16 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

In many ways the most modern of Italian cities, Milan is a busy, elegant metropolis with an impressive list of grand palaces, fine churches, and important museums.

Change things up with these side-trips from Milan: Verona (Torre dei Lamberti, Piazza delle Erbe, &more). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Duomo di Milano, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, stroll the grounds of Monumental Cemetery, and explore the world behind art at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

For maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Milan day trip planning app.

Los Angeles, USA to Milan is an approximately 16-hour flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Milan due to the time zone difference. In May, daily temperatures in Milan can reach 73°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Bologna.

A city famous for its cuisine, Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088.

Change things up with these side-trips from Bologna: Castello Estense (in Ferrara), Ravenna (Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi), Basilica di San Vitale, &more) and Basilica Di Sant'Apollinare In Classe (in Classe). The adventure continues: take in panoramic vistas at Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano, sample the fine beverages at Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti, and admire the landmark architecture of Palazzo Comunale.

For more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Bologna online route maker.

You can take a train from Milan to Bologna in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Bologna can reach 74°F, while at night they dip to 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to drive to Genoa.

Once the most important harbor in the Mediterranean Sea, Genoa has a long history as a rich and powerful trade center in northern Italy.

On the 22nd (Sun), take a stroll through Boccadasse, see the interesting displays at Galata Museo del Mare, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Spianata Castelletto. On your second day here, get to know the fascinating history of Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, then take a leisurely stroll along Old Port, then observe the fascinating underwater world at Aquarium of Genoa, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - Duomo di Genova.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, use the Genoa day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Bologna to Genoa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Bologna in May, plan for slightly colder days in Genoa, with highs around 69°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 58°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can go by car to Alba.

Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, Italy, in the province of Cuneo. Step out of Alba with an excursion to La Bollente in Acqui Terme--about 1 hour away. Next up on the itinerary: admire the verdant scenery at Langhe landscapes, learn about winemaking at Cantina Mauro Sebaste, pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di San Domenico, and identify plant and animal life at Langhe Truffle.

To see traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read our Alba trip planner.

Getting from Genoa to Alba by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. Expect little chillier evenings in Alba when traveling from Genoa in May, with lows around 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Orta San Giulio.

Orta San Giulio is a town and comune (municipality) in the Province of Novara in the Italian region of Piedmont, located about 100km northeast of Turin and about 40km northwest of Novara.The town itself is built on a promontory which juts out from the eastern bank of Lake Orta close to Isola San Giulio, an island which also falls within the municipal boundaries. Venture out of the city with trips to Parco della Rocca Borromea (in Arona), Safari Park (in Pombia) and Sacro Monte Unesco di Varese (in Varese). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Orta, steep yourself in history at Piazza Motta, pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Sacro Monte di Orta.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Orta San Giulio trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Alba to Orta San Giulio in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In May in Orta San Giulio, expect temperatures between 71°F during the day and 49°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) to allow time to fly back home.