The itinerary might seem overambitious, but it proved to be a rich and rewarding experience, made possible by Italy’s efficient train system
Italian cities have some of the world’s most exquisitely detailed historic buildings, so visiting five cities in northern Italy in five days could initially seem to be a bit overambitious. But, in truth, our springtime trip to La Bella Italia all started with a geographical slip-up.
Best known for inspiring Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play and its hugely popular summer opera festival, Verona is a stunning city, built on the bend in the river Adige with the snow-capped Lessini Mountains in the distance. The historic centre is compact to walk around, with spacious medieval squares to stop in between visits to the cloisters of the Santo Stefano monastery complex and the many churches. Bologna’s famous two towers in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana are currently closed to visitors, but art lovers will enjoy a visit to the museum in the home of Italian artist Giorgio Morandi .
Take the Ponte alle Grazie back across the Arno and you’ll find yourself in Piazza dei Giudici, next to the famous Uffizi galleries. Enthusiasts of Renaissance art should book ahead if keen to spend a morning or afternoon at the world-renowned Uffizi galleries where, at any time of year, you will join the throngs of people viewing some of the world’s most famous Italian paintings by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Uccello.
The stunning municipal building in Piazza dei Cavalli on its own makes a visit to Piacenza worthwhile. This Emilia-Romagna city is off the tourist trail but a stopover here gives you a true experience of life in northern Italy. Italian people in general – and especially in the north – are quieter than they were in the past and some suggest the prevalence of smartphones means people are busier checking their messages than chatting to each other.
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