Cernobbio lies in the Lombardy region of northern Italy – close to both the country’s border with Switzerland and the shores of Lake Como. Although not as popular as other destinations in the Lake Como region, Cernobbio boasts some good sights, convenient transport links (it has a ferry terminal) and is also a great choice for hiking enthusiasts. Begin with a walk along the town’s pretty Promenade, stopping in at the gardens of Giardino della Valle, and then book a boat trip for great vistas across Lake Como and the chance to view the imperious Villa d'Este, once voted the world’s finest hotel. Serious hikers, meanwhile, flock to Cernobbio to attempt La Via dei Monti Lariani – a 130-kilometre, 10-day trail that tracks through the hills around the western edge of Lake Como towards Sorico.
The vibrant metropolis, Milan, it the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region, in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sophisticated glitzy facade has afforded it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath its exterior hides a treasure trove of historical and architectural delights: from its glorious Gothic churches, Baroque mansions and Art Nouveau palazzos, to the striking, modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see sites include the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, the glass-vaulted Galleria, and of course La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Milan caters for a broad range of interests: those in search of some glorious designer retail therapy will be well sated, but so too will those looking for fascinating historical sites and remarkable architectural marvels.
Located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the picturesque city of Verona is nothing if not romantic. It is no surprise that Shakespeare chose this fairytale city as the setting for his great romance, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Visitors flock here to visit Juliet’s balcony and to experience the surreal atmosphere of this elegant city. Despite its appeal, Verona hosts far fewer visitors than neighbouring Venice, making it a more relaxed place to visit. The city’s remarkably well-preserved architecture is crowned by its 2000-year-old Roman Arena, a wonderful venue for the city’s summer Opera Festival. Quaint narrow cobbled streets are strewn with baroque facades, handsome palazzi and museums brimming with historical and artistic artefacts. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the town’s array of upmarket shops and fine restaurants, which serve up some of Italy’s finest culinary delights.
The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Vicenza is located in northern Italy. The city is rich with history and culture since it was founded in the 2nd century. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most of the buildings are a good example of classical Roman architecture designed by Andrea Palladio. The city is notable for processing gold and manufacturing jewellery, making it one of the biggest economic contributors in the country. Tourists can visit numerous museums, churches, theatres, villas, art galleries within the city.
Venice is a small, unique city in Italy’s Veneto region, a historical centre consisting of 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, linked together by a complex web of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches exist as fascinating remnants of what was once an important trading centre between Europe and the Orient. From the famous Gothic Palazzo Ducale, and the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco to the incomprehensible radiance of Titian's Assunta altarpiece illuminating an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged in the past 600 years. Other must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), fascinating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum), and of course, gondola rides along the canals.
