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Italy (North)
The north gives you snow-capped Alpine peaks, peaceful lakes, and world-class fashion. You can glide through the romantic water canals of Venice or enjoy rich, creamy pasta in the busy streets of Milan.
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Summary
Neighboring Countries
Did you know?
Floating Cemetery – San Michele island in Venice is an entirely walled island dedicated exclusively to being a historic floating cemetery.
Overview
Months
May, June, July, August, September
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Party, Mountains, Skiing
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe, Very safe
Continent
Europe
Currency
Euro
Languages
Italian
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Northern Italy depends on whether your focus is alpine adventures or city and lake sightseeing.
For exploring cities like Milan, Turin, Venice, and Bologna, or relaxing around Lake Como and Lake Garda, late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), avoiding the humid summer heat of the Po Valley and the heaviest tourist crowds.
For hiking and driving mountain passes in the Dolomites and the Alps, the season runs from late June through September, when snow has melted from high trails.
Winter (December to March) shifts the focus to winter sports across South Tyrol, Trentino, and the Aosta Valley, with top-tier skiing at resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Val Gardena. In contrast, the lowlands and the Po Valley during winter are cold, damp, and frequently covered in dense fog (nebbia), while many coastal and lakeside ferry services run on reduced schedules.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: May to September (Summer & Lakes) & December to February (Alpine Skiing)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 8 to 10 hours.
Rain Frequency: 6 to 9 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Sharp, heavy late-afternoon alpine thunderstorms.
Duration: Showers hit fast in the mountains and lake basins, clearing the air quickly. Po Valley cities can feel hot and humid in July and August.
Off-Peak Season: November to March (Lowlands/Shoulder Winter)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Rain Frequency: 8 to 12 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 4 hours.
Intensity: Persistent, chilly drizzle and low-elevation rain, with heavy mountain snowfall.
Duration: Gray skies and low-hanging fog can settle across the plains around Milan, Ferrara, and Bologna for days at a time.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: May-September & Winter Ski Weeks
Budget Vacation ($50-95/day)
Accommodation: $25-45/night (hostel dorms in Milan/Bologna, budget guesthouses, alpine refuges with shared bunks).
Food: $15-25/day (bakeries, tramezzini sandwiches, pizza al taglio, aperitivo buffets).
Activities: $8-15/day (historic churches, public parks, walking city ramparts).
Transportation: $8-18/day (regional Trenitalia trains, city metro passes).
Other Costs: $4/day (espresso, bottled water).
Mid-Range Vacation ($140-280/day)
Accommodation: $80-160/night (boutique 3-star and 4-star city hotels, family-run agriturismi, lakeside bed and breakfasts).
Food: $35-65/day (sit-down trattorias, fresh pasta courses, regional wine).
Activities: $25-50/day (Doge's Palace entry, Lake Como public ferry tickets, museum entries).
Transportation: $20-40/day (Frecciarossa/Italo high-speed rail, Venice vaporetto day passes).
Other Costs: $8/day (table cover charges, coffee, gelato).
Luxury Vacation ($450-1,100+/day)
Accommodation: $280-800+/night (5-star lakeside grand hotels on Como or Garda, luxury wellness chalets in the Dolomites, palace hotels on the Grand Canal).
Food: $100-220/day (Michelin-starred dining, private wine-cellar tastings in Barolo, high-end seafood).
Activities: $100-250+/day (private wooden boat tour on Lake Como, private gondola tours, ski lift passes and private instruction).
Transportation: $70-150/day (private water taxis in Venice, premium Mercedes chauffeur services, car rental).
Other Costs: $35+/day (spa treatments, luxury leather shopping).
Off-Peak Season: November to March
Budget Vacation ($40-70/day)
Accommodation: $18-30/night (discounted hostel beds and budget city hotels).
Food: $12-20/day (panini bars, hot pasta takeaways, local markets).
Activities: $5-10/day (free cathedral entry, self-guided walking tours).
Transportation: $6-15/day (local buses, urban metro).
Other Costs: $3/day (coffee, small snacks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($95-180/day)
Accommodation: $55-100/night (discounted boutique rooms, quiet city apartments).
Food: $25-45/day (traditional osterias, hearty northern polenta and stews).
Activities: $15-30/day (art galleries, covered historic museums).
Transportation: $15-30/day (advance-fare high-speed train tickets).
Other Costs: $5/day (cafe stops, cloakroom fees).
Luxury Vacation ($280-600+/day)
Accommodation: $170-400+/night (luxury city hotels running winter promotions).
Food: $70-140/day (fine dining, cozy indoor trattorias).
Activities: $60-140/day (private museum guides, culinary masterclasses).
Transportation: $50-100/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $20/day (artisan goods, gourmet food shopping).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Milan
- The commercial and fashion capital of Italy, defined by the white marble Duomo, high-end shopping galleries, cutting-edge design, and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.
2. Venice
- An extraordinary maritime city built across 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by stone bridges, completely free of motor vehicles.
