Get ready to loosen your belt and hop on a wildly delicious ride through Northern Italy’s culinary heartlands!
With a Eurail Pass as your trusty steed, you’ll travel between the most flavorful Italian cities where each place dishes out its own tasty treats and cool stories.
Pronti? Buon appetito!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliott Photography. Image Location: Verona, Italy
What is a Eurail Pass?
The Eurail Pass is your golden ticket to exploring Europe by train. It’s a single pass that lets you hop on and off many trains across the continent. With the Eurail Italy Pass, this flexible and budget-friendly way to travel means you can glide from one culinary capital to another, tasting everything from Milanese risotto to Bolognese sauce in its birthplace.
Image Credit: Getty Images, FilippoBacci. Image Location: Bergamo, Italy
Savory stops on your Northern Italy food tour
Milan to Bergamo
Begin your foodie quest in Milan, where trendy fashion vibes meet the creamy goodness of risotto alla milanese. Take a stroll around the awe-inspiring Duomo and do some window-shopping at the swanky boutiques.
Next, hop on a train to the cozy city of Bergamo. It’s a spot where you can dive into casoncelli, the ultimate stuffed pasta, and get a taste of polenta e osei dolce, a cute little sponge cake. Bergamo’s eats are as diverse as they are delicious—it’s a full-on flavor party!
The Milan to Bergamo journey is a quick one, from just 40m.
Bergamo to Verona
Next up, swing by Verona, where every cobblestone whispers tales of romance and the local cuisine is bound to steal your heart. Make sure to savor risotto al tastasal and tear into a slice of pandoro, a sweet bread that tastes like holidays and happiness.
Milan to Verona train: a 1h 10m journey of scenic views will get you there.
Got a spare moment? Zip over to Brescia from Bergamo or Verona in just under an hour—it’s a breeze! While you’re there, don’t miss out on their mind-blowing casoncelli alla bresciana, a pasta that’ll make your taste buds throw a party. And for dessert, nab a slice of sbrisolona, a crumbly almond cake that’s basically happiness in a bite.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eva-Katalin. Image Location: Venice, Italy
Verona to Venice
Venice awaits with its seafood-rich cuisine. Feast on sarde in saor, cuttlefish ink pasta, and the quintessential tiramisù. Venice’s maze of canals and narrow streets adds a magical backdrop to every meal.
The trip from Verona to Venice is just under an hour long and filled with beautiful countryside vistas.
Venice to Bologna
Bologna, the food capital of Italy, is your next stop. Here, tagliatelle al ragù (the real Bolognese), mortadella, and tortellini in brodo reign supreme. Bologna’s historic center, with its medieval market, is a foodie’s dream.
Expect to be on the train from Venice to Bologna for around 1h 33m, crossing Italy’s heartland.
Why not detour for a taste? Nestled perfectly between Venice and Bologna, Vicenza, Padua, and Ferrara are three culinary stars that add the secret sauce to your Northern Italy itinerary. In Vicenza, get ready to fall in love with baccalà alla vicentina, a dish that proves cod is not just fish; it’s a flavor bomb. Then, in Padua, twirl your fork around some pasta e fagioli like it’s your job. And don’t skip Ferrara, where cappellacci di zucca is the star of the show with their sweet pumpkin goodness.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RossHelen. Image Location: Modena, Italy
Bologna to Parma and Modena
Venture to Parma and Modena next, two cities that are all about flavor. Parma is famed for its Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham, while Modena offers balsamic vinegar like you’ve never tasted before.
The train journey from Bologna to Parma takes only 47m, with Bologna to Modena just a quick 16-minute stop away.
Parma to Genoa
Genoa’s gonna wow you with its Ligurian kitchen magic—think slurp-worthy pesto Genovese and munch-on-all-day focaccia di Recco. Plus, being by the sea means the seafood's so fresh, it practically swims onto your plate!
You can expect the journey from Parma to Genoa by train to take as little as 2h 35m on the fastest services.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Bergamaschi. Image Location: Turin, Italy
Genoa to Turin
Turin invites you to indulge in its rich, chocolatey Bicerin, a luscious layering of espresso, chocolate, and cream that’ll have you swooning. And let’s not forget about the truffles! If you’re there in the right season, dive into anything truffled for a taste of luxury. Plus, with Turin being the birthplace of solid chocolate, skipping on a chocolate tasting would be like going to the beach and not touching the sand.
Your train ride from Genoa to Turin can take just 1h 30m.
Turin to Milan
Wrap up your epicurean journey by circling back to Milan from Turin, where the adventure began, in just 41m. This time, make it your mission to hunt down those gastronomic treasures you might have skipped earlier. Whether it’s diving spoon-first into a velvety bowl of ossobuco, getting lost in the creamy layers of a tiramisù, or finally deciding which panzerotti spot truly steals the show, Lombardy’s culinary landscape is your oyster.
Image Credit: Getty Images, MaxBaumann. Image Location: Milan, Italy
FAQs for your Northern Italian foodie train tour
Can I really experience Italy’s culinary diversity by train?
Absolutely! Trains in Italy connect you directly to the heart of each city, making it easy to hop from one culinary experience to another.
What’s the best Italy train route for food lovers?
The Milan—Bergamo—Brescia—Verona—Vicenza—Padua—Venice—Ferrara—Bologna—Modena—Parma—Genoa—Turin—Milan route is a feast for the senses, showcasing the best of Northern Italian cuisine.
How long is the Milan to Venice train journey?
Expect to spend about 2–3 hours on the train from Milan to Venice, which gives you plenty of time to daydream about your next meal.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Rob Kints. Image Location: Genoa, Italy
How often does the Milan to Genoa train leave?
Like clockwork or your favorite pasta dish coming out of the kitchen, trains from Milan to Genoa are frequent and reliable. You can catch one practically every hour, making it easier than deciding what to have for dinner!
What’s the best part of the Milan to Verona train ride?
Besides speeding through Italy’s picturesque landscapes, the best part of the Milan to Verona train journey is fantasizing about Verona’s legendary risotto all’isolana as you get closer to your destination. It’s less than a 1.5-hour ride, perfect for plotting your culinary adventures or just enjoying the scenic beauty outside your window.
Can I take a day trip from Milan to Bergamo by train?
Absolutely! The Milan to Bergamo train is your quick escape to a food paradise, running as frequently as espresso shots are poured in Milan. In under three-quarters of an hour, you’ll trade city bustle for Bergamo’s charming hills and, of course, its mouthwatering polenta e osei.
Any tips for a foodie’s train journey in Italy?
Yes! Always ask locals for restaurant recommendations, try to visit markets in each city, and don’t skip the regional specialties. Ah, and download the Trainline app to never miss a train to your next delicious discovery!
Ready to embark on your culinary journey? The Eurail One Country Pass for Italy makes it easy and flexible to munch your way through Northern Italy.
Looking for more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Italy