Quando sentite parlare della cucina bolognese fate una riverenza, ché se la merita.
(Pellegrino Artusi – scrittore, gastronomo e critico letterario italiano)
When you hear about Bolognese cuisine, do a reverence, for it deserves it.
(Pellegrino Artusi – Italian writer, gastronome and literary critic)
Discovering northern Italy in two weeks
Experience the enchanting beauty of Northern Italy through a journey that combines pristine lakes, world-class wines, and culinary excellence.
Begin your adventure at Lake Como in Lombardy, where crystal-clear waters mirror elegant villas and lush gardens. The lake’s glamorous towns, like Bellagio and Varenna, offer a perfect blend of luxury and authentic Italian charm, with their narrow cobblestone streets and waterfront promenades.
Venture west to Lake Maggiore, straddling both Lombardy and Piedmont, where the magnificent Borromean Islands showcase baroque palaces and meticulously maintained gardens. The surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop for this peaceful paradise, making every moment picture-perfect.
In Piedmont, immerse yourself in the rolling hills of the Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its wine production. Sample the prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco wines, often called the “king and queen” of Italian wines, while exploring charming medieval villages perched atop vineyard-covered hills.
Turin, Piedmont’s elegant capital, surprises visitors with its refined architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city’s historic cafes, where the tradition of Italian chocolate-making flourished, provide the perfect setting to savor a bicerin – the local coffee, chocolate, and cream specialty. Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum, second only to Cairo’s in its collection’s importance.
Moving southeast to Emilia-Romagna, enter Italy’s gastronomic heartland. In Parma, witness the careful aging of Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto di Parma. Bologna, nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat One), beckons with its fresh pasta traditions – tortellini, tagliatelle, and the authentic ragù alla bolognese.
The region’s artistic treasures are equally impressive. Ravenna‘s early Christian churches showcase stunning Byzantine mosaics that have earned UNESCO recognition. In Ferrara, the Renaissance-era Este Castle and the city’s well-preserved medieval center transport visitors back in time.
This journey through Northern Italy offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary excellence, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
journey in nothern italy: Days 1 – 3
The tour we propose starts in Milan, your arrival airport; here you take your rental car and drive to Como Lake. For the next three nights we propose a nice and modern Hotel in a village along the lake coast for a stay characterized by tranquility, good food, pool, private beach and relaxation.
During your stay on Lake Como we suggest you discover the beauty of Lake Como’s central region through an unforgettable journey by a private boat across its most captivating locations. Experience the lake’s most celebrated towns – Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio – from a unique perspective, while exploring the region’s architectural gems and historic villas. This seven-hour exploration combines the region’s rich history, architectural splendor, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.
The remaining time of your stay you can take advantage of your rental car to visit some of the villages in the area at your leisure.
journey in nothern italy: Days 4
Set off in the morning for Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, to spend a night in this enchanting resort. A boat trip to the Borromean Islands is worthwhile.
journey in nothern italy: DAYS 5 – 8
This morning you set off for Piedmont, to the region of the Langhe hills, UNESCO patrimony and Barolo (about 2 hours’ drive). Here you will stay for 4 unforgettable nights in a Wine-Resort surrounded by nature with an outdoor and indoor pool, SPA and Jacuzzi.
You can spend your days in total relaxation, take advantage of the Resort’s well-stocked wine cellar to taste some of Italy’s best wines, rent e-bikes to explore the surrounding vineyards and forests, or try your hand at truffle hunting.
Always with your own car you can decide to visit Turin or other renowned locations not far from your accommodation that we will be happy to show you.
journey in nothern italy: DAYS 9 – 12
Check out and in the early morning depart with your car from Piedmont to Emilia Romagna Region (378 km for about 4 hours driving). On your way to your new destination, we suggest to stop in Bologna for a visit (after about 300 km and 3 hours driving).
In the afternoon proceed to your accomodation in the province of Ravenna.
The Relais near Ravenna nestles between olive trees and vineyards from which extra virgin olive oil and wine are produced on site. A 4-night stay is also planned here.
We recommend devoting two days to visiting Ravenna and Dozza and Ferrara and Comacchio, surnamed “Little Venice”, some unmissable destinations that you can visit at your leisure.
We also organise for you an entire day dedicated to the excellence of the food of your host region accompanied by an expert private guide: we start early in the morning with a visit to the cheese factory and Parmigiano cheese tasting. This is followed by a short walk through the centre of Modena with the inevitable ‘cappuccino break’ and tasting of torta Barozzi (typical of the Modena area) in a historic café.
