Regions of Northern Italy

Regions of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is our Expertise

Starting from our unique home region of Friuli, and expanding out to all seven Northern Italian regions, this is a very special part of Italy that most people never fully discover.

From history and art to delicious food and wine, a myriad of outdoor activities, famous landmarks such as Venice, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and hidden gems throughout the varied landscape of sea, mountains, beaches, lagoons, and UNESCO sites. There is so much for you to explore.

We strongly believe in giving you the most authentic travel experience and that is why our small group and custom guided journeys are designed to have you see, feel, and experience Italy like a local.

 

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Come experience Northern Italy through our eyes

Dave and Kelly

A two week journey through Northern Italy to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, with our itinerary, lodging, and custom guided tours created by Audrey. This was the first time we rented a car in Europe and Audrey's recommendations, from where to rent, along with driving tips, made the journey much more enjoyable. Each hotel selected by Audrey was perfect, ideally situated, and representative of its city. Restaurant recommendations were excellent and tips on what to do during our free time ensured we made the most of our experience. Even though we didn't have the joy of Audrey's companionship during this holiday, we felt she was by our side each step of the way. We look forward to our next adventures with Travels with Audrey!

Kelly and Dave, Brampton, Canada

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We wanted to have a private road trip through Northern Italy. Audrey planned everything to perfection. Our ride was spacious and Audrey as our driver-guide made nice detours along the way to show more local culture, food, agriculture and historical sites. Audrey has extensive knowledge of Italian culture, history, architecture and excellent food recommendations. Her input on food is invaluable and she made reservations at several of the best local restaurants off the beaten path. Audrey is fluent in English, Italian, French and German, so throughout the trip we had no problem with not knowing the language. I strongly recommend her for the most memorable trip of your life.

Gurpal and Harmanpreet, Allen TX

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Europe's Best Kept Secret

The bridge between the Mediterranean world and central Europe.

Our home region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) is tucked into Italy’s north-eastern corner where few tourists are found and cultural traditions embrace everyday life.  While each of Italy’s regions is special in their own way, ONLY in FVG can you experience it ALL in ONE place.

With your home base near the town of Udine, this historical and geographical heart is centrally located, allowing you to witness the diverse scenery that is all around. Each day is a new adventure as you move from snow capped Alps, rolling hills, valleys and crystal clear lakes, bright blue colored rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and warm sandy beaches, rocky coastal cliffs, caves and canyons, vineyards, castles, ruins, and much more!

If you are a foodie and wine lover, this region is a true gastronomic experience!
Friuli’s is a cuisine that not only tells the story of the land and the seasons, but also hundreds of years of shifting borders and cultural exchange paired with the Italy’s 3rd quality wine region, a “Heaven for White Wine Lovers.”

Come join us on a Friuli Cultural Vacation and see this undiscovered region like a local. 

A 20-page Friuli Travel Guide of the Top 10 Experiences you can ONLY have in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and why CNN Travel calls it “One of Europe’s Best Kept Secrets”. Download the Friuli Travel Guide

“In delectable Friuli-Venezia Giulia, some of Italy’s best wine is poured in the best restaurants you’ve never heard of.”

~ Frances Mayes, author, Under the Tuscan Sun

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Discover hidden villages,
unforgettable food and wines,
and the cultural moments that make
this corner of Northern Italy so special.

Veneto

Veneto

A Fairy Tale of Magic and Romance

Where you'll find the most exquisite cities that float on water.

The region’s capital, Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, is the favorite of them all and definitely worth a visit just to get lost in the labyrinth of intricate alleyways, canals, and picturesque bridges. The world famous Carnival is an annual festival where elaborate masked costumes and medieval traditions fill this magical place.

The romantic city of Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, also holds the 3rd largest forum, Piazza delle Erbe, and a grand Roman Arena which still hosts live summer opera performances.

The art city of Vicenza is a mecca for those who love architecture. Here you can visit the famous Palladian villas, 15th to 18th century luxurious summer homes and gardens built by wealthy Venetians. Today, it still stands as one of Italy’s wealthiest cities.

Be further captured by Veneto’s spell when you see this region by water.  Whether gliding through the canals by gondola or shuttling to the islands by private water taxi or vaporetto (water boat), venturing away from the cities brings you to a whole other chapter in this story book setting.  The Venetian Islands of Murano (the art of glass blowing), colorful Burano (a quaint fishing village) and charming Torcello (the home of the 7th century monument Santa Maria Assunta) each hold unique cultural traditions for you to experience.

