Road trip in Northern Italy

Italy and its Dolce Vita, culinary specialties, architectural riches, and breathtaking landscapes... Why resist such a program? Start planning your road trip in Northern Italy now with our practical tips and discover a dream itinerary for 3 weeks of total escapism! From the Aosta Valley to the majestic Lake Como, passing through the impressive Dolomites, elegant Florence, the charm of Genoa, and vibrant Turin, combine green tourism and urban discoveries! Dream stops for a unique road trip

Are you dreaming of a road trip in Northern Italy and wondering when to go? From a climatic perspective, the ideal months to explore Northern Italy extend from spring to early autumn, between April and October.

During this period, temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 68 to 86°F ️, and sunshine is generous, perfect for outdoor activities.

While some showers may occur in early spring, they do not detract from the many opportunities for hiking in breathtaking landscapes or swimming in the most beautiful lakes in Italy. It's the perfect season to fully enjoy the charms of this region, combining nature and culture!

Once you have chosen the ideal period for your road trip in Northern Italy, it's time to consider your mode of transportation. You have several options: train, bus, personal vehicle, or rental car. However, if I had to give you a piece of advice, I would say choose the car without hesitation. It offers an unparalleled freedom to explore the winding and sometimes steep roads of this region at your own pace. If you plan to use your own vehicle, make sure it can handle all the challenges of the terrain!

Otherwise, flying and renting a car on-site is an excellent alternative. In the 13-step itinerary I propose in this article, the car option is detailed to allow you to fully enjoy the landscapes and the must-see stops. Arriving by plane in Turin or Milan is particularly convenient and often economical. Be sure to book early using flight comparison websites like Ulysse to find the best deals and start your adventure with peace of mind! ✈️

Once you arrive in Italy, you just need to pick up your rental car, ideally reserved in advance to benefit from the best rates and guarantee its availability. Most agencies are located directly in the airports of Milan or Turin, which greatly simplifies the pick-up process. Car rental comparison sites like Discover Cars are invaluable for finding the offer best suited to your needs and budget

Essential point: the equipment! Swimwear and sunglasses, yes, but there's more! In Northern Italy, some places can be rather cool, especially in the Dolomites, so pack your fleeces, blankets, and heavy coats For a picnic in nature, a stove and kettle are very useful! And finally, road trips mean beautiful walks and therefore good walking shoes! If you decide to travel in winter, I also recommend reading the article 'Road trip: tips for safe winter driving'

The budget is a key element to consider when organizing your road trip in Northern Italy. Of course, costs vary depending on your choices and travel style. If you head out with your car, a tent, and a picnic table, you can travel very economically. This minimalist way of traveling has the advantage of reducing costs while maximizing your connection with nature.

On the other hand, if you prefer the comfort of a hotel each night and meals at restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, expect a larger budget. It is important to adjust your spending to your desires and possibilities

Another point to anticipate: road fees. In Northern Italy, many roads are toll roads, especially highways. To save money, don't hesitate to prioritize free routes when time allows. Besides reducing costs, these secondary roads often offer exceptional views that will enrich your travel experience. Adjust your itinerary for the perfect balance between savings and eye candy! ✨

If I could give you one piece of advice for your road trip in Northern Italy: listen to your heart. Nothing is more incredible than that freedom that guides you where you want to go. If you spot a pretty village that isn't on your to-do list, stop anyway! Don't penalize the rest of your itinerary, but a few surprising moments are essential! Whether with family or friends, indulge yourself!

The landscapes of Northern Italy are extremely diverse. Whether on the West coast or East coast, you will be captivated by the wonders you discover. I propose that we travel together through this 3-week road trip in Northern Italy that, I hope, will inspire you to set sail.

