy in a rented car. We moved between the places to stay, the attractions, and the points of interest.
Although it is possible to move between the major cities in Italy by train, if you want to deviate from the route or visit different points and the Dolomites, renting a car in northern Italy makes the trip significantly more comfortable.
So this itinerary was written with the fact that you are traveling with car.
I always find the best deals on Rentalcars.com because they compare the various well-known car dealerships.
I have personally rented a car in many places in Europe, whether it is in 2 weeks in Sicily, my road trip in Norway and my solo trip to Scotland, I have always booked over the years through Rentalcars.com so my personal experience with them is great.
Speed limit, speed cameras, toll roads, and parking lots
There are several types of roads in Italy. Let’s get to know them:
Autostrade - these are the highways of Italy, and you have to pay to drive them.
How Does It Work? When you reach the road, a few meters later, you will have a machine where you must take a ticket in the section where you start your way on the highway.
After a few kilometers (depending on the road and the destination you are driving) you will have a visible payment point with a sign that says Telepass. Don’t go under the Telepass because it’s a subscriber-only section.
You have to go through one of the lanes on the left that says Carte, put in your card, and the machine will inform you how many euros you have to pay. Payment is by credit or cash.
The speed limit on the highway is 130 km/h.
Strade Statali(state highways) - this is the name of the national road in Italy. Some are wide and straight, and some are narrow and full of curves.
The speed limit in them is 90 km/h. You should pay attention to the signage, it is possible that in some places the speed limit will change depending on the terrain route.
The third route you probably won’t drive much on your trip to Italy is Strade Provincial.
These roads are usually dirt roads, the ones that lead to villages. Probably, you would drive them if you were on your way to an Agriturismo or some country restaurant. The speed limit on these roads is usually between 50-70 km/h.
If you ask why people get fined in Italy, in 99% of the cases, they entered a prohibited area, called in Italy ZTL.
In Italy, some areas are closed to traffic for non-residents. These areas are called (Zona a Traffico Limitato) meaning - a limited traffic area or for short as you will see on the ZTL signs.
At every entrance to a city/town, look carefully for a sign with these three letters written on it and make sure to get away from there as quickly as possible and not cross after the sign.
If you accidentally enter a ZTL area with your vehicle, a camera takes pictures of your vehicle and makes sure to send a fine.
There are lots of speed cameras on Italian roads. Sometimes in a 20-kilometer section, you can see 3-4 speed cameras.
Pay attention to speed limit signs. There are cases where even for exceeding 2 kilometers, tourists received fines.
We recommend using Google Maps.
You can also download the maps to the application before setting off in the case of no internet connection, whether it is due to a lack of reception or because the data package has ended.
The first two days are dedicated to the world capital of fashion, Milan.
Depending on the time of your landing and arrival in Milan, if you land at noon, like in my case, it is better to stay 2 nights in Milan to spend one full day in this beautiful city.
If you rent a car from the airport in Milan and want to get to the city center, please note that there are many areas in the city center where the entry of foreign vehicles is prohibited. In contrast, local vehicles drive there freely and without restriction.
These areas are called Ztl (in Italian: Zona Traffico Limitato) and are marked with a sign with a red circle on a white background.
The city center is networked with enforcement cameras.
There are parking lots in the city center of Milan that cost about 25 euros per day.
A convenient and cheap option is to park your car in one of the large parking lots outside the city near the metro station. There the access to the city center is convenient, fast and the cheapest.
Famagosta Parcheggio car park - Excellent and cheap parking above the Famagosta subway station located in the southern part of the outskirts of Milan. It is a big parking lot on several floors, which provides direct access to the metro.
Park the car and take the elevator to the metro station below the parking lot. From the parking lot to the city center is about 20 minutes by metro. At the entrance to the parking lot, you will receive an electronic ticket that you must keep for exiting. Payment is made at the automatic machines located in the metro complex. The cost is about 6 euros per day.
Duomo di Milano
Piazza Duomo Di Milano is the central square of Milan. On each side of it, you go to shopping areas, historical sites, and cool streets that are fun to stroll through.
It's an old Gothic cathedral, white with stained glass windows, which is also one of the largest churches in the world.
You will probably pass by it both in the morning and in the evening. It is simply stunning all day long.
The entrance to the Duomo in Milan is paid and offers entry to the cathedral hall only or going up to the cathedral roof where you can enjoy an amazing view and observation of Milan.
