Planning to visit Northern Italy and not sure where to begin? You are in the right place. If you want to experience one of the most action-packed 2 weeks in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, follow along as we explore beautiful Northern Italy from the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the rich culture and history of Florence.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to have an incredible time in Northern Italy. From a comprehensive list of things to do and places to visit all the way to how to get around, where best to stay, and more. Without further ado, here's a complete 2 weeks backpacking itinerary for Northern Italy for solo travelers.
- Northern Italy Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary
- When to Visit Northern Italy?
- How Many Days to Spend in Northern Italy?
- How to Get to Northern Italy?
- How to Get Around Northern Italy?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Northern Italy?
- Is it Safe in Italy?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Italy?
- What to Pack for Northern Italy?
- Further Reading for Italy
Northern Italy Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Milan |
| ☀️ Day 2-3: | Lake Como |
| ☀️ Day 4-5: | Venice |
| ☀️ Day 6-8: | Bolzano, the Dolomites |
| ☀️ Day 9-10: | Florence |
| ☀️ Day 11: | Pisa |
| ☀️ Day 11: | Siena |
| ☀️ Day 12-13: | Cinque Terre |
| ☀️ Day 14: | Milan |
2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary
Day 1: Milan (2 nights)
Our 2 weeks backpacking journey across Northern Italy begins in Milan, a world-renowned art and fashion capital of the world, home to some of the most iconic monuments and landmarks in Italy from the incredible artwork of famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci to all the historical churches and architectures that have stood the test of time for centuries.
With 2 nights in Milan, you can dedicate an entire day to exploring all the highlights of Milan by beginning in the city center and visiting Duomo di Milano, the largest cathedral in the country featuring over 135 adorned spires, thousands of statues, all intricately sculpted to perfection, and a beautiful interior adorned with dark and gritty Gothic decors. No wonder why it took over 600 years to complete!
The best part about visiting Duomo di Milano is the fact that you can also climb up to the top of the cathedral's roof and you will find a terrace with sweeping panoramic views of Milan's stunning cityscape. You will also be able to see all those statues up close on the roof. The views are especially beautiful at sunset when the city is bathed in a golden light.
- The Magic of the Italian Lakes (8 days)
- Lakes & Lagoon, Como, Lake Garda & Venice 6 days private tour (6 days)
- Walking the Amalfi Coast (8 days)
While you are in the city center, be sure to check out the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an open-air mall housed in this stunning glass-vaulted arcade as high as a skyscraper that is home to a wide variety of high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes that will test the depth of your wallet.
If you like museums and you want to learn a bit more about Milan and the surrounding areas, you can also visit Palazzo Reale di Milano or the Royal Palace of Milan, which has a long and rich history, dating back to the 14th century, and house several museums inside.
If you are interested in seeing artworks from all the famous Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci you can also check out Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most important art galleries in Italy founded in 1809 by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, who wanted to create a collection of art that would rival the best in Europe.
Another highlight of visiting Milan is seeing one of the greatest artworks of the Renaissance, the Last Supper, a mural painting of the last supper of Jesus with the twelve apostles before one of them betrays him, created by the famous Italian High Renaissance artist, the great Leonardo da Vinci himself.
It was originally painted on the walls of the refectory using a technique known as fresco, which is a method of painting on wet plaster. Unfortunately, over time, the painting has undergone significant deterioration and requires a ton of restoration work as well as protection from the elements, which is why the painting is only open to visitors who book their visits in advance.
When I say in advance, I really mean in advance. When I was there in August, all the time slots were booked for 7 days straight and there was only 1 slot left on the 8th day, so if you really want to see the Last Supper, I highly recommend you book the time slot from their official website prior to your visit to Milan.
For the most fun museums in Milan, I have to give it to The Leonardo da Vinci's Museum of Science and Technology, a museum dedicated to all the works and inventions, both the awesome and the weird, of the famous artist, scientist, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci
From inventions like the bizarre triangular parachute to the medieval turtle-shaped tank that was designed to be the ultimate killing machine of war, you are sure to be both intrigued and bewildered by his creations.
The museum is an excellent place to understand the breadth and depth of Leonardo's contributions to science and technology and appreciate his curiosity and creativity as a whole as well as celebrate other technological advancements we have seen since his time like a collection of old telephones, space suits, satellites, and all things technology.
Other notable attractions you should visit in Milan are The Roman Columns of San Lorenzo, a group of 2nd Century ancient Roman columns, Basilica Di Sant'Ambrogio, one of the oldest structures you can see in Milan, Sforzesco Castle, a massive 15th Century castle complex full of museums and beautiful parks and gardens, and so much more.
For more information on things to do in Milan, you can check the link below. After spending an entire day exploring Milan, it is time to continue our journey and visit one of the most popular lake destinations in Italy, Lake Como.
Getting from Milan to Lake Como
From Milan to Lake Como, you can take one of the many trains from Milano Central Train Station to Varenna, in the heart of Lake Como. There are many trains running this route starting at 6:20 AM all the way to 9:20 PM every day. The journey should take about 1 hour and it can cost around 8 EUR. You can get your train ticket online from here.