Here are the 13 key stops (10 + 3 optional) for a road trip in Northern Italy :

The Aosta Valley (1 day, optional)

Lake Maggiore and Lake Como (2 days)

Brescia and Lake Garda (1 day)

Verona (2 days)

The Dolomites (4 days, adjustable based on weather)

Venice (2 days)

Bologna (1 day, optional)

Florence (2 days)

Pisa (half a day)

The Cinque Terre (2 days)

Genoa (2 days)

Acqui Terme and Alexandria (1 day, optional)

Turin (2 days)

Departing from France, take the tunnel under Mont Blanc toward the Aosta Valley in Italy. To go to Lake Maggiore, this stop is perfect for relaxing after a long drive

Once in Aosta, take the time to soak in the charm of the streets and take a photo break; it's an excellent idea for a smooth start. Between the Cathedral of Notre Dame of the Assumption, the Roman Theater, and the Collegiate Church of Saint Ursus, there are beautiful monuments to visit. During our stay, we limited ourselves to the old town of Aosta, which is very pleasant for browsing the shops; I highly recommend it! ️ At Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio, we discovered a good restaurant with a surprising name, Osteria la Vache Folle; it's a great spot, and we really enjoyed our meal there. In the late afternoon, it's onward to the lakes!

Once you arrive at Lake Maggiore, admire the scenery, enjoy a walk, and especially take a boat excursion to the Borromean Islands (€15 for the ticket) ⛵️ Expanses of water among the majestic mountains overlooking the lake present a beautiful tableau. The discovery of the rooms of the Palace at Isola Madre is interesting, but it doesn't compare to the view of the gardens and the lake, which is far more remarkable!

The boat will then take you to the Fishermen's Island, Isola Superiore, before heading to Isola Bella. The palace there is simply magnificent; with trompe-l'œil paintings, rooms adorned with shells, and a lovely sculpture amidst the sumptuous gardens cascading down to the waters of the lake (by the way, note that the best gardener in the world, Gianfranco Giustina, is the one who maintains the gardens of Isola Bella!). A true gem!

After that, a must-stop is Lake Como, and more specifically, Bellagio! Another natural treasure. Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Stresa, the city of Como and its surroundings are perfect for an overnight stay. Upon waking, enjoy a view of the lake, followed by a visit to Como. From Lecco, opt for the funicular to Piani d'Erna (€9 for adults and €6 for children under 12), where you'll get the best panorama of Lake Como!

Next, continue your road trip through Northern Italy toward Lake Garda, with a stop in Brescia, one of the most populous cities in Lombardy, yet so little known. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this lovely city and its Santa Giulia Monastery are worth lingering over!

Once at Lake Garda, you must let yourself be rocked by the beauty of the largest lake in Italy (370 km²). The Alto Garda Park is very beautiful and offers plenty of hiking trails. Further north, discover the village of Limone Sul Garda. Famous for its lemons, this picturesque village recalls the authenticity of a fishing village. Park to the west of the city center (there are two parking areas), then stroll by the lake toward this charming town. If you're looking for a great restaurant, I recommend dining at Ristorante Gemma; it's a treat!

In the evening, stop at Riva del Garda before heading south to explore the fortified town of Peschiera del Garda. The visit is pleasant, and you can enjoy a long swim in the gentle waters of one of the many lakes before hitting the road again toward Verona.

How can you imagine a road trip in Northern Italy without a stop in Verona? This city, steeped in history and romance, is full of treasures to discover. Start with a visit to the famous house of Juliet, accessible for €12. Then wander through landmark monuments like the Portoni della Bra, the Madonna Verona Fountain, the Maffei Palace, the Gardello Tower, and the Scaliger Bridge. The imposing red brick of the museum and the Castelvecchio bridge gives this city a majestic appeal ✨

Verona, a true Renaissance jewel, is also home to the beautiful Giusti Garden. Perfect for families, it features a playful maze that delights young and old alike. With so many architectural and historical riches, it's advisable to allocate at least two days to explore this city thoroughly!

And to top off your visit, don't miss the funicular to Castel San Pietro (€3 round trip) that will take you to the summit of Colle San Pietro. Up there, you will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the city: its bell towers, the winding Adige River, and the charming Ponte Pietra. Watching the sunset from this viewpoint is a magical experience, perfect for ending an unforgettable day

After this urban escapade, it's time for a refreshing dose of nature for several days.

