We have curated this section to provide you with thoughtfully designed 10-, 14- and 20-day itineraries, offering inspiration for exploring the best of Northern Italy.

__________________________________________________

KINDLY NOTE:

Best Time to Visit: September is recommended over August for visiting Italy, as it offers fewer crowds and more pleasant weather outside the peak holiday period.

Train Travel Options: Please note there are two main railway operators in Italy: Italo and Trenitalia. It is recommended to check both websites when purchasing train tickets, as prices and availability may vary between the two.

Car Rentals: Rent a car for countryside and lakes areas. Please note that only credit cards (not debit cards) are accepted for car rentals in Italy.

City Driving Restrictions: City-centre vehicle access is generally restricted, but paid parking (“parcheggio” or “garage”) is widely available. Registering your license plate allows access and avoids fines. Guests should also check with their accommodation, as some offer exemptions or on-site/partner parking.

Renting a car in one city and returning it in another: It is possible to rent a car in one Italian city and return it in another (a “one-way rental”). This option is widely available between major cities such as Bologna, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. An additional fee usually applies, and higher charges may apply for islands such as Sicily or Sardinia. We recommend booking in advance, particularly during the summer season.

__________________________________________________

10-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

Day 3: Venice – Canals, Piazza San Marco, quiet neighborhoods. One night is enough

Day 4–7: Dolomites – Hiking, vineyards, thermal baths, golf, horse riding, all immersed in breathtaking alpine scenery. The following towns make great bases for exploring the area with day trips: Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Colfosco, Corvara, San Martino di Castrozza, Canazei, Dobbiaco, San Candido, Solda or Madonna di Campiglio

* Option A – Lake Garda (Days 17–20)

Day 17–20: Lake Garda – Sirmione, Desenzano, Malcesine, Riva del Garda. Relaxed lakeside views, charming towns and scenic walking routes along the shore

* Option B – Tuscany (Days 17–20)

Day 17–20: Tuscany – Florence (1 day max), Crete Senesi, Bolgheri, Pitigliano, Monte Argentario. Rolling hills, vineyards, medieval towns and authentic Tuscan cuisine

14-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

Day 3: Venice – Canals, Piazza San Marco, quiet neighborhoods

Day 4–7: Dolomites – Hiking, vineyards, thermal baths, golf, horse riding, all immersed in breathtaking alpine scenery. The following towns make great bases for exploring the area with day trips: Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Colfosco, Corvara, San Martino di Castrozza, Canazei, Dobbiaco, San Candido, Solda or Madonna di Campiglio

Day 8–9: South Tyrol – Merano & Bolzano – Thermal baths, vineyard, castes and Alpine cuisine, optional Forestis Hotel

Day 10–11: Lakes – Lake Garda (Sirmione) or Lake Como, relaxed lake experience

Day 12–13: Liguria Coast – Santa Margherita Ligure, visit Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, Lerici

Day 14: Tuscany – Florence (1 day), Crete Senesi, Bolgheri, Pitigliano, Argentario

nb. Optional romantic detour: Hotel Reschio in Umbria, Cascata delle Marmore and Terme di Saturnia

20-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

Day 3: Venice – Canals, Piazza San Marco, quiet neighborhoods

Day 4–7: Dolomites – Hiking, vineyards, thermal baths, golf, horse riding, all immersed in breathtaking alpine scenery. The following towns make great bases for exploring the area with day trips: Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Colfosco, Corvara, San Martino di Castrozza, Canazei, Dobbiaco, San Candido, Solda or Madonna di Campiglio

Day 8–9: South Tyrol – Merano & Bolzano – Thermal baths, vineyard, castles and Alpine cuisine, optional Forestis Hotel

Day 10–11: Lakes – Lake Garda or Lake Como, Sirmione for thermal baths

Day 12–13: Turin – Cafés, museums, gateway to Piedmont wine country

Day 14–15: Langhe area – Vineyards, storybook villages, Alba for truffles

Day 16–17: Liguria Coast – Santa Margherita Ligure, visit Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, Lerici

Day 18–20: Tuscany & Surroundings – Florence (1 day max), Crete Senesi, Bolgheri, Pitigliano, Argentario, Isola del Giglio, Terme di Saturnia, Isola d’Elba

nb. Optional romantic detour: Hotel Reschio in Umbria