Northern Italy Trip: Venice, Bologna, Genoa & Milan

Bologna welcomes you with history and energy! Today you'll take a train to Bologna in the morning, check into your hotel, and get settled before heading out for the day.

Once you’re ready, we recommend spending the afternoon exploring Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and a great place to get a first look at Bologna’s...

Bologna welcomes you with history and energy! Today you'll take a train to Bologna in the morning, check into your hotel, and get settled before heading out for the day.

Once you’re ready, we recommend spending the afternoon exploring Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and a great place to get a first look at Bologna’s historic charm. As you walk around the square, you can take a moment to admire the Neptune Fountain and the lively atmosphere that always fills this area. It’s a relaxed way to ease into the city while still seeing some of its most iconic landmarks.

In the evening, you can make your way to the Quadrilatero district, which is one of the best places in Bologna for food. The streets here are lined with traditional shops, markets, and cozy restaurants that serve the dishes the city is known for. You can sit down for dinner and try local specialties like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, or mortadella, depending on what you’re in the mood for. The area stays lively into the night, so you can enjoy the energy of the district, walk around a bit after dinner, or stop for a dessert before heading back to your hotel!

Today we have it planned out of you! You will start your morning with the Bologna City Walking Tour, meeting your guide and setting off to explore some of the city’s most iconic spots. Your first stop will be the Basilica di San Petronio, where you’ll step inside to see its impressive interior and learn why it’s one of the most important...

Today we have it planned out of you! You will start your morning with the Bologna City Walking Tour, meeting your guide and setting off to explore some of the city’s most iconic spots. Your first stop will be the Basilica di San Petronio, where you’ll step inside to see its impressive interior and learn why it’s one of the most important churches in Italy. From there, you’ll make your way to Piazza Santo Stefano, a charming square lined with historic buildings and filled with a peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will then lead you through the Quadrilatero Market, where traditional food shops and stalls display local cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and other regional specialties. You’ll also stop for an external view of Le Due Torri, the famous leaning towers that symbolize Bologna, before wrapping up with a visit to the Archiginnasio courtyard, once the main building of the University of Bologna.

In the afternoon, you can decide how you want to keep exploring. You have the option to climb the Asinelli Tower for breathtaking views over the red rooftops, or you can stay on ground level and wander through the lively streets of the university district, checking out cafés, bookstores, and student hangouts at your own pace. If time permits, you can also add an optional activity!

In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Bolognese dinner paired with local wines, giving you a chance to try classic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, or mortadella served with warm crescentine. It’s a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy the warm, welcoming food culture that Bologna is known for.

Goodbye Bologna, Hello Genoa! Today you will travel by train to Genoa and check into your hotel, giving yourself time to get settled before heading out. Once you’re ready, we recommend to make your way to the Old Harbor, one of the city’s most recognizable areas and an easy place to start exploring. The waterfront has a relaxed feel, blending...

Goodbye Bologna, Hello Genoa! Today you will travel by train to Genoa and check into your hotel, giving yourself time to get settled before heading out. Once you’re ready, we recommend to make your way to the Old Harbor, one of the city’s most recognizable areas and an easy place to start exploring. The waterfront has a relaxed feel, blending historic ships with modern spaces, and invites you to wander without a plan. If you’re interested, stop by the Genoa Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, home to sharks, dolphins, and colorful tropical marine life, offering a fun introduction to the city’s deep connection to the sea.

In the evening, we suggest to head into the historic center for dinner. Wander through narrow streets and lively squares before settling into a local restaurant serving classic Ligurian dishes. It’s the perfect chance to try Genoa favorites like fresh pesto pasta, focaccia, or simply prepared seafood, all enjoyed in a warm, lively atmosphere that makes for a memorable first night in the city.

Today your morning begins with your included “Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino,” where you meet your guide and start exploring the heart of the city. You’ll visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, learn about its long history, and take in the impressive details inside. From there, you’ll walk through the Ancient Harbor, where Genoa’s...

Today your morning begins with your included “Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino,” where you meet your guide and start exploring the heart of the city. You’ll visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, learn about its long history, and take in the impressive details inside. From there, you’ll walk through the Ancient Harbor, where Genoa’s maritime past comes to life through old shipyards, historic buildings, and stories about how the city grew into a major port. As you make your way through the waterfront, your guide will point out important landmarks and explain how each part played a role in shaping Genoa’s identity over the centuries.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you’ll have time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town before heading to Portofino. Once in Portofino, you can explore the colorful harbor, browse a few local shops, and make your way up to Castello Brown for beautiful views of the coastline. The mix of quiet streets, bright buildings, and scenic lookouts makes this part of the day feel especially peaceful.

In the evening, you may want to return to Genoa and settle in for dinner at a cozy trattoria, enjoying simple Ligurian dishes and a laid-back end to the day before your next adventure tomorrow!

This is where Italian style takes center stage! Today you’ll travel to Milan by train in the morning and check into your hotel. You can spend the afternoon exploring Milan at your own pace. You might stop by the Duomo to admire its impressive exterior, step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to browse its elegant shops, or walk through the...

This is where Italian style takes center stage! Today you’ll travel to Milan by train in the morning and check into your hotel. You can spend the afternoon exploring Milan at your own pace. You might stop by the Duomo to admire its impressive exterior, step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to browse its elegant shops, or walk through the grounds of Sforza Castle to get a feel for Milan’s mix of history and modern style. The city is very walkable, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and gelaterias along the way if you want to take a break and enjoy something small. If time permits and you feel like adding a bit more to your day, you can join an optional activity!

In the evening, we suggest to make your way to the Brera district for dinner. This area has a relaxed atmosphere, with narrow streets, warm lighting, and plenty of restaurants serving classic Milanese dishes. It’s a great way to settle into the city and enjoy your first night in Milan.

In the morning, you will join the “Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan,” starting with a comfortable ride from Milan to Lake Como. Once you arrive, you’ll board a private boat and cruise across the lake, taking in the mountains, elegant villas, and quiet waterfront towns. Your guide will point out famous...

In the morning, you will join the “Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan,” starting with a comfortable ride from Milan to Lake Como. Once you arrive, you’ll board a private boat and cruise across the lake, taking in the mountains, elegant villas, and quiet waterfront towns. Your guide will point out famous filming locations and well-known celebrity homes along the shoreline, giving you a better sense of the area’s history and culture. You’ll have time to relax on the boat, snap photos, and enjoy the peaceful scenery before arriving in Bellagio. There, you can explore the town at your own pace, browse the shops, or try a light snack while enjoying the lake views.

Your trip will then continue to Lugano, where you’ll experience the Swiss side of the region. You can visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli to see its Renaissance fresco, walk through the center, check out luxury boutiques, or treat yourself to authentic Swiss chocolate. The day offers a good mix of sightseeing and free time without feeling rushed.

In the evening, you can return to Milan and enjoy a farewell dinner near the Duomo, choosing a restaurant with a great view to wrap up your trip on a memorable note.