Italian & Overseas Property Specialists

Bergamo

Bergamo, or the Walled City as it is often known is definitely on your route if you plan to visit Lake Como or Lake Garda. It's a delightful town with lots to see and do and serves some of the most unique dishes like polenta cakes covered in chocolate. The best advice we can give in Bergamo alta città is just wander, so do yourself a favor and try to get lost. It's virtually impossible to do, because the old city is encircled by the old city walls, if you stray too far you'll just bump into a wall at some point and have to turn back. The streets themselves aren't flat, but you can let the bus or the funicular railway get you up and down the hill. Bergamo airport is served by Ryan Air and makes a perfect place to rent a holiday home or apartment away from the hustle and bustle of Milan.

Brescia

The picturesque old town of Brescia, surrounded by gardens, has Roman remains dating from the early Empire and fine Renaissance buildings. The areas special microclimate lends itself to Brescia's fabulous citrus fruit, famed for its Lemons the area smells heavenly and there are numerous stalls and street markets selling giant versions! Brescia province is home to Lake Iseao, it is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes, dominated on the East by Mount Gugliemo, it's a perfect place to relax and unwind, fish and swim.

Como

Como is a lively town with an appealing historical centre set in a scenic location at the southern end of the East branch of Lake Como. Like other Italian lakes, Lake Como has been popular as a resort since the days of the Roman Empire. Visitors ever since have admired the blue waters and relaxed in luxurious villas in the wooded lakeside slopes above. On the southern shore is Bellaggio, considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villas make it the most enchanting spot to spend an unforgettable holiday.

Cremona

The town is world famous for the violin-makers who worked here, particularly in the 16th-18th centuries. The violins made by Niccolò Amati, Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri de Gesù and other violin makers are famous for their sound. Today efforts are made to perpetuate this musical tradition by means of concerts, etc. In Cremona there is an Institute of Professional Violin Makers

Lecco

During the 19th century Lecco developed from a small village to a large industrial centre (mainly based around wrought iron) and became the capital of a rich and industrious province during the last decade of the 20th century. Though fundamentally a modern town it has many interesting monuments, both ancient (e.g. the Visconti Bridge and Tower) and modern (e.g. the buildings of Mario Cereghini). It is also famous as the centre piece of Alessandro Manzoni's masterpiece "The Betrothed" which weaves its story into the landscape of the local mountains and lakeside.

Lodi

Sited on the banks of the River Adda, Lodi has a splendid Medieval and Renaissance historic center. Prior to becoming a city of the Roman Empire, the town was a Celtic village. The town's economy relies heavily on agriculture, in particular on the dairy industry. The city is famous for its dairy produce cream, butter, mascarpone and the extremely rare "grana con la lacrima" cheese. There are a lots of ceramics and wrought Iron produced in the town and these can be bought in local shops. Well worth a visit: Lodi Cathedral, the Civic Museum, and the Sanctuary of the Incoronata. Local festivities include St Bassiano, the Fair of St Lucia, "Lodi al Sole", the Palio dei Rioni, the Lodigiano Gastronomic Fair and "l'Autunno è di Lodi". Other local specialties include "cannelloni alla lodigiana", "busecchin" and "verzata di luganeghe". S. Colombano is the most prestigious of the town's DOC wines.

Mantova (Mantua)

Mantua, or Mantova, is a beautiful and historic city in northern Italy surrounded on three sides by lakes. It was one of the greatest Renaissance Courts in Europe and home of the wealthy Gonzaga family. The town's center has three spacious and lively piazzas that interlink. In 2008 Mantova became a UNESCO World Heritage Site based on its Renaissance planning and architecture.

Milan

Milan surely takes the title of the most stylish city in the world! Just take a trip to via Montenapoleone and via della Spiga where you'll find boutiques by Gucci, Ferragamo, Valentino, Armani, Ferre and Fendi and you may just find a designer or model wandering around. Milan is not just about fashion though, this northern Italian powerhouse is home to some of histories most precious artwork including Leonardo's 'Last Supper' in Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Brera Museum hosts Madonna and Child and Pieta by Bellini. The city also harbours some lesser-known attractions such as the Navigli's canal-side cafés and old-fashioned gelaterie (ice-cream shops) and the funky design district of Isola, Milan is well known for its love risk taking avante garde art. With an excellent, cheap and efficient metro system getting around is easy however many people choose to use the city's Tram service which allows you to enjoy the view as you go.

