10 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

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.

On the 17th (Mon), get engrossed in the history at Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, step into the grandiose world of Castello Sforzesco, then pause for some serene contemplation at Duomo di Milano, and finally admire the striking features of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

For ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Milan visit site.

Pittsburgh, USA to Milan is an approximately 14-hour flight. Traveling from Pittsburgh to Milan, you'll lose 6 hours due to the time zone difference. In April, daytime highs in Milan are 66°F, while nighttime lows are 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Venice.

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

Get out of town with these interesting Venice side-trips: Padua (Chiesa degli Eremitani - World Heritage Site, Scrovegni Chapel, &more). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Canal Grande, explore the world behind art at Peggy Guggenheim Collection, take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri, and see the interesting displays at Doge's Palace.

For other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Venice vacation planning site.

You can drive from Milan to Venice in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Venice are 65°F, while nighttime lows are 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Portofino.

Portofino is an Italian fishing village and holiday resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity and artistic visitors. Kick off your visit on the 21st (Fri): glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, don't miss a visit to Piazza Martiri Dell'Olivetta, and then view the masterpieces at Galleria d'Arte Portofino.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Portofino trip planner.

Drive from Venice to Portofino in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or take a train. April in Portofino sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 54°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to take a train to Cinque Terre.

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

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): get a tailor-made plan with Angelo's Boat Tours - Cinque Terre Boat Tours and then don't miss a visit to Santuario di Soviore.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Cinque Terre trip planner.

Traveling by train from Portofino to Cinque Terre takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Portofino in April since evenings lows in Cinque Terre dip to 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to San Gimignano.

A historical gem in the heart of Tuscany, San Gimignano is known as the Town of Fine Towers for its jutting skyline of high city walls.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, contemplate the long history of Centro Storico di Siena, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Duomo di Siena, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Torre del Mangia. On the next day, explore the world behind art at Pinacoteca Nazionale, get a sense of history and politics at Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, don't miss a visit to Piazza del Campo, then contemplate the long history of Battistero di San Giovanni, and finally admire the masterpieces at Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana.

For maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our San Gimignano trip planner.

You can drive from Cinque Terre to San Gimignano in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In April, daily temperatures in San Gimignano can reach 66°F, while at night they dip to 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.