Situated to the east of Lazio and above Puglia in central Italy, the Abruzzo is one of Italy’s greenest and most mountainous regions. Dramatic peaks and rolling hills dotted with castles and medieval towns are bordered by the long sandy Adriatic coast, ensuring spectacular landscapes and plenty to do for active holidaymakers.  

With around a third of the region lying in a protected area, the Abruzzo’s timeless landscape remains largely undiscovered by tourists outside of Italy while those in the know return year after year to hike on its forested slopes and enjoy views of powdery peaks and glassy mountain lakes. The region’s location at the far north of the south of Italy has had a significant impact on its history and its unique atmosphere, making it a fascinating destination for anyone looking for an authentic stay in Italy.  

Abruzzo highlights 

With three national parks to its name (the National Park of the Abruzzo, the Gran Sasso and the Majella), and more than 30 nature reserves, the region’s principal attraction is its natural beauty. Alongside the challenging mountain peaks, there are rolling hills with fields of wild poppies and plateaux with grazing cattle and sheep. For animal lovers and bird watchers, there are over 100 indigenous species, including wolves, bears, golden eagles and wildcats. 

While the region does not have Tuscany’s big show-stopping cities, there are several stunning medieval towns that are generally crowd-free.  Amongst the most charming are Sulmona, with its cobblestone streets and historic churches, and hilltop Chieti, with its 11th century cathedral. 

Castles and fortresses dot the landscape.  Rocca Calascio is a great crumbling fortress, perched on the mountainside in the province of L’Aquila, while Roccascalegna sits atop limestone formations, surrounded by the Majella mountains.  At Pescasseroli, Mancino Castle, which is now largely in ruins, is thought to date back to the ancient Peligni population, which pre-dates Roman civilisation. 

Amongst the region’s more spectacular lakes are Barrea, Campotosto and Scanno, situated alongside a picture postcard town in the Sangro Valley. 

Food and Drink 

In common with every other Italian region, the Abruzzo has its own specialities and culinary traditions. Saffron from the province of L’Aquila is considered one of the best in the world and features in traditional risotto, with lamb and poultry or in cakes. Spaghetti alla chitarra is the region’s trademark pasta, made with a special pasta-cutting tool and often served with ragù, while scrippelle are thin strips of pasta, served in soup, traditionally made in Teramo. Inland, dishes are typically meaty, made with lamb, kid and mutton.  Arrosticini, skewers made from lamb and mutton and cooked over an open fire, are very specific to the region. 

The Abruzzo produces less wine than other regions so the same wines – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane (DOCG) and 3 DOC wines, Controguerra, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – will generally pop on most menus. 

Towns and Villages 

There are four distinct provinces – L’Aquila, Chieti, Teramo, Pescara – although it is probably easier to consider the Abruzzo in terms of the mountains or the coast. 

Despite the devastation caused in L’Aquila by the 2009 earthquake, noteworthy sights include the Basilica di San Bernardino, the largest Renaissance church in the Abruzzo, and the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle (Fountain with 99 Spouts), representing the 99 churches that once stood in the city.  At hilltop Chieti, highlights include the 11th century Cathedral of San Giustino, the Archbishop’s Tower, a Roman amphitheatre and baths and Roman temples. 

Sulmona, home to the poet Ovid, is also renowned for its Roman aqueduct and a collection of magnificent churches such as San Filippo Neri, Santa Chiara and Santa Maria della Tomba. The town is also well-known for its sugar almond production – be prepared for confectionery shop windows displaying some fairly extravagant arrangements! 

In the Sangro Valley, the picturesque town of Scanno is characterised by narrow alleys, Baroque buildings and a glorious lakeside setting. 

Things to do 

– Dip your toes in the water. Extend your holiday with a few days on the 129km-long coast. Several of the sweeping sandy beaches have Blue Flag status. 

–  Lunch at a working trabocco in the Chieti region is a must. These old fishing constructions sit on wooden stilts that jut out to sea and serve the catch of the day, sprinkled with a squeeze of lemon and dash of extra virgin olive oil. 