3. Bologna
- The historic food capital of Italy, renowned for its ancient university, miles of UNESCO-listed covered porticoes, terracotta rooftops, and vibrant culinary scene.
4. Turin
- The elegant, royal capital of Piedmont, featuring grand baroque boulevards, historic cafes, the imposing Mole Antonelliana, and sweeping views of the Alps.
5. Verona
- A romantic UNESCO-listed city along the Adige River, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater (Arena di Verona) and Shakespearean heritage.
6. Bolzano (Bozen)
- The bilingual gateway to the Dolomites in South Tyrol, where Austrian alpine traditions and Italian culture blend seamlessly.
Milan
Did you know?
Underwater Village – Lake Resia hides a submerged 14th-century church steeple sticking straight out of the alpine water surface.
Islands
1. Murano, Burano, & Torcello (Venice Lagoon)
- Murano is celebrated worldwide for centuries-old glassblowing; Burano is famous for brightly painted fishermen's cottages and handmade lace; Torcello holds the ancient 7th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
2. Borromean Islands (Lake Maggiore)
- A picturesque group of small islands, including Isola Bella with its baroque palace and tiered Italianate gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, an active fishing village.
3. San Giulio Island (Lake Orta)
- A peaceful island dominated by a Romanesque basilica and a silent monastery pathway, located in the Piedmont lake district.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Venice Lagoon
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. The Dolomites (Dolomiti)
- A jagged limestone mountain range featuring iconic peaks like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, deep alpine valleys, and emerald glacial lakes like Lago di Braies.
2. Lake Como (Lago di Como)
- An inverted Y-shaped glacial lake framed by steep forested mountains, neoclassical villas, and historic waterfront towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
3. Gran Paradiso National Park
- Italy's oldest national park, set in the Graian Alps, protecting alpine ibex, chamois, glaciers, and deep mountain valleys.
4. Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
- Italy's largest lake, transitioning from dramatic alpine cliffs in the north (a hub for windsurfing) to olive groves and vineyards around Sirmione in the south.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Duomo di Milano
- A Gothic cathedral that took nearly six centuries to complete, decorated with 135 spires, thousands of statues, and a walkable marble rooftop.
2. St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace (Venice)
- The historic seat of the Venetian Republic, combining Byzantine golden mosaics, Gothic waterfront architecture, and the Bridge of Sighs.
3. Arena di Verona
- A 1st-century Roman amphitheater still in active use today, hosting world-famous open-air opera festivals every summer.
4. Two Towers & Porticoes of Bologna
- Leaning medieval defensive towers (Asinelli and Garisenda) surrounded by over 38 kilometers of covered sidewalk porticoes.
Unique Experiences
1. Gliding through Venice Back Canals
- Hiring a traditional gondola at dusk to navigate narrow, quiet residential waterways far away from the Grand Canal traffic.
2. Driving the Great Dolomites Road
- Navigating high mountain passes like the Sella Pass and Pordoi Pass, where sheer limestone towers rise directly beside the road.
3. Truffle Hunting in the Langhe Hills
- Joining a local hunter and trained dog through the oak forests of Piedmont to uncover prized white truffles, followed by a Barolo tasting.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
The Dolomites
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Aman Venice
Location: San Polo, Venice, North Italy
A magnificent 16th-century Palazzo situated directly on the Grand Canal, featuring museum-quality Rococo and Neo-Renaissance artwork, private manicured water gardens, and ultra-luxurious suites overlooking the bustling waterways.
Restaurants / Bars
Le Calandre
Location: Rubano, Padua, North Italy
A world-famous, innovative three-Michelin-starred culinary masterpiece helmed by the Alajmo brothers, renowned for its playful, deeply creative, and avant-garde interpretations of traditional Italian fine dining.
Tours to do
1. The Northern Art and Culinary Corridor
- Take the high-speed rail from Milan to Verona for an evening opera, continue east to Venice for two days of canal exploration, and finish south in Bologna for culinary tours and historic porticoes.
Best Time: April to June or September to October.
Average Cost: $550 – $1,100 per person.
2. The Lakes and Dolomites Alpine Route
- Rent a car in Milan, explore the lakeside villas of Lake Como, drive east across the northern shore of Lake Garda, and spend four days hiking and driving through the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites.
Best Time: late June to September.
Average Cost: $650 – $1,350 per person.
Lake Como
How to get around
1. Domestic Flights
- Italy is well-connected by domestic flights, with major airlines like Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet offering flights between cities and regions. Key airports include those in Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples.
2. Trains
- Italy has an extensive rail network operated by Trenitalia and Italo. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Italo connect major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. Regional trains cover local routes and smaller towns.
3. Public Buses
- Public buses are available in cities and for intercity travel. In major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, local bus services are operated by companies such as ATAC in Rome and ATM in Milan. For intercity travel, companies like FlixBus and Marino Bus offer routes between cities and regions.
4. Metro
- Several Italian cities have metro systems:Rome Metro: Comprises three lines (A, B, C) covering various parts of the city.
