12 day itinerary
Italy
Personalized with:Exclude rome, venice and florenceBudget Include must see attractions
Itinerary
Italy is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine, and there’s so much to explore beyond the big three. Here’s a delightful 12-day itinerary that will take you through some of Italy’s hidden gems while keeping your budget in check. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
- Morning: Arrive in Milan. Check into a budget-friendly hotel or hostel.
- Afternoon: Explore the iconic . Climb to the rooftop for stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Stroll through the and grab a gelato. Dinner at a local trattoria for some risotto alla Milanese.
Day 2: Milan to Lake
- Morning: Take a train to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town of . Visit the and take a funicular ride to for panoramic views.
- Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner in , known as the "Pearl of the Lake."
Day 3: Lake to
- Morning: Travel to (via train, about 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in . Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the town.
- Evening: Dinner at a seaside restaurant, trying local specialties like trofie al pesto.
Day 4: Explore
- All Day: Hike the scenic trails connecting the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore). Don’t miss the famous (Lover’s Lane) between Manarola and Riomaggiore.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner in Vernazza, soaking in the beautiful views.
Day 5: to Pisa and
- Morning: Take a train to Pisa (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Head to (30 minutes by train). Rent a bike and ride along the city walls, then explore the charming streets.
- Evening: Dinner in , trying local dishes like tortelli lucchese.
Day 6: to Bologna
- Morning: Travel to Bologna (about 1.5 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the Two Towers (Le Due Torri) and the . Don’t forget to try some famous Bolognese ragu!
- Evening: Enjoy a food tour or a cooking class to learn how to make traditional pasta.
Day 7: Bologna to
- Morning: Head to (about 1.5 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit and the . Take a leisurely stroll along the .
- Evening: Dinner in the historic center, perhaps trying some local wine from the Valpolicella region.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour by train to Desenzano del Garda).
- Afternoon: Explore , known for its thermal baths and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner, sampling fresh fish from the lake.
Day 9: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the and the . Wander through the picturesque streets and canals.
- Evening: Try local specialties like risotto alla pilota for dinner.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Visit the and the . Stroll through the beautiful .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional aperitivo in one of the many cafes.
Day 11: to and
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about 1.5 hours by train). Explore the town known for its truffles.
- Afternoon: Visit a winery in for a wine tasting and tour.
- Evening: Dinner in , trying local dishes paired with wine.
Day 12: Departure from Milan
- Morning: Head back to Milan (about 2 hours by train from ).
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit the if time allows.
- Evening: Depart from Milan.
Tips for Budget Travel:
- Transportation: Use regional trains for budget-friendly travel. Consider getting a rail pass if you plan to travel extensively by train.
- Accommodation: Look for hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb options. Booking in advance can often save you money.
- Food: Enjoy local markets and street food for affordable meals. Trattorias often offer great value for authentic meals.
This itinerary gives you a taste of Italy’s diverse regions, from the lakes to the mountains, and the culinary delights in between. Enjoy your adventure! 🍝🌍✨