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 Florence Academy of Fine Arts. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Pitti Palace. 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). There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, wander the streets of Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia, experience rural life at Degusta La Cinta Senese, and explore and take pictures 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 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; 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 Torre Prendiparte 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), Le Mura di Ferrara (in Ferrara) 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, get outside with Monte delle Formiche, don't miss a visit to Piazza Maggiore, and tee off at Argenta Golf Club.

To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Bologna route maker site.

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. 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.

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 Palazzo Ducale di Mantova. Change things up with these side-trips from Verona: Vicenza (Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, admire the striking features of 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 Basilica di San Marco. There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, hunt for treasures at Mercati di Rialto, stop by Dorsoduro, and buy something for everyone on your list at T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi.

To see other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Venice online travel route planner.

You can drive from Verona to Venice in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a train. April in Venice sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 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): admire the landmark architecture of 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.