Stay : Northern Italy, from Turin to Venice
A trip through Northern Italy can quickly become a pilgrimage, as the regions to be visited are so rich and varied in heritage. Starting from the dynamic city of Milan, this itinerary will take you first to the west, via Turin, the Cinque Terre and Bologna, and then to the east, with a final destination in sensual Venice.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
15 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : Northern Italy, from Turin to Venice - 15 days
Day 1: Milan
Steps: Milan
One day is very short to see the must-sees of Milan, the capital of Lombardy, so there is no time to lose, head for the La Scala opera house, the Mecca of Milanese cultural life. If there is still some time and energy left, a visit to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana will end the day on a high note.
Day 2: The great lakes - day 1
Steps: Lac Majeur, Îles Borromées
After the hustle and bustle of Italy's economic capital, nothing beats a little rest in the lake district, majestically framed by the high Alpine peaks, making up perhaps one of the most beautiful Italian landscapes. When you arrive on the shores of Lake Maggiore, don't miss a trip to the Borromean Islands.
Day 3: The great lakes - day 2
Steps: Bellagio, Lac De Côme
The second day is dedicated to Lake Como and the village of Bellagio where you can enjoy beautiful views.
Day 4: Turin and its delights
The majestic capital of the House of Savoy is the starting point for the discovery of Northern Italy. Far from the clichés of a dull industrial city, Turin will reveal its beauties as you walk along its 18 km of arcades. On the menu: a stroll along the via Po, coffee break(s), or rather ciocolatta or bicerin, the local specialty, in one of the historic caffè of the capital of Italian Unity. In the afternoon, a visit to the excellent museum of cinema, housed in the Mole Antoneliana, a building that is the symbol of the city. A glass elevator takes you to the top with, if the weather is clear, a royal view of the Alpine peaks. In the evening, enjoy an opera at the Regio Theater, or a lively night in the Murazzi clubs along the Po River.
Day 5: Discovery of the Langhe
Steps: Alba
Perhaps awakened by a glass of Barolo tasted the day before in Turin, it is time to go back to its source. A few kilometers to the south, a green and hilly landscape welcomes in its folds some of the best nectars of Italy. AroundAlba, the stronghold of Ferrero, the cascine - large Piedmontese farms - offer rest and good food, in a setting still protected from mass tourism. This is an opportunity to take an invigorating walk before tasting the wonders of Piedmont, perhaps the famous white truffle, the local gold.
Day 6: Stopover in Genoa
In the last ten years, Genoa has been given a new lease on life. It is home to the largest historical center full of picturesque alleys where it is good to stroll. In the port, restored by the master Renzo Piano, a visit to theaquarium, the largest marine park in Europe, will delight admirers of the deep blue sea. Afterwards, you can enjoy a focaccia or a farinata in one of the many stalls around the port. Going up towards the center, you will discover the spectacle of the via San Lorenzo which leads to the cathedral of the same name. Then, finish the day with via Garibaldi and its twelve Renaissance palaces.
Day 7: Walk in the Cinque Terre - day 1
Steps: Monterosso Al Mare, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza
After the busy day of the day before, nothing beats a moment of strolling. Between land and sea, the Cinque Terre National Park, a World Heritage Site, promises invigorating walks with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in view. After a day of walks on its promontories made of vineyards and olive trees, a rest at a local's house, in one of the five villages of the area - Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore or Vernazza - is very welcome.
Day 8: Walk in the Five Lands - day 2
The second day in this superb and romantic setting.
Day 9: Under the spell of Parma
Steps: Parme
The gastronomic stop seems obvious in the city of ham and parmesan. But Parma is above all a city of art with a peaceful atmosphere, where it is pleasant to stroll in the historic center between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Duomo. Don't miss a trip to the surrounding countryside to discover the production of balsamic vinegar, the best cheeses and the finest cured meats.
CATTEDRALE DI PARMA
Day 10: Gourmet Bologna
Steps: Bologne
A symbol of the tradition of good food in the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is a destination of choice. The ochre walls of its magnificent historic center vibrate with the cosmopolitan youth that populates its university, the oldest in Europe. It is pleasant to stroll through the historic center and discover the foodstuffs for which the so-called red city is famous (because of the color of its monuments and its political leanings) at a market, and why not fill your picnic basket at the Erbe market, open every day of the week.
UNIVERSITÉ DE BOLOGNE - ARCHIGINNASIO
Day 11: Ferrara by bike
Steps: Ferrara
Half an hour from Bologna, well protected by its high walls inherited from the wars between paladins, Ferrara is worth a visit. The best way to explore its quiet streets is by bicycle, which can be rented locally. The castle of the Este family and the Renaissance palaces make a visit to Ferrara a dive into another world. If you feel like it, try the local specialty, pasticcio de maccheroni, in a trattoria in the heart of the city.
Day 12: The beauty of the Paladian villas
Steps: Vicence
In the heart of the Veneto region, the architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) left an elegant legacy. Nestled in delightful green settings, the master's villas are a must-see, especially the famous Rotonda. It's enough to make you feel like a Renaissance lord.
VILLA LA ROTONDA
Day 13: Padua under the arcades
Steps: Padoue
Nestled between Verona and Venice, its two bulky neighbors, Padua is often overlooked by traditional tourist circuits, which is a good reason to go and enjoy the special atmosphere of this student city lined with arcades. It cultivates a lifestyle of its own, under the protection of Saint Anthony. In the late afternoon, take a break at Caffé Pedrocchi, the local institution. Or join the horde of students who meet for a spritz at aperitif time. Invigorating.
Day 14: Meeting with Venice
Steps: Venise
It's hard to escape the rush of tourists between the Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square. Venice, which reveals its postcard decor along the Canal Grande, during a vaporetto trip, has even more mysterious charms to discover, on the side of the Giudecca or the Ghetto district. A museum break is worth considering: Guggenheim or , depending on what you want. At nightfall, the city takes on new reflections. Another atmosphere shrouded in mystery where it is good to get lost.
Day 15: Venice lagoon side
The small islands of the lagoon, reachable by boat, are so many marine confetti to discover, conducive to melancholic reverie, from Burano and its colorful houses to Torcello and its mysterious ruins... A good way to recharge your batteries before returning home.
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