A beautiful Northern Italy Itinerary by train and road in 10, 14 or 21 days
Northern Italy is one of those dreamy locations where landscape, architecture and culture come together in the most delightful way. It’s a dream to visit, but where should you choose to go with so much on offer?
From our experience travelling both with and without children, we’ve refined this Northern Italy itinerary to make it as smooth and fun as possible.
Whether you’re looking for stunning coastal towns or to immerse yourself in Italy’s magnificent history and culture, this route maps out a varied and beautiful journey, seeking out the best of northern Italy.
In this post, I’ll share my ideal Northern Italy itinerary for anything between 10 and 21 days, based on our experience, alongside all the best tips for where to stay, what to eat and the best things to do at each stop.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: Flexible 10–21 day itinerary
Travel style: Multi-stop adventure with a balance of iconic cities, beautiful lakes and slower family time.
Ideal for: Families who enjoy combining history, culture, nature and outdoor adventures without rushing from place to place.
Best age: Age 4+, with school-age children and teens getting the most from the route.
Transport: Fly into Venice (or Bergamo), travel mostly by train, with optional short-term car hire for the Italian Lakes.
Budget: Mid-range
Pace: Moderate, with 2–5 nights in each destination and plenty of time to explore, relax and enjoy Italian evenings.
Best time to visit: Late spring, early summer or early autumn. We recommend avoiding Cinque Terre during peak summer if possible.
Accommodation style: A mix of apartments, B&B, hotel and caravan
Our top tip: Don’t skip Bergamo!
Map of Northern Italy
This Northern Italy itinerary follows a route that we’ve refined after completing a much longer journey through Italy, Switzerland and France. The route combines Italy’s excellent rail network, some unmissable cities and slower stays in some of our favourite destinations.
Use this map as a starting point to plan your route for anything from a 10 day northern Italy itinerary to 14 or even 21 days. You can fly into Venice or Bergamo, chose between Lake Como or lake Garda (or both) and pick your favourite stops in between.
Brief Overview of the Itinerary
Whether you’ve got ten days or three weeks, this Northern Italy itinerary can easily be adapted to suit your family. We’ve included three suggested routes, but you can also mix and match destinations to create your own adventure.
10-Day Route
This 10-day Northern Italy itinerary covers fewer destinations, giving you plenty of time to slow down, relax and really enjoy these beautiful places.
Days 1–2: Venice
Days 3–7: Choose Lake Como or Lake Garda
Days 8–9: Bergamo
Day 10: Fly home
14-Day Route
This is the version I’d recommend to most families. It includes Florence—my favourite city in Italy and one I’ll always try to include on any Italian itinerary—along with your choice of Lake Como or Lake Garda and the colourful coastal villages of the Cinque Terre. With iconic cities, beautiful lakes, dramatic coastline and unforgettable food, it offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure and relaxation.
- Days 1–2: Venice
- Days 3–5: Florence (including a day trip to Pisa & Lucca)
- Days 6–8: Porto Venere & Cinque Terre
- Days 9–13: Choose Lake Como or Lake Garda
- Day 14: Bergamo
Extended Adventure (18–21 Days)
This route is closest to the journey we actually took, but refined with the benefit of hindsight. If you have the time, it’s an unforgettable family adventure that combines Italy’s most beautiful cities, coastline and lakes at a much more relaxed pace.
- Days 1–2: Venice
- Days 3–5: Florence (including a day trip to Pisa & Lucca)
- Days 6–9: Porto Venere & Cinque Terre
- Days 10–12: Lake Como
- Days 13–17: Lake Garda
- Days 18 – 19 Final night in Bergamo before flying home
Optional extension: Add a stop in Verona or simply spend longer relaxing at Lake Garda.
Why Visit Northern Italy
Northern Italy is one of those rare destinations that seems to have something for everyone. In just a couple of weeks, you can wander through world-famous cities, relax beside crystal-clear lakes, explore colourful coastal villages, cycle around medieval towns and enjoy some of the best food in Europe.
For our family, it was the incredible variety that made this trip so memorable. One day we were gliding through Venice‘s canals, the next admiring Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, before swapping city streets for the dramatic coastline of the Cinque Terre or lazy afternoons swimming in Lake Garda. Every stop felt completely different from the last.
It’s also a wonderful destination for families. We found Italy incredibly welcoming to children, with relaxed outdoor dining, delicious food that even our fussiest eaters enjoyed, and endless opportunities to slow down and explore together.
Italy’s excellent rail network made moving between the cities simple and affordable, allowing us to leave the car behind until we reached the lakes. Looking back, I’d rely on the trains even more if we were planning this journey again.
Whether you’ve got ten days or three weeks, Northern Italy offers an unforgettable mix of culture, scenery, outdoor adventure and relaxation. It’s a destination we’ll return to again and again.
Planning tip: It can be tempting to squeeze in just one more destination, but we’d encourage you to resist. Some of our favourite memories were wandering beautiful streets, discovering family-run cafés, enjoying another gelato and lingering over long, relaxed dinners outdoors.
Who This Itinerary Is For and How to Adapt It
This Northern Italy itinerary is perfect for families who enjoy combining history, culture and outdoor adventure in some of Europe’s most spectacular settings. We completed it with our three children, aged 4, 7 and 10, but it would work just as well for families with older children and teenagers.
Our holidays aren’t built around children’s attractions. Instead, we look for destinations where adults and children can enjoy the experience together. We usually stay in self-catering apartments to keep costs down and experience a little more local life, with the occasional luxury stay.
If your goal is to tick off every major attraction as quickly as possible, this probably isn’t the itinerary for you. We’d always choose fewer destinations, longer stays and slower travel over squeezing in one more stop.
How to Adapt the Route
Short on time?
With 10 days, I’d choose either Lake Como or Lake Garda, rather than trying to visit both.