– Join in the party! Abruzzesi festivals include Perdonanza in L’Aquila at the end of August. Elsewhere, there are sagre in small towns, and, possibly Italy’s most unusual festival, the procession of snake handlers’ in early May in the small medieval village of Cocullo. 

–  Pack a picnic of bread and some locally-produced Gran Sasso pecorino cheese and head for the shores of the Lago Campotosto, the Abruzzo’s largest lake. 

Holidays in the Abruzzo

Our Wilds of Abruzzo tour explores the region’s three national parks, its culinary traditions and features accommodation in the unique Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. 

If you wish to take a tour in a neighbouring region, and extend your holiday with a stay in the Abruzzo, we recommend our Southern Italy tour in the Basilicata. 

Getting there 
The closest airports to the Abruzzo are at Rome or Pescara. Bologna, Naples and Bari can be reached in under three hours. For more information about Abruzzo, visit the Abruzzo tourist board. 

Located in northwest Italy, the Aosta Valley lies to the east of France, with Switzerland to the north and Italy’s gastronomic gem of Piedmont to the south. This may be Italy’s smallest region but with the highest peaks in the Alps, this tiny alpine region certainly packs a punch.  Ancient Roman ruins, military fortresses, watchtowers and around 130 medieval castles will satisfy most culture-seekers while wine routes, superb cold meats and rich, creamy cheeses lead the gastronomic scene.

During the winter, skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating are the main attraction but in summer, a holiday here is all about hiking against a backdrop of dramatic mountain views, pine forests, glaciers and small glassy lakes.  

Aosta Valley highlights

The peaks of Monte Rosa, Cervino, Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso dominate the Aosta’s landscape and provide some spectacular views and hiking opportunities. The Gran Paradiso is Italy’s oldest national park, inhabited by eagles, marmots and ibex, and with river valleys dotted with shepherds’ huts and pocket-sized hamlets. 

For the best views, take a ride on the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car. The 360° rotating cable cars connect Courmayeur with two further stations, including the Punta Helbronner summit station at 3500m where an open-air viewing deck provides breath-taking views of Europe’s tallest mountain.  From the middle station, you can access Europe’s highest botanical garden, the Saussurea Mountain Garden at Pavillon du Mont Fréty Natural Oasis. This 1200-hectare protected zone features 900 plant species of wild flowers from Mont Blanc and other mountain ranges.

Other exceptional hikes in the region include those in the Val Vény, several of which are on the Tour Mont Blanc.

Castles and Towers

Learn about the region’s rich feudal history from its castles and towers which, like Graines Castle in Brusson, date as far back as the 11th century. Amongst the most famous are the castles of Issogne, Sarriod de la Tour, Sarre, Saint-Pierre and Ussel.  The 14th century Verrès castle, one of the most impressive in the region, is the backdrop for the annual Historic Carnival of Verrès.

Food and Drink

Regional cuisine ranges from traditional hearty local dishes such as carbonada (stewed meat) and superb creamy cheeses including Fontina, Gressoney and Reblec, to Michelin-starred restaurants. The region is also renowned for its black bread and for its walnuts, chestnuts and flavourful apples and pears. Excellent honey comes from the Valle di Cogne and a favourite dessert is the Montebianco – a rich concoction of chestnut puree, cream and chocolate.

Enjoy the experience of tasting wines that are relatively unknown internationally, along wine trails through vineyards set on some of the highest elevations in Europe. Some of the top wines include Enfer d’Arvier, Torrette and the Nebbiolo-based Arnad Montjovet.

Towns and Villages

The regional capital is Aosta, where both Italian and French are officially recognised. Much of the architecture dates to Medieval and Roman times and includes the Romanesque church of Sant’Orso, a Roman amphitheatre and Roman walls. You can learn more about the city’s Roman history at the Museo Archeologico Regionale. Highly recommended is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which has a neoclassical façade and a Gothic interior with stained glass windows and carved 15th century walnut wood choir stalls. 

