The beauty of Italy is undeniable. It captivates your attention and steals your heart. While many may dream of Lake Como or the Dolomites in the summer, there is so much more to Northern Italy that is every bit as stunning no matter the season. There are breathtaking gardens, UNESCO world heritage sites, incredible restaurants, one of my favorite spa hotels, ruins, shopping, and so much more. Traveling in and out of Malpensa airport lends itself to the perfect road trip. Let this be your guide to spending time in Northern Italy traveling between the lakes and other surrounding cities.
When planning my Italy itinerary, I focus heavily on finding the ideal places to stay. There are some larger hotels listed below, but also options for the personalized touch that a smaller, boutique hotel may offer. Many of the hotels are a destination in and of themselves. Italy offers a paucity of choices with every single one possessing its own unique qualities.
*Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you!*
Transportation
There are a number of airports that service Milan and the surrounding area. My recommendation is to fly in and out of Malpensa airport. This airport is located about 45 minutes to the northwest of Milan proper. Renting a car from the airport is most convenient. Prior to arrival, you will need to obtain an international driving permit. This is something that can be taken care of at your local AAA. There is a small fee, and the permit is typically good for one year.
If you are concerned about renting a car abroad, driving in northern Italy is very reasonable. During the winter, there are some roads that are rather narrow with blind curves. To avoid these situations, consider mapping your routes out in advance. You can also contact hotels prior to your stay and ask about the most convenient route for arrival. Our hotel in Stresa was able to outline their preferred driving route and some of the advantages and disadvantages of other options.
I have rented from a number of different companies. Mainly, I was interested in the best price and an automatic transmission. It may seem like many of the companies offer only manual transmission, but there are almost always automatics in their fleet. You can search for options here with Discover Cars. In the summer, it is beneficial to book further in advance. Prices can get rather high. In the winter, I booked last minute without much difficulty.
I recommend returning your car to Malpensa prior to spending time in the city of Milan. There is a train station at the airport that takes you into the city center. Driving in Milan looks daunting, and it is easy to move around the city on foot or via metro using public transportation.
If you want to avoid renting a car, there are a few other options. You can travel via train. Also, you could use a private driver such as daytrip. This service can be a little more expensive, but it provides door to door service. All of my experiences with daytrip have been wonderful. Finally, you can search day trips from Milan via Get Your Guide for a number of options that leave from the heart of Milan.
Travel Itinerary
I want to provide a few sample itineraries that I have utilized for my own personal travels along with cities that you should consider including during your time in Northern Italy. Some beautiful cities/regions to visit include: Stresa, Sirmione, Bergamo, Franciacorta, and Verona. Outside of Lake Como, I found Lakes Maggiore, Orta, and Garda to also be simply gorgeous.
During each trip, I always spend the end of my itinerary in Milan. I will include a couple of tips for your stay in Milan that will help you to plan your visit.
While I think it is possible to include Venice, I found the cities mentioned to offer more than enough to fill anywhere between seven to fourteen days. For reference, Venice is just over three hours driving distance from Malpensa. Below is an overview of the suggested cities followed by the sample itineraries.
Stresa & Lake Maggiore
Stresa is located on the shore of Lake Maggiore. It is a short drive from Malpensa airport at under one hour. I found it to be a perfect starting point to explore Northern Italy. There are a number of things that make Stresa special that I will outline below. I have listed my hotel recommendations in addition to the highlights to see in and around the city.
Hotel Recommendations Stresa
There are two hotels that I recommend in Stresa. The Hotel Villa E Palazzo Aminta I personally stayed at during our trip. I also did extensive research on the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees and walked through the hotel during our trip. Both would provide excellent choices.
Hotel Villa E Palazzo Aminta. This hotel is located a short drive from the main town of Stresa. There is a hotel shuttle that operates throughout the day taking guests to and from the center. During our stay, it did not run in the evening making a trip into town for dinner a little difficult unless you drive your own vehicle. Perhaps this is the only disadvantage to staying here versus Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees. The rooms are traditional and beautifully appointed. The bathroom includes a marble bath, Acqua di Parma products, and Etro robes. I did not opt for a view of the lake, but many rooms have gorgeous views of the lake. The non alcoholic beverages in the minibar are included with your room. Breakfast can be included dependent upon how you book, and the views from the restaurant’s outdoor patio are dreamy.