Continue on to Parma where you will take a walk and then have a tasty lunch break in a typical restaurant in the city centre, with typical cold cuts and, if you wish, pasta. In the afternoon, a visit to an acetaia with tasting of balsamic vinegar, another typical product of this area, will be interesting.
On the other hand, if you are a motor enthusiast Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley is a legendary automotive district stretching from Modena to Bologna, where passion meets engineering excellence. Home to iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, and Pagani, this region represents the pinnacle of Italian motor heritage. Visitors can explore world-class museums, tour manufacturing facilities, and experience high-performance vehicles on renowned test tracks. The area boasts 11 specialized museums, 7 private collections, and 4 active racetracks, making it a must-visit destination for automotive enthusiasts. Motor Valley not only preserves Italy’s motorsport legacy but continues to drive innovation in automotive technology and design.
Experiences related to the Motor Valley are not included in this itinerary and price, but we can of course include them in the travel program according to your wishes..
journey in nothern italy: DAYS 13 – 15
Departure for Milan, where you can return the rental car and drive to the centre for the last two nights at a 4-star hotel!
You can visit Milan freely, take advantage of the shopping, stroll among the monuments and admire the grandeur of the Duomo, the city’s cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world where you can walk on the roof: one of the things not to be missed during your visit is climbing up to the terraces, from where you can enjoy an unmissable view of the city and, if the day is clear, of the mountains.
On the day of departure, a private driver will accompany you to the airport for your flight.
This is just one example of the exciting experiences you can have on a trip to Italy.
All experiences can be customised according to your preferences, e.g. you can add guided tours or change the duration of stays at different locations. contact us for a free quote of the “trip of your desires”!
Private Boat tour on Como Lake
Nature, history and ancient villas
Begin your adventure in the medieval gem of Varenna, where time seems to stand still. This picturesque town, anchored by the historic Basilica of San Giorgio, captivates visitors with its authentic charm. Wander through the meticulously maintained gardens of Villa Cipressi and explore the stunning Villa Monastero, whose botanical gardens stretch along the lakefront, offering spectacular views across the water.
Next, sail to the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio, elegantly positioned on a promontory where the lake’s three branches meet. Below the impressive Villa Serbelloni, which crowns the hill where an ancient castle once stood. Visit the Romanesque Basilica of San Giacomo, then take a peaceful stroll through the magnificent gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril, where rare exotic plants and classical statues create an atmosphere of refined elegance.
Your journey concludes in Menaggio, a sophisticated small town that historically served as a crucial connection between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Here, elegant Belle Époque hotels line the refined lakefront promenade, while charming piazzas and hillside hamlets offer glimpses into authentic Italian life.
Throughout the day, admire Lake Como’s most celebrated villas, including the spectacular Villa Balbianello, whose terraced gardens and elegant loggia have made it a favorite location for international films. Your experience is enriched by the company of an expert historical guide and includes a traditional Italian aperitivo served aboard your private boat, offering a perfect opportunity to absorb the lake’s magnificent scenery.
A day in the famous “Food valley”
Food excellence experience
Begin your gastronomic adventure early morning at a traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy near Parma, where you’ll witness the fascinating process of crafting Italy’s “King of Cheeses.”
Watch as skilled cheese masters transform fresh milk into what will become aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and enjoy a tasting of different aged varieties paired with local wines.
Continue your journey to historic Modena, where elegant porticoed streets invite you for a pleasant morning stroll. Admire the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral and its Bell Tower (Torre Ghirlandina) in Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s medieval center offers perfect photo opportunities and glimpses into local life.
Next, head to Parma for a traditional lunch featuring local specialties like prosciutto di Parma, tortellini, and other regional delicacies. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through Parma’s historic center, passing by the stunning Cathedral and Baptistery, and the famous Teatro Regio opera house.
Your day concludes at a family-run acetaia (balsamic vinegar producer) near Modena. Learn about the decades-long aging process of traditional balsamic vinegar in the producer’s attic, where wooden barrels hold this “black gold.” Experience a guided tasting of different aged balsamics, understanding the subtle differences in sweetness, acidity, and complexity.
This immersive food tour captures the essence of Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic heritage, combining traditional production methods with the region’s rich cultural history.
Your day concludes at a family-run acetaia (balsamic vinegar producer) near Modena. Learn about the decades-long aging process of traditional balsamic vinegar in the producer’s attic, where wooden barrels hold this “black gold.” Experience a guided tasting of different aged balsamics, understanding the subtle differences in sweetness, acidity, and complexity.
This immersive food tour captures the essence of Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic heritage, combining traditional production methods with the region’s rich cultural history.
Private driver to the airport
We wish you a comfortable return home
On the last day a professional human (!) English-speaking driver in an elegant car will drive you to the airport for your return flight.
