Itinerary #: Northern Lakes Of Italy
When to go: Summer
This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites, and not something that most people try. This is best Italy itinerary if youre intereseted in exploring the beautiful lakes of Northern Italy. Its some of the most gorgeous scenery youll ever see in your life.
I love this itinerary for a family trip to Italy. I do recommend that if you choose this itinerary, you book a trip for late spring or early fall as the lakes do get crowded during the summer, and are very cold during the winter months.
Each lake has something unique to offer and its worth visiting all of them, but if this itinerary seems a little intense for your 10 days in Italy, I recommend cutting out one or two lakes and just sticking with two or three areas. The great thing about this itinerary is that youll also be able to see Milan, so youll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time.
For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and renting a car. The lakes and northern scenery can be best seen while taking leisurely winding drives around the lakes.
Day 6 And : Savor The Cinque Terre
Taking a morning train from Florence on Day 6, you can be in Cinque Terre in a few hours. You will pass through Pisa and can stop there by train if you wish, but you will probably be in a hurry to reach the Cinque Terre or Five Towns.
No cars are allowed, so plan to travel by train. While you are in the Northern Italian Riviera, you will want to visit all five villages in these two days:
- Monteroso
- Riomaggiore
Italy Trip: Best Time To Visit
Winter is the off-season for Italy tours since it reaches sub-zero temperatures. Italian summer, between May and July, is the peak season. Spring and autumn, March to May and October to November are the shoulder seasons. Summers see most of the festivals and carnivals happening. On the other hand, the weather is more pleasant during spring and autumn. Your Italy trip cost from India will be more affordable in the shoulder seasons.
Don’t Miss: Crowley Vacation Rentals Bethany Beach
Design Your Own Italy Vacation
This is private travel, perfected.
Your Own Italy is proud to offer unique, tailored vacations throughout Italy for couples, families, and friends. We seek to create unforgettable vacations customized to make your trip unique.
Our clients are travelers who want to be guided during their time in Italy but do not want to be part of a group. Our experience of over 30 years in Italy allows us to personally share with clients the country we have come to know and love.
Heres what we do:
We work with you to understand what areas of…
Day 6 Naples And Florence
On your last morning in Naples, you can visit Trinità Maggiore : this original Baroque building was the former residence of the Sanseverino family, then it was donated to the Jesuits and it became a church.
Youll see the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara just across the square: it dates back to the XIV century and it was made of two convents .
In the afternoon, you can catch a Frecciarossa high-speed train that will take you to Florence in 3 hours.
Don’t Miss: Jersey Shore Family Vacation Season 4 Full Episodes
Days In Italy 3 Itineraries For First Time Visitors
Every Italian city is a world apart: each place has its own history, customs, food and stories to tell so that you would need a very long time to explore the entire country and to get to know it thoroughly. Anyway, if you just have 10 days for your trip to Italy, you wont be deceived: thanks to the quick transports and the relative closeness of the main tourist attractions, youll live a wonderful Italian experience.
Lets see how you can organize your next trip to Italy!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
Day 5 Florence To Venice
After going back to Florence, its time to head to the magical city of Venice one of the most delightful cities in Europe and definitely one of the most unique. I recommend that you take the train from Santa Maria Novela station in Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia, and that you most definitely book early.
By booking early you get to enjoy lower prices and better rates. The whole journey will take about 2 hours and 5 minutes. For more information
Where to stay in Venice
This hotel has been rated as one of the best over and over again and its a great choice if you want to immerse yourself in a little bit of art and culture. This hotel has one of the best locations in Venice and also offers normal amenities heaters, flat-screen TV, and much more. Check here the latest prices and more detail.
Hotel Rio is right in the center of Venice, so of course, youre in extreme proximity to attractions like the Rialto Bridge and Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. This is a perfect place to stay in if youre in Venice to shop and the hotel has a satellite TV, WiFi, toiletries and a hairdryer. Check here the latest prices and more details.
After you settle in the hotel, its time to get completely enamored by the city of Venice.
Tip: To avoid the long queues book a skip the line guided tour to St Marks Cathedral.
Recommended Reading: Royal Caribbean Vacation Protection Plan
Practical Tips For Booking Your Trip
Book Your FlightsFind a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know youre getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here.
Book Your AccommodationMy preferred way to stay around the world is Airbnb. I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. Read my guide to choosing an authentic Airbnb before you book. And use my $55 coupon for your first stay. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com, as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.
