Located in northern Italy’s mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region, Trento is known for its architectural and historical gems, including Buonconsiglio Castle and Trento Cathedral. It’s also popular among hikers after a passport to the lofty Brenta Dolomites.
Just a few miles south of the Austrian border, Merano (also called Meran) is an old spa town. About half the residents here speak German, the other half Italian. Take a dip in one of the thermal baths, or try Merano’s famous “grape cure” by imbibing - what else? - lots of grapes. The South Tyrol Museum of Tourism is located in Trauttmansdorff Castle, the former holiday pad of Austria’s Empress Elisabeth. Merano 2000, a ski resort that’s actually in the village of Hafling, is linked by cable car.
The capital of Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, Bolzano (Bozen in German) has only been Italian since World War I, and its character remains distinctly Germanic. At the center of the town, Piazza Walther is named for a 13th-century German minstrel. The town’s most famous resident, Ötzi the Iceman, dates from about 3300 BC and now rests at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The striking new building for Museion, the city’s modern and contemporary art museum, opened in 2008.
Trentino-Alto Adige is made up of two provinces, the Italian-leaning Trento (or Trentino) in the south and the Germanic-leaning Alto Adige (or Südtirol, and also called Bolzano-Bozen, just to keep things interesting) in the north. Home to numerous picturesque towns, castles and historic sights, the main attraction here is the mountains. The stars of these are the Dolomites. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound year-round, with skiing, climbing and hiking among the most popular pursuits.
In Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, sports cars and chocolate are a matter of pride. The city is also home to the Museo Egizio, one of the most impressive collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world. A stroll around Piazza Castello and along the Via Roma encompasses many of the must-see sights. Valentino Park houses an 18th-century castle, botanic garden and medieval village. When you've worked up an appetite, sample casual trattorias for pastas, regional wines and coffees.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Cuneo, Province of Cuneo, Piedmont including Agriturismo Tetto Garrone, Virgula B&B, Milu, B&B Eremes, Osteria Senza Fretta - Affittacamere, Milu, B&B Casa Marvita, Il Rosso e il Blu, B&B Sanrock, Cuneo Bed.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Piedmont including Villa Silvia Olivetti, La Rosa Gialla, Agriturismo Tetto Garrone, I Tre Poggi Dimora di Charme, Palas Cerequio, Tomato Backpackers, B&B Torino Chic, Serendipity Hotel, B&B Via Stampatori, Casa Nicolini.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Asti, Province of Asti, Piedmont including da Nonna Carla, La Fabbrica dell'Oro, B&B Cascina Rossa, Relais Cattedrale, Casa Tavasso, Bed & Breakfast La Valle, La Ferte Restaurant and Suites, Tenuta Polledro B&B, La Carolina Bed & Breakfast, La Casa Celeste B&B.
Milan, one-time Imperial Roman capital, is the center of industry in Italy and home to the Italian stock exchange. Old and new blend together in its neighborhoods. Here you can observe eternal artwork and discover the beauty of design and fashion for which Milan is known around the world. World-class events such as the Salone del Mobile and Fashion Week draw an eclectic mix of visitors to exhibitions, clubs, boutiques, and eateries with the best Lombardy and Italian food.
The university city of Pavia is ideal day-trip fodder from nearby Milan. Its highlight attraction is the Certosa di Pavia—a sprawling monastic complex, and one of Italy’s top Renaissance architectural hubs—though castles, churches, and other landmarks beckon.
With its monumental Palazzo Ducale rising above a moat of artificial lakes, Mantua’s seems plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. In the walkable, UNESCO-listed old town, pint-sized bars and boutiques spill onto piazzas little changed since medieval times.
Lake Maggiore—one of the largest lakes in Italy—is known for its Alpine splendor, and the resort town of Stresa is a perfectly elegant place to admire its beauty. A quick trip from Milan, the town features opulent villas, pretty piazzas, and the storied Grand Hotel.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Lake Maggiore, Lombardy including Hotel Ponti & Ponti, Locanda Pozzetto, Albergo Diana, La Tana del Ghiro, Locanda La Casetta, Albergo Cristallo, La Betulla, Hostaria del Golfo, B&B Coco Loco, Sole.
An elegant resort town on the southern edge of Lake Garda, Sirmione has attracted vacation-goers for centuries. 13th-century Scaligero Castle and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo are top of the list for most visitors, as is swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Lecco, Province of Lecco, Lombardy including Albergo Nicolin, B&B Partenza Funivia, Agriturismo Deviscio, Rocca dell'Innominato, B&B Montebello, Villa Puccini B&B, B&B Il Lago Dipinto, Polvara Trentuno Bed & Breakfast, Affittacamere Solosonno, alla Bonacina bed and breakfast.
Its namesake lake is the major draw for aristocratic Como, where waterside gardens and palatial villas flourish in abundance. Long a playground for the wealthy, this city attracts a mix of tourists and Milanese fashionistas who plan trips across the lake region or to nearby Bellagio.
A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Milan is the prime draw in Italy's most prosperous province. The Cathedral, La Scala opera house and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of da Vinci's "Last Supper," are just some of the sights. Equally fascinating is the belle Epoque splendor of 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. When not on one of its frequent strikes, Milan's Metro is an excellent way to explore. Renting a car opens up the region, with its towns full of Romanesque architecture and the peninsula of Sirmione and "Gardesana" coast.
ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.