From the beautiful lakes in the region to the quintessential Italian Old Towns, Northern Italy has a little something for everyone. Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over six million memories in beautiful places worldwide. 🌍 The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore cities with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever! Today, we asked Nancy Beshara, Luxury Travel Expert, to share her best Northern Italy Itinerary, whether it’s your first time or 10th time to this part of Italy. 🏔️
Nancy is a longtime luxury traveller, multi-award-winning freelance writer, and blogger at Luxe Travel Family, where she specializes in the niche market of luxury family travel. Nancy spends at least one month each year exploring Northern Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich history, and speaking as much Italian as possible.
Northern Italy Itinerary
Flower-filled meadows climb toward jagged Alpine peaks, the watery city of Venice seems to rise from a shimmering lagoon, ancient vineyards traverse the foothills of the Alps and in the fertile ground around the region’s lakes. This is Northern Italy—A region I return to year after year. Use this ultimate 2-week Northern Italy itinerary to experience a landscape so geographically diverse and historically rich that it’s home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Photo: Nadia in the Dolomites for Flytographer. Larissa and partner capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in the Dolomites.
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Travel Logistics
This itinerary starts and ends in Milan. After exploring the city, travel by train to Lake Como, Venice, and Verona. At the end of the stay in Verona, rent a vehicle and drive to the Dolomites. You can use the vehicle to travel between hotel properties and sightsee. Return the vehicle to Verona or drive it back to Milan.
Photo: Danai in the Milan for Flytographer. Mariam and partner capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in Milan.
1. Milan
Timeline: 2 nights, 3 days
Milan (Milano) is a convenient city to begin exploring Northern Italy. But don’t rush off. Plan to spend two (or three!) days exploring Milano’s stunning sites, world-renowned fashion district, and dynamic food scene.
STAY
Four Seasons Hotel Milano: With tranquil garden or quiet side-street views, the luxuriously restored former 15th-century convent is a haven in the centre of the city. Located within the Quadrilatero d’Oro, the city’s fashion district, the Four Seasons Hotel Milano is a short walk to major landmarks, including the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Duomo di Milano & Piazza del Duomo: Visit the magnificent (and must-see) Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the city’s most iconic structure. You can go on the roof of the Duomo di Milano for unique views of the city and, on a clear day, see as far as the Alps. Walk or take an elevator to the roof; the cue to access the stairs is typically shorter, but be prepared to climb for 10+ minutes. After visiting the Duomo, have lunch with a view of the Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo at Giacomo Arengario. Be sure to make a reservation and request a table with a view.
- Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quadrilateral): Wander the elegant Quadrilatero d’Oro, one of the world’s most notable shopping districts, and you’ll get a sense of why Milan is recognized as the fashion capital of Italy.
- The Last Supper inside the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie: View Leonardo’s The Last Supper on the wall of the refectory at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church and Dominican convent, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1497.
- Navigli: Milan was once an inland port city with canals connecting to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland and the Adriatic Sea. The extensive canal system, known as Navigli, expanded over centuries and carried both people and goods, including materials for the Duomo di Milano. Today, the Navigli district is a picturesque neighbourhood with shops and restaurants alongside two restored canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese.
Photo: Dairin in the Milan for Flytographer. Kinya captures memories in Northern Italy with a solo adventure shoot in Milan.
2. Lake Como
Timeline: 3 nights, 4 days
Glamorous Lake Como (Lago di Como) is just one hour by car from Milano, but the relaxing vibe makes it feel like you are a long way from the city. The pace is mellow, especially in the sun-soaked summer, where choosing poolside or lakeside can be the day’s most important decision, followed by where and when to order the first Aperol Spritz.
Lake Como is about 47 km long and features dozens of picturesque, often pedestrian-friendly towns and villages along its shoreline. Como, located at the southwestern tip, is the largest centre and home to Como Lago (Como Nord Lago) and Como San Giovanni train stations. From Como, take a taxi or a water transfer to your hotel of choice.
STAY
Hotel Belvedere: Located in picturesque Bellagio, Hotel Belvedere is a favourite of Flytographer Founder Nicole. This historic, family-owned hotel opened its doors in 1880 and is operated by five generations of the Martinelli-Manoni family. Today, Giulia Manoni and her mother, Tiziana, continue the legacy of personalized hospitality, focusing on memorable stays and authentic Lake Como experiences.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como: The luxurious Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como is set within a collection of buildings, including a 19th-century villa. The property is located on a secluded 6-acre estate with lush botanical gardens on the lake’s sunny (also known as the sunrise side) eastern shore. The entire property is fabulous, but I love the swimming pool floating directly in the lake the most.
HIGHLIGHTS
Apart from spending three days soaking up La Dolce Vita (the sweet life) at your hotel and possibly exploring villages, plan to take a private boat tour of Lake Como in the late afternoon. You’ll experience the lake from the water, view other luxury hotels, and take a peek at where celebrities stay when they visit Lake Como.
Photo: Mattia & Maria in the Lake Como for Flytographer. Rhea and family capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in Lake Como.