Neighborhood wine bars called bacari are an institution in Venice. Cichetti are to Venice like tapas are to Spain. Venetians like to enjoy their happy-hour nibbles with a glass of wine or a spritz cocktail (invented in Venice).  The bacaro bar is basically the exact opposite of a tourist trap; it’s a home away from home for Venetians.

Agriculture still plays a big part in this region, and it produces some of Italy’s most famous wines, Valpolicella, and Soave.
The UNESCO Strada del Prosecco route leads from Conegliano to the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, home of the finest Italian sparkling wine, and where the views and the trattorias match the region’s reputation in wine. Head to the Asiago plateau, and witness the cheese making traditions that date more than a thousand years. Here, you can sample Asiago cheese in the place it originated.

Read the blog "Venice is not as touristy as you think" for an off the beaten path adventure.

Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige

A Natural Outdoor Playground

In the most northern part of Italy, the stunning peaks of the majestic Dolomites and eastern Alps welcome you.

Trentino Alto Adige is actually two provinces (Trento and Alto Adige) that come together to give you a cultural escape into Mother Nature’s beauty.

Trentino is in the south where Italian is spoken. Surrounded by mountains, the beautiful city of Trento was founded by the Romans on the banks of the Adige River, the second longest river in Italy. Castello del Buonconsiglio is a 13th century castle worth visiting for its various buildings all built at different times, and its interior halls that are lined with precious frescoes.

Alto Adige is in the north where German and Ladin are spoken. The capital city, Bolzano, holds a medieval center with onion domed churches and the famous Otzi, a 5,000 year old mummy found frozen in a glacier in the Dolomites in 1990.

If you want to be awe-inspired then Gardena Valley in the heart of the Dolomites is where to be. Walk the trails around Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high altitude Alpine meadow. Be brave and hop on a suspended car that will lift you high above the clouds to view the most important peaks in the Alps, Sasso Pordoi and Marmolada.  Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada stands at 11,000 feet and the only peak made of limestone rather than Dolomite rock. Or walk the Path of Peace which follows the front lines of World War I where more than 300 monuments tell the stories of resilience and courage.

For an authentic eco-sustainable stay, try the affordable “rifugi” (alpine huts) or “agriturismi” (farm houses) scattered in the mountains and valleys on a hiking vacation. Here you can sample the Alpine cheeses and meats paired nicely with the apples growing in the region.

With Austrian influence in cuisine, you will find sauerkraut, strudel, and dumplings on the menu instead of pasta. Alto Adige is one of Italy’s smallest wine growing regions yet boasts around 20 grape varieties on 5,000 hectares of terraced vineyards and the most spectacular scenery.

Read blog post "Hiking in the Dolomites" for a hiking experience in the Alps.

Valle d'Aosta

The Rooftop of Italy

Italy’s smallest region holds the highest peaks of Western Europe.

Valle d’Aosta, one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps, borders with France and Switzerland. The valley is ringed by the snowcapped peaks of Europe’s highest mountains, including Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), Monte Cervino (the Matterhorn), Monte Rosa, and Gran Paradiso, where the first ever Italian National Park was founded in 1922. If you are not scared of heights, the new gondola, Skyway Monte Bianco, called the 8th Wonder of the World, has rounded cars that rotate 360 degrees allowing you to see the breathtaking slopes on the Italian side of Mont Blanc across the border in France. With a combination of sustainable architecture, cutting-edge technology and design, you have a once in a lifetime view of the surrounding natural beauty.

Would you love to ski in 3 countries at once? The Aosta Valley Ski Pass gives you access to the ski lifts in Italy, Switzerland, and France with trails divided into different levels, so you can easily choose a route of suitable difficulty.  There are many popular ski resorts like Courmayeur (at the base of Mont Blanc) that offer skiing in the winter, and hiking and mountaineering adventures year round. The hamlet of Chamois is the only Italian village that can't be accessed by car and is connected via trails and streets. Chamois is one of 19 "Alpine Pearl" villages that dot the Alps of Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland united by a commitment to environmental sustainability.

If you are a spa lover, there are two important spas: Prè Saint Didier is the highest thermal park located at the foot of Mont Blanc and Saint Vincent, a modern wellness center offering distinctive curative properties of the thermal springs discovered in 1770 by the abbot Jean-Baptiste Perret.