A recommendation: if the weather is poor, it might be more interesting to postpone this excursion to another time and enjoy other beautiful spots in Northern Italy.

Let's go, direction the Dolomites! ️ This striking place offers breathtaking views! Start from Bolzano, take the cable car and let yourself be enchanted by the Earth Pyramids; the sight is magical! Lake Dobbiaco with its turquoise and clear waters is truly splendid!

Next, stop at the small village of Ortisei, where you will find an ice fountain (if it's winter, of course! However, in early October, it's quite pretty but less impressive since everything is melted ...!).

From Ortisei, you can either hike or take the cable car up to Seceda; the ticket costs €35, but up there, the landscape is dazzling!

Another stop I invite you to make during this road trip through the Dolomites: St. John Church, a little church in the middle of nowhere, but with an absolutely stunning mountain backdrop perfect for fantastic photographs.

At the summit of the Three Peaks early in the morning, to catch the sunrise, when no one else is around, it's just fantastic! If, like me, you are hypersensitive, this place will bring you emotions that will make tears flow down your cheeks! An unforgettable memory. This is a must-see spot!

To take the cable car to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, budget €30 for a 24-hour access. And for a one-hour boat tour on Lake Braies (the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites), count €20 per hour. You can choose to walk around the lake (3.5 km) or go for a hike. No matter which paths you take, in the Dolomites, you are surrounded by spectacular landscapes!

Culinarily speaking, the Dolomites region is famous for its beet dumplings, speck or beef goulash

After the mountain stop, let's head to the Veneto region. I recommend visiting Venice during your road trip in Northern Italy!

A city particularly famous for its carnival, rich in colors and activities, Venice is known as the city of lovers, built on the Adriatic Sea. Note that cars are not allowed. You will need to park and take a bus for €6 round trip.

All its colorful alleys are so beautiful that it is essential to head toward this lovely city. Its famous St. Mark's Square, its Basilica, the Cannaregio District, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge's Palace are unmissable stops on your road trip in Northern Italy.

Another area of Venice I invite you to visit: the Castello district. A local neighborhood 15 minutes from St. Mark's Square, it is nevertheless overlooked by tourists. This is precisely why this place is pleasant to explore

Of course, I also recommend strolling near the Grand Canal to capture a picture of a gondolier and the San Giorgio Maggiore in the background. Or why not go for a gondola ride? Read my article on this topic for more information In fact, another way to admire the San Giorgio Maggiore is to take a boat from Venice; the panorama from the sea offers a beautiful experience!

To combine your visits and save both time and money, I advise you to opt for a Venice pass! There are different formats at affordable prices suited to all needs

Once the discovery of La Serenissima is completed, we set off for Florence, stopping on our road trip itinerary in Bologna.

Taste Lambrusco, spritz, tortellini, tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce... I highly recommend trying the local specialties of Bologna! This city is the culinary capital of Italy! Italian dishes are so tasty that it's impossible to resist. (This is the right moment to forget about your diet! )

Architecturally speaking, the city of Bologna is beautiful too! However, we limited ourselves to a stroll in the historic center. It's up to you to adjust your visit based on the time available in your road trip

After this tasty break, it's time to head to Florence, also known as the City of the Lily.

I have always dreamed of visiting Tuscany! Don't you? Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy! Park outside and reach the city on foot or by bus

We chose to dedicate 2 days to discovering this sublime city. In fact, there is so much to see that I decided to write a complete article on what to do in Florence, which I invite you to read!

On the first day, I recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Uffizi Gallery, a stop at the Venchi chocolatier/ice cream shop, then a stroll through the streets of Florence (Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza Del Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Fontana del Porcellino, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio). Then head to Piazzale Michelangelo for an incredible view, and don't forget to grab a great pizza at Pizzeria Spera

On the second day, feel free to visit the cathedrals, the Palazzo Vecchio, and finally the Boboli Gardens.

By the way, if you're looking for a place to stay in Florence, I also have the article you need!

