Are you planning a North Italy itinerary by train? Then read this travel blog on Northern Italy itinerary 7 days with my favorite destinations. Northern Italy is a dream destination, with a blend of romantic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
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North Italy Itinerary – Places to Visit in Northern Italy
This detailed Northern Italy itinerary 7 days covers iconic cities and hidden gems through Italy’s amazing rail network. So explore Northern Italy by train and know more about stunning places to visit in Northern Italy.
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, is a perfect blend of modernity and history. From the magnificent Duomo to the luxurious shopping streets, this city offers a great start to your Northern Italy adventure.
Commuting Options
- From Milan Malpensa Airport, catch train to Milan Centrale (50km, 50 minutes by train)
- Metro, trams, and buses are the best ways to get around in the city.
Hotel Stay: Hotel Berna (Near Milan Centrale for easy train access)
Things to Do in Milan
- Duomo di Milano & Rooftop: Start your day by visiting this iconic cathedral. The intricate Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, and the rooftop offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This elegant shopping arcade is next to the Duomo, home to designer brands and charming cafes.
- Sforza Castle & Parco Sempione: A historic fortress with impressive art collections and a beautiful relaxing park.
- Navigli District: End your day by exploring this lively canal area, known for its vibrant nightlife and great restaurants.
My favorite Tours to Book in Milan
- Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket with Guided Tour
- Half-Day Milan Walking Tour with Da Vinci’s Last Supper
- Evening Aperitivo Tour in the Navigli District
Day 2: Milan to Lake Como
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Lake Como is a stunning retreat surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages. It is famous for its serene beauty, charming towns, and celebrity villas.
Commuting Options
- Catch the train from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino (60km, 1 hour by train)
- Then take Ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (15 minutes)
Hotel Stay – Hotel Du Lac Bellagio (Mid-budget, lakeside views)
Things to Do in Lake Como
- Visit Bellagio: The “Pearl of Lake Como” offers scenic alleys, waterfront cafes, and stunning lake views.
- Villa Carlotta: This historic villa in Tremezzo boasts beautiful gardens and artworks.
- Boat Tour on Lake Como: A must-do activity to experience the charm of the lake and its surrounding villages.
My favorite Tours to in Lake Como
- Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan
- Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco
- Villa Balbianello and Gardens Guided Tour
Day 3: Lake Como to Verona
The city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, is full of romantic charm, historical sites, and beautiful piazzas.
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Commuting Options
- From Varenna-Esino, catch a train to reach Milan Centrale first (1 hour by train)
- Then, from Milan Centrale, take the train to Verona Porta Nuova (160km, 1 hour 15 minutes by train)
Hotel Stay – Hotel Accademia (Central location)
Things to Do in Verona:
- Juliet’s House: A famous attraction with the iconic balcony from Shakespeare’s play.
- Piazza delle Erbe: A lively square surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and markets.
- Verona Arena: A Roman amphitheater where you can catch an opera performance if visiting in summer.
My favorite Tours to Book in Verona
- Verona Walking Tour with Arena Entrance
- Romeo and Juliet Guided Tour with Wine Tasting
- Valpolicella Wine Tour from Verona
Day 4: Verona to Venice
Venice is a magical city of canals, historic palaces, and charming alleyways. Every corner feels like a painting.
Commuting Options
- From Verona Porta Nuova, board the train to reach Venezia Santa Lucia (120km, 1 hour 10 minutes by train)
- Then enjoy the ferry ride or Water buses (Vaporetto) for internal commuting around Venice
Hotel Stay – Hotel Antiche Figure (Near Grand Canal)
Things to Do in Venice
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Square: The heart of Venice, a must-visit for its stunning mosaics and architecture.
- Doge’s Palace: A historic palace with grand halls and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Gondola Ride: Experience Venice from the water by taking a classic gondola ride.
My favorite Tours to Book in Venice
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour
- Classic Gondola Ride with Serenade
- Venice Grand Canal Boat Tour
Day 5: Venice to Bologna
Bologna is Italy’s food capital, known for its historic towers, medieval charm, and delicious cuisine.
Commuting Options:
From Venezia Santa Lucia catch the train to Bologna Centrale (150km, 1 hour 30 minutes by train)
Hotel Stay – Hotel Metropolitan (Mid-budget, centrally located)
Things to Do in Bologna
- Piazza Maggiore: The main square is surrounded by stunning medieval buildings.
- Le Due Torri (Two Towers): Climb Torre Asinelli for a fantastic city view.
- Food Tour: Try authentic Bolognese pasta, like Tagliatelle al Ragu.
My Favorite Tours to Book in Bologna
- Bologna Food Tasting and Market Tour
- Guided Walking Tour with Historic Highlights
- Cooking Class: Learn to Make Fresh Pasta
Day 6: Bologna to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful coastal villages, known for their breathtaking sea views, scenic hikes, and fresh local food.
Commuting Options
- Take the train from Bologna Centrale to La Spezia Centrale (150km, 2 hours by train)
- For commuting in and around Cinque Terre, board the Cinque Terre Express train between villages
Hotel Stay – Hotel Porto Roca (Mid-budget, with stunning sea views in Monterosso)
Things to Do in Cinque Terre
- Hike between Villages: The trail from Monterosso to Vernazza offers the best views.
- Enjoy the Beaches: Relax on the beaches of Monterosso al Mare.
- Sunset in Manarola: The most photographed village, perfect for sunset views.
Best Tours to Book
- Cinque Terre Hiking and Boat Tour
- Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour in Manarola
- Guided Kayak Tour Along the Cinque Terre Coast
Day 7: Return to Milan & Departure
Commuting Options – Take the train from La Spezia Centrale to Milan Centrale (220km, 3 hours by train)
Milan has many spots, and you must have missed some of them on day 1 of your North Italy itinerary guide, so cover the rest on Day 7. You can also reserve day seven for fashion shopping in Milan.
Helpful Tips for Traveling Northern Italy by Train
- Buy a Trenitalia or Italo Pass: A rail pass can save money if you plan multiple train journeys.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Especially for high-speed trains, booking in advance gets you better prices.
- Validate Your Ticket: If using regional trains, stamp your ticket in the yellow machines before boarding.
- Pack Light: Many train stations have stairs, making large suitcases a hassle.
- Use Google Maps & Trenitalia App For real-time schedules and platform information.
Now you know some of the best places to visit in Italy after this detailed guide on the North Italy itinerary. This 7-day Northern Italy Itinerary by Train is full of the best of Northern Italy, with a mix of vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, all accessible by train.
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