The capital, Aosta, has a 2000-year-old center that still harbors Roman ruins like the Arco di Augusto, the Roman bridge spanning the Buthier River since the 1st century, and the Porta Praetoria, the main gate to the Roman city. Today, it is a lively center for trade and handcraft, as well as a shopping delight.

Step into the many medieval castles throughout this region. Renowned for its frescoes, Fénis Castle is one of the most famous for its architecture and its many towers and battlemented walls. Forte di Bard was built in the 19th century by the House of Savoy and contains a permanent exhibition called “The Prison” detailing the fortress’ rich history. The great modern tunnels of Gran San Bernardo and those under the Mont Blanc are engineering masterpieces that run between France, Italy, and Switzerland.

The cuisine is simple and based on fresh ingredients from the mountains and streams. This is the only Italian region to produce Fontina cheese (DOP), a key ingredient in many regional dishes such as fonduta (fondue). Many Italians also come to this region in the fall to celebrate the apples that are grown here. More than 20 wines are designated as originating from this region and are considered the highest growing vines in Europe. Visit the small wine estates that are still family-operated, using wine making traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Piemonte

Tuscany of the North

Authentic Italian epicurean delights and cultural experiences.

Piemonte, meaning “the foot of the mountains” is nestled under the peaks of the Alps and is bordered by Switzerland in the north and France in the west. It has a diverse landscape: the flat plains of the Po Valley; the mountain peaks of Monte Viso and Monte Rosa to the north; the gently rolling Apennines in the south; the valleys of Val di Susa in the north and Val Chisone in the south. You can hike the nine summits of the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains), UNESCO World Heritage status for the 16th and 17th century chapels built upon its slopes. Or visit the Great Wall of Europe, and see Fenestrelle Fortress, the greatest defensive structure ever built in Europe and second only to the Great Wall of China in terms of length.

The capital city, Turin, called Torino in Italian, is the crown-jewel of Northern Italy. It gave the world Italy as we now know it, being the engine room to the Resurgence, the Italian Unification. It is famous as Italy's first capital and its monarchy, the House of Savoy, whose religious relic known as the Holy Shroud is believed to be the cloth that covered Jesus. Visit Venaria Reale Palazzo to see Greek and Roman archaeological treasures, the personal art collection of the Savoy dynasty, and the spectacular gardens created by the same designer of the renowned gardens of Versailles. This is one of the biggest royal residences in the world. The striking hilltop monastery, Sacra di San Michele takes you to another world and age entirely. Pass through the famous Gate of Zodiac and you will know why local legend says that it was built by angels in the 11th century.

If you are a true gourmand, this region has so much for you to discover including the local production of more than 60 types of cheese! Bra is the hometown of the Slow Food Movement.  The headquarters for Eataly, the upscale chain selling high-quality Italian foods and wines, is in Alba, world renowned for its rare white truffles, the most expensive in the world. Be sure to visit Alba between September and January so you can participate in a truffle hunt with specially trained dogs for an unforgettable foodie adventure. It is also home to Nutella, the hazelnut chocolate spread made by Ferrero. Vercelli is the largest rice growing area of Europe and the tastiest risotto in Northern Italy. The rolling valleys of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato are a wine lover’s paradise. With more DOCG (17) and DOC (42) wines than any other region, it is home to the Nebbiolo grape which is transformed into Barolo, “the Prince of Piedmont”, and Barbaresco, two of Italy’s prestigious red wines. Aperitivo, the Italian tradition of having evening drinks and snacks, started in Turin along with the introduction of Cinzano, Campari, and Martini and Rossi. And espresso too! The Moka pot was invented in Turin forever changing how Italians made coffee. Enjoy a wine tasting in Canelli, the home of the Spumante wine in the province of Asti.

For an authentic experience, take part in the many cultural festivals that this region has. The International White Truffle Festival in Alba each fall; the yearly Cioccolatò Chocolate Fair and Messer Tulipano (Tulip Festival) in Turin; the Cheese Festival held every two years in Bra; in Asti you can find the Douja d’Or (wine competition), Delle Sagre (food festival) and Palio d’Asti (Italy’s oldest Horse Race).

The Egyptian Museum and The Automobile Museum of Turin (showcasing Piemonte’s car, the FIAT) are also noteworthy landmarks.  Purchase the Torino+Piemonte Card for reduced or free entrances to museums, monuments, castles, fortresses and royal residences in Turin and the Piemonte region.