The price of the tickets varies depending on the choice and ranges from about 12 to 30 euros per person. This is the most popular attraction in Milan and the queues at the box office and the entrance are very long.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance to shorten the wait and reserve tickets for the date and time you want.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The gallery is next to the Duomo and is the oldest shopping center in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. The gallery was built hundreds of years ago with colorful mosaic flooring, a high ceiling, and full of decorations and paintings. Inside the gallery, you will find several cafes, bars, restaurants of a very high standard, and boutiques of super brands, such as Gucci, Prada, and more.
Castello Sforzesco is an iconic, ancient, and authentic castle, part of which was designed by Da Vinci. It is built entirely of red bricks and high walls, and at the entrance, there is a stunning fountain, Fontana di Piazza Castello.
Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
The famous Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for many years in Milan and this is reflected in the many tourist attractions in the city related to his life and work.
One of the most well-known of them is the famous Last Supper painting by Da Vinci, which is considered one of the highlights of the city.
The famous painting, which shows Jesus and his apostles at the last meal before he died, is located in the church of Santa Maria della Grazia located in the historic center of Milan.
Please note: the entrance of visitors to the church is only done in small groups of people, therefore tickets must be booked well in advance to be able to reserve free places.
Arco della Pace
It is a 25 m high triumphal arch built during Napoleon's time (inspired by the gate in Paris). In front of it, there is a large square and big stairs. It is a perfect spot to sit down for a drink. Arco della Pace also marks the beginning of Corso Sempione. A huge boulevard full of tall trees, with hotels, shops, bars, and cafes. A familiar street for a drink and fun day and night.
Brera District
Brera is a super cool bohemian district. It consists of small alleys, with buildings painted red and yellow.
The streets are narrow and rounded with stone paving that you can't take your eyes off, and the atmosphere is simply magical.
At night, when everything is dark, the street lighting makes the area super romantic.
There are some cool sites to see in Brera. Piazzetta di Brera square, where there is a central gallery for paintings and art Pinacoteca di Brera.
Right next to it is a palace built on the remains of a monastery from the 14th century - Palazzo Brera. In the same area is the Orto Botanico di Brera - the botanical garden of Brera. We walked in Brera through a small picturesque alley - Via del Carmine, until we reached Piazza del Carmine.
In the heart of Brera, there is a crazy selection of restaurants scattered among all the alleys with outdoor seating on the street. Barra is the place to wander in the evening. Most of the restaurants serve classic Italian food, all perfectly decorated.
Naviglio Grande
From the river Darsena, two canals come out, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Both are narrow and long canals, with colorful buildings (a bit of an Amsterdam vibe), and many restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques on both sides. I recommend arriving early and doing a round of bars.
Today, we start the road trip in northern Italy!
The first destination is Lake Como, a drive of about an hour and 40 minutes to Bellagio.
Lake Como (Lago di Como), located in northwestern Italy, is the third largest in the country, but according to many - the most beautiful of the lakes.
The lake, which has the shape of the letter Y inverted, covers an area of 146 square kilometers, and its depth reaches more than 400 m. Around the lake rise the snowy peaks of the Alps.
The most convenient way to move between the towns on the lake is by ferry. It's recommended to stay in one of the towns in the center of the lake, such as Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio.
Parking is difficult to impossible to find, especially in the summer season, and driving the towns' narrow alleyways is not for the faint of heart.
We stayed in Bellagio.
Bellagio is famous, touristy, and full of people, but there is no doubt that it is the pearl of Lake Como. The advantage of staying in Bellagio is that you can wander its beautiful alleys early in the morning or later in the evening before all the tourists who arrive at peak hours spend the day in town.
Please note: the drive to the Bellagio is beautiful but winding and narrow. With a large vehicle, it can be a bit challenging, so drive carefully.
The first and most recommended thing to do when you arrive in Bellagio is to get lost in the alleys.
In Bellagio, you will find cobbled streets that climb steeply from the lake up the hills, colorful houses, lively squares, small and sweet shops, and mostly cafes and ice cream parlors.
The most famous street in the town is Salita Serbelloni, a narrow, stone-paved street ascended by steps, from the top of which there is a stunning view of the rooftops of the town and the lake.
The promenade of the town invites you to a pleasant stroll along the shore of the lake, with the crown jewel of the promenade being Villa Melzi, a 19th-century mansion surrounded by a beautiful English garden with local and exotic plants, ponds, and small bridges and a wonderful view of the lake. Next to Villa Malaysia is Bellagio's Lido, where you can swim or spend a pleasant time by the water.
About 20 minutes drive from Bellagio is the magical town of Nesso.
Nesso is a small village located on the eastern shore of the lake, between Como and Bellagio,
Leave the car in the parking lot near the "Nesso - piazza Castello" bus stop. A beautiful panoramic view, where you can take amazing photos of Lake Como.
