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From Alpine mountains and glacial lakes to the sunny shorelines of the Riviera and Adriatic, the geographical diversity of Northern Italy is its most striking characteristic. Nestled within the cities and landscapes of the region are a host of culinary pleasures and cultural treasures as well, including Leonardo de Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” Encompassing Italy’s wealthiest provinces, Northern Italy is a premier destination when it comes to luxury resorts and upscale shopping too. Whether sampling fine wine and dining on world-class cuisine or exploring ancient castles, cathedrals and churches, the region offers all the memorable travel experiences visitors want from a holiday in Italy. 1. Venice The perfect destination for a romantic getaway, Venice is a city where canals replace roads and buildings rise up out of the Adriatic Sea as if by magic. There’s a timeless quality to Venice that has attracted and engaged travelers for hundreds of years. When not enjoying the enchanting experience of being serenaded while gliding down a canal on a gondola, visitors flock to the sidewalk cafés of St. 2. Cinque Terre Cinque Terre is undeniably one of the most beautiful areas of Italy. A visit to just one of the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia will confirm this. Made to grace picture postcards, the towns are built on steep hills and atop high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. It doesn’t get much more scenic than this. 3. Lake Garda The largest of the glacial lakes of the Lombardy province, Lake Garda is bordered by Alpine peaks to the north and flat plains to the south. Gardens, orchards and forests rim the shore, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors seeking rest and recreation. The southernmost town of Sirmione features natural hot springs, a small castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the largest collection of Roman ruins in Northern Italy. 4. Portofino With its picture-perfect harbor, verdant scenery and haphazard rows of hilltop and waterfront homes, Portofino is one of the prettiest towns on the Italian Riviera. Located just a short drive south of Genoa, the little village has been a popular day-trip destination for centuries. It’s a favorite stopping point for cruises along the Italian Riviera too, and the cluster of yachts floating in the harbor only adds to Portofino’s visual appeal. 5. Milan Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as the country’s financial and fashion capital. Milan’s most famous site is the Santa Maria della Grazie where da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is on display. The 14th-century Sforzesco Castle houses the exhibits of the Museo d’Arte Antica, which includes Michelangelo’s “Pietà Rondanini.” Decked out in sumptuous red and gold, the 18th-century La Scala opera house is a must-see attraction too, as is the Duomo, known as one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. 6. Genoa Sometimes overshadowed by the popularity of other Italian cities like Rome and Venice, Genoa nevertheless is one of Italy’s true hidden gems. As the capital city of the Liguria region on the northwest coast of Italy, Genoa is most associated as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The city’s shining crown is its historic center, which features narrow, winding streets that reveal surprising gems at every turn like marvelous architecture and artistic treasures. 7. Verona Best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona is a picturesque city filled with Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces and medieval buildings. Located between Milan and Venice, the city receives a bit less attention from travelers than its more celebrated neighbors but not for lack of attractions. 8. Bergamo Nestled against the foothills of the towering Bergamese Alps, Bergamo is comprised of two distinct cities. The Città Alta, or upper city, is a medieval town surrounded by 16th-century walls while the lower section known as Città Bassa is a relatively modern city. 9. Gran Paradiso National Park One of Europe’s largest and best preserved wilderness areas, Gran Paradiso National Park is named for Italy’s highest peak, Gran Paradiso, the only mountain in the Alps that lies entirely within the country’s boundaries. 10. Bologna Called “La Rossa” for its red brick buildings and tile roofs, Bologna is the capital and largest city in Northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It’s also an architecture lover’s dream. Although Bologna is best known for its medieval towers and extensive porticoes, thanks to extensive restoration, Bologna’s architecture includes Etruscan and Roman structures as well. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna also demands a visit.