Northern Italy is one of the must-see destinations you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. And if you want to enjoy it fully, don’t book a typical touristy holiday package. Treat yourself to custom private tours of Northern Italy, if you want to immerse yourself in this part of Europe more intimately. Whether; you want to cruise the Venetian canals, explore the Lake District, or tour Piedmont and Cinque Terre, a luxury tour operator can take care of everything.
You can book a tour of Northern Italy anytime, but one of the best times to do that is as European summer is about to end. The experience lets you discover the stunning beauty, delicious seasonal and regional food, and the rich history of Northern Italy, which is also called Alta Italia or Il Nord.
Regions to discover
Northern Italy is home to eight regions, and each has a unique character that sets it apart from the rest. These include Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, and Trentino Alto-Adige. Its unique position adjacent to the Po River gives it access to the Adriatic Sea. That makes every region rich in unique cultural experiences that many visitors treasure.
Discover the region with private tour guides
Many tour companies offer Northern Italy tours, but not all of them may offer the exclusivity that you want. The experience of touring Northern Italy will be better if your itinerary is carefully tailored to your liking and includes only the places and activities you want to experience. That means booking a private tour with an exclusive tour guide and a personal driver. You’ll be accompanied by professionals who speak the local and the English language. Their company ensures a more enriching experience throughout your stay.
Private tour guides will ensure that you can experience the best attractions and sites in Northern Italy. They are ready to assist you with anything you need during your trip. Exclusive tours of Northern Italy come with personalized services and custom itineraries to match your exact interests and requirements.
Where to go
Northern Italy is a vast place. You may not have the luxury of time to explore the entire region, but you can consider one or a few destinations and activities or customize your tour to include only those you want. Below is an overview of Northern Italy tours you can consider:
Po Valley Towns gourmet tour
You might have heard of Po Valley as the Italian Food Valley, and there’s a good reason for its nickname. The valley is home to some of the best foods and unique experiences in Northern Italy. Parma; is noted for its authentic parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, pizza, and iconic ham. Or you can go to Ravenna for a taste of one-of-a-kind cheeses, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. You could even learn to cook local dishes in Parma, Bologna, and Ravenna with lessons from expert chefs.
Cinque Terre, Portofino, and beyond
Portofino and Cinque Terre are part of exclusive tours of Northern Italy. You may be familiar with Cinque Terre and its depiction on postcards, information guides, wallpapers, and other media outlets due to its unusual location and unique charm. It’s nestled on a rock hill, with a small village that boasts amazing architecture and colorful houses with narrow and steep streets. The tour can also take you to similar-looking coastal villages, such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo. Be sure not to miss the local wines and the dishes made with freshly caught fish.
This part of Northern Italy is also your gateway to the Gulf of Poets, where you can discover the vintage, artsy, and picturesque villages of Portovenere, Tellaro, and Lerici. Lunigiana is another must-see destination where you’ll discover castles and borgos with centuries-old houses, museums, and historic artifacts.
The Piedmont region
Castles, delicious wine, and scrumptious dishes are quintessential aspects of a private tour of Northern Italy. You’ll find these and more in the Piedmont region, which has everything from stunning vineyards to rolling hills and historic castles. This region is well-known for its red wines that are certified excellent.
Consider starting your trip in Turin with a full-day private guided tour to see historic places, such as the Duomo, Superga, and the Royal Palace. Make sure a medieval tour is part of the experience in the cities of Monferrato and Asti, where you’ll discover well-preserved churches, old towers, and ancient squares. Top-notch wines and delicious food await in Langhe, where you can sample locally grown truffles and meet other food enthusiasts.
Are you feeling adventurous? There are bike and horse riding tours of Northern Italy to satisfy your wanderlust. The Piedmont region has breathtaking nature trails ideal for cycling and horse riding. These tours allow you to experience nature first-hand while enjoying the local sights more intimately. The experience includes luxury food tasting tours in small villages along the way and visits to the wineries in Barolo, Langhe, Gavi, Asti, and Barbaresco.
Lake Como
One of the most breathtaking lakes is in Northern Italy, and it’s fringed by a remarkable scenery of quaint little villages, lush gardens, and luxurious villas. Tours in and around Lake Como will take you through the charming small towns and villages dotting the lakeside. These places are best explored on foot, so wear comfortable footwear! Other towns you should consider visiting include Tremezzo, Bellagio, and Varenna to discover unique and memorable attractions.
Lake Como is also your starting point for adventures in Lake Garda, where amazing beaches await visitors looking to enjoy some natural beauty while getting some sun. If you’d like to do some shopping, then Lake Como should be part of your tour of Northern Italy. Como is the capital of the region; with a full range of shops, boutiques, and services. Its historic center is also a must-see, especially the 15th century Duomo, which features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture.
Get to know Northern Italy now
Find a world-leading provider of personalized and exclusive luxury travel experiences and Northern Italy tours. They offer a good selection of carefully planned tours and itineraries. Or have them customize your tour to include only specific places and activities in Northern Italy. They can also arrange one-of-a-kind experiences, such as Italian Supercars Motorvalley tours, private luxury skiing tours in the Dolomites, and an enogastronomic tour in Venice.