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 Borgo di Lucignano d’Arbia. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Florence: Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm (in Radda in Chianti), Azienda Agricola Casamonti (in Castellina In Chianti) and Monte Bernardi (in Panzano in Chianti). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Pitti Palace, make a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, 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 Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita will appeal to history buffs. Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi) and Basilica di San Domenico 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). There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Piazza Maggiore, get outside with Monte delle Formiche, admire all the interesting features of Torre Prendiparte, 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 Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Get some historical perspective at Basilica di Santa Anastasia and Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova. Change things up with these side-trips from Verona: Palazzo Ducale di Mantova (in Mantua) and Vicenza (Basilica Palladiana & Piazza dei Signori). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Museo di Castelvecchio, delve into the distant past at Arena di Verona, shop like a local with Piazza delle Erbe, and get outside with King Rock arrampicata.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Verona sightseeing planner.

You can take a train from Bologna to Verona in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. April in Verona sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 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 Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Do some cultural sightseeing at Piazza San Marco and Cannaregio. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Doge's Palace, hunt for treasures at Mercati di Rialto, visit Dorsoduro, 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 train. 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.