This Italy travel guide is based on a trip to Italy my husband and I took during a 22-day journey across Europe in late August 2022. We dedicated 5 unforgettable days to North Italy, drawn by its iconic cities, scenic lakes, efficient transportation, and — of course — the incredible food that defines every Italy trip.
For me, this was more than just another destination. I had always dreamed of visiting Italy — I used to spend hours watching travel vlogs and imagining myself walking through the canals of Venice or enjoying an espresso in Milan. Another special reason to explore Northern Italy was family: I have cousins who have lived in Bergamo for over 10 years, which made this trip to Italy even more personal and meaningful.
Meanwhile, I planned everything myself, using YouTube videos, Italy travel blogs, and lots of research to build our personalized Italy itinerary. Booking transportation and stays separately gave us the flexibility to explore Venice, Milan, and nearby cities at our own pace — saving money while making every experience more authentic.
Our 5-Day Italy 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 North Italy trip, but one packed with breathtaking views, delicious food, and beautiful memories shared between family and friends.
Venice: The Dream Come True
Venice was always at the top of my bucket list. I had dreamed of seeing its canals since I was a teenager — and when I finally arrived, it felt surreal. Still, I’ll admit something: during the first few hours, I was a little scared. The city is like a maze! I constantly felt lost, walking through narrow alleys and tiny bridges, relying entirely on my phone’s GPS to find my way around.
But that confusion quickly turned into charm. Every bridge, canal, and alley felt like stepping inside a painting. We explored Piazza San Marco, climbed the bell tower, and simply wandered — which is truly the best way to experience Venice travel. Gondola rides were pricey, so we skipped them, but just watching them glide through the water was magical.
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.
Still, Verona remains on our list — we’ll definitely return under sunnier skies on a future trip to Italy.
Lake Garda: Scenic and Serene
Lake Garda, one of Northern Italy’s most stunning spots, 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 atmosphere made it one of the most relaxing parts of our Italy travel.
Bergamo: Hidden Gem with Family Ties
Bergamo was our home base for part of the North Italy trip, and it holds a special place in my heart. My cousins have lived there for more than 10 years, so it felt like visiting family rather than just another stop on the itinerary.
Bergamo itself is a hidden gem — charming, quiet, and authentic. Many Italy travel guides overlook it, but it’s worth a visit. We used it as a hub to explore nearby towns by car. While public transport is more limited, having a car gave us freedom and comfort to explore at our own pace.
Milan: Modern Meets Historic
Milan truly surprised me. I didn’t expect the city to have such a rich architectural mix — modern buildings blending beautifully with historic sites. It’s vibrant and elegant at the same time.
We spent the day visiting the Duomo di Milano, which is even more stunning in person than in pictures, and walking through the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The cathedral’s interior is breathtaking — with stained glass windows, marble floors, and the chance to climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of Milan.
👉 If you’re planning your own Italy travel guide through Milan, don’t miss the chance to go inside — you can book your Duomo di Milano tickets here to skip the line and access both the church and rooftop terrace.
Another pleasant surprise was the amount of public transportation available. Milan has one of the most efficient networks in Italy — subways, trams, and buses everywhere. To make the most of it, we joined a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which took us to several major attractions around the city. It was totally worth it, especially because Milan feels huge compared to other North Italy cities.
👉 You can book the same Milan Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour here — it’s a great way to explore the best of the city in one day.
Bonus: Day Trip to Lugano, Switzerland
My cousin gave us a wonderful gift — a one-day trip to Lugano, Switzerland. We drove from Bergamo to Lugano, and the entire journey was stunning. The highway passes through the mountains, with postcard-worthy views at every turn. Along the way, we crossed a small toll station — a common thing in Italy and Switzerland — where you pay a few euros to access certain stretches of the road.
Once we arrived, the scenery took our breath away. The lake, surrounded by green hills and snow-capped mountains in the distance, was incredible. Lugano felt peaceful and elegant — clean streets, friendly people, and delicious chocolate everywhere. It was the perfect day trip to complement our North Italy itinerary.
Transportation in Northern Italy
We used a mix of trains and car rentals to move between Venice, Bergamo, and Milan. The train system in Italy is fast, scenic, and affordable — ideal for anyone planning a trip to Italy.
For the Milan–Venice route, we used Trenitalia and Italo high-speed trains, which cost between €25–€55 per person in 2025. Renting a car for day trips made exploring North Italy even easier, especially around Lake Garda and Bergamo, where train access is limited.
🚆 Tip: Book train tickets early for the best fares.
🚗 Tip: Compare car rentals before your trip to Italy — sites like DiscoverCars or Rentalcars can help you find good prices.
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 Italy travel guide is more than just a memory — it’s an invitation to plan your own trip to Italy filled with romance, history, and unforgettable moments.
From the charm of Venice to the elegance of Milan, every corner of North Italy has its own personality. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems like Bergamo, taking a ferry on Lake Garda, or enjoying a chocolate by the Lugano lakeside, you’ll experience something new at every stop.
If you’re considering an Italy trip in 2025, go for it. Plan ahead, pack light, eat well, and let yourself fall in love with everything this country has to offer. 🇮🇹
