7 days in northern Italy: 2 comprehensive itineraries

Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Put it as you might: one week or 7 days in northern Italy is the perfect vacation.

No matter how many times I return, I still can’t help but fall in love with Italy.

My comprehensive northern Italy itinerary won’t have you running up and down the country. On the contrary, you’ll have the time to experience the real Italy – everything I love most about this country. 

This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.

Option 1: 7 days in Northern Italy Itinerary bucket list destinations

Northern Italy Itinerary

Fly in: Venice

Fly out: Florence

How to get around: by train

First stop: 2 nights in Venice

No itinerary in Northern Italy should not leave unvisited one of the most iconic and romantic places: Venice.

Even though 2 nights in Venice might seem short, it is enough to tick the most important attractions. You’ll be able to explore The Dodge’s Palace, the Pointe dei Sospini, San Marco Basilica, and Libreria Acqua Alta. You can even fit in a romantic gondola ride.

For a detailed itinerary of the city, please consult my 2 days in Venice post.

Guided Tours in Venice

7 days in Italy itinerary
Source: Pixabay

Where to stay in Venice?

Check out the most comprehensive list of hotels in Venice, or get some inspiration from the options below.

When it comes to Venice, you can always choose between the more affordable option of staying on mainland Mestre or living it to the fullest with a stay on the canals.

Mestre
  • Hilton Garden Inn Venezia Mestre. The hotel offers 4* accommodations, inside and outside pools, a shuttle for Marco Polo airport, and lovely views over a park.

Find your room at the best price here!

  • Chiara Lodge. Only a few minutes’ walk from Venezia Mestre Railway Station, you can stay in an authentic Italian villa and live like a local while still seeing one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Take a look at their rooms here!

Venice

I must admit that choosing only one place in Venice is not easy since there are so many good options. Still, I selected a few for you.

  • Hotel Danieli a Luxury Collection Hotel. It had to be at the top of the list first just because it might be one of the most famous hotels in Venice. A few minutes away from San Marco Square and Grand Canal, the hotel has a rooftop terrace from where you can enjoy your drink with the Doge’s Palace insight. Have I convinced you yet?

Book a room at the most famous hotel in Venice!

  • Hotel Antiche Figure. It has a charming old Venetian flavor, is only a few minutes away from Venice Santa Lucia train station, and has a great price tag for Venice. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have a room overlooking the canal.

Book your room here!

  • Palazzetto Madonna. I just love this place! I mean, what’s not to love about it? The authentic Italian building on the canal, the sophisticated interiors, and the amazing terrace are within walking distance of St Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco, and the Rialto Bridge.

Find your magical room here!

Second stop: 1 night in Genoa

After two romantic days in Venice, hop on the fast train (le frecce = the arrows) and head directly to Genoa.

Book your train ticket here

I’m not including Milan in my 7 days in Italy itinerary because I have never been a Milan fan. Sorry! I just like Genoa better.

Read all the things to know when visiting Italy for the first time

Extra tip: if you book the train way in advance on the Railway Europe website, you can get really great prices and get from Venice to Genoa in a few hours.

One night and one day in Genoa should be enough (if you don’t want to explore Liguria and its beautiful small villages) to see two of the beautiful palaces—Palazzo del Principe and Palazzo Reale.

You can walk to the old port and maybe visit the Genoa Aquarium. You can climb the hill and take the whole city in from Spianata Castelletto, and you can maybe take a taxi up to Boccadasse.

Or even take a trip to Portofino, one of the loveliest destinations on the Italian Riviera.

Make sure to try the focaccia Genovese and Genovese pesto. You won’t find it better anywhere else!

Other things to do in Genoa

Where to stay in Genoa?

Genoa is not such a popular tourist destination for foreigners, but it is still charming, and there are plenty of nice accommodation options.

Here are a few recommendations:

  • Hotel Le Nuvole Residenza d’Epoca. Stepping into the lobby of this hotel, you won’t feel like you’ve left Venice; even so, the rooms have an airy minimalist design. The hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing and shopping in Genoa.

Find out when they’re free here!