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees. This hotel is also located on the shore of Lake Maggiore in closer proximity to the main town of Stresa. It has the same grandeur of the Hotel Villa E Palazzo Aminta. Although I did not stay here, the lobby was beautiful, and it enjoys very good reviews. I do feel the advantage to this hotel is the proximity to town. If I returned to Stresa, I would definitely book a stay at this hotel.
Things to do Stresa
1. The Borromean Islands. If there is one thing that is an absolute must do, it is visiting the Borromean Islands. I recommend purchasing a boat transfer that includes all three islands. They are Isola Madre, Isola de Pescatori, and Isola Bella. You will find multiple companies operating small boat transfers between the three islands. We did not book in advance, and we easily were placed on the next boat headed for Isola Madre. I would recommend starting with Isola Madre, travel next to Isola de Pescatori for lunch, and end your day at Isola Bella. Isola Madre has beautiful gardens and a villa to explore. Isola de Pescatori is primarily restaurants, but it is worth walking around the entire island. Finally, head to Isola Bella to spend the majority of your time. There are gardens here that will make your jaw drop in awe. The associated villa is also quite grand. Around the island you will find shopping and, of course, places to stop for gelato. Plan to spend a generous half day to full day exploring the Borromean Islands.
2. Parco Villa Pallavicino. The Parco Villa Pallavicino is a beautiful garden with views over Lake Maggiore. You will start your visit with a little bit of exercise walking uphill. From here, there are a number of gardens to explore along with a petting zoo. This would be a great place to bring kids. I found their small cafe that served sandwiches and drinks to be a highlight. The sandwich was wonderful, and there was something about enjoying a glass of Prosecco looking at the gardens that was very memorable and enjoyable.
Please see my post From Milan to Lake Maggiore : A Guide to Stresa for all of the details about visiting Stresa and Lake Maggiore.
Lake Orta
Lake Orta has done a relatively good job of staying hidden. Not many people are talking about it, but I am going to give you all the details to make your time here perfection. This small lake even in the heat of summer was not terribly crowded. I am at the point where I absolutely relish finding off the beaten path places like this that you can’t stop thinking about. I highly recommend a visit here.
Hotel Recommendation Lake Orta
1. Look no further than Villa Crespi for your stay in Lake Orta. You have to trust me that this Relais and Chateaux hotel is beyond your wildest dreams. It is literally all in the details with this villa once owned by a wealthy family from Milan. Everything from floor to ceiling is done to an ornate magnificence. The rooms are all unique and rather large. Even the bathroom products alone could be found in glass bottles. Relais and Chateaux has rarely let me down. If they place their stamp of approval, this is a property you need to know more about.
Things to Do Lake Orta
1. Visit the Sacro Monte di Orta. This UNESCO world heritage site consists of 20 chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi perched with breathtaking views of Isola San Giulio and Lake Orta. Construction began in the 1500s. This is such a special place to walk around. I recommend walking from Villa Crespi and then making the descent into the town of Orta San Giulio.
2. Wander around Orta San Giulio and travel to Isola San Giulio. This town will feel like your own even during the crowded summer months. I am not going to tell you that there are not people here, but in comparison to Lake Como, the contract is stark. There are shops and beautiful passageways to explore. You also cannot miss taking a boat to Isola San Giulio. The approach from the boat is unforgettable. It is really beautiful, so have your camera ready. The structure of the island takes you in a circle. As you walk, you will find quotes on the signs that line your walkway reminding you of things such as “walls are in the mind.”
As you leave the town of Orta San Giulio, the hotel can mark a pathway for you to walk the scenic way back along the lake. There is not possibly a bad route to follow, but rather, many scenic ways to find yourself getting lost in Lake Orta. Find my full guide and hotel review to Lake Orta and Villa Crespi here.