Have two weeks?
I’d recommend the 14-day version of this itinerary. It offers the best balance of cities, coast and lakes without feeling rushed.
Have three weeks?
Follow the full route, visiting both lakes and adding a stop in Verona if time allows.
Travelling in summer?
Consider skipping the Cinque Terre during peak season. It can be extremely hot and crowded. Instead, spend longer by the lakes and prioritise accommodation with air conditioning or a swimming pool.
Travelling with younger children?
I’d leave the Cinque Terre for another trip. The steep streets and limited accessibility make it much easier with older children. Instead, reduce the number of accommodation changes and enjoy a slower pace around the Italian Lakes.
The Detailed Itinerary
Venice
Venice was the perfect starting point for our Italian adventure. From the moment you cross your first bridge over a canal, it feels as though you’ve stepped into another world. Yes, it’s busy, but I wouldn’t skip it if you haven’t visited before.
Venice really is unlike anywhere else. Built across a series of islands connected by a labyrinth of canals instead of roads, it’s a city that invites you to slow down and explore.
We spent our days marvelling at awe-inspiring Gothic and Renaissance architecture, wandering over bridges, discovering tiny restaurants opening onto sun-drenched squares and simply enjoying wherever the next street led us.
Although Venice can seem overwhelming at first, we found it surprisingly easy to explore with children because there are no cars and everything is within walking distance.
For both kids and adults, the city itself is the attraction. Follow whichever little streets catch your eye, peek down quiet alleyways and don’t forget to look up to admire the decorative details on the buildings.
If you can, stay out into the evening, when the day-trippers leave and Venice becomes quieter, calmer and even more magical.
Top tip:
Keep children busy spotting lions around the city. The Saint Mark’s Lion, usually seen with wings and a book, is the symbol of the patron saint of the city. You’ll spot them everywhere from columns to door knockers to building facades.
Things to Do in Venice
Take a Gondola Ride
A private gondola ride is undoubtedly expensive, but I think it’s absolutely worth doing once. We loved the experience of seeing Venice from a completely different perspective, as as our gondolier guided us through the quieter canals, beneath tiny bridges and past beautiful historic buildings, before ending up on the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. For us, this was a really memorable and joyful experience.
Explore Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)
The heart of Venice, St Mark’s Square is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile. Try to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive, or later in the evening.
If you’d like to visit St Mark’s Basilica, be aware that there is now an admission charge and it’s well worth booking tickets in advance during peak season through the official ticket office. I’d also avoid eating or drinking in the cafés around the square, where prices are notoriously high.
Visit the Doge’s Palace
Visit the Doge’s Palace for some of the finest Venetian Gothic architecture in the city, ornately decorated state rooms and the chance to walk through the Bridge of Sighs. We really enjoyed discovering the history of the area and marvelling at the opulence.
We didn’t visit St Mark’s Campanile (bell tower), but I’ve heard the views from the top, accessed by elevator, are unrivalled.
Marvel at the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) and shop in Rialto market
You won’t miss the elegant arched Ponte di Rialto, which is lined with shops built right into the structure.
After crossing the bridge, and stopping for some of the best views of the Grand Canal, take a stroll through buzzing Rialto Market.
We enjoyed admiring the many varieties of seafood in the fish market and buying some beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables in the neighbouring erberia (fruit and vegetable market). Eating fresh, juicy nectarines, sitting in the shade next to the canal turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our trip.
Lose Yourself in the Back Streets
We loved strolling through the streets, spotting architectural features, unusual shops filled with exquisite masks, beautiful leather-bound notebooks and tempting food. The entire city is a feast for the eyes and you should definitely leave some time in your schedule to wander slowly, seeing where your feet take you.
Enjoy a Traditional Venetian Evening
Watch Venice become quieter after the day-trippers leave and spend the evening in the Venetian way – start with a slow dinner in a piazza, before wandering the lantern-lit streets with a gelato in hand.
Travel Like a Local on the Vaporetto
Instead of an underground, Venetians use the vaporetto (public water bus) to travel around the city and to the islands. A trip on the vaporetto is an activity in itself, and great fun for children.
If you’re only using them once or twice, single tickets are available, but if you’re planning to visit Murano, Burano or use them several times during your stay, it might be worth buying a 24-, 48- or 72-hour ACTV travel pass.
My favourite route is Line 1, which winds its way along the Grand Canal past some of Venice’s most famous landmarks.
Visit Murano and Burano
The islands of Murano and Burano offer a different side to Venice. We visited Murano during the height of summer and found it extremely hot with very little shade. With hindsight a morning visit might have been a good idea. I love the look of a guided tour of Murano and Burano, with a glass blowing demonstration and local guide.
Practical Tip: Pack Light
Venice’s beautiful bridges and narrow streets aren’t designed for large suitcases or bulky pushchairs, as we found out very quickly after making this mistake. If you can, travel with lighter luggage to make moving around the city much easier.
Where to Stay in Venice
On a previous visit to Venice, we stayed outside the city to save money. We quickly regretted the decision, as we spent far too much time travelling into the centre each day and missed out on the evening atmosphere.
For this trip, we stayed in a beautiful apartment in the Santa Croce district, within walking distance of the railway station. The area was peaceful in the evenings, yet close enough to walk to St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the vaporetto. I’d happily stay here again and would definitely recommend it to other families.
Check out current price for family apartments in Venice.
One mistake we did make was bringing two enormous suitcases, which were a nightmare to carry over bridges and up stairs to our apartment.
Top tip: Don’t underestimate the value of air conditioning if you’re visiting during the summer.
A Special Stay
If we were treating ourselves on this trip, we’d definitely book a night or two at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. This beautiful five-star resort is located on its own private island, Isola delle Rose, just outside Venice, with a complimentary boat shuttle into the city.
