Italy is not only worth a trip in summer. Popular holiday regions such as South Tyrol, Lombardy or Veneto also attract visitors in autumn with numerous highlights. It is only a few hours' drive from southern Germany to northern Italy - ideal for a relaxing short trip. Those who are hungry for vacation can look forward to a lot of variety away from the summer over-tourism.
South Tyrol is Italy's northernmost province and can be reached from Munich in just over three hours. Picturesque landscapes at all altitudes invite you to an active holiday. Whether hiking, mountain biking, climbing, mountaineering or golf, the mild climate spoils all outdoor fans well into November. If you want to get your money's worth in culinary terms, visit the Törggelen during the "fifth season", from the beginning of October to the end of November. Many farms and taverns then offer chestnuts, bacon, dumplings and young wine. For culture lovers, numerous castles, castles, churches and monasteries around Bozen, Meran, Bruneck and Brixen are waiting to be visited.
Lake Garda is not just a summer destination either. There are now many hotels with spa, wellness and regeneration offers for the autumn and winter months. One retreat location is the Adults Friendly Hotel "EALA-My Lakeside Dream" in Limone sul Garda. The 5-star luxury resort is located directly on the hillside with a private beach and guarantees a spectacular view of the lake. The exclusive suites with terraces and some with their own whirlpools all face the water and, like the 1,500 square meter wellness spa, offer a luxurious ambience. The gastronomic tradition of Italy can be experienced in the gourmet kitchen of star chef Alfio Ghezzi, whether in the Fine Dining Senso restaurant or in the Alfio Ghezzi Bistrot.
During the harvest season in autumn, the region around Lake Garda also boasts wine, olive oil, chestnuts, honey, truffles and many other specialties. In the months of September to November there are numerous tasting festivals. Chestnut lovers should not miss the San Zeno di Montagna chestnut festival. It takes place during the chestnut harvest season, between late October and early November. On several weekends, local chestnut products can be purchased and a wide variety of chestnut dishes can be tried.
Not far from Lake Garda is Verona with the world-famous Arena di Verona. The well-preserved Roman amphitheater is a must-see in the city's historic center. If you are lucky, you will meet performers such as gladiators and Cleopatra outside the walls during a break in the event. Via Capello No. 23, the courtyard with the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, is the city's most visited attraction next to the Arena. The Julia House was converted into a museum - in autumn with significantly fewer long queues in front of the entrance.
The lively pedestrian zone with designer boutiques and countless restaurants not only invites you to shop and eat. In the adjacent Piazza delle Erbe there is a daily market with food, souvenirs and classic bars that tempt with a typical Italian spritz. It is worth noting the acronym De.Co., a seal of quality from the city of Verona that certifies the geographical origin and that stands for respect for the quality and characteristics of the products and for the typical dishes. This particular regulation identifies traditional articles, specific to the Veronese countryside and handed down by popular culture, certifying their origin and historical and cultural link with the region.
Venice regularly reaches its capacity limits in summer. Often there is also an unpleasant smell over the lagoon. In the autumn months, the city is still well frequented, but at historical places, such as St. Mark's Basilica on the square of the same name, the wait for admission is much shorter. The current art biennale, which also enjoys international recognition, is worthwhile.
The 59th "La Biennale di Venezia" can currently be visited under the title "The Milk of Dreams" until November 27th. More than 200 creative people from almost 60 countries are exhibiting their works of art in the central pavilion and in the arsenal. The exhibition was first opened in 1895, making it the oldest international exhibition of contemporary art in the world. If you visit Venice, you should definitely see the islands of the lagoon. Burano, a larger island, has colorful fishermen's houses, a bell tower and the Lace Museum. Ferry connections also go to Torcello, Sant'Erasmo and to Murano, where the well-known glass museum is located.
If you don't just want to explore one destination: All hotspots in northern Italy can also be wonderfully connected within a few days - and all this in a relaxed manner without summer mass tourism.