Day 2 - 3: Lake Como (2 nights)
Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is a beautiful lake set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps and it is known for its picturesque towns, stunning old villas, and beautiful lakeside views that is straight out of a fairy tale.
With a train from Milan, you will be arriving in the heart of Lake Como at Varenna in just under an hour and you can hit the ground running and explore the beautiful charming town of Varenna, walk its stunning promenade at sunset, and explore the colorful crisscrossing streets before you retreat for the night.
The next day, you can take the ferry early in the morning and explore Bellagio, or as it is sometimes referred as the pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is another cute charming little town located right at the center on a peninsula that protruded into the lake, essentially creating the lake's iconic inverted y shape.
The town is known for its picture-perfect backdrop of the Alps as well as its colorful narrow streets that are popular among influencers, crisscrossing up the hillside, surrounded by stunning architecture, cafes, and restaurants you can indulge yourself in.
Spend at least 2 hours visiting all the notable attractions in Bellagio like Villa Melzi D'Eril, a picturesque botanical garden and beautiful lakeside paths, Punta Spartivento, a beautiful observational promenade with a great view of the lake, and Basilica of St. Giacomo, a beautiful church located in the town's center before catching another ferry across to the western shore of Lake Como and to our next destination, Menaggio.
Menaggio is another small charming town located on the western shore of Lake Como and it is known for its beautiful narrow streets, hillside town, and beautiful promenade full of lovely cafes and restaurants.
There is a nice walking trail in Menaggio you can take that will take you from the shore of the town uphill through the charming hillside area along narrow colorful cobblestone streets until you reach Menaggio Castle, a castle that dates back to the 11th century and located on a hill overlooking the town.
Other notable tourist attractions in Menaggio include Lido di Menaggio, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months, St. Stephen's Church, a beautiful church of architectural and historical significance, and Percorso salute Parco Val Sanagra, a beautiful park set against the Italian Alps. Or you can just relax here and have lunch before we continue our journey.
After spending 2 hours in Menaggio, it is time to visit the highlights of Lake Como, Villa Carlotta, and Villa del Balbianello, some of the prettiest lakeside villas you will see in Italy. To get there, you can take bus #C10 from the bus terminal and get off at Tremezzo and you will be right at the entrance of Villa Carlotta in less than 15 minutes.
Villa Carlotta is a historic villa built in the late 17th century, known for its elaborate garden design, the incredible view overlooking the lake, and one of the most beautifully decorated villas here.
The garden inside Villa Carlotta is incredible. Located right at the entrance of the villa, you will have to walk through it before you can get inside the villa. The garden features a wide variety of plants, flowers, and sculptures that will make you feel like you are walking around a medieval castle instead of a villa.
Inside the villa, you will also find a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the villa, beautiful art collections, and exhibitions you can enjoy. Inside you will also have a chance to glance over the balconies of the villa and see the beautiful garden of Villa Carlotta set against the backdrop of the lake and the Italian Alps.
Once you are done with the villa, catch the same bus #C10 from the Tremezzo bus stop in front of the villa to go to our next destination, Villa del Balbianello. You should be done at Villa Carlotta by 2:30 PM - 3 PM.
Villa del Balbianello is probably one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Lake Como. This villa is the very place where they shot some of the Naboo scenes in the prequel Star Wars movies, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones as well as 007: Casino Royale.
Villa del Balbianello is an 18th-century villa that has been used for various purposes, including as a monastery, a hospital, and a private residence. It is now owned by the National Trust of Italy and is open to the public for tours as well as occasionally open for wedding photographers and film crews to shoot scenes.
Getting to this villa requires a bit of effort but I guarantee you, it will be worth your while. From Tremezzo, it will take about 10 minutes before you have to get off at Lenno, the closest town to the villa. Once you are here, you will then have to walk along the shoreline for around 30 minutes until you arrive at the entrance of the villa.
One of the best features of this villa is its terraced gardens that feature a variety of plants, including rare and exotic species like Holm Oak or the Umbrella tree so be sure to check that out while you are there.
The villa is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day EXCEPT Monday and Wednesday which is rather random. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly if you want to go inside Villa del Balbianello. The entrance fee is 22 EUR per person. After you are done, you can catch the ferry back to Varenna and call it a day.
Getting from Lake Como to Venice
From Lake Como to Venice, you are going to have to catch the one-hour train back to Milano Central Train Station and from there, you should be able to find a train to get to Venice.
There are several direct trains connecting both cities starting at 7:15 AM to 8:45 PM. The journey should take about 2.5 hours and cost 45 EUR. You can get your train ticket online from here.
Day 4 - 5: Venice (2 nights)
Ah... Venice, the city of art, culture, and picturesque canals, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and home to some of the most unique-looking architecture you will see in Italy.
There is no doubt that Venice is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to visit in Italy. I went there expecting as much and that is what I experience. Overcrowded streets, long queues, and just about any cliche you can come to expect from an overtouristic city like overpriced restaurants and cafes.
What I didn't expect to experience was how easy it was to escape the crowds and how easily it was to lose oneself in the crisscrossing narrow streets of Venice for hours without seeing a single tourist.
