Northern Italy Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,554 reviews)- Choose from 250+ Northern Italy tours
- 850+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
- The best Northern Italy tour packages
- What people love about Northern Italy Tours
- Travel Northern Italy your way
- Top operators in Northern Italy
- Best places to start your Northern Italy tour
- Discover Northern Italy tours for every budget
- Northern Italy tours for every group
- Top Northern Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Italy
- Contact our Northern Italy travel experts
The best Northern Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar
Hiking in the Dolomites
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great value for money. Excellent travel company.”
Narendra, traveled in August 2022
The rugged terrain of Northern Italy unfolds from a Dobbiaco base, with trails through Ampezzo Natural Park's waterfalls and Boite River valley. Bruneck's Earth Pyramids, Monte Elmo's cross-border summit, and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo circuit await. Local cheese tastings and traditional mountain meals enhance the adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Dobbiaco, Ampezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,690
15% Off- US$3,136You save $554
Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent choice of places to visit. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances.”
Ricardo, traveled in June 2023
Northern Italy's grandeur spans from Milan's La Scala opera house to Verona's Romeo and Juliet balcony. The UNESCO-listed Bernina Express winds to St. Moritz, while Lake Garda's western coast beckons. Premium hotels, including Bergamo's Cappello d'Oro, provide luxurious comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Milan, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Lake Garda, Verona Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Click Tours From $3,585
38% Off- US$2,223You save $1,362
Italy Real Food Adventure
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip and tour leader were excellent, and have no complaints.”
Ian, traveled in May 2019
Northern Italy's gastronomic heritage comes alive from Venice's Rialto markets to Bologna's famous ragu. Hands-on pasta-making, Parmigiano Reggiano factory tours, and organic wine tasting at a Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano fill eight delicious days. Seven breakfasts, four dinners, and authentic accommodations, rated 4.3/5 by travelers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Bologna, Modena, San Gimignano, Rome Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,330
20% Off- US$2,664You save $666
4 Days Northern Lakes Tour - from Milan
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was comfortable and enjoyable. The hotels in the first two nights are very nice.”
Gregory, traveled in October 2023
This Northern Italy tour weaves together five lakes, three UNESCO sites, and medieval towns. Orta San Giulio's monastery, Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands, Como's waterfront villas, and Verona's Roman arena create lasting memories. Private boats, 4-star hotels, and prosecco tasting included, approx. $490 per day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Milan, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Garda, Verona, Iseo Age Range 2 to 85 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Europeando Europa From
20% Off- US$1,428
Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He has great knowledge of history and background of places we covered, and most importantly he ensured everyone was having a great time.”
Sonam, traveled in September 2019
Milan's fashion district and Lake Como's elegant towns showcase Northern Italy's sophistication. The medieval Castello Sforzesco, scenic cruises between Bellagio and Varenna's historic lanes, and Milan's signature aperitivo in Navigli await. Perfect for young travelers, featuring Milan hostel stays and expert-led walks (5/5 guide rating).
Duration 3 days Destinations Milan, Como, Bellagio, Varenna Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From $604
10% Off- US$544You save $60
What people love about Northern Italy Tours
Great value for money. Good tour guide. Excellent travel company. Some days the hiking was a bit light. Would have given it 5 stars if the hiking was every day. Also tourradar/intrepid could also consider providing a higher cost tour where we stay at different refuges every day. This will reduce the transportation constraints and time and increase the Dolomites amazing experience.
Hiking in the Dolomites
Italy Real Food Adventure tour is amazing! I'm happy to travel around the cities in Italy and eat all of the food there!
