Northern Italy Travel Guide

Nestled at the crossroads of history, culture, and natural beauty, Northern Italy is a region that beckons travellers with its irresistible allure. From the majestic peaks of the Italian Alps to the serene shores of the Adriatic Sea, this captivating region offers a tapestry of experiences that will leave you spellbound.

Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic journey like no other. Northern Italy is renowned for its delectable cuisine, featuring world-famous dishes such as risotto, polenta, and, of course, pasta. Savor the rich flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in Emilia-Romagna, indulge in a seafood feast along the Venetian canals, and sip on the finest wines in Piedmont's vineyards. Every meal in Northern Italy is a celebration of culinary artistry.

Northern Italy is famous for its vast and varied scenery. From the sparkling bodies of water that are Lake Como and Lake Garda to the summer playground of colourful Portofino on the rocky Ligurian coast, to the “mountain home” that is the city of Bergamo, the region caters to a range of traveller tastes. A huge reason to visit Northern Italy is to soak up the picturesque natural surroundings and engage with the rich history of the towns, which includes maritime canals, Venetian walls, towering cathedrals, and even clifftop churches.

There are 11 airports scattered throughout Northern Italy, but the two major airports are Venice and Milan. Both are serviced by many UK and European airlines. To see more of the region, you might like to fly into one airport, and out the other. Of course, if you are heading from Southern Italy, it’s very easy to reach the north via train. It’s over a three-hour train journey from Rome to Milan, and just under a four-hour journey from Rome to Venice.

Due to the diversity of scenic landscapes in this region, it’s recommended to see as much of it as possible via rail journeys or road trips. In terms of the most scenic rail journeys to take, you can’t go past the Bernina Express and the little trains which operate throughout the Dolomites.

As for taking a short road trip that covers some bucket-list locations in the north, it’s a great idea to fly into Venice, hire a car, and make your way to Milan. If you do venture north into The Dolomites, be aware that there are a few large mountains, which as you might have predicted equals occasionally tight and winding roads. So, to take the stress out, we would recommend booking an escorted tour. This way, driving can be taken care of for you, and you can be left to soak up the scenery (and the finest produce of the wine regions!).

Northern Italy is indeed very safe to travel, and it is also safe to travel alone. With its range of hostels in the larger cities like Milan and Bologna, plus the eco-hostels scattered throughout the mountains and the lakes, solo travellers won't have to fork out a fortune to enjoy their solo venture. Northern Italy is also safe for solo female travellers, but it helps to always inform loved ones of your location and itinerary, particularly on remote walks in the remote national parks - just to be safe.

As Northern Italy is full of lakes fringed by stunning alpine landscapes, small historic towns, and incredible coastal dining - many find that this part of the Mediterranean offers quite a calming ambience. As such, it is the perfect holiday destination for over 50s travellers. Northern Italy offers a slower pace of life than the south, with bustling Rome and the endlessly popular Amalfi Coast, but still offers plenty of things to do and see.