If you start your journey from Lake Como early, you should have some time to explore some of the highlights of Venice in the afternoon and evening like St. Mark's Square, a vast public in the heart of the city where most journeys in Venice begin. Or you can relax for the day and leave these places for the next day since you will have a full day in Venice.
The square has a long and rich history as being one of the most important social hubs in the city. It is a place where people have been gathering, meeting, and hanging out with one another for centuries.
While you are at the square, you might as well go and climb St. Mark's Campanile, a 98.6-meter-tall bell tower built in the 11th Century, offering one of the best views over Venice and its incredible Venetian lagoon.
There will always be a long queue waiting to get up to the top, which is very typical of most places in Venice. You can either wait in the sun and follow the queue as I did or you can get a ticket online from here which will allow you to skip the line without having to queue up.
Once you are at the top, you will have sweeping panoramic views of the entirety of St. Marks Square on one side and the Venetian lagoon and all its islands on the other. It sure was quite a sight to behold.
Another important landmark at St. Mark Square is Saint Mark's Basilica, a grand cathedral that is considered to be one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in the world.
One of the most iconic and stunning features of the Basilica is the golden mosaics that adorn the facade and the interior, which depict scenes from the New Testament, including the life of Christ and the saints. The mosaics were added between the 12th and 15th centuries and are considered a masterwork of medieval art, something you definitely want to see when traveling in Venice.
The basilica is open from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM with the last admission around 30 minutes before closing time and the ticket should cost around 3 EUR with an option to go up the second level for an extra 5 EUR if you do not mind queuing to get in. If you want to skip the line, you can check out some other online tickets here.
There are many iconic landmarks in Venice that you should definitely check out while you are here like Doge's Palace, a magnificent palace and the residence of the Doge, the elected leader of the Republic of Venice and served as the city's government headquarters, as well as a symbol of the Republic's independent, power, and prestige.
There are also many bridges in Venice that are worth visiting like the Bridge of Sighs, a famous covered bridge connecting the palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) across the Rio di Palazzo, which shows what the justice system of Venice was like back then.
Rialto Bridge is another iconic bridge in Venice you shouldn't miss. The bridge has been connecting 2 sides of the city together since the 12th Century when it was constructed with wood and rebuilt again with stone in the 16th Century, making it the oldest grand-canal-crossing bridge in the city.
For the bridge that offers the very best view of Venice, I have to give it to Ponte dell'Accademia, another grand-canal-crossing bridge, this time, made out of wood located near Gallerie dell'Accademia art museum, hence the name "Ponte dell'Accademia", or Academy Bridge.
Other notable landmarks and attractions in Venice are Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a palace in Venice, known for its unique design, unlike anything you've seen before, Libreria Acqua Alta, a beautiful vintage bookstore built around a small courtyard that features a canal running through it, and many more.
To get the most out of your visit to Venice, I highly recommend you get Venice Pass so you can get easy access to all the main attractions in Venice without having to wait in a queue. That should be it for a day in Venice. Next up, we will visit the Dolomites!
Getting from Venice to Bolzano
From Venice to Bolzano, there are a handful of trains you can take from Venice Train Station to Bolzano Train Station from 5:40 AM to 8:10 PM every day with a single transit in Verona.
The journey should take about 3.5 hours and cost 50 EUR. It is a long journey so be prepared for your trip. You can get your train ticket online from here.
Day 6 - 8: Bolzano, the Dolomites (3 nights)
Bolzano/Bozen is a charming city located in the heart of the Italian Alps which makes it a great base for those who are looking to explore the incredible mountainous region of the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The journey from Venice to Bolzano can be quite long but if you arrive in Bolzano early, be sure to check out some of the city's best attractions like Bolzano Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church, hang out at Waltherplatz, a 19th Century plaza set against the Dolomites, or visit the South Tyrol Archeological Museum.
South Tyrol Archeological Museum, also known as the Ötzi Museum, is a museum dedicated to the "Iceman", a 5,300-year-old mummified corpse that was recently discovered in the region in 1991, thanks to global warming 🥲.
The museum displays the remains of the Iceman, mummified and all, as well as artifacts, and other items that were found with him. They were many speculations as to how he was trapped in the ice for centuries, but the ongoing theory that seems to have the most legs is that he probably got mugged and left for dead up in the mountains. Poor soul!
The museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in archaeology or the history of the region. It is one of the top attractions in Bolzano and I highly recommend you check it out while you are in Bolzano.
Also, be sure to visit the Tourist Information in town and grab your Mobilcard, a tourist card that will allow you to take as many buses and trains as you wish for free for a period of time. Since we will be spending 2 days in the Dolomites, I highly recommend you get the 3-day one which should cost about 23 EUR per person.
Once you are done exploring Bolzano, you can retreat for the night and prepare yourself to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites, Secada, and Alpe di Siusi tomorrow.
On your first full day in the Dolomites, we are going to visit the stunning Secada in the morning and Alpe di Siusi in the afternoon so be sure to get up as early as you can to catch the bus to Ortisei/Urtijëi, where the cable car stations to these places are located.
To get from Bolzano to Ortisei, you will have to go to Bolzano Bus Station and catch bus #350 to Ortisei. The journey should take about an hour and you can use the Mobilcard you got yesterday, tap on the card reader machine, and off you go.
