Discover Northern Italy in a Week

An Unforgettable Trip through Northern Italy

If you love Italy but don’t have three weeks to spare, you’ll love this route: in just seven days you’ll travel from Milan via Venice to Florence – with a final side trip to Pisa. Along the way you’ll discover the highlights of Northern Italy, travel comfortably by train from city to city, and stay at the modern, budget-friendly a&o Hostels in Milan, Venice and Florence.

The combination of culture, cuisine and relaxed backpacking makes this trip perfect for solo travellers, couples or groups of friends who want to experience Italy intensively yet without stress.

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Your journey begins with a flight to Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital. The city is excellently connected: whether via Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN) – you’ll reach the centre in about 30–45 minutes.

After arrival, head straight to your home for the first two nights: the a&o Milano Ca Granda. This modern hostel is located in the north of the city, in a quiet, safe area. By metro you’re in the centre in around 20 minutes. Rooms are clean, comfortable and great value – ideal for the start of a city tour.

In the afternoon, a first stroll through the neighbourhood is worthwhile. For dinner, treat yourself in a little trattoria to an authentic pizza al taglio or a plate of pasta alla milanese. Milan is known for its mix of authentic Italian cuisine and modern food trends – perfect for foodies!

Day 2: Discovering Milan

Milan is more than fashion and luxury. The city combines history, art and urban life in a special way.

Highlights in Milan:

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): The city’s landmark. Tip: book an early-morning ticket for rooftop access – the view over the city is spectacular.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Right next to the cathedral – an architectural masterpiece and one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world.
• Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione: A lovely place for an afternoon stroll through green avenues.
• Navigli district: In the evening this neighbourhood becomes the heart of Milan’s nightlife. Enjoy a aperitivo – typically Northern Italian – with drinks and small snacks.

Money-saving tip: Many sights can be combined on foot. If you’re using public transport, a 24-hour metro pass is worthwhile (around €7).

Back at the a&o hostel you can round off the evening at the bar – perhaps with an Italian beer or an Aperol Spritz.

Day 3: From Milan to Venice

On the third day, it’s time to move on: from Milano Centrale, numerous high-speed trains run daily to Venezia Mestre. The journey takes around 2.5 hours – fast, comfortable and good value if you book early.

After arrival, check in at the a&o Venezia Mestre. The hostel is only a few minutes’ walk from Mestre station, perfect for day trips to the lagoon island. Modern rooms, a spacious common area and a snack bar make it a popular place to stay for travellers from all over the world.

In the afternoon it’s worth making your first foray onto the island. By train or bus you’ll be at the terminus Venezia Santa Lucia in about 10 minutes – where the view over the Grand Canal opens up right away.

Tip: Head over in the late afternoon – the light is softer, the lanes are emptier and Venice shows its most romantic side.

Day 4: Experience Venice Pure

Venice is an open-air museum – yet lively, charming and full of secrets.

Sights you mustn’t miss:

• Piazza San Marco: The heart of the city, with the splendid Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. Book online tickets to avoid queues.
• Rialto Bridge & market: Especially beautiful in the morning – this is where you’ll feel real Venetian life.
• Grand Canal: Instead of an expensive gondola ride, buy a vaporetto ticket and take the public boat along the canal – cheaper and just as impressive.
• Bacari bars: Here you’ll find cicchetti, small Venetian tapas, and the typical spritz.

Venice is at its best when you simply let yourself drift – through narrow alleys, over small bridges, past quiet courtyards. In the evening you return to Mestre, enjoy the calm atmosphere and perhaps a glass of wine at the a&o bar.

Day 5: From Venice to Florence

The next morning you continue south. The train ride to Firenze Santa Maria Novella takes around 2 hours. The Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed trains run regularly and are reliable.

After arrival it’s just a short ride to the a&o Firenze Campo di Marte. The modern hostel offers everything you need after a travel day: cosy rooms with private bathrooms, a bar, breakfast options and fast Wi‑Fi.

Use the afternoon for a first walk: from the banks of the Arno you have a splendid view of the Ponte Vecchio, one of the oldest bridges in Europe. For dinner, head to the old town – you’ll find countless trattorie serving classic Tuscan cuisine.

Day 6: Florence in Depth

Florence is a Renaissance open-air museum – compact, yet full of world‑famous works of art.

Must‑sees in Florence:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): The city’s emblem. The climb to Brunelleschi’s dome is absolutely worth it.
• Uffizi: One of the most important art collections in the world – best reserved online.
• Ponte Vecchio: Historic bridge with small jewellery shops, particularly photogenic at sunset.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: A viewpoint over the entire city – you should definitely come here at sunset.
• Accademia di Belle Arti: Home to Michelangelo’s famous David.

Tip: Many museums offer combination tickets or reduced admission if you visit several sights in one day.

In the evening, dine at one of the typical Florentine restaurants – perhaps a bistecca alla fiorentina, the region’s legendary steak. A glass of Chianti goes perfectly – ideally straight from Tuscany.

Day 7: Excursion to Pisa & Return Journey

To round off your trip, head to Pisa. From Florence the city can be reached in about an hour by regional train.

Pisa Centrale station is only about a 20‑minute walk from the famous Leaning Tower. On the Piazza dei Miracoli you’ll find the tower, the baptistery and the cathedral – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Book your ticket for the tower in advance if you want to climb it. From the top you’ll have a unique view over the city and the Tuscan countryside.

After your visit there’s time for an espresso or a gelato in one of the nearby cafés before you head to Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) – the airport is only a few minutes from the centre and offers affordable return flights to many European cities.

Culinary Highlights along the Route

This trip through Italy is also a culinary voyage of discovery!

• Milan: Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, aperitivo culture.
• Venice: Cicchetti, fresh fish, tiramisù – originally from Veneto.
• Florence/Tuscany: Bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita (vegetable soup), cantucci with Vin Santo.
• Pisa: Pici pasta and local wines from the surrounding area.

Tip: avoid restaurants directly on the main squares – two streets away it’s usually cheaper, quieter and more authentic.

Trip Planning & Money-Saving Tips

• Train travel: Booking early via Trenitalia or Italo often saves 30–50%.
• City pass: In Florence, the Firenze Card is worthwhile for museum entries.
• Accommodation: a&o Hostels in Italy offer flexible rates, shared kitchens and luggage storage – ideal for travellers on a budget.
• Packing list: Comfortable shoes, rain protection, power bank, travel adaptor.
• Safety: Be especially mindful of pickpockets at stations. Keep valuables close to your body.

Northern Italy in a Week – compact, affordable, unforgettable

This exciting itinerary shows how much you can experience in a short time – without stress and on a manageable budget.

From Milan’s modern elegance to Venice’s watery labyrinth to Florence’s art metropolis – each city has its own character and charm. With a&o Hostels as your accommodation you’ll stay flexible, save money and still be centrally located.

Thanks to good rail connections, this route is ideal for sustainable travel: no hire car needed, no complicated planning. Instead: pure dolce vita, good food, historic alleys and memories that last.

Final tip: Build in a little flexibility – perhaps you’ll want to stay an extra afternoon in Florence or add a day at the beach in Pisa. Italy will keep surprising you.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Milan!