Lombardy

Indeed the itinerary starts with a hellish carousel of ascents and descenta, more than 120 kilometres through the Bergamasque Pre-Alps. It continues with a long flat stretch, strenuous but not overly so, which sounds like a temporary pain for the legs. Finally, it heads into biking Eden, up the Ghisallo Pass, where a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary honours the Madonna who was proclaimed Patroness of Cyclists in 1949, complete with a papal bull from Pius XII. But two wheels are not the only thread running through this enterprise, which we suggest you ‘spread’ over two or three days: along the 253 kilometers, from Bergamo to Como, you will encounter breathtakingly beautiful passes, art cities, inns that are the guardians of ancient gastronomic traditions, lush gardens and sunsets that are reflected in sheets of blue water. The professionals will have to play dumb, busy as they are with the battle. Lucky you who have won at the start because you can enjoy everything: the sporting challenge and the riches of the territory.

Lombardy is also a land to be discovered through its flavours. From olive oil to wine, truffles to salami, to PDO cheeses: what we present and invite you to taste are five typical specialities, for as many different taste experiences. A new dimension for the palate through the tasting of the region’s raw materials.

Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful Italian lakes and has enchanted the great Italian and foreign artists who have stayed here. It is believed to be the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes, hence the name "Maggiore", it is of glacial origin and its banks are in Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. Surrounded by mountains and hills that shelter it from the cold northern winds, the lake has the Ticino River among its tributaries, a historic water route connecting the Po Valley to Central Europe.

Do you know Milan, but not its surroundings? We have selected 7 places worth discovering, Italian treasures no more than an hour away from Lombardy's capital.

Cycling along the Navigli is the green idea for getting into the surroundings from the heart of Milan: here are five itineraries that also take inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci.

These itineraries, as well as dedicated festivals, are a perfect way to discover the cheeses of Lombardy. Some of Italy’s most famous dairy products, which are also well known abroad, originate from this area. Let’s take a closer look.

Surrounded by lakes and environment rich in nature, art and history, Mantua was transformed by the Gonzaga family into a court-city of great opulence: echoes of its past can be seen in the courtyards, small squares and porticoes that recall the splendours of 16th-century courts. The combination of Renaissance palaces, medieval buildings and imposing neoclassical architecture creates a unique cityscape to be admired in all its length and breadth. Mantua is a vibrant and lively city and hosts the annual Literature Festival and attracts many curious tourists who inevitably fall in love with it.

Falling in love with Pavia: the rice capital of Italy and home to Einstein A rich historical and artistic heritage, an enviable food and wine tradition, and countless fascinating sites make Pavia surprisingly unique and perfect for a tailor-made holiday. The Charterhouse, a jewel of the Renaissance The best place to start is the Charterhouse of Pavia, a monumental complex eight kilometres away from the city centre. Commissioned as a family chapel and mausoleum by Gian Galeazzo Visconti in the 15th century, it was entrusted to the Carthusian monks, before passing to the Cistercians and the Benedictines of Pavia. But, though his ashes were taken there, its patron never saw the end of its construction, which was continued by Francesco Sforza and Ludovico il Moro. Housing works by Perugino, Pinturicchio and Guercino, the interior flaunts a Gothic style, modelled on the Milan Cathedral, while the façade is overtly Renaissance. The Visconti Castle, a symbol of power More than a castle, this building is a symbol of wealth and power dating back to 1360. It is surrounded by a beautiful park, which you can only see part of today, connecting it to the Charterhouse of Pavia. Significant historical events it bore witness to include the marriage of Ludovico il Moro to Beatrice d'Este. Although today part of the castle has been destroyed, the interior still hosts the Civic Museums and the Malaspina civic art gallery, with masterpieces such as Antonello da Messina's Portrait of a Man. The Church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro and the Ponte Coperto The Church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro is definitely worth a visit. It is the resting place of two Church Fathers: St Augustine, who lies in a magnificent tomb, and Severinus Boethius, philosopher and martyr. The Longobard-style church was rebuilt in the Romanesque style and is considered one of the most important religious building in the city together with the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore. Also well worth a visit is the Ponte Coperto, the iconic covered bridge of Pavia that crosses the Ticino river. This bridge connects the historic centre with Borgo Ticino, originally located outside the city walls, and the Palazzo Broletto, a 12th-century building with a striking porticoed inner courtyard, the heart of institutional life in times gone by. Keen eyes can also spot a plaque dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the death of Albert Einstein, who lived here for some time. Albert Einstein It’s true! Einstein's parents moved to Pavia in 1894, to Palazzo Cornazzani to be precise, the former home of Ugo Foscolo, and Albert himself also lived here for a while. The theatre that hosted Gassman and Fo The 18th-century Teatro Fraschini theatre is a true masterpiece that has seen renowned actors such as Vittorio Gassman and Dario Fo grace its stage. It has a typical horseshoe shape, with a series of box seats and an entirely painted wooden ceiling. Pavia and its passion for heels In nearby Vigevano is the International Footwear Museum, which exhibits all kinds of shoes from the historical to the super fashionable and even recent models. You can even find the historic slipper “la pianella di Beatrice d'Este” strutting side by side with the best of Manolo Blahnik! Rice: an icon Pavia has around 80 thousand hectares of paddy fields. We are talking about the largest area of rice cultivation in Italy, and you can enjoy a walk or cycle on paths alongside the paddies.

