Trip Report: 3 weeks in Bologna, Lake Garda, Venice, Ravenna, Naples, Sorrento & Rome

Exploring Italy: A Detailed 3-Week Itinerary Through Bologna, Lake Garda, Venice, Ravenna, Naples, Sorrento, and Rome

Italy’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes offers travelers a diverse and memorable experience. Drawing from recent personal travel through the country, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of a three-week Italian adventure, emphasizing authentic experiences, lesser-known gems, and practical insights to help fellow travelers plan their own journeys.

Introduction

Having previously visited iconic Italian cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome, and Sicily, our recent trip aimed to explore a mix of larger and smaller destinations. Traveling as a couple in our 30s, we enjoy museums—especially historical ones—cultural immersions, and photography. While food is a passion, we didn’t seek out Michelin-starred eateries, preferring authentic, casual dining experiences. Proficiency in Italian was beneficial, though we often found locals communicating comfortably in English at tourist spots.

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Bologna: Three Days of Historical Charm and Vibrant Street Life

Day 1:
Arriving in Bologna via Marconi Express from the airport, we faced a minor transportation challenge—the first shuttle was overcrowded, necessitating a wait for the next. That evening, we sampled authentic Bolognese cuisine at Trattoria Nonna Griglia and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the illuminated Piazza Maggiore.

Day 2:
Our exploration centered on Bologna’s renowned porticoes, the Basilica di San Petronio, and a guided tour of the Palazzo Archiginnasio, home to the Teatro Anatomico—an insightful experience that contextualized the city’s university-driven history. For lunch, takeaway sandwiches from Salumeria Simoni provided perfect people-watching in the lively piazza.

Day 3:
In the morning, we visited Palazzo Poggi (currently partially closed for renovations) and strolled through the university’s botanical gardens. After a productive day of laundry and planning, we headed to Lake Garda.

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Lake Garda: Discovering Lakeside Serenity

Desanzano del Garda (2 nights):
On our journey, we visited the Pinacoteca with its impressive art collection and the Luigi Cattaneo anatomical collection. Traveling from Bologna, we enjoyed sandwiches on the train and then wandered along the lakefront, capturing photographs of the serene waters. Dinner at Osteria Sapore Divino wrapped up the day.

Malcesine:
A ferry