Check current prices at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa.
After a busy day exploring Venice’s streets and canals, returning to spacious gardens and a peaceful resort would feel wonderfully relaxing. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want one memorable luxury stay during your trip, this is where I’d spend the extra money.
Where to Eat and Drink in Venice
Eating in Italy with children is an absolute joy. Families are genuinely welcomed in restaurants, the food is delicious and even the fussiest eaters will usually find something they enjoy. Relaxed outdoor dining also works brilliantly with active children.
Self-catering
One of our favourite things to do was pick up groceries from local markets and supermarkets. The produce was beautifully displayed and there was a real emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
We loved buying supplies for breakfast and picnic lunches. During the day we’d stop by the Rialto Market for juicy fresh fruit.
For an easy lunch between sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of freshly made filled focaccia, pizza by the slice and delicious arancini to take away.
Eating Out in Venice
During the day, we’d make a note of any restaurants we liked the look of as we wandered through the city, then return in the evening or make a reservation if they looked particularly popular.
Our favourite meals were all away from the busiest streets around St Mark’s Square. Sitting outdoors in a quiet piazza, enjoying a long, relaxed meal in the soft evening light, was one of the highlights of our visit. Between courses, the children could wander around the square while we kept an eye on them and enjoyed a little people-watching of our own.
Rather than searching for the “best restaurant in Venice”, try wandering a few streets away from the main tourist sights and choose somewhere that feels busy with locals.
Travel to and Around Venice
Flying to Venice
Most UK flights arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport, making Venice an easy place to begin your Northern Italy adventure.
The simplest way into the city is the ATVO Airport Express bus, which takes around 20 minutes to Piazzale Roma. From there, it’s an easy walk to Venice Santa Lucia railway station, making it ideal if you’re continuing your journey by train, as we did.
Getting Around Venice
One of the joys of Venice is that there are no cars. Most of the city is explored on foot, with the vaporetto (public water bus) providing an easy way to travel along the Grand Canal and out to islands such as Murano and Burano.
Travelling Onwards
We continued our journey by train to Florence, and I’d thoroughly recommend it. Italy’s rail network is fast, affordable and easy to use, making it one of the best ways to travel between the major cities without the stress of driving.
Our Tip: If you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary like this one, leave hiring a car until you actually need it. We found travelling by train through the cities much easier, and only wished we’d waited longer before collecting our hire car for the lakes.
Florence
Florence is my favourite city anywhere in the world, and although Florence and Pisa technically lie Tuscany, rather than Northern Italy, I’ll happily add them to an Italian itinerary if I can.
What makes Florence so special is the remarkable combination of world-class art and architecture, together with the most extraordinary light that bathes the city in gold and amber each evening.
We first visited Florence before we had children and couldn’t wait to bring them back. The incredible art and history fascinated our pre-teen, while our younger boys loved the spectacular views, delicious food and relaxed atmosphere.
Things to Do in Florence
One thing still on my Florence wish list is visiting the Vasari Corridor, the Medici’s secret, elevated corridor between the Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi gallery is housed in one of Florence’s most beautiful Renaissance buildings, which is a wonder to explore.
I visited with my 10-year-old, art-loving daughter and she had to be dragged out of there. The paintings were a feast for the eyes, but we loved the ancient Greek statues the best.
If you’re taking children, it’s best for age 9+ unless they are particularly interested in art.
Remember to book tickets in advance through the official Uffizi Tickets Site. If they are sold out, you can usually get a skip-the-line Uffizi ticket and tour, with the benefit of not having to stand for hours in a hot queue.
Climb or Admire the Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)
Due to a a ticket-booking mix-up, we unfortunately didn’t see the inside of the Duomo. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth spending time admiring the extraordinary green, white and pink marble façade and Brunelleschi’s remarkable dome.
If you’re physically able to climb the 493 narrow steps, and are travelling with children aged 7 or older, then I would definitely book tickets to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for fabulous views over Florence and a close-up look at the Last Judgement Fresco painted on the interior ceiling.
If you’re too late for advance ticket you can often bag a Duomo Climb ticket from Get your Guide.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio at Sunset
No visit to Florence is complete without at least one sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.
As the sun begins to set, the atmosphere changes completely. Musicians often play along the bridge and the warm evening light makes Florence even more magical.
Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Leonardo Interactive Museum was a huge hit with our whole family. It’s a lovely little museum exploring Da Vinci’s fascinating inventions with lots of interactive working models and some brilliant and engaging puzzles.
It’s a great place to escape the sun and is just a few steps from the Duomo.
Wander Without an Agenda
My absolute favourite thing to do in Florence is to wander through the streets with no real agenda.
Florence is an incredible city, with endless elegant streets, sculptures and vistas to be discovered.
I love popping out at sunrise before the family wake up, then spending the day wandering between sights.
Explore Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace
We really enjoyed our visit to the Pitti palace and Boboli gardens. If I visited again, I’d definitely go first thing in the morning as we did find it very hot and there is a lot of uphill walking which was a challenge with a pushchair and tired children.
The gardens are full of statues, grottos and fountains, making it almost an outdoor museum and great fun to explore. Don’t miss the views over Florence from the Knight’s Garden.
The Pitti Palace is also worth visiting and we were surprised how much our children enjoyed the lavishly decorated state apartments.
Even if you don’t visit the palace or gardens, I’d still recommend spending time exploring the Oltrarno district, which feels noticeably quieter than the busy streets around the Uffizi and Duomo.
Where to Stay in Florence
I’d recommend staying within walking distance of Santa Maria Novella railway station. As with Venice, we chose a self-catering apartment for the flexibility of preparing our own breakfasts and the occasional lunch before heading out to explore.
We stayed in a lovely, characterful Florence apartment near the Ponte Vecchio, which was perfectly located or both the railway station and Florence’s main sights. Despite its central location, it was surprisingly peaceful and gave us a real taste of Florentine life.