Your typical Milanese is work-focused, chaotic and a frequent attendee of aperitifs, but don’t be fooled into thinking that’s the whole picture. Lombardy's capital city boasts a rich artistic heritage, is home to the prestigious La Scala theatre and a striking skyline dotted with skyscrapers. But there is more. Milan is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a European flair, and is considered one of the world's fashion and design capitals, a city of trendsetters and trailblazers. It is also a strategic financial centre at the international level, so much so that the Italian stock exchange is based here. Lombardy's capital has always been a shopping destination, concentrated in its Fashion Rectangle, the Quadrilatero della Moda. Let’s not forget its luxury gastronomy, from traditional to fusion cuisine, nor the city's wide-ranging cultural offer, from exhibitions to live shows, best enjoyed after savouring a classic aperitif.

A rich history that includes opera music, a characteristic landscape and a medieval heart perched on a hill, surrounded by the Venetian Walls now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover it on foot to fully appreciate every nuance: the musical masterpieces - it is the city of Donizetti, one of the five great opera composers in the world; the artistic ones of Mantegna, Botticelli, Raphael and Bellini; and the architectural ones with its bastions built in the 16th century. A journey through history, good food and all-round beauty.

Cities of art and historic villages alternate between vineyards, rice paddies, ancient noble residences and traditional farmhouses. Lombardy is full of surprises for people who explore it by bicycle, with a generous offering of local wine and foods: here are five specific itineraries.

Peace, amazing hidden views and the art of good living that in this area finds one of its deepest expressions, Try losing yourself in the Lake Garda landscapes, where its waters bathe shores that belong to three different regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, and hide villages and towns where you can spend hours of profound peace.

Bormio, Santa Caterina, Livigno, Aprica, Madesimo and Valmalenco ... Valtellina will surprise you with its winter offering over several fronts. Every location - and we have only mentioned a few here - has its own unique characteristics that meet the needs of specific targets of travellers/skiers: so, just decide what you prefer to do and you will know where to go. Without overlooking that as well as being a skiers' paradise, this area also ensures great taste for Italian cuisine with bresaola, wines and PDO and PGI cheese.

A year-round ski destination (thanks to Stelvio's awesome slopes), Valtellina is located in the heart of the Alps of Lombardy , and is known for the intense beauty of its mountain landscapes, as well as for being a beloved winter sports destination. At the same time it preserves traces of the historic testimonies that, notwithstanding the passage of time, have maintained their charm entirely intact. The legacy of Valtellina lives on today, from village to village, valley to valley. Stelvio, also known as the "University of Ski": from May to November it hosts some of the best ski champions as they train – as in summer, those passionate for the sport cannot but continue to enjoy its still-snowy runs.

We are two thousand metres above sea level, in Alta Valtellina, in Arnoga to be precise, but you will feel as if you have been catapulted into one of those Scandinavian fairytale countries. Snow sports are serious business here and, in addition to skiing, you can try dog sledding and indulge in an unparalleled experience in nature. A key junction since the Middle Ages, in the famous “Dark Ages” Arnoga was very popular due to its strategic location connecting the north and south of the Alps.