Liguria

Liguria

The Italian Riviera

Dramatic coastlines with colorful villages and seaside towns.

Liguria, a narrow strip along the coast in northwestern Italy, is bordered by France, Piemonte, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. If you want a seaside escape from the bustle of Milan or Florence, this is the nearest place to go.

Its capital, Genoa, was one of the most important maritime states in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and was also the hometown of Christopher Columbus. To the west of Genoa, is the Riviera di Ponente, a long ribbon of hotels filled during the summer with Italian families who book a year ahead to stay in their favorite spot. San Remo, near the French border, is the grande-dame of Riviera resorts. Flanked by hillsides covered with greenhouses, it is a major center for flower export.

To the east of Genoa, Riviera di Levante, the coastline is more rugged, stretching from the Gulf of Poets, past the famous Liguria beaches and into the resort towns. Santa Margherita Ligure has everything a lavish Riviera playground should have, with plenty of palm trees and attractive hotels, cafes, and a marina packed with yachts. Portofino, a picturesque seaside village with brightly colored houses is known as the resort of the rich and famous since the 1950’s and ranks among the world’s most famous fishing villages.

A six mile stretch of the Italian Riviera belongs to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of five captivating villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare). Walk the trails that connect the towns for amazing views from the rugged cliffs and you will know why this beautiful gem is often photographed and tops the lists in travel magazines. Via dell’Amore is one of the most popular paths and connects Riomaggiore and Manarola.  Riomaggiore dates back to the 7th century and has well preserved its authenticity and the nature that surrounds it due to its hidden and unique position. Monterosso al Mare has a lively promenade dotted with waterfront restaurants and a long beach where you can watch the surfers or go for a swim. Corniglia, the mountain village, has the famous Lardarina staircase coiling up 400 steps to the cliff that it is perched upon. The Gothic style Church of St. Peter sits atop a rocky point in the small town of Porto Venere, a true hidden “sixth” gem and one of the most beautiful places on the west coast of Italy.

Enjoy pesto in its birthplace, Genoa. If you’re a fan of pesto alla genovese this is where to try the real stuff. Pair it with foccacia, another signature item of the region. Honey gelato from Corniglia. Anchovies of Monterosso. Fresh catches from the Ligurian Sea make seafood and shellfish in abundance. Many restaurants are on the coastline so you can enjoy the waterfront views. Finish your meal with Cinque Terre’s famous Sciacchetrà, a sweet velvety dessert wine. This is… la dolce vita.

Italian Lakes District

Italian Lakes District

The Four Jewels of the Italian Alps

The lure of charm and stunning beauty pulls you in.

Throughout history, in a special place where Switzerland meets Italy, the Italian Lakes have been a destination - from Roman emperors to the cream of European society to the Hollywood celebrities of today. Artists, musicians, and writers, from Goethe to Hemingway, have lavished praise on these glacial azure lakes. With a backdrop of snow powdered mountains, this area is dotted with charming medieval towns and spectacular villas showcasing tropical gardens. A postcard perfect destination!

Lake Como

This is the most dramatic of the lakes and the most popular. For centuries its beauty has been an inspiration for artists and an illustrious birthplace for inventors and novelists. The villages of Bellagio and Varenna are exquisite. Take a private boat tour to the enchanting Villa Balbianello located on the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula. This villa has been the scene of many important events in the history of Italy and also the abode of important politicians, and art and literature characters. Once owned by Guido Monzino, the first Italian to climb Mount Everest, who decorated the interiors with antique furniture and many rare artifacts obtained in his expeditions. It is not surprising Villa Balbianello is now one of the most visited villas in Italy.

Lake Garda

Italy’s largest and easternmost lake straddles the border between Lombardia and Veneto. While the Alps form part of the awe-inspiring views to the north, the shores are lined with rolling green hills and gardens, vineyards, lemon trees, and olive groves. The quaint medieval town of Malcesine sits at the bottom of Monte Baldo. Here you can take a gondola ride that rotates 360 degrees as you ascend up 6000 feet for the amazing view. One of the most renowned lake fortresses is the spectacular Castel Toblino which was built as an ancient temple on the sunny shores of Lake Toblino. Or visit the historic hill called San Martino della Battaglia, near the Monumental Tower dedicated to the Battle of 1859 during the unification of Italy. It is here that Henry Dunand, a Swiss doctor visiting this battlefield, had the idea for the Red Cross.

