Milan, the capital of the northern region of Lombardy, is the most important economic hub of Italy. Here is where you will find important theatres and museums, where luxury brands congregate, and whose modern landscape is at the forefront of architecture and design. The region abounds with beautiful lakes whose opulent villas and gardens lining its shores have become the best venues for romantic getaways and the most extravagant weddings and events.
Milan, Trends & Trendsetters
Milan is celebrated for its innovative design and architecture, with a blend of historic landmarks and modern structures. The city boasts iconic architectural masterpieces, such as the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti in the modern Porta Nuova district. Milan's design district, Brera, is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its galleries, design studios, and creative energy.
The city is home to renowned cultural institutions, such as the La Scala Opera House, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, the Pinacoteca di Brera showcasing an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper.
Often referred to as the "Fashion Capital of the World," Milan is home to some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, designers, and luxury brands, making it a global hub for fashion. From high-end fashion boutiques and luxury department stores in the Quadrilatero della Moda to trendy boutiques and artisanal shops in neighbourhoods like Brera and Navigli, Milan offers a unique and exciting shopping experience in a thriving bustling cosmopolitan city.
Sirmione and the Caves of Catullo
Jutting out on a narrow strip is the peninsula of Sirmione, where you are greeted by a medieval castle that seems to be rising from the waters. Take a lovely stroll through narrow alleys right up to the tip where you can explore the remains of an ancient Roman villa known as the Grotte di Catullo, which occupies a surface of about 20,000sq.m., making it the largest archaeological site in Northern Italy.
Lago Maggiore, Villas, Gardens and Islands
Stresa is a good base from which we explore the Borromean islands of upper Lake Maggiore. We take a boat to Isola Bella, dominated by its opulent Baroque palace, along with a luxuriant Italian-style garden filled with flowers, fountains and statues. White peacocks roam the grounds of this huge, extraordinary garden which goes 37 metres high and develops on ten terraces.
Then we can spend the rest of our day island hopping to Isola Madre to visit its unique botanical park with its rare plant species from every corner of the globe. and the very quaint Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) with its narrow alleys. And in Verbania, there's more for garden lovers to indulge in in Villa Taranto.
Enchanting Lakes Como and Orta
Lake Como is famous for the impressive villas that line and embellish its shores. We can visit Villa Carlotta built in 1690 and covers about 7 hectares of land which includes a romantic Italian garden with fountains, terraces and sculptures.
Another remarkable villa is Balbianello built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery, famous for its elaborate terraced gardens which lies on a promontory near Isola Comacina making it a favourite film location, the most famous of which is Casino Royale of the James Bond movie series.
The towns and villages surrounding Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, are renowned for their charming cobblestone streets, historic churches, colourful houses, and bustling piazzas. We can explore these picturesque towns, shop at local boutiques, and dine at waterfront restaurants.
Another charming lake is Lake Orta. The small town of Orta San Giulio is a maze of narrow cobbled lanes with craft boutiques, antique shops and lively cafés. Perched on the hill above the village is the religious complex, Sacromonte, where the Capuchin Franciscans built chapels dedicated to the life of St Francis in 1591.