A trip out of town on a Sunday, for the weekend or a full week: all great options to enjoy the Bergamo Alps and Prealps that offer beauty, nature, sport and relaxation for all tastes.

Do you love landscapes where you can ski freely? This is for you. Do you love shopping? Prepare your wallets and a large suitcase: you are in duty-free heaven where everything is exempt from taxes, like VAT, and you can shop while saving money. For you, are mountains synonymous with good food? Between restaurants, dairies and typical bars, Livigno is a paradise for mountain food and wine. Winter sports are fine, but do you love trekking and outdoor fun? Well, here all age groups will be spoilt for choice. In the northernmost and largest municipality of Lombardy and, in a valley surrounded by harmonious mountains, you will feel like you are on top of the world.

Consisting of several routes connecting Italy to Switzerland through mountain passes and beautiful valleys, it has a memorable history and became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 thanks to its spectacular uniqueness. Always active, the Rhaetian Railway is a true tourist destination, an exciting experience amidst unique landscapes to be enjoyed from an unparalleled perspective.

It is impossible not to love snowshoeing. Those who have already experienced it know what we are talking about, because they are always on the lookout for snowshoeing routes and itineraries where they can put themselves to the test by exploring new places. Those, on the other hand, who want to try this winter activity for the first time will have to take a small leap of faith. But, but don't worry, you will be hooked! The many easy trails with breathtaking views in the mountains of Lombardy, and this is the ideal place to try snowshoeing. All you need is the willingness to walk, snowshoes, which can be rented, and a dash of adventurous spirit. If you're planning a weekend in the snow or a skiing holiday and don't want to miss the chance for a good snowshoeing trip, here are the 5 best snowshoeing tours in Lombardy less than three hours away from Milan, which can be reached by high-speed trains from anywhere in Italy.

For those living in Milan, resisting the call of the snow, when the mountain ranges turn white on the horizon, is virtually impossible. There are many prestigious resorts that can be reached in less than three hours from the city centre, making them ideal destinations for those who love weekends on the snow, as well as for those who want to ski in a day from Milan. The added bonus? The excellent connection to the motorway and expressway that makes travelling even a few hours easy, the Milan Malpensa airport and the TAV railway line. Here, then, are 5 favourite resorts for the Milanese for a stylish getaway, with elegant chalets, state-of-the-art facilities and dreamy panoramas in which to ski near Milan.

It was once also renowned for a spring of iron-rich water of various qualities, which has since been lost. It rises in a basin, between Bormio, the Stelvio Pass and the Passa Gavia, at the foot of the mountains of the Ortles Cevedale group and there is no season when mountain lovers cannot appreciate it. Of course, skiing is the reigning discipline here. Santa Caterina Valfurva hosted the Women's Alpine Skiing World Championships and several Alpine and Nordic Skiing World Cup races in 1985. Its real attraction is the slope dedicated to Deborah Compagnoni, a three-time Alpine skiing gold medallist, inaugurated for the World Championships in 2005 and illuminated at night to allow moonlight skiing. It is over three kilometres long, reaches a gradient of 75 per cent (only in some places) and is one of the most varied and exciting slopes in the entire Alpine region. In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, the ski area is a true jewel of nature and snow-capped peaks. An oasis where you can find tranquillity amidst the mountain scenery.

It goes without saying that the event is reserved for champions of all the official sports disciplines on ice or snow, but the strength of an event such as the Olympics also resides in welcoming everyone in fostering cultural exchange between different and distant cultures. While waiting for the various competitions, in addition to a constantly updated calendar packed full with music, theater, film and art events, everyone will have the chance to try the same tracks, depending on their skill level, where champions across the world will battle against each other. Dreaming costs nothing! Being among the most beautiful, atmospheric peaks in Europe as you spend a few days engaging with sport and relaxing is a dream within everyone's reach. Let's discover the jewels that will host the 2026 Games, together with Milan and Cortina they will form the largest winter Olympic Village ever.

Embankments, canals, vineyards, rice paddies, walled cities and unique landscapes, cross the length and breadth of the region with little effort. Here, in fact, are 10 easy routes suitable for two-wheeled outings for the whole family. Ready to pedal?

