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Village of Varenna

7 Day Italy Road Trip – Milan to Venice

(7 days / 6 nights)

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Breathtaking architecture, fascinating history and jaw-dropping scenery

Spend a magical 7 days in Northern Italy on this self-drive adventure. First up is Milan, where you can visit one of the country’s most remarkable shopping galleries as well as its largest church. Then, you’ll head to the dazzling Lake Como. Stroll the streets of the colourful towns that line the lake’s shores, before journeying to its sparkling blue neighbour, Lake Garda. Your final stop is Venice, an enchanting city built around hundreds of winding canals.

Want to spend more time in Milan or Venice? You can add extra nights to the start or end (or both!) or your trip during the booking process.

Would you prefer to start this tour in Venice? Check out our 7 Day Italy Road Trip - Venice to Milan tour instead. It’s the same sight-filled itinerary, just in reverse.

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1318 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Outstanding experience and personal service
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from travel experts in the region
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Journey past cities, mountains and lakes in spellbinding Northern Italy
  • Discover the magical floating city of Venice
  • Soak up the beauty of Lake Garda with its dazzling blue waters
  • Admire breathtaking views at Bellagio, Menaggio & Varenna, the magical waterside towns of Lake Como
  • Gaze upon the monumental Milan Cathedral and get the chance to take in Milan from atop its ornate roof
  • Step back in time at Milan’s elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and stylish Quad d'Oro
  • Step back in time with a visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica and admire its jaw-dropping mosaic interior
  • Taste gelato as you walk among historic buildings at Sirmione
  • Explore the charming lakeside towns of Limone sul Garda, Malcesine and Riva del Garda
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Honeymoon & Romance i

Season

May - Oct

Departure

Daily

Driving distance

596/370 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to stylish Milan

    Upon arrival in Italy, make your way to your accommodation in Milan before heading out to explore. You can take a train from the airport into the city centre or hop in a taxi.

    If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, where better to do so than in Italy’s fashion capital? The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an unmissable place for high-end shopping.

    You could visit the spectacular Milan Cathedral (“Duomo di Milano”). To view the city from above, purchase tickets to access the cathedral’s grand rooftop.

    If you’d like to marvel at Da Vinci’s world-famous painting, The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can join a fascinating optional guided tour.*

    Spend the night in Milan. 

    *If you would like to view The Last Supper, it is essential to prebook your tickets.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 2: Journey to Lake Como

    After breakfast, pick up your rental car this morning and begin your journey to Lake Como.

    Along the way you could stop at Monza to stretch your legs. This city is perhaps best known for its Grand Prix racing circuit, where the Italian Formula One is held.

    Make sure to visit the city of Como before heading to your accommodation on the lake. Its cobblestone streets are like something out of a movie and the magnificent Como Cathedral (“Duomo di Como”) will take your breath away.

    Head to the lakeside promenade for a scenic stroll as the sun sets, perhaps while enjoying a delicious local gelato. It doesn't get much more Italian than that!

    Spend the night in Lake Como area.

    Average driving distance: 67 km / 41 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Lake Como’s charming towns

    Today you’ll explore the picture-perfect towns that line Lake Como’s shores on foot. You can easily travel between the towns via ferry.

    In Menaggio you can stroll past pastel-coloured buildings and towering palm trees. Make sure you walk along the lakeside promenade to take in mesmerising views of the sparkling water.

    Bellagio, with its independent shops and boutiques, is the perfect place to pick up a local souvenir. It’s also home to the elegant 19th-century villa, Villa Melzi.

    For endless photo opportunities, head to Varenna. The town is set against a lush green backdrop. You could also visit the Villa Monastero botanical gardens here.

    Spend another night in Lake Como area.

    Average ferry journey time between 2 towns on Lake Como: approx. 15-20 minutes 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: From lake to lake

    You’ll say goodbye to Lake Como today and drive to the equally beautiful Lake Garda, where you can explore the historic town of Sirmione. We’d recommend arriving early in the morning to enjoy the town in relative quiet.

    Take a stroll through the town’s cobbled centre to browse the quaint shops or indulge in a delicious pastry at a local café. For a dose of history, visit the Scaligero Castle or the Grotte di Catullo.

    You could also visit the nearby Desenzano del Garda. This vibrant resort town is famous for its lively town squares, where cafés and gelaterias spill onto winding streets.

    Spend the night in the Lake Garda area. 

    Average driving distance: 193 km / 120 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: Exploring vibrant Lake Garda

    You’ve got a full day to explore Lake Garda today. Soak up the incredible natural landscape by taking the cable car up to Monte Baldo from Malcesine. Discover centuries of history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Peschiera del Garda. Or explore lively piazzas and lakeside promenades in Riva del Garda.

    You can stroll amongst lemon groves in the waterside town Limone sul Garda before enjoying a tasty tipple of locally produced wine in Bardolino. The light and fruity red that the region is known for is particularly delicious.

    Spend another night in the Lake Garda area. 

