Road trip through Northern Italy? These hotels are the places to be
April 10, 2024
Written by Lotte
April 10, 2024
Written by Lotte
Are you planning a road trip through Northern Italy? Then we've curated a beautiful route with amazing luxury and boutique hotels for you. All the accommodations meet the highest standards, are intimate in scale, and offer exceptional cuisine. Additionally, we provide handy tips to make your road trip even more special.
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Begin your road trip in the Piedmont region to immediately discover why Italy has captured the hearts of so many people. This region is bursting with nature, history, culture, but above all gastronomy! If you love Italian food, you will be fully satisfied here. The region is known for its delicacies such as cheeses, hazelnuts, wines, and of course, truffles. The famous Italian wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera are also produced here.
Overlooking the rolling hills of Piedmont, you'll find the stylish boutique hotel Nordelaia. A small-scale hotel with a modern touch and authentic details - such as vaulted ceilings - where you'll feel truly welcome. Each room in the hotel is uniquely decorated, making each one a surprise. But one thing is certain, each room is truly a gem that has been carefully looked after. The interior is tasteful and equipped with all comforts.
The hotel is known for its amazing Italian cuisine with not just one but two restaurants. In restaurant Lorto, you can enjoy a fine dining experience and culinary delights. In the bistro, you can taste pure Italian dishes from the region. There is also a bar & lounge area for enjoying an aperitivo. In summer, you can also do this outside on the terrace.
Make your hotel experience complete by relaxing by the heated outdoor pool, overlooking the picturesque landscape. Be sure to also take advantage of the spa facilities such as steam rooms, saunas, and the spa circuit with ice baths and foot baths. There is also a gym to work off some of the delicious pasta.
Is Nordelaia fully booked? Then pay a visit to Casa di Langa or Villa La Madonna. Also two fantastic places in the beautiful Piedmont region.
Nordelaia
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Nordelaia stands as a true gem in the Piemonte region
Enhance your stay at Nordelaia by embarking on a day trip to Portofino, an upscale coastal village nestled along the Italian Riviera, approximately 1.5 hours' drive from the hotel. Renowned as one of the most picturesque harbors in the Mediterranean, Portofino's waterfront, adorned with colorful houses, boasts an array of charming cafes where you can while away the hours amidst bustling activity and strolling patrons. Alternatively, indulge in a delightful lunch at Belmond Splendido, offering unparalleled vistas spanning the entirety of Portofino.
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Continue your road trip through Italy and head to the far north of Lake Garda. There, at the foot of the lake, you will find the boutique hotel Monastero Arx Vivendi. A sanctuary in a former monastery that has been meticulously renovated. An architectural masterpiece that utilizes natural materials, enhancing the surrounding environment and nearby mountains against the tranquil backdrop of the hotel. When you step inside the hotel, it feels like entering another world. A world of peace and tranquility.
The hotel is located in the charming town of Arco where you can wander through old streets. Within walking distance of the hotel, you'll also find the remains of an ancient castle. Definitely worth a visit. If you want to venture out, rent a bike from the hotel and explore the surroundings of Lake Garda with its various viewpoints. Around Lake Garda, you'll also find the most beautiful Italian villages, such as Riva del Garda, Lazise, and Limone sul Garda. All easily accessible from the hotel. Or plan a boat trip on the lake.
After a busy day, you can retreat to the hotel's spa. The spa is one of the highlights of the hotel. The skilled staff provides a perfect massage or relaxing hammam ritual. Additionally, you can enjoy various saunas, the pool, and relaxation areas.
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Continuing your road trip northward, you'll journey towards the Dolomites, Italy's imposing mountain range. Characterized by steep rock walls and jagged peaks, this mountain chain offers a spectacular landscape. An ideal accommodation choice in this region is the luxurious Forestis Dolomites hotel. Nestled amidst the mountains, the hotel boasts truly breathtaking vistas. We highly recommend booking a room on one of the highest floors to fully immerse yourself in this unique experience. With its serene, minimalist interior, the hotel perfectly complements the surrounding scenery, allowing nature's beauty to take center stage.
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The Dolomites offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Italy
Within the hotel, you'll discover an extensive spa facility complete with both indoor and outdoor pools, complemented by delightful loungers and a serene terrace during the summer months. Additionally, for those seeking high-end culinary experiences, look no further. The upscale restaurant offers a menu of refined dishes inspired by the slow-food movement, ensuring a truly indulgent dining experience.
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Get in the car and continue your journey for this road trip through Northern Italy. Descend a bit further south to the Emilia-Romagna region, renowned for its balsamic production and the famous Parmaham and Parmesan cheeses originating from here. If you're looking for an authentic place to stay in this region, Roncolo 1888 is the place to be. A small-scale paradise where local balsamic vinegar and lambrusco wines are produced. As a guest, you're warmly invited to take a peek behind the scenes and indulge in a tasting of these organic sparkling wines and the balsamic vinegars of Acetaia di Canossa. A delightful extra touch during your stay. `
At Roncolo 1888, you'll stay in stylish, modern rooms equipped with all amenities. There's also a gourmet restaurant and cozy terrace where you can savor the Italian local cuisine. And definitely take a dip in the swimming pool, where it's delightful to unwind. This address is a perfect stopover during your road trip, where blissful idleness prevails. Grab a book and relax.
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From Roncolo, continue your journey southward for over 3 hours to Umbria, where you'll discover the charming luxury retreat of Vocabolo Moscatelli. A hidden gem not to be missed on your road trip through northern Italy. Here, you'll experience 'La Dolce Vita' at its finest. Sit back on the terrace and indulge in pasta, wines, and cheeses until you can eat no more. The romantic setting and inviting atmosphere exude undeniable charm, making this a destination you'll reluctantly bid farewell to.
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Experience the magic of Tuscany in Val d'Orcia
Vocabolo Moscatelli, nestled on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, serves as the perfect launching point for exploring the renowned towns of Perugia, Cortona, and Arezzo. From the hotel, be sure to plan a day trip to the stunning natural haven and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Val d'Orcia, where you can traverse multiple panoramic routes. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the true essence of Tuscany, with its quaint villages, rolling hills, and majestic cypress trees lining the roads. A recommended itinerary is to journey first to Pienza, then drive from Pienza to San Quirico d'Orcia. From there, you can return to the hotel via Montichiello and Montepulciano. Alternatively, consider parking the car and renting a scooter to explore the area even more intimately. Another option is to embark on a hot air balloon ride over this unique landscape, offering a truly magical experience!
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The road trip now continues towards the Chianti region, a part of Tuscany situated between the cities of Florence, Siena, and Arezzo, renowned for its namesake wine. For over two centuries, the Chianti region has been one of Italy's foremost wine-producing areas. Here, amidst the verdant, rolling hills, you'll encounter an abundance of vineyards. Be sure to make a stop along the route for a wine tasting at one of the many wineries, particularly along the Chiantigiana route (SR 222), one of Italy's most beautiful and charming scenic drives. This road winds through the Tuscan hills adorned with countless vineyards, each producing the exquisite Chianti Classico DOCG, the pinnacle of quality within the Chianti region.
For accommodation in the Chianti region, Pieve Aldina is the perfect choice. Here, you'll not only find a place to stay but also an opportunity to step back in time as you overnight in a former 12th-century summer residence of the bishops of Siena. The luxurious boutique hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2023 and consists of three buildings, including the main building La Pieve, adjacent to the 10th-century church Pieve di Santa Maria Novella. Here, you'll discover a perfect blend of old and new, with tasteful interiors featuring earthy colors, terracotta floors, and wooden elements. As a member of Relais & Châteaux, the hotel promises culinary delights of the highest caliber. Additionally, there's an outdoor swimming pool at the hotel, providing an ideal setting to spend your final days amidst the enchanting Italian countryside before concluding your road trip in the cultural city of Florence.
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7.
Conclude your road trip through Northern Italy in the cultural city of Florence, a must-visit destination when in Tuscany. Florence embodies all the elements to savor the true essence of Italy one last time, from its rich cultural heritage to its delectable cuisine. Nestled in the heart of the city, offering a perfect location, you'll find Hotel La Gemma. From here, you can explore Florence to your heart's content. At La Gemma, you'll stay in exquisite rooms, spacious and thoughtfully designed, with some even boasting views of the Duomo. What sets Hotel La Gemma apart is its impeccable staff, dedicated to ensuring your stay is as pleasant as possible. They provide insider tips and extend a warm welcome, making your experience truly memorable. Hotel La Gemma comes highly recommended and serves as an ideal final stop on this road trip.
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