5-Day Northern Italy Foodie Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Milan
    Estimated travel time/distance: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Malpensa Airport

    Start your foodie adventure in Milan by visiting the famous Mercato Metropolitano, where you can find a variety of Italian delicacies. From there, head to the traditional Ristorante Al Porto Vecchio for some delicious seafood dishes.

  2. Day 2: Bologna
    Estimated travel time/distance: 1 hour by train from Milan

    Bologna is known as the food capital of Northern Italy, so prepare your stomach for a feast! Start your day at Mercato delle Erbe, a market where you can try different regional specialties. For lunch, head to Trattoria da Vito for their famous tagliatelle al ragù. Finish off your day with a gelato at Gelateria Stefino.

  3. Day 3: Modena and Parma
    Estimated travel time/distance: 1 hour by train from Bologna to Modena and 1 hour by train from Modena to Parma

    Today's focus is on two cities known for their culinary excellence. Start in Modena with a visit to Acetaia di Giorgio for a tour and tasting of traditional balsamic vinegar. After that, head to Osteria Francescana (reservation required) for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. In the afternoon, travel to Parma for a tour and tasting at Caseificio 4 Madonne, a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese producer.

  4. Day 4: Lake Garda
    Estimated travel time/distance: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Parma to Desenzano del Garda

    Take a break from the big cities and head to Lake Garda, where you can enjoy the stunning views and fresh lake dishes. Start with a visit to Pescheria La Pasqualina, a fish market that has been around for over 60 years. For lunch, head to Osteria al Vecchio Mulino for some delicious lake fish. In the afternoon, visit a local olive oil producer and enjoy a tasting.

  5. Day 5: Turin
    Estimated travel time/distance: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Desenzano del Garda to Turin

    End your foodie adventure in Turin, a city known for its chocolate and coffee specialties. Begin your day at Caffè Torino for a traditional breakfast of brioche and cappuccino. Afterward, head to Pasticceria Gertosio for some delicious chocolate treats. For lunch, visit Ristorante del Cambio, one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in Turin. Finish your day by taking part in a chocolate and coffee tasting at Lavazza Museum and School.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Acetaia di Giorgio tour and tasting (1 hour, €15)
  • Osteria Francescana dinner (3 hours, €250 per person)
  • Caseificio 4 Madonne tour and tasting (1.5 hours, €20)
  • Olive oil producer tasting (1 hour, €10)
  • Chocolate and coffee tasting at Lavazza Museum and School (1.5 hours, €20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €315 per person, excluding accommodation and travel expenses

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Verona to enjoy their famous Amarone wine and a visit to the Arena di Verona. Additionally, if you have less time, skip the Lake Garda day and head directly to Turin.

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