This Northern Italy itinerary takes you through some of Italy’s most beautiful and varied cities – from Renaissance art, Roman ruins and medieval towers to romantic streets and dreamy canals.
Designed as a North Italy itinerary by train, with short, scenic rail journeys between each stop. No car needed, no rushed travel days – just culture, food and unforgettable city breaks.
Whether you have 7 days or nearly two weeks, this itinerary for Northern Italy is easy to adapt.
It’s ideal if you’re flying into Pisa and out of Venice, and works beautifully for a first (or second!) trip to Italy.
This post is part of my complete Northern Italy Travel Guide, where I share itineraries, tips and DIY planning advice for visiting Northern Italy.
Contents
- Northern Italy Travel Itinerary Overview
- Getting Around Northern Italy
- Introduction to Northern Italy
- Highlights
- Arrive in Pisa (1 Day)
- Florence: (2-3 Days)
- Recommended Day Trips From Florence
- Bologna (1–2 Days)
- Verona (1–2 Days)
- Venice (2–3 Days)
- Northern Italy Itinerary Budget (Per Person)
- Buying Your Train Tickets
- FAQ: Northern Italy Itinerary
- Final Thoughts
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Northern Italy Travel Itinerary Overview
Suggested Route
✈️ Pisa → Florence → Bologna → Verona → Venice ✈️
Best for:
First-time Italy visitors, city lovers, culture seekers, foodies and travellers who want an easy rail-based route.
Getting Around Northern Italy
Trains all the way. Italy’s rail network makes this itinerary simple, affordable and stress-free. You don’t have to book tickets way in advance but it’s best to book the day before to get the cheaper tickets.
🚄 You can find timetables and tickets here.
I do not recommend hiring a car for this itinerary because many Italian cities are car free.
Introduction to Northern Italy
Northern Italy is made for slow travel by train – historic cities close together, incredible food at every stop, and enough variety to keep every day feeling different. This itinerary takes you from the Tuscan coast to the canals of Venice, passing Renaissance art, Roman relics, medieval towers, romantic old towns and some of Italy’s best cuisine along the way.
Highlights
💗 We love exploring Northern Italy. Our favourite highlights of this itinerary and things you can look forward to:
- The majestic view of the Tower of Pisa at sunset
- A pizza cookery class in a villa overlooking the Tuscan countryside
- Following the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet in Verona
- Watching an opera at Teatro La Fenice
- Aimlessly wandering along Venice’s hidden canals
- Eating some of the most mouthwatering Italian food I’ve ever experienced
Arrive in Pisa (1 Day)
Pisa is the perfect entry point for this Northern Italy trip itinerary, especially if you’re flying in from the UK or Europe. While many people only visit on a day trip, staying overnight lets you experience the city once the crowds disappear.
Spend time in Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, cathedral and baptistery. In the evening, the area becomes peaceful and surprisingly atmospheric.
| 🏩 Book Your Pisa Accommodation Where we stayed: Grand Hotel Duomo – We loved this hotel full of old world charm, the view of the Leaning Tower from our window was simply majestic. Where to stay in Pisa: Historic centre: Best for sightseeing and atmosphere Near Pisa Centrale: Convenient if you’re arriving late or leaving early 👉 Search for hotels in Pisa |
Places to Visit in Pisa
A day in Pisa will give you plenty of time to explore its top attractions. I recommend taking a walking tour to learn about the fascinating history.
Top Attractions
- Leaning Tower of Pisa – climb the 294 steps of this iconic tower to see fantastic views over Pisa
- Pisa Cathedral & Baptistery – admire beautiful mosaics and marble columns
- Piazza dei Miracoli – home of the cathedral and tower
- Riverside walk along the Arno
👉 Explore tour options on Get Your Guide
Florence: (2-3 Days)
🚄 Find your train options to Florence here. The train from Pisa to Florence only takes 1 hour and runs frequently all day till late at night.
Florence is the cultural heart of this Northern Italy travel itinerary. Grand, artistic and endlessly photogenic, it’s a city that rewards both planning and wandering.
Climb the Duomo for panoramic views, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and take time to explore neighbourhoods beyond the main sights. If you have an extra day, escape into the Tuscan countryside for a cookery class or wine tasting.
⚠️ Tip: Be sure to book your tickets for popular attractions to avoid disappointment.
| 🏩 Book Your Florence Accommodation Where to stay: • Historic centre (Duomo/Santa Croce): Walkable but busy • Oltrarno: More local feel, great food scene • Near Santa Maria Novella: Ideal for train connections 👉 Search for hotels in Florence |
Places to Visit in Florence
Florence is rich in culture, history and cuisine and is compact enough to explore by foot. If you have 2 days in Florence this is how I’d structure your time.
Day 1: Historical Florence
Morning: I suggest beginning your time in Florence with a free walking tour with GuruWalk to learn about its history and get your bearings.
Afternoon: Explore the historical sights and art galleries.
✨ Don’t Miss: For art lovers – you’ll want to visit the Accadmia Gallery and admire Michaelangelo’s David and see Renaissance masterpieces.
