Italy's Northern Lakes - from Milan to Verona

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, is one of Europe’s most enchanting lakes. Its deep blue waters are framed by dramatic mountains, elegant villas, and lush gardens, creating a postcard-perfect landscape at every turn. The lake is shaped like an inverted “Y,” with charming towns scattered along its shores, each offering a distinct atmosphere—from glamorous and sophisticated to quiet and traditional. The town of Como, at the southern tip, is an ideal starting point. Stroll through its historic center with medieval walls, visit the Gothic Como Cathedral, and take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. From here, regular ferries connect you to other lakeside gems such as Cernobbio, Menaggio, and the iconic Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” where cobbled streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafés invite slow, leisurely exploration. One of the lake’s greatest charms is its collection of historic villas and gardens. Don’t miss Villa del Balbianello near Lenno, famous for its terraced gardens and appearances in films like “Casino Royale” and “Star Wars.” Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is another highlight, with its impressive art collection and botanical gardens bursting with azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons in spring. Many villas can be reached easily by boat, turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Beyond sightseeing, Lake Como is perfect for outdoor activities and culinary discovery. Hikers will find scenic trails leading to viewpoints and mountain refuges, while the lake offers opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding in summer. Food lovers can savor fresh lake fish, homemade pasta, and local specialties such as pizzoccheri and polenta, best enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the water. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or gentle adventure, Lake Como offers a timeless escape in the heart of northern Italy.

About the destination: Brescia, often overlooked in favor of nearby Milan or Lake Garda, is one of Northern Italy’s most rewarding “hidden” cities. Nestled between vineyards and mountains in the Lombardy region, it blends Roman ruins, medieval lanes, and elegant piazzas with a lived‑in, authentic atmosphere. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough in culture and history to keep you busy for several days. The historic center is an open‑air museum. Start at Piazza della Loggia, framed by Renaissance arcades and the ornate Palazzo della Loggia, then stroll to Piazza Paolo VI to see the unusual duo of cathedrals: the round Romanesque Old Cathedral (Duomo Vecchio) and the grand Baroque New Cathedral (Duomo Nuovo). A short walk away, the UNESCO‑listed monastery complex of Santa Giulia and the nearby Capitolium temple reveal Brescia’s Roman origins, with mosaics, archaeological finds, and atmospheric cloisters. Above the city, the medieval Brescia Castle crowns Cidneo Hill and offers some of the best views over terracotta rooftops and the distant Alps. The castle grounds, with their towers, ramparts, and museums, are perfect for a slow afternoon wandering or a sunset picnic. Down below, stylish shops, traditional cafés, and lively aperitivo spots give the city a contemporary buzz—especially in the early evening when locals fill the squares. Brescia also makes an excellent base for exploring the region. The Franciacorta wine country, famous for its sparkling wines, lies just to the west, while the shores of Lake Iseo and Lake Garda are within easy reach by car or train. Whether you’re interested in history, food and wine, or simply experiencing an Italian city with fewer tourists and plenty of character, Brescia is a rewarding stop on any northern Italy itinerary.

About the destination: Set amid endless vineyards and cypress groves, this melange of Roman ruins, pink palazzi and fanciful sepulchres has a romantic beauty that is difficult to over-praise. Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet here, and would likely be amused to know that his imaginary lovers have become Verona’s hottest tourist attraction. Nonetheless, Verona has more to offer than just Romeo and Juliet. In Verona’s centre, Brà square, there is the almost perfectly preserved Roman Arena. Up via Mazzini from the Arena is piazza delle Erbe, where corny gadgets are sold amid the Renaissance palazzo of former Veronese merchants and has a lively atmosphere with pretty cafes and dazzling restaurants. Through an arch on the right are piazza dei Signori and the Tombs of the Scaligeri, the peculiar Gothic remnants of della Scalla, Verona’s medieval tyrants. The equestrian statue of Cangrande I, head of the Scalla clan is a glorification of raw power and can be visited at the museum of Castelvecchio. But if you are an incurable romantic, at 23 via Cappello you’ll find Juliet’s house, where lovers graffiti their hopeful pleas. The house where Romeo used to live is now a bar. This ancient city exudes history from every brick and is well worth a visit.

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.