The Dreamiest North Italy Itinerary: A Romantic 10-Day Honeymoon Trip
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Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world. There are nearly 5,000 miles of coastline, scenic views in every region, and a culture steeped in romantic art, literature, and cuisine. It was a no-brainer to choose Italy when my husband and I were deciding which world destination we wanted to visit on our honeymoon!
All of Italy is dreamy and could be part of any great honeymoon itinerary, which made narrowing down exactly where we wanted to spend our 10 days tricky. Ultimately, we decided to visit North Italy and are so glad we made that choice! (Plus I had previously been to other parts of Italy, such as Rome and Cinque Terre.)
Our honeymoon trip ended up being the perfect mix between city luxuries and nature escapes. Here is a quick breakdown of how you can have your own unforgettable experience. Read further to see the full itinerary, including activities, tours, places to eat, lodging, and logistical tips.
Venice
Where to stay: Bed & Breakfast Al Pozzo di Luce
Must book in advance: St. Mark’s Basilica Tour
Verona
Where to stay: La Bella Verona Wine Suite
Must book in advance: Verona Roman Arena
The Dolomites
Must book in advance: Rental car from Verona & Via Ferrata Tour or Dolomites Guided Tour
Milan
Where to stay: Hotel VIU Milan
Must book in advance: Milan Duomo & Last Supper Tickets
Como
Where to stay: Albergo del Duca
Must book in advance: Lake Como Private Boat Tour
Varenna
Where to stay: Villa Varenna
Italian/Swiss Alps
Must book in advance: Bernina Express
Quick Tips for Visiting Italy
Getting around the region: Train travel is the most efficient way to get between each major destination in North Italy. We used Trenitalia to get from Venice to Verona, Verona to Milan, Milan to Como, and Varenna to Tirano.
Getting around cities: Public transportation (bus or rail) is the best way to get around most areas in this itinerary. There are taxis in many major tourist locations, including Verona and Venice (in the form of water taxis). You should be able to find Uber rides in Milan. In Como, use the public ferries or buses and, in The Dolomites, you will need a rental car.
International flights: Our trip started in Venice and ended in Zurich, Switzerland. We flew into Venice Marco Polo Airport and out of Zurich Airport, but you may opt to fly out of Milan Malpensa Airport if you are ending your trip in Italy. Check Expedia for the best deals on international flights, including multi-city trips.
When to visit: This itinerary can be done at any time, but is probably best from April to June or September to October when the weather isn’t too cold or too hot. We went in July and were sweating the whole time! Try to avoid visiting in August because the entire country is on vacation then, which means many small businesses are closed and places like Lake Como will be packed.
Currency: Euro (€). Card is accepted in many places, but cash is very handy to have as it is occasionally the only form of payment accepted. Examples may include street vendors, taxis, and bathrooms.
Language: Italian, but English is also widely understood.
Italy honeymoon packages: If you would rather leave the logistics up to a tour company instead of booking all your own transportation and lodging, Get Your Guide offers Italy packages, perfect for couples wanting extra relaxation on their Italy honeymoon. Please note that this tour is a group tour, so you will be with other people throughout the duration of your trip. This tour does not reflect the same itinerary as below and instead of some locations I mention, it includes Rome and Tuscany.
North Italy Honeymoon Itinerary
Days 1-3: Venice—The most romantic city in Italy
Start your honeymoon in the most romantic place on the itinerary: Venice! A common sentiment about Venice is that it is crowded and expensive. However, it is a very unique and beautiful city, well worth the visit. Here are a few things we did that surely helped us have a more relaxing, romantic time.
Day 1
It is important to note that Venice is an island, but the airport is on Italy’s mainland. After flying into the Venice Marco Polo Airport, you can take a ferry to the actual city. Book in advance with Alilaguna, which we found to be efficient and provided great views of Venice from the water. The downside is that it was so hot we were sweating profusely the entire way over!
Tip: Bring a fan and lots of water if your honeymoon falls in the middle of the summer.