As with other major Italian cities, I recommend getting a Florence pass to gather your visits and attractions and to save money! I have a whole guide comparing the best offers to help you choose the one that suits you best

Before heading back up towards the Cinque Terre, I suggest setting aside half a day for Pisa. It's not my favorite city in Italy, but it would be a shame not to see the curious Leaning Tower of Pisa at least once in your life!

Between the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of the Assumption and the visit to the majestic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the visit will be quick; you can easily fit it into your road trip itinerary in Northern Italy

If you are looking for accommodations in Pisa, check out my guide to find the best addresses!

Ah! The Cinque Terre, I could talk about it for hours because this collection of 5 small villages perched on seaside cliffs is breathtaking and surprising. The ideal is to leave the car in a free parking lot in La Spezia. From there, trains are quite economical and go to each of the Cinque Terre villages. Spending 2 or 3 days visiting the Cinque Terre is perfect.

Discover Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Corniglia, the 5 villages of the Cinque Terre; it's taking time to pay homage to those who worked the stone. A true landscape treasure, the site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers you a postcard view. Know that you can also see a panorama of the Cinque Terre from the sea during a boat excursion from La Spezia for €120 per person ⛵️

For the more adventurous, there are trails with small tolls to follow a hike all along the coast of the Italian Riviera.

Are you planning to visit the Cinque Terre for several days and looking for a place to stay in the Cinque Terre? Great! I have written a comprehensive guide on this topic

After this little piece of paradise in Liguria, let's head to the city of Genoa. One day is enough for this visit, but be prepared to wake up early to see as many monuments as possible, so you will need to organize your road trip in Northern Italy well.

To truly understand the charm of Genoa, it's essential to explore the city's alleys. Genoa is home to 42 majestic palaces lining Via Garibaldi, the most beautiful street in Northern Italy, in my opinion. Don't miss the grand fountain located in Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari. In terms of gastronomy, I may not be telling you anything new if I say you will find the best Italian pesto here. To find a place to stay in Genoa, read my guide!

With our day in Genoa coming to an end, it's time to head to Turin, but I highly recommend making a stop in the Piedmont region, specifically in Acqui Terme, in the province of Alexandria, to discover a charming little village. The highlight of this village is its fountain. A fountain, Fontana della Bollante, where naturally hot spring water flows at 158°F Impressive, isn't it?

Continue your journey through Northern Italy toward Alexandria, then finish your road trip in the City of the Four Rivers, otherwise known as Turin.

As the capital of Piedmont, Turin deserves a visit worthy of its strong historical past. The linear architecture of the city, the monuments, and the palaces that stand in the midst of Turin are resplendent ✨

If you want to know where to stay in Turin, I invite you to check out my article where I share my favorite addresses in the Italian city!

The city might not be the most sought-after by tourists, yet it is filled with arcades and cultural spots. I recommend purchasing a 2-day pass to visit Turin, as each of the visits can be fairly expensive. With your Torino Piemonte card for €40, you'll enjoy significant discounts to wrap up this fabulous road trip in Northern Italy!

If you are preparing a two-week road trip in Northern Italy, here are the stops I recommend:

Lake Maggiore and Lake Como (2 days)

Brescia and Lake Garda (1 day)

Verona (1 day)

The Dolomites (2 days)

Venice (2 days)

Florence (2 days)

Pisa (half a day)

The Cinque Terre (2 days)

Genoa (1 day)

Milan (1 day)

Finally, for a one-week road trip in Northern Italy, focus on the must-sees:

Lake Maggiore and Lake Como (1 day)

Brescia and Lake Garda (1 day)

Verona (1 day)

The Dolomites (1 day)

Venice (1 day)

Florence (1 day)

Pisa (half a day)

Milan (1 day)

And there you have it, now you know how to make your road trip in Northern Italy unique Between lakes with soothing scenery, cities with their prestigious architectural monuments, and the incredible sunsets by the seaside, I can only recommend this wonderful road trip in Northern Italy. After exploring the top of the boot, wouldn't you like to explore the south, like visiting Puglia for example?