Itinerary

An 8-day adventure in Northern Italy, especially around the stunning lakes, sounds like a fantastic idea! With your constraints in mind, I’ve crafted an itinerary that’s packed with fun activities for teenagers, scenic drives, and delicious Italian cuisine. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Morning:

• Arrive in Milan and pick up your rental car.
• Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon:

• Head to the iconic Duomo di Milano. Climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city.
• Grab lunch at a nearby café and try some authentic Italian pizza.

Evening:

• Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and gelato.
• Dinner at a local trattoria.

## Day 2: Milan to Lake Como

Morning:

• Drive to Lake Como (about 1.5 hours).
• Stop in Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake."

Afternoon:

• Explore the charming streets and have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
• Rent a boat or take a ferry to visit Varenna and check out the beautiful Villa Monastero.

Evening:

• Return to Bellagio for dinner. Enjoy some local fish dishes.
• Overnight in Bellagio.

## Day 3: Lake Como to Bergamo

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive to Bergamo (about 1 hour).
• Visit the Città Alta (Upper Town) and take the funicular for stunning views.

Afternoon:

• Explore the medieval streets and have lunch at a local café.
• Visit the Accademia Carrara for some art appreciation.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner in the Upper Town, perhaps trying the local dish, Polenta e Osei.
• Overnight in Bergamo.

## Day 4: Bergamo to Lake Garda

Morning:

• Depart for Lake Garda (about 1.5 hours).
• Stop in Sirmione, famous for its thermal baths and the Scaliger Castle.

Afternoon:

• Explore the castle and enjoy some time at the Grotte di Catullo.
• Have lunch in Sirmione, then head to Gardaland, one of Italy’s largest amusement parks, for an afternoon of thrills!

Evening:

• Dinner at a pizzeria in the area.
• Overnight near Lake Garda.

## Day 5: Lake Garda Adventures

Morning:

• After breakfast, head to Riva del Garda for some outdoor activities.
• Rent bikes and ride along the lake or try out some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch in Riva del Garda.
• Visit the Varone Waterfall for a refreshing nature experience.

Evening:

• Return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
• Overnight near Lake Garda.

## Day 6: Lake Garda to Verona

Morning:

• Drive to Verona (about 1 hour).
• Visit the famous Juliet’s Balcony and explore the charming streets.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch in the historic center.
• Visit the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater, and if time allows, catch a performance if there’s one scheduled.

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant, trying some Risotto all'Amarone.
• Overnight in Verona.

## Day 7: Verona to Venice

Morning:

• Depart for Venice (about 1.5 hours).
• Park at one of the car parks and take a vaporetto (water bus) to the city center.

Afternoon:

• Explore St. Mark’s Square and visit St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Have lunch at a café overlooking the Grand Canal.

Evening:

• Take a gondola ride for a unique view of the city.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant.
• Overnight in Venice.

## Day 8: Venice and Departure

Morning:

• Spend your last morning exploring the Rialto Market and perhaps picking up some souvenirs.
• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café.

Afternoon:

• Depending on your flight time, you might have a little more time to explore or take a final stroll along the canals.
• Drive back to Milan (about 3 hours) for your departure.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the opening hours of attractions and book tickets in advance where possible, especially for popular sites.
• Keep an eye on local events or festivals that might be happening during your visit; they can add a unique touch to your trip!

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your Northern Italy adventure! Enjoy the stunning landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences with your teenagers! Safe travels! 🌍🚗✨