The Best 2-Week North Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Buongiorno

If you’re planning an Italy road trip itinerary, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Italy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember – my family bought a house in Piemonte when I was 8, and I’ve been coming back ever since.

This summer, I was lucky enough to spend nearly three months there, so a friend and I decided to embark on a road trip to the northern part. We spent a few days in each destination, but trust me, you could easily stay longer.

My best advice? Keep your itinerary simple and savor each stop to the fullest. 

Tips for Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy might seem a bit scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually a fun and flexible way to explore the country. The good part is that the northern part is more chilled than Southern Italy!

Italians use their horns more frequently than you might be used to, but don’t worry—it’s often just to make you aware of their presence, not out of frustration.

Speed cameras are common, especially in small towns where the speed limit is usually around 50 km/h, so it’s important to keep an eye on your speed.

On the motorways, you’ll encounter toll booths, and if your car doesn’t have a Telepass (an automatic toll payment system), you’ll need to select the correct lane to pay with cash or card.

Camper or Car?

Whether you’re traveling in a campervan or a car, both options work great for a road trip in Italy.

My personal favorite way to do road trips is by campervan, but it’s completely up to you!

For those in a campervan, Italy offers plenty of ‘area di sosta’—special parking areas where you can often stay for free, many of which provide water and waste facilities. Paid campsites are also available, and they’re usually located in prime spots with excellent amenities.

If you’re opting for a car, you’ll have more flexibility with accommodations, from hotels to B&Bs.

Just be sure to check if they offer parking, as it can be tricky to find in cities.

What Is the Best North Italy Road Trip Itinerary?

Day 1: Milan

Start your journey in the fashion capital of the world, Milan. Spend your morning exploring the stunning Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop terrace.

Don’t miss Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the elegant 19th-century shopping gallery, and indulge in some world-class shopping.

Make sure to visit my favorite area Navigli while you’re there.

Best things to do in Milan:

• Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano and climb to the rooftop for stunning city views.
• Shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
• Explore Sforza Castle and its art collections.
• Enjoy an aperitivo with classic Milanese cocktails like Negroni or Campari Spritz.

Other great activities:

Day 2-3: Lake Como

After a morning drive, arrive at Lake Como, one of the most scenic and luxurious destinations in Italy.

Start your visit in Como with its charming historic center, then drive to Bellagio, a picturesque lakeside town.

Explore Villa Melzi and take a relaxing ferry ride to Tremezzo to visit the lush gardens of Villa Carlotta.

Best things to do in Lake Como:

• Take a boat tour around the lake, stopping at picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
• Visit Villa del Balbianello for its beautiful gardens and movie-famous setting.
• Hike to Il Sasso del Ferro for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.
• Enjoy fresh lake fish dishes at local restaurants.

Other great activities:

Day 4-5: Venice

Drive east to the enchanting city of Venice. Park your car outside the city and explore the famous canals on foot or by boat.

Wander through St. Mark’s Square, visit Doge’s Palace, and take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

Head to Rialto Bridge for sunset views over the canal. Head to Vino Vero Bar a little out of the city for my favorite wine and Cichetti spot!

Best things to do in Venice:

• Explore the famous St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
• Take a gondola ride through the Grand Canal.
• Visit the Rialto Market to experience Venice’s local flavors.
• Try Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) with a glass of wine at a local Bacaro.

Other great activities:

Day 6: Bologna

Leave Venice behind and drive to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy.

Walk through the medieval streets of Piazza Maggiore, soak up the old town, and be sure to try local delicacies such as tortellini and ragù alla Bolognese.

Climb the Due Torri (Two Towers) for panoramic views of the city.

Best things to do in Bologna:

• Walk under the Porticoes (covered walkways) and visit Piazza Maggiore.
• Tour the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda) for panoramic views.
• Taste Tagliatelle al Ragù (Bologna’s famous Bolognese sauce).
• Visit La Sorbetteria for some of the best gelato in Italy.

Other great activities:

Day 7-8: Florence

Next, head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Visit the iconic Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Wander through Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible views of the city at sunset. If you’re an art lover, spend more time exploring the galleries and museums.

I recommend you take time to soak up the historic center and entire Unesco World Heritage Site.

I enjoyed the area in Florence called Santa Croce. It felt a little less touristy and had a great vibe. The streets were full of bars and restaurants with tables outside and the atmosphere was really awesome.