If you want to avoid crowds during peak season and explore a quieter side of Venice, book a boutique hotel away from the city center. We stayed in Bed & Breakfast Al Pozzo di Luce Venezia, which provided breakfast with really good croissants, meats, cheeses, and juices.
Honeymoons are meant to be relaxing, so ease into your first day of your international travel. After checking into your hotel, spend a quiet evening strolling through the streets, eating great pasta and steak and people watching. We ate at Osteria al Tajer (near the ferry dock) and Al Timon (in Cannaregio). Venice at night is enchanting, especially along side streets away from the crowds.
Tip: Research restaurants on Google Maps ahead of time and choose ones that are away from major tourist areas and look authentic. Or just follow the local Italian crowd! That will help you avoid tourist traps and even find more affordable menu prices.
Day 2
On day two, hit many of the major Venice hotspots, including the Rialto Market, Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. All are within walking distance from this bed and breakfast.
At the Rialto Market, you can find local produce, fresh caught fish, and other Italian goodies. We took home squid ink pasta sauce, pasta noodles, and a spicy pasta blend, which we still use and love to have on hand!
The Rialto Bridge crosses over the Grand Canal and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice. The area surrounding it is bustling with shoppers, water taxis, and tourists. Take a food tour or walking tour of the area to dive a little deeper into what makes it so famous.
Many gondola rides can be taken along the Grand Canal, but they are pretty pricey. You shouldn’t miss out on this classic Venetian experience, but you should try and get your money’s worth. Instead of the crowded Grand Canal, find a gondola ride in a different part of Venice. The one we took traversed through side canals and quieter spots, making our experience more romantic. Plus, many of the canals were narrower, so we even had some shade.
Tip: Don’t expect the gondoliers to sing to you. I asked ours if that was a thing and he laughed in my face…
End the evening by dining outside along the Venetian Lagoon, which is lined with restaurants. We ate at Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was probably the most touristy spot we ate at in Venice and as a result, the location was impressive, but the food was just okay. Across the water is the San Michele Cemetery that you can take a ferry to if you have extra time.
Day 3
Take a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and Square for your last day in Venice. The tour we took was through Walks of Italy and we found it to be really insightful and interesting. However, they may strongly push people to wear long pants to enter the basilica, so dress in lightweight layers during the summer to avoid ending up like my poor husband who was burning up the entire time under the hot sun and in the muggy rooms!
On your tour, you’ll see the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and the many golden mosaics inside the basilica that were laid by hand. Venetian history is rich and fascinating to learn about. During your tour, you may visit a balcony overlooking the city, which is the perfect way to end your time in Venice.
For a simple dinner, eat to-go pasta from Baci & Pasta as you enjoy a quiet walk back to your little hotel. If an off-the-beaten-path boutique hotel with complimentary breakfast is what you are looking for, check booking.com for rates and availability.
Day 4: Verona—A classic itinerary stop for couples
About 90 minutes from Venice, Verona is a small city known for being the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The Santa Lucia Station in the northern part of Venice connects travelers to the mainland and Trenitalia provides a direct train to Verona from there.
Tip: Pack light! Walking through cobblestoned streets in both cities with luggage on wheels is not fun, and will be even worse if your luggage is bulky or heavy.
In Verona, you will likely want to visit the famous balcony where Romeo and Juliet started to fall in love. When there, look out for the statue of Juliet in the courtyard. We found the experience to be a bit gimmicky and very crowded, but still a fun, quick photo stop.
Down the street from Juliet’s Balcony, find market stalls filled with local treats and a historic ornate water fountain where you can fill up your water bottles for free. You will also find the most delicious ravioli of your life at La Bottega della Gina XXL—we still talk about how good it was!
Besides the ravioli, the highlight of Verona for us was the Roman Arena. (I found it to be much more relaxed and low-key than my visit to the Coliseum in Rome.) The arena was built in 30 AD, making it even older than the Coliseum! Though it is smaller, it has similar features, including arched entryways and a wide open stadium. The arena now serves as an open-air opera house, which would make a romantic evening outing!
