Diving in the long course in Northern Italy

A day is very short to see the inescapable nature of the Lombardy capital, then head to the Duomo, a symbol of the city. the cathedral is the third largest in the world. You can stay in the historic centre and stroll around the lively streets full of fashion boutiques to finish in front of the Scala opera house, the high place of Milanese cultural life. If there is a little time and energy, a visit to the Pinacothèque De will end the day in a.

After the turmoil of the economic capital of Italy, nothing is worth a little rest in the region of the Lakes, flanked majestically by the high Alpine peaks, one of the most beautiful Italian landscapes. By arriving on the shores of Lake Maggiore, do not miss a jump on the Borromées islands.

Spend the second day in Lake Como and Bellagio village where you can enjoy beautiful panoramas.

Far from the photographs of a sad industrial city, Turin will reveal its beauty, in the turn of its 18 km of arcades. On the menu: walk along via Po, a break (s) coffee, or rather ciocolatta or bicerin, the local specialty, in one of the historical caffé of the capital of Italian unity. In the afternoon, a tour to the excellent Cinema Museum is housed in the Mole Antoneliana, a symbol of the city. The summit is reached by a glass lift with, if time is clear, a royal view on the alpine summits. In the evening, an opera at the Regio Theatre, or a turbulent night in the Clubs clubs along the river Po.

The second day to visit the Egyptian Museum and take a tour at the Basilica of Superga, in funicular. From the hill, the panorama of Turin is breathtaking.

Perhaps mis with a glass of Barolo tasted the day before Turin, it is time to go back to its source. A few kilometres to the south, a green and hilly landscape welcomes some of Italy's best nectars. Around Alba, Ferrero's stronghold, the cascine - large Piedmont farms - offer rest and good value in a still preserved framework of mass tourism. The occasion of a refreshing march before the Specialities wonders to taste, perhaps the famous white truffle, local gold.

Over the last ten years, Genoa has shot a blow. When you overlook the sopraelevata, the motorway that cuts the city of the sea into a bad scar, the capital Ligurian offers the largest historic centre loaded with picturesque streets where it makes good strolls. In the harbour, restored by Master Renzo Piano, a visit to the Aquarium, the largest marine park in Europe, will fill the admirers of Great Blue and Nature. You can then enjoy a focaccia or a farinata in one of the numerous shops around the harbour. Going back to the centre, the show of the Via San Lorenzo leads to the cathedral of the same name. Finally, you will find the day by Garibaldi and its twelve Renaissance palaces.

After the day's busy day, nothing is worth a stroll. Between land and sea, the Cinque Terre national park, inscribed on the world heritage of mankind, promises invigorating marches with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in the focus. After a day of walking on its headlands made of vineyards and olive trees, rest in one of the five villages in the area is welcome.

A leap in the past and the Renaissance, arriving in Florence, the emblematic city of this era and world capital of art. The first day can be dedicated to the famous Uffizi Gallery and a walk in the San Giovanni neighbourhood with the programme the wonders of the historic centre: Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, but also Piazza San Giovanni and Ponte Vecchio. 

On the second day, direction the heights of Florence and Piazzale Michelangelo, before finishing the day with a aperitivo on the side of the Oltrarno.

By taking a few paths in the Tuscan hills, the journey between Florence and Siena is a rare moment. The villages of San Miniato and San Giminiano set their sights for almost millennia. In Siena, Piazza del Campo, in the heart of the city, is a stunning starting point before losing itself in the maze maze ("neighborhoods") of the city, which clash with the famous Palio.

Nestled in the heart of the Apennines, the small town of Urbino, surrounded by ramparts, is a magical destination. The city is walking distance, and the Ducal palace, the Renaissance masterpiece, is worth a visit. At noon, a board, taste the panini has the porchetta of itinerant sellers...

An exceptional collection of basilicas, baptisteries and other mausoleums whose mosaics and frescoes remain remarkably well preserved, Ravenna remains an essential stage for its Byzantine treasures.

At half an hour from Bologna, well protected by its high walls inherited from the wars, Ferrara deserves a detour. The best way to explore its quiet streets is the bicycle, to rent on site. The family castle of Este and the Renaissance palaces make Ferrara a dive in another world. If the envy takes you, taste il pasticcio di maccheroni, local speciality in a trattoria in the heart of the city.

A symbol of the tradition of good value in the region of Emilia Romagna, Bologna is a destination of choice. The ochre walls of its magnificent historic centre vibrate with the cosmopolitan youth who are its university, the oldest in Europe. It is nice to walk in the historic centre and discover the food that makes the famous city red (due to the colour of its monuments... and its political leanings) on the way to a market, and why not garnish its picnic basket to that delle Erbe, open every day of the week.

The gastronomic stage is evident in the city of ham and Parmesan... but Parma is above all a city of art with a peaceful atmosphere, where it makes good strolls in the historic centre between Piazza Garibaldi and the Duomo.

Romantic lovers will be filled in this city with irresistible charm. Admire the impressive Roman amphitheatre and walk in the centre before you take the height to enjoy the panorama of the city and surrounding area of San Pietro castle.

A mountain massif sharing between Veneto, Trentino and Alto Adige, the "Pale Mountains" teintent from rose to sunset. This border region offers beautiful surprises. A German-speaking capital of South Tyrol province, Bolzano has a pleasant bicycle ride. Its magnificent old town with generous arcades and fine shops does not leave indifferent.

You will then be able to visit the nearby cities of Director and Dobbiaco, where Austrian influence is becoming more and more important, while stopping on the way to tasting the local wines in one of the famous cellars of the region.

The birthplace of the famous architect Palladio, Vicenza in door everywhere. Discover the elegant style of Palladio by visiting the Olympic Theatre and then the luxurious villas nearby.

With its two bulky neighbours from Verona to Venice, Padova is often neglected traditional tourist circuits. A good reason to smell the particular scent of this student city surrounded by arcades. She cultivates an art of living well, protected by Saint Anthony. At the end of the afternoon, dare the break at the Pedrocchi Pedrocchi, the local institution... Or join the horde of students who find themselves in an hour of aperitif.

Difficult to escape from the hustle of tourists between Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Venice, which unveils its postcard decor along the Grande Canal, on a vaporetto journey, has many more mysterious charms to discover, from Giudecca or the Ghetto Quarter. A museum break is to be taken into account: Guggenheim or Accademia, according to envy. At night, the city takes new reflections. Another nimbée atmosphere of mystery where it is good to lose.

Move away from Venetian euphoria for a necessary retreat. The small islands of the lagoon, reliables by boat, are as many marine confetti to discover, suitable for melancholy reverie. Burano and its colorful houses, Torcello and its mysterious ruins. A good way to recover before returning home.

Discover the Austrian and Slav beauties of this city situated on the borders of Italy and on the route of the Balkans and the East, its mitteleuropa atmosphere has charmed many travellers and writers like James Joyce or Italian Svevo. Visit the beautiful Piazza dell'Unità and then stroll through the lungomare to visit the Habsbourg Castle of Miramare.