Franciacorta
This region in Northern Italy is known for producing sparkling wine. Much like Lake Orta, this is yet another hidden gem that is too good to fly under the radar. Click here to access my full guide to the Franciacorta wine region that includes recommendations for a stay at L’Albereta, dinner at Due Colombe, and winery visits to Bellavista and Ca’ Del Bosco.
Lake Garda & Sirmione
As you travel east from Franciacorta, you will find yourself on the shores of Lake Garda. Prior to our first trip, we received a recommendation from a friend’s wife that grew up in Northern Italy. It was to visit Sirmione. This beautiful town can be enjoyed over the course of a day or a shorter time frame if needed. As you are nearing Sirmione, I found ample parking in the morning near the water in the area close to Rocca Scaligera. This is the medieval fortress that marks the entry point to the town.
Things to Do Sirmione
1. Rocca Scaligera. Start your visit by exploring this castle. Climb to the top of the tower for better views over the turquoise waters below. This castle of Sirmione served as a battle fortress in the 13th and 14th centuries.
2. Wander the charming streets. Stop for a gelato or sandwich at one of the many cafes. For a more elevated dining experience, have dinner at La Rucola 2.0 or Molin 22.
3. Enjoy Aquaria THERMAL spa. This spa boasts swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools. There are wonderful views from the sulphorous water as this spa is located on the peninsula.
4. Grottoes of Catullus. These ruins from a Roman villa are the most extensive in Northern Italy. Perhaps what I loved the most about my visit was having this entire place practically to myself. It is rare to find a tourist site with so few people, but there are many beautiful places in Northern Italy with fewer crowds even during summer.
Hotel Recommendations:
There are a number of options to choose from on Lake Garda and near Sirmione. With that being said, I am going to offer one recommendation located about one hour from Sirmione. This hotel is one of the most impressionable, incredible places that I have ever visited.
1. Lefay Lake Garda. This spa hotel is perched above Lake Garda with breathtaking views in every direction. Some of my favorite photographs came from the terraces outside this hotel. This property offers spa amenities beyond any spa that I have ever been to in the United States and abroad. In my opinion, the only spa that compares is the Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland. You will begin your stay with a non alcoholic welcome drink prepared in the bar. This is followed by a trip to your room with more information about the hotel and all the spa amenities. Whether it is in one of their seven different types or saunas or one of six relaxation rooms, I can almost guarantee you will find yourself never wanting to leave. The next morning, enjoy a breakfast spread with endless possibilities in your robe (if you like).
Lefay does have another property in Italy, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, located 1 hr and 45 minutes north of their Lake Garda property. They also have plans for an upcoming location in Crans-Montana.
Verona
Verona is about 30 minutes from Sirmione via car, but I am going to discuss it separately as there is a lot to see and do in the area. I enjoyed staying outside Verona and have a lovely hotel recommendation. Without difficulty, I found a parking lot in Verona that allowed easy access to traverse the city. Most of Verona is walkable, so there is not much need for your car. I have included below a sampling of my favorite things in Verona, but there is much more if you have the time.
Things to Do Verona:
1. Juliet’s Balcony. This was probably the busiest tourist site that we saw while in Verona and on much of our Northern Italy trip. I enjoyed walking in and taking some photographs, but due to the crowds, I avoided lingering or exploring any further.
2. Arena di Verona. This “mini colosseum” is just stunning and, of course, much less crowded than the Colosseum in Rome even in the middle of summer. They have operas and musical performances regularly in the arena. With advance planning, this could be an amazing way to experience this arena.
3. Piazza Bra. This is the Piazza that surrounds the arena and the largest public square in the city of Verona. You will find charming scenery and cafes to relax and take in your surroundings.
4. Torre di Lamberti. This tower boasts incredible 360 degree views over the city of Verona. As you may expect, with the views comes a climb to the top. You can take a lift over half of the way, and you can complete the climb via stairs.
5. Basilica of St. Anastasia. This gothic style church is the largest in Verona that dates back to the late 3rd and early 4th century.