Italy Real Food Adventure
- Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
Our guide, Ned, was great. The hotel Meininger was clean and comfortable in a college dormitory way, but not very friendly. I asked to reduce the centrally controlled thermostat because I sleep better when it’s cooler, and they said no. The hallways are not air conditioned at all. The rooms get hot during the day and the air conditioning won’t stay on without the key in the slot. I’d rather pay a few dollars more and adjust the temperature to my own needs. The tour has lots of walking but it was enjoyable to see Milan’s highlights. Lake Como was gorgeous scenery, perfect weather, and we had enough time for a nice meal in Bellagio and a drink in Varenna. The train ride back to Milan was standing room only, and hot and stuffy, followed by a long wait in line at the taxi stand. I’d rate the tour guide higher than the accommodations. I suppose that the name of the tour agency (Italy on a Budget) should give a warning that all is not going to be first class.
Travel Northern Italy your way
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Northern Italy. We have 29 cruises that vary from 5 days to 11 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all River Cruise toursThe Dolomites form the backdrop for our most requested hikes in Northern Italy, with routes designed for different fitness levels and interests. A favorite among our travelers circles the Three Peaks of Lavaredo - it's a satisfying full-day walk with natural stops to capture the limestone peaks and clear mountain lakes. Over at Lake Como, we've got a nice 7-night setup in Gravedona where you'll walk daily through hillside vineyards and old villages, and there's this really special view of Bellagio from Madonna della Grazie di Paullo chapel that our guests love. For those drawn to higher ground, the routes up Mount Elmo along the Austrian border offer a good challenge, and the paths through Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park lead you past waterfalls and along the Boite River. What works well here is how flexible these tours are - you can take on a summit climb when you're feeling strong or stick to the valleys on days when you want to take it easier.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursCycling enthusiasts have excellent options for exploring Northern Italy on two wheels. The most comprehensive routes run from the Dolomites down to Venice, following dedicated bike paths through alpine meadows and along river valleys. What makes these trips work so well is the mix of cycling with cultural stops - you'll pedal through South Tyrol's wine country and still have time to explore Verona's Roman amphitheater. Our travelers consistently praise the quality of the cycling routes, especially around Lake Garda where you can take a ferry across the lake as part of the journey. The tours typically run 6-8 days, and while you'll need decent fitness for some uphill sections, the well-planned routes make it manageable. Many guests mention loving the traditional Tyrolean hotels and the excellent guidance from tour leaders who really know how to handle both the cycling and cultural aspects.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Italy. We have 9 adventures that vary from 5 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Northern Italy
From what our travelers tell us, Wanderful Holidays does an excellent job with the details - they're particularly good at finding those special hotels and making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. You'll have someone to talk to throughout your trip if you need anything. If you're watching your budget, Italy on a Budget has some dedicated guides like Eduardo and Marie who really make Milan and Lake Como come alive. The accommodations are basic but clean, though we've had mixed feedback about the 4-Day Northern Lakes tour - some rooms didn't quite match what was advertised and the quality varied between stops. Explore's trips are solid choices if you're fit and experienced with hiking. Their guide Joe gets lots of praise, and the routes show off some incredible mountain scenery. Just keep in mind these aren't gentle walks - you'll need proper hiking experience and good stamina to fully enjoy them. I'd suggest choosing a different option if you're new to mountain hiking or prefer a more relaxed pace. In all cases, we've found the guides make a huge difference to how much people enjoy their trips. Each company has its sweet spot: Wanderful for luxury and attention to detail, Italy on a Budget for value with good guidance and Explore for active mountain experiences.
- 4.5 (11,926 reviews)
"Excellent guide with excellent itinerary
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Hiking & Trekking
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $508
- 4.0 (759 reviews)
"Excellent choice of places to visit. Tour Leader Chiara was fantastc. Nino the Driver was also very professional and friendly. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances.
- Tours
- 5 tours
- Age range
- 4 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $688
- 4.5 (408 reviews)
"Marie was great. Would recommend!
