Starting Northern Italy itinerary--suggestions?

Two days in Varenna is a must. Take a day trip to Bellagio. Also, consider a night in Castlerotto with a day trip into the mountains via Compatch when you are in the dolomites. Cool little towns

A day or so in Verona might be something to consider since you are into roman ruins. Check out the roman arena, still in use! I believe there is also the ruins of a roman theater across the river, but I haven't been. Plus there is an old medieval castle you can check out that is now a museum, lovely piazzas, etc. it's got way more going for it than all the "Romeo and Juliet" hype.

Hi Kyla,

I'd add a day/night to the Dolomites. One full day isn't nearly enough. It also increases the chances of good weather. From Bolzano either train to Waidbruck/Ponte Gardena and then bus into the Val Gardena or just take the bus from Bolzano to the Val Gardena. I'd probably base in Ortisei, a nice small town with a pedestrian zone and easy access into the Dolomites and the amazing Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi. Actually, any of the 3 towns/villages (Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva) makes a good place to base, as they're very close together. The Mont Seuc/Seiser Alm cable car will take you right from Ortisei into the beautiful Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi. It opens mid May, the earliest in the valley. Easy walks on paved paths with a gorgeous Dolomite backdrop. There's a restaurant/cafe at the top of the cable car station with indoor seating and an outdoor deck with outstanding views.

www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html
www.val-gardena.com
www.valgardena.it

We only have a few photo's here, as it was before we used a digital camera and I scanned these:

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html

Paul

First of all, I wouldn't add any more destinations. I'm with those who advise putting one of the unassigned days onto the Dolomites segment. You can include a day of island hopping in the Venice portion, so 2+ days won't be too much. Be sure to include Torcello if you do so. The one remaining day could be added to Lake Como or to Ravenna. Lots to see there. Buon viaggio.

If you like mosaic work, I would give yourself two nights inRavenna, so you have a full day, three nights would be better. Definitely go to S Appollinaire in Classe; it's a very short bus ride (or bike) from Ravenna. It's a great town for getting around by bicycle; lots of places to rent them, and it's the way a lot of local people get around.

Thanks so much, everyone, for your advice. I'm so excited!

brescia if you like roman ruins

http://www.turismobrescia.it/en/percorso/oldest-part-city

The Arena in Verona is not to be missed. Verona is about my favorite town in Italy. I trekked out to the Roman theater (mentioned above) on my first visit - completely skippable.