Italy Tour – Top 10 Northern Italy Destinations

 

Autor: Thomas Eccel

In this blog I will give you advice how to plan your Italy Tour to the top 10 Northern Italy Destinations.

 

1.  Milan 

The Italy Tour starts with the Northern Italy destination Milan. The best and cheapest option for International flights is the airport Milano Malpensa or for Ryanair flights Bergamo (Milan). As a good starting point in the city of fashion you will enjoy the “Duomo” of Milan and shop in the most prestigious Italian stores. Furthermore, a very interesting spot in Milan are the channels of “Navigli“, constructed in the 12th century and continued by Leonardo da Vinci. Nowadays, a popular place to watch a romantic sunset and have some Italian drinks in a great variety of bars.

 

 

2. Lake Garda

Next stop of the Northern Italy Tour is the “Lago di Garda”, Italy’s biggest lake with a stunning atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by mountains and impresses plenty of tourists each year. The glacial lake is the border to the Italian Alpine region,  “Sirmione” is situated in the south, featured with hot springs and the largest Roman ruins in Northern Italy, “Grotte di Catullo”. In the northern shore of the lake lies Riva del Garda famous for its outdoor possibilities like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and swimming.

 

 

3. Bolzano/Bozen

Straight from Lake Garda you should continue your Italy Tour towards South Tyrol’s capital, Bolzano or Bozen. You are now discovering the Italian Alps region, featured with incredible landscapes. In Bolzano you will recognize the fusion of the Italian and Austrian culture, everything is bilingual (German and Italian). From Bolzano you have plenty of possibilities to discover the nearby alpine scenery. Bolzano itself attracts thousands of yearly tourist with its antique “Portici“, medieval carcades. Furthermore, you find in the Museum of Archeology the oldest glacial mummy “Ötzi“. An other significant point is that Bolzano was ranked in 2014 as the city with the best quality of life in Italy. Here you find more about Bolzano and South Tyrol. 

Photo by: Bolzano-Bozen.it

 

 

4. Verona 

The fourth spot of the Northern Italy Tour leads us towards Verona. It’s best known as the settings for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet“. What is more, Verona is assembled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces and medieval buildings, its the perfect place to enjoy the charm and calm of an old Italian city. Verona is situated between the so famous cities Milano and Venice and therefore less visited by tourists, but offers plenty of attractions.

 

 

5. Venice

Venezia can’t be missed in the Italy Tour. This magical city is situated across more than 100 little islands that are separated by the famous channels. It seems like that the streets are replaced by water and buildings rise up from the sea, no doubts why this city has been so famous for hundreds of years. Venice is known for its ornate glass–work called “Venetian glass”, a skill that had been developed by the 13th century. Furthermore you maybe have heard about the Carnival of Venice and it’s traditional carnival masks. All in all, a city that fits perfectly in the Italy Tour.

 

 

6. Bologna

The Italy Tour continues with Bologna, the capital city of the Northern Italy region Emilia-Romagna and 7th biggest city of Italy. Thanks to its red brick buildings, Bologna is called “La Rossa” and was founded by the Etruscan. Architects will love Bologna for its antique towers and cityscapes. The University of Bologna is the oldest institution of studies and it’s worth visiting. The major square is called “Piazza Maggiore” decorated with the beautiful Basilica of San Petronio.

 

 

7. Cinque Terre

One of the most beautiful places of the Northern Italy Tour. Cinque Terre is situated in the region of Liguria and has gone viral lately in the social networks for it’s breathtaking beauty. The name of this area translates to “five lands” because it’s comprises  the five villages Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The towns are built on high cliffs overlooking the mediterranean sea. In Cinque Terre you should definitely eat Trofie, a kind of pasta made from chestnut or wheat flour and drink the dry white wine “Cinque Terre”. You will love this place.

 

 

8. Santa Margherita Ligure

We are now heading towards the end of our Italy Tour, but before we stop at Santa Margherita Ligure, an insider tip. It is situated about 35km southeast of Genova on the Italian Riviera. This charming seaside town is relatively unknown and offers therefore cheaper hotel options than its neighbor Cinque Terre. Santa Margherita Ligure is perfect for spending your day at the beach or exploring the “Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure“.

 

 

9. Porto Fino

Porto Fino is situated not far from Santa Margherita Ligure and is known for it’s colorful waterfront homes and harbor. The little village is a popular day-trip destination and shopping spot. Every day you will find in the harbor of Porto Fino floating prestigious yachts. Porto Fino has been visited by many celebrities in the past years, some of them are: George Clooney, Madonna, Robert De Niro, Ringo Star and Denzel Washington. The Italian Yacht club has its summer headquarter in Porto Fino and prestigious boat races take place every year.

 

 

10. Genova

The Italy Tour has come to its last destination, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genova. Genova is the capital city of the coast region Liguria. The port of Genova has historically been one of the most important and currently number one in Italy and is situated at the base of the city. Next to the port you will spot the famous Aquarium of Genova and waterfront bars. Part of the old city center of Genova was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO). In fact, the historic center features narrow, winding streets and a stunning architecture style and the notable “Palazzi dei Rolli“. In conclusion you should eat in Genova the most famous “Pasta al Pesto“. The picture below was taken by Anis Tesh 

 

 

Italy Route – Top 10 Northern Italy Destinations

 

 

 

Start: Milano

B: Lago di Garda

C: Bolzano

D: Verona

E: Venezia

F: Bologna

G: Cinque Terre

H: Santa Margherita & Porto Fino

I: Genova

 

Read more: Do you know Italy ? 

 

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