Pravia

This ancient and interesting city is perfect for a day trip outside Milan. The old city center can easily be covered on foot: walking along the streets and squares, you can see the architectural sights covering many centuries of history. From the Roman era to the Middle Ages, from the Visconti and Sforza eras to the Renaissance, from Neoclassicism to Liberty style. We recommend you end your trip by seeing the wonderful Certosa di Pavia, 5 km outside the city, built around 1396 on the wishes of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan.

Sondrio

Sondrio is located in the northern part of Lombardy, in the centre of Valtellina, with towering mountains like Pizzo Bernina 4050 m above sea level. Its name came from the Lombard term Sundrium, which was used for a land cultivated directly by the landlord and his subjects. On these lands are now peppered with vineyards and the most famous are Sassella and Grumello. Wine represents one of the main resources of this region generating a healthy all year round tourist trade.

Varese

Varese can be found just an hours drive East of Milan and many find it very inviting and pretty. It has a particularly lovely piazza where you can while away the hours over a good bowl of pasta and a lovely bottle of local wine.The market bustles with people buying fresh fruit and vegetables. The warren of lanes around the piazza are filled with interesting shops including many good shoe shops and vintage clothing. From the centre it is just 9Km to the shores of the petite Lago di Varese where it has been popular for centuries to fish.

Lombardy is the source of Romanesque architecture and has exquisite examples in each major city. The most impressive monument of the Gothic period is the Cathedral of Milan. The Renaissance period has left stunning palaces and resplendent churches.

The Lombard plain, located in the central part of Lombardy at the confluence of several Alpine passes, has for centuries been a much coveted and frequently invaded area, and it has been a battlefield in many wars. First inhabited by the Gallic people, the region became part of the Roman province of Cisalpine Gaul. It suffered heavily during the barbarian invasions that took place toward the end of the Roman Empire.

• Go Mountain Biking or Rock Climbing around the numerous trails in the Bergamo province.
• Take a trip to San Pellegrino, home of the Italian Mineral water.
• Join in the Centomiglia (sailing regatta) during September in Bogliacco.
• Visit the "Lemon houses" in Riviera dei Limone, Brescia.
• Take a boat trip, go water skiing, sailing or canoe on the regions many lakes.
• Visit the thermal Spas in Sirmoni.
• Shop in the exclusive designer boutiques in Milan.
• Visit the temple for Opera music, La Scala Theater - from December to November in Milan.
• Take a skiing trip to any one of Lombardy's world famous Ski resorts.
• Paraglide between Lake Garda & Lake Iseo, sour 2000 meters above this stunning countryside around Brescia.
• Be one of the 50,000 spectators at the formula one race track in Monza.
• Experience the near perfect skydiving conditions Lombardy has to offer.
• Watch the Mille Miglia, classic car race between Brescia & Rome.
• Play golf on one of the numerous golf courses (Lombardy has 25% of all the courses in Italy).

By Plane

Lombardy is served by several airports including; Linate Milan, Malpensa Milan, Bergamo, Brescia and Cremona. There are a wide range of International and domestic flghts available including budget airlines from the UK such as Easy Jet and Ryan Air. Shuttle buses run every 30 minutes to Milano Centrale train station.

By Train

With frequent direct services within the region to Como, Bergamo, Brescia, Sirmione, Pavia, Cremona, and Mantua. Currently being renovated, the entrances can change, so allow for some extra time here. For general information on trains and schedules, as well as online tickets, visit the Web site of the Italian national railway, FS (892021. www.trenitalia.com). The automated telephone line requires that you speak Italian, but the Web site has an English version.
Electronically-purchased tickets should be printed out at machines in the station and then stamped by one of the machines at the track's head.

You will find the complete schedules of ALL train, bus, and boat services in the entire Lombardia Region on www.trasporti.regione.lombardia.it. Although the website is in Italian only.

By Car

Car hire is s great way to get out an explore at your own pace, there are outlets at both Linate & Malpensa airports and also from Milano Centro station in Milan.

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