Tip: Stay at La Bella Verona Wine Suite for the night and get plenty of rest—the next day will be quite the adventure!
Day 5: Dolomites—A must-see destination for any North Italy itinerary
If you’ve seen any pictures of North Italy, the Dolomites have likely come up. I’ve been to quite a few mountain ranges and the Dolomites are one of the prettiest! Getting there, however, may be the least relaxing part of your honeymoon trip.
There unfortunately aren’t any trains that will take you directly to a trailhead or resort, so you will need to rent a car just for the day. Luckily, the mountain roads aren’t very intense, but the drive is a little over two hours each way from Verona.
Tip: Book through Discover Cars for the cheapest prices.
In the Dolomites, if you are looking for a more intense, relationship-building adventure, try a Via Ferrata! Many of the routes—made of iron ladders, cables, and rungs in the sides of the mountains—were established during WWI to help the military navigate the mountains more efficiently. Heading out on one will be an exhilarating way to bond as newlyweds!
We chose a beginner route with a tour guide I found through Explore-Share. They customize your experience and which Via Ferrata you go on based on your experience, where you are staying, and what you hope to see. Our route started at the Seggiovia Paolina chairlift, which was immediately breathtaking. There is quite a bit of hiking in the beginning and you may see cows along the trail, perched near the edge of the cliffs.
The Via Ferrata part, though the easiest level, is still thrilling! Your tour guide will equip you with a helmet and harness, and give you tips on where to reach and hold on throughout the journey.
Tip: Bring good footwear! I planned to drive in my sandals and then switch to my hiking shoes, but somehow I forgot to bring them! Luckily, there was one store at the trailhead where I was able to buy hiking boots. There were very pricey, but I have now worn them on many trails.
Not interested in a Via Ferrata but still want to experience the beauty of the Dolomites? There are many places to hike and drive in the mountains, including this tour that picks you up in Verona and shows you some of the most beautiful places the region is known for.
After your adventure, you’ll likely want to drive straight back to Verona to wrap up your long day and return your rental car. Skip the sit-down restaurants—you’ll be sweaty and dirty anyway—and grab more pasta to go from Amido - Pasta & Tiramisù.
Days 6-7: Milan—A fashionable city for art and culture lovers
Day 6
In the morning, make your way from Verona to Milan via train and start your journey in the capital of Northern Italy! Milan’s city center is much more modern and bustling than anywhere else so far on the itinerary, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find romantic spots to enjoy.
Book tickets in advance to visit the Milan Duomo, where you can see the inside of the magnificent cathedral, as well as climb to the roof and walk amongst the spires. When you’re up there, you’ll get great views of the piazza below and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Head there next!
The Galleria is an impressive building filled with high end shopping, including the flagship store for Prada, and major storefronts for Gucci, Luis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Even if you don’t want to splurge on any of those brands, it is still fun to window shop and people watch there. Grab a bite to eat at Spontini, a quick-serve pizza place that sells thick slices of pizza.
There are many other shopping districts nearby and nice places to sightsee, especially when walking the direction of Teatro Scala, another famous opera house. Grab gelato at Venchi—known for their chocolate and premium gelato—and then see an opera if you have time.
If you just want to continue sightseeing, head to Sforza Castle, a beautiful medieval-renaissance castle right in the town.
There are many hotels in Milan’s City Center, but we opted to stay at Hotel VIU Milan, which is near Chinatown and about 25 minutes by public transit from the Milan Duomo. The location was nice, but we especially loved the 5-star hotel itself. It was very affordable for what was offered, including great service, chocolate-covered strawberries and drinks upon arrival, clean, spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a delicious hot breakfast every morning.
Day 7
After a week on your honeymoon trip, it’s time to take it easy. Grab breakfast at your hotel’s rooftop, take a swim, and then spend a few hours in the afternoon doing some more sightseeing.