6. Shopping. While Milan is pretty much shopping perfection, there were some fun stores to explore in Verona. My favorite that I stumbled upon was Lazzari, a women’s clothing store. They have a total of four stores throughout Italy in smaller cities.
7. Ponte Pietra. There are a number of lovely bridges in Verona. The Ponte Pietra is the oldest in the city of Verona. It was completed in 100 BC!
8. Giusti Gardens. Although these gardens are a bit of a walk from the other attractions, I loved visiting Giusti Gardens. They are definitely worth your time for a visit while in Verona. There are some really beautiful viewpoints in the gardens. I didn’t see this mentioned on many websites prior to my travels, so I am happy to recommend a visit.
*Madonna Della Corona. This sanctuary is not located in Verona; however, it is possible to visit this church while traveling around Lake Garda. If you stay at Villa Cordevigo listed below, the drive is about 30 minutes to the town of Spiazzi. In Spiazzi, we arrived in the morning and were able to find a parking spot with relative ease. From there, you can follow signs to the sanctuary. This beautiful church is built to the side of the cliff 2000 feet above sea level and is definitely a sight to behold. There is a bit of a walk that involves both uphill and downhill to arrive at the sanctuary. While there is definitely effort required to visit Madonna Della Corona, it is a beauty to behold and was worth the visit in my opinion. Of note, you will find many notices informing you that flying a drone in the area is prohibited.
Hotel Recommendation Verona:
1. Villa Cordevigo. This 5 star hotel is a Relais and Chateaux property located just under 30 minutes from both Verona and Sirmione. It is the perfect location to enjoy both cities in close proximity to Lake Garda. Also, it allows for access to Madonna Della Corona. Outside of its great location, this property boasts a beautiful estate and a phenomenal restaurant, Oseleta. Oseleta is the name of a Veronese grape that is grown on the estate. The estate produces a number of wines under the Villa Cordevigo label with three of them being organic. Sustainability is one of the focuses of the property with efforts to reduce carbon footprint and promote a healthy lifestyle at the forefront.
The hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant experience was just one of many highlights of this stay. From the aperitif before dinner to the cheese trolley at the end, the dining experience and beautiful views out the window overlooking the property made for the perfect evening. The beauty of the estate, pool, and the grounds are worth taking in with a slow start to your morning. Breakfast was included with our stay, which we enjoyed on the patio overlooking the pool. The 40 rooms are all charming and unique with beautiful wood beam ceilings.
Bergamo
I visited Bergamo after a recommendation from one of the winery owners in Franciacorta. As the stop was rather last minute, I did not realize that the town is divided between the upper and lower part of the city. For a visitor, the upper part of the city or the more historic area is where you would want to spend your time. With that being said, the first thing to discuss is parking. We attempted parking in the upper part, which I would not recommend. There were problems with the parking lot entry and exit. Also, spaces were very limited. On a return visit, I would recommend parking in the lower city at Parcheggio Piazza Liberta or San Marco. You can walk to the funicular from here and travel to the upper city in three minutes. The funicular runs regularly throughout the day.
Things to Do Bergamo:
I only spent a few hours in Bergamo and would definitely want to return on a future visit. Unfortunately, it was raining during our visit, but the charm of the old town was still evident. I focused on visiting the Basilica and Chapel along with doing some window shopping. While I am not an expert on Bergamo, I wanted to include this in the itinerary.
Travel Tips & Planning for Milan:
1. Where to stay. While a location near the Duomo or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele may seem like the ideal location to stay in Milan, it is not entirely necessary to stay close to it. I have stayed at The Westin Palace and the Hotel Excelsior Gallia Marriott on past visits. Both are located relatively close to Milan Central Station. This allows you to arrive in central Milan from Malpensa with a short travel time to your hotel. Also, both hotels are located within short walking distance to the metro allowing you to be at the Duomo in no time. The metro system is very user friendly. Finally, staying at either hotel allows you to search for a military, senior, or AAA rate if applicable. Overseas, I have been offered some pretty phenomenal rooms at a great price taking advantage of one of these rates.
