Northern Italy offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from dramatic alpine peaks to tranquil canals. The region is renowned for its splendid art, historical architecture, and, perhaps most enticingly, exceptional cuisine and beverages. This area serves as the birthplace of iconic dishes and drinks like Modena’s tortellini, Venice’s cicchetti, the quintessential Florentine Negroni, and the famous Brunello di Montalcino.
Despite the distinct flavors and atmospheres of each locale, these provinces are surprisingly close to one another, making them ideal for a road trip. Last autumn, a journey through these neighboring regions confirmed that this culinary adventure is both manageable and immensely rewarding. It’s a perfect undertaking for any foodie eager to explore remarkable destinations while savoring unforgettable tastes.
Stop One: Venice
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport and start your trip by checking into the Nolinski Venezia Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Venice, this five-star haven is conveniently close to Piazza San Marco yet feels miles away from the hustle and bustle.
Upon arrival, your first stop should be the Library Bar, located on the third floor. This cozy spot is adorned with red velvet seating, perfect for unwinding with a martini made from local Italian gin or a smoky Manhattan. What makes this bar unique is its collection of 4,000 books, allowing you to enjoy a good read with your drink.
For meals, Il Caffè offers a variety of Northern Italian dishes. Guests can dine near the hotel’s inner courtyard, savoring large Milanese veal chops, house-made lobster linguini, and burrata-topped pizzetta. Given the extensive menu, multiple dinners here are recommended.
Between March and May, the restaurant scene becomes even more exciting with the opening of Palais Royal by Two-Michelin-starred chef Philip Chronopoulos.
Make sure to venture outside the hotel as well. For local cicchetti, Enoteca Schiavi is a must-visit. Situated south of Ponte dell’Accademia, this wine shop is a local favorite. If you’re in the mood for dessert, head to Suso, an artisanal gelato shop located near the Rialto Bridge.
Don’t miss out on the hotel’s rooftop pool. It’s more like a huge indoor hot tub with stunning gold-leaf tiling. The pool offers breathtaking views of Venice’s landmarks, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
Rooms start at around $600 per night, and for an extra fee, private water taxi transfers to and from the airport are available—well worth the expense.
Travelers who prefer renting a car will find plenty of options at the airport, with prices starting at approximately $30 per day. It’s smart to opt for a hybrid vehicle to offset high gas prices. If you’re not familiar with stick-shift, make sure to book an automatic well in advance as they can be hard to come by. Be aware that Italian highways are known for aggressive drivers, so staying in the right lane is a good strategy for a stress-free drive.
Whether you are relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city’s narrow streets and hidden gems, Venice serves as an enchanting start to your Northern Italian road trip.
Stop two: Verona
After leaving Venice, the drive west on the E70 took about an hour before arriving near Verona. The first stop was the Pasqua Winery tasting room.
There, they found great deals on Amarone, a popular local wine known for its bold, fruity flavor. The winery also showcased interesting white wines, made from garganega and pinot bianco grapes. For €50 (around $55), they took a tour of the winemaking process. The highlight was blending a personalized bottle, experiencing firsthand how the winery mixes tradition with a touch of playful innovation.
Stop three: Modena
From Verona, the journey continues south on E45 to Modena, a city famous for its automotive heritage and exquisite culinary offerings. Home to iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, Modena also boasts the remarkable chef Massimo Bottura.
Getting a reservation at his celebrated Osteria Francescana is notoriously challenging, so experiencing his culinary genius at Casa Maria Luigia is a more accessible option.
Opened in 2019 by Massimo and his wife, Lara Gilmore, Casa Maria Luigia offers a cozy retreat on the outskirts of Modena. This charming bed and breakfast occupies a 250-year-old farmhouse with 12 rooms.
The property offers more than just accommodation. Guests can explore a working acetaia, where over a thousand barrels of balsamic vinegar mature over time. It’s a chance to taste the unique flavors of traditional balsamic vinegar, along with some creative variations, including one with a distinct juniper wood infusion.
