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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.

Hügelige Landschaft der Toskana mit Zypressen, Weinbergen und Bauernhaus bei Sonnenaufgang
Written by Redaktion AMEXperience 15.07.2025

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.

Schwarze Trüffel auf hellem Untergrund, roh und ungeputzt präsentiert

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Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 15.07.2025

Publisher: Big Dodzy

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Culinary Highlights in Piedmont:

  • Tasting at a family-run winery in Barbaresco
  • Truffle hunting with a Trifulau in the hills around Alba
  • Dinner at the GaultMillau restaurant La Ciau del Tornavento with panoramic views of the vineyards

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.

Ein Löffel frisches Pesto mit Basilikum und Pistazien auf einem hellen Untergrund

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Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 15.07.2025

Publisher: Nathalie Jolie

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Culinary Highlights in Liguria:

  • Pesto workshop in Genoa using local ingredients like basil, pine nuts and olive oil
  • Stroll through the fish market of La Spezia followed by a visit to a traditional osteria
  • Boat trip with a picnic of regional specialties along the Riviera

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.

Laibkäse aus Parmigiano Reggiano lagert gestapelt in einem traditionellen Reifekeller

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Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 15.07.2025

Publisher: Robert Bye

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Culinary Experiences in Emilia-Romagna:

  • Visit to a family-run Parmigiano cheese dairy with tasting
  • Guided tour of a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Modena
  • Market visit in Bologna with local specialties such as tortellini, mortadella and Lambrusco

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.

Mann riecht an Rotwein im Glas bei Sonnenuntergang im Weinberg – Nahaufnahme mit Fokus auf Weingenuss

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Culinary Experiences in Veneto:

  • Tasting at an Amarone winery overlooking the hills of Valpolicella
  • Risotto cooking class using local rice varieties at an agriturismo near Bardolino
  • Evening unwind with regional cheese, olives and wine on the shores of Lake Garda

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.

Historisches Gebäude an der Passer in Meran mit Blick auf die Südtiroler Berge

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Culinary Experiences in Trentino:

  • Gourmet hike along the South Tyrolean Wine Road with tastings at small wineries
  • Törggelen evening with speck, chestnuts and fresh must in a traditional Buschenschank
  • Visit to a farmers’ market in Merano focused on regional products

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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.

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Travel indulgently with the Platinum Card – experience Northern Italy in first-class style.

Travel indulgently with the Platinum Card – experience Northern Italy in first-class style.