Top Florence Attractions
- Florence Cathedral & Dome – stunning views from Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Ponte Vecchio – iconic medieval bridge lined with shops
- Uffizi Gallery – Masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli
- Piazzale Michelangelo – panoramic views 📸
- Boboli Gardens – Italian Renaissance garden
- Florence Opera House – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre – modern opera house
Day 2 Exploring Florence Culture & Cuisine
- People watch in Piazza della Signoria and enjoy an Italian coffee
- Take a Cookery Class – we loved our pizza & gelato cookery class in a villa overlooking the Tuscan countryside
- Watch the opera at Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre
👉 Book Florence attractions on Get Your Guide
Recommended Day Trips From Florence
Optional Extensions
Cinque Terre
Add colourful coastal villages and scenic walks to your Northern Italy trip itinerary.
To explore the Cinque Terre Villages – take the train to Spezia, which has frequent connections to all five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso).
Alternatively you can book a day trip to this pretty coastal area on Get Your Guide.
Italian Cookery Class in a Tuscan Villa
We highly recommend a pizza and gelato cookery class with Walk About Tours (around €120 per person). The experience includes:
- Transfers from Florence to a Tuscan villa
- Hands-on lessons with professional chefs
- All ingredients and recipes to take home
- A sit-down meal with Chianti wine
👉Read about our experience here!
Chianti Wine Region (from Florence)
Rolling vineyards, hilltop towns and wine tastings – perfect for slowing the pace.
🍷See tour options on Get Your Guide
Bologna (1–2 Days)
🚄 Bologna is only 35 minutes from Florence. Explore train options to Bologna
Bologna is often overlooked – and that’s exactly why it deserves a place in your north Italy itinerary. Known as Italy’s food capital, it’s packed with character, history and incredible cuisine.
Climb the Asinelli Tower, stroll beneath the UNESCO-listed porticoes, and eat your way through the city. Bologna feels authentic, lived-in and refreshingly relaxed.
| 🏩 Book Your Bologna Accommodation Where to stay: • Historic centre: Best for food and sightseeing • Near Bologna Centrale: Convenient for short stays 👉 Search for hotels in Bologna |
Places to Visit in Bologna
Bologna is easy to explore by foot. I recommend a food tour with a guide to experience Bologna’s culture and local cuisine.
Top Attractions
- Asinelli Tower – climb the tower for incredible city views
- Piazza Maggiore – the city’s main square featuring the Fountain of Neptune
- Basilica of San Petronio – largest and most important church in Bologna
- The porticoes (UNESCO-listed) – miles of covered walkways, unique to the city
👉 Search for tours on Get Your Guide
👉 Bologna travel guide: (coming soon)
Verona (1–2 Days)
🚄 Verona is just under an hour from Bologna by train – explore train options here.
Verona is a charming city, nestled along the River Adige, in north eastern Italy. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique and historic architecture.
Verona has something to offer for everyone – history, literature, culture and cuisine. Within its many visible historic layers, you will find a Roman Amphitheatre, Medieval walls and beautiful architecture.
Literature buffs will enjoy learning about famous writers, such as Shakespeare and the Italian poet Barbarani.
And of course food and wine lovers will delight in Verona’s amazing selection of restaurants and wine bars.
| 🏩 Book Your Verona Accommodation Where we stayed: We loved our stay in Delle Erbe Suites nestled in the historic centre above Piazza Delle Erbe. Where to stay in Verona: I recommend staying in the historic centre to be close to all the main sights. See our guide: Best Hotels in Verona Historic Centre and our full review here. 👉 Search for hotels in Verona |
Places to Visit in Verona
Verona is perfect for a 1-2 day visit. It’s worth buying the Verona City Card. I love the way that the card is inexpensive and gets you into all the main places that you will want to see in Verona.
My Top Suggestions
- Verona Arena – an impressive Roman arena with live events throughout the summer
- Juliet’s Balcony – iconic pilgrimage to Shakespeare’s most loved character
- Piazza delle Erbe – market place with restaurants and bars
- Castelvecchio Bridge – replica of the original medieval bridge
- Panoramic Views at Castel San Pietro – take the funicular or walk for spectacular views 📸
- Follow my Romeo & Juliet walking tour with Letters to Juliet Filming Locations
Getting About
Verona’s centre is fairly small and walkable. You can reach all the main sites by foot.
Traffic is restricted in the historic centre but you can take a bus from the train station to just outside of the restricted area and taxis are available too.
We walked from the train station to our stay (20 minutes) and we took the bus back.
👉 Read more: 20 Best Things to Do in Verona
Venice (2–3 Days)
🚄 Another short journey, Venice is only 1 hour from Verona – See your train options here.
Venice is the grand finale of this from Pisa to Venice by train itinerary. Venice is like a dream – a real life film set. It’s busy, yes – but magical if you slow down and wander beyond the main routes.
