8 day itinerary for Italy

Itinerary

An 8-day adventure through Northern Italy sounds like a dream! Let’s dive into an itinerary that will let you soak up the beauty, culture, and delicious cuisine of this stunning region. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour!

## Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Morning: Arrive in Milan. Check into your hotel and freshen up. Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast—think cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant).

Afternoon: Head to the iconic Duomo di Milano. Climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city. Don’t forget to snap some photos! Afterward, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping or just to admire the architecture.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Brera district. Try some risotto alla Milanese or ossobuco. If you’re up for it, catch a performance at La Scala if there’s a show that night!

## Day 2: Milan to Lake Como

Morning: After breakfast, take a train to Como (about 1 hour). Once you arrive, explore the charming town of Como. Visit the Como Cathedral and take a leisurely walk along the lakefront.

Afternoon: Hop on a ferry to Bellagio, often called the "Pearl of the Lake." Enjoy lunch at a lakeside café and take in the stunning views. Spend some time wandering the picturesque streets and gardens.

Evening: Return to Como and have dinner at a local trattoria. Try some fresh lake fish or pasta dishes. Overnight in Como.

## Day 3: Lake Como to Venice

Morning: After breakfast, take a morning train to Venice (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore!

Afternoon: Start your Venetian adventure at St. Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Don’t forget to take a gondola ride through the canals for that quintessential Venice experience!

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant along the Grand Canal. Try some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of local wine. Stroll through the charming streets after dinner.

## Day 4: Venice Exploration

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Rialto Market to see the local produce and seafood. Then, head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for some modern art.

Afternoon: Explore the Jewish Ghetto and learn about its history. Grab lunch at a local eatery. Spend the afternoon wandering the lesser-known canals and bridges.

Evening: For dinner, try a seafood risotto or spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). Enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps with a gelato in hand as you stroll along the canals.

## Day 5: Venice to Portofino

Morning: Depart Venice early and take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure (about 4 hours). From there, catch a short bus or ferry to Portofino.

Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the picturesque harbor of Portofino. Visit Castello Brown for panoramic views and enjoy lunch at a seaside café.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant overlooking the harbor. Try some local specialties like trofie al pesto. Spend the night in Portofino, soaking in the charming atmosphere.

## Day 6: Portofino to Manarola

Morning: After breakfast, take a ferry or train to Manarola (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation and get ready to explore.

Afternoon: Spend the day hiking the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) to Riomaggiore. Enjoy the stunning coastal views and take plenty of photos. Have lunch in Riomaggiore.

Evening: Return to Manarola for dinner. Try the local seafood and a glass of Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine from the region. Enjoy the sunset over the colorful houses.

## Day 7: Manarola to Lake Garda

Morning: Depart Manarola and head to Lake Garda (about 3 hours by train). Arrive in Sirmione, a charming town on the lake.

Afternoon: Explore the Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo (Roman ruins). Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant, savoring the local cuisine.

Evening: Spend the evening relaxing by the lake. Try some local wines and enjoy dinner at a trattoria. Overnight in Sirmione.

## Day 8: Lake Garda to Bolzano and Departure

Morning: After breakfast, take a train to Bolzano (about 2 hours). Explore the charming old town and visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local café, sampling some Tyrolean specialties. Take a stroll through the beautiful Walther Square.

Evening: Depending on your departure plans, you can either head back to Milan (about 3 hours by train) or spend a little more time in Bolzano before your journey home.

Tips:

• Make sure to check train schedules in advance, as they can vary.
• Consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan to take multiple train journeys.
• Don’t forget to indulge in gelato at every opportunity!

This itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and culinary delights, giving you a taste of Northern Italy’s charm. Enjoy your trip! 🍝🌍✨