3. Venice
Timeline: 3 nights, 4 days
After three days of relaxation, spend two days experiencing bustling Venice (Venezia). Although the city might appear to float on water, Venice is supported by millions of wooden piles cut from trees and pounded into the lagoon floor. The minerals in the water have hardened the wood and, combined with silt, have made a stable foundation that has supported Venice for centuries. Venice and its Lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
STAY
Baglioni Hotel Luna: There are many fabulous hotels in Venice, and I chose the Baglioni Hotel Luna for its history and location. Reportedly the oldest hotel in Venice, Baglioni Hotel Luna features silk brocade walls, antique furniture, and original chandeliers from the nearby island of Murano. Housed in a magnificent 12th-century palazzo, it is right around the corner from St. Mark’s Square and has a private canal for water taxi arrivals and a gondola stop.
Travel Tip: Reserve a water taxi transfer from the train station and request a room with a view of the Venice Lagoon or a canal.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Soak up the Scene: There are a few recommended sights in Venice, but for me, soaking up the scene either from a waterfront patio or in a boat or gondola is part of experiencing Venice. The city’s ‘floating’ structures, car-free transportation network, and canal system make Venice unlike any other city in the world.
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Allegedly described by Napoleon Bonaparte as the most beautiful drawing room in Europe, Piazza San Marco is an excellent space to begin exploring Venice. The expansive square is framed by St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the 98.6 m Campanile, with panoramic views accessible to visitors (and wheelchairs), via elevator. In addition, you’ll find historic cafes like Caffè Florian, one of the oldest cafes in the world, locals and visitors, as well as a flock of hungry pigeons.
- Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): A famous Venetian landmark located near Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs was constructed in the early 17th century as a route for prisoners to walk from the interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace to a prison on the other side of the canal. Legend has it that prisoners would “sigh” at their last sight of Venice through the bridge’s small windows. According to local myth, it’s also a romantic symbol, and a couple who kiss under the bridge in a gondola at sunset will have eternal love.
Photo: Marta in the Venice for Flytographer. Alyssa and partner capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in Venice.
4. Verona
Timeline: 2 nights, 3 days
The walkable, historic core of Verona, founded in the 1st century B.C., is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains one of the richest collections of Roman remains in Northern Italy.
STAY
Due Torri Hotel: Stay at the five-star Due Torri Hotel, housed in a 14th-century palace in a prime central location. This exceptional property blends historic charm, old-world luxury and modern comforts.
Travel Tip: Plan apertivo and/or late-evening drinks on the hotel’s panoramic outdoor rooftop terrace.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Historic Centre: The largely pedestrian cobbled historic centre is an excellent place to shop for clothing, souvenirs, or a sweet treat. A couple of our favourite stops are Venchi, a famous Italian chocolatier, and a tiny Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella boutique.
- Verona Arena (Arena di Verona) and Piazza Bra: Visit Arena di Verona for a rare opportunity to experience a well-preserved first-century Roman amphitheatre and one of Italy’s iconic historical sites. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to attend a concert or opera performance at the Arena. Piazza Bra frames the Arena di Verona and is the city’s largest square lined with cafes and more historic* buildings. This is a prime spot for people-watching and gelato on a hot summer day.
- Ponte Pietra: Walk along the Adige River toward Ponte Pietra, an ancient Roman stone bridge. After crossing the bridge, climb the stairs (or take the funicular) to Piazzale Castel San Pietro for a panoramic view of the city and the Adige River.
Photo: Giulia in the Verona for Flytographer. Rebecca and family capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in Verona.
5. The Dolomites
Timeline: 4 nights, 5 days
The Dolomites, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, comprise a dramatic mountain range with 18 peaks rising above 3,000 metres and covering 141,903 ha, making this an exceptional year-round adventure destination. Summer welcomes hikers and bikers of all levels, and the winter season caters to skiers, snowboarders, and winter hikers.
Travel Tip: Keep an eye on the peaks at dawn and dusk when they take on a rosy glow. Locals call this enrosadira, meaning “turning pink” in Ladin, the language spoken by the first inhabitants of the Dolomites. You can still hear Ladin spoken in parts of the Dolomites.
STAY
There are lots of fabulous places to stay in the Dolomites, and below you’ll find two of my favourites. Choose to spend four days at one property or two days at each.
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is located in Pinzolo, near Madonna di Campiglio. The resort offers guided excursions year-round, along with an expansive spa and aquatics area with numerous pools and whirlpools. There is another Lefay Resort and Spa nearby on Lake Garda. Flytographer’s Founder, Nicole Smith, fell in love with this property in late 2025 and wrote about this special place and the joy of solo travel.
Travel Tip: Families will appreciate the Family Suite, which features two bathrooms and two bedrooms.
Hotel La Perla: We are repeat guests at Hotel La Perla in Corvara, and once you are a guest at this family-owned and operated property, you’ll understand why. I appreciate the exceptional service and numerous on-site dining options. An in-house guide is available to help guests explore the Dolomites.
Photo: Lucrezia in the Dolomites for Flytographer. Calvin and partner capture memories in Northern Italy with a couples shoot in the Dolomites.
Capturing memories in Northern Italy
Northern Italy is packed with incredible photo opportunities—from the Dolomites and Lake Como to Venice’s canals and Milan’s historic landmarks. If you’re planning an Italy trip that also includes Southern Italy destinations like Rome, Florence, or the small towns of Tuscany and Cinque Terre, Flytographer has local photographers in those locations too. A Flytographer session lets you explore with a local photographer who knows the best spots while capturing professional photos of your trip. Book a shoot in any Italian destination, and return home with wall-worthy memories. ❤️
