Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Situated in the far north-east corner of Italy, the port of Trieste is the capital of this region that is sometimes forgotten about.

However this region has an enviable diversity with sandy beaches, lagoons, mountains, cliffs and picturesque fishing villages.

It also has Roman towns such as Aquileia, considered the most important archaeological site in northern Italy.

Polenta is a popular food here with the areas vast cornfields producing the raw ingredients.

Veneto

This region is home to probably the most famous romantic locations in the world, Venice, with its gondolas and canals.

Also not too far away is Verona, the location of the most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. The town also has a well preserved large Roman arena that holds outdoor opera in summer.

Visitors may also enjoy the regions other sights such as Padua, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Chiogga, a miniature Venice with less crowds and also Lake Garda is in this region.

Trentino Alto-Adige

On the northern frontier bordering Austria and Switzerland, this region feels the least Italian of all demonstrated by the fact German is the most spoken language here.

The Dolomite mountains make this region attractive for skiing as well as hiking and climbing.

The area also has numerous castles and charming mountain villages such as Merano.

Food here is also not very Italian with Austrian and German influences resulting in dumplings and sauerkraut being popular.

Emilia-Romagna

This region stretches almost across the width of Italy from Liguria in the west all the way to the Adriatic Sea in the east.

Famous for its food, the capital of the region, Bologna along with another town in the region, Parma can take the credit for Bolognese sauce, Parmesan cheese, Parma ham etc.

For those who like the beach there is the lively resort of Rimini, which attracts thousands of sun seekers each summer.