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 Basilica San Miniato al Monte. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pitti Palace and Azienda Agricola Montalpruno. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Florence: Azienda Agricola Casamonti (in Castellina In Chianti), Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti) and Monte Bernardi (in Panzano in Chianti). Next up on the itinerary: admire the masterpieces at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, take a stroll through Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia, 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 8.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; 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 Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Bologna side-trips: Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca (in San Damaso), Acetaia Villa San Donnino (in Modena) and Argenta Golf Club (in Argenta). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di San Domenico, head outdoors with Giardini Margherita, steep yourself in history at Piazza Maggiore, and get some jogging in at Torre Prendiparte.

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 Basilica di Santa Anastasia. Get some historical perspective at Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova and Museo di Castelvecchio. Change things up with these side-trips from Verona: Vicenza (Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori) and Palazzo Ducale Mantova (in Mantua). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, head outdoors with King Rock arrampicata, see the interesting displays at Casa di Giulietta, and wander the streets of Piazza delle Erbe.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Verona tour itinerary builder site.

Traveling by train from Bologna to Verona takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April in Verona, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 9°C at night. 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 Dorsoduro. Do some cultural sightseeing at Piazza San Marco and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Basilica di San Marco, hunt for treasures at Mercati di Rialto, admire the landmark architecture of Doge's Palace, 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 bus; or take a shuttle. 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, thenponder the world of politics at Museo Nazionale del Bargello, thenappreciate 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 fly. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Sat) before leaving for home.