The pretty 17th century spa town of Courmayeur is the other principal town in the region. Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc, the town is packed with bars, restaurants and upmarket shops. Other small towns include the more authentic, medieval town of Bard where highlights include 16th century buildings and the imposing Bard Fortress.  Cogne is known for its lace-making and for its position as the gateway to the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Holidays in the Aosta Valley

Our Best of the Italian Alps tour starts and ends in Turin and includes hikes in the shadow of the Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc mountain ranges.

If you wish to take a tour in a neighbouring region, and extend your holiday with a stay in the Aosta Valley, we recommend our Jewels of Piedmont or our France and Italy tours.

Getting there

The Aosta Valley is closest to Turin airport although the region can also be easily accessed from international airports in Milan and Geneva.  For more information about the Aosta Valley, visit the Aosta Valley tourist board.

Regarded by many as Italy’s hidden secret, this relatively undiscovered region (known also as Lucania) is one of Italy’s star attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, steeped in ancient traditions and with its own unique culinary heritage.

Essentially forming the toe and instep of southern Italy, the region’s dramatic landscape encompasses two short stretches of coastline along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts and soaring peaks, ravines, hill towns and castles in the interior. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman and Spanish invaders have all left their mark on the region thanks to its strategic location linking ancient Rome to the eastern Byzantine empire. However, it was neglected after Italian unification and first came to the public eye following its portrayal by Carlo Levi in Christ Stopped at Eboli, written after his exile by the Fascist regime to Aliano.

Basilicata highlights

The region’s National Parks and nature reserves offer superb hiking and outdoor activities. The Pollino National Park is Italy’s largest, bridging the Basilicata and Calabria regions, and home to snow-capped peaks and ancient forests.  The smaller Gallipoli Cognato National Park features the atmospheric villages and dramatic scenery of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, set in the Lucanian Dolomites, and connected by the spectacular Flight of the Angel zip wire.

Coastlines vary from the wide sandy beaches on the Ionian coast to the pretty pocket-sized beaches around the chic town of Maratea on the Tyrrhenian coast.  Slightly off the tourist trail and boasting crystal clear water, the beaches around Maratea are excellent for snorkelling, diving and boat excursions.

Cultural attractions include the ancient archaeological sites at Policoro and Metaponto; the magnificent Cathedral in Acerenza; and Matera’s sassi neighbourhood, where until relatively recently, people and animals lived side by side in cave dwellings. The area was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. Deep in the heart of the Pollino National Park, the small medieval town of Rotonda is home to several remarkable pre-historic finds, now on display at the Natural and Paleontological Museum.

Food and Drink 

Expect traditional, rustic cuisine, strongly influenced by the region’s history. Inland, local menu-free osterie serve mouth-watering local specialities such as orecchiette pasta, smothered in tomato sauce and spicy salami, and Lucanian sausages seasoned with fennel and peperoncino. Matera’s famous bread is delicious freshly-baked but is also used in local dishes such as cialledda calda.  Ubiquitous are the sun-dried Cruschi peppers, crisped in local olive oil and eaten as an aperitif, or coarsly ground to add flavour to pasta or egg dishes. Thanks to Rotonda’s unique soil and micro-climate, the town is famous for two culinary products which both have DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) status. Watch out for the glossy red tomato-mimicking aubergine, the melanzana rossa, and the fagiolo poverello bianco, a delicate-flavoured white bean which, over the years, has fed generations of farmworkers when meat has been scarce.

No meal in Italy is complete without a good wine and although the Basilicata may not produce the most wine, its Aglianico del Vulture (DOC) is generally regarded as one of the best red wines of southern Italy.

Towns and Villages

While Potenza is the region’s capital, the two towns of Matera and Maratea steal the show. Spend time in Matera exploring the narrow lanes and stairways of the sassi and frescoed caves and rock churches, such as Santa Maria d’Idris. Other highlights include MUSMA, the contemporary sculpture museum and a tour of the city’s fascinating ancient complex of underground cisterns and canals.

