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 Piazzale Michelangelo. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Monte Bernardi. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Florence: Azienda Agricola Casamonti (in Castellina In Chianti), Degusta La Cinta Senese (in Bagnaia) and Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, examine the collection at Pitti Palace, wander the streets of Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia, and indulge your taste buds at Azienda Agricola Montalpruno.

To see other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Florence trip itinerary builder site.

Cairo, Egypt to Florence is an approximately 8.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Eastern European Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Cairo in April, expect Florence to be slightly colder, temps between 22°C and 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.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe and Basilica di San Domenico 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: Acetaia Villa San Donnino (in Modena), Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca (in San Damaso) and Le Mura di Ferrara (in Ferrara). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Torre Prendiparte, head outdoors with Monte delle Formiche, don't miss a visit to Piazza Maggiore, and tee off at Argenta Golf Club.

To find traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Bologna online attractions planner.

Take a train from Florence to Bologna in 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. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Thu) to allow time for the train ride 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 Basilica Palladiana. Change things up with these side-trips from Verona: Palazzo Ducale Mantova (in Mantua) and Piazza dei Signori (in Vicenza). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, see the interesting displays at Casa di Giulietta, contemplate the long history of Museo di Castelvecchio, 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 Cannaregio. Do some cultural sightseeing at Piazza San Marco and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, hunt for treasures at Mercati di Rialto, contemplate the waterfront views at Canal Grande, and examine the collection at Doge's Palace.

Plan my trip to Venice with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Getting from Verona to Venice by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a shuttle. In April, plan for daily highs up to 21°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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 fly. You will have some time to spend on the 20th (Sat) before leaving for home.