1-week roadtrip in Italy along the Italian lakes

You only have 1 week of vacation and want to get to know the Italian lakes and their surroundings ? Then you chose the perfect road trip itinerary. ?
From Turin to Venice, drive accros Northern Italy and discover all the hidden gems of the Italian lakes. End your trip with a stop in Venice, relaxing in the gondolas. ?

Itinerary of this one week road trip along the lakes in Italy

Turin > Baveno > Milan > Gardone Riviera > Venice

? We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Turin ?

Largest city near the French border, Turin is a city worth getting to know where you won’t see many tourists. 

• Up in the Turin Cathedral you will get a stunning view over the city.
• Head to Piazza Castello and step in the Palazzo Madama where you’ll discover a museum, a garden and a beautiful view of Turin.
• Egypt lovers, go to the Museo Egizio, it has a fascinating egyptian artefact collection.
• You like to walk but need a goal to get motivated ? Get your gym shoes on and go for a hike to Monte del Cappuccini (nothing to do with Capuccino !) from which you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view over the city.
• Taste some Bicerin, thick melted chocolate you drink with a spoon. And you’ll recognize a good Bicerin is the spoon can stand straight in the cup.
• The Mole Antonelliana has an unusual architecture and an impressive elevator that takes you high up above the city, enjoy the panorama !

What to do in Baveno ?

Baveno is on the shore of Lake Maggiorese, a perfect stop to discover your first Italian lake. 

• Row to Isola Bella, right next to Baveno and admire the beautiful architectures, gardens and wild animals.

What to do in Milano ?

World famous for its soccer team, the Milano AC but also for being world’s capital of fashion and design  You will fall for Milano. 

• Discover one of Leonardo Da Vinci‘s masterpieces : L’Ultima Cena in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
• History lovers, go explore the Navigli neighborhood, you will discover a 1950s wash-house where Milanese women used to come and clean their clothes.
• Be sure to go visit the Milano Cathedral called the Duomo.
• Go explore the Sforza Castle and its beautiful gardens.
• You love mozzarella ? Authentic Italian mozzarella ? Then go to the mozzarella bar called Obika. You will get to eat some traditional Italian mozzarella with some local cold cuts.
• Stroll around the Brera neighborhood and get to experience the true Milanese life. Stop at the Pinacoteca de Breara, the most famous art gallery in Milano.
• Get your evening started with the Aperitivo ! It’s what the Italians call the Happy Hour, during which you can get cheaper drinks and locals snacks to eat with.
• Taste the Cotoletta alla Milanese and don’t worry if you have a big appetite, you will get enough !
• Enjoy the sunset in the canal neighborhood of Navigli.
• Less than 2 hour away, go to Lake Como, a must-see !

What to do in Gardone Riviera ?

A sophisticated resort on Lake Garda, Gardone Riviera has a particularly charming architecture. 

• Explore the city and end your walk by the lake.
• II Viioriale is the most interesting monument in the city : it has a Roman amphitheatre. It is in fact still used for shows.
• Take a walk in the botanical gardens of Heller.

What to do in Venice ?

Oh Venice ! The City of Love, gondolas, canals and romantic candlelight dinners. But that’s not it … 

• Be sure to go for a gondola ride or you’ll regret it !
• Head to the Piazza San Marco and start exploring the city from here : the Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are really worth visiting.
• Get your camera out on the iconic Ponte dell’Accademia and get an epic picture of Venice.
• Stroll through the streets of Venice and discover beautiful Venetian buildings.
• Explore the distrcit of Castelllo and get some calm discovering the charm of small italian cities.
• Taste traditional ice-cream flavors in one of the many ice-cream shops.

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !