Northern Italy, a land where the present is inseparable from the majestic past, attracts visitors with a richness of off-the-beaten-track experiences that go beyond the usual tourist routes and destinations. From remote alpine valleys to medieval villages where time stands quiet and still, join us on a tour of Northern Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Val Venosta
A gem of South Tyrol, the Val Venosta Valley (or, The Vinschgau) is a paradise for whoever desires for a real and untouched peace. The lonely valley is poorly crowded by tourists, which makes it particularly enjoyable. Enormous apple orchards, romantic castles, and the Pinterest-famous Reschensee lake with sunken church tower—stay as a reminder of the village that once existed there. The valley has plenty of trekking and cycling routes immersed in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Alps, providing tourists with the ability to discover the region in the ways they most prefer.
Dozza
In the Emilia-Romagna region you will find Dozza, a town transformed into an open-air art museum. The Biennale del Muro Dipinto, occurring once every two years, invites artists to paint the town’s walls with murals, resulting in a lively and expressive kaleidoscope of color that captivates all who walk through the city. A walk through Dozza’s streets offers an unusual combination of contemporary and medieval art.
Ponte di Legno
For the mountain lovers, Ponte di Legno in Lombardy is the ultimate place to be. Surrounded by lofty peaks, the Ponte di Legno is the ideal place for hiking, skiing, or just appreciating the serene beauty of the Italian Alps in peace and beauty. Must-see for alpinists from all over Europe and beyond.
Lake Orta
Lake Orta soothes visitors with its wonderful blue waters and scenic Isola San Giulio. Orta San Giulio village, its medieval houses, old streets and curated ambiance create a peaceful, quiet and dreamy atmosphere by the lake, seeming to be a place from a fairytale.
The Venetian Lagoon
While Venice itself is world-renowned and busy, the Venetian Lagoon that encircles it contains islands that are a salve to the, usually, bustling and crowded city. A tour of the Venice Lagoon reveals the serenity and natural beauty of its islands with their colours and natural heritage. Discover the habitat and culture of Venice through a well-guided tour and the local cuisine, which stay as a reminder of the richness of the culture and particular natural shades of the area.
Chioggia
Chioggia is a charming place with canals and ancient structures that normally does not attract large groups of tourists. Despite being called the “Little Venice”, it has much in common yet is very different from the original Venice, boasting an active fish market and traditional trattorias, which is a nice detour for travelers who want something real, authentic, and less crowded.
The beauty of Northern Italy resides not only in its most famous cities, but also in its hidden jewels that sometimes offer even more rewarding experiences. Discover the true soul, beauty, history and mentality of northern Italy through these places, and be prepared to be amazed.