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Northern Italy

Italy’s Northern region offers an incredible mix of mountain landscapes, historic cities, sparkling lakes, and world-famous cuisine—each area with its own distinct character. From the foodie capital of Emilia–Romagna to the chic lake towns of Lombardy and the dramatic Dolomites of Trentino–Alto Adige, the north is where culture, nature, and tradition come together. Our recommended locations and experiences below are organized by region (most, but not all) to help you easily explore what each area uniquely provides.

Not sick of the lakes yet? If Lake Maggiore leaves you wanting more, Lombardy’s surrounding lakes offer even more beauty to explore, each offering their own personality. The best part? All are just a short journey away. Although, Italy has so much to see that we don’t recommend hitting more than 1-2 lakes in one trip.

The Lakes

Milan

Lombardy

Best for: Romantics, luxury travelers, fashion lovers, design enthusiasts, foodies, and city explorers.

  • You’ve heard of it… and it really is as good as they say. Effortlessly glamorous, Lake Como is all about dramatic mountains, elegant villas, and retro Riva boats. Each lakeside town has its own charm, from Bellagio’s polished beauty to Varenna’s romantic calm. If you’re lucky, you might even get a George Clooney sighting.

    Must-Dos:

    • Take a private or public boat tour

    • Visit Balbianello (a must-do for everyone, but especially Star Wars fans)

    • Explore Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, and Lenno

  • Italy’s largest lake blends Mediterranean warmth with alpine scenery, offering colorful towns, castle views, and endless waterfront promenades. It’s lively, yet relaxed and more local than touristy (like Como).

    Must-Dos:

    • Ferry-hop between towns like Limone and Rive del Garda

    • Visit Sirmione and explore Roman ruins

    • Swim or sail on the lake

    • Take the cable car up Monte Baldo for sweeping views

  • A lesser-known gem, Lake Iseo is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and home to Monte Isola, one of Italy’s most charming lake islands.

    Must-Dos:

    • Ferry to Monte Isola

    • Enjoy a wine tasting at a Franciacorta estate

    • Walk or bike the lakeside trails

    • Visit Lovere; voted one of Italy’s prettiest villages

  • Romantic and poetic, Lake Orta offers medieval villages, cobblestone lanes, and a tranquil atmosphere untouched by mass tourism. The jewel of the lake is San Giulio Island, with its peaceful basilica and enchanting walkway.

    Must-Dos:

    • Take the short boat ride to San Giulio Island

    • Wander Orta San Giulio’s piazzas

    • Visit Sacro Monte di Orta (a UNESCO site)

    • Enjoy slow meals with a lake view

  • Italy’s style capital, Milan blends high fashion, cutting-edge design, and world-class dining with iconic sights like the Duomo and Last Supper. It’s modern, energetic, and endlessly inspiring. However, if it’s your first visit to Italy and you’re looking for a more classic experience, we recommend skipping Milan and opting for other cities like Florence, Rome, or Venice.

    Must-Dos:

    • Duomo rooftop

    • The Last Supper (painting)

    • Brera district

    • Aperitivo in Navigli

    • Luxury shopping in Quadrilatero d’Oro

Why We Love It

Hannah loves Lake Como and Lake Garda for their mix of cinematic scenery and easy, relaxed exploring. Both offer great food, perfectly curated towns, and plenty of ways to spend a slow day by the water.

If choosing between one or the other, Como has her vote - but be warned, it is the epitome of a tourist trap.

Lombardy blends cosmopolitan energy with serene natural beauty, offering everything from Milan’s fashion and culture to the tranquil shores of Lakes Como, Garda, and Iseo. It’s a region where alpine scenery, historic towns, and world-class cuisine come together in effortlessly elegant style.

Liguria (Italian Riviera)

Best for: Sunseekers, photographers, scenic hikers, seafood eaters, pesto lovers, luxury travelers, adventurous couples or friend groups.

The Italian Riviera is where pastel towns meet turquoise waters, creating one of Italy’s most iconic coastlines. Whether you’re strolling the harbor in Portofino or hiking between Cinque Terre’s cliffside villages, the region blends relaxation with adventure in the dreamiest way. Perfect for lazy beach days, scenic walks, and long seafood lunches.

  • Five colorful cliffside villages linked by coastal trails and scenic trains, Cinque Terre is vibrant, sun-soaked, and perfect for those who love charming chaos in the best possible way.

    Must-Dos:

    • Lounge on the beach and/or rock formations in Riomaggiore, taking a dip when needed

    • Hike the Sentiero Azzurro or boat between villages

    • Watch the sunset in Manarola or Riomaggiore

    • Pesto tasting

  • Portofino is a tiny but iconic harbor village, known for pastel houses, chic boutiques, and a touch of timeless glamour. Its waters and hillsides make it a dream for coastal relaxation.