Once you arrive in Ortisei, you can then make your way up the escalator to the Seceda Cable Car Station where you can then buy a roundtrip ticket for 38 EUR, and it should take about 30 minutes until you reach Seceda.
The moment you walked off the cable car station, you will be greeted with an expansive panoramic view of the Odle mountain range, which is known for its distinctive jagged peaks.
To get to the iconic Seceda Ridgeline, you just have to turn left when you exit the cable car and follow the trail along the ridge, you will be in sight of the jagged peaks of the mighty Seceda mountain.
From the ridge, you will have a 360° view of the breathtaking scenery that truly shows just how magnificent the Dolomites are. There are a ton of hiking trails you can do here.
You can hike along Seceda Ridge and get up close and personal with the mountain or you can hike downhill and visit some of the mountain huts located down the valley.
You can spend half a day exploring all the beautiful viewpoints Seceda has to offer before you take the cable car back to Ortisei and stop there for lunch. There are many restaurants here but not as cheap and so if you want to save some money, I highly recommend you pack your lunch the day before in Bolzano.
After lunch, you can make your way to St.Ulrich Cable Car Station located just across the main road on the other side of the valley, buy a roundtrip ticket to Alpe di Siusi for about 24.9 EUR, and off you go to our next destination.
Alpe di Siusi is a high-altitude plateau that is known for its stunning alpine scenery and it is a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers, with an incredible view over the valley and its surroundings. It is completely different from Seceda with its own beauty and charm.
With a short hike, you can get to Belvedere dell'Alpe di Siusi, a breathtaking viewpoint located at an altitude of about 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in the middle of the valley and offers an iconic view of Alpe di Siusi and its golden rolling hills.
Supposedly, this viewpoint is one of the best places to see the sunset in the Dolomites but due to our limited time and the cable car operation hours, we only have time for a few hikes and that is it. Of course, if you really want to see the sunset at Alpe di Siusi, you can opt to stay overnight but it won't be cheap.
With the itinerary, you should have until 5:30 PM before you have to take the cable car down and catch the 7 PM bus #350 back to Bolzano and end your first full day in the Dolomites.
On our second day in the Dolomites, we are going to have our first proper hiking experience by hiking the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hiking trail, a 10 kilometers (6 miles) long trail that takes about 4-5 hours to complete.
Since you will be spending the entire day hiking, I highly recommend you pack your lunch in Bolzano the day before and start as early as you can. Go to Bolzano Bus Station and catch the train to Brixen, a beautiful small mountain with a German heritage we will be exploring in the evening.
From Brixen Train Station, you can catch bus #330 from the bus station right in front of the station and it will take you towards to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead. Along the way, there is an optional stop at Ranui bus stop where you will be able to take photos and visit the iconic Church of St. John but you are going to have to wait another hour to catch the next bus to Adolf-Munkel-Weg.
I did stop here for a bit and spent an hour exploring the area. Not much to do except the church, to be honest but I was there super early in the morning and I had plenty of time to catch the next bus to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead.
If you choose to go all the way to Adolf-Munkel-Weg trailhead, the bus will drop you off at Rifugio Zannes, and then you can start hiking the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail.
This 10 km hiking trail is one of the most photogenic hiking trails out here and it will take you as close to the jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, the mountain you saw in Seceda, as you can get without needing mountaineering gear.
The trail's difficulty is quite moderate with a lot of ups and downs in the beginning and towards the end respectively. Most of the time, you will be on a flat trail along the foothills of the mountain which will allow you to catch your breath while hiking.
The trail will take you to the picturesque Gschnagenhardt-Alm, a mountain hut located right in the center of a natural amphitheater, formed by the towering cliffs of the Odle mountain range, which rise up to over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above the valley floor.
This incredible natural amphitheater was quite a sight to behold as you will find yourself in a vast green field of rolling hills, surrounded by the beautiful jagged peaks of the Odle mountain range, set against the beautiful blue sky. It is a worthy reward for a long hike such as the Adolf-Munkel-Weg trail.
I started hiking at 10:30 AM and arrived at Gschnagenhardt-Alm by 12:40 PM (2 hours). I was up there for about an hour until 1:30 PM before I started making my way down, arriving back at Rifugio Zannes by 3 PM (1.5 hours). Bus #330 to Brixen runs every hour between 9:43 AM and 6:43 PM so I was able to catch the bus at 3:43 PM to get to Brixen.
And that is it for the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hike. If you still have enough energy, I highly recommend you spend the evening in Brixen and explore its cute little town before heading back to Bolzano.
All in all, the Adolf-Munkel-Weg hiking trail is not particularly difficult but it is long and it can take you about 4 - 5 hours to complete the loop. The last train from Brixen to Bolzano is at 10 PM so plan accordingly. The next day, we are finally visiting the famous region of Tuscany starting with the wonderful city of Florence.
Getting from Bolzano to Florence
From Bolzano to Florence, you can also catch a train from Bolzano Train Station to Florence Train Station between 5:00 AM and 5:10 PM every day with a direct train taking around 3 hours and costing between 46 - 60 EUR.
