Why We Chose Northern Italy
This Italy travel guide is based on a trip my husband and I took during a 22-day journey across Europe in late August 2022. We dedicated 5 unforgettable days to Northern Italy, drawn by its iconic cities, scenic lakes, efficient transportation, and — of course — the incredible food.
Meanwhile, I planned everything myself, using YouTube videos, travel blogs, and lots of research to build our itinerary. Booking transportation and stays separately gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace while saving money and making each moment more meaningful.
Table of Contents
- Our 5-Day Itinerary: Cities and Highlights
- Transportation in Northern Italy
- Where We Stayed and How We Saved
- What We Ate (And Loved)
- Costs and Budget Tips for 2025
- What We’d Do Differently
- Final Thoughts on Northern Italy Travel
Our 5-Day Itinerary: Cities and Highlights
We visited Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Bergamo, and Milan, with a quick day trip to Lugano, Switzerland. It was a fast-paced itinerary, but one packed with unforgettable views and experiences.
Venice: The Dream Come True
Venice exceeded all expectations. Every bridge, canal, and alley felt like walking inside a painting.
We explored Piazza San Marco, climbed the bell tower, and simply got lost — which is the best way to experience Venice. The gondola rides were pricey, so we skipped them, but the beauty of the city alone was more than enough.
Verona: A Rainy Interlude
We had high hopes for Verona, but unfortunately, it rained heavily the day we arrived. Sightseeing became difficult, and after just a few hours, we decided to head to Bergamo instead.
However, Verona remains on our list — we’ll definitely return under sunnier skies.
Lake Garda: Scenic and Serene
Lake Garda was pure magic. We took a boat ride across the lake, surrounded by the Alps in the distance.
The calm water, charming towns, and peaceful pace made it one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.
Bergamo: Hidden Gem with Family Ties
Bergamo was home base for part of the trip, thanks to my cousin who lives there. It’s a beautiful city, often overlooked by tourists.
We used Bergamo as a hub to explore nearby towns by car. While public transport is limited there, having a car gave us freedom and comfort.
Milan: Modern Meets Historic
In Milan, we explored the Duomo di Milano, one of the most impressive churches we’ve ever seen. We also joined a guided hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the city efficiently.
Milan is busy and stylish, with plenty of shopping and nightlife, but it still retains historic charm.
Bonus: Day Trip to Lugano, Switzerland
Crossing the border for a quick day in Lugano was a nice surprise. With clean streets, green hills, and delicious chocolate, it felt like stepping into another world — just a short drive away.
Transportation in Northern Italy
We used a combination of trains and a rental car. The train system in Italy is fast, reliable, and scenic.
For the Milan–Venice–Florence legs, we used Trenitalia and Italo high-speed trains. Prices for 2025 range from €25–€55 ($27–$60) per person, depending on the route and time.
For our trips from Bergamo to Lake Garda and Milan, we rented a car, which made things easier, especially in areas with less public transport. Parking can be tricky in cities, though.
🚆 Check train schedules and prices here
🚗 Compare car rentals for Italy
Where We Stayed and How We Saved
We prioritized affordable and well-located accommodations:
- Venice: We booked an Airbnb about 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square. It was much cheaper than staying near the canals and gave us an authentic feel of the city. Prices for similar stays in 2025 average around €90–€120/night ($96–$130).
- Bergamo: We stayed with my cousin, which helped cut costs significantly. From there, we made day trips to Milan, Lake Garda, and even Florence.
💡 Tip: Book early, especially in summer. Northern Italy fills up fast!
What We Ate (And Loved)
Italy is a food lover’s paradise — and we made the most of it.
We saved on food during the day by grabbing ready-to-eat meals from supermarkets, then splurged on dinner with wine, pasta, and dessert.
Favorite dishes:
- Pizza with lots of tomato sauce — simple but packed with flavor
- Fresh pasta and house wine — a daily tradition
- Cannoli — sweet, crunchy, creamy perfection
- Tiramisu and gelato — because… why not?
🍷 No need to tip in most restaurants — service is usually included.
Meanwhile, even budget restaurants serve high-quality food, making every meal an experience.
Costs and Budget Tips for 2025
We kept the trip budget-friendly by planning smart. Here are some updated 2025 costs and suggestions:
| Category | Daily Estimate (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $50–$65 | Airbnb or budget hotel with good location |
| Meals | $30–$50 | Grocery lunch + restaurant dinner |
| Attractions | $10–$20 | Many are free or under €10 |
| Transportation | $15–$25 | Train or car rental split with partner |
| Total per day | $105–$160 | Budget to mid-range |
Budget Tips:
- Book trains in advance for better fares
- Buy groceries for breakfast/lunch
- Walk as much as possible — Italian cities are walkable
- Look for city passes that include museums and public transit
What We’d Do Differently
While most of the trip went smoothly, there are a few things we’d adjust next time:
- Stay longer in Verona — and avoid rainy season if possible
- Book earlier in Venice to get better options closer to the city center
- Include more off-the-beaten-path towns — like Verona or Cinque Terre
In addition, we learned that pacing is key. Italy has so much to offer that it’s tempting to pack too much into a few days. Next time, we’ll slow down and stay longer in fewer cities.
Final Thoughts on Northern Italy Travel
This North Italy travel guide is more than just a memory — it’s an encouragement for others to plan their own Italian escape.
The mix of history, romance, affordability, and food makes Northern Italy perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you’re riding a boat across Lake Garda, getting lost in Venice, or sipping espresso in Milan, Italy invites you to live each moment fully.
If you’re considering Italy in 2025, do it. Plan ahead, pack light, eat well, and most importantly — enjoy the journey.
