Long-distance diving in Northern Italy
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage, Faune and flora, Discovery, Adventure / Sports & Leisure, Free time, Relaxation / Well-being.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté, Automne.
Where to stay - Milan ?
The map of your stay "Long-distance diving in Northern Italy"
Detail of the stay : Long-distance diving in Northern Italy
How to get there - Milan
Milan
Steps: Milan
One day is a very short time to see the must-sees of the Lombard capital, so head for the Duomo, symbol of the city; the cathedral is the third largest in the world. Alternatively, stay in the historic center and stroll through the lively surrounding streets brimming with fashion boutiques, ending up in front of the La Scala opera house, a mecca of Milanese cultural life. If there's time and energy left over, a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera will round off the day in style.
Places of interest : PINACOTECA DI BRERA
The Great Lakes - Day 1
Steps: Îles Borromées
After the hustle and bustle of Italy's economic capital, there's nothing like a little rest in the Lake District, majestically framed by the high Alpine peaks, one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. When you arrive on the shores of Lake Maggiore, don't miss a visit to the Borromean Islands.
The Great Lakes - Day 2
Steps: Lac De Côme
The second day is devoted to Lake Como and the village of Bellagio, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views.
Turin - Day 1
Steps: Turin
Far from the clichés of a dreary industrial city, Turin reveals its beauties as you stroll along its 18 km of arcades. On the menu: a stroll along via Po, coffee break(s), or rather ciocolatta or bicerin, the local specialty, in one of the historic caffés of the capital of Italian unity. In the afternoon, a visit to the excellent Museo del Cinema, housed in the Mole Antoneliana, the city's landmark building. A glass elevator takes you to the top, where, if the weather's clear, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alpine peaks. In the evening, enjoy an opera at the Teatro Regio, or a lively night in the Murazzi clubs along the River Po.
Places of interest : VIA PO
Turin - Day 2
Steps: Turin
On the second day, we'll visit the Egyptian Museum and take the funicular up to the Superga Basilica. The panorama of Turin from the hill is breathtaking.
Places of interest : BASILICA DI SUPERGA
The Langhe
Steps: Alba
Perhaps awakened by a glass of Barolo tasted the day before in Turin, it's time to go back to its source. A few kilometers to the south, a green, undulating landscape is home to some of Italy's finest nectars. AroundAlba, Ferrero's stronghold, the cascine - large Piedmontese farmhouses - offer rest and good food in a setting still untouched by mass tourism. An invigorating walk before sampling the wonders of Piedmont, perhaps the famous white truffle, the local gold.
Genoa
Steps: Gênes
Over the past decade, Genoa has undergone a breathtaking facelift. Leaving aside the sopraelevata, the freeway that cuts the city off from the sea in an ugly gash, the Ligurian capital offers the largest historic center full of picturesque alleyways where it's good to stroll. In the port, restored by the master Renzo Piano, a visit to the Aquarium, Europe's largest marine park, will delight admirers of the Big Blue and nature. Afterwards, enjoy a focaccia or farinata in one of the many stalls around the port. As you make your way up towards the center, you'll discover the spectacle of via San Lorenzo, which leads to the cathedral of the same name. The day ends on a high note with via Garibaldi and its twelve Renaissance palaces.
Places of interest : CATHEDRALE SAN LORENZO
Cinque Terre
After a busy day the day before, there's nothing like a moment's stroll. Between land and sea, the Cinque Terre National Park, a World Heritage Site, promises invigorating walks with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean as a backdrop. After a day's strolling along its promontories of vineyards and olive groves, a rest in one of the area's five villages is a welcome treat.
Florence - Day 1
Steps: Florence - Firenze
Step back in time to the Renaissance in Florence, the emblematic city of this era and the art capital of the world. The first day can be devoted to the famous Uffizi Gallery and a stroll through the San Giovanni district, with the wonders of the historic center on the program: the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, but also the Piazza San Giovanni and the Ponte Vecchio.