You can also get the one that transits via Verona which is only slightly cheaper but takes almost 6 hours to get to Florence. It is another long journey so please prepare accordingly. You can get your train ticket online from here.
Day 9 - 10: Florence (3 nights)
Florence is the stunning capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, home to world-renowned art, delicious cuisine, and probably one of the most iconic churches in the world, Duomo di Firenze, a structure that will completely blow your socks off the moment you see it in person.
Since we will have 2 full days in Florence, I highly recommend you hit the ground running and check out the iconic Duomo which is located in the historic square of Piazza del Duomo, a piazza with a long and rich history that dates all the way back to the Roman era, a perfect place to begin your journey in Florence.
You can admire the beauty of the Duomo from the outside, trust me, the scale and the amazing details of the cathedral's exterior will blow you away, or you can get inside the duomo to see its beautiful Brunelleschi's Dome.
In addition to the Duomo, the piazza is also home to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Giotto's Bell Tower (an attraction we will be discussing next), and the Opera del Duomo Museum. These historic landmarks offer visitors a chance to learn more about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Accessing the Duomo is free but if you want to see Brunelleschi's Dome, the bell tower, the Baptistery, the museum, and the crypt, you will have to buy a ticket to get in. You can get the Duomo ticket from here with free cancellation or from the official website. It should cost between 30 - 40 EUR per person to get access to all the attractions around the piazza.
No matter what you choose to do here, I highly recommend you climb Giotto's Bell Tower, an iconic medieval tower standing at over 84.7 m (277.9 feet) tall, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. It is hands down, the best viewpoint you can get in the city especially if you want to see the massive dome of the Duomo up close.
You can climb to the top and take in the stunning views of the city given you don't mind ascending the 414 steps to get there. There is no elevator, unfortunately so there is no easy way out for this, but trust me, the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking panoramic views of Florence that await at the top.
There are also other viewpoints around the city as well that will allow you to see Florence from afar and really witness just how massive the Duomo is against other buildings in the city. One of the viewpoints to check out is Piazzale Michelangelo, a public square located on top of a hill overlooking Florence and it is one of the most popular sunset spots in the city.
The square offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside and it attracts a ton of people from across the world who want to witness the golden hour under the Tuscan sun.
Due to how popular the square is, the place can get extremely crowded at times, especially at sunset during peak tourist season. However, the views from the square are well worth the visit in my opinion.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds, you can also go a little further uphill and check out Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful Benedictine abbey founded in the 10th Century located on a hill offering another great view of Florence
Getting to the abbey takes a bit of effort as you will have to walk around 2 km from the city center and you will be climbing uphill for at least 20 minutes to reach the top. In the summer heat, this can be extremely challenging so please take your time and pace yourself while you walk. You can also visit the abbey in the evening to avoid the hottest time of the day.
For art lovers, Florence is also home to some of the most comprehensive collections of artworks from famous artists like Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, the Florentines, and Raffaell, most of which are housed in the incredible Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world.
The museum was founded in the mid-16th century by the Medici family, who was a powerful and influential dynasty in Florence at the time. The museum was originally intended to house the family's art collection, which included a number of important works by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Over the years, the collection has grown to include a wide range of art from different periods and styles, and today the Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the finest art museums in the world with the most impressive collection of art you will ever see.
In addition to its impressive collection of art, the museum is also known for its beautiful architecture and design. It is housed in a series of connected buildings that were once the offices of the Medici government, all beautifully decorated, and they are designed to be filled with natural light, which is perfect for art viewing.
Things to note is that, if you want to visit Uffizi Gallery while you are in Florence, you are going to have to book the ticket and choose a time slot, weeks in advance so that you do not have to queue up at the gate while you are there. You can also go on an organized tour if you want to learn more about all the artworks you see here.
Another incredible art gallery you shouldn't miss is Accademia Gallery, an art museum best known for its collection of Renaissance art, which includes some of the most famous and iconic works in the world, such as Michelangelo's "David" sculpture.
Here at the museum, you will be able to gaze eyes upon one of Michelangelo's best works, the real 5.17 m (17 ft) marble statue of the Biblical figure David, in all its glory.
Getting into the Accademia Gallery can be quite tricky if you don't plan ahead. If you want to see David with your own eyes, I highly recommend you get the ticket online and book the time slot weeks in advance as the queue to get inside can be extremely long.
You can also go on a guided tour through Accademia Gallery if you want to dive deeper into the history of the masterpieces you see in the museum.
Other notable attractions in Florence you shouldn't miss are Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the first churches built in the city, Palazzo Vecchio, an iconic town hall considered one of the city's most famous landmarks, Ponte Vecchio, another historic landmark of the city, famous for its picturesque appearance, and Pitti Palace, the original residence of the Medici family.
With so many things to do in Florence, there should be enough things for you to occupy your entire day here. If you are looking for more things to do, be sure to check out the complete Florence travel guide below.
Getting from Florence to Pisa/Siena
From Florence, it is pretty easy to get to Pisa or Siena via trains. They are both around an hour's train ride away from Florence and you should be able to easily catch one of the main trains from Florence Train Station.
The train runs from 6 AM to 11 PM every day and should cost around 9 - 10 EUR. You can get your train ticket online from here.