  • La Piazzetta Rooms. It may not be a perfect choice if you are looking for a hotel, but this small 3-room place is perfectly located in the heart of Genoa.

Book your stay with them here!

  • Melia Genova. If you are looking for an international chain hotel with an indoor pool, a sauna, and a Turkish steam bath, Melia is the place for you.

Take a look at their prices here!

  • Grand Hotel Savoia. The gem of the list, the elegant 5* hotel is everything you’ve dreamed of. Soak in a jacuzzi after a full day exploring Genoa, or just sip a cocktail on the rooftop terrace with the whole city at your feet.

Find a fantastic room here!

Third stop: 2 nights in Cinque Terre

Only 2 nights? Well, that’s all we have on this trip, unfortunately.

I would easily spend 7 full days in Cinque Terre, but with the itinerary on hand, we only have 2 days.

And trust me, if you only want to see the five small villages linked by a train, take a boat ride on the coast, have breakfast at Nessum Dorma, eat some of the best misto fritto there is for dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, see the sunset over Riomaggiore and look at the beautiful buildings under the sunset light, 2 days are enough.

You won’t have time to trek the narrow roads hanging on the edge of the sea, linking the villages, but that would be a reason to come back here, right?

Other things worth doing in Cinque Terre

My complete guide to the Cinque Terre

Where to stay in Cinque Terre?

Accommodation in Cinque Terre is so vast, and there are so many villages to choose from that I cannot recommend only one place.

But I don’t want it to be said that I am unhelpful, so I selected a few options for you.

Check out their best prices here!

  • Ca’ D’Andrean, Manarola. With an on-site bar and a garden, this could be the perfect place to spend your evenings after a full day of exploring Cinque Terre.

Find out when they’re free here!

  • Affittacamere L’Oblo, Portovenere. I must admit that Portovenere was the best discovery and revelation we had during our trip. I loved this charming town so much that I wished we could have stayed here as well.

Find your perfect room here!

Fourth stop: 2 nights in Florence

In 2 days, you will have plenty of time to visit the Florence Duomo and climb up to the top of the cupola from where you will have a perfect view over Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, Ufizzi Art Gallery, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, eat a bistecca alla Fiorentina, and go wine tasting since you are in Tuscany.

7 days in Italy itinerary
Source: Pixabay

Where to stay in Florence?

Romantic Florence is one destination not to miss. If you’re wondering where to stay in Florence, rest assured, nowhere have I seen so many accommodations rated as superb, and I honestly think it has something to do with the city itself.

  • Relais Piazza Signoria. Nearby the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria, its terrace with views of the Palazzo Vecchio won me over.

Book a stay with them here!

Take a look at their rooms here

  • Palazzo Guicciardini. In this place, you’ll feel like a museum, but you’ll still have to visit the Ufizzi Art Gallery!

Find your perfect room here!

  • Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa. A place with a modern design in the heart of old Florence, with a jacuzzi and Turkish baths for you to relax after a long day.

Find out when they’re free here!

And that’s a perfect way to spend 7 days in northern Italy. You will visit some of the most iconic places in the country of love, gelato, and wine.

Option 2: the Northern Italy itinerary off the beaten path

Fly in: Venice

Fly out: Milan

How to get around: by car (rent a car ahead of time and save on the price)

If you want to spend 7 days in Northern Italy but want to skip the crowds, I’ve put together this option for an off-the-beaten-path itinerary

This will be an itinerary for those who have been to Italy in the past or those who simply want to skip the crowds and experience authentic Italy on their trip. Some of these places have been added to my list of less-known Italy destinations.

By following this plan, you will see some of the most beautiful natural landscapes Italy has to offer, which could also include famous towns like Venice or Milan. 

You can choose to land in Venice and depart from Milan, or the other way around.

First stop: 2 nights in Treviso

best cities in Northern Italy
Source: Pixabay.com

If you want to be close to Venice but skip the crazy crowds while enjoying a beautiful old town, the perfect place to stay is Treviso. 

Firstly, it has its own airport, and it will be easy to get there. Secondly, you will be close to many unique destinations you will want to visit for a day trip. 