Meanwhile, Maratea offers coastal views that rival those of the Amalfi Coast, a bustling marina and a string of atmospheric beaches. Looking down over the marina, a 22m high statue of Christ the Redeemer appears to float above the town.

In the north of the region, notable towns include Horace’s birthplace, Venosa, where there are relics from Byzantine and Norman eras, and Melfi, home to a castle and cathedral.

Things to do 

· Get active with a hike, cycle ride or white-water rafting expedition in the Pollino National Park.
· Travel between the unique villages of Pietrapertosa to Castelmezzano in the Lucanian Dolomites at 70mph on the daredevil Flight of the Angel; or more leisurely, along an art-installation walk, the Percorse     delle Sette Pietre (Walk of the Seven Stones).
· Experience a traditional Basilicata festival. The Madonna della Bruna Festival (2 July) features processions of shepherds, floats and fireworks that illuminate the night sky above the sassi of Matera.

Holidays in the Basilicata 

Our Southern Italy tour travels from Maratea to Matera, with some magnificent hiking in the heart of the Pollino National Park.

If you wish to take a tour in a neighbouring region, and extend your holiday with a stay in the Basilicata, we recommend The Wilds of Abruzzo tour.

Getting there 

The closest airports to the Basilicata are at Bari and Brindisi in Puglia or Naples, or at Lamezia Terme in Calabria. For more information about the Basilicata, visit the Basilicata tourist board.

Campania highlights

Start in the regional capital city of Naples which, like Sorrento, has some fascinating sights in addition to regular hydrofoil and ferry crossings to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Sorrento and Positano, although busy, are excellent bases for visiting the smaller towns and villages on the Sorrento peninsula and along the Amalfi Coast. They are also both well connected to Pompeii and Herculaneum, via the Circumvesuviana railway.

But leave time to escape the crowds to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and many hiking opportunities. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) offers spectacular coastal views between Positano and Agerola, and the network of footpaths that criss-cross the countryside at Massa Lubrense, on the far tip of the Sorrento peninsula, are another high spot. Further south, you’ll find some very beautiful trails in the Cilento National Park.

Food and Drink

Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and balmy Mediterranean climate, Campania’s gastronomy features several IGP and DOP food products. San Marzano tomatoes, Sorrento lemons and pasta made with durum wheat semolina from Gragnano contribute to simple but delicious dishes. The region is also known for its buffalo mozzarella, excellent extra virgin olive oil and artichokes from the Paestum area.  In Naples, pizza, and particularly ‘pizza fritta’ (fried calzone with ricotta, salami and tomato sauce), is king. But, naturally, seafood is also popular, with ‘alici’ (anchovies) from Cetara being the standout choice.

IGP protected Amalfi or Sorrento lemons naturally find their way into various dishes, including ‘delizia al limone’ (lemon cake) and Naples’ signature crisp, ricotta layered ‘sfogliatella’ pastry, as well as savoury dishes such as ‘linguine al limone’. They are also, of course, a key ingredient in the local ‘limoncello’ liqueur.  Campania produces several outstanding wines, with the most highly regarded red wines including Taurasi made from the Aglianico grape, and Aglianico del Taburno, both DOCG designated. Tramonti Costa d’Amalfi DOC is produced in the Salerno province. Top white wines include Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, both DOCG, and Falanghina (DOC).

Towns and cities

Stick to the historic centre in Naples where highlights include Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground), the cloisters at Santa Chiara church and the extraordinary veiled Christ sculpture in the San Severo chapel. Take the funicular up to Vomero to see the Certosa di San Martino and spectacular views across the bay. The towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast are undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the region. The larger towns of Positano and Amalfi tend to pull in most of the crowds while the smaller towns of Minori, Maiori, Atrani, Praiano and Conca dei Marni tend to be quieter. Don’t miss the wonderful gardens and magnificent views at the villas Rufolo and Cimbrone in Ravello and if you’re visiting in July or August, the Ravello Festival features a programme of summer concerts and classical music.