Lake Maggiore 

A natural and historical paradise nestled between Piemonte and Lombardia, this is Italy’s beautiful resort lake. A series of lovely towns, such as Stresa, Verbania and Cannobio, become the gateways to the gorgeous Maggiore islands. Wooded hillsides rise behind the towns, strewn with decadent villas and castles. Villa Taranto in Verbano is one of the most important botanical gardens in the world, with thousands of species of trees and flowers from all over the world. Bella (beautiful), Pescatore (fisherman) and Madre (mother) make the three idyllic islands on Lake Maggiore that were named after the aristocratic Borromean family—art and garden lovers—who bought the land in the 16th century and transformed two of them into luxury residences. At Isola Bella you’ll find the grand Baroque Palazzo Borromeo with opulent rooms filled with 15th-century art, intricate tile work and beautiful frescoes. Step into the lush gardens to admire the grace of the white peacocks that have made their home there. You will feel a true fairytale come to life.

Lake Orta 

Lying in the foothills of the Alps near the Swiss border, this romantic lake is one of the smallest and most peaceful in Northern Italy. Circled by a dark green forest with rocky hills and shimmering waters, it is the perfect place to escape the crowds and just relax. The ancient town of Orta san Giulio is a picturesque maze of narrow cobbled lanes flanked by old stone walls, craft boutiques, antique shops and lively cafés. Walk uphill to the Sacred Mountain, a unique religious site with 25 chapels dedicated to the life of St. Francis, where pilgrims used to come and pray. A must is a ferry ride to Isola San Giulio. This tiny island is home to a convent of nuns. Along the perimeter is the circular path of “Silence and Meditation”. Walking in one direction you will find signposts with messages relating to silence. Walking in the other direction are inspiring words for you to meditate on. Either way, it is a memorable experience, and don’t be surprised if a little part of this serenity stays with you.

A rich array of culinary delights such as saffron-infused risottos, fresh-from-the-net lake fish, and cheese-topped polenta are the features of menus everywhere from Michelin-starred eateries to humble trattorias. The wine regions produce a wealth of crisp whites, hearty reds, and a world-famous sparkling wine. And, don’t forget to stop at the mills to taste the delicate olive oils. It is a beguiling region - making a trip here is a feast for both the eyes and the senses.

Lombardia

Lombardia

Art, Culture, Food, and the Most UNESCO Sites

Breathtaking natural landscapes hold historical treasures and a vibrant city filled with famous landmarks.

Lombardia, the wealthiest and most developed region, is the leading industrial and commercial core of Italy yielding great economic and political power.  With a 1,000+ year history, the upper reaches of Lombardia's valleys are largely unspoiled, its towns and cities retain their medieval cores, and the famed Italian lakes are surrounded by stunning scenery and lush vegetation.

The capital Milan dominates the plains of the southern part of Lombardia. It is a city where business and history blend together and art and architecture go hand in hand. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper fresco, the Scala Opera House, and Milan’s iconic symbol, the stunning Gothic cathedral, Il Duomo, which took six centuries to complete. Milan is also Italy’s fashion capital, famous for its world renowned boutiques and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most beautiful covered shopping gallerias in the world.

Surrounded by three artificial lakes, Mantua has an unusual landscape filled with Renaissance architecture and beautiful monuments such as the Ducal Palace and its famous Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber) decorated with frescoes by Mantegna. Cremona has been a famous music center since the 16th century and is still known for its artisan workshops producing high-quality stringed instruments. Antonio Stradivari was a famous luthier, producing over 1,100 violins, among the best in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Venetian Walls in the medieval town of Bergamo is a must see. Built for defense, these iconic 16th century walls offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, and on a clear day, you can see Milan.

If you want to get active, La Via Delle Sorelle Way is an 80-mile path for cyclists and walkers connecting Bergamo and Brescia, the second largest city in Lombardia. For a unique experience, board the Bernina Express Train. Among the steepest in the world, this panoramic railway takes you on a tour from Italy to Switzerland through the gorgeous landscapes of the Alps.  Or, hit the ski slopes in Bormio, host of the 2026 Winter Olympics for alpine skiing. Be sure to book spa time at the thermal baths. Bormio’s nine natural springs keep this thousand-year wellness tradition alive.

