Northern Italy (Milan & Lake Garda) 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Milan & Car Pick-up

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), pick up your rental car, and drive to your accommodation in central Milan.

Allow time for check-in and settling.

Ensure your car rental is pre-booked. Consider an automatic transmission if you're not used to manual driving in Italy. Parking can be challenging in central Milan, check your hotel for options.

Milan Duomo & Rooftop

Visit the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), an iconic symbol of the city.

Explore the interior and take the elevator or stairs to the rooftop for panoramic views.

Book tickets online in advance, especially for rooftop access, to avoid long queues. Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, a stunning architectural marvel with luxury boutiques and historic cafes. Don't forget to spin on the bull's mosaic for good luck!

Connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala. Perfect for window shopping or a coffee break.

Dinner in Brera District

Enjoy a traditional Milanese dinner in the charming, bohemian Brera district, known for its art galleries, cobbled streets, and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore the narrow streets for a wide variety of restaurants, from classic trattorias to more modern eateries. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

Sforza Castle Exploration

Visit the Sforza Castle, a historical fortress that houses several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà.

The castle grounds are free to explore, but museum entry requires a ticket. Check for Monday opening hours as some museums may be closed.

View The Last Supper

Experience Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, 'The Last Supper', located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.

CRITICAL: Tickets must be booked MONTHS in advance, often as soon as they are released, as access is highly restricted. If unavailable, consider a guided walking tour that includes it or visit the Pinacoteca di Brera instead.

Fashion District Stroll

Explore the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's renowned fashion district, home to luxury designers and flagship stores.

Perfect for window shopping or admiring Italian style.

Even if not shopping, it's a great area to soak in Milan's reputation as a global fashion capital.

Aperitivo in Navigli District

Enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo along the picturesque canals of the Navigli district.

Order a drink and enjoy complimentary snacks.

The Navigli district comes alive in the evening. Many bars offer a generous buffet with your drink purchase.

Scenic Drive to Lake Garda

Check out from your Milan hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Garda.

The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Utilize highway tolls (autostrada) for faster travel. Ensure your rental car has GPS or use a navigation app.

Check-in & Lunch in Sirmione

Arrive in Sirmione, check into your lakeside accommodation, and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the lake.

Sirmione's old town is mostly pedestrianized; check hotel parking options. Enjoy fresh lake fish for lunch.

Explore Scaliger Castle

Visit the impressive Scaliger Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress guarding the entrance to Sirmione's historic center.

Climb to the top for views over the lake.

The castle is a popular attraction; arrive earlier if possible. The views from the tower are worth the climb.

Grotte di Catullo Ruins

Walk to the northernmost tip of the Sirmione peninsula to discover the ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, a grand Roman villa with spectacular lake views.

It's a pleasant walk from the town center. There's also a small museum on site. The 'grotte' (caves) refer to the collapsed structures, not actual caves.

Dinner in Sirmione Old Town

Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of Sirmione's many charming restaurants within the pedestrianized old town.

Try local specialties, including freshwater fish from Lake Garda, often paired with Lugana wine.

Malcesine & Monte Baldo

Drive along the eastern shore to Malcesine, a picturesque town.

Explore the Castello Scaligero di Malcesine and, if weather permits, take the rotating cable car up Monte Baldo for incredible panoramic views of Lake Garda.

Parking can be found outside Malcesine's historic center. Check cable car operating times and weather conditions before you go. The views from Monte Baldo are breathtaking.

Lakeside Lunch in Riva del Garda

Continue your drive north to Riva del Garda, a vibrant town at the northern tip of the lake, for a delicious lunch with mountain and lake views.

Riva del Garda offers a more Alpine feel. Look for restaurants serving local Trentino cuisine.

Western Shore Scenic Drive

Enjoy a scenic drive back south along the western shore (Gardesana Occidentale), admiring the dramatic cliffs and charming towns like Limone sul Garda, known for its lemon groves.

The western road offers stunning views, often carved into the rock face. Stop at viewpoints for photos.

Relaxation & Free Time

Return to Sirmione.

Enjoy some free time to relax, perhaps take a swim (if your hotel has a pool) or simply unwind by the lake after a day of driving and exploring.

Consider a short boat tour around the Sirmione peninsula in the late afternoon for beautiful light.

Dinner with Lake Views

Indulge in a delightful dinner at a restaurant with panoramic lake views in Sirmione or a nearby town.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating right by the water, providing a magical atmosphere as the sun sets.

Drive to Verona

Drive from Lake Garda to Verona, a city famed for its Roman amphitheater and connection to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Park your car on the outskirts and walk into the center.

Look for paid parking garages (e.g., Parcheggio Cittadella) near the city center. Verona's historic center is largely pedestrianized.