2. Viewing The Last Supper. The Last Supper is such an incredible place to visit while in Milan. In advance of my trip, I was not able to buy tickets directly from the website. In order to ensure I was able to visit, I booked a tour with Viator that included a visit to The Last Supper followed by a short walking tour in the area. Here is a link to the Viator tour that I used to visit The Last Supper. This is a very comparable option from Get Your Guide that includes your ticket to see the Last Supper with a short walking tour.
3. Shopping. Milan can supply you with countless shopping pursuits that could take away literally all of your time. One advantage of traveling in July was access to their summer sales. Many places were offering at least 30% off and, of course, don’t forget to ask for tax free. Some places that I love are Forte Forte, Ottod’Ame, Alysi, and the department store La Rinascente. My last recommendation is to shop for luxury goods while in Milan, particularly Italian brands such as Bottega Veneta.
4. Teatro La Scala. Not only should you visit Teatro La Scala, but if you are able, I highly recommend booking opera, ballet, or other performance tickets while in Milan. Attending the opera here was an unforgettable experience that I still think about. If you want details about where to sit or other tips, check my blog post on An Evening at Teatro La Scala.
5. Duomo roof. No visit to Milan would be complete without touring the Duomo. To add to this, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the roof of the Duomo. The views and intricacies of the roof are worth seeing for yourself.
Sample Northern Italy Itinerary One : 10 days
Day one. Travel from Malpensa Airport to Stresa. Via car, the travel time to Stresa is between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Day two. Spend your second day also enjoying Stresa with another overnight stay.
Day three. Drive from Stresa to the shores of Lake Orta. This is just over a 30 minute drive. Spend the night enjoying Lake Orta.
Day four. Leave Lake Orta headed east to Bergamo versus Franciacorta. If you love sparkling wine, I recommend spending two evenings in the Brescia region. Make a day trip to Bergamo versus spending the evening here.
Day five. Spend the remainder of your day and evening in the Brescia region.
Day six. Travel to the shores of Lake Garda. Stay in Sirmione versus traveling north along the lake to Lefay.
Day seven. Lake Garda area.
Day eight. Verona.
Day nine. Travel back to Milan.
Day ten. Milan.
Sample Northern Italy Itinerary Two : 7 days
Day one. Travel from Milan to Stresa. Spend the evening in Stresa.
Day two. Explore Stresa in AM and drive to Lake Orta. Spend afternoon exploring Lake Orta and stay overnight.
Day three. Morning in Lake Orta then make drive to Franciacorta. Spend afternoon enjoying sparkling wine and stay overnight.
Day four. Possibly visit another winery in AM then check out for a drive to Lefay Dolomiti.
Day five. Enjoy Lefay and in AM and check out for a drive to Verona for exploring in the afternoon. Stay overnight in or near Verona.
Day six. Check out of hotel and drive to Spiazzi for viewing Madonna Della Corona. After visiting this sanctuary, make the drive back to Milan.
Day seven. Enjoy one day in Milan.
Sample Northern Italy Itinerary 3: 7 days
Day one. Travel from Milan to Como town. Dependent upon the season, explore Bellagio and Varenna versus just Como town. Although I did not mention it above, if you would like to visit Lake Como, here is a post with more information on Exploring Lake Como in November. Spend the evening on Lake Como.
Day two. Drive from Lake Como to Franciacorta wine region. Spend evening in Franciacorta.
Day three. Explore Franciacorta.
Day four. Leave Franciacorta for Sirmione. Explore Sirmione and spend evening on Lake Garda.
Day five. Leave Lake Garda headed back to Milan. Consider a stop in Bergamo.
Day six. Explore Milan.
Day seven. Explore Milan.
In Summary
While everyone may talk about the Cinque Terre, Florence, and Tuscany, Northern Italy has so much to offer travelers. After visiting in summer and winter, I can say with confidence you will love your time here. These travel tips and ideas are designed to help facilitate your trip planning whether you plan to spend a week or longer. I hope they allow you to create your perfect Northern Italy Itinerary.