Best things to do in Florence:

• Admire the Duomo and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
• Visit Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
• Walk across the Ponte Vecchio for a classic view of the Arno River.
• Enjoy a Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) at a traditional trattoria.

Other great activities:

Day 9: Lucca and Pisa

On your way to the coast, stop in Lucca, a charming city with intact Renaissance walls, cobbled streets, and delicious food and wine.

Rent a bike and cycle along the city walls or explore the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the medieval castle.

Afterward, make a short detour to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

Best things to do in Lucca and Pisa:

• Walk or bike along Lucca’s Renaissance city walls for scenic views.
• Visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a historic Roman amphitheater in Lucca.
• See the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Try Torta di Ceci, a traditional Tuscan chickpea flatbread.

Other great activities:

Day 10-11: Cinque Terre

Continue your Italian road trip with a day or three at Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas (as well as the Amalfi coast).

These five cliffside villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) are connected by scenic hiking trails and offer stunning views of the Ligurian coast. You can explore them by train or hiking and they are beautiful during all Italian seasons.

Note: If you’re visiting Italy during the high season I recommend you visit another part of the Italian coast. Cinqueterre will likely be so busy that you will not enjoy it!

Here are a couple of other coastal visits I love and can recommend instead:

Camogli and San Fruttuoso Bay

• My favorite spot due to its extremely charming bay.
• Perfect for spending a full day.

Portofino

• A very picturesque port with beautiful views.
• Can be quite touristy, especially in the summer.
• Prices are higher, and it’s not ideal for swimming.

Sestri Levante

• A great little town for swimming and spending a relaxing day by the ocean.
• Less touristy and picturesque but provides a nice, laid-back atmosphere.

Best things to do in Cinque Terre:

• Hike the coastal trails between the five villages for amazing sea views.
• Relax at the stunning beaches in Monterosso al Mare.
• Try fresh seafood and the local white wine from the region’s vineyards.
• Take a boat tour to explore the colorful towns from the water.

Other great activities:

Day 12-13: Alba

End your Northern Italy road trip in Alba.

Here you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Piedmont wine region, one of Italy’s most beautiful and famous areas. The rolling hills and vineyard-covered slopes provide some of the most picturesque views in the country.

• Alba: Begin by heading to Alba, a charming city known for its truffles and wine. Spend the night here and take some time to explore the historic center, enjoy the local cuisine, and visit the Piazza del Duomo.
• Wine Tour: The real magic lies in the surrounding countryside. Take a scenic drive through some of the most famous wine areas in Italy, where the Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme. You’ll find iconic wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco produced here.
• Scenic Villages to Explore:
  • Monforte: A quaint village with narrow streets and panoramic vineyard views.
  • La Morra: Famous for its incredible viewpoints over the vineyards, offering some of the best photo opportunities in the region.
  • Neive: One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, known for its medieval atmosphere and excellent wine.
  • Treiso: A small town with peaceful surroundings and an authentic Italian feel.
  • Serralunga: Home to a dramatic 14th-century castle and surrounded by stunning vineyards.
  • Castiglione Falletto: Another gem in the Barolo wine region, offering fantastic wine-tasting experiences.

Best things to do in Alba:

• Go truffle hunting in the woods or attend the famous Alba White Truffle Festival.
• Taste Barolo and Barbaresco wines in the nearby vineyards.
• Explore the medieval Alba Cathedral and its surrounding old town.
• Enjoy Tajarin al Tartufo, fresh pasta with shaved white truffle.

Other great activities:

Bonus Day (Optional): Verona or Dolomites

If you have an extra day or two, consider adding a stop in Verona to your Italian road trip itinerary, famous for Juliet’s Balcony and the Arena di Verona.

Alternatively, head north to the Dolomites for breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures.

Map: Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Below I made a map for you of this epic Italy road trip itinerary to make it a bit easier to visualize:

Your Italy Road Trip Conclusion

And that wraps up the ultimate Italy road trip itinerary! I hope you have an amazing time exploring all the incredible sights, flavors, and experiences Italy has to offer.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my guide on the Incredible Cities in North Italy That I Love for even more must-visit spots.

Ciao for now, and feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or just want to share your own road trip stories!

//Josephine