Nesso is famous for the natural canyon in the rocks - Orrido di Nesso, which was excavated by two rivers scattered there. The power of the water over hundreds of years opened a deep break in the stone. The Union of the Rivers explodes in a waterfall at a height of 200 meters!
The Orrido and the waterfall divide the small village into two parts, the waterfall is set in rocks above the calm waters of the lake.
During the walk, you can see the Orrido and drink the roaring water of the hidden waterfall. From the square, you will go down long stairs (more than 300 steps!). Go through the district and look at the colorful houses of Nesso.
At the end of the stairs, you will see the bridge Ponte della Civera, the ancient bridge that brings you to a rock tunnel. Eventually, you will find the Orido and the waterfall!
Don't miss this place but keep in mind, during the lunch hours, the small village is quite full of tourists, try to be in the afternoon. Visiting Nesso can give you peace and a breathtaking view of the lake.
Pay attention! If you are interested in staying in Bellagio, book accommodation as far in advance as possible, especially during the summer season!
Today is the time to explore the other towns around Lake Como.
Between Bellagio and two other towns, there is a car ferry to the charming neighboring towns.
The ferries are very frequent and are about fifteen minutes to Menaggio or Varenna.
You can find more details about times and costs on this website.
There is no need to buy ferry tickets in advance. You can buy them from the ticket office near the dock.
The first town we visited was Menaggio, where we did a lovely bike trip.
Not far from the town center, there is a cathedral that is worth visiting, and in general, it is recommended to go for a walk in its winding and beautiful alleys. It is worth visiting the Monument to the Silk Weavers, which is marked by a 10-meter-tall white statue, impressive by all accounts.
I did this bicycle path loop from Menaggio.
If you are staying in Bellagio you can rent a bike with this company.
In addition, you should drop by to see the Chapel of the Coronation of the Virgin which is a lovely place with a charmingly illustrated chapel and a balcony overlooking the lake.
As mentioned, the best way to tour the area is by bicycle, so don't miss the opportunity.
After Menaggio, we took a ferry to Varenna.
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village.
There is no greater pleasure than wandering in the picturesque city center.
The streets and small alleys are perfect photo opportunities. Especially when the view of the Blue Lake is in the background, you can't go wrong wherever you walk in the town without prior planning. Every corner is more magical than the last.
The center of Varenna is home to the Church of San Giorgio. Walk towards the lake along the narrow streets that branch off from Piazza San Giorgio.
The church was built in the 14th century in a style between Romanesque and Gothic and hosts many paintings from the late 15th and 16th centuries.
Varenna Lakeside, called Riva Grande, is simply delightful!
Here, you will find several cafes, restaurants, local artisan shops, ice cream parlors, and more. Don't forget to walk along the Passeggiata Degli Innamorati (Lovers' Promenade).
One of the more famous attractions is Castello di Vezio. An ancient medieval fortress overlooking Varna. 45 minutes of not-easy climbing.
I don't know what I think about this place.
On one hand, the view is spectacular and beautiful, but I was surprised to find out that inside the area, they had several cages with an eagle owl, an art, and a black kite (bird of prey) in the wild. It's kind of sad to see them in such small cages, and it's hard for me to recommend such a place.
The castle is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is 5 euros per person.
To end the day, you can visit Villa Monstro in the southern part of the town.
The beautiful villa is preserved and allows a glimpse into the rich life of the capitalists who lived there as early as the first half of the twentieth century. The villa is surrounded by gardens with sculptures from which the lake can be seen in all its glory.
Today we leave Lake Como to Lake Garda.
On Lake Garda, we stayed in Malcesine. The ideal town to stay when you are in Lake Garda.
A direct drive of about 3 hours will bring you to the town, but you should stop at several places on the way, one of which is the town of Sirmione, which is beautiful and unique, but crazy touristy!
You cannot miss Sirmione during your visit to Lake Garda. First, because it stands out in its shape: a long and narrow peninsula, different in its topography from most of the other towns around the lake. Second, and probably above all, it is a tourist town, commercialized (for better or worse), and probably also the most famous in the region.
I won't lie to you, the first time for me was too much, too many tourists that I couldn't walk the streets without bumping into someone and I visited in October! I don't even want to imagine what it's like at the peak of summer.
The entrance to the town is through a large Roman fort that dates back to the 13th century, its purpose was to protect the entrance to the town and its port.
The Scaligeri Castle in Sirmione (Scaligero Castle of Sirmione, or Roca Scaligera) is considered the symbol of the town.
One of the reasons for this is that you see history here in every corner. The citadel towering above the water, which looks as if it came out of a fairy tale, was built in the Middle Ages by the Scaligars, who were the rulers of Verona and weakened the area in 1259-1387.