Where to Eat and Drink in Florence
Florence is a wonderful city for food lovers and you’ll be spoilt for choice. As we did in Venice, we simply made a note of restaurants that looked busy with locals during the day, then returned in the evening or made a reservation. We also found Google Maps reviews to be a reliable way of narrowing down the options.
One of the highlights of our stay was eating outdoors at little pavement cafés and tucked-away piazzas as the city began to cool in the evening. Just around the corner from the Duomo, we stumbled across a restaurant where I enjoyed the most delicious spaghetti alle vongole I’ve ever eaten. I’m still thinking about it today.
And don’t forget the gelato! We discovered an incredibly indulgent gelateria between the Duomo and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, where our children happily spent almost all of their pocket money.
Travel to and Around Florence
Florence is one of Italy’s major rail hubs, with fast, frequent and reliable train connections to Venice, Milan, Rome and many other cities across the country.
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, so I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car here.
From Santa Maria Novella station, it’s an easy, mostly flat walk to many of the city’s main attractions.
At the end of our stay, we continued our journey by train to La Spezia, ready to explore Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre.
Pisa & Lucca Day Trip
One of my favourite day trips from Florence is combining Pisa and Lucca by train. We’ve actually done this journey twice—once before having children and again as a family—and I’d happily do it a third time.
Travelling by train makes the journey simple and stress-free. You’ll have time to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, enjoy lunch in Pisa, then continue on to the beautiful medieval town of Lucca for the afternoon.
I booked our tickets through Trainline, buying separate tickets for Florence → Pisa, Pisa → Lucca and Lucca → Florence. I’d recommend catching an early train to make the most of the day.
Things to do in Pisa and Lucca
On arrival in Pisa, it’s around a 30-minute (2 km) walk from the station to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Spend some time exploring the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, admiring the tower and taking the obligatory photos before wandering back towards the station for lunch.
Pisa itself is lovely, beyond the famous tower, it’s a charming riverside city with attractive streets and a much more relaxed atmosphere than I’d anticipated.
After lunch, hop back on the train for the 30-minute journey to Lucca, a medieval walled town that we completely fell in love with.
At the heart of the town is the beautiful Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, an unusual oval-shaped square built on the site of a former Roman amphitheatre and lined with cafés, restaurants and independent shops. It’s the perfect place to stop for a drink or an afternoon snack.
One of Lucca’s highlights is its magnificent Renaissance walls, which now form a 4.2 km tree-lined promenade around the historic centre. You can walk them, but we’d thoroughly recommend hiring a bike.
We rented a family bike from Cicli Bizzarri and spent a hilarious afternoon cycling around the walls, with our boys sitting proudly at the front, tooting the horn and waving enthusiastically at everyone who passed.
Lucca really does feel like something from a fairy tale, and if you can fit it into your itinerary, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Once you’ve finished exploring, simply return to the station for the direct train back to Florence, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
I’ve written a complete guide to planning this day trip, including train times, bike hire and exactly how to fit both towns into one day – Coming soon
Porto Venere & the Cinque Terre
We spent three nights in the Cinque Terre and, looking back, managed to make almost every mistake possible. Despite this, we had a fantastic time and ended up discovering the nearby coastal town of Porto Venere by a happy accident.
I’ll share what we’d do differently, so you can avoid our costly mistakes while still enjoying one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy.
If you’re visiting outside the peak summer months, I’d definitely include the Cinque Terre. If you’re travelling during August, I’d seriously consider spending longer in Porto Venere instead.
Things to Do in the Cinque Terre
Explore the Villages
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO listed part of the Italian Riviera. There are are five ancient fishing villages, each with colourful houses perched precariously on the cliffs between the sea below and terraced vineyards above. The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
The villages are linked by train, ferry and a network of walking trails, making it easy to explore several in a day.
Take your time and explore slowly, the villages each have their own distinct features and the joy here is to linger over a drink, ice cream or meal, exploring each village before moving on to the next.
We had planned to walk between the villages, but in August it was just too warm for our children, so instead we opted for a combination of train and boat (read more about our mistake and how to avoid doing the same in the transport section below).
If you’re travelling the Cinque Terre with kids, Monterosso al Mare is worth a longer stop, with it’s sandy beach and brightly coloured parasols.
Take the Boat to Porto Venere
Taking a boat to Porto Venere from Riomaggiore was an unexpected highlight of our trip. Porto Venere sits just outside the Cinque Terre, and has fewer crowds and plenty of appeal. In fact the poet Lord Byron famously visited and you can make your way to a rocky cove known as Byron’s Grotto.
After stepping off the boat, we walked through the towns winding medieval streets to the walls of an ancient fortress high above looking over the sea. Don’t miss the Chiesa di San Pietro (Church of St. Peter), 12th Century Doria castle and Byron’s Grotto.
The waterfront is lined with cafés and seafood restaurants, making it a wonderful place to linger over lunch while watching the boats come and go from the harbour. We wished we’d allowed longer to explore and I’d happily spend a night or two here on a future trip.
Watch Sunset from the Terraces
This takes a bit of effort, as you’ll need to hike up the steep terraces to the Church of Our Lady of Montenero. Along the walk you’ll find numerous votive shrines and can admire the vineyards clinging to the slopes and Mediterranean plants.
Once you reach the church, you are rewarded with incredible views across the Ligurian Sea and if you’re lucky a wonderful sunset.
The fairly challenging walk takes around 60 – 90 minutes, and is best for older children and teenagers. Having said that, our 4-year-old managed the walk earlier in the day.
We spent a magical evening sitting nearby the church, where groups had gathered to sing around a guitar as the sun set. As we headed back down, the clear sky was lit by moonlight and the biggest array of stars I’ve seen.
