16 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

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

Discover out-of-the-way places like Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Pitti Palace. Get some cultural insight at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Galleria dell'Accademia. Venture out of the city with trips to Monte Bernardi (in Panzano in Chianti), Azienda Agricola Casamonti (in Castellina In Chianti) and Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia, experience rural life at Azienda Agricola Montalpruno, and get great views at Piazzale Michelangelo.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Florence trip itinerary website .

Cairo, Egypt to Florence is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cairo to Florence. Traveling from Cairo in April, things will get little chillier in Florence: highs are around 22°C and lows about 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to catch the train to Bologna.

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

Get some historical perspective at Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe and Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi). Get outdoors at Argenta Golf Club and Torre Prendiparte. Change things up with these side-trips from Bologna: Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca (in San Damaso), Le Mura (in Ferrara) and Acetaia Villa San Donnino (in Modena). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita, head outdoors with Monte delle Formiche, make a trip to Piazza Maggiore, and steep yourself in history at Basilica di San Domenico.

To see maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Bologna journey site .

Getting from Florence to Bologna by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. April in Bologna sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Thu) to allow enough time to 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Museo di Castelvecchio and Chiesa di Sant'Anastasia. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Arena di Verona and Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Verona: Vicenza (Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori) and Mantua (Palazzo Ducale Mantova & Museo di Palazzo Ducale.). There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Piazza delle Erbe, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, explore the galleries of Casa di Giulietta, and head outdoors with King Rock arrampicata.

To see maps, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Verona itinerary planner .

Getting from Bologna to Verona by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Verona can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Sun) to allow time for the train ride 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Cannaregio and St. Mark's Square. Head to BrAgora and Mercati di Rialtofor plenty of shopping. The adventure continues: admire the striking features of Basilica di San Marco, take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, pick up a one of a kind souvenir at Gioielleria Eredi Jovon, and pause for some serene contemplation at San Giorgio Maggiore.

To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Venice holiday planner .

You can take a train from Verona to Venice in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. April in Venice sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C at night. On the 18th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a train to Florence.

On the 18th (Thu), take in panoramic vistas at Campanile di Giotto and then get to know the fascinating history of Piazza del Duomo. On the 19th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the masterpieces at Uffizi Galleries, then get a sense of history and politics at Museo Nazionale del Bargello, then get to know the fascinating history of Piazza della Signoria, and finally stop by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

To see maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Florence online day trip planner .

Take a train from Venice to Florence in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Sat) before leaving for home.