Day 11: Pisa (optional day-trip)
With a free day in Florence, you can choose to visit Pisa and see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa or Siena, an incredibly beautiful medieval town full of houses with reddish brown roofs which is where the color "Sienna" got its name from.
Both are worth a visit but I prefer Siena more as it gets fewer tourists and there are more things to do there. Pisa is almost like a zoo with people running around, posing the cliche force-perspective shots that have been done to death.
All the attractions are also concentrated in one area and can easily be done in half a day. That said, Pisa is home to the iconic Leaning Tower, and that in itself might be enough of a reason to choose Pisa over Siena. All in all, no matter which one you choose, you will still have an incredible time here.
For those who choose Pisa, your journey will begin at the train station in Pisa where you will have to walk around 30 minutes through town to get to Piazza del Duomo, where all the attractions are concentrated in.
At Pisa, you can spend the day visiting Cattedrale di Pisa, go up to the top of the Leaning Tower for an incredible view over the city, and learn more about the history of the place from all the museums around Piazza del Duomo.
If you want to go up the Leaning Tower, you are going to have to buy the ticket and book a time slot before you can visit. The time slot gets booked out very fast and you might be looking at waiting around 3 - 4 hours before you can get up there.
In order to avoid wasting time, I highly recommend you buy the ticket online prior to your arrival and book a time slot in advance. The cathedral, the Leaning Tower, and the museum are open from 9 AM - 8 PM every day and you can easily reach Pisa from Florence via one of the many daily trains connecting to 2 cities.
You can also go with an organized tour which will save you a ton of time and will often include visiting other places as well like Siena, a place we will be discussing next, and San Gimignano which is not easy to reach via public transportation. This is the perfect option for those who do not have a lot of time in Florence.
Day 11: Siena (optional day-trip)
For those of you who are not interested in Pisa, you can also go on a day trip from Florence and visit Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval towns that will make you feel like you just traveled back in time as you walk through its crisscrossing streets.
Siena has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city is known for its medieval architecture and is home to a number of important landmarks and historical sites, including the Piazza del Campo, the city's main square and my favorite place out of all, the Palazzo Pubblico, or the city's town hall, and the Torre del Mangia, a tall tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Siena is also home to a number of museums and art galleries that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage, as well as the impressive Duomo di Siena, a 13th Century cathedral famous for its facade and its marble stripes in symbolic black and white pattern.
You can easily visit Siena from Florence with a 1-hour train ride which you can find from here or you can visit the town as part of an organized tour which will often include other places as well like Pisa, perfect for those with not much time in Florence.
Getting from Florence to Cinque Terre
From Florence to Cinque Terre, you can catch a train from Florence Train Station to one of the 4 famous coastal towns of Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) depending on where you stay along the Cinque Terre Coast.
You will likely have to transit via Pisa and it should take about 3 hours and cost around 25 EUR to reach Cinque Terre from Florence. The train runs from 4:30 AM to 9:54 PM and you can get your train ticket online from here
Day 12 - 13: Cinque Terre (2 nights)
After many days spent inland and in the mountains, it is time to explore the coast of Northern Italy and there is no better place to do so than Cinque Terre, a beautiful coastline known for its picturesque colorful villages you often see on Instagram.
Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages that are located along the Italian Riviera. The 4 best palces to stay are Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. No matter where you are staying in these villages, you should spend the first evening when you arrive and explore the town where you are based in.
For the next day, I highly recommend you start early in the morning from the southern end of Cinque Terre in Riomaggiore, and then we will make our way up the coast as the day goes.
Riomaggiore is one of the 3 most beautiful towns in Cinque Terre where you will be able to see the iconic colorful houses Cinque Terre is so famous for, and it is a great place to visit first thing in the morning as it can get extremely crowded during the day.
Riomaggiore is also the town where you will have to walk the most to get from the train station to the dock area where it is most photogenic and it requires you to walk uphill for at least 10 minutes.
Since the Italian summer heat is no joke, this is another reason why I recommend you visit Riomaggiore first thing in the morning when the heat is still bearable. That way, you won't have to suffer the walk under extreme heat as I did when I was there mid-day.
While you are in Riomaggiore, be sure to check out the view from this platform where you will be able to see the colorful houses in Riomaggiore in all their glory as well as Castello di Riomaggiore, a 13th-century stone castle perches above the sea with an incredible view, Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore, a 14th Century Catholic church with beautiful Gothic features, and Riomaggiore Town Hall.
After you are done at Riomaggiore, you can take the train towards Genoa and get off at the next station in Manarola, another of the 3 most beautiful villages in Cinque Terre.
By the time you are done at Riomaggiore, you should be in Manarola by late morning which is when the crowd is starting to form although it should be too much and you should be able to have some time to enjoy the scenery of Manarola and its hiking trails.
Manarola is probably the prettiest town of them all with the grandest viewpoint that runs along a cliff nearby and you will be able to capture that postcard-perfect shot of the colorful houses of Cinque Terre.
There are also several walking trails you can do here with awesome views of the town from above as well as beautiful surroundings. The Parco giochi Paradiso is a great spot for joggers and morning people to come out and enjoy the beautiful morning air before the day trippers arrive. I highly recommend you spend some time walking along the cliff and up to the park for a great view over Manarola.