Verona Arena Visit

Explore the magnificent Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater still used for opera performances today.

Imagine gladiatorial contests and grand spectacles.

Purchase tickets upon arrival or online. Climb to the upper tiers for great views of the arena and Piazza Bra.

Juliet's House & Balcony

Visit Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta), famous for its iconic balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet.

Join the tradition of touching her breast for good luck in love.

The courtyard is often very crowded. You can pay to go inside the house and stand on the balcony.

Piazza delle Erbe & Lunch

Wander through Piazza delle Erbe, Verona's vibrant market square, once the Roman Forum.

Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes surrounding the piazza.

Admire the frescoes on the buildings, the Lamberti Tower, and the fountain. It's a great spot for people-watching.

Valpolicella Wine Tasting

Drive into the nearby Valpolicella wine region for an afternoon wine tasting experience, sampling renowned reds like Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, and the prestigious Amarone.

Book a winery tour and tasting in advance. Ensure a designated driver, or arrange for a taxi/private transfer if both wish to partake in the tasting. It's about a 20-30 minute drive from Verona.

Dinner in Verona

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Verona, savoring regional dishes before driving back to your accommodation near Lake Garda.

Try Veronese specialties like Pastissada de caval (horse stew) or risotto all'Amarone. Many excellent trattorias are available.

Drive to Venice & Park

Drive your rental car from the Lake Garda area to Venice.

Park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, as cars are not allowed into the city itself.

Pre-book parking online, especially on weekends or during peak season, to ensure a spot. Parking rates are typically by the hour or for 24 hours.

Vaporetto Ride to Hotel

Take a public water bus (Vaporetto) from Piazzale Roma to your hotel's nearest stop, enjoying your first views of the Grand Canal.

Purchase a 24-hour or multi-day Vaporetto pass if you plan on using it frequently; single tickets are more expensive.

Traditional Cicchetti Lunch

Indulge in Venetian cicchetti (small snacks/tapas) and a glass of local wine or Spritz in a traditional 'bacaro'.

Cicchetti is a great way to taste various local specialties and is usually budget-friendly. Look for places popular with locals.

St. Mark's Square & Basilica

Explore the iconic Piazza San Marco, visit St.

Mark's Basilica (exterior and interior), and admire the Campanile.

Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) to enter the Basilica. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Entry to the Basilica is free, but there may be small fees for certain areas or to skip the queue.

Doge's Palace Visit

Tour the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of Venice, exploring its opulent rooms and the Bridge of Sighs.

Book your tickets in advance online to save time. Consider the 'Secret Itineraries' tour for a unique perspective, though it requires pre-booking.

Romantic Gondola Ride

Experience the quintessential Venetian gondola ride through the city's charming canals as the evening light sets in.

Official rates are fixed; ensure you confirm the price and duration before starting. The experience is typically shared, but the price is for the gondola.

Dinner in Cannaregio

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant in the Cannaregio district, known for its authentic eateries.

Rialto Bridge & Market

Visit the iconic Rialto Bridge for panoramic views and explore the bustling Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto), especially the fish and produce sections.

The market is most vibrant in the morning. Be prepared for crowds around the bridge.

Dorsoduro District Stroll

Wander through the Dorsoduro district, known for its art galleries, charming canals, and artisan shops. Visit the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica (exterior).

This area offers a more local feel away from the main tourist crowds.

Seafood Lunch in Castello

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in the Castello district, often offering more authentic and less touristy dining experiences.

Travel to Verona

Take a Vaporetto back to Piazzale Roma, retrieve your rental car, and drive to Verona.

Check into your accommodation.

Verona Arena & Piazza Bra

Begin your Verona exploration with a stroll around Piazza Bra and the magnificent Roman Arena, which is still used for opera performances.

The Arena di Verona is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres.

Dinner near Piazza delle Erbe

Savor authentic Veronese cuisine at a restaurant near the bustling Piazza delle Erbe.

Juliet's House

Visit Casa di Giulietta, Shakespeare's famous heroine's legendary home, and see the iconic balcony.

Be prepared for crowds. There's often a queue to touch Juliet's statue for good luck.

Piazza dei Signori & Lamberti Tower

Explore Piazza dei Signori (also known as Piazza Dante) and admire the elegant buildings.

Ascend Lamberti Tower for panoramic views of Verona.

There's an elevator available for Lamberti Tower if you prefer not to take the stairs.

Verona Cathedral

Visit the Verona Cathedral (Duomo), a beautiful Romanesque cathedral with a rich history and stunning interior.

Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) to enter. Check opening hours as they may vary.

Verona Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final Italian lunch in Verona before heading to the airport.

Drive to Milan Malpensa Airport

Drive your rental car from Verona to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for your departure.