If you’re tempted by the brightly coloured pottery that is so typical of the Amalfi Coast, head for Vietri sul Mare where shops are filled with ceramics and the dome of the town’s cathedral dazzles with its bright yellow, green and blue majolica tiles.  Inland, Sant’Agata de’ Goti in the Caserta province, remains firmly off the tourist trail. The stunning medieval town has a beautifully preserved historic centre creating a skyline of bell towers and majolica tiled domes. To the south of the region, the town of Castellabate in the Cilento province is included in the collection of ‘I Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ (Italy’s most beautiful towns) and is a gateway to the trails of the Cilento National Park.

Top things to do in Campania

Catch up on ancient history at Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum. There are also ancient ruins to explore at the Phlegraean Fields, once home to ancient Greek and Roman settlements and fascinating for their volcanic landscapes and the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia. You’ll also find plenty of hiking opportunities, including the Gran Cono route up Mount Vesuvius.

One of the prettiest hikes on the Amalfi Coast is along the Sentiero degli Dei, from Agerola to Nocelle (Positano). There are some wonderful trails at Punta Campanella, at the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, such as the Sentiero Baia di Ieranto. For more remote hiking, head for the Cilento and Vallo di Diano nature reserves in the Salerno province.

Two historical sites stand out inland. The first is the UNESCO Reggia di Caserta, an enormous Bourbon palace with over 1400 rooms, and vast gardens with fountains, grottoes, statuary and a 2-mile canalside promenade. The second is the Certosa di San Lorenzo, or the Certosa di Padula, a UNESCO heritage site since 1998 which boasts one of the largest cloisters in the world.

Holidays in Campania

Our Southern Italy tour starts and finishes in Naples so you may wish to extend your holiday with a stay in the city or use it as a springboard to other locations in the Campania region. Alternatively, our Wilds of Abruzzo and Etruscan Trails in Central Italy tours start and end in Rome. From here, it is just over an hour by train to Naples or 2.5 hours to Sorrento on the high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains.

Getting There

The main airport to the Campania region is Naples International Airport. A smaller airport, Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi offers flights to some international destinations including London Gatwick, Paris and Vienna as well as several principal Italian cities including Turin, Milan and Rome. Naples is also well connected by train, with Napoli Centrale acting as a major rail hub. For more information about the Campania region, visit the Campania Tourist Board.

Just 12km north of Sardinia, this French island has long dodged the attention of mass tourism, in spite of its glorious stretches of coastline and azure blue seas. Meanwhile, amongst outdoor enthusiasts who have discovered its varied terrain of mountain ridges, hilltop villages, dramatic gorges and glacial lakes, it remains a well-kept secret.

Its most stunning hiking territory is to be found in its wild interior, criss-crossed by cobbled mule tracks and dotted with shepherds’ huts. This dramatic landscape is intersected by one of Europe’s most spectacular hiking routes, the fabled GR20. Geography aside, the island is a reflection of its multifaceted history. From Carthaginians, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans to the French and Genoese, Corsica was passed from pillar to post, until it was conquered by France in 1769. The end result is a melting pot of traditions and a physical reminder in the form of megalithic archaeological sites, fortresses and several museums that retrace its history.

Highlights

Top spots for outdoor lovers are the five nature reserves and marine parks, with highlights including the white limestone Bonifacio Cliffs and the Restonica Gorge, the perfect place for a cooling dip.

When it comes to eating, Corsican food cherry-picks the best French and Italian traditions but is markedly unique in its offering. Pasta dishes, cured meats and cheeses, and soups and stews feature on many menus, but each with a distinctly Corsican stamp.