After spending a few hours in Manarola, you can continue your journey up north via trains and get off at Vernazza, which is another beautiful charming coastal town, known for its colorful houses and the iconic Ruins of Doria Tower.
Although the houses in Vernazza aren't as colorful as Manarola and Riomaggiore, they are still extremely photogenic and definitely feel less clamped, chaotic, and more spacious than the other 2 towns.
While you are here, you should also check out the view from the Ruins of Doria Tower, a beautiful hilltop castle dating to the 10th Century, which offers a sweeping view over Vernazza and its mountainous surroundings. To access the castle, you will have to pay around 2 EUR which is pretty cheap considering the view you get.
You can also visit the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, which is a small 14th Century catholic church known for its octagonal tower overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
For the best view over Vernazza, I highly recommend you walk to this spot that runs along the famous Cinque Terre's hiking trail connecting all the towns together. You should be able to access the trail for free if you have the 24-Hour Cinque Terre Train Pass. Probably, the best viewpoint in the entire town in my opinion.
If you have been looking forward to spending some time at the beach in Cinque Terre, I am happy to tell you that we have now arrived at one of the best places to do just that. Monterosso is the beach town of Cinque Terre with access to a long strip of white sand beach you can enjoy.
The long strip of beach at Monterosso can easily be accessed by a platform that connects the train station to the beach area. When you are there, you will find plenty of sun beds and umbrellas, perfect for those who do not mind paying a little for a reserved spot at the beach with amenities like drinks, shower access, and more. It should cost around 35 EUR for 2 sun beds for the entire day which is not bad if you are planning to spend the entire day here.
While you are in Monterosso, be sure to check out Scoglio di Monterosso, a beautiful rock formation, and Statua del Gigante a beautiful giant stone statue carved out of the cliff nearby. You can also have a late lunch or spend the rest of the evening, enjoying the sunset in Monterosso.
If you are short on time and you don't want to spend an extra night here, I highly recommend you go with an organized tour from Florence or Milan which will take you to many of the places I mentioned here without spending a night, saving you 2 days of travel.
Getting from Cinque Terre to Milan
From Cinque Terre to Milan, you should be able to catch a train from one of the 4 famous towns (Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) that will take you directly to Milano Centrale in about 3 hours.
The trains between Cinque Terre and Milan run from 5:14 AM to 7:39 PM every day and they should cost around 35 EUR. You can get the train ticket online from here.
Milan (1 night)
Congratulations, you have finally completed the 2 weeks Northern Italy backpacking loop. After spending 2 weeks exploring all the nooks and crannies of Northern Italy, you deserve a good rest.
Spend your last day in Milan, chilling, enjoying all the delicious foods, and indulging yourself in all that this city has to offer. If you are looking for an alternative place to hang out, be sure to check out Naviglio Grande.
Naviglio Grande is a little neighborhood that reassembles more Amsterdam than Milan itself with buildings, hip restaurants, and cafes, all lined up along both sides of the canal.
Spend the night in Milan and take your flight home the next day. Ciao!
When to Visit Northern Italy?
Italy can get pretty hot in the summer and so if you want the weather to be a little milder which is perfect for hiking and the crowds a little thinner, I highly recommend you visit during spring from April to late May.
If you just want the best weather for swimming and relaxing in the sun, you are going to have to brace the crowds and visit Northern Italy in the summer months between June to August.
Despite the area being crowded, there are ways to avoid the crowd in Italy like by simply staying overnight outside of the touristy areas or you can also wake up early in the morning and explore before the crowds arrive.
Winter is not recommended since many restaurants and cafes are often closed for the season except for a few guest houses and bed and breakfasts in places like Cinque Terre.
Also, to travel around the Dolomites without a car, you are going to have to rely on their bus network which doesn't run as often in winter and many of the hiking trails are closed off which is not ideal.
How Many Days to Spend in Northern Italy?
Two weeks is a good amount of time to spend in Northern Italy, allowing you enough time to visit most of the great highlights that make Northern Italy so wonderful.
Of course, you can adjust my itinerary as you see fit. Do not want to spend a day in Pisa? Feel free to switch it to Siena or spend more days in Florence. The itinerary is made to be completely adjustable.
You can also visit many of these places as day trips like visiting Lake Como as a day trip in Milan, visiting Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence/Milan, or you can visit both Pisa and Cinque Terre in one day from Florence, and make this itinerary a 7-day itinerary although, I think it will be a little rush for most. What I am saying is that the possibility is endless with this itinerary, so feel free to adjust as you see fit.
How to Get to Northern Italy?
Most trip in Northern Italy begins in Milan and so first and foremost, you will have to find a flight from your hometown to Milan's Malpensa Airport.
From the US, there are many direct flights from JFK that will take you straight to Milan in about 11 hours via Emirates, Delta, and American Airlines. You can browse through great direct flights from here.
From Europe, you have quite a lot more options here. You can either fly directly to Milan from places like the UK via Wizz Air, take a train from all the major train stations around Europe, or catch one of the many buses to Milan. Flixbus is highly recommended when it comes to bus travel in Europe.