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 18 to 39 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 35h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $309
Best places to start your Northern Italy tour
Milan stands out as the main gateway for Northern Italy tours, with 29 of our customers choosing to start there. Venice comes in second with 18 departures, while Rome, Merano and also Innsbruck each handle about 5 tour starts. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in plans roughly 3.7 months (111 days) ahead to get the dates and places you want. While you can find budget hotels, our travelers often say it's worth going for mid-range spots for better quality. The real gems are often family-run agriturismos in the countryside - past guests tell us the warm welcome and local cooking made their trips special. For anyone heading to the Dolomites, our customers often wish they'd planned an extra day or two - there's just so much to photograph and explore in those mountains, more than most people expect.
Discover Northern Italy tours for every budget
Northern Italy can be explored nicely without breaking the bank. Many of our travelers love the 3-day Milan and Lake Como combination - it's quick but covers a lot of ground. The hotels are basic but well-located near transport links, making city exploration really straightforward. People who've taken this tour tell us they like how it mixes guided walks in Milan's old center with free time to discover Lake Como's small towns. There's also a solid 10-day option by train connecting Rome, Florence, Venice and also Milan. It's flexible enough to adjust daily plans, and our customers often mention how local guides help them navigate efficiently while keeping costs in check.
The refined side of Italian travel comes alive in tours that pair excellent hotels with special access. A really popular 15-day route starts in Milan, meanders through the lakes and continues to Venice and also Rome. You'll get private evening visits to St. Mark's Basilica, intimate wine sessions at noble estates and nights in well-chosen 4-star hotels in the best spots. The 10-day Alps and lakes tour is another favorite, with stays in historic palazzos and nice touches like meeting local nobility in their homes. Our guests particularly like having just 20 people max in the group, and the smart scheduling helps dodge the busy times at major attractions.
Northern Italy budget tours- Northern Italy luxury tours
Northern Italy tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
157 tours in Northern ItalyExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Italy. We have 157 adventures that vary from 3 days to 37 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
66 tours in Northern ItalyVisit Northern Italy with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
130 tours in Northern ItalyFor complete freedom with expert backup, private tours hit the mark perfectly. Many guests go for the 7-day driving experience through the Italian lakes - you can take your time exploring Maggiore, Como and also Garda. We suggest stops at historic villas, scenic lookouts and lake towns, but you're in charge of the schedule. The 8-day Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre combination works well too, mixing private city guides with first-class train travel. Our travelers often tell us how much they value having WhatsApp support while keeping their independence to explore as they please.
Top Northern Italy travel itineraries to fit your plans
Week-long Northern Italy tours follow two main patterns: lakes or mountains. The lakes circuit starts in Milan then moves to Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore and also Lake Como. You'll boat to islands like Isola Bella with its baroque palace and Isola dei Pescatori where fishermen's houses line narrow lanes. For mountain lovers, Dolomites tours usually begin in Venice before winding through high passes to places like Cortina d'Ampezzo and also Lake Misurina. Our customers often mention loving how cultural stops mix with natural scenery. The local guides get great feedback, especially for city walks in places like Verona with its Roman sites and Juliet's balcony. With 2-3 nights in each spot, the pace stays comfortable.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Milan, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Garda, Verona, Pieve di Cadore, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Misurina, Corvara in Badia, Mount Marmolada, Canazei, Merano, Bolzano, Trento
See all tours
Longer 10-day tours let you really sink into Northern Italy, running from Rome all the way to Turin or Venice. You might start with two full days in Rome exploring the Vatican and Forum before taking fast trains north to Florence, Venice and also Milan. Some routes continue to Turin to discover its elegant squares and chocolate heritage, while others spend more time around Lake Como and the Italian Alps. Our travelers like how full free days mix with guided activities. Special experiences often pop up - like after-hours visits to St. Mark's Basilica or private prosecco tastings in Conegliano. The longer duration means you can take things slower while still hitting the major sites.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Reschen am See, Burgeis, Schluderns, Silandro, Naturns, Merano, Nals, Lake Kaltern
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Milan, Bellagio, Verona, Venice, Burano, Veneto, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello, Murano, Trevi, Vatican City, Rome
Demographics
The Dolomites hiking tours work really well for solo travelers - our groups are small and the guides adjust the routes based on weather and how everyone's feeling. Previous travelers tell us they love finding quiet spots for picnics and learning about the UNESCO mountain landscapes. If you're into food, the Venice, Bologna and Rome tours let you get hands-on with pasta making and explore local markets without feeling awkward on your own. People particularly mention how much they enjoy having hotels right in the center and sharing meals with their group. Lake Como is another good option - you'll stay in one nice lakeside town and take daily walks to different viewpoints and villages, joining group activities when you want or exploring by yourself.
