Culinary Journey Through Northern Italy: Discover Wine, Cuisine and Culture
Northern Italy is a paradise for gourmets: truffles, pasta, wine and regional specialties make every trip a delightful experience amid hills, coasts and historic towns.

Piedmont – Home of Truffles and Great Wines
Nestled among gentle hills and historic wine villages lies one of Italy’s most inspiring culinary regions. The Langhe is famed for its fine wines and Alba’s white truffle. Anyone who experiences Piedmont’s cuisine quickly understands why it’s considered one of the most refined in Italy.
Liguria – Mediterranean Delights Between Sea and Mountains
Liguria combines authentic cuisine with maritime elegance. Between Genoa, the Cinque Terre and Portofino, travellers enjoy freshly caught fish, homemade pasta with pesto and local white wines like Vermentino or Pigato. Here, culinary moments are created that are as light as they are refined.
Emilia-Romagna – Craftsmanship, Heritage and the Soul of Italian Cuisine
Many of the world’s most iconic Italian culinary treasures originate here: Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto di Parma and fresh pasta. Especially around Modena, Parma and Bologna, tastings, guided tours and markets are a true feast for the senses.
Good to know: Many gourmet destinations in Northern Italy are known for the highest quality – some accommodations and offers are part of the American Express hotel programs, offering Platinum Card members a range of exclusive benefits.
Veneto – Valpolicella Wine, Lake Garda Charm and Regional Classics
Between Verona and Lake Garda, travellers discover powerful wines, rolling hills and a cuisine that combines simplicity with sophistication. Perfect for those who want to connect with both wine and nature.
Trentino-South Tyrol – Alpine Freshness and Mediterranean Elegance
In South Tyrol, alpine clarity meets Italian lightness. The cuisine thrives on seasonal products, tradition-conscious producers and distinctive wines. Autumn visits are particularly appealing when the traditional Törggelen season begins.
Good to know: If you’re travelling to Northern Italy by rental car, your Platinum Card unlocks benefits with providers like SIXT – including special rates, vehicle upgrades and priority service.
The right credit card for your lifestyle
Frequently asked questions and answers
Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and South Tyrol are among the top regions for gourmets. They offer a wide variety of regional specialties, wineries, markets and culinary experiences.
The ideal time to travel is between May and October. Late summer and autumn are particularly rewarding, with truffle season, grape harvest and traditional events such as Törggelen taking place.
Some of the most well-known specialties include truffles from Piedmont, Pesto Genovese, Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, Amarone wine from Veneto and speck from South Tyrol.