    Must-Dos:

    • Portofino lighthouse walk

    • Castello Brown

    • Boat to San Fruttuoso Abbey

    • Aperitivo on the harbor

  • A polished yet relaxed seaside town, Santa Margherita Ligure blends elegant waterfront promenades with colorful Ligurian charm. It’s quieter than Portofino, but equally beautiful, making it the perfect base for exploring the Italian Riviera without the bustle.

    Must-Dos:

    • Stroll the palm-lined promenade and marina at sunset

    • Visit Villa Durazzo and its terraced gardens

    • Take the coastal walk or ferry to Portofino

    • Enjoy a beach dat at Paraggi Bay

    • Stop for focaccia and aperitivo in the old town

Why We Love It

Cinque Terre is one of Hannah’s top recommendations. Her favorite of the five communes is Riomaggiore, which she recommends as your home base. It’s social, lively, and the days are simply sweet and unforgettable from sun up ‘til sun down.

  • This side is known for softer meadows, iconic knife-edge ridge lines, easy gondola access, and beautiful alpine villages. The western side is made up of four main areas, with their “must dos” below:

    1. Val Gardena (The Seceda side - Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva)

    • Seceda ridge line (pictured in postcard [left])

    • Ortisei village stroll

    • Pieralongia hike

    • Baita Sofie terrace lunch

    • Col Raiser gondola & overlooks

    • Church of San Giacomo viewpoint

    2. Alpe di Siusi (Sieser Alm)

    • Alpe di Siusi sunrise

    • E-bike the meadows

    • Malga Sanon or Malga Rauch lunch

    • Ballaccia Ridge / Witch Benches

    • Dinner at Gostner Schwaige

    3. Alta Badia (Corvara, La Villa, Colfosco)

    • Gardena Pass & Sella Pass

    • Corvara village

    • Sassongher meadows

    • La Crusc Sanctuary hike

    • Rifugio Ütia de Bioch lunch

    4. Val di Funes (St. Magdalena)

    • Santa Maddalena viewpoint

    • Odle peaks meadow walk

    • Ranui Church

  • This area has the most dramatic rock formations and the most famous alpine lakes. Cortina D’Ampezzo is a notable, well-established city center that doubles as a ski town in the winter months. Some of the region’s most luxury hotels are here, as well as affordable and quaint bed and breakfasts.

    Must-Dos:

    • Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike (and “bar hopping” at refuges along the trail)

    • Candini di Misurini trail

    • Lago di Sorapis hike

    • Lago di Braies

    • Lago di Misurina

    • Cinque Torre chairlift

    • Tofane cable car

    • Cortina town & aperitivo

  • This area blends dramatic Dolomite peaks with Mediterranean-feeling lakes and warmer weather. We’ll break this region down into two areas with their must-dos:

    1. Dolomiti di Brenta (Madonna di Campiglio)

    • Lago di Tovel (emerald “Red Lake”)

    • Madonna di Campiglio gondola

    • Rio Sass or Novella Gorge walk

    • Val Rendena meadows

    2. Lake Garda’s Northern Shore (Riva del Garda, Arco, Tenno)

    • Riva del Garda waterfront (also detailed in “The Lake District” highlights above)

    • Ponale Road hike/bike

    • Lago di Tenno

    • Arco Castle overlook

    • Old town gelato & shopping

Trentino Alto-Adige & The Dolomites

Best for: Hikers of all experience levels, bikers, nature lovers, photographers, foodies, beer and wine drinkers.

A stunning alpine region (often referred to simply as “the Dolomites”) situated along the border of Italy and Austria that’s primarily made up of two different provinces with distinct cultural associations. Trentino (Italian-speaking) and Alto Adige/South Tyrol (German-influenced)—all framed by the world-famous Dolomites mountain range, containing their own famous points of interest. Part of the range also stretches into a third region, Veneto, which we detail more of below.

The area is vast, with some of the most iconic spots being several hours apart and separated by mountain passes, which makes planning confusing if you don’t understand the layout. It’s helpful to choose a home base and rent a car, though there is reliable public transportation available. If there’s one area we highly recommend squeezing into your northern Italy adventure, it’s this one — so we’ve organized everything to see and do by area below:

Why We Love It

Hannah loves the Dolomites for otherworldly summer hikes. She’ll tell you to walk the Tre Cime loop, and make a bar crawl out of it by stopping at refuges along your route for a Birra Moretti. After, make your way over across the parking lot to the Cadini di Misurina trail head and walk 30 min. to the lookout point. Don’t skip out on the Südtirol side, either - she recommends it just as much! Frank has fond memories skiing the region with his family in the winter. We’re both itching to return together.

A region rich with romance, history, and Venetian elegance, the Veneto region offers everything from winding canals to classical palazzos and UNESCO-listed art cities. Guests can explore Venice’s magic, wander Verona’s medieval streets, or enjoy the quieter sophistication of Padua and Vicenza. It’s perfect for travelers seeking culture, architecture, and storybook charm.

