The Italian Lakes Region

About Milan

Milan, Italy, is often synonymous with fashion, luxury, and business. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Milan offers a unique blend of history, culture, and art. From its iconic Duomo to world-class shopping and vibrant atmosphere, Milan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Milan, Italy, is often synonymous with fashion, luxury, and business. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Milan offers a unique blend of history, culture, and art. From its iconic Duomo to world-class shopping and vibrant atmosphere, Milan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

The Duomo di Milano, Milan's stunning Gothic cathedral, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its intricate facade, adorned with countless statues and spires, reflects the city's rich history. Climbing to the rooftop of the Duomo offers breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. Inside, the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate details, and it is home to thousands of statues and hundreds of gargoyles and church figures. While entry to the main area of the Milan Cathedral is free for prayer and worship, a ticket is required to explore areas such as the rooftop terraces, the museum, or the archaeological area. No visit to Milan is complete without indulging in a bit of retail therapy. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and another iconic Milan landmark. A shopper’s paradise, it is housed in a four-story double arcade that dates back to the mid 19th century. The structure’s central dome has a beautiful mosaic that represents the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the U.S. This elegant glass-roofed structure houses a variety of luxury brands, historic restaurants, and charming cafes such as the historic Café Biffi, with even fast-food restaurants decorated in high style to blend in with the sophisticated ambiance. Beyond shopping, Milan offers countless cultural gems. In the vibrant Brera District, you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes. Explore the museums and art collections housed in the Sforza Castle, the city’s medieval fortress. For a taste of local life, stroll along the bustling Navigli Canals lined with hip bars and restaurants, eclectic art galleries, and vintage shops. Visit on the last Sunday of the month for the popular flea-meets-antiques bazaar that runs along the Naviglio Grande for over a mile. The neighborhood is just a 30-minute walk from the Duomo or a 20-minute ride by subway, tram, or bus.  Don’t miss the grandeur of La Scala, one of the world's most famous opera houses. A visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must, where you can admire both the Renaissance architecture and Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper. To make the most of your Milan adventure, consider these tips: Book tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Duomo and The Last Supper, as they often sell out. Embrace the local cuisine by sampling Italian dishes like risotto, pasta, and pizza. Learning a few basic Italian phrases can make your trip more enjoyable, and lastly, don’t rush—Milan is a city meant to be savored. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class shopping, Milan offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages and interests.

About Como

Como is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theaters, parks and palaces: the Duomo (seat of Diocese of Como), the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the Villa Olmo, the public gardens with the Tempio Voltiano, the Teatro Sociale, the Broletto (the city's medieval town hall) and the 20th century Casa del Fascio.

Como is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theaters, parks and palaces: the Duomo (seat of Diocese of Como), the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the Villa Olmo, the public gardens with the Tempio Voltiano, the Teatro Sociale, the Broletto (the city's medieval town hall) and the 20th century Casa del Fascio.

About Sirmione

Sirmione is a commune in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy, northern Italy. It has a historic center which is located on the Sirmio peninsula that divides the lower part of Lake Garda. The main historical landmark of Sirmione is the so-called Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo), the most striking example of a Roman private edifice discovered in northern Italy. The edifice had a rectangular plan and measured 167 x 105 meters. The town is famous for its thermal springs.

Sirmione is a commune in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy, northern Italy. It has a historic center which is located on the Sirmio peninsula that divides the lower part of Lake Garda. The main historical landmark of Sirmione is the so-called Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo), the most striking example of a Roman private edifice discovered in northern Italy. The edifice had a rectangular plan and measured 167 x 105 meters. The town is famous for its thermal springs.

About Venice

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Venice is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world for its celebrated art and architecture. The city has an average of 50,000 tourists a day.

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Venice is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world for its celebrated art and architecture. The city has an average of 50,000 tourists a day.