North East Italy Road Trip: A Campervan Itinerary for Northern Italy

Your North East Italy road trip itinerary begins (and ends) in the fantastic city of Venice, a sinking city famously known for its islands and canals and one bursting with class, history, and style.

Between the marble palaces and historical buildings boasting Venetian architecture, you’ll find a number of art museums, busy bacaros (bars) and romantic eateries to keep you entertained for the full three days you’ll spend here.

The Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs are two of Venice’s must-see landmarks. While the first is an incredibly ornate mansion, the latter is a historical monument and one of the most viewed structures in the city.

After, hop on a gondola and explore the canals at your leisure. If you need a break from the bustling cobblestone streets and busy waterways make a beeline for the Venice Lido, a quiet island home to an idyllic soft-sand beach.

Continue your North East Italy road trip further west to the smaller and lesser-known city of Verona, a town nestled between the Adige River and famous for its ties to William Shakespeare.

This medieval town makes for a great road trip stop and is home to a number of quaint cafes, cultural museums, and green spaces to enjoy a little adventure.

Once you’ve parked the campervan, head straight to Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s largest town square and the perfect starting point for an inner-city adventure. From here you can scale the 12th-century Torre dei Lamberti and enjoy fantastic views over Verona, embark on a food and wine tour, or hire a bike and explore on two wheels.

If you have a spare afternoon, continue your road trip north-west out of the city to Lake Garda for a change of scenery.

Your North East Italy road trip continues south into the Emilia-Romagna region to visit the medieval town of Bologna. Home to the oldest university in the western world, iconic red terracotta roofs, and a rich foodie culture this little town provides the opportunity to soak up authentic Italy.

When you’re not climbing medieval towers, you’ll likely be sampling cured meats and fine cheese at the market.

No road trip to Bologna is complete without enjoying some of the region’s finest products first hand, and the best way to do so is to join a food tour.

Get ready to visit local markets to shop for and sample fresh produce or watch pasta being made first hand. After, head to Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s town square and pay a visit to the 16th century Neptune Fountain.

End your North East Italy road trip in the small city of Ferrara, a real hidden gem of northern Italy and the perfect destination for a campervan itinerary.

Home to renaissance buildings, a number of art museums, and a 14th-century castle to boot, this little town is a culture vulture’s dream. There’s also an authentic feel to Ferrara, like you’ve escaped the crowds and stepped into everyday life in Italy.

The Ferrara Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Archaeology, and Palazzo Schifanoia should all be on your Ferrara to-do list. Make sure you swing by L’Emporio della Piazza café for an old school espresso too.

Spend day two here visiting Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po, a wetland nature reserve located en-route back to Venice. The park is filled with a variety of flora and fauna and is ideal for an adventure-filled day of hiking, boating, and biking.