16 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Pitti Palace. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Florence: Monte Bernardi (in Panzano in Chianti), Azienda Agricola Casamonti (in Castellina In Chianti) and Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti). Next up on the itinerary: admire the masterpieces at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, do a tasting at Azienda Agricola Montalpruno, and experience rural life at Degusta La Cinta Senese.

To find traveler tips, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Florence online itinerary planner.

Cairo, Egypt to Florence is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Cairo to Florence, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Cairo in April, things will get a bit cooler in Florence: highs are around 22°C and lows about 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to take a train to Bologna.

A city famous for its cuisine, Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe and Le Mura di Ferrara will appeal to history buffs. Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) and Piazza Maggiore are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Bologna side-trips: Argenta Golf Club (in Argenta), Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca (in San Damaso) and Acetaia Villa San Donnino (in Modena). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita, head outdoors with Giardini Margherita, steep yourself in history at Torre Prendiparte, and pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di San Domenico.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Bologna day trip planning app.

Traveling by train from Florence to Bologna takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 10°C. On the 11th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a train to Verona.

The famous setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of northern Italy's main tourist destinations, largely owing to its incredibly rich artistic heritage.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Get some historical perspective at Basilica di Santa Anastasia and Museo di Castelvecchio. Change things up with these side-trips from Verona: Vicenza (Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori) and Mantua (Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova & Palazzo Ducale). There's much more to do: enjoy some music at Arena di Verona, get outside with King Rock arrampicata, examine the collection at Casa di Giulietta, and contemplate the long history of Piazza delle Erbe.

To see maps, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Verona trip itinerary planner.

Take a train from Bologna to Verona in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in April, and nighttime lows around 9°C. On the 14th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Venice.

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to San Giorgio Maggiore and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Do some cultural sightseeing at Piazza San Marco and Basilica di San Marco. Next up on the itinerary: browse the exhibits of Doge's Palace, hunt for treasures at Mercati di Rialto, visit Cannaregio, and pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Venice trip planner.

Traveling by car from Verona to Venice takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a train. In April in Venice, expect temperatures between 21°C during the day and 11°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride to Florence.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Campanile di Giotto and then get to know the fascinating history of Piazza del Duomo. Keep things going the next day: explore the world behind art at Gallerie Degli Uffizi, then ponder the world of politics at Museo Nazionale del Bargello, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza della Signoria, and finally stop by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

Discover how to plan a Florence trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Venice to Florence takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Sat) before leaving for home.