Bordering four countries and housing over half of the country’s population, northern Italy has a widely diverse culture within its regions.  With scenery as varied as its culture, shown through its craggy alpines, glistening lakes and sandy beaches, the northern regions help thread the rich tapestry that is Italy’s remarkable legacy. 
 
The Italian Alps: Nature’s Playground
 
The Alps stretch across eight European countries and date back millions of years.  The Italian Alps are a hub of activity throughout the year and is a playground for skiers, hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, nature lovers, families and mountaineers.   Whilst skiers tend to visit during the winter months for guaranteed snowy conditions, the summer months in the Italian Alps can often encompass the best aspects of a winter break combined with a summer getaway.  Several glaciers remain open throughout the summer, meaning you could ideally ski in the morning before sunbathing in the afternoon. 
 
Venice: The Artist’s Wonderland
 
Venice’s iconic stretches of gondolier-inhabited canals, captivating Gothic palazzos and vivacious metropolises makes it one of the most visited cities in Italy.  Boasting the most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre, Venice has been a cornucopia of innovative Italian art since the late Middle Ages and has augmented ever since.  In the thriving main streets of Venice’s metropolis hides a bounty of medieval side streets which transport travellers back hundreds of years, where traditional Italy is kept alive.  The colossal amount of canals in Venice, which often replace streets, require you travel via gondolier as you explore this amalgamation of museums, galleries, churches and vibrant restaurants. 
 
Milan: The Heart of Italy
 
Whilst Rome is the capital of Italy, Italians will often declare Milan to be the country’s heart.  Internationally renowned for being an arbiter of fashion, those walking around Milan often appear to have stepped straight from the runway onto the city’s archaic sun-kissed streets, and the abundance of boutiques and designer shops offer the most in vogue styles.  Milan is also home to one of the most highly acclaimed religious masterpieces in the world, Leonardo Da Vinci’s iconic The Last Supper, which is a must-see for anyone visiting, and has tours booked months in advance to guarantee seeing this legendary work of art. 
 
Bologna: A Treat for Gourmands 
 
Bologna is well known in Italy as La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa (The Educated, The Red, The Fat), which its three greatest accomplishments.  The University of Bologna, the oldest European university was founded in 1088 and is surrounded by the stunning red architecture of the city’s historic buildings.  Bologna is also famed for the innovation of delectable Italian culinary classics, such as its namesake bolognaise.  The city walls which once stood around the medieval town still remain in parts of Bologna and serve as a living reminder of the city’s rich and intriguing history which resonates within its architecture. 

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