Excellent
6-Day Northern Italy Journey: Milan, Verona & the Lakes
6 Days
2 Stops
Private transfer
Plan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
From$2,100
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertIsola Bella on Lake Maggiore is the stop most Northern Italy itineraries treat as optional and shouldn't, and it's the one I'd always fight to keep. The ten-tiered baroque garden rising from the island's southern end, with the Alps visible from the upper terrace and the palace interior below showing Flemish tapestries in rooms that have barely changed in three centuries, is one of the most architecturally ambitious garden compositions in Italy. The Lake Garda excursion from Verona earns most with Sirmione first: the Roman spa ruins, the Scaligero castle, and the thermal water around the promontory are each worth a separate hour, and the drive north toward Gargnano afterward delivers the alpine backdrop the southern lake doesn't show. For the Brera district in Milan, build the walking tour around the Pinacoteca di Brera rather than treating it as a secondary stop; the Mantegna Dead Christ and the Caravaggio Supper at Emmaus give the city's artistic identity a foundation the cathedral's medieval grandeur alone doesn't provide.
Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore is the stop most Northern Italy itineraries treat as optional and shouldn't, and it's the one I'd always fight to keep. The ten-tiered baroque garden rising from the island's southern end, with the Alps visible from the upper terrace and the palace interior below showing Flemish tapestries in rooms that have barely changed in three centuries, is one of the most architecturally ambitious garden compositions in Italy. The Lake Garda excursion from Verona earns most with Sirmione first: the Roman spa ruins, the Scaligero castle, and the thermal water around the promontory are each worth a separate hour, and the drive north toward Gargnano afterward delivers the alpine backdrop the southern lake doesn't show. For the Brera district in Milan, build the walking tour around the Pinacoteca di Brera rather than treating it as a secondary stop; the Mantegna Dead Christ and the Caravaggio Supper at Emmaus give the city's artistic identity a foundation the cathedral's medieval grandeur alone doesn't provide.
Recommended route
Customize at any time with an expert
Milan
Day 1 - 3
The vibrant metropolis of Milan is the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sleek, glamorous facade has earned it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders—from its magnificent Gothic churches, Baroque mansions, and Art Nouveau palazzos to the striking modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see landmarks include the spectacular Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and of course, La Scala—one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. Milan offers something for everyone: those in search of high-end designer shopping will be more than satisfied, as will visitors interested in fascinating historical sites and extraordinary architectural achievements.
NH Collection Milano Touring
With a stay at NH Collection Milano Touring, you'll be centrally located in Milan, steps from Indro Montanelli Public Gardens and within a 10-minute walk of Via Montenapoleone Fashion District. This hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Corso Buenos Aires and 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Pinacoteca di Brera.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and a banquet hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 282 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Guided Walking Tour in Milan
Enjoy a private guided tour of Milan, led by your expert guide, and explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. Your experience begins with hotel pickup if your accommodation is located in the central area; otherwise, a convenient meeting point will be communicated. Start your adventure with a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano, where you will not only admire the stunning interior of this Gothic masterpiece but also have the chance to ascend to the terraces. With a ride in the elevator, you will reach the top for panoramic views of Milan, offering an unforgettable perspective of the city and the cathedral itself. The tour continues with external visits to the Sforza Castle, Colonne di San Lorenzo, and the famous Scala Opera House, among other important landmarks. Explore Milan’s rich history and culture as your guide shares fascinating insights along the way.
Starting time: 9:30 am approx.
Verona
Day 4 - 6
Situated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the city of Verona is a romantic gem that lives up to its literary fame. It’s no wonder Shakespeare chose this enchanting place as the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet. Travelers come to see Juliet’s iconic balcony and experience the city’s dreamy, timeless atmosphere. Unlike its more crowded neighbor Venice, Verona maintains a calm, relaxed pace. The city’s architectural treasures include the incredible 2,000-year-old Roman Arena, which hosts an acclaimed summer opera festival. Baroque façades, stately palazzos, and cobblestone alleys are home to museums packed with historical and artistic treasures. Verona also boasts stylish boutiques and outstanding restaurants serving some of Italy’s finest cuisine.
