Trip to Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia

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We present you a trip to Northern Italy, also passing through Slovenia and Croatia. It is a 14-day program that includes the most remarkable highlights. This is a private, tailor-made trip, which means it is just an example based on our personal experiences and can be adapted according to your preferences, time, and budget.

It’s not just a trip to Italy — it’s an experience designed for you to enjoy without worries. We take care of everything, from charming hotels in great locations to transfers, guided tours, and assistance in many languages.

Discover our Northern Italy travel itinerary, crafted so you can experience the very best of Italy.

Italy is waiting for you. And we’ll take you there.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO MILAN

Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time. Accommodation in Milan.

DAY 2: MILAN

After breakfast, depart for the historic center of Milan, where you can visit the city. Milan, known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning architecture, is also a hub for art, fashion, and gastronomy. You will visit the exterior of Milan Cathedral (Duomo), one of the largest and most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You can also climb up to the terraces for a unique panoramic view of the city. Next, you will head to the Sforza Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that houses museums and art galleries.

Afterward, you will be able to visit Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, where you will learn about its history and its significance to Italian musical culture. Then, you can take a stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Europe’s oldest and most elegant shopping galleries, home to luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and impressive architecture.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time to explore more of Milan at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Brera district, known for its charming streets, art galleries, and cozy restaurants. Alternatively, you can visit the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” because of its stunning frescoes. Overnight stay in Milan.

DAY 3: MILAN– BRESCIA – GARDA LAKE – VERONA

After breakfast, depart for Brescia, a city rich in history and culture, located at the foot of the Alps. You will be able to see Brescia’s historic center, a city with an impressive Roman and medieval heritage. You will be able to visit Brescia Castle, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

Next, you can explore Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, where you can admire both the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of San Francesco, with its splendid frescoes. You will also have the opportunity to see the Roman Theatre, which showcases the city’s grandeur in ancient times. Then, you can continue your journey to Lake Garda, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Italy.

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You will arrive to Sirmione, a picturesque town located on a peninsula of the lake, known for its medieval Scaligero Castle and the Catullus Thermal Baths, ancient Roman ruins offering stunning lake views. You can take a stroll through the old town of Sirmione, enjoy its cobblestone streets, and try some artisanal ice cream while walking along the lakeside. Then, continue the journey to Verona. Accommodation in Verona.

DAY 4: VERONA

After breakfast, you will be able to see Verona’s old town. Verona, one of Italy’s most romantic cities, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive historical and cultural heritage. You can visit the outside of the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater that still hosts major opera performances. You can also explore Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in the city, surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings.

You will continue with a visit to Juliet’s House, famous for its balcony, and enjoy a stroll through the charming streets around it. Afterwards, you will have time to explore Castelvecchio, a medieval castle housing an art museum and offering incredible views of the city. Next, you can walk across the Stone Bridge and admire the views of the Adige River and Verona’s landscape. In the afternoon, you will have free time to further explore the city on your own. We recommend visiting the Basilica of San Zeno, a Romanesque architectural gem, or enjoying a peaceful walk through the Giardini Giusti, Renaissance gardens with spectacular panoramic views of Verona. Overnight stay in Verona.

DAY 5: VERONA – PADUA – VENICE

After breakfast, depart for Padua, a historic city full of art, culture, and architecture. You can see Padua’s Historic Center. You can visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of the city’s most emblematic sites, where the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padua is located. The church is famous for its architecture and the frescoes that adorn its interior.

Afterwards, you will have time to stroll through Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, surrounded by a series of statues representing important figures from Padua’s history. In the afternoon, depart for Venice. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

DAY 6: VENICE

Breakfast. Then, you can visit St. Mark’s Square, considered the heart of Venice, dominated by the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica. You will have the opportunity to admire its Byzantine architecture and, if you wish, you can climb the St. Mark’s Campanile to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its canals.