Recently, Casa Maria Luigia introduced a new dining spot, Al Gatto Verde, where chef Jessica Rosval crafts wood-fired dishes. Another highlight is Francescana, an offshoot of Bottura’s famous Osteria.
The tasting menu here costs around $500 and pairs each course with rare wines. The open kitchen adds an element of surprise, with dishes like the “Beautiful, Psychedelic Spin-painted Veal, Not Flame Grilled.”
On Saturday evenings, there’s a good chance of seeing chef Bottura himself in action. During one visit, he delighted guests by personally plating a signature dish.
The experience at Casa Maria Luigia is undeniably special. A night’s stay costs about €800 ($876), including access to a 24/7 kitchen with snacks and aperitivo, a listening room filled with Bottura’s vinyl collection, and a gym that doubles as a garage for his vintage sports cars.
For those interested in both food and cars, Bottura’s book Slow Food, Fast Cars, co-authored with his wife, dives deeper into his dual passions. The stay at Casa Maria Luigia promises a boutique experience, combining the best of culinary artistry and automotive history, set against the idyllic backdrop of Modena’s countryside.
Stop Four: Florence
After leaving greater Modena, the trip continued south on A1, bypassing Bologna on the way to Florence. The landscape shifted gradually from the flat expanses of Emilia-Romagna to the rolling hills of Tuscany, finally descending into the Arno river valley.
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a feast for the senses. Upon arriving, the first stop was the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. This stunning hotel is housed in a refurbished 15th-century palace. It’s one of the writer’s favorite places to stay, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury.
The hotel’s Atrium Bar is an elegant spot to enjoy classic cocktails. Nestled under a grand glass skylight, it creates a perfect retreat from the bustling city. Florence is the birthplace of the Negroni, and this bar honors that legacy with a variety of Negroni cocktails. A dedicated trolley is wheeled out for their preparation, showcasing the mixologists’ expertise. A recent menu update features several refined takes on this classic drink.
The Atrium Bar also serves an impressive food menu. Truffle-dusted ravioli paired perfectly with a Vintage Negroni. But the real gem of the hotel’s dining options is Il Palagio, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Paolo Lavezzini.
Here, traditional Tuscan dishes are reimagined with a modern twist. One standout dish features locally sourced lamb with sheep’s milk ricotta and bee pollen.
After a day of exploring, retreating to the room at the Four Seasons was a treat. The second-floor room boasted towering ceilings and Medici-inspired decor. It truly felt like staying in a palace, providing a grand and luxurious end to the day in Florence.
Stop five: Barone Ricasoli
On the fourth day, they reached Barone Ricasoli, Italy’s oldest wine estate. The journey from Florence took them through picturesque hillside villages, making the drive as enjoyable as the destination.
At the center of 600 acres of well-kept vineyards stands the impressive Brolio Castle.
Arriving in time for the morning tour, they paid €40 (about $44) for a two-hour experience. This price included a tasting of several Chianti Classicos and a tour of the castle.
The tours are available daily from April through December, ensuring that visitors get a comprehensive look at both the winery and the castle.
In the afternoon, they left Barone Ricasoli behind and drove the narrow, rustic roads of Tuscany. The route led them through Arezzo, a city tinted with limestone and filled with history.
Here, they paused for a short break, enjoying a refreshing espresso in a local cafe.
Continuing north on E45, the next stop was Ravenna. Known for its medieval-era Basilicas, Ravenna also boasts Osteria del Tempo Perso, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
This venue, located just steps from one of the old church buildings, served house-made ravioli stuffed with seabream. The dish was paired with a sparkling Lambrusco, making for a memorable meal.
The final stretch of the journey traced the coastline along SS309, leading them to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
By the end of the trip, they had logged 12 hours of driving and covered 510 miles in four days. Each moment of the road trip was packed with experiences that would provide lasting memories.