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.
Bormio is situated in the Italian Alps in Lombardy in Northern Italy. A wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, Bormio also has some historic sights. Known for its ski slopes (a regular stop on competition circuits for these sports), skating and curling opportunities (Bormio Ski), Bormio also boasts hiking and horse riding trails, as well as cycling in the Bormio Bike Park and over the spectacular mountain passes of the region (which cement Bormio as part of the Giro d’Italia Cycle Race). In town, the medieval centre is home to historic buildings such as frescoed Renaissance palaces and small churches, including the 12th-century Chiesa di San Vitale, while the Civic Museum and the Mineralogical and Naturalistic Museum offer insight into local history. Finally, the spa area called Bormio Terme has offered relaxing thermal baths since ancient times.
Located in the Val Rendena in Trentino in the northern Italian Alps, the small town of Pinzolo is perched at 800 metres above sea level. This picturesque village is known for its alpine charm boasting a lovely collection of heritage buildings lining the quaint streets and flower-boxes decorating a variety of stone cottages. During the winter months, this mountain town thrives as a ski resort and in the summer months, it becomes a hub of activity with hikers, cyclists, paragliders and mountain climbers flocking here to enjoy the scenic surrounds. Visitors can also explore the many kilometres of hiking trails traversing the area such as the multi-day Dolomite di Brenta Trek. Highlights include the: Church of Saint Vigilio, the Doss Del Sabion Chair Lift, the Madonna Di Campiglio Lift, and the Nardis Waterfall.
The 1000-year-old Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort town lies in the famous Dolomiti Superski Area of northern Italy. Boasting astounding views, superb slopes and a rich heritage which has left many sites to explore, the destination provides an ideal holiday retreat for active families with an interest in the area’s past. Functioning as a stop in the women’s World Cup ski circuit for 23 years, the surrounding challenging off-piste slopes offer fantastic conditions for advanced skiers, while plenty of blue sections keep beginners entertained too. The UNESCO-listed pink and orange Dolomiti and beautiful nature reserves and national parks offer stunning material for photographers. The town was once under Austrian rule, and an encampment used by the Italian army during the First World War has recently been rebuilt, and offers guided tours on the topic.
As previously described
