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 Azienda Agricola Casamonti. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Florence: Degusta La Cinta Senese (in Bagnaia), Monte Bernardi (in Panzano in Chianti) and Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti). There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Pitti Palace, make a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, learn about winemaking at Azienda Agricola Montalpruno, and steep yourself in history at Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia.

To find where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Florence online trip itinerary maker.

Cairo, Egypt to Florence is an approximately 8.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or drive. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cairo to Florence due to the time zone difference. 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 Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) will appeal to history buffs. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita and Le Mura di Ferrara are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Bologna side-trips: Acetaia Villa San Donnino (in Modena), Argenta Golf Club (in Argenta) and Antica Acetaia Villa Bianca (in San Damaso). 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 Torre Prendiparte, and don't miss a visit to Piazza Maggiore.

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 Palazzo Ducale Mantova and Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova. Get some historical perspective at Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore and Piazza dei Signori. Go for a jaunt from Verona to Vicenza to see Basilica Palladiana about 56 minutes away. There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Piazzale Castel San Pietro, experience the emotional art of opera at Arena di Verona, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and head outdoors with King Rock arrampicata.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Verona vacation planning app.

You can take a train from Bologna to Verona in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Verona are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Sun) to allow time for the car 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.

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. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, 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 shuttle; or take a bus. 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.