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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South Tyrol – Vacation Destination

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This very interesting article will inform you perfectly about my home region – South Tyrol, Italy (Südtirol/AltoAdige)

Autor: Thomas Eccel

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South Tyrol/Südtirol Vacation

South Tyrol or Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy is the trendy vacation destination hotspot for tourists. Maybe you have yet not heard about it but it’s a heaven in the Italian Alps, where the Italian and Austrian culture clashes. With almost 6.5 Millions yearly tourists (SMG Südtirol) the second most visited region of Italy, behind Veneto. The visitor numbers increase every year substantially and so does the awareness. The landscape is breathtaking and so different. In fact, it is decorated with wonderful mountains, mediterranean cities, cheesy lakes and rivers, famous apple fields and wine wreath, museums and mysterious castles and villages. Only to mention a few spectacular things to discover.

 

South Tyrol/Südtirol –  Perfect Vacation Time?  

It is true, in South Tyrol is always high season for vacation, in summer time the high temperatures in the cities, that are located in the mediterreanen valleys, welcomes you to take baths in the wonderful lakes or therm. The mild temperatures in the Southtyrol’s mountain attract thousands of mountain hikers. In fact, Southtyrol is a outdoor heaven for families, couples, sport addicted or wellness enjoyer. Other trending activities are Mountaineering, Climbing, Mountainbike Tours, Water Sports, Fishing, Running, Golf and Leisure. Find here more detailed information about it.

The Grembiule tirolese or Südtiroler Schürze is a traditional cooking accessorie used by the traditional farmers.

Buy all of them here.

In winter the landscape changes color, from the green and flourish yellow to a white awesome landscape. In winter time starts the Skiing season for millions of ski tourists, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Italian Alps. One of the most famous Ski Hotspots is Val Gardena with its Ski Worldcup Slope Sasslong. Furthermore, you find the very famous Ski Resort Kronplatz and the Alpe di Siusi Ski Resort, where this picture was shot by one of South Tyrolean best outdoor Photographers Alexander Meliss. 

For winter outdoor freaks, South Tyrol offers beside of plenty of ski opportunities also Ski Tours, Snowshoe Hikes, Sledging, Winter hikes, Cross Country Skiing, Horse-Drawn Sleight Rides, Ice climbing, Ice Skating and Christmas Markets, the most famous ones in Bolzano and Merano. The best information about all the activities you can find here.

The capital of the region is Bolzano/Bozen, as you see every name is in Italian and German, with 100.000 habitants and its charming winter Christmas market. Besides, you can spot the “Bozner Lauben” or “Portici“, the antique disctrict. The second biggest city is Merano, known as the city of cure in the mild mediterranean climate, visited by many celebrities as Zidane, Maradona, Benzema, Steinmeier and Amancio Ortega. A South Tyrolean village is one of Europe’s most sunniest places with 315 sunny days per year written on a notable German Newspaper Sueddeutsche. 

Video about South Tyrol/ Südtirol Holidays

Bilingual (German & Italian)

Something that only those who have visited Southtyrol know, yes it’s true, it’s Italy’s only region where German (with dialect) and Italian are official languages, due to the fact that Southtyrol was part of Austria until 1918 End of World War 1. The German language is until today spoken as primary language by 70% of Southtyrol’s residents, but all speak Italian too. Thats why Southtyrol is so special, this mix of Italian and Austrian culture can be discovered in every parts of the region, beginning with the cuisine, the names the physical aspects of the residents and the construction style of monuments. Südtirols/AltoAdiges schools are either mainly Italian with German as a subject or mainly German with Italian as a subject. The privilege of the residents is being able to speak both German and Italian, next to English and/or other languages.

South Tyrol/Südtirol Top Vacation Spots

Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm

The “Seiser Alm” is situated on an altitude of 1500m-2400m and it’s just spectacular. In winter time it is one of the most popular skiing places with a 360 view on the Dolomites. Whereas in the summer time ideal for hiking trips with a view. The picture above was taken in autumn as you can see the red colored trees and up the mountains the first snow.

 

Merano/Meran

The second biggest city of South Tyrol is Meran/Merano with approximately 40,000 habitants with a mediterranean climate and many sunny days a touristic hotspot. Merano is known as the city of cure with a giant therm and many wellness hotels, where every year celebrities find there calm here you can find another great shot of Meran Meran Pictures In the city grow palm trees and in the back you find the mountains, its worth experiencing that phenomena once. Not far from the city is located the ski location Meran 2000 easily accessible from the city.

 

Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” are UNESCO World Heritage. The 2998m high mountain is a highlight in South Tyrol in the summertime, perfect for hiking or for sport climber there are 3 different routs to get their ultimate adrenaline kick. It is also the border to the neighbor region Friuli Venetia Giulia

 

Pragser Wildsee/ Lago di Braies

This stunning mountain lake is situated on a altitude of 1,494m near “Val Pusteria”/”Pustertal” and at his deepest point 36m deep. The Lago di Braies is one of the most visited lakes in South Tyrol and ideal for an around-walk in the afternoon. The ultimate attraction is renting a wooden boat and cruise on this fairytale lake for 12€/30min. Here you find more information about how to reach the lake.

Bolzano/Bozen

The capital city of the region with 110,000 habitants, is a must-see in the South Tyrolean Region. The city is replete with plenty of museums, the most notable museum who attracts 500,000 tourists per year, is the Museum of Archeology with the 5,300 year old glacier mummy “Ötzi”. Furthermore, you will spot the antique quarter “Portici”/”Lauben” of Bolzano, built in the 12th century now home of many different stores. In the picture below, shot by David Montagna, you can see the centre square of Bolzano, named “Waltherplatz”/”Piazza Walther”, with the church “Dom“. In this square you get offered plenty of Caffeterias, Restaurants and Hotels to enjoy the heart of Bolzano and his stunning flair.