Veneto

Best for: Couples, art and history buffs, photographers and artists, and slow travelers.

  • The beating heart of Veneto — ornate, romantic, and unlike anywhere else in the world.

    Must-Dos:

    • Gondola or traghetto ride

    • Wander the backstreets of Dorsoduro

    • Rialto Market at sunrise

    • St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

    • Vaporetto to Burano (bright houses)

    • Murano glass workshop

    • Cicchetti crawl through Cannaregio

  • Rolling hills, UNESCO vineyards, farmhouse inns, and Italy’s most scenic sparkling-wine route.

    Must-Dos:

    • Drive or bike the Strada del Prosecco

    • Winery tastings (Col Vetoraz, Bisol, Nino Franco)

    • Osteria lunches with panoramic terraces

    • San Pietro di Feletto viewpoint

    • Sleep in a vineyard agriturismo

  • Shakespearean romance meets elegant piazzas, Roman history, and the easy beauty of Lake Garda’s eastern towns.

    Must Dos:

    • Juliet’s Balcony (early morning)

    • Arena di Verona

    • Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza Bra

    • Castel San Pietro viewpoint

Piedmont

Best for: Gourmet food and wine diners, truffle hunters, refined and slow-paced travelers.

Nestled between the Alps and rolling vineyard hills, Piedmont is Italy’s quiet powerhouse of food, world-class wine, elegant cities, and refined countryside beauty. From truffle-rich villages to Barolo vineyards and alpine lakes, it offers a slower, more indulgent side of Northern Italy — elegant, scenic, and deeply authentic.

  • A regal and elegant city framed by the Alps, Turin blends grand boulevards, historic cafés, royal palaces, and a refined food culture. It feels more French than Italian in parts —sophisticated, walkable, and ideal for slower, urban exploration.

    Must-Dos:

    • Mole Antonelliana & National Cimena Museum

    • Piazza Castello & Royal Palace

    • Egyptian Museum (one of the world’s best)

    • Bicerin (Turin’s signature chocolate-coffee drink) at Caffè al Bicerin

    • Stroll Via Po to the riverside

  • The heart of Piedmont’s wine county, Rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and world-renowned Barolo. It’s one of Italy’s most scenic countryside regions, known for long lunches, vineyard stays, and panoramic drives.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wine tasting in Barolo, La Morra, or Serralunga

    • Hike or drive the Barolo hills (La Morra viewpoint is a must)

    • Long lunches at countryside osterias

    • Sunset tasting at a vineyard agriturismo

    • Explore Monforte d’Alba’s old town

  • Alba is the “truffle capital” of Italy, buzzing in autumn and cozy year-round. Nearby Barbaresco offers high-end wineries and softer landscapes than neighboring Barolo, ideal for guests wanting high-quality wine without the crowds.

    Must Dos:

    • Explore Alba’s old town, market, and Duomo

    • Truffle tastings and/or hunting

    • Wine tasting in Barbaresco village

    • Climb the Barbaresco Tower

    • Sample Piedmontese specialties: Tajarin, vitello tonnato, hazelnut desserts

  • Less touristy than Langhe but equally beautiful, Monferrato is known for rolling hills, sparkling Moscato, and underground wine cathedrals. It’s a dream for guests who love discovering lesser-known gems.

    Must-Dos:

    • Taste Moscato d’Asti at historic wineries

    • Tour the UNESCO Underground Wine Cathedrals in Canelli

    • Wander Asti’s medieval streets

    • Enjoy vineyard picnics and quiet countryside drives

Emilia-Romagna

Best for: Foodies, culture-seekers, families, road-trippers, and slow-travelers.

Known as Italy’s culinary heartland, Emilia–Romagna blends medieval cities, fertile plains, and Adriatic coastline with some of the country’s most beloved traditions and authentic flavors. The region offers a relaxed pace, world-renowned food, and vibrant culture wrapped in warm, understated charm.

  • A lively university city known for its medieval towers, endless porticoes, and unmatched culinary heritage.

    Must-Dos:

    • Explore the portico-lined streets

    • Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views

    • Savor fresh tagliatelle al ragù

  • An elegant town celebrated for its opera culture, Romanesque architecture, and world-famous Parmesan cheese and prosciutto.

    Must-Dos:

    • Visit historic cheese and ham producers

    • Admire Parma Cathedral’s frescoes

    • Enjoy a performance at the Teatro Regio

  • A refined city where traditional balsamic vinegar, sleek supercar heritage, and a charming historic center meet.

    Must Dos:

    • Tour traditional balsamic vinegar acetaie

    • Sample local cuisine at bustling markets

    • Visit the Enzo Ferrari museum

  • A popular Adriatic resort blending broad sandy beaches with ancient Roman landmarks and a vibrant nightlife scene.

    Must-Dos:

    • Relax on wide sandy beaches

    • Stroll the Roman-era Tiberius Bridge

    • Enjoy seaside nightlife

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