Top tip: Consider a taxi part of the way, and bring a torch for the return journey. Be sure to download directions before you begin.
Swim at Monterosso al Mare
Our kids loved spending half a day playing in the water at Monterosso. We hired a sunbed and parasol at one of the many lidos along the beach, and enjoyed playing games in the shade then cooling off with a swim in the blissfully cool sea. This is one experience I wouldn’t miss.
Don’t Miss the Wine Terraces
If you’re not hiking between the villages, I’d recommend planning at least a short hike into the vine terraces. The terraces are carved directly into the cliff, supported by traditional dry stone walls with tiny paths and steps running between them.
You might want to consider booking a wine tour or guided hike. We found exploring the wine terraces gave us a glimpse into the incredible work it must have taken to create them, and took us deeper into the landscape.
One of my favourite memories from the entire trip is watching a farmer travel on a single track train up to tend his vineyards in the dawn light.
Take a boat trip or kayak along the coast
Whilst the landscape is stunning, one of the best ways to appreciate the dramatic coastline is from the water. We loved travelling by ferry along the coast, watching the villages with a different perspective.
If you’re travelling with older children or teenagers in the Cinque Terre, a kayaking tour from Monterosso would be a fantastic way to see the coast whilst staying active. With younger kids, consider the ferry or a small group boat tour for a calmer way to enjoy the landscape. If it fits your group, try and book a sunset tour for the most magical light.
Where to Stay in the Cinque Terre
We stayed in two very different locations in the Cinque Terre which gave us two very different experiences and a fair amount of drama!
Our first accommodation was a tiny cottage high up in the hills above Riomaggiore, near to the Church of Our Lady of Montenero.
The accommodation was a basic farmer’s cottage, around a 15 minute walk along a forest path from the road. The views were incredible, stretching out across the sea, and visiting the church at sunset became a highlight of the trip, however think carefully before booking something similar, especially with small children. It is very rustic and remote.
We also had the chance to sleep on an outdoor bed, right under the stars. We fell asleep under a sky full of stars, with the sound of the ocean below and woke up to see our neighbour waving from his small engine as he travelled from the town to the terraces to start his day – unforgettable.
Find prices for similar stays near Riomaggiore.
Pros of staying in the Vine Terraces
- Incredible views across the Ligurian Sea
- Peaceful, away from the crowds
- Spectacular sunsets and star-filled skies
- A unique opportunity to experience life among the vineyards
- A real sense of adventure
Cons of staying in the Vine Terraces
- Very remote location
- You’ll need to carry all of your luggage along a forest path
- Few facilities nearby, so you’ll need to take food and drinks with you
- Better suited to older children than toddlers
- The summer heat can make the walk and accommodation feel challenging
I’d recommend this type of accommodation for families with older children or teenagers who enjoy hiking and adventure. It offers a truly unforgettable experience, but it certainly isn’t the easiest place to stay.
With younger children, or if you’d rather have a few more home comforts, I’d choose somewhere more accessible. We made the mistake of bringing a huge suitcase, which was incredibly difficult to carry along the path, and the intense summer heat made the rustic accommodation feel even more challenging—even though we’re regular campers.
Despite all of that, sleeping under the stars, watching the sunset over the sea and waking to our neighbour heading off to tend his vineyards made this one of the most memorable nights of our entire trip.
Monterosso al Mare
For a more straightforward visit, I’d recommend staying in Monterosso al Mare. It’s the largest of the villages, with more options for accommodation and restaurants, and a sandy beach which is a real hit after a hot day exploring.
We rented an apartment in Monterosso and loved the village, particularly in the evening. It’s a lovely family-friendly town and the perfect access point for the rest of the coast.
If you plan on taking the train or hiking, you could either return to Monterosso by train or by ferry.
Check out options in Monterosso al Mare for your stay
Stay in Porto Venere
For our next trip, we’ve booked accommodation in Porto Venere, which we found to be more affordable, quieter and well worth a visit in its own right.
We’ll be updating this guide after our next visit, when we’re using Porto Venere as our base instead of staying within the Cinque Terre itself.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Cinque Terre
We picked up some supplies in La Spezia, where there are larger supermakets, before heading to the Cinque Terre.
Seafood naturally takes centre stage here, but there’s no shortage of pizza, pasta and gelato to keep younger travellers happy too. And don’t forget to leave time for a sunset drink whilst soaking in the views.
Travel to and Around the Cinque Terre
We travelled to the Cinque Terre by train from Florence, changing at La Spezia. From here, we took a taxi to our accommodation. The journey was straightforward, inexpensive and far less stressful than driving.
Once you’re there, the easiest ways to travel between the villages are by train, ferry or on foot. We used a combination of train and boat, which gave us some wonderful views of the coastline from the sea.
One mistake we did make was accidentally boarding the wrong train in Monterosso after a long, hot day. Despite having valid tickets, we ended up with an expensive fine because we’d joined the wrong service (the main line to La Spezia, rather than the Cinque Terre only line).
Double-check the departure boards and make sure you’re boarding the correct train before you travel, particularly during the busy summer months.
Make sure to validate your paper Cinque Terre train card at the station before you travel, by using the slot on the green machine to stamp the date and time. Missing this step can result in hefty fines.
We’re returning to the Cinque Terre this autumn to experience it outside the peak summer season and spend longer in Porto Venere. I’ll update this guide with everything we learn.
Italian Lakes: Option A – Lake Como
If I could only return to one place on this itinerary, it would be Lake Como. It was my favourite stop of the whole trip. Although I think it’s slightly better suited to adults than younger children, it’s so unbelievably beautiful that I’d encourage every family to spend at least a couple of days here if they can.
Lake Como is serene, with elegant lakeside towns and distant mountain scenery. Everywhere we wandered felt like a feast for the senses, and this was where the pace of our trip finally slowed down.