To this day, you can see at its entrance the symbol of the family - a shield with a ladder, as well as the symbol of one of the Republics of Venice that ruled here in the past.
After visiting Sirmione for about an hour we continued driving towards Malcesine. After the huge rush of tourists, we felt we were looking for a quiet place on the shore of the lake and found Bardolino as a perfect option.
Although there are more touristic towns on Lake Garda, it certainly has its charm.
Bardolino is recognized, perhaps more than anything else, as one of the wine strongholds of the northern Italian region. This is an extensive wine region that continues from the town and spreads over vineyards scattered dozens of kilometers away, all the way to the Verona region.
Bardolino's promenade is among the most well-kept, where almost every few meters you will find one or another colorful flower bed. Along the promenade, as is the best tradition, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors. A wonderful place where you can spend an hour or two.
The last stop today will be in Malcesine, my favorite town on Lake Garda.
The first advantage of the town of Malcesine is its location: on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, right at the foot of Monte Baldo, which we will visit tomorrow morning.
As in Sirmione, the undisputed symbol of Malcesine is the Scaligero Castle (Castello Scaligero di Malcesine. Not to be confused with castles of the same name located in Sirmione and other places in northern Italy).
The citadel rises at the top of the town and stands out from almost every point in it. The ancient structure, erected in the sixth century AD, was destroyed and then rebuilt by the Skliger family after which it is named, expressing the rich history of the area and its multiculturalism.
If you choose to climb to the top of the tower, you should note that every hour the bell rings in a deafening way, so don't be surprised.
The town whose narrow, cobbled, and curved streets follow the steep descent of the cliff to the port, where fishing boats. It’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
From the port of Piazza Marconi, cruises depart to other towns in the vicinity, with one of the more popular combinations being a 20-minute cruise that reaches the town of Limone sul Garda located on the other side of the lake. Regardless, it is recommended to visit the small port, surrounded by colorful houses and several small boats.
End your day at the lively little pier in one of the small restaurants. The pier has a great atmosphere and whether you choose pasta in the restaurant or a fine ice cream while sitting on the stones of the pier to the sound of the waves, you are guaranteed a very pleasant experience.
Monte Baldo is a mountain or a mountain range. Its name comes from the German word for forest ("Wald"), which suggests that you can find a lot of greenery in the summer season or snowy peaks in the colder months. This is alongside a breathtaking view of Lake Garda. On a clear day also the surrounding Dolomites.
So it's true, there is no shortage of spectacular views. And it's true, you can find cheaper and even free vantage points on Lake Garda, so some people refer to Monte Baldo as a "tourist trap". And yet, it is recommended to include the visit to the mountain and the observation in the trip plan.
You go to the top with two cable cars. One cable car up to half of the mountain and from there you go to the 360-degree cable car that slowly rotates around itself so everyone can see the impressive view.
You can buy tickets at a ticket booth or buy online at a slightly discounted price.
Tip: to enjoy all this magic, it is important to choose a day with maximum visibility (and practically - without clouds or fog, which can greatly impair the view you get in the cable car and at the top of the mountain). It is recommended to plan the visit to Monte Baldo for days when the weather forecast looks encouraging, in this respect.
Another option is to check the visibility on top of the mountain in the morning via the internet or at least with a camera that transmits its image to the cable car's ticket office.
During peak season, there are long lines for the cable car, so I strongly recommend getting to the cable car early in the morning or towards the afternoon (around 4:00 p.m.).
Equip yourself with warm clothes, as it is cool at the top of Monte Baldo.
As mentioned, it is better to get up early in the morning to avoid tourist congestion, a visit to Monte Baldo with a short hike including the ascent and return by cable car takes 3-4 hours.
After visiting Monte Baldo we got off the cable car and arrived at the port of Malcesine to take a ferry to Limone sul Garda.
Limone sul Garda is located in a beautiful area in the northwestern part of Lake Garda. The population of Limone is only about 1500 inhabitants, but every year many tourists visit the town.
One of the most striking features of Limon is the amount of lemons you will see throughout the trip. This is evident in the street signs, the house numbers, the citrus trees that decorate almost every yard, and the souvenir shops where you can purchase the best local produce, which is mostly made of lemons.
Here you will find a variety of unique liqueurs made from local lemons, including the famous limoncello, natural soaps, earthenware decorated with patterns of lemons, creams, clothes, magnets, jewelry and that's right, you'll find some more lemons on them too.
How do you know you've reached the center of things? You can't go wrong here.
