@juergen_hubert the Lakes are gorgeous, and worth a visit. I also recommend South Tyrol in the Summer, but peobably you won't practice much Italian as everyone speaks fluent German too.

Bologna-Ravenna-Ferrara and all the cities in that area are definitely worth a visit, and of course I am partial to Florence.

@luigirenna@infosec.exchange I have some vague memories of Lago di Garda from early childhood, and perhaps my sister-in-law will actually pull off the "family vacation" to that area she has suggested.

I like to hike, so good hiking regions are of interest to me - but I also want to balance that with cultural and historical interests, and would like to visit a museum or two.

@juergen_hubert except maybe for some of the most urbanized areas in the North you'll probably find a good mix of hiking and culture pretty much everywhere.

Tuscany, personally, has the best mix - you could alternate Florence with its museums and history and some pretty great countryside

@juergen_hubert

Avoid very famous places, they are exagerately expensive, too crowded and not at all "genuine".

Every town or village has nice corners (and tasty specialties!), just pick a map and check on wikipedia…

@juergen_hubert Asiago? (if only for the fresh version of the cheese - it’s sensational)