Things to Do in Lake Como
We’re currently putting together a complete Lake Como with Kids guide, but here are some of our highlights.
- Explore Como town. We based ourselves in Como and it’s a lovely historic town to wander both during the day and in the evening. Start by wandering Como’s historic centre before strolling along the lakefront. If you have time, don’t miss the Como–Brunate Funicular, which climbs into the hills for spectacular views across the lake.
- Take the Navigazione Laghi ferry for a daytrip to the beautiful lakeside towns of Bellagio and Varenna. Both towns boast cobbled streets, lakeside strolls and gorgeous architecture and are two of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. Our kids enjoyed the ferry ride, which became part of the adventure rathe than just transport. And of course they were very happy eating gelato on the lake shore in Varenna. Don’t miss Lover’s Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) between the ferry and central piazza, where you can enjoy views across the lake and stop for a photo at the famous red heart.
- Visit Villa Olmo. It’s a short lakeside walk to visit this grand neoclassical villa. Even if you don’t go inside the expansive gardens are lovely.
- Enjoy casual dining in the piazzas and street side restaurants. We had some of the best food of our trip in Como and loved the atmosphere in the evenings.
- I’d recommend an after dinner stroll along the lakeside where the lights reflect on the lake and there are several small playgrounds if the children need tiring out.
Where to Stay in Lake Como
We chose to stay in Como, which has excellent transport connections and a busy local culture. It’s a fairly large town with excellent facilities, in contrast to the smaller towns around the lake.
Como was a convenient and affordable base, with easy access to the rest of the lake. We stayed in apartment within Hotel Tre Re which was perfectly located in walking distance of the lake, ferry terminal and train station and with super friendly service.
Check current prices for family accommodation in Como.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake Como
Eating in Como was a delight. We arrived on our first night hot and tired, and strolled into town where we quickly found a pavement table at a casual restaurant with the friendliest service and great atmosphere.
There are lots of similar restaurants around Como with everything from relaxed family trattorias to elegant lakeside restaurants. As elsewhere in Italy, our best meals came from simply choosing restaurants that were busy with locals.
Travel to and Around Lake Como
We hired a car in Milan before arriving in Lake Como, but with hindsight I wouldn’t do that again. We barely used it until leaving for Lake Garda, and parking in Como was both expensive and stressful.
Instead, I’d travel to Como by train and only collect a hire car when you leave for Lake Garda.
To travel from Como to Lake Garda, take the train back to Milano Centrale, then to Peschiera del Garda.
Como itself is best explored on foot, and the towns around the lake can be easily accessed using the Navigazione Laghi ferries.
Our verdict: Choose Lake Como if you’re looking for beautiful scenery, elegant lakeside towns and a slower pace after the cities. If your children are desperate for campsites, watersports and lots of family activities, head to Lake Garda instead.
Italian Lakes: Option B – Lake Garda (5 Nights)
If Lake Como is perfection for the adults in the group, Lake Garda is all about full family fun. While Lake Como stole my heart, our children much preferred Lake Garda. We stayed for a week in a Eurocamp caravan, where the excellent pool and lakeside activities were the highlight. It was a great spot to recharge and reset after a busy week moving from place to place.
Things to Do in Lake Garda
Spend a day in Sirmione
We had a fantastic day trip to medieval Sirmione, one of Lake Garda’s most beautiful towns.
You can’t miss Scaligero Castle, whose turreted walls appear to rise straight out of the lake. After visiting the castle, we wandered through the pretty town centre, stopping for lunch and enjoying glimpses of the lake.
In the afternoon we visited the Grotte di Catullo, an extensive Roman archaeological site surrounded by olive groves and gardens. It’s a peaceful place to explore and a welcome escape from the summer heat. If you have time, you can also visit one of the pebbly beaches.
If you’re driving, you’ll need to leave your car in one of the car parks outside the historic centre and walk into town. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry.
Spend Time on the Lake
Wherever you choose to stay, spending time swimming or enjoying watersports on Lake Garda is a fantastic way to while away an afternoon. Swimming in the lake with the mountains rising in the distance was one of the simplest pleasures of the whole trip.
We rented a pedalo with a slide, and spent a very memorable afternoon sliding into the lake before ‘rescuing’ each other – this is one of our children’s favourite memories from the trip.
Try the Medieval Times show
This was one activity where the children and I had very different opinions! Whilst my children loved the show, I found the whole thing very overwhelming. The show is in Italian, with a series of medieval events performed in the arena. Visitors sit around the outside, and are served a medieval banquet (chicken and chips) with very enthusiastic servers who encourage everyone to bang on their plates at every opportunity.
Great fun for the kids but not for anyone who doesn’t like loud noises.
Visit Gardaland
We didn’t get to visit Gardaland, Italy’s biggest theme park, as we were planning to spend a few nights in Euro Disney later in the trip. If it fits your itinerary I’m sure it would be a big hit with many families, and it is fairly affordable when compared to Disney.
Where to Stay in Lake Garda
We stayed at Camping Cisano San Vito in a static caravan. It’s a large, lively campsite with excellent pools that’s perfect for families. The site all the facilities we needed for a week-long stay. However, it is a fairly lively site which may not be to everyone’s taste.
We enjoyed having easy access to the lake especially for evening strolls at sunset. One of the best things was being able to walk along the lake shore to the town of Bardolino, a lovely little town for a morning or afternoon stroll, then spending the afternoon at the pool and lake.
When we visited, the Eurocamp caravans were older and more compact than the Roan accommodation we saw on site. If I booked again, I’d probably choose Roan for the extra space and much better air conditioning.
If you prefer not to stay on a campsite, there are plenty of lovely hotels and apartments in Bardolino, Lazise and Peschiera del Garda, all with excellent access to the lake.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake Garda
We mostly self-catered whilst at Garda, although we did enjoy some lovely lunches in Bardolino and Sirmione.