As soon as you reach the waterfront you will see lots of tourists, alongside locals frequenting the great cafes and restaurants scattered along the boardwalk, a great area to stop for a coffee break or a meal. In the mornings the town is more touristy so for those who want to avoid the flood of tourists it is better to come here in the afternoon and that is exactly what we did.
Today, you will find only three lemon houses in the town.
These are the Tsol Lemon House, the Villa Buji Lemon House, and the Castle Lemon House. The most popular is Limonaia del Castel, located between Via Orti and Via Castello and built in the 18th century by the Amdai family.
Entrance to this preserved piece of history will cost you only 2 euros. The building is built of stone and spans several terraces connected by stairs where you can admire different types of citrus fruits such as lemons, tangerines, grapefruits, and tangerines. Besides, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and the town at the end of one of the balconies.
Today we are going north towards the impressive Dolomites with several stops and beautiful lakes.
You can take the highway and quickly reach your destination, but I don't see any particular reason to do that. As a rule, I trying to avoid highways and prefer to take the slower side roads, but the view and the small towns along the way are worth the time.
Going north from Malcesine on a beautiful road(ss45) after about 50 minutes you reach 2 beautiful lakes, the first is Lago di Cavedine, a pastoral and quiet place that is perfect for a picnic, we were there completely alone.
Very close to it and continuing with their road is Lago di Toblino with the beautiful and preserved castle, a must-stop place, the castle used to be the summer residence of the hegemons of Taranto and is built on a headland. It looks like a castle from the movies, but you can't visit it since it is currently used as a private home of a family that runs a restaurant there.
From here a drive of about an hour and a half will bring you to Urtijëi. On the way, it is recommended to stop in Bolzano which is the gateway to the Dolomites. If you need to buy sports equipment, groceries, or food, it is advisable to do it in Bolzano because in the small towns, the supply is not large and the prices are more expensive.
When we arrived in Urtijëi we left our luggage at the hotel and went for a two short, easy and beautiful walk that is close to the town which is highly recommended and suitable for families.
The route to Kirche St. Jakob is an easy circular route that takes about two hours with a beautiful view along the way.
The second walk is a Viewpoint Santa Maddalena and take about an hour.
After the walk, we returned to Urtijëi to wander around the town center in the evening.
The town of Urtijëi is an ideal location to serve as a base for a trip to the Dolomites and that's why I chose to stay here.
If you are debating whether to stay overnight in Ortisei or somewhere else in the Dolomites, here are some advantages of this charming village in an article that focuses on everything there is to do and see in the area.
From the moment you arrive in Ortisei, you will hardly need to move the car from the parking lot, everything is very accessible from the center of the village.
Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, and Resciesa Plateau are easily reached by cable car.
This is the largest and most lively village in Val Gardena, there are places to stay at all levels, from simple hotels to luxurious spa hotels and many, many restaurants, from simple pizzerias to Michelin-star restaurants. There are charming boutique shops, for clothes, footwear, and more.
As I mentioned, the advantage of staying in the town is the proximity to the cable cars.
We plan to separate days for Alpe Di Siusiand Seceda (which we will get to tomorrow). There is a lot to see and if you want to travel slowly, it is better not to get to both places on the same day.
Alpe Di Suisi is a must - the views are unbelievable, like walking inside a postcard (or Screensaver). A variety of hiking trails at all levels of difficulty. The whole area is studded with charming restaurants and inns with excellent food.
In a few minutes, from the center of Ortisei, the cable car will take you to the Alpe di Siusi mountain plateau, the sunny part of the Dolomites.
Alpe di Siusi is the largest high alpine pasture and one of Europe's most famous ski and hiking areas with 52 square kilometers of alpine pastures.
Alpe di Siusi is known for its colorful flowers in summer and a sparkling blanket of snow in winter. The modern cable car Alpe di Siusi connects Ortisei, the main village of Val Gardena, with the Alpe di Siusi plateau at an altitude of 2000 m.
Europe's widest plateau and its unique landscape are accessible in a few minutes and with great comfort. Here you will find a breathtaking mountain landscape consisting of the Grupo del Sella, Gruppo del Sassolungo, Catinaccio, and the Scilar surrounding Alpe di Siusi.
In the summer the top station of a track is an ideal starting point for hiking or a relaxing place with a beautiful view.
Because I traveled with my parents, I chose a beautiful and not particularly difficult route that would be comfortable for everyone, there are several routes of different levels of difficulty, no matter which one you choose, each one is more beautiful than the other.
The circular route is about 12 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours with breaks because why not stop and drink beer or Aperol in a cabin with a stunning view?
You can find more routes of different levels of difficulty here.
With all the stops on the way and the route we spent half a day in Alpi di Susi, my family chose to go back down by cable car and I wanted to go down on foot towards the town and I got to enjoy some more views on the way.
