Bila i norra Italien - 5 destinationer du inte får missa

Today we present a guest article

There are many ways to experience northern Italy. Some prefer to put down roots for a while in one place, while others prefer to visit several cities and towns. For those interested in the latter option, car holidays are the perfect choice.

Time off and holidays are about finding a balance between relaxation and adventure. Following a football championship and playing the matches with odds is a perfect contrast to travelling in distant lands. A trip to Italy, especially the northern parts of the country, is a trip that is never regretted.

If you're driving in northern Italy, it's very easy to fly down to the country and then hire a car. But if you prefer to drive your own vehicle, it doesn't take much more than an extra day or two to get down to the country on your own - depending on where you live in Sweden, of course.

Those who choose to drive down to Italy also get the chance to see Germany whizzing by on the other side of the car window. Many choose to take an overnight car ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel and then spend the day on the autobahn. With an early start, you can arrive in Munich just in time for dinner. A German breakfast is then the perfect fuel for a journey through the Alps.

Once you are on the other side of the mountains, Italy is there waiting for you. Below you can read about some of the destinations you won't regret visiting.

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Venice

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice. Built on top of hundreds of small islands in the water, the city is held above the surface by millions of wooden piles. Instead of streets, the city is constructed with a system of canals where motorboats and gondolas compete for space.

It offers good food, beautiful views and unforgettable memories. Be prepared, however, that water levels may vary. Some tourists will need rubber boots to get around, while others will find themselves in the water. stranded gondolas.

Venice is such a beautiful city that you probably won't be disappointed either way. Among the sights to explore, St Mark's Square and the Riolato Bridge are a must. Letting yourself get lost in all the little streets and bridges is a little adventure in itself.

Florence

With Venice as an enormous regal ship in the rear view mirror, the journey heads south towards Florence. The city, located on both sides of the Arno River, is the pearl of Tuscany. Here you'll find beautiful architecture, art and streets where you can feel the rich history in every step you take.

A must on your visit to Florence is Piazza del Duomo, which translates to Cathedral Square. Here you will find the enormous cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which began construction in 1296 and was not fully completed until over a hundred years later.

Venice is not the only northern Italian city to boast beautiful bridges. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the flowing waters of the Arno River - an attraction as much as a way to get from one side of the river to the other. For football fans, the city's team, Fiorentina, provides great entertainment every weekend during the Serie A season.

Pisa

The next leg of the journey is also in Tuscany. Travelling by car between Florence and Pisa is quick, but don't be afraid to make the journey a little longer. After all, you are in Tuscany - one of Europe's most beautiful places and home to some of the world's best vineyards. For wine lovers, this is heaven on earth.

Once in Pisa, there's one thing everyone wants to see: the leaning tower. We've all seen pictures of holidaymakers and tourists pretending to stop the cathedral's bell tower from falling down the hill. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has stood firm for almost 700 years and is an amazing architectural feat.

Pisa is also very close to Italy's western Mediterranean coast. A swim in the blue is recommended after the hard work of holding up the tower.

Milan

After Pisa, we head north again. The destination is Milan, Italy's second largest city. There is something for everyone. Culture, fashion and sport compete for visitors' attention. Milan is the heart of northern Italy.

The city's two football teams, Inter Milan and AC Milan, share the mighty San Siro stadium. The stadium holds around 75,000 spectators and has hosted several classic matches over the years. Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has represented both clubs at different times in his long and successful career.

Be sure to visit the world-famous Teatro alla Scala opera house. Even if you don't have tickets to a performance, it's worth a visit for the architecture alone. If you have time, you should also stop by the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum to enjoy paintings from masters like Raphael and Caravaggio.

Verona

The last stop is the old cultural centre Verona. The site is steeped in history, with the Arena di Verona amphitheatre being the main highlight. With just over 250,000 inhabitants, it is a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of Milan.

As well as being a beautiful city that is easy to fall in love with, there is another, more practical reason to visit Verona. A night train runs between Verona and Hamburg, carrying both passengers and cars.

On your last night in Italy, load the car onto the train and head to the sleeper compartment. Buy something really tasty (maybe a pizza?) or order something from the bistro. Then go to bed and wake up the next morning with half the journey home already done.

The knowledge that you won't have to drive all the way up through Europe again will have a calming effect on the whole trip. Once in Hamburg, it's up to you to decide whether it's time for another day of sightseeing or whether the comfy beds at home will be your destination for the day. Either way, this will be a holiday unlike any other.