    Average driving distance: 151 km / 94 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: From Lake Garda to magical Venice

    Today you’ll head the incredible city of Venice. It’s a car-free island, which means you’ll need to return your rental car before entering the city.

    Once you’ve checked into your hotel, head back out to explore the magical city for yourself.

    Stroll to St Mark’s Square (“Piazza San Marco”), the heart of Venice, and visit the jaw-dropping Byzantine church Saint Mark’s Basilica (“Basilica di San Marco”) with its glittering mosaics and intricate domes.

    You could also explore the city via boat, with a scenic gondola ride. Gliding along the narrow canals is an incredible experience.

    Spend the night in the Venice area.

    Average driving distance: 151 km / 94 mi

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: Departure from Venice

    Today, your adventure in Italy comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of Venice. You could indulge in some last-minute shopping or sip on an espresso in a local café.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight. There are public transport options, or you can book a direct taxi.

    Attractions
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Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1318 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Italy. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Italy, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Italy Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your tour of Italy, you’ll stay in accommodation selected by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings and comfort.

You can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please also note that in Italy, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The minimum age to hire a car in Italy is 19. A small fee will also apply to any drivers under 25.

If you are under 25, you may also be restricted in the size of vehicle you are able to rent. Please contact your personal Travel Consultant if you are unsure about which car to choose.

The roads across Northern Italy are usually in good condition all year long.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in Italy are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. The many town centres that have been there for centuries are also sometimes best explored on foot.

It’s a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the region ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

Yes, you need to have an international driving permit if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA. This is to rent a car and drive legally in Italy.  

This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK (except the Isle of Man), you do not need an international driving permit.

Italy has many tolled highways (called "autostrade"). These should be clearly signed on apps like Google Maps but also as you’re driving through the country.

You can pay through the Telepass system or by cash or card. If you’re paying by cash or card, pick up a ticket from the entry gates. You’ll pay at the exit gates.

Some rental companies do allow it. But you’ll need to check with them first. Read their policy and ask them in case there are extra fees.

Yes, for popular sites, you should pre-book tickets in advance. This way you can make sure you see the spots on your travel wish-list but also secure the ideal times for you. Your travel consultant will let you know the attractions where this is highly recommended. 

In the larger cities and at popular attractions, yes you can expect people to speak English. That said, in smaller towns you might find people have a limited knowledge of the language. We recommend having translation apps available such as Google Translate. 

Italy experiences warm and sometimes humid summers. This is also true in Northern Italy, for regions including Milan, Lake Garda and Venice.

From June to August, temperatures typically range from 25–35 °C (77–95 °F), with occasional heatwaves. You might find the cities feel warmer because of urban heat. Due to these temperatures, thunderstorms can occur later in the afternoons, particularly near the lakes and mountains.

It’s good to note that not all hotels in Italy have air conditioning. Most do offer fans to try to keep you cool.

For milder weather, consider visiting during the shoulder season. May sees pleasant temperatures around 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) and blooming landscapes. Following summer, September remains warm (20–28°C / 68–82°F) but with fewer visitors. These months are ideal for sightseeing and enjoying al fresco dining without the peak summer heat.

Opening hours for attractions in Italy can vary depending on the season. While many popular sites are open year-round, some attractions may close or have reduced hours outside the summer.

For this reason, it’s always best to look online for information about the specific places you want to visit in advance of your trip.

As you should expect warm weather on a summer trip to Italy, you’ll want to make sure you pack accordingly. This way you can make the most of the cities, lakes and Italian countryside.

Here is a recommended packing list for your trip:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (and sandals)
  • Light, breathable summer clothing
  • Stylish outfit and shoes to go out in the cities like Milan
  • Small backpack for daily exploring
  • Light scarf or shawl for visiting churches
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat
  • Swimsuit for lakes, beaches and pools
  • Reusable water bottle
  • And your camera of course!

On your Italy road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around €1.50–€1.90 per litre.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €15–€25 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €30–€40. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €50–€70 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

If the flights from your home arrive in a different city than where we start our tours, please get in touch with your travel consultant.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a regional travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Italy. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to visit Italy on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Italy, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon arrival in Italy, you’ll receive a welcome package with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Italy Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Italy?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation. Italian cities are well connected to their respective airports.  Simply hop on public transport, catch a taxi or book an optional private transfer.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts around 3 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency of Italy.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels. Properties usually include t..

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Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses. This will be in combination with Superio..

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Rental car

Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Peugeot 208 (manual)
or similar

  • x4
  • x5
  • x2
  • M
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Peugeot 208 (manual)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
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Mini Clubman Cooper (automatic)
or similar

  • x4
  • x3
  • x2
  • A
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Mini Clubman Cooper (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Peugeot 3008 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
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Peugeot 3008 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact Crossover
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW X3 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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BMW X3 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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VW Caravelle (automatic)
or similar

  • x8
  • x4
  • x6
  • M
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VW Caravelle (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 8
  • Luggage: 6
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1318 EUR

Request info

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