Top 6 Things to Do in Northern Italy

With vast spaces comprising majestic mountain ranges and glistening lakes, discovering outdoor activities is easy and fun.

Hiking is popular, with mountain trails and paths through national parkland and up challenging slopes on offer. Kayak or canoe on one of the popular lakes and take time out to walk along village trails.

Enjoy a picnic in a blossoming wilderness area that can lead to hidden villages or surrounding fields in the diverse landscape.

Best Places to Hike or Cycle: Gran Paradiso National Park • Lake Como • Dolomites • Orobie Trail

With such a rich history and charming culture throughout the country, discovering ancient and interesting facts and finds in northern Italy is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Uncover traditions and pastimes that are still in place today and let local guides step you through museums and around monuments.

Embrace local events and admire classic northern Italian architecture in city squares and hillside wonders.

Best Place for Cultural Visits: Royal History • Castello Sforzesco • Boccadasse Neighborhood • Juliet’s House • Certosa di Pavia Monastery • Grotte di Catullo

Italian cuisine has long been a favorite for many around the world and the country offers many delicious options.

Enjoy Northern Italian specialties in courtyard cafes and vibrant piazzas, indulging in the slow-paced atmosphere locals enjoy.

Discover the intricate art of pasta making and find your favorite Italian cheese, ending the day with bold, unforgettable flavors.

Best Places to Indulge in Food Tours: Parma • Bergamo • Bologna • Valdobbiadene

Escape to the countryside for a flavorful wine-tasting adventure.

Spend time in picturesque vineyards savoring the delights of Italian reds and whites, and savor the tiny bubbles with thirst-quenching sparkling wines, from a bold glass of Amarone to an effervescent sip of Lambrusco.

Enjoy harvest time in the fall, entering caves and cellars in seemingly remote locations, perhaps enhancing your wine-tasting experience with a robust meal.

Best Regions for Wine Tasting: Piedmont • Lombardy • Trento-Alto Adige • Pavia • Liguria

Whether visiting one of the world’s top fashion capitals or taking time out to sip a “caffè normale” in a cute courtyard are high on your list, northern Italy’s towns and villages will impress you with exceptional culture and remarkable history.

Wind your way through cobbled walkways in off-the-beaten-path locations or strut along a high street in a bigger city.

Uncover breathtaking sites as you embark on walking tours to learn about the changes that may have taken place where you stand.

Best Places for City Tours: Milan • Venice • Bologna • Mantova • Trento • Parma • Genoa

From a maestro’s modest beginnings to artists who called northern Italy home, discover the brilliant art culture that exists in this part of the country.

Architectural delights such as duomos and cathedrals blend in with modern-day designs, while ruins and remnants line unsuspecting corners of the landscape.

Try your hand at the techniques famous artists used with small group or private classes, then submerge yourself in daily life.

Best Places to Discover Art and Architecture: Cremona • Verona • Milan • Aosta • Padova

Whatever your reason for visiting Northern Italy, this corner of the country has beautiful mountains, enticing winelands, and breathtaking architecture in cities and secluded villages, each offering activities to visitors with varied interests.

Whether looking for a private gondola ride in Venice or a unique cooking class at the foothills of the alps, you can take a look at the possibilities with our Northern Italy Tours and Itineraries to find inspiration for your trip.