Next, you will visit the imposing Doge’s Palace, a Gothic palace that was the residence of the Doges of Venice and a center of power during the Venetian Republic. Afterwards, you can stroll across the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice’s most famous bridges, which connects the Doge’s Palace with the old city prisons. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore more of the city on your own.

We recommend a visit to the Dorsoduro district, a quieter and picturesque area where you can enjoy narrow streets, tranquil canals, and some art galleries. Another option is to walk across the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic bridges, and explore the nearby market. Overnight in Venice.

DAY 7: VENICE – POSTOJNA CAVE – LJUBLJANA

After breakfast, depart for Slovenia. The first stop will be at Postojna Cave, the largest underground cave system open to the public in the world. The cave features an electric train, as it would take over an hour on foot to reach the most spectacular parts of the cave: the Spaghetti Hall, the White Hall, and the Red Hall. After the visit, continue to Ljubljana. Upon arrival, free time. Overnight in Ljubljana.

DAY 8: LJUBLJANA – BLED – LJUBLJANA

After breakfast, you can visit Ljubljana. You will pass by the Congress Buildings, the National Library, the Cathedral, the main square “Prešernov trg,” the Triple Bridge, and the Dragon Bridge, the city’s symbol.

You can also ascend to Ljubljana Castle either on foot or by funicular, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Ljubljana and the distant mountains. In the afternoon, depart for the beautiful alpine town of Bled. You can visit Bled Castle, perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views of Lake Bled and the island with the Julian Alps in the background. You also can take a trip by boat to Bled Island, where you can optionally visit the Church of St. Mary. Return to Ljubljana. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9: LJUBLJANA – OTOCEC – ZAGREB

Breakfast. Departure to Otočec, a small town famous for its picturesque castle located on an island in the Krka River. Otočec Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Slovenia, surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the gardens or explore the medieval history of the castle, which houses an elegant hotel and restaurant.

Continue to Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. Upon arrival, take a tour of the old town, including Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of the city, and the historic cobbled streets of the Upper Town. Don’t miss the impressive Zagreb Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and towering spires dominating the cityscape. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through Dolac Market, known for its colorful fresh produce stalls. Overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 10: ZAGREB – NP PLITVICE – ZADAR

After breakfast, you can visit Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is renowned for its spectacular beauty, featuring lakes, waterfalls, and waterways that disappear and reappear. You will enjoy the aquatic wonders while walking along the trails and return to the starting point by boat. Later, transfer to the city of Zadar. Overnight stay in Zadar.

DAY 11: ZADAR – SPLIT

After breakfast, you can visit Zadar, the medieval city featuring the Church of St. Donatus, the most famous monumental building of medieval Croatia. It’s worth exploring the old town, which extends into the sea forming a small peninsula. You can see the medieval gates and walls. We recommend experiencing the Sea Organ, which at first glance looks like a simple set of holes on several steps. However, inside it houses a large set of pipes and a big cavity that allow you to hear the sounds produced by the waves.

Combine your trip to Italy with nearby gems

Continuation of the journey to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. You will explore the historic center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can enter the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his retirement residence. You can also visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius and optionally the Temple of Jupiter. Overnight stay in Split.

DAY 12: SPLIT – STON – DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, you will transfer to Dubrovnik. Along the way, you can admire the natural beauty of the stunning Adriatic coast. You can make a stop in the town of Ston. Built in the 15th century, Ston is surrounded by a stone wall that is the second longest in the world. Located in a unique and pristine bay, Ston is also famous for having some of the best oysters in the world. After visiting the town, transfer to Dubrovnik. Free afternoon and overnight stay in Dubrovnik.

DAY 13: DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, enjoy your free time to explore Dubrovnik. You can visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It is worth noting that Dubrovnik is the most famous city on the Adriatic coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also visit the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses the oldest pharmacy in the world. Afterwards, you can walk along the old city walls to enjoy spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea. We also recommend taking a boat excursion to the Elafiti Islands or visiting the nearby town of Cavtat. Overnight stay in Dubrovnik.