Places of interest : PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA PONTE VECCHIO PALAZZO VECCHIO
Florence - day 2
Steps: Florence - Firenze
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.
Places of interest : PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Siena
Steps: San Miniato
Taking a few side roads through the Tuscan hills, the journey between Florence and Siena is a rare moment in itself. The villages of San Miniato and San Giminiano, with their almost thousand-year-old bell towers, are just some of the highlights. Arriving in Siena, the Piazza del Campo, in the heart of the city, is a breathtaking starting point before losing yourself in the city's maze ofdescontrades ("quarters"), which compete on horseback in the famous Palio.
Places of interest : PIAZZA DEL CAMPO
Urbino
Steps: Urbino
Nestled in the heart of the Apennines, the small walled city ofUrbino is a magical destination. The town can be explored on foot, and the Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance masterpiece, is well worth a visit. For lunch, try the panini a la porchetta from the street vendors..
Ravenna
Steps: Ravenne
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.
Ferrara
Steps: Ferrara
Half an hour from Bologna, well protected by its high walls inherited from the wars between paladins, Ferrara is well worth a visit. The best way to explore its quiet streets is by bicycle, which can be hired locally. The Este family castle and Renaissance palaces make a visit to Ferrara a plunge into another world. If you feel like it, try the local specialty, pasticcio di maccheroni, at a trattoria in the heart of the city.
Gourmet Bologna
Steps: Bologne
A symbol of theEmilia-Romagna region's tradition of fine dining, Bologna is a destination of choice. The ochre walls of its magnificent historic center vibrate with the cosmopolitan youth who populate its university, the oldest in Europe. It's pleasant to stroll through the historic center and discover the foodstuffs for which the so-called red city is famous (due to the color of its monuments... and its political leanings) at the corner of a market, and why not fill your picnic basket at the delle Erbe market, open every day of the week.
Parma
Steps: Parme
A gastronomic visit to the city of ham and Parmesan would seem an obvious choice... But Parma is above all a city of art with a peaceful atmosphere, where you can stroll through the historic center between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Duomo.
Verona
Steps: Verone
Lovers in search of romance will be delighted in this city of irresistible charm. Admire the impressive Roman amphitheatre and stroll through the town center, before taking in the panoramic views of the town and its surroundings from Castel San Pietro.
Places of interest : ANFITEATRO ROMANO CASTEL SAN PIETRO
The Dolomites - Day 1
The "Pale Mountains", a mountain range shared by Veneto, Trentino and Alto Adige, turn pink in the setting sun. This border region is full of surprises. The German-speaking capital of the province of South Tyrol, Bolzano is a pleasant place to cycle. Its magnificent old town, with its generous arcades and distinguished stores, leaves no one indifferent.
The Dolomites - day 2
Steps: Dobbiaco - Toblach
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.
Vicenza and the Palladian villas
Steps: Vicence
The birthplace of the famous architect Palladio, Vicenza bears his imprint everywhere. Discover Palladio's elegant style by visiting the Olympic Theatre and the luxurious villas in the surrounding area.
Padua
Steps: Padoue
Nestled between Verona and Venice, its two bulky neighbors, Padua is often overlooked by traditional tourist circuits. All the more reason to inhale the particular fragrance of this arcaded student town. It cultivates its own art de vivre, protected by Saint Anthony. In the late afternoon, dare to take a break at caffé Pedrocchi, the local institution... Or join the horde of students who gather for a spritz at aperitif time.
Venice - day 1
Steps: Venise
It's hard to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists between the Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square. Venice, which reveals its picture-postcard scenery along the Canal Grande on a vaporetto trip, has many more mysterious charms to discover, around Giudecca or in the Ghetto district. Don't forget to take a museum break: Guggenheim or Accademia, depending on your mood. At nightfall, the city takes on a whole new look. A different atmosphere, shrouded in mystery, where it's good to get lost.
Places of interest : PONTE DI RIALTO
Venice - day 2
Steps: Burano
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.