On campsite days we were happy cooking simple meals ourselves, then treating ourselves to lunch or gelato while exploring Bardolino or Sirmione.
Travel to and Around Lake Garda
We picked up a hire car in Milan through Discover Cars, our favourite comparison site for checking prices across multiple hire companies.
With hindsight, I’d travel by train to Peschiera del Garda, then collect a hire car from there. This would avoid the stress of driving through Milan and we found trains to be cheaper and calmer than car hire, even for a family of five.
From Peschiera, it’s only a short drive to many of the lake’s most popular family campsites and holiday parks.
Our verdict: Choose Lake Garda if you’re looking for watersports, campsites and relaxed family time, all set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. If beautiful towns, ferry rides and elegant lakeside strolls appeal more, I’d choose Lake Como.
Optional Extension: Visit Both Lakes
If you have the time, I’d happily recommend visiting both Lake Como and Lake Garda. Although they’re often grouped together as the Italian Lakes, they offer surprisingly different experiences and complement each other beautifully.
For me, Lake Como was the clear favourite, with its elegant towns, mountain scenery and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. I could happily return there again and again. Our children, however, would choose Lake Garda every time, thanks to the campsites, watersports and slower pace. It gave them the freedom to just play and enjoy being outdoors. Together they create a lovely balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
I’d only include both lakes if you have around 18–21 days available. If you’ve only got two weeks, I’d generally recommend choosing just one and spending a little longer there rather than rushing between them.
Bergamo
Originally, we only planned to stop in Bergamo to break up the journey between Lake Garda and returning our hire car in Milan. Bergamo blew us away and turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
We stayed for just one night and spent the day exploring the historic Città Alta and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Venetian Walls. We found the most incredible architecture, wonderful atmosphere, vine-draped terraces and some of the best value food on our entire northern Italy itinerary.
Although often overlooked in favour of Milan, Bergamo deserves a place on any Northern Italy itinerary.
Things to Do in Bergamo
Walk the Venetian Walls and Città Alta
Bergamo is divided into the lower town (Città Bassa) and the Città Alta, a beautifully preserved medieval hilltop town enclosed by impressive Venetian Walls which are not only historic, but allow you to easily navigate the town.
The entire route is around 6km, but we opted for short sections and enjoyed the views.
Inside the walls, you’ll find medieval streets with some of the best architecture we saw in Italy. We wandered slowly discovering delightful piazzas, views across the countryside and beautiful details around every corner. Our kids enjoyed the beautiful old town as much as we did.
Taste Stracciatella Gelato in Piazza Vecchia
The famous Stracciatella ice-cream is a Bergamo invention, featuring crisp shards of dark chocolate in a creamy gelato. It’s delicious and we enjoyed ours sitting on stone steps in Piazza Vecchia and soaking up the atmosphere.
The kids loved roaming this beautiful space and we lingered here for a long time.
Ride the Funicular
If you’re starting your day in Città Bassa, the funicular is a popular way to avoid walking up the steep hill to Città Alta. We emjoyed the walk up, but if the queue is manageable it should be a hit with kids and save their legs for exploring.
Enjoy dinner on a terrace
We ended our day by stumbling across a restaurant with a gorgeous vine-covered courtyard and the best meal we had in Italy for a very reasonable price.
It was the perfect way to end our time in Italy before skipping back down the hill to our accommodation in Città Bassa at twilight, full of smiles after a fabulous day.
Where to Stay in Bergamo
We stayed in a fantastic family-run B&B in Bergamo in the Città Bassa. We chose it because it had parking and a room for five, which is often hard to find. On arrival we discovered the friendliest hosts, who gave us great recommendations for exploring Bergamo.
It wasn’t super luxurious, but the breakfast was out-of-this-world amazing. The hosts treated us to a traditional breakfast, local cheese and even homemade tiramisu.
Staying in the Città Alta would also be a wonderful way to end the trip. Check out family accommodation in Bergamo.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bergamo
We ate in both the Città Bassa and Città Alta for our stay. Before walking up to the old town, we stopped at a restaurant in the newer town recommended by our hosts. This is one of many local restaurants serving excellent-value lunch specials.
In the evening, make sure you grab a table at a restaurant in the old town. This was one of our favourite experiences of the trip.
Whilst in Bergamo, you can’t miss the local Stracciatella gelato. La Marianna in Bergamo is widely credited with inventing Stracciatella gelato, but you can get great gelato all over Bergamo.
Travel to and Around Bergamo
Bergamo Airport (Milan Bergamo Airport) is served by many low-cost airlines, making it an excellent place to start or finish a Northern Italy itinerary without needing to drive into Milan.
Bergamo is wonderfully easy to explore on foot.
If I could give just one piece of advice for this itinerary, it would be this: don’t rush through Bergamo on your way to the airport. Like so many of our favourite travel memories, it turned out to be somewhere we discovered almost by accident.
Other options for your Northern italy Itinerary
he excellent rail network means you can add or remove destinations without completely reworking your itinerary.
If you’re lucky enough to have a little longer, I’d consider adding one or more of these destinations:
- Verona for Roman history, beautiful piazzas and a slower pace between the lakes. Check if the summer opera is on in the Roman amphitheater before your visit.
- The Dolomites if you’re looking for mountain scenery and family hiking.
- Lake Maggiore as a quieter alternative to Como or Garda.
- Zermatt, Switzerland, if you’re continuing north by rail as we did on our European adventure.
Likewise, don’t feel you need to include every stop. I’d always choose fewer destinations and longer stays over trying to squeeze in one more place.
