Itinerary
Milan · Italy
Northern Italy Itinerary: Milan, the Lakes and the Dolomites
Northern Italy: Milan, Como, Verona and the Dolomites — the Alps-side Italy most itineraries skip.
7 min read · 7 days · Updated September 10, 2026
- italy
- itinerary
- northern italy
- dolomites
- Destination
- Milan, Italy
- Duration
- 7 days
- Best time
- Apr-Jun
- Style
- Active · Nature · Food
- Daily budget
- 130 USD
Northern Italy is the Alps-side country the classics itineraries skip: Milan's design pulse, Lake Como's villa shores, Verona's Roman arena and Juliet balconies, and the Dolomites' pale towers rising over green meadows. A week by train and cable car.
Budget: Milan ~€130/day, the lakes and mountains similar — call it €130/day blended. June–September opens every pass; winter is the ski season.
What this guide covers
The Northern Week
Milan (1–2), Como (3), Verona (4), Dolomites (5–7).
Day 1
Milan — Icons
The Duomo's roof, the Last Supper (booked), Navigli aperitivo.
Day 2
Milan — Design & Brera
The Pinacoteca, the Quadrilatero's windows.
Day 3
Lake Como
Train to Varenna; the villas and the ferry triangle.
Day 4
Verona
The arena, the balcony, the piazzas at dusk.
Day 5
To the Dolomites
Train and bus to Val Gardena or Cortina.
Day 6
Dolomites — The Ridges
Seceda or Alpe di Siusi's meadows; rifugio lunch.
Day 7
Departure via Venice or Milan
The pale peaks in the mirror; the airport.
The Route
Milan (2 nights) as the arrival city — the Duomo, the Last Supper booked months out, the Navigli at aperitivo. Como (1–2) by the Milanese's own train. Verona (1) for the arena and the balcony. Then north to the Dolomites (2–3) — Cortina or Val Gardena — for the pale peaks and the rifugio lunches.
The Dolomites Decision
The pale mountains deserve two nights minimum — the Alpe di Siusi's meadows, the Seceda ridge, and a rifugio lunch at 2,000 meters. Summer hiking or winter skiing; the cable cars run for both.
What to know before you go
Transit
- Trains cover Milan–Como–Verona; the Dolomites need buses or a rental.
- Book the Last Supper and the mountain hotels weeks ahead.
Budget
- About €900 for a week at planning figures, excluding flights.
Turn this guide into a trip
The trip planner opens pre-filled with Milan — adjust the dates and interests to fit your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Is northern Italy worth skipping the classics for?
For mountain people and design lovers — absolutely. It pairs perfectly with a Venice arrival or departure.
Como or Garda?
Como for the villas and the Milanese day-trip energy; Garda for the quieter shores.
How much does a northern Italy week cost?
About €900 excluding flights at planning figures, plus the Dolomites' lift passes.