7-Day Northern Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northern Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days Lake Garda Cycling, incl. Desenzano and Salò

  Lake Garda's shores guide this 7-day cycling route from Desenzano del Garda. Riders pass Peschiera fortress, pedal through Bardolino's vineyards, and venture into the Sarca Valley, visiting Lake Ledro and Lake Idro. Daily 50km rides feature stays at quality hotels like Hotel Bonotto and La Perla.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Desenzano/Sirmione

    Start your Lake Garda cycling adventure in Desenzano del Garda. Take time to check your bike setup and explore the area. The historic center and lakeside promenade offer a perfect warm-up walk. The Desenzano train station is centrally located with easy bike access to most hotels.

    
  • Day 2

    Desenzano to Garda (45 km)

    Start your counterclockwise lake circuit through the Lugana wine region. The route to Peschiera's star-shaped fortress stays mostly flat but becomes hillier later. You'll need extra water since the Bardolino vineyard stretch has few refill spots. A pine-shaded lakeside path leads into Garda town offering cool relief from the afternoon sun.

    
  • Day 3

    Garda to Torbole/Riva (65 km)

    The route leaves the lakeshore for the Adige Valley climbing through olive groves before dropping to Mori. You'll need good stamina for the Passo San Giovanni climb but the lake views make it worthwhile. Start early since afternoon winds can be strong on the final stretch to Torbole.

    
  • Day 4

    Sarca Valley Circuit (50 km)

    Follow the Sarca River's cycle path to Pietramurata through peaceful nature park terrain. Stop at Arco's hilltop fortress but secure your bikes well at this popular spot. The valley provides good shade but bring layers since mountain weather can shift quickly.

    
  • Day 5

    Torbole to Salò (65 km + transfer)

    Begin with a transfer to Lake Ledro before tackling rolling terrain. The route passes Lake Idro with its crystal waters and mountain views. Enjoy the mostly downhill ride through Val Sabbia but watch for loose gravel. As one cyclist shared: "The lakefront gelaterias are a perfect reward after a long ride - try the local pistachio flavor while watching the sunset over the water."

    
  • Day 6

    Salò to Desenzano (45 km)

    The final leg goes through inland wine country. Sample the local Lugana or Chiaretto wines after your ride. Morning fog can make paths slippery so consider starting mid-morning. It's a shorter route but still includes some hills.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Desenzano

    Leave time for bike return and travel arrangements. Consider staying longer to enjoy Sirmione's thermal baths or take a lake ferry to other towns.

    

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• 7 Days in Northern Italy, incl. Milan and Venice

  

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  • Day 1

    Milan

    Begin in Milan with a walk through the historic center. Take the Malpensa Express train from the airport to Milano Centrale. It's quicker and costs less than a taxi during busy hours. End your day with drinks in the Navigli district, where you can join locals for the traditional aperitivo.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Como & Bellagio

    Travel to Como city (1 hour from Milan) to visit the Gothic Cathedral and Piazza Cavour. When in Bellagio, you'll find steep cobblestone streets. Wear sturdy shoes, especially from October to March when steps get slippery. Walk along the lake to Villa Melzi gardens. Late morning offers the best photo opportunities.

    
  • Day 3

    St. Moritz & Bernina Express

    Leave early for St. Moritz (3 hours away). Take the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express train to Tirano. Choose the right side of the train to see the Morteratsch Glacier. Pack extra clothes. The temperature drops quite a bit at higher altitudes, even in summer.

    
  • Day 4

    Brescia & Lake Garda

    Spend your morning at Brescia's Roman ruins and Renaissance squares. Visit Lake Garda's Sirmione peninsula after 3 PM when tourist numbers drop. The thermal springs near Grotte di Catullo are quieter in early evening.

    
  • Day 5

    Verona & Padua

    Visit Verona early. Juliet's House gets packed between 10 AM and 2 PM. For Padua's Scrovegni Chapel, book your 15-minute slot at least a day before. Take an evening walk on Via del Santo to see authentic local life.

    
  • Day 6

    Venice

    Take a boat to Venice. The Grand Canal looks beautiful in morning light. Be ready for potential flooding in St. Mark's Square from October to March. Bring waterproof footwear. A recent visitor shared: "The secret was exploring the quiet streets of Dorsoduro in late afternoon—we found amazing cicchetti bars where locals eat, away from the tourist crowds."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Venice

    Book afternoon flights if possible. Morning water taxis to Marco Polo Airport can face delays from fog, particularly in fall and winter.

    

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• 7 Day Northern Italian Lakes Itinerary, incl. Como and Dolomites

  The lakes of Northern Italy unfold over 7 days from Milan, with stops at Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Private boats glide to the Borromean Islands, past Bellagio's luxurious villas, and Sirmione's medieval castle. The tour includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels, expert multilingual guidance, and tastings of Prosecco and local specialties.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Italian Lakes Region

    Begin in Milan and travel to Lake Orta, a hidden gem among Italian lakes. Take a morning boat to San Giulio Island to explore its monastery before crowds arrive. Next, visit Lake Maggiore and tour the Borromean Islands. "The islands were a highlight, especially Isola Bella with its baroque palace." Spend your second day at Lake Como, taking an early ferry to Bellagio. Go before 10 AM to avoid crowds and get clear photos where the lake splits into three parts.

    
  • Day 3

    Lake Garda & Verona

    Visit Sirmione on Lake Garda to see the medieval Scaliger Castle. Take a boat ride around the peninsula for great views of Roman ruins. Later, head to Verona. "Getting into Verona's Arena early evening was perfect – fewer tourists and beautiful golden light for photography." Visit Piazza delle Erbe in the evening when it's quieter.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Dolomites Base in Cortina

    Drive through Val di Fassa to reach Cortina d'Ampezzo, your mountain base. Start early the next day to visit Lake Misurina for photos of the Tre Cime peaks. Remember to bring warm clothes. "Even in summer, bring a warm jacket for the high passes, where temperatures can drop significantly."

    
  • Day 6

    Mountain Passes & Merano

    Take a scenic drive over Falzarego Pass to view the Marmolada glacier. Stop at Lake Carezza to see its green waters. Visit Merano to walk through medieval porticoes and sample Südtirol wines. End your day in Bolzano to see the Ötzi Ice Man museum.

    
  • Day 7

    Wine Route to Trento

    Travel the Südtirol Wine Route through small villages like Caldaro. Stop at local family wineries along the way. Your final stop is Trento, where Buonconsiglio Castle offers great city views. Drive back to Milan takes about 3 hours on the highway.

    

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