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2-week Train Itinerary in Northern Italy
StartMilan
Duration2 weeks
TypeLoop
Legs9
Itinerary Overview
Leg 1: Milan to Turin
Train|Direct
1h00
Additional information
- Train also stops at Milano Porta Garibaldi.
- Enter 'Torino' for Turin in the search bar.
- There are trains every hour.
- Book several days/weeks ahead to benefit from best pricing (tickets are cheaper on Tuesdays/Wednedays and Thursdays).
Recommended duration
- 1-2 days in Turin.
What to do in Turin?
- Architecture: Grand boulevards and elegant piazzas, framed by stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, with landmarks like the Mole Antonelliana and Palazzo Reale.
- Culture and History: From the renowned Egyptian Museum to the royal Savoy Residences, which highlight Turin’s regal past.
- Culinary Delights: Fine chocolates, aperitifs like vermouth, and classic Piedmontese dishes, all in the birthplace of the famous Fiat car.
Leg 2: Turin to Genoa
Train|Direct
1h40 to 2h10
Operator(s):Trenitalia (Regionale Veloce)
Additional information
- There are trains on an hourly-basis.
Recommended duration
- 1 day in Genoa.
What to do in Genoa?
- Historic Port City: Wander through the atmospheric streets of Genoa, a historic maritime powerhouse, with its medieval Old Town, narrow alleys, and the bustling Porto Antico waterfront.
- UNESCO Heritage Palaces: Grand Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of UNESCO-listed Renaissance and Baroque palaces that reflect the city’s wealthy mercantile history.
- Seafood and Local Cuisine: Savor fresh Ligurian seafood and traditional dishes like pesto alla Genovese, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s lively trattorias and markets.
Leg 3: Genoa to La Spezia
Train|Direct
1h30 to 2h15
Operator(s):Trenitalia (InterCity)
Additional information
Recommended duration
- 2-3 days visiting the Cinque Terre.
What to do in Cinque Terre?
- Colorful Villages: Explore the five picturesque villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
- Hiking Trails: Wander scenic coastal paths with breathtaking views connecting the towns.
- Local Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood and pesto dishes paired with regional wines.
Leg 4: La Spezia to Pisa
Train|Direct
1h20
Operator(s):Trenitalia (Regionale Veloce)
Additional information
- There are frequent trains throughout the day (at least one per hour).
- You could also consider taking the Frecciargento train (faster: 0h40 but twice the price).
Recommended duration
- 1 day in Pisa (and visit Livourno, the nearby city).
What to do in Pisa?
- Iconic Leaning Tower: A stunning architectural marvel in Piazza dei Miracoli, alongside the majestic Cathedral and Baptistery.
- Rich Historical Heritage: Explore Pisa’s medieval and Renaissance history, walking through its charming streets, historic university, and along the Arno River.
- Vibrant Italian Atmosphere: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this university city, filled with bustling cafés, local markets, and authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Leg 5: Pisa to Florence
Train|Direct
1h15
Operator(s):Trenitalia (RV or R)
Additional information
- There are several trains per hour.
Recommended duration
- 3 days in Florence.
What to do in Florence?
- Renaissance Art and Architecture: From Michelangelo’s David to the architectural marvel of the Duomo and the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
- Cultural Heart of Tuscany: World-class museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery, housing works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Charming Streets and Piazzas: Wander through Florence’s picturesque streets and squares, the bustling Piazza della Signoria and the Boboli Gardens.
Leg 6: Florence to Bologna
Train|Direct
0h40
Operator(s):Trenitalia (FRECCIAROSSA)
Additional information
- There are several trains per hour.
- Book your train several days/weeks in advance to benefit from best pricing (prices increase as you get closer to your travel date).
- The prices are lower on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- You can also take two regional trains (with a change in Prato Centrale).
Recommended duration
- 2 days in Bologna.
What to do in Bologna?
- Historic University City: Home to the world’s oldest university, with its lively student culture and intellectual heritage.
- Medieval Architecture: Stroll beneath the city’s famous porticoes and explore its historic landmarks, including the Two Towers (Le Due Torri) and the grand Piazza Maggiore.
- Culinary Capital: Indulge in Bologna’s renowned food scene, enjoying traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese) and fresh tortellini, in the heart of Italy’s food-rich Emilia-Romagna region.
Leg 7: Bologna to Venice
Train|Direct
1h30
Additional information
- There are trains on an hourly basis.
- Book several days/weeks ahead to benefit from best pricing (prices increase as you get closer to your travel date).
- Check the alternative for a longer but cheaper option.
Recommended duration
- 2-3 days in Venice.
What to do in Venice?
- Canals and Gondola Rides: Romantic gondola ride or vaporetto on the Grand Canal.
- Historic Squares and Landmarks: St. Mark's Square and its Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Campanile, the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs.
- Art and Culture: Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Venice Film Festival.
Leg 8: Venice to Verona
Train|Direct
1h30 to 2h15
Additional information
- There are frequent trains throughout the day (up to 2 per hour).
Recommended duration
- 1-2 days in Verona.
What to do in Verona?
- Romantic Heritage and Roman Ruins: Juliet's House and its famous balcony (from Romeo and Juliet), Arena di Verona ancient amphitheater.
- Charming Historic Center: Piazza delle Erve surrounded by medieval buildings, markets and cafes.Pizarra dei Signori and its Scaliger Tombs.
- Art and Culture: Castelvecchio Museum, Palazzo della Ragione' art gallery.
Leg 9: Verona to Milan
Train|Direct
1h50
Additional information
- There are trains on an hourly basis.
- Consult the alternative itinerary for a faster (but more expensive) option.
Recommended duration
- 2 days in Milan.
What to do in Milan?
- Architecture: Gothic Duomi di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Fashion and design: Quadrilatero della Moda.
- Culture and arts: Pinacoteca di Brera, La Scala Opera House.