Exploring Northern Italy: A Two-Week Journey Through Veneto, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria

In September 2023, we embarked on a two-week adventure through Northern Italy, covering Veneto, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria. Flying from Montreal, we chose to land in Venice, a city renowned for its iconic canals and rich historical treasures. Our trip was shared with friends, making for a memorable journey filled with exploration, great food, and beautiful landscapes.

Venice: A Fresh Perspective

Fifteen years ago, I visited Venice and left with mixed feelings due to the strong city odors and overwhelming presence of pigeons in Piazza San Marco. This time, however, I went in with an open mind—and I’m so glad I did.

To avoid the high accommodation prices of Venice, we stayed in Mestre, an 8-minute walk from the train station, making our day trip into the city quick and convenient. In Venice, we strolled along the canals, admired the famous Ponte di Rialto, and marveled at the grandeur of Piazza San Marco. Finding gluten-free options was a challenge, but we eventually enjoyed a delicious meal. Exhausted from jet lag, we dozed off on the short 10-minute train ride back to Mestre. Despite my initial reservations, Venice turned out to be a wonderful experience, and I’d recommend at least a day to explore its beauty.

Lago di Garda: A Perfect Base in Lombardy

From Venice, we drove to Torri del Benaco on Lake Garda, opting for this lesser-known but equally stunning lake over the more famous Lake Como. Our five-night stay allowed us to explore the surrounding areas at a relaxed pace.

Day Trips from Torri del Benaco:

Cascata Varone A short but impressive visit to this beautiful waterfall near Riva del Garda, hidden within a lush cave-like setting.
Riva del Garda & Limone sul Garda: These charming lakeside towns offered breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Trento & Castel del Buonconsiglio: A fascinating visit to this well-preserved medieval castle gave us insight into the region’s history.
The Dolomites (from afar): While we didn’t have time for a full visit, catching a glimpse of these majestic mountains rekindled my love for hiking and made me eager to return for skiing or trekking in the future.
Valpolicella Wine Tour: A highlight of our trip was a tour at Segero Alighieri, where we learned about the winemaking process just after the grape harvest. It was the perfect time to visit!
Sirmione: On our last day, we made a quick stop in Sirmione, a picturesque town on the southern tip of Lake Garda. The castle was beautiful, and I regretted not bringing my bathing suit—it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely swim. Parking was a challenge, so I’d recommend staying overnight or taking a bus to the old town.

A Quick Stop in Modena

En route to Cinque Terre, we made a brief stop in Modena, hoping to experience its world-famous balsamic vinegar. While we did sample different varieties, the town itself felt quiet and empty. Perhaps it was just bad timing, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Cinque Terre: Hiking vs. Crowds

Having visited Cinque Terre years ago with my sister as a day trip from Florence, I knew how busy it could get. Wanting a more relaxed experience, we booked accommodation outside of the main tourist areas, closer to Lucca.

From La Spezia, we took the train to Manarola and embarked on a stunning two-hour hike to Corniglia. The trail was steep and challenging but rewarded us with spectacular coastal views. Meanwhile, our friends opted to visit Vernazza but quickly became overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists. Their experience reaffirmed our decision—hiking allowed us to appreciate Cinque Terre’s beauty without feeling like we were packed in like sardines.

Final Thoughts

Our two-week trip through Northern Italy was an unforgettable experience, blending historical cities, scenic lakes, and coastal trails. Venice pleasantly surprised me, Lake Garda provided the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, and Cinque Terre was best enjoyed on foot. If I were to return, I’d dedicate more time to the Dolomites and perhaps explore Emilia-Romagna more thoroughly. Until next time, Italy!