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Northern Italy: Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Bologna, Lake Maggiore in 12 Days

Guest post by kestrovich

Map tips: each color represents a different area of the trip. Click a marker to learn more about the spot, and click the star in the map header to save the entire map under Your Places in Google Maps.

Days 1-3: Cinque Terre

Drove a little over 3 hours from Milan, stayed at an Air B&B between Corniglia and Vernazza.  Corniglia is a must see—small beachy town, with a train to easily go between all five towns.  We hiked between each town (usually only one per day and then take the train to the next few).  It’s about 1 hour between each town—with some steeps steps and sheer cliffs, but unbelievable amazing views—the best way to experience the CT.

Days 4-7: Tuscany

Stayed at an Agritourismo—a bed and breakfast usually on a farm/winery.  One of the nights they make a homemade Italian meal for the guests at the hotel.  We took day trips to Montepulciano (lots of wineries), and surrounding towns.  We also drove to Florence one day to go to museums and some amazing restaurants. (about 1.5 drive)

Days 8-10: Bologna

Drove north to Bologna for a couple of days. Took a day trip to Mantua (worth it), wandered around the city, saw the University and its library, and ate a lot.

Days 11-12: Lake Maggiore (Lake District)

Took a boat to Isla Bella (very worthwhile), walked around the town of Arona—amazing place, relaxed and not too touristy.

Flew home the next day.

Milan was the easiest place to fly in/out of for this trip, and the route was basically a clockwise loop. Everything was within reasonable driving distance (all legs under 4 hours).

Traveled in May 2017

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