Our northern lakes tours really hit the mark for couples, running 4-6 days from Milan through Lake Como, Lake Garda and also Verona. Past guests tell us they love having both guided walks and free time, especially in Bellagio where they can wander the old streets together whenever they like. The Bernina Express train adds something special - you'll share incredible Alpine views through big panoramic windows. For couples who like being active together, the Dolomites hiking tours combine quiet mountain paths with lovely Alpine hotels serving excellent local food.
Our active tours that mix outdoor activities with city life really appeal to young adults. The 10-day Italy Escape connects Rome, Florence and also Venice by train, with a good balance of guided tours and free time to explore. Many like having the transport sorted between cities while keeping the freedom to find their own favorite spots. The northern lakes tours are popular too, particularly when combined with Milan's fashion scene and evening aperitivo culture. The food tours through Venice, Bologna and also Tuscany let you learn traditional cooking right from local producers.
The northern lakes tours work perfectly for seniors with their well-planned 4-6 day itineraries covering Lake Como, Lake Garda and also Verona. Our guides share detailed historical knowledge while keeping an easy pace that works for everyone. The Bernina Express train journey is a real highlight - you get amazing mountain views from comfortable seats without any difficult walking. Many of our senior travelers also enjoy the food tours through Venice and also Bologna, where you can learn about traditional products while staying in central hotels that keep walking distances short.
- Solo Travelers229 tours
- Couples84 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)5 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)99 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Northern Italy
- Spring 2025
Spring hits the sweet spot for Northern Italy's lakes and mountain tours. Starting from Milan, our April-May routes head to Lake Como where the Alps create perfect mirror images on the quiet waters. The 4-day northern lakes circuit really works well this time of year - you get perfect weather for boat rides to Bellagio and walks through Villa Carlotta as the camellias start to show their colors. Over at Lake Garda, our travelers love watching the Mediterranean plants wake up along the coastal paths. When May comes around, the Dolomites hiking tours begin just as alpine meadows fill with wildflowers, and those occasional snowy patches on high trails make for great photo opportunities.
- 56 tours
- 148 tours
- popular 188 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer opens up every mountain trail in Northern Italy. Our 8-day Dolomites programs mix serious hiking with nice hotels in Dobbiaco, and the Three Peaks circuit gives you views that seem to go on forever. The lakes really come alive too - Como and Garda are perfect for mixing culture with swimming breaks. We build in time between town visits so you can cool off at local beaches. The Bernina Express train comes with welcome air conditioning for the Alps crossing, and those warm evenings work perfectly for tasting sessions at Franciacorta's hillside wine estates.
- popular 212 tours
- 197 tours
- 197 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings out the best in Northern Italy's food scene. September and October visitors join the wine harvest in Franciacorta, where our small groups get private tastings at family vineyards. The mild weather makes city walks much nicer - especially around Milan's Duomo without the summer crowds. Lake Como puts on a show as mountain leaves turn gold and red, making a perfect setting for boat trips to Bellagio and also Varenna. Our Bologna cooking classes really shine this season too - you'll learn to make fresh pasta while trying new olive oils and wines straight from harvest.
- popular 206 tours
- 174 tours
- 43 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- 21 tours
- popular 34 tours
- 27 tours
Contact our Northern Italy travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Northern Italy at TourRadar
Esteban is one of our seasoned Northern Italy Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Italy tours answered!
- Choose from 289+ Northern Italy tours
- 886 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331