Downloads
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Our Favourites and Our Experience
Whilst writing this itinerary, I asked my children what their favourite memories were. There were a lot to choose from, but these are the ones that stood out to them:
- Pedalo Adventures on Lake Garda
Taking a pedalo out onto Lake Garda and spending the afternoon jumping into the water. - A Lazy Day in Bellagio
Taking a boat trip across Lake Como to beautiful Bellagio, where we paddled in the lake, ate plenty of gelato and played card games over a long lunch. - Sunset Above Riomaggiore
Watching the sunset at a tiny church high above Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre, accompanied by an impromptu guitar-led sing-song. - An Italian Beach Day
Spending a traditional Italian beach day swimming in the sea at a lido in Monterosso. - A Gondola Ride in Venice
Gliding through Venice’s canals in a gondola. It was expensive, but an experience we all agreed was more than worth it. - An Unexpected Favourite: Porto Venere
Taking a completely unplanned boat trip to Porto Venere, which quickly became one of our favourite places on the trip. - Cycling Lucca’s Medieval Walls
Riding a family bike around Lucca’s medieval walls, screaming with laughter as we attempted to steer our wonderfully unwieldy vehicle. - Falling in Love with Bergamo
Exploring Bergamo’s old town, another unplanned stop that became one of our biggest highlights. We admired the incredible architecture, enjoyed a delicious meal in a vine-draped courtyard, then skipped back down the hill to our B&B at twilight with full tummies and full hearts.
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
There were a few problems along the way, and I’ll share them here in the hope they help you avoid the same mistakes. Travel is always subjective, though, and so much depends on timing and personal preference. Something that didn’t work for us might turn out to be one of your family’s favourite experiences.
- Booking some very inaccessible accommodation in the Cinque Terre. This actually led to some of our best memories, but came with a lot of problems beforehand attempting to take 3 children, all our food and overly large luggage along a forest path miles from anywhere.
- Getting on the wrong train line in Monterosso resulting in a €150 fine and missing out on some of the villages – see the Cinque Terre section for how to avoid making the same mistake.
- Looking back, hiring our car in Milan was probably our biggest planning mistake. It added unnecessary stress and cost, and if we did this trip again we’d rely on trains for longer before picking up a car nearer the lakes.
- Running out of battery whilst driving. Definitely take a power bank.
- The occasional 4-year-old tantrum, but that’s all part of the journey
- Milan wasn’t our favourite stop on this trip. We found it hot, busy and less appealing than the other places we visited, so I’ve left it out of this itinerary. If it’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, though, it’s very easy to add.
Even with these small mishaps, we’d repeat this trip in a heartbeat. In fact, we’re already planning to return to revisit Cinque Terre in autumn.
Continue the Adventure
If you love planning unforgettable road trips and rail adventures, you might also enjoy some of our other favourite itineraries.
Whether you’re looking for dramatic mountain scenery, picturesque villages or unforgettable coastlines, these guides are all based on our own experiences and include detailed routes, accommodation recommendations and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- North Wales Road Trip – Castles, mountains, steam railways and beautiful beaches.
- Scottish Highlands Road Trip – Epic scenery, lochs, wildlife and some of Scotland’s most iconic drives.
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – Fairy pools, rugged landscapes and unforgettable hiking.
- The Cotswolds Road Trip – Charming villages, rolling countryside, cosy pubs and more adventure than you expected.
We’re always adding new road and rail adventures, so if you’re already planning your next trip, be sure to explore our full collection of itineraries.
Final Thoughts on our Northern Italy Itinerary
Looking back, this remains one of our favourite family adventures. It had everything we look for in a trip: incredible cities, spectacular scenery, delicious food, unforgettable train journeys and just enough time to slow down and enjoy it all together.
Some of our favourite memories weren’t the famous landmarks. Instead, they were watching the sunset above Riomaggiore, lingering over dinner in a quiet piazza, taking an unexpected boat to Porto Venere or discovering Bergamo almost by accident.
Leave space in your itinerary for the unexpected, travel a little slower than you think you need to, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip before you’ve even flown home.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Northern Italy?
I’d recommend at least 10 days, although two weeks is the sweet spot if you want to experience Northern Italy without rushing. Ten days gives you enough time to explore Venice, choose one of the Italian Lakes and finish in Bergamo. With two weeks, I’d add Florence, Pisa, Lucca and the Cinque Terre. If you’re lucky enough to have three weeks, you can comfortably include both Lake Como and Lake Garda.
Is Northern Italy good for families?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of my favourite family destinations in Europe. The combination of beautiful cities, delicious food, beaches, lakes, mountains and excellent public transport makes it surprisingly easy to explore with children. We travelled this route with children aged 4, 7 and 10, and every destination offered something the whole family enjoyed.
Is it better to travel around Northern Italy by train or car?
For most of this itinerary, I’d recommend travelling by train. Italy’s rail network is affordable, fast and easy to use, even with children. Looking back, hiring a car in Milan was one of our biggest mistakes. If I planned this trip again, I’d travel entirely by train until reaching the Italian Lakes, then hire a car from Peschiera del Garda if needed.
Is the Cinque Terre worth visiting with children?
Yes, but I’d choose the timing carefully. We visited during the peak of summer and found it extremely hot and very busy, especially with younger children. If you’re travelling during school holidays, I’d be tempted to stay in Porto Venere instead or save the Cinque Terre for spring or autumn. With older children and teenagers who enjoy walking, it’s a wonderful destination.
Where should I fly into and out of for a Northern Italy itinerary?
For this itinerary, I’d recommend flying into Venice and home from Bergamo. It avoids backtracking, makes the route flow naturally from east to west and saves having to return to your starting point at the end of the trip.
Can you visit Northern Italy without hiring a car?
Yes. In fact, I’d recommend it for most of this itinerary. Venice, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, the Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Bergamo are all easily reached by train. If you plan to stay at a campsite or explore more of Lake Garda, hiring a car just for that section of the trip is often the simplest and most cost-effective option.