Seceda Peak, rising to 2500 meters north of Ortisei, is one of the highest peaks and has the most impressive cliffs in the Dolomites.
On its northern side, the ridge descends in cliffs into the valley, while on its southern side, it is milder and covered with endless meadows, in the summer, and wonderful snow fields in the winter. To the east of the summit is a group of rock cliffs that rise dramatically to 3000 meters.
The cliffs jutting out from the green meadows in the summer are one of the more dramatic sights of the Dolomites.
Mountain huts are scattered on the ridge, some of which have been turned into restaurants where you can dine or catch the sun on deckchairs while watching the view. It is a paradise for those who love hiking in the mountains. Countless hiking trails exist on the ridge in all directions, some are easy trails suitable for families and children, and some are challenging.
To get to Seceda you will have to take the Ortisei Furnes cable car.
We chose to do this walking route. A stunning circular route with breathtaking views.
In the summer, the route becomes very popular and busy, so if you want to enjoy in peace, leave as early as possible in the morning.
*Take some food and snacks because there is nothing like having a picnic on the grass and taking in the spectacular view at your feet. In addition, we had a coffee in one of the cabins and enjoyed the pampering sun.
About an hour and a half drive from the town, if you leave early in the morning, you will enter the heart of the Dolomites to Lake Braies.
UNESCO recognizes Lake Braies, also known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, as a World Heritage Site.
Mountains with snow-capped peaks and clear turquoise waters surround it. No one goes on a trip to the Dolomites and does not stop here, which is why it is the most photographed lake in South Tyrol and the most famous on Instagram.
You will find tourists here from morning to sunset. Everyone wants to taste this wonderful piece of nature.
This is a beautiful alpine lake at an altitude of 1500 meters. Its maximum depth is 36 meters in the center where you can enjoy sailing on the lake’s water.
Boat rentals on Lake Braies: The boat rental is available between June and September from 09:00 am to 6:00 pm. It's expensive! €50 for 45 minutes.
If you do not want to rent a boat, you can circle the lake in a short circular walk of about 4 kilometers (the walking time is about an hour) and thus get countless photo angles, along the way you can also stop for a picnic at one of the wooden tables scattered along the route and for the brave among you, you can jump from the dock into the cool waters of the lake.
In the reserve, you will find an organized, paid parking lot, toilets, a cafe, and a souvenir shop.
A short distance from Lake Braies, you reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most beautiful and famous hiking routes in the Dolomites!
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a nature reserve in the center of which are three massive rock blocks, surrounded by amazing landscapes, and in the summer months, wildflowers.
The 10 km loop trail starts at Rifugio Auronzo and follows a circular route around the three impressive peaks, which tower high above as you walk in a circle.
The wide gravel path flows east towards the Cappella Degli Alpini, a picturesque Alpine church, before extending to the hut, the first of many beautiful mountains, Rifugio Lavaredo.
Continue straight towards Forcella Lavaredo for one of the best vantage points in the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop–from here you can see the three peaks looking above, while the rest of the Dolomites open up before you. You will find alpine huts, perfect for lunch and a beer, along the trail.
The last part of the hike, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, is easy, following the sloping trail around the three peaks towards the Forcella del Col de Mèdo viewpoint, before returning to the car park.
Overall, the route is not very challenging and offers breathtaking views, so we recommend this walk for all fitness levels. However, it does get busy in the high season so we recommend arriving early.
At the entrance to the route, there is an arranged parking for 30 euros per car.
After the hike, we made our way back, not before stopping in the popular town of Cortina d'Ampezzo for coffee and more Aperol (yes; the Italians drink Aperol at all hours of the day) before arriving back in Ortisei.
Today we leave the Dolomites and drive towards Venice.
We will make our way to Venice through the spectacular Sella pass.
Google Maps will direct you to a faster route, but it is worth driving this road even if it makes the journey half an hour longer.
It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive until you reach Venice.
Venice is one of the most beautiful and special cities in Europe and maybe even in the world. With its romantic canals, wide piazzas, and amazing food at every corner, it has become one of the famous tourist symbols.
But even before entering Venice, pay attention to a few things, especially if you are traveling by car.
Where to park in Venice?
The most expensive option is right at the entrance to the city. You can park the car in the prestigious parking lots in the Santa Croce district or in the parking lots around Piazzale Roma, which allows parking for a whole day or several hours.
You can also book some of them in advance. Most tourists should avoid this option as it can be expensive.
You should know that, especially in the summer, some parking lots may ask you to leave the keys in the parking lot.
The operators move the vehicles if there is a lack of space, which can cause discomfort, especially if it is a rented vehicle.