With its historical defensive fortifications still standing today, Treviso is a great, less-known Italian destination to include during your next visit to northern Italy. 

Day trips from Treviso:

  • Chioggia is a small town that resembles Venice a lot but on a much lower scale. 
  • Padua is home to Italy’s second-oldest university, a town that will charm you with its old center. 
  • Castelfranco Veneto is a small old town surrounded by medieval walls dating back to the 1200s.
  • Conegliano allows you to enjoy the Prosecco Road. 
  • Belluno. With the mountains in the background and a charming historical old town, this is a place you will definitely come to love. 

Where to stay in Treviso

B&B Le tre corti. One can’t simply get a better place than this! I cannot decide what I like most: the elegant design, the location, or the courtyard next to the river. See more here!

LA LOGGIA AL DUOMO. The rooftop terrace is what you will like most, apart from the location and the fact that you will have this whole place to yourself. Check it out here!

Second stop: 2 nights in Trieste

5 cities in Italy nobody told you about

I had the chance to live and study in Trieste. And it was great!

Besides the finer points of international finance, in Trieste, I’ve learned how to party, love sunsets by the sea, and enjoy aperitivo like a local.

Whenever I close my eyes and think about this place, the first thing that comes to mind is the salty air and the noise of coffee mugs in the morning.

For me, Trieste is a magical and romantic place. And the home of delicious Illy coffee!

Day trips from Trieste

  • Muggia. It was my favorite escape when I wanted to enjoy a quiet moment. Take the boat and head to the center of this small and charming town for a delicious lunch. 
  • Miramare Castle. Visiting it is not an actual day trip since it is just a 20-minute bus ride away. But the cliffside castle must be on your list of places to see. 
  • Palmanova. A special town that would be more impressive looked at from the sky. That’s because it has the shape of a star. If you don’t believe me, just look at it in Google Maps
  • Grado is a charming and colorful lagoon city.
  • Duino Castle offers a mix of history and nature.
  • Osmiza. Simply drive around the countryside and look for houses with branches at their door. That means that you can have a local traditional meal with some delicious wine in one of these gardens. 

Where to stay in Trieste

Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta. An amazing option for Trieste, the 4* hotel is located in the heart of the city. Wake up and have breakfast in the square with the sun on your face and the sea in front. Check it out here!

The Modernist Hotel. A more affordable 4* hotel with an incredible design and breathtaking views from some of the rooms. Check it out here!

3rd stop: 2 nights in Bolzano

less known italy cities
Source: michele-mescolin on Unsplash.com

Stop here not only for the town in itself but also for everything that the region has to offer!

The best way to get around is by car, and you should include some hikes in the area during your 7 days in northern Italy. 

Day trips from Bolzano

  • Cortina d’Ampezzo 
  • Merano
  • Lake Resia with the underwater town showing only the bell tower
  • The whole Trentino Alto Adige region and its beautiful nature

Where to stay in Bolzano

Gloriette Guesthouse. Seriously, you will be lucky to find a spare room, so plan your stay way in advance. I saw it first at one of my Instagram friends, and I was just wow-ed. Just have a look; I bet you will be as well. Luxury and simplicity at its best, in the heart of the mountains, with an infinity pool that offers the wow factor. Check out more here!

Castel Hörtenberg. Yes, you’ve read it right, it’s a castle. I mean, who wouldn’t love to spend some nights in a castle at Italy’s border with Germany? A once-in-a-lifetime experience! See it here!

Last stop: 2 nights in Lake Garda

Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione Sul Garda, Gardaland, the amusement park, a day trip to Verona, and the Madonna Della Corona Church are only a few of the things you shouldn’t miss while here. 

Where to stay at Lake Garda

Hotel Eden. Only 100m away from the castle, with a terrace over the lake, this is a perfect 4* accommodation option. See more here!

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel has a beautiful Italian garden, a pool, and a tennis court where you will feel like a royal. See it here!

That concludes our second vacation option for 7 days in northern Italy. I hope you started packing already!

PIN FOR LATER!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply