Northern Italy Genealogy Itinerary

Focusing your trip in the northern part of Italy, I recommend flying into Milan or Turin. Once you fly in here, spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city.

In Milan, make sure to see the Duomo and check out Leonardo’s Last Supper painting (there is soooo much more to do here). If you’re in Turin, you can spend some time visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Egyptian Museum (if you’re into archeology), and/or the Parco del Valentino along the Po River.

Spend day two of your northern Italy genealogy itinerary exploring the town your ancestors came from.

If you aren’t aware of where to start for your family research, Ancestry and Family Search are both great tools. You can also reach out to me—I would love to help you get started! The key is to research in advance! Talk to family before-hand, build out your family tree, and read historical articles on that region in Italy. Do as much as you can before you even arrive. This will make your experience in Italy much more fruitful and worthwhile.

Depending on what part of northern Italy you are heading to, I may either recommend a car rental or a train (I can help you book this if you need). Depart Turin or Milan in the morning to head to your ancestral town.

Once there, spend the afternoon exploring. Because Catholicism was/is very big in Italy, you will find that church records were some of the best! Visit the local churches, set up a meeting at the local town hall (or stop in), see if there is a local museum, and visit any of the cemeteries.

You will likely not be able to fit in everything in one, or even two, days!

Continue your genealogy research on day 4 of your northern Italy genealogy itinerary. Some people may want to visit a couple towns or a neighboring village. There is really so much you can squeeze in. Three full-days may not be enough for some people!

Visit a couple wineries in the Piedmont region of Italy. Piedmont is a hidden gem in Italy. It’s reminiscent of Tuscany, but not nearly as crowded. There are numerous wineries to choose from in the region. I am happy to recommend a few based on where you are staying and where your ancestral towns are that you’re visiting.

Head to Lake Como for a quintessential Italy experience. If you are able to, drop off your rental car in Milan and then take a train from Milan to Lake Como (Varenna), I recommend that.

Lake Como can get quite busy in the summer months, so be strategic about where you are staying and when you visit (once again, a travel advisor can help with this :) ). Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel and/or leisurely walking in the town you’re staying. Enjoy an aperitivo followed by a late dinner along the water as the sun sets. La Veranda dei Pescatori is a great option.

Enjoy an all-day ferry pass in the center of Lake Como. The water ferry will take you between Bellagio, Mennagio, and Varenna. Explore each town and the views from each place.

I highly recommend timing Bellagio for lunch time. Enjoy lunch at Hotel Il Perlo, which is up the hill from the town center. Make reservations in advance, and then they will connect you to a shuttle that can pick you up and drop you back off in Bellagio. Enjoy lunch on the terrace with some of the most amazing views of the lake (seriously, you will not be disappointed!). Linger and stay all afternoon if you’d like. Sip a drink on the patio while you read a book or soak in the views.

You can even walk the local paths back into town if you’re up for a little adventure.

Enjoy your last full day at Lake Como. Visiting a villa is a must while here. Villa Monastero is a great option right in Varenna town. You can get tickets the day of, and walk around the botanical gardens right on the ocean.

If you’re feeling like a swim in the afternoon, get recommendations from your accommodation for the best beach access.

For your last evening on Lake Como, enjoy a sunset boat tour on a traditional wooden boat while you have an aperitivo. Enjoy a final dinner on the water.