Northwest Italy Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide to Northwest Italy, including the best places to visit, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Northwest Italy

Northwest Italy is a charming region in Italy, nestled in the northwest part of the country, that holds so much history, culture, and natural beauty that is worth discovering. The region is comprised of Liguria, Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, Lombardy, and the western part of Emilia Romagna. With picturesque towns and villages, vineyards, mountains, beaches, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, it has so much to offer for any kind of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Northwest Italy

The following are some of the most famous places to visit in Northwest Italy:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Colosseum
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Florence Duomo
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site

Natural Attractions of Northwest Italy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cinque Terre
  • Lake Maggiore
  • The Dolomites
  • Gran Paradiso National Park
  • Portofino

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwest Italy

Northwest Italy region boasts some of the best hiking and biking routes that will take you through picturesque villages, stunning alpine and countryside sceneries, and lush vineyards. Below are some of the most popular hiking/biking routes:

  • Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre
  • Val Venosta in South Tyrol
  • Stelvio Pass in the Alps
  • Gran Paradiso hiking trail
  • The Langhe region’s hills and vineyards

Best Things to Do in Northwest Italy: Activities and Tours

When in Northwest Italy, there are so many things to do and see, from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do and tours to take:

  • Cooking classes & Food tours: Learn how to make famous Italian dishes and discover the flavors of the region.
  • Wine Tasting: The region is famous for its wine production. Take a tour of local vineyards.
  • Art Tours: Northwestern Italy is the home of many famous art galleries and museums. See works of art by famous artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael….
  • Water-based activities: Explore the beautiful coastline of Liguria by taking a boat tour of the stunning cliffs of Cinque Terre.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northwest Italy

Here’s a suggested seven-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Northwest Italy:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Milan. Explore the city and visit the Cathedral and the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 2 Visit the Lake Como and take a boat tour of the lake.
Day 3 Go on a hiking tour at Val Venosta in South Tyrol.
Day 4 Take a tour of Portofino. Go on a boat tour of the cliff and enjoy sunset dinner.
Day 5 Visit Cinque Terre, hike the trail in the morning and rest on the beach in the afternoon.
Day 6 Go on a wine tasting tour in Langhe region, Piedmont.
Day 7 Visit Turin, see the Mole Antonelliana tower and the Egyptian museum or go on a shopping spree.

Food and Drink Scene of Northwest Italy

Northwest Italy is home to some of the most delicious and renowned Italian dishes, each boasting their own unique flavor, texture and ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pesto alla Genovese, a famous dish of the city of Liguria.
  • Risotto alla Milanese, typical of Milan cuisine.
  • Bagna Cauda, served as a starter or main course in Piedmont.
  • Agnolotti Del Plin: a traditional dish from Piedmont with a strong meat filling.

Local Beverages

  • Barolo and Barbaresco wines, red wines famous in Piedmont.
  • Vermouth, a local libation originating in Turin.
  • Grappa, an Italian brandy originating from Piedmont.

Where to Stay in Northwest Italy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northwest Italy offers a vast range of accommodation options to fit all budgets. Here are some options available:

  • Budget: Hostels and campsites which provide the basic necessities for your stay. Affordable and comfortable options for backpackers.
  • Mid-Range: Guesthouses, B&Bs, and 3-star hotels. Comfy and clean lodges perfect for travelers seeking a higher level of comfort without breaking the bank.
  • Luxury: 4 and 5-star hotels, resorts, and villas. Perfect for travelers who want to indulge in luxury and relaxation.

What to Buy in Northwest Italy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Northwest Italy has a variety of items to take back as souvenirs. Here are some of them:

  • Flavored Ligurian Olive Oils and Pesto.
  • Hand-painted Ceramics from the villages of Cinque Terre:
  • Gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano or other local cheese types.
  • Langhe wines, known for their high-quality and rich flavor.

Local Culture and Customs of Northwest Italy

Northwest Italy has a rich cultural heritage which is highly valued by its people. Here are some of the local customs and cultures to know:

  • Respect religious rituals and local traditions.
  • Respect the local dress code and avoid revealing attire when visiting churches and other religious buildings.
  • It is customary to greet people with the usual European-style double-cheek kiss.

Best Time to Visit Northwest Italy

The best time to visit Northwest Italy is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and sunny. If you’re planning on hitting the slope, the best time is between December and April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northwest Italy

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Learn some basic Italian words to enhance your interaction with the locals.
  • Try local food and drink specialties.

Don’t:

  • Make too much noise late at night.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Show up late for dinner engagements.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northwest Italy

Northwest Italy is generally safe for tourists. However, It is recommended to take preventive measures like protecting your valuables and personal belongings, including getting insured against pickpockets and petty crimes.

Health in Northwest Italy

Healthcare services in Northwest Italy are of high standard and easily accessible. For EU travelers, it is recommended to bring your European health insurance card (EHIC) to cover the costs. Non-EU nationals are advised to purchase traveler’s insurance in case of medical emergencies.

Getting to Northwest Italy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Northwest Italy is well-connected to other major European destinations. Here are some transport options to get you there:

Airports Near Northwest Italy

  • Turin International Airport in Piedmont (for the western part of the region).
  • Milan-Malpensa Airport (for the Lombardy part of the region).
  • Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (for Liguria part of the region).

Bus Stations Near Northwest Italy

  • Flixbus and Eurolines provide bus services connecting to some of the main European cities.

Other Options

  • High-speed trains can transport you through the rest of Italy’s major cities and other parts of Europe.
  • Rent a car: You can rent a car and explore the region on your own pace.

How to Get Around in Northwest Italy

Public transport is a convenient way of exploring the region and is available in the form of buses, trains, and ferries. If you want to hit the road, you can rent a car to get around.

Where to Go Next from Northwest Italy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Northwest Italy is well-connected to some of Italy’s and Europe’s major tourist hotspots:

  • To the west, Nice and Monaco are enticing tourist destinations you can reach by car or train.
  • To the East, you can check out famous Italian destinations like Venice and Florence.

Conclusion

With its charming towns, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Northwest Italy is undoubtedly one of the must-visit destinations in Italy. Enjoy your trip and plunge yourself into the region’s abundant marvels of art, culture, and nature.



    Aosta Valley
    Liguria
    Lombardy
    Piedmont