With the most Michelin-starred restaurants in all of Italy, Lombardia is a foodie paradise. Rich like the region itself, the haute cuisine specializes in risottos, stews, and mostarda (a candied fruit condiment). And for wine lovers, the Franciacorta wine region produces the highest production of a complex sparkling white wine, often compared to France’s Champagne. Franciacorta DOCG wine is made using the classic method of refermentation where the first traces of vineyards date back to prehistoric times.

Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna

The Bread Basket of Northern Italy

Renaissance cities radiate luxury and a gastronomic heaven.

Emilia-Romagna is two former Papal States joined together after Unification: Emilia to the east and the Romagna to the west. In the north it extends from the Apennine Mountains to the Po River. Set between Lombardy and Tuscany, it stretches from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean Seas. This is the heartland of Northern Italy with one ancient Roman road, Via Emilia, which connects all of its diverse cultural and natural landscapes together.

The capital, Bologna, is one of the largest medieval cities in the world with a well preserved historic center of Renaissance palaces and original towers. A few of its nicknames: La Dotta (the scholar) for Europe’s oldest university with alumni Dante, Copernicus, and Pope Alexander VI.; La Grassa (the fat one) for being the gastronomic capital of Italy where food is a magnificent obsession. It is one of Italy’s most livable cities and is a center of cultural excellence.

Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire after the fall of Rome in the 5th century. Here you will find eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments preserving its storied past, as well as, many of the world’s most important and impressive Byzantine mosaics decorated in churches and mausoleums. Sleepy, unpretentious, rarely crowded - a blessing if you love art! Ferrara, a UNESCO world heritage city, was once an independent and powerful duchy. A well known city by the 15th century, it remains circled today by some of the best-preserved medieval walls you can find in Italy.

If you love Italian luxury cars then head to the Motor Valley where brilliant minds developed cutting-edge technology and birthed the biggest names in Italy’s luxury car industry. Visit factory homes and museums of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, including motorbike brands like Ducati, located in and around Modena and Bologna.

The Food Valley is one of the most unique and celebrated food and wine regions in the world having a prestigious basket of traditional products, protected under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certifications as a seal of their quality and authenticity. Two signature products are located in Parma, the Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, and home of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Culatello di Zibello. Modena is famous for its "liquid gold" Aceto Balsamico.  The slightly sparkling local red wine Lambrusco is the perfect pairing with the regional food, yet often misunderstood.

This area has grown wheat since Roman times so homemade pasta creations that are most well known are: tortellini (small, stuffed ring shaped pasta), and tagliatelle (ribbon shaped pasta) that is paired with ragu (meaty tomato sauce) to make Pasta Bolognese. A  local in the know (Audrey) can take you on private tours to the family owned factories and producers, where you can authentically taste your way through one of Italy’s best destinations for foodies.

Ready to get started, or want to chat about your travel plans?

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Audrey provided top notch services to us on our custom guided tour in Northern Italy. There was initial hesitation planning this with someone we did not know, however after the first zoom meeting with Audrey, we were sold! She was very professional, knowledgeable and eager to help plan and make our experience wonderful. She took the time to really understand what we wanted to see and to get out of our Italian adventure. She took us to areas that were not overly crowded but absolutely beautiful with lots to do. There were NO issues and everything went very smoothly. We did not have any worries or stress. Audrey was so much fun to be with, we enjoyed shopping, cappuccino, and afternoon aperitivos with her. Lots of laughs and good times. The custom and personal attention you get from Audrey sets her above the rest.

- Maureen and Chris, Novi MI

Thank you, Audrey for the perfect journey. The museums, boat and train rides, castles, wine tastings and your little surprises were enjoyed by all. All the restaurants you took us to for lunch and dinner were over the top when it came to ambiance, scenic views and crazy good food. This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us that we all enjoyed. You have spoiled us rotten when it comes to traveling. Thank you for everything.

- Gail and Bill, Dallas TX

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Harold and Janna

Do yourself a favor and see parts of Italy that are usually passed over. Audrey planned a 2 week trip for our group of 6. Nothing was left for us to do but sit back and enjoy our vacation in Italy. Every detail was thought out, anticipated and executed without exception. Best of all, she also became a friend. If you desire to be pampered, chauffeured, taught, eat good food and have a totally enjoyable time, I encourage you to contact Audrey and let her show you her Italy that she loves and loves to share with others.

- Harold and Janna, Bedford TX

Travel Shaped by my Life in Northern Italy

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CleanShot 2026-03-27 at 16.13.27@2x

Some places are best experienced as a guest, not a tourist