Always Get Travel InsuranceTravel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Its peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. Ive been usingWorld Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also usedAllianz. Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.
Looking for ways to save money on travel?Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.
Italy Itinerary #: Rome Florence Tuscany Cinque Terre Venice
Spending ten days in Italy is a great way to get a gist of what the country can offer from Rome to Florence to Venice. This Italy itinerary starts and ends in Rome, but youll get enough time to explore the country in ten days. Heres an itinerary to help you plan your trip and see all the main attractions that Italy has to offer.
Best time to go: September and October to enjoy the atmosphere of Autumn, especially in Venice, which will also be less crowded.
Recommended Reading: Vacation Rental Check Out Instructions
Day : Vacation At Lake Como
There is no doubt that seeing Italy in 10 days is a very busy schedule. Taking a day to travel north to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore will treat you to a beautiful scenic drive to quaint bed and breakfasts and family restaurants. Here you can relax and:
- Drive around the lake to shop and stop at scenic overlooks.
- Visit the city of Como or the romantic village of Bellagio for local shops and eateries.
- Tour the Basilica of San Giacomo and the Gardens at Villa Melzi.
- Take a ferry or hire a boat and spend the day on the beautiful waters.
Where To Stay In Bolzano:
We recommend staying in the city center of Bolzano during your 10 day Italy itinerary. Bolzano is a much smaller town than the first three you visited during your Italian itinerary, but there are still plenty of options for you to stay in!
There are four-star hotels and boutique hotels and affordable inns, depending on your budgetary requirements for lodging when visiting Italy in 10 days.
Upscale: Parkhotel Laurin. Check Rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Clothes For Vacation
Experience The Joys Of A Tauck River Cruise With Visits To Milan And Lake Como Aboard Our Rhine Enchantment Amsterdam To Milan
A three-night land stay at a historic landmark hotel in Italys fashion capital of Milan and visits to Lake Como, Isola Comacina and Bellagio highlight our 11-day Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan exploring five countries and featuring a seven-night Rhine River cruise between the Netherlands and Switzerland…
Places To Eat On Day Five
If you spend a second day in Florence, you might be in the mood for a home-style meal at the Trattoria la Casalinga, where you can get lunch or dinner near the Church of Santo Spirito any day except Sunday. Locals enjoy the Mom-and-Pop atmosphere and wholesome foods made from grilled meat, fish, and local fresh produce.
If you head for the Amalfi Coast, be sure to stop at Pasticceria Pansa for famous Italian pastries. This pastry shop has been thriving since 1830 because of their delectable delizia di lemone and sfogliatelle, which was invented in the town of Conca dei Marini nearby.
Don’t Miss: Panama City Vacation Rental Companies
Day 4 & : Strolling In Venice
Head to Venice by train from Florence, a ride that takes approximately two hours. Again, book those tickets in advance through Trenitalia .
Once in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the romance of the canals and beauty of handmade blown glass. Venice is known for its seafood, so take advantage and feast on octopus and calamari. Unfortunately, Venice is also known for overpriced, tourist trap restaurants, so ask a local for recommendations or try one of these three Venetian trattorias that locals like.
When choosing a hotel in Venice, we like to go close, but not too close, to St. Marks Square. The Castello neighborhood is a nice option, with several affordable options that are tucked away and quiet-ish, but still super-convenient. Want a canal view? Consider these budget hotel picks. Want more options? Heres a list of our favorite hotels in Venice and 5 cheap and charming hotels that we love.
On your second day in Venice, start your day at a delicious Venetian bakery, and then get ready for an unforgettable walk. From the Piazza San Marco , to Doges Palace and Saint Marks brilliant Basilica, theres plenty to do.
From our Venice sightseeing guide: visit these 10 sights for under 10, check out these lesser-known museums, hit up these 5 free sights, or take a walk through the Jewish ghetto.
Hotel picks for Venice: All budget hotels in Venice
Day : Sorrento Capri Rome
After breakfast, you will have an amazing experience visiting the wonderful Island of Capri. Depending on the weather, you might get the chance to enter the Blue Grotto. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to Rome in the evening for your last overnight.
You May Like: Kapalua Maui Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Stop : Visit The Mediterranean Coast At Genoa Portofino And Cinque Terre
The next part of your 10 days in Italy itinerary will take you from the Alps to the calming waters of the Mediterranian coast!