One of the most famous things to do in Milan is to visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting, Last Supper. I highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets and booking in advance due to its popularity. You can book up to three months in advance and, since only a few people are allowed in the room at a time to preserve the painting, the limited tickets often sell out rather quickly.
For lunch, head to Trapizzino! This is one of my favorite quick service restaurants in Italy, that I discovered on my first visit to Rome. They sell delicious cone-shaped bread filled with meats and sauces. Get the chicken cacciatore!
Next, head to Monumental Cemetery, one of the most unique activities you may do on your honeymoon! The cemetery is filled with mausoleums, rusted statues, and very old tombstones, all within a serene setting, completely free to roam.
Monumental Cemetery is near Hotel VIU Milan, so either head back there for dinner or take a break from pasta and pizza and dine out in Chinatown. Bokok was a great option, with a lovely atmosphere and yummy food!
Days 8-9: Lake Como—Romantic lakeside towns such as Como, Varenna, and Bellagio
Day 8
We booked a day tour from Milan to Lake Como, which was a fantastic day. However, for a more relaxing honeymoon, stay a few days in the region and take your time seeing all the beautiful sights.
Start your time in the Lake Como region at the town of Como. Stroll along the beautiful marina, sit along the beach, and just relax.
If you are looking for low-key activities, go on a private boat tour around the lake, visit the Duomo di Como, or check out the Voltiano Museum, which houses artifacts related to the scientific work of Allesandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. It’s a neat museum right on the shore of Lake Como.
Tip: Don’t plan too much this day and instead enjoy wandering and taking in the gorgeous sights around you. Stay at a nice hotel within walking distance from the water for an extra romantic experience.
Day 9
Your last full day in Italy may just be the most romantic, but it will require some logistical planning. First, take a ferry or train from Como to Bellagio. Bellagio is one of the dreamiest small towns with tiny shops, amazing views, and gorgeous architecture around every corner. Enjoy a few hours wandering around the town and taking in some of your final views of Italy.
Tip: Bring your luggage with you and store it near Bellagio’s ferry terminal for a quick walk to the ferry later in the day.
A regional dish that you won’t want to miss is pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta with browned butter and sage. We had the best meal of the trip in Bellagio at BstyleBellagio, where we shared pizzocheri and lasagna inside a narrow, cobbled alleyway.
After a few hours in Bellagio, head to the ferry terminal and take it to your final destination: Varenna. (Don’t forget your luggage!)
In Varenna, grab some gelato and wind down for the evening by walking around the romantic town. Pose in front of the Gate of Heaven, wander through the Villa Monastero botanic gardens, visit the Castello di Vezio, and enjoy a slow-paced Italian dinner.
Tip: Splurge on your last night in Italy with a stay at the Villa Varenna.
Day 10: Bernina Express—End your North Italy trip with a train ride through the Alps
End your honeymoon with a bang by traveling through gorgeous mountain scenery to another country. We added a few days to the end of our honeymoon to explore Switzerland, so booking the Bernina Express to get there was a must!
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Italian and Swiss Alps that provides views of mountain peaks, pastures replete with cows, and fast-flowing rivers. Be sure to steal a picture of the train from the panoramic windows whenever it curves along the railroad.
Tip: The Bernina Express starts in Tirano, a small town in Northern Italy. It is about an hour and a half from Varenna by train, so plan carefully to ensure you don’t miss it.
On the Bernina Express, you can ride to either Chur, with a transfer in St. Moritz, Switzerland, or just stop in St. Moritz and then head back to Italy. If you choose to just do a day trip, don’t worry about bringing your luggage with you to Bellagio and Varenna. Instead, stay two nights in Como as that is where the day trips depart from, then head back to Milan for your flight home.
From Venice to Varenna, if you follow this North Italy honeymoon itinerary, you will be sure to have a dreamy, romantic, unforgettable trip!
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