Explore hidden canals, ride the vaporetto, and visit St. Mark’s Square early morning or late evening for the best experience.
| 🏩 Book Your Venice Accommodation Where we stayed: We have stayed in 2 hotels in Venice: 🏩 Carlton on the Grand Canal – with fabulous balcony views over the Grand Canal 🏩 FloVè Rooms – in our favourite area Cannaregio. Where to stay in Venice: • San Marco: Central but busiest • Dorsoduro: Quieter, artsy vibe • Cannaregio: Local feel and better value 👉 Search for your Venice hotel |
Places to Visit in Venice
Two days covers the highlights; three lets you savour the quieter side of the city.
Day 1: Iconic Venice
Morning: Arrive early before the crowds to see all the main tourist sights in St Marks Square. If you wish to see inside the famous landmarks, I suggest you book tickets in advance.
Afternoon: Walk along the Grand Canal and over the Rialto Bridge. Take a gondola ride along hidden canals.
Day 2: Venice Hidden Gems
Explore at your own pace – away from the crowds. I recommend visiting Cannaregio (less busy and touristy) with local bars and restaurants and Dorsoduro – brimming with art galleries, museums and designer boutiques.
Afternoon: Take a trip to the islands of Murano and Burano.
✨ Read our Venice Hidden Gems recommendations here!
Top Attractions
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Square – Venice’s most famous cathedral and square
- Doge’s Palace
- Grand Canal – the main waterway and home to the iconic Rialto Bridge
- Dorsoduro district
- Cannaregio neighbourhood – our favourite area with the best pizza restaurant!
- Teatro La Fenice – watch a performance at the historic opera house. Read: our full guide and opera experience here.
Recommended Tours in Venice
- Murano & Burano islands – see the home of Murano glass and colourful Burano
- Hidden Venice Walking Tour – Learn about Venice’s rich heritage and culture on a walking tour with a local. Explore tranquil canals, secret courtyards, narrow passages and quiet squares.
- Gondola Ride – Glide through the canals on a Gondola ride.
👉 Explore tours on Get Your Guide
👉 Read more: Venice Hidden Gems – 12 Unique Things to Do in the City
Northern Italy Itinerary Budget (Per Person)
Northern Italy is not a cheap destination but you can save money by:
- Visiting during shoulder season (early spring / late autumn).
- 🍽️ Eating in bakeries, small local cafes and eateries is much more budget friendly than the main tourist restaurants.
- 🚶 I recommend GuruWalk for free walking tours to learn about the history, explore hidden gems and gain local insights for each city.
- 🛌 Hostel World is a fantastic site for finding great budget stays.
Daily budget estimate (excluding flights)
- Accommodation: £80-£180 (double room)
- Food: £30-£50
- Transport (trains): £10-£25 per travel day
- Attractions: £15-£30
Total: £120-£250 per day depending on comfort level and season
✨ Money-saving tip: Book train tickets early and prioritise one paid attraction per day.
Buying Your Train Tickets
One of the best things about this Northern Italy itinerary is how easy train travel is. Italy’s rail system is reliable, affordable and very well connected – especially on this route.
Do you need to book in advance?
- Regional trains: No – prices are fixed and seats aren’t reserved
- High-speed trains (Frecciarossa / Italo): Yes, if you want the best prices
My tip ✨:
For high-speed routes (Florence-Bologna, Bologna-Verona, Verona-Venice), I usually book a few days to a week ahead. You’ll often pay less and guarantee a seat.
Best ways to buy tickets
You have three easy options:
- Online (recommended):
Book via Trainline – quick, simple and no need to print tickets - Train station ticket machines:
Available in English and easy to use - Ticket counters:
Helpful if you’re unsure, but queues can be long
📱 If you book online, your ticket will be on your phone – just scan it at the gate or show it on board.
Seat reservations & classes
- High-speed trains include seat reservations automatically
- Second class is comfortable and perfectly fine for short journeys
- First class offers more space but isn’t necessary for most travellers
Validating tickets (important!)
- Paper tickets for regional trains must be validated before boarding
- Look for the small green or yellow machines on the platform
- Digital tickets don’t need validation
⚠️ Skipping this can result in an on-the-spot fine.
✨ Money-saving tip: Travel early morning or mid-afternoon for cheaper fares, and avoid Friday afternoons if possible.
FAQ: Northern Italy Itinerary
How many days do you need for Northern Italy?
Ideally 10-12 days. You can shorten this to 7-8 days by skipping Bologna or reducing Florence.
Is Northern Italy easy to travel by train?
Yes – this is one of the easiest regions in Europe for train travel. This itinerary works perfectly without a car. We always travel by train when we visit this region.
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. It balances must-see cities with slower, less touristy stops.
What’s the best time to do this Northern Italy travel itinerary?
April-June and September-October offer the best weather with fewer crowds.
Can I reverse the route?
Yes – Venice to Pisa works just as well. We’ve actually travelled this route in different orders but this is the most logical order forwards or reversed!
Final Thoughts
This Northern Italy itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to see a lot without feeling rushed. With short train journeys, walkable cities and incredible food at every stop, it’s one of the most rewarding routes you can plan yourself.
You’ll find detailed guides for Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice linked throughout – with Bologna and Cinque Terre coming soon.
📍 Save this Northern Italy Itinerary for planning your dream trip. Find all my Italy Travel Blogs here!
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