900 parking spaces in Parcheggio Sant’Andrea
Address: Piazzale Roma, 467/F, 30135 Venezia, Italy
Website: https://www.garagesanmarco.it/en
The recommended and cheapest option is to park the car in parking lots outside the city and take the bus about 10 minutes to Venice.
We parked at Venice City Park Srl.
About 5.5 euros per day, is very worthwhile. Especially, because those who park at the entrance to the city charge 45 euros per day.
You get a parking spot in a fenced, lit, and supervised area, with welcoming staff and excellent service.
Make sure there is nothing in the car seat and visible in the boot. Otherwise, a high risk of theft.
*If your trip starts in Venice, you can save the costs of the car for the first two days and rent a car after you leave Venice.
Venice’s position on the list of “places that must be visited again in this lifetime” remains respectable, despite facing problems such as the fear of the city sinking, the rising sea level, the pollution of the lagoon, and the high density in the summer and during the mask carnival.
We only arrived in Venice in the afternoon, so after putting down our equipment, we wandered in the evening in the magical alleys of one of the most special places in the world. Although Venice is one of the most touristic places, this place has a charm that cannot be explained. When I walked through the small streets with the canals, I felt as if it was not real, as if I was in a movie.
You can end the day with the Four Seasons Concert by Antonio Vivaldi. A favorite classical music show held in Venice.
The concert features Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos that are among the most popular and well-known works in the classical repertoire. Although I am less interested in it and went there mainly for my parents I was surprised to find that it was impressive whether you like the style of classical music or not.
The whole day will be dedicated to the main attractions in Venice.
St.Mark’s Basilica & Doge's Palace
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice. The basilica is in the well-known St. Mark’s Square, which is the most central and touristic area in the city, near the Doge’s Palace and other well-known attractions in Venice.
This is a large and impressive church known as the “Golden Church” because of its spectacular appearance and the many golden mosaics that decorate it. The basilica attracts most of the travelers in Venice, who also choose to go inside to admire the appearance, the history and the power of the place.
Next the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, used by Duke of Venice (Doge) for hundreds of years. A visit inside the palace exposes visitors to history and life of the rulers of Venice over the many years.
Upon entering the palace, you can see the magnificent rooms and impressive wall paintings designed by the best known Italian artists.
You can walk in the palace's courtyard with interesting sculptures, including the statues of Mars and Neptune, and visit the prison and torture used by the prisoners in Venice (including the famous prisoner Casanova).
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, but as this is one of the busiest sites in Venice, queues at the ticket office are extremely long and can last for hours during peak seasons.
The most recommended way today to purchase tickets to the Doge’s Palace is by buying in advance online according to the exact date and time, thus saving the long wait.
Sailing on a gondola in Venice is one of the activities that every tourist who comes to Venice dreams of. Venice is the city of canals, visiting it without sailing in it is a real waste.
Private Gondola is expensive option since you are not sharing the gondola with other tourists, but it allows for the most pleasant cruise.
This is a good option for couples looking for the most romantic cruise.
A private gondola could also be a good option for families who come to Venice and want to go on a gondola cruise - since the price is fixed and for families, it is divided among more people.
Click here to book a private gondola ride
Today will be the longest drive we have done, about 4 hours and a bit.
About an hour’s drive from Venice is Verona. A beautiful city worth visiting. Because the distance to Verona is short, we knew we had enough time to do a tour, and we chose only to taste the city in a visit of two to three hours.
In Verona, we started in the beautiful and bustling Piazza Bra and entered the Arena/Colosseum of Verona (admission fee).
We were impressed by the massive building that has been preserved for centuries.
Leaving the Arena, we turned to Giuseppe Mazzini Street.
This is an impressive shopping street with many brand stores, and in the middle of it is an excellent ice cream parlor. We continued on this street until Via Cappello and on this street at number 15 is her house with Julia’s balcony, some photographs in the courtyard of the house and with Julia’s statue, and back to Via Cappello.
A few tens of meters to the north you reach Piazza Dell Erbe, a spacious square in the center of which is a nice market of all goods, food, clothing, and souvenirs.
From there via Della Costa Street to Piazza Dei Signori where the town hall is located as well as the bell tower, which you can climb for a view of the city.
We continued along Via Santa Maria In Chiavica until we reached the banks of the river and then headed north towards the ancient and beautiful bridge Ponte Pietra. From there, with the help of the signs, we arrived at the Duomo Di Verona; it is an ancient and amazingly beautiful cathedral, from there back to Piazza Dell Erbe, where we had a meal in the afternoon, where we ended our tour of Verona and continued our journey towards Cinque Terre.