From Asia, there are also many direct flights to Milan operated by local carriers from cities like Singapore, Seoul, or Tokyo or you can go with connecting flights which are often a bit cheaper. There are many flights from Asia that connect via middle east countries like Emirates via Dubai or Etihad via Abu Dhabi. The journey should take approximately 12 hours direct.
To find a cheap flight to Italy, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get Around Northern Italy?
Italy is very well-connected by trains and buses and these are the 2 modes of transportation you will be relying on most for this itinerary.
By trains: The trains here are quite ok with a reliable enough schedule with a chance of 5 - 10 minutes delay and excellent coverage. They are operated by Trenitalia and you will be using them when you travel from one city to another.
Due to how short the transit time is sometimes, and how trains here have the tendency to be delayed, always give at least 20 minutes of transit time if you can. You can book a train ticket online beforehand which is extremely convenient.
By Bus: Buses are also a great way to get around Northern Italy, especially in remote places like the Dolomites. The bus schedules in most places in Northern Italy are often available online and you should be able easily reserve seats online without having to be at the bus station beforehand. This and Flixbus are my preferred modes of transportation when I want to move around quickly and directly.
By Rental Cars: You can also rent a car straight from the airport in Milan and drive around Northern Italy. One thing to know is that mountain roads can be quite narrow and cause a huge traffic jams in places like Lake Como so be sure to avoid weekends or public holidays. To Rent a car, hit the link below:
How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Northern Italy?
From this 2 weeks itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: For 15 nights in Northern Italy, you can expect to pay around 490 EUR for accommodation minimum considering you are staying in hostels.
Food: For 15 days, 3 meals a day in Italy, you can expect to pay around 450 EUR for food considering you eat out every meal. It will be cheaper if you cook it yourself.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay around 250 EUR for transportation between cities with around 219 EUR for trains and the rest for metros and buses you might be taking in the cities like Milan.
Activities: Depending on how much you want to follow my itinerary you can expect to pay approximately 300 EUR for activities for museums, entrance fees, City Passes, etc.
Total Budget for 2 weeks in Northern Italy: 1,480 EUR
Is it Safe in Italy?
In general, Northern Italy is pretty safe but in big cities like Milan and Florence, and crowded places like the train stations and the metros, you will have to be extra careful with your belongings as, like any other big European cities, petty theft and pickpocketing can be quite prevalent there.
As usual, it is always a good idea to exercise precautions by not leaving your belongings unattended and always, ALWAYS keep an eye out on your belongings at all times. Keep your hands in your pockets when entering or exiting crowded places like a metro or a train station and make sure you are holding your phones and wallets tightly.
Other than that, you should be fine traveling around Italy. I didn't have any problems in Italy when I was there. Keep your wits with you and you will be fine.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Italy?
There are 4 major carriers in Italy, TIM, Vodafone, W3m, and Iliad, that offer prepaid sim cards tourists can buy while they are traveling in Italy. Unfortunately, with the rise of esims, having to be in the country to buy a sim card at a store is quite inconvenient and not ideal.
If you have a smartphone that supports esims, I highly recommend you take a look at this esim. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from ranging from 1 GB for 7 days costing only 5 USD to 10 GB for 30 days costing 22.5 USD.
The setup is fast and instant and you can buy it prior to your trip so you don't have to scramble your way to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local sim card with 4G speed across the entire country.
Or if you are traveling to Italy as part of a bigger Europe trip, I highly recommend you get the regional Eurolink esim which will give you access to data from over 39 countries across Europe. I have personally used this esim on my 3-months trip around Europe and it has worked wonders.
For more information on esims in Italy, click here: Check Italy's Available eSim.
What to Pack for Northern Italy?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Italy:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Italy
I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
- Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2 Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Every trip to Northern Italy starts in Milan. If you are a first-timer, here are the 16 best things to do in Milan.
- Want to make the most out of 3 days in Milan? Check out: 3 Days In Milan: An Itinerary For First Timers.
- Ah... Venice, the city of art, culture, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. You just can't visit Italy without seeing it with your own eyes. To help you plan a trip there, here are the 15 best things to do in Venice.
- Planning a trip to Lake Como but not sure where to begin? Check out: the 10 Best Places to Visit in Lake Como.
- For a complete backpacking guide to Lake Como, check out: The 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
- Want to visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan? Check out: One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan.
- For an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Northern Italy, you can't go wrong with Bologna. For a complete travel guide, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Bologna.
- Want to explore the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites.
- For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out: the 7 Days Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
- At the heart of sunny Tuscany lies Florence, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. If you are planning to visit Florence, check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Florence.
- Cinque Terre, known for its picturesque stacked houses on cliffs and coastlines, is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the bustling city life in Northern Italy. To start planning, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Cinque Terre.
- Planning to visit Pisa and the Leaning Tower? Check out: 10 Best Things to do in Pisa.
- Siena, a medieval town in Tuscany, will transport you back to the Middle Ages the moment you step in it. If you want to visit Siena, here are the 10 Best Things to do in Siena.
- For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for Sicily? Check out: One Week Backpacking Sicily Itinerary
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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