NORTHERN ITALY
ICONIC LAKES + LIGURIAN VISTAS + GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS
My recent journey through Northern Italy was a dream come true—a perfect blend of culture, adventure, culinary delight, and breathtaking scenery. Here's a look at the unforgettable moments that made up this Italian escape.
La Dolce Vita
Lake Como
Our journey began in the iconic beauty of Lake Como, where snowcapped mountains frame mirror-still waters, and pastel villas line the shore like something out of a dream. What made our time here truly unforgettable was attending an incredible family wedding at the spectacular Villa Pizzo.
Tucked between Cernobbio and Moltrasio, Villa Pizzo is one of Lake Como’s most historic and romantic estates. It was a celebration for the ages, set in a place where romance practically lives in the air.
Beyond the glamour, Lake Como offers so much to explore:
• Boating on vintage Rivas or sleek speedboats is a must, whether you're sightseeing from the water or pulling up to a lakeside restaurant.
• Hiking trails like the Greenway del Lago wind through charming villages and lush gardens.
• Extreme biking offers adrenaline-pumping rides with jaw-dropping scenery for those up to the challenge.
• And for fashion lovers, shopping in Como and Bellagio reveals everything from handmade silk to Italian designer labels.
Lake Como is elegance and adventure rolled into one—ideal for weddings, romantic getaways, or simply indulging in la dolce vita.
Hotel picks for Lake Como: Where you stay in Lake Como can shape your experience entirely—the lake is vast, and each area has its own vibe. If you're drawn to the energy of the town center, there's the hubbub of Bellagio, where we visited the iconic Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a timeless property with old-world charm. But if you're looking for something more tranquil, there are so many quieter options tucked away in peaceful villages, perfect for slowing down and savoring the view. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the stunning Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where every bite was as carefully curated as the panoramic lake view. Let’s chat about the perfect accommodations for you!
Liguria: Coastal Charm and Hidden Treasures
From the tranquility of the lakes, we journeyed to the rugged beauty of the
Ligurian coast, with a stay at the serene and stylish Villa Riviera Resort. This part of Italy feels wild and refined all at once—where lush green cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, and pastel-hued villages cling to the rocks.
Nestled in the hills above the Ligurian coast, Villa Riviera Resort feels like a well-kept secret—intimate, luxurious, and effortlessly stylish. Surrounded by the scent of Mediterranean herbs, sweeping views of the sea below, and a lovely pool, take a moment to breath here.
The property itself is a beautifully restored villa, where historic charm meets contemporary design. Think stone walls, arched doorways, and exposed wooden beams, paired with modern furnishings and curated artwork.
Villa Riviera was the perfect home base for exploring the coast, or a mid-trip stay to take a moment to spa and relax.
Cinque Terre: Clifftop Trails and Vineyard Views
One of the most unforgettable days of our trip was spent exploring the dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre—a string of five colorful villages nestled between the sea and terraced hillsides. Each town—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—offers its own unique charm, but all share a striking authenticity and storybook beauty.
With our fantastic guide Rita, we hiked part of the famed Sentiero Azzurro. The trail wound through vineyards, olive groves, and sheer cliffs, with the sea shimmering far below. Rita’s knowledge and passion brought every step to life.
Halfway through our hike, we stopped for an incredible lunch at a vineyard perched high above the coast. Surrounded by rows of grapevines and fragrant herbs, we sipped white wine, tasted fresh, local cheese and focaccia, and gazed down at the sunlit coves of the Ligurian Sea.
Portofino & San Fruttuoso: Jewels of the Riviera
Next came Portofino, the glamorous gem of the Italian Riviera. With its candy-colored harbor and chic boutiques, it’s a place that has long drawn artists, writers, and jet-setters alike.
We set off on a day hike through the Portofino Natural Park, following scenic trails that led to San Fruttuoso, a hidden abbey tucked into a secluded cove. The only way to reach it is by boat or by foot—an unforgettable journey through forests, cliffs, and ancient stone paths. We rewarded ourselves with a seafood lunch right on the beach.
Hotel pick for Portofino: Belmond Hotel Splendido. Perched high above the harbor, the hotel blends old-world charm with luxurious modern comforts—and the views are simply unmatched.
Camogli & Genoa: Authentic Flavors and Historic Streets
InCamogli, a charming fishing village known for its colorful harbor and laid-back feel, we joined a cooking class to learn how to make the region’s beloved DOC-protected focaccia. Golden, crisp on the outside, cheesy inside, and drizzled with Ligurian olive oil—it’s an art form here, and we were lucky to learn from the masters.
Next, we spent a day in Genoa, often overlooked but rich with history, art, and energy. I met with my business partners in the heart of the city for a private walking tour. From the grand palazzi of Via Garibaldi to the narrow caruggi (alleyways) of the old town, Genoa was full of surprises and authenticity.
We stayed at the Hotel Capitolo Riviera, a stylish boutique property with modern design and multi-course dinner that was a trip highlight. Grazie, chef!
Piedmont: A Taste of the Good Life
Leaving the coast behind, we traveled inland to the Piedmont region—a paradise for biking, food and wine lovers. Rolling hills, endless vineyards, and sleepy villages made for an idyllic setting.
We began with wine tasting over lunch in Neive, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. The region is also a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts, with scenic roads winding through the Langhe and Roero hills. Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned biker looking for climbs and views, Piedmont is made for biking.
One of the highlights of the entire trip? Truffle hunting in the woods with Tato the dog, a charismatic and clever truffle hound. It's wasn't white truffle season, but Tato came through with a couple black truffles for us.
We stayed at the cozy and charming Langhe Country House, nestled among the vineyards. We enjoyed a peaceful picnic in the vineyards of Dosio Vigneti
—a simple, perfect moment surrounded by the region's natural beauty.
Lake Orta: Italy’s Secret Sanctuary
Next, we returned to the lake district, but this time to its best-kept secret:
Lake Orta. Intimate and beautiful, Lake Orta feels worlds away from the bustle of Lake Como, or Lake Maggiore.
We stayed near the storybook village of Orta San Giulio, where cobblestone lanes spill into the water and flower filled balconies hang over quiet piazzas.
Lake Orta also invites kayaking, paddle boarding, biking and scenic hiking. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reflect, and soak in la dolce vita.
Hotel picks for Lake Orta: the serene and contemporary Laqua by the Lake, perfect forwellness and lakefront lounging, and the luxurious Villa Crespi, a stunning Moorish-style villa with a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.
Lake Maggiore: Island-Hopping in Elegance
To end our Italian adventure, we set sail on Lake Maggiore, a majestic lake surrounded by alpine peaks, elegant villas, and lush gardens. What makes it truly magical are its islands, eachone unique and filled with charm.
First, we visited Isola Bella, home to the grand Palazzo Borromeo and its theatrical Baroque gardens—tiered terraces, marble statues, rare flowers, and even white peacocks roaming the grounds.
Next was the peaceful Isola Madre, known for its exotic botanical gardens and stately villa. This is a place to breathe deeply, slow down, and admire centuries-old cypress trees and subtropical blooms.
We ended the day at Isola dei Pescatori, the most authentic and rustic of the islands, where we wandered narrow alleys, browsed artisan shops, and enjoyed fresh lake fish at a waterfront trattoria.
Arrivederci, Italia
From the elegant serenity of the lakes to the colorful drama of the Ligurian coast, from the earthy pleasures of Piedmont to the poetic beauty of hidden villages—Northern Italy brings it all.
Ciao Bella! Until next time, Italy.
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