In Cinque Terre, we stayed at Manarola. A picturesque little town with a spectacular view.
In Cinque Terre, we spent two last days before finishing our route and returning to Milan. It was a perfect ending. Although this area is also very touristy, it’s hard to miss such a special place like this.
I wrote extensively about how to spend two days in the Cinque Terre, including a review of the five different towns so you can check everything.
If you are traveling with children and are looking for a water and amusement park, don’t miss Garda Land.
Gardaland is an enormous amusement park (the largest in Italy), very diverse in the type and amount of facilities it offers, and also includes two other parks - Sea Life Park (Aquarium) and the new “Legoland” water park.
The park is in an ultimate location near the lovely Lake Garda, which is visited by almost all families who come for a family vacation to Italy, and no less than 3 million travelers visit the park every year!
Every year, the park opens from the end of March to the end of October.
Please note - the number of visitors to the park can significantly affect the experience of the visit. When the park is full, the wait times for the facilities can be long and there may also be queues for the restaurants and souvenir shops.
That’s why we recommend ordering the tickets to the park in advance and thus saving the waiting time at the box office. In addition, we recommend that you try to avoid arriving at the park on weekends and, if possible, time your arrival at times other than rush hours.
* When planning your route, you should combine attractions and activities that are suitable for everyone - big and small. Combine amusement parks with museums. Even if there are activities that the children are less enthusiastic about, but are of interest to your parents, combine them with an appropriate dose. This is the essence of a family trip - that every member of the family is part of the trip.
*The toll roads are convenient but also expensive. For those who are not interested in toll roads, you can mark the option on the navigation devices and then you will be able to reach Roads that are slower but with a much more interesting view with roads passing through picturesque and beautiful villages and cities compared to the highways.
*Weather: Be prepared for rain/sun/wind/cold, especially in the Dolomites. We always had a jacket in case it was cold/windy (especially in the mountains).
In Seceda it can be windy and cool and in the town below it is hot. As for the weather, the Dolomites are dramatic in any situation, sun/rain/snow/cloudy, and that’s the beauty of the place.
You never know how you will get the view. Some days may be cloudy and rainy and some sunny. Just come with an open mind and enjoy what nature gives.
* Try not to overfill the day - it is better to do one or two attractions a day leisurely, including breaks, than to run from place to place and spend a lot of time traveling. For each daily program, choose sites close to each other.
* Food is an important component of the trip, and can be a kind of attraction in itself - we recommend that you combine the trip with picnics in nature with food that you prepared yourself or bought at one of the local markets - and also visit the local restaurants.
There’s nothing like a picnic on the grass in front of the lake! On the other hand, there is nothing like sitting in a cafe with a cup of fine Italian ice cream.
*Determine in advance where you are having lunch before 13:00. We had a day where we forgot about their siesta and got a bit stuck searching without success in the Ortisei area.
*Water: In Italy, buying bottles of water at tourist sites is not necessarily a cheap task.
In most bars, a small bottle of water will cost you about 1 euro. In the centers of the big cities, sometimes even more.
In the hot seasons, purchasing several bottles of water a day, on a two-week trip, the hems are clear. Want to save significantly and also help the environment? Scattered in Italy are many approved drinking water points known as Aqua Portable. Look for the above signs or ask the locals.
* Another important thing to pay attention to is the Italian schedule - make sure you shop for groceries early and don’t postpone until lunch break or late in the evening because then you might end up at a closed store. Lunch in restaurants is usually served between 12:30 and 14:00 and after that, it will sometimes be difficult or even impossible for you to find a place to eat.
* If you are traveling in the peak season, try to plan the route so that you reach the major attractions, such as the amusement parks and the water parks, during the week and not on the weekend. To save standing in lines, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance or arrive at times when the crowd is less, such as early morning or afternoon hours.
*There is no doubt that one of the greatest pleasures on a trip is to sit in one of the amazing squares like Piazza San Marco in Venice, drink coffee, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the passers-by. The most Italy there is. But, this pleasure comes at a price.
Espresso while sitting in the city centers can cost 2 - 5 euros and a cup of cappuccino for 2.5 - 10 euros.
So how do you save? The first option is to drink while standing, like most Italians, at the bar, where you will also earn a pleasant small talk with one of the bartenders.
Another option is to stay away from the central squares, to the side alleys, and again, standing, you will find the same quality coffee at more reasonable prices.
It's been a long blog post, so if you've gotten this far, thank you so much for reading my Nothern Italy road trip.
Hopefully, you enjoy this beautiful country, and this northern Italy itinerary will help you plan your trip in the best way!
Here are some websites I use when preparing for my next journey worldwide.
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