Hotel Indigo Verona Grand Hotel Des Arts
Set in the heart of the storied city of Verona, the Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel Des Arts is in a privileged location just moments away from Verona’s historic center, the Porta Nuova, Piazza Bra, and the Arena. The interior is stylishly decorated with paintings and sculptures of famous artists such as Ciardi, Cascella, and Minguzzi. You'll find 62 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee/tea making facilities. The hotel offers a rich buffet for breakfast and an international buffet with sweet and savory dishes. Within easy reach of the property are restaurants, shops, wine bars, and numerous places of historical and cultural interest.
Your activity
Lake Garda & Sirmione Escape
Take a break from the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Lake Garda—Italy’s largest and most enchanting lake. This private full-day tour from Verona offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, historic charm, and laid-back Italian elegance.
Your journey begins with a leisurely drive along the lake’s southern shores, passing rolling vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque villages. The highlight of the day is the magical town of Sirmione, a gem perched on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the lake. Here, you’ll have time to explore the charming old town, visit the impressive Scaliger Castle, and walk out to the Grotte di Catullo—the atmospheric ruins of a Roman villa with breathtaking lake views.
Enjoy some free time to browse local boutiques, sample regional delicacies, or simply relax by the water with a scoop of artisanal gelato. Weather permitting, you can also take an optional boat ride for unforgettable views of the castle and peninsula from the lake.
If you wish, your day can include additional stops in Bardolino or Lazise, two inviting lakeside towns known for their relaxed vibe, lovely promenades, and excellent local wines.
Your driver will tailor the itinerary to your interests and pace, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable Lake Garda experience.
From$2,100
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
18+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
8+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
18+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
8+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Three nights in Milan and two in Verona, with Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda each earning a full day — Northern Italy's lake district covered from two different bases with the city character of Milan and Verona framing it on either side. The Lake Maggiore excursion is the one I'd always flag alongside Como: Isola Bella, the Borromean island with its baroque palace and terraced gardens above the lake, is one of the more extraordinary single sites in Northern Italy and is consistently undervisited relative to its Bellagio equivalent across the Lombard lakes.
View less details
What I always tell people about the Verona section: the Arena di Verona in the late afternoon, with a table outside on the Piazza Bra and the amphitheater filling the view, is one of those Italian outdoor moments that earns the detour entirely. The Lake Garda excursion with Sirmione — the medieval peninsula fortress projecting into the southern end of the lake — adds a dimension to the Verona days that a city-only stay can't provide.
Day 1–3: Milan
Hotel: Hotel nhow Milano
Three nights with the guided Brera district and historic center tour, the Duomo visit, the Lake Como full-day excursion, and the Lake Maggiore day. The Hotel nhow Milano sits on the Navigli canal, which gives the evenings a neighborhood quality that the Duomo area doesn't provide. For Como, arriving in Bellagio by ferry from the southern shore in the early afternoon and staying until the day-trippers have gone is the version worth planning around.
Day 4–6: Verona
Hotel: Hotel Indigo Verona — Grand Hotel Des Arts
Two nights with the historic center, the Arena, Juliet's House, and the Lake Garda excursion with Sirmione. The Hotel Indigo is in the historic center, which means everything worth seeing is on foot. The Piazza delle Erbe in the morning before the market fills, and the backstreets behind the Arena in the evening, give Verona its most characterful hours.
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Custom Italy trips
Tips for your Northern Italy lakes itinerary
April–June and September–October are the most pleasant months. In spring, gardens around Lake Maggiore and Lake Como are in full bloom, while fall offers mild weather for exploring Verona and enjoying wine regions near Lake Garda without the summer rush.
Hotels range from $55–$90 per night for budget options, $90–$180 for mid-range, and $180–$270+ for boutique or luxury stays. Meals average $15–$30 in trattorias and $50–$100 in fine dining restaurants. Activities like private lake cruises or guided tours in Milan often start from $50. A 6-day journey typically costs from around $1,500 per person on a budget to $2,500 or more with higher-end choices.
Milan’s Duomo and La Scala opera house, Verona’s Roman Arena and Juliet’s balcony, and the villas around Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are standout highlights. At Lake Garda, Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle and Roman ruins are must-sees. Private walking tours, wine tastings, and lake cruises enrich the journey.
➔ Things to see Italy | Things to see Lake Como | Activities Italy
Reserve tickets in advance for Milan’s Last Supper. Stay in lakeside towns for easy access to ferries and scenic walks. Use trains or private transfers to move smoothly between Milan, Verona, and the lakes.
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
