10-Day Northern Italy Trip: Venice, Bologna, Genoa & Milan

You will take the train to Bologna in the morning, check into your hotel, and get settled before heading out for the day. Once you’re ready, you can spend the afternoon exploring Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and a great place to get a first look at Bologna’s historic charm. As you walk around the square, you can take a...

You will take the train to Bologna in the morning, check into your hotel, and get settled before heading out for the day. Once you’re ready, you can spend the afternoon exploring Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and a great place to get a first look at Bologna’s historic charm. As you walk around the square, you can take a moment to admire the Neptune Fountain and the lively atmosphere that always fills this area. It’s a relaxed way to ease into the city while still seeing some of its most iconic landmarks.

In the evening, you can make your way to the Quadrilatero district, which is one of the best places in Bologna for food. The streets here are lined with traditional shops, markets, and cozy restaurants that serve the dishes the city is known for. You can sit down for dinner and try local specialties like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, or mortadella, depending on what you’re in the mood for. The area stays lively into the night, so you can enjoy the energy of the district, walk around a bit after dinner, or stop for a dessert before heading back to your hotel.

You will start your morning with the Bologna City Walking Tour, meeting your guide and setting off to explore some of the city’s most iconic spots. Your first stop will be the Basilica di San Petronio, where you’ll step inside to see its impressive interior and learn why it’s one of the most important churches in Italy. From there, you’ll...

You will start your morning with the Bologna City Walking Tour, meeting your guide and setting off to explore some of the city’s most iconic spots. Your first stop will be the Basilica di San Petronio, where you’ll step inside to see its impressive interior and learn why it’s one of the most important churches in Italy. From there, you’ll make your way to Piazza Santo Stefano, a charming square lined with historic buildings and filled with a peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will then lead you through the Quadrilatero Market, where traditional food shops and stalls display local cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and other regional specialties. You’ll also stop for an external view of Le Due Torri, the famous leaning towers that symbolize Bologna, before wrapping up with a visit to the Archiginnasio courtyard, once the main building of the University of Bologna.

In the afternoon, you can decide how you want to keep exploring. You can climb the Asinelli Tower for breathtaking views over the red rooftops, or you can stay on ground level and wander through the lively streets of the university district, checking out cafés, bookstores, and student hangouts at your own pace. If time permits, you can also add an optional activity.

In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Bolognese dinner paired with local wines, giving you a chance to try classic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, or mortadella served with warm crescentine. It’s a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy the warm, welcoming food culture that Bologna is known for.

You will travel to Genoa by train in the morning and check into your hotel, giving yourself a chance to get settled before heading out. Once you’re ready, you can make your way to the Old Harbor, which is one of the most well-known areas of the city. The waterfront has a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty to look at—from historic ships to modern...

You will travel to Genoa by train in the morning and check into your hotel, giving yourself a chance to get settled before heading out. Once you’re ready, you can make your way to the Old Harbor, which is one of the most well-known areas of the city. The waterfront has a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty to look at—from historic ships to modern spaces—and it’s an easy place to walk around without needing a plan. If you’re interested, you can stop by the Genoa Aquarium, which is one of the largest in Europe and has a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and colorful tropical species. It’s a fun and easy way to spend part of the afternoon while getting a feel for the city’s connection to the sea.

In the evening, you can head into the historic center for dinner. This area is full of narrow streets, lively squares, and local restaurants that serve classic Ligurian dishes. It’s a great chance to try something Genoa is famous for, like fresh pesto pasta, focaccia, or seafood prepared with simple local ingredients. The atmosphere in this part of the city is warm and lively, making it a nice way to end your first day in Genoa.

Morning begins with your included “Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino,” where you meet your guide and start exploring the heart of the city. You’ll visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, learn about its long history, and take in the impressive details inside. From there, you’ll walk through the Ancient Harbor, where Genoa’s maritime...

Morning begins with your included “Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino,” where you meet your guide and start exploring the heart of the city. You’ll visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, learn about its long history, and take in the impressive details inside. From there, you’ll walk through the Ancient Harbor, where Genoa’s maritime past comes to life through old shipyards, historic buildings, and stories about how the city grew into a major port. As you make your way through the waterfront, your guide will point out important landmarks and explain how each part played a role in shaping Genoa’s identity over the centuries.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you’ll have time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town before heading to Portofino. Once in Portofino, you can explore the colorful harbor, browse a few local shops, and make your way up to Castello Brown for beautiful views of the coastline. The mix of quiet streets, bright buildings, and scenic lookouts makes this part of the day feel especially peaceful.

In the evening, you can return to Genoa and settle in for dinner at a cozy trattoria, enjoying simple Ligurian dishes and a laid-back end to the day.

You’ll travel to Milan by train in the morning and check into your hotel. You can spend the afternoon exploring Milan at your own pace. You might stop by the Duomo to admire its impressive exterior, step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to browse its elegant shops, or walk through the grounds of Sforza Castle to get a feel for Milan’s...

You’ll travel to Milan by train in the morning and check into your hotel. You can spend the afternoon exploring Milan at your own pace. You might stop by the Duomo to admire its impressive exterior, step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to browse its elegant shops, or walk through the grounds of Sforza Castle to get a feel for Milan’s mix of history and modern style. The city is very walkable, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and gelaterias along the way if you want to take a break and enjoy something small. If time permits and you feel like adding a bit more to your day, you can join an optional activity.

In the evening, you can make your way to the Brera district for dinner. This area has a relaxed atmosphere, with narrow streets, warm lighting, and plenty of restaurants serving classic Milanese dishes. It’s a great way to settle into the city and enjoy your first night in Milan.

In the morning, you will join the “Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan,” starting with a comfortable ride from Milan to Lake Como. Once you arrive, you’ll board a private boat and cruise across the lake, taking in the mountains, elegant villas, and quiet waterfront towns. Your guide will point out famous...

In the morning, you will join the “Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan,” starting with a comfortable ride from Milan to Lake Como. Once you arrive, you’ll board a private boat and cruise across the lake, taking in the mountains, elegant villas, and quiet waterfront towns. Your guide will point out famous filming locations and well-known celebrity homes along the shoreline, giving you a better sense of the area’s history and culture. You’ll have time to relax on the boat, snap photos, and enjoy the peaceful scenery before arriving in Bellagio. There, you can explore the town at your own pace, browse the shops, or try a light snack while enjoying the lake views.

Your trip will then continue to Lugano, where you’ll experience the Swiss side of the region. You can visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli to see its Renaissance fresco, walk through the center, check out luxury boutiques, or treat yourself to authentic Swiss chocolate. The day offers a good mix of sightseeing and free time without feeling rushed.

In the evening, you can return to Milan and enjoy a farewell dinner near the Duomo, choosing a restaurant with a great view to wrap up your trip on a memorable note.