Italy is amore, love; love of striking sceneries, love of dramatically beautiful towns and of course the love of good food. The diversity of Northern Italy is its most striking characteristic. Nestled within the multitude of landscapes of the region are a host of cultural treasures and culinary pleasures.
Northern Italy is home to Juliet’s balcony (under which her Romeo stood), the winding back roads connecting the five cities of Cinque Terre, the birthplace of the Renaissance era and home to the internationally successful slow food movement. This enchanting European country is the premier destination when it comes to world-class cuisine, culture and ancient architecture. Wherever your love and passions lie, Northern Italy will not disappoint you.
1. Delicious meals like pappa al pomodoro
The essence of Italian cuisine, the very base of “Mamma Italia’s” kitchen, grows in and on the fertile soil of the Tuscan region: lush green grass on rolling hills that feed herds of livestock, olive groves harvesting fresh crops, rich corn fields stretching for miles and vineyards that are home to some of the most remarkable “reds” enjoyed by winos around the world. Among these picturesque vistas, numerous villas and palaces have stood proudly for centuries.
Their local chefs (usually returning to their roots after working all over the world), are all about simplicity and not wasting a single ingredient. Speaking mainly with their hands they teach animated cooking classes where they introduce their lucky students to the secrets of pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup), and biscotti, the regional sweet that has conquered the world. Holding a glass of Chianti from “that hill over there” and listening to the head chef’s passion for creating that simple yet perfect dish makes for a wonderful Tuscan evening.
2. The land (the five lands, actually)
Cinque Terre comprises the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia and literally translates into “The Five Lands”. These truly picture-perfect towns are the embodiment of “Bella Italia”. Built on steep hills and atop high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, it doesn’t get more scenic than Cinque Terre. As cars are banned in many parts, you can choose from one of the more romantic ways of travelling: boat, train or simply walking.
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The slow pace of wandering is perfect for admiring these lollipop-coloured sceneries that appear to have stepped right out of a Cinecitta movie. Part of Cinque Terre’s charm is the lack of visible modern development. You will certainly ask yourself what life must be like for the locals. Well, for one, the local donne (women) must prefer sneakers to high heels – these little old streets make for an adventurous walk, even for the Kate Moss’ among us.
3. George Clooney vacations here so it’s a luxury paradise
There is the Italian sea, the Mediterranean, the Riviera and the Adriatic, and then there are Italy’s lakes. Reaching into the high Alps, Lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda have somehow managed to avoid the realities of modern-day mass tourism. Popular with both Italians and foreigners alike, their more quiet back roads tend to attract the likes of Mr Clooney, who made a villa on the shore of Lake Como his European home.
Standing in his garden, sipping a you-know-what, the Clooneys can enjoy a scenery with forested slopes rising directly from the water’s deep blue edge before heading off for a quick sailing trip. Neighbouring Lake Maggiore features a truly unique gem: the Borromean islands. Home to only a few fishermen until 1632, Carlo III of the House of Borromeo decided to build a palace dedicated to his wife, Isabella, in the middle of the lake. Peacocks and rare species of birds roam freely in the English-style botanical gardens that have been maintained since the mid-1800s in the middle of an Italian lake. What a sight!
4. Truffles, truffles and more truffles!
A truffle is a subterranean mushroom usually found in close proximity with tree roots. Some call it “the diamond of the kitchen”. It used to be that domesticated pigs, trained by the same families for many years, walked on a leash through Piedmont groves and discovered then extracted the truffles. For some years now, scent hounds have taken over this delicate task, as damage caused by the pigs to the truffles led to a dramatic decline in their production.
Hunting truffles means to discover the wild, foggy and dump low Piedmont, the Langhe. The Piedmont not only encompasses some of the world’s best truffle grounds but also the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Barolo vineyards. Among the local hills, the medieval Barolo Castle arises. It houses the Wine Museum, dedicated to “the king of wines, the wine of kings,” with its deep garnet colour and an unmatched bouquet. The slow-food movement aims to preserve traditional regional cuisine, and originates from – where else? – Piedmont. Local chefs will treat you to slow-food dining experiences full of ravioli, fish, nougat and – of course – truffles.
5. Live as Romeo and Juliet (without the tragedy)
Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” is set in Verona. Rightly so, as this compact Renaissance city filled with palaces and medieval buildings is the perfect scenery for the ultimate drama of love. In a small courtyard, nestled in between two marble-paved streets, “Juliet’s House” features the famous balcony.
In “Letters to Juliet”, Hollywood “explains” how the crew of “Juliet’s helpers” answer romantic letters written to her by visitors from all over the world and placed underneath her balcony. Dating back a bit further is the Verona Arena. This magnificent amphitheatre was constructed 2,000 years ago by the Romans and predates Rome’s famous Colosseum. At its peak, the arena hosted performances for more than 30,000 people. Today, opulent opera performances bring classic Italian culture to life.
6. The romance of a picturesque gondola ride
I know what you’re thinking: a herd of tourists and way too many pigeons in St. Marco’s Square. Do not be put off by the touristy reputation of the city; Venice is the crown jewel of water cities and it deserves this title. There’s no better place to experience romance to its fullest than by calmingly floating down the waterways of the Grand Canal with your significant other or friend. You can enjoy the timeless quality of the grandiose St. Mark’s Basilica, or Basilica di San Marco for the locals, on the Piazza San Marco. It dates back to the 9th century and is a real monument to the glory of Venice.
Afterwards, cool down with a delicious gelato that was made by true experts using only the freshest natural ingredients. We can all agree that Italians do eat better, right? And last but not least, do yourself a favour and wander aimlessly through the city’s little streets and alleys. The number of charming and often-empty picturesque squares and streets will make you feel as if you are travelling back in time, leaving you in total awe.