Humankind’s long-standing dream of flying has finally come true. Fly Emotion’s Aerofune zip line offers two and a half minutes of pure excitement in the skies of Valtellina, above the wide valley of the Orobie Regional Park.

The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are devotional monuments scattered across the mountains of northern Italy. They originated as an alternative method of prayer compared to pilgrimages to the Holy Land, which had become increasingly difficult to visit due to the expansion of Islamic culture, and as a response to the Protestant Reformation. They comprise nine complexes of chapels and sacred architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries distributed along routes that represent episodes from the Holy Scriptures, built by the hands of the best artists of the Lombard late Renaissance and Baroque artistic tradition.

It would all seem very easy, but an inevitable dilemma derives from the immense cultural heritage of the capital of the Lombardy region and the surrounding districts that are literally dotted with historic buildings, sculptures, art collections and charming villages. Where should we begin? We would suggest you try this essential list of wonderful sites.

Valcamonica holds one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the world and was the first of the Italian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to fits timeless enchantment. The “Valley of Signs” is an unprecedented plunge into the past, and beyond. An excursion that means culture but also nature. If you head towards the north on the left side of the valley, you will come to Adamello Park. Acknowledged as a UNESCO Global Geopark, its rare geological and morphological heritage is of great scientific interest. It is home to no fewer than 1,300 different species of plants and flowers of rare beauty, numerous wild animals, both small and large, glaciers, coniferous forests and many Alpine lakes. Lastly, ski enthusiasts should put Valcamonica on their to-do list of places to visit in winter. Stopping at Ponte di Legno, you can take advantage of the fantastic slopes of the Ponte di Legno-Tonale ski area.

An imposing architectural work of great importance, it is inextricably linked to the Last Supper, a famous painting, and not a fresco as it is commonly called, by Leonardo, preserved inside the place where the Dominicans used to eat. The precious Milanese church, in perfect early Renaissance Lombard style, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980 and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Nestled in the verdant Parco Sempione, right in the centre of Milan, the Triennale Design Museum has been an indispensable international cultural institution since it was founded in 2007. It is characterised by a dialogue between the worlds of design and applied arts. The museum is housed in the Palazzo dell'Arte, built in the 1930s and later donated to the city by the Bernocchi family to host the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts and Modern Architecture. Or, in a few words, the triennials, which have been organised every three years since 1933 in 12,000 square metres of exhibition halls and public spaces.

The Venetian Defence Works, the most extensive and innovative defensive networks built by Venice at the height of its power to protect itself from other European powers and support the expansion of the Republic. “The Venetian Works of Defence of the 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar”, Italy’s 53rd UNESCO site: offer an exceptional testimony to the military culture developed by the Venetian Republic.

Large pools of transparent water or small ponds framed by an idyllic, lush landscape: in Lombardy there is no sea, but many lakes. There is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in a nice trip outside the city, with your feet in the water and the sun's rays on your skin.

A family holiday that is fun for all ages: children are usually the most choosy, but in Lombardy, they too will find it impossible to get bored, thanks to an endless array of activities. From sensory trails to Indiana Jones-style trips to educational farms, you're literally spoilt for choice.

After a hard day's work, how many times have you closed your eyes and imagined green meadows, brightly coloured flowers and the trickle of small streams to complete the panorama? The beauty of the vegetation soothes the senses and sparks the imagination: here are 5 destinations in Lombardy where you can breathe deeply and relax your mind.

Mountains and valleys, lakes and rivers, plains and vineyards, spas and prehistoric sites: nature in Lombardy is rich and varied, for all tastes and cycling abilities. Here are five itineraries to discover its many faces - alongside a glass of the famous Franciacorta Brut bubbly. These scenarios will host the closing stages of the Giro d'Italia.

In this relaxing landscape, typical of the Pavia countryside, nature is a powerful tool of regeneration for the body and mind, not to mention the spectacular view, especially in the Lomellina area, which is worth the trip alone.

Spring is a splendid time of year on these lakes. Energizing nature, relaxing colours and mild temperatures are an invitation to an active open-air holiday with plenty to do, including sports and walks through history. Northern Italy has the three largest lakes in the Italian peninsula - the inspiration for poets, writers and musicians of all periods.