 

Kalterer See / Lago di Caldaro

This 12,000 year old lake is thanks to the mediterranean climate one of the warmest Alps lake, with a maximum temperature in summer of about 28C. The “Kalterer See” is 1,8km long and 0,9km wide. In fact, for many tourists and locals this marvellous bathing lake is the perfect place to escape the hot sun in summer. In addition, you can rent pedal boats and go windsurfing or just chill and enjoy the view. Let you inspire with picture below from Alexander Meliss .

Reschensee/Lago di Resia

This spectacular view is one of the famous phenomena in South Tyrol, the lake is reservoir with a length of about 6km in the community of Graun. The church you can spot in the picture, was build in the 14th century and has been surrounded by the lake now for more than 60 years. If you are a passionated nordic walker, runner or hiker don’t miss this opportunity! Because around the lake there is a 15km long trial ideal for outdoor sports. In the summer time tourists enjoy this lake for doing Kitesurfing, whereas in the winter time this place is ideal for Iceskating or Snow Kiting.

Karersee/Lago di Carezza

The “Karersee” is on a altitude of 1,520m and natural monument. For this unique view it attracts thousands of tourist every year. This shot of the lake was taken in summer time, since in winter the water is frozen. The lake is reachable from the capital city of the region but it is prohibited to take a bath, visitors can only enjoy the lake from outside.

Dolomits South Tyrol

How to reach South Tyrol/Südtirol?

By Airplane?

South Tyrol has only a small airport located in Bozen/Bolzano with only few flights, nevertheless, the closets airports are Verona Valerio Catullo and the airport of Innsbruck, Austria. The leather one is 110km away from Bolzano, while the Verona Airport 150km. Other airports: Milano Bergamo (235km), Bologna Airport (250km) and Treviso Venezia (188km).

By Train?

South Tyrol has a very good train connection, from other regions of Italy you can check here further details. However, once you have reached Southtyrol there are many possibilities to move, on this website you only insert your current city and your desired destination.

By Bus? 

From the airports around South Tyrol Flixbus or Shuttle Services offers you many bus connections to Bolzano, Merano o Bressanone. Inside the region the bus network is on highest standards and moves you to all parts of South Tyrol.

What should I order to eat in South Tyrol ?

The cuisine is just fabelous, the past Austrian culture is now mixed with the Italian and that makes this region so exciting.

• Pasta (too many different delicious kinds)
• Knödel/canederli (traditional dumblings)
• Schluzer (traditional pasta dish)
• Polenta
• Carpaccio
• Speck with Schüttelbrot (bacon with bread, in the picture below)
• Marillenknödel (apricote dumblings in sumer time)
• Kastanienherzen (Chocolate hearts filled with chestnuts)
• Asparagus (in March/April)
• Pizza
• Gnocchi (a lot of variety)

to find more about South Tyrloean dishes read here.

What should I drink in South Tyrol?

Definitely, wine! Vini d’Italia is considered as the most important wine guide and South Tyrolean wines’ are always involed. The South Tyrolean wine culture is a old tradition and pleasures many tourists every year.

The best red wines regarding South-Tirol.com :

• Blauburgunder Schweizer 2013 – Franz Haas
• Blauburgunder Trattmann Mazon Riserva 2014 – Girlan
• Kalterersee Auslese Klassisch Pfarrhof 2016 – Kellerei Kaltern
• Lagrein Abtei Muri Riserva 2014 – Klosterkellerei Muri-Gries
• Lagrein Staves Riserva 2014 – Weingut Kornell
• Lagrein Taber Riserva 2015 – Bozen
• St. Magdalener Klassisch Antheos 2016 – Ansitz Weingries
• St. Magdalener Klassisch Rondell 2016 – Glögglhof, Franz Gojer

The best white wines regarding South-Tirol.com

• Chardonnay Lafóa 2015 – Kellerei Schreckbichl
• Gewürztraminer Auratus Crescendo 2016 – Ritterhof
• Gewürztraminer Brenntal Riserva 2015 – Kellerei Kurtatsch
• Gewürztraminer Nussbaumer 2015 – Tramin
• Müller Thurgau Feldmarschall von Fenner 2015 – Tiefenbrunner
• Pinot Grigio Giatl Riserva 2015 – Peter Zemmer
• Sauvignon Renaissance 2014 – Gumphof, Markus Prackwieser
• Terlan Sauvignon Quarz 2015 – Terlano
• Vinschgau Riesling 2015 – Weingut Falkenstein, Franz Pratzner
• Vinschgau Riesling Windbichel 2015 – Weingut Unterortl, Castel Juval
• Weißburgunder Sanct Valentin 2015 – Kellerei St. Michael/Eppan
• Weißburgunder Sirmian 2016 – Nals Magreid
• Weißbrugunder Tyrol 2015 – Kellerei Meran Burggräfler
• Eisacktaler Grüner Veltliner 2016 – Pacherhof, Andreas Huber
• Eisacktaler Riesling Kaiton 2016 – Kuenhof, Peter Pliger
• Eisacktaler Sylvaner 2016 – Köfererhof, Günther Kerschbaumer
• Eisacktaler Sylvaner 2015 – Garlider, Christian Kerschbaumer
• Eisacktaler Sylvaner Aristos 2016 – Eisacktaler Kellerei

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For all of these reasons, don’t hesitate and visit South Tyrol, the place were I come from =)

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