Northern Italy 13-Day Road Trip: From Lakes to Canals & Culture

Embark on a morning drive from Lake Como towards La Spezia in the Ligurian Region, covering approximately 306km (493mi) in about 4 hours and 30 minutes via the freeways A7 from Milan to Genoa and then A12.

Suggestion for the day: We suggest you stop in Genoa

• Stop in Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and explore its historic center, known for its rich maritime history and beautiful architecture.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of Genoa's traditional trattorias, indulging in Ligurian specialties like pesto pasta and fresh seafood. Once you arrive in La Spezia we suggest you drop off your luggage at your accommodation and take some time to relax and settle in. While La Spezia is often used as a base for exploring Cinque Terre and Portofino, the city itself has some attractions worth visiting.

Pro Tips for exploring La Spezia:

• Piazza Garibaldi
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• The Castle of San Giorgio

Suggestion for the day: Explore the Cinque Terre and Portofino

On day 4 of your trip we suggest you drive to romantic Portofino and Cinque Terre. From La Spezia to Portofino a drive will take you 1 hour and 15 min, and from Portofino to Cinque Terre 1 hour and 20 minutes. 

Pro Tips:

• If you decide to explore just Cinque Terre, drive from La Spezia to the first village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. Start with Riomaggiore, then visit Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
• Enjoy leisurely walks through the narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and take in the breathtaking coastal views.
• You can choose to hike between the villages on the scenic coastal trails or to drive for a more convenient and time-efficient option.
• Take breaks to relax on the beaches, sample local cuisine, and capture memorable photos of the stunning landscapes.

Leave Cinque Terre in the morning and embark on a scenic journey to Florence, the artistic and cultural gem of Tuscany (approx 3h, 152km/94 mi).

Suggestion for the day: As you drive from La Spezia to Florence we suggest making a detour to the city of Pisa, located approximately halfway between the two

• Spend a few hours exploring the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arno River and explore the charming streets of Pisa before continuing your journey to Florence. Upon arrival to Florence check into your accommodation and take some time to settle in. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the Renaissance architecture and landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Indulge in a traditional Florentine dinner at a local trattoria, savoring dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) and homemade pasta.

Suggestion for the day: Enjoy Florence

• Today it is time to discover Florence!  we suggest you take one of the guided tours of the City. Experience the highlights of Florence in a single day, covering iconic sights like the Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral, Accademia Gallery, and Uffizi Gallery. Skip the lines by booking a tour in advance and gain deeper insights into the art and history. Leave Florence with a profound appreciation for its cultural wonders. 

Suggestion for the day: Another day in Florence

• Ahead of you another day to enjoy beautiful Florence. If you are a wine lover, let us help you book an Italian Wine Tasting Experience. Indulge in the charm of Chianti's countryside, renowned for its exquisite wines, rolling hills, and medieval villages. Discover the secrets of winemaking at a cozy winery, explore the picturesque village of Greve, admire the scenic beauty of Sienese Chianti Classico, and savor tastings at a family-run winery. Conclude your journey in Castellina, where history comes alive amidst its enchanting streets and architectural marvels.

Embark on a picturesque drive from Florence to Bologna, immersing yourself in the captivating landscapes along the way (approximately 2 hours, 117km/73mi).

Suggestion for the day: As you drive from Florence to Bologna make a stop in Modena

• Moderna is approximately halfway between Florence and Bologna, making it an ideal stop to break up the journey and explore another charming Italian town.

Once in Bologne, here are our suggestions for the day:

• Take a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Quadrilatero district of Bologne, known for its lively markets and delicious food stalls.
• Indulge in local delicacies such as tortellini, mortadella, and gelato.

Suggestion for the day: Discovering Bologne

• Start your exploration of Bologne with a visit to the iconic Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Basilica di San Petronio and the medieval Palazzo Comunale. Explore the historic University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world. Wander through its fascinating halls and courtyards. In the evening, explore the lively neighborhood of Via del Pratello, known for its trendy bars and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a delicious dinner and soak up the local atmosphere.

Embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque Italian countryside as you traverse the captivating route from Bologne to Venice, covering approximately 199 kilometers (123 miles) in just 2 hours.

Suggestion for the day: Along the way, we recommended you stop in Padua (Padova)

• Padua is a wonderful city to stop and explore on your way from Bologna to Venice. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant, indulging in local specialties such as seafood risotto or Cicchetti (Venetian tapas).

Pro Tips  on what to visit in Padua: 

• Prato della Valle
• Basilica of Saint Anthony
• Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni)
• Palazzo della Ragione
• Orto Botanico

What to Know Before Visiting Venice:

• Cars are not allowed to be driven into Venice. That’s why Venice offers numerous car parks where you can leave your car even for long periods, at a reasonable charge. There is a parking at Piazzale Roma, at the end of the road into Venice; one at Tronchetto, to the right at the end of the bridge into Venice; and reasonably priced parking next to the train station at Mestre, on the mainland. From Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, you can take a vaporetto (water bus) to other parts of Venice. From Mestre, you can take a train to Santa Lucia station or a bus to Piazzale Roma, then a vaporetto. Most properties offer transfers from the car parks or bigger terminals. However, guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel. All transfers must be booked in advance.
• On certain dates of the year, visitors must pay an access fee of EUR 5 per person per day to enter Venice. Those with accommodation in Venice are exempt from paying this. Guests must however request an exemption voucher in advance and present it with an identity document on arrival. To check affected dates and request an exemption, visit cda.comune.venezia.it.

Suggestion for the day: Romantic Venice

• Today we suggest you enjoy a romantic gondola ride to experience the city from the water, gliding through the canals and under the romantic bridges. You can also Take a Boat Excursion to 3 Islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello. Embark on a captivating island-hopping adventure as you journey from Murano, known for its glass-making heritage, to the vibrant and colorful streets of Burano, and finally to the enchanting Torcello, where you can marvel at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta's Venetian-Byzantine mosaics and discover the intriguing Ponte del Diavolo.
• Let us help you craft the perfect tour! We specialize in booking a variety of tours to suit your interests.

The drive from Venice to Milan takes approx 3h30 and 283km/175mi.

Suggestion for the day: Along this captivating journey, we recommend making a stop in Verona

• Wander through Verona's enchanting streets, visit Juliet's House, and marvel at the ancient Arena di Verona, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Once in Milan, here is our suggestion for the day: enjoy an evening stroll in the lively Brera district, known for its charming streets, art galleries, and trendy cafes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps indulge in some local cuisine.

Suggestion for the day: Milan, City of Fashion

• Start your exploration of the city by visiting the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. Marvel at its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop. Wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping gallery showcasing elegant boutiques, cafes, and stunning architecture. Before departing, indulge in Milan's culinary delights by savoring traditional dishes at a local trattoria or exploring the city's diverse food scene.

After a memorable stay in Milan, it's time to bid farewell to this vibrant city. Drop off your rental car at Milan Airport and ensure a smooth return process. We hope you had a fantastic road trip experience and that the memories you've made will last a lifetime. Have a safe and pleasant flight back home, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.