This will be the longest train or bus journey of your Italy itinerary, but it is worth taking one for the team to see both of these amazing and impressive stops! You will visit the Mediterranian Coast in the Liguria region.
The capital is Genoa, and this is where you will arrive and possibly stay if you should choose, but you will be also visiting the nearby Portofino and Cinque Terre villages.
The Ligurian Coast is relaxing and rejuvenating and the perfect way to continue traveling in Italy!
To get to Genoa from Bolzano, you will take between 2-3 trains or busses. The journey takes about 5 hours but you get a great tour of the Italian countryside. You will pick up your train or bus at Bolzano Bolzen station and will take it to the Genova Piazza Principle Station in Genoa. Get your train tickets here:
Visiting Genoa And Top Things To Do
Genoa is where your train from Bolzano will arrive into and is your gateway to visiting the Ligurian Coast during your 10 day Italy itinerary. Genoa is also where you will find the widest variety and most affordable hotel and lodging options during your trip.
Genoa Aquarium
The Aquarium Of Genoa is stunning and totally worth the trip. If you are looking to do something a little different or if the weather is hot or rainy, the Genoa Aquarium is a wonderful thing to include on your itinerary!
Reserve here: Genoa Aquarium Skip The Line Ticket
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to see what Genoa has to offer! Tickets are valid for 48 hours so you can easily explore Genoa at your own pace with all the transportation included in your price!
Book here: 48 Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus-Tour
Historical Center Walking Tour
Genoas historic downtown city center is wonderful to explore and steeped in history! From lovely squares to hidden alleyways, taking a walking tour of Genoa will give you a locals look at this wonderful coastal city!
Reserve here: 2 Hour Genoa Walking Tour
You May Like: Best Golf Vacation Packages Myrtle Beach
Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Italy
Where to go in Italy you ask? When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. The country is so large, it can be overwhelming. After visiting Italy 5 separate times, I have found it best to focus on one region of the country at a time if possible. I know that its so hard to visit Italy and not want to see it all, but you wont want to spend your entire trip on a train, or in a car, or on a plane.
See this list of the best places to see in Italy
While its tough to say just which are the best places to visit in Italy, because, lets be honest, all of Italy is so dang amazing, I do have some personal favorite Italy vacations. When I help friends plan their trip to Italy, I like to give them a little taste of everything: city, history, nature, beach, culture, and food!
I love getting off the beaten path, but there are just some places that are a must see in Italy! There are literally hundreds of choices you can make for your first Italy itinerary, and they would all be amazing. Every person or group has different preferences and interests. Thats why I have created five different 10 day Italy itinerary ideas for you.
Where To Stay In Rome:
We love staying near Vatican City while in Rome. This way, you can walk to Vatican Square at night when it is all lit up and it is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. We highly recommend taking a look at our detailed guide on Exactly Where To Stay In Rome!
There are also lots of shops around! If you want to stay at an Airbnb, there are plenty of Airbnb options in Rome from budget to affordable depending on your funds for your Italy itinerary.
Upscale: The Westin Excelsior Rome. Check Rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Recommended Reading: List Vacation Rental On Multiple Sites
Suggested Things To Do In Milan
Take In The Breathtaking Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral is an architectural wonder and a breathtaking masterpiece! It is so much bigger in real life than it looks in photos, and you must make it a stop during your 10 day Italy itinerary, even if you are short on time! The Milan Cathedral is also a popular place to feed the pigeons!
Book here: Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Entrance Tickets
Go Shopping At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italys oldest shopping mall and a hallmark thing to do when visiting Milan! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is housed in a 19th-century glass-covered arcade and is quite the site to behold! If you havent had time to do much shopping during your vacation, now is the time to take advantage!
Visit Sforza Castle In Milan
Sforza Castle in Milan is a 15th-century castle located right in the city. It is also home to various artistic works, including those from Leonardo Da Vinci! If you are looking to add another museum and art gallery to your Italy itinerary, make sure to put Sforza Castle on your list of things to do in Milan.
Explore The City On A Bus Tour
If you are short on time but still want to explore Milan during your 10 day Italy itinerary, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to quickly see the city! Even if you arent into doing super touristy things, you will still enjoy this bus tour of Milan.
Reserve here: 1-2 day Hop On Hop Off Tickets