6 days in Cinque Terre, Bologna & Milan Itinerary

Made up of five picturesque towns on the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre is Italy's answer to the French Riviera.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Borgo Storico di Manarola and Chiesa di San Lorenzo. There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco, explore the historical opulence of Castello Doria, get to know the fascinating history of Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore, and make a trip to Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista.

For where to stay, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Cinque Terre journey builder site.

London, UK to Cinque Terre is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time to Central European Standard Time is 1 hour. Traveling from London in July, things will get a bit warmer in Cinque Terre: highs are around 35°C and lows about 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to go by car to Bologna.

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

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Madrelingua Scuola di Italiano, learn something new at Academya Lingue, contemplate the long history of Piazza Santo Stefano, admire the striking features of Palazzo Isolani, then steep yourself in history at Portico del Pavaglione, and finally examine the collection at Istituto Storico Parri Emilia Romagna.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Bologna day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Cinque Terre to Bologna in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. In July in Bologna, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Milan.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): contemplate the long history of Ospedale Maggiore Ca' Granda Universita Statale, see La Casa Maledetta, ponder the design of Fontana di Piazza Castello, then walk around Parco delle Cave, then pause for some serene contemplation at Certosa di Milano, and finally walk around Parco Nord Milano.

Discover how to plan a Milan trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Bologna to Milan in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can travel back home.