If you think that Northern Italy, and Piedmont in particular, is nothing but mountains and vineyards, think again, or maybe you just haven't been to Ivrea. This small Piedmontese town of just over twenty thousand people is sure to surprise you.

I probably would never have heard of Coniston if it weren’t for our trip to the UK. This tiny village, tucked away in one of the most remote corners of England, nevertheless became famous thanks to three notable figures and the world records that were set here.

A trip through the Emilia-Romagna region would be incomplete without a visit to Ferrara. This city is known as the former residence of the House of Este and as an important cultural center of Italy. And, of course, I simply couldn’t miss Castello Estense — the famous castle surrounded by a moat.

Modena is a perfect option for a day trip from Bologna. A city rich in history and architectural heritage, it definitely deserves a place on your Emilia-Romagna itinerary.

Susa is one of those rare places where Italy suddenly feels like Switzerland: mountains wrapped in clouds, crisp clean air, green slopes, and cows grazing somewhere in the distance.