Milan Metro: Features four lines (M1, M2, M3, M5) and covers key areas of the city.
Naples Metro: Includes two lines (Line 1 and Line 6) serving Naples and nearby areas.
5. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are widely available in cities and can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. Ride-hailing apps like Uber operate in cities like Milan and Rome, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.
6. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is a good option for exploring Italy’s diverse regions, including the countryside, coastal areas, and historical sites. Major car rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar operate in cities and airports. Driving is on the right side of the road.
7. Motorcycles and Scooters
- Renting a motorcycle or scooter is popular in cities and tourist areas, particularly in places like Rome and Florence. Ensure you have a valid license and are familiar with local traffic conditions.
8. Bicycles
- Many Italian cities offer bike-sharing schemes and rental services. In cities like Milan and Rome, services like BikeMi and Roma Bike provide options for exploring urban areas.
9. Boats and Ferries
- For travel between islands and coastal regions, such as to the Amalfi Coast or the islands of Venice, ferries are available. Companies like Vaporetto in Venice and Snav offer ferry services.
10. Local Minibuses
- In some areas, local minibuses offer additional transportation options, particularly in tourist regions and rural areas.
For getting around Italy, domestic flights and trains are efficient for long-distance travel, while metro systems and public buses are practical for city transport. Car rentals provide flexibility for exploring different regions, and taxis and ride-hailing apps offer convenience. Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and ferries offer additional ways to enjoy Italy’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Venice Moat Gates – A massive system of hollow steel barriers called Mose rises up from the sea floor to protect the city from high floods.
What to eat
1. Risotto alla Milanese & Ossobuco
- Carnaroli or Arborio rice slow-cooked with beef marrow, white wine, and saffron, giving it a vibrant golden hue and creamy texture. It is traditionally served alongside braised veal shanks (ossobuco) topped with citrus-herb gremolata.
2. Tagliatelle al Ragù & Tortellini in Brodo
- The pride of Emilia-Romagna. Fresh, silky egg tagliatelle tossed in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce of beef, pork, and a splash of milk; or delicate pork-and-cheese-filled tortellini served in a clear, steaming capon broth.
3. Focaccia di Recco & Pesto Genovese
- Ligurian specialties. Wafer-thin sheets of unleavened dough baked with creamy, melted Crescenza cheese inside, paired along the coast with fresh trofie pasta coated in mortar-ground basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano, and olive oil.
4. Canederli (Knödel) & Polenta Taragna
- Hearty alpine classics. Bread dumplings packed with speck (smoked ham) or cheese, served in broth or melted butter in South Tyrol; or stone-ground cornmeal cooked slowly with buckwheat and melted mountain cheeses in the Lombard valleys.
Risotto alla Milanese
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Flight Prices and Seasons
From North America:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $550 to $1,100 (Direct nonstop flights to Milan from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Toronto; direct seasonal service to Venice).
- Cheapest Months: November, January, and February.
- Peak Prices: June, July, August, and late December.
From Europe:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $50 to $180 (Extensive direct network from London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Vienna via Ryanair, easyJet, and legacy flag carriers).
- Cheapest Months: November, January, and March.
- Peak Prices: Easter, July, and August.
From Asia:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $650 to $1,250 (Direct flights to Milan from Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, and Shanghai, or via Middle Eastern carriers).
- Cheapest Months: May and November.
- Peak Prices: Lunar New Year, July, and August.
From Australia (Domestic/Oceania):
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,200 to $2,100 (Requires a connection in the Middle East or Singapore, flying into Milan or Venice).
- Cheapest Months: May and October.
- Peak Prices: December, January, and July.
From Africa:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $850 (Direct routes to Milan from Cairo, Casablanca, and Addis Ababa).
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: July, August, and December.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Italy for short stays, as it is part of the Schengen Area.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Schengen visa at an Italian embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- The most common visa is the Schengen short-stay visa (type C), valid for tourism, business, or family visits for stays up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from 15 days to several weeks, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; Schengen visa holders have the same allowance.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended, especially for Schengen visa applicants.
Important things to know
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Italy for short stays, as it is part of the Schengen Area.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Schengen visa at an Italian embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- The most common visa is the Schengen short-stay visa (type C), valid for tourism, business, or family visits for stays up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from 15 days to several weeks, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; Schengen visa holders have the same allowance.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended, especially for Schengen visa applicants.
Souveniers
1. Murano Blown Glass
- Handcrafted vases, drinkware, and colorful sculptures blown by master artisans on the island of Murano using techniques preserved since the 13th century.
2. Parmigiano Reggiano & Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
- Vacuum-sealed wedges of authentic aged cheese from Parma or Reggio Emilia, and thick, syrupy Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, aged for a minimum of 12 to 25 years in wooden barrels.
3. South Tyrolean Loden Wool
- High-density, water-resistant wool fabric woven in alpine workshops, traditionally tailored into durable mountain coats and jackets.
Murano Glass
Location
Reviews
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