Corsican cuisine

In fact, the island’s cuisine offers something for everyone, mixing the best of mountain and coast. Delicious charcuterie – dried mountain hams and figatellu (cured sausage with polenta made with chestnut flour) – features heavily inland, alongside wild boar casserole. Cheese is made from sheep and goat milk with the most characteristic include Brocciu, a whey cheese, and the much stronger goat milk cheese, Tommette de Chèvre.  Grilled tuna, sea bass and langoustines are typical on the coast. With excellent wine-producing conditions, there are nine AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) regions, producing Nielluccio-based reds and Vermentino whites.

Towns and villages

Principal towns include Bastia with its picture-postcard old port, Ajaccio, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio which has a lively marina. Corte, the former capital of Corsica, is in the centre of the island, with a charming cobbled historic centre and spectacular setting amongst granite peaks. Piana is also worth visiting, both for its location overlooking the Calanques de Piana and for its Baroque church with typically Corsican frescoes and paintings.

Things to do

If you’re looking for some beach time, head for Palombaggia, and the gently curving Santa Giulia beach, both near Porto Vecchio. In the north of the island, Saleccia is a one kilometre stretch of bleached white sand. For theatrical vistas, don’t miss the red granite formations of the Calanques de Piana. Take time to leisurely explore the atmospheric narrow streets and alleys of Bastia old town and the charming harbour.

Holidays in Corsica

Our Island of Corsica tour travels from Bonifacio in the south to Bastia in the north, incorporating several of Corsica’s most dramatic coastal areas and its impressive granite interior. It runs immediately after our Heart of Sardinia tour for anyone who wants to explore both islands on the same trip.

Getting there:

The island’s main airports are in Ajaccio and Bastia, with smaller airports in Figari and Calvi. Alternatively, you can get to Corsica via ferry connections from Olbia in the north of Sardinia, or from a selection of ports in mainland France and Italy. Find more information on Corsica from Visit Corsica.

Stretching from Liguria in the west to the Po Delta and the broad Adriatic beaches in the east, Emilia Romagna is a gloriously understated region of medieval cities and seaside resorts, minus the crowds that tend to head for neighbouring Tuscany and the Veneto.  Boasting Renaissance palaces, Byzantine artworks and a memorable foodie heritage, Emilia Romagna is, for many, Italy at its very best. 

Geographically, the region is quite varied.  In the north, while less exciting visually than the forested Apennine peaks to the south, the flat farmlands of the Po river are the source of the region’s gastronomic delicacies of Parma ham, parmesan and balsamic vinegar. The region is also one of Italy’s greenest, boasting two national parks, 14 regional parks and 15 nature reserves. On the eastern fringes, the region’s 110 km share of the Adriatic Coast ranges from the sprawling Po Delta national park to many miles of sandy beaches lined in summer with orderly rows of sun loungers and umbrellas. 

Famous people linked to the region include the composer Giuseppe Verdi, the poet Giosuè Carducci and the motor racing driver Enzo Ferrari.   

Emilia Romagna highlights 

The regional capital of Bologna is a good starting point but the smaller towns of Parma, Piacenza, Modena and Ferrara are equally worth visiting, boasting architectural treasures that date back to their former rule by powerful local dynasties. Ravenna remains the jewel in the crown and a highlight of our Northern Tuscany and Ravenna tour. 

For nature enthusiasts, the Po Delta Park is one of Europe’s most important wetlands, easy to explore on foot or by bike along a range of trails. For a more varied landscape, the Alta Via footpath, which travels through the Apennines in Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Le Marche, offers up to 500 km of slopes interspersed with lakes, forests and rivers. 

The region is synonymous with some of the most iconic names in the motor industry and Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati are all manufactured in Emilia-Romagna. Choose from an extensive list of public and private motor museums, including the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (Modena), the Museo Ducati (Bologna), the Museo Lamborghini (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Bologna) and the Museo Nazionale del Motociclo (Rimini). Visits to private collections generally require pre-booked appointments.  

Food and Drink 

This is a region where food is king. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar from Modena and mortadella from Bologna are just a few of the culinary highlights and guided tours to find out more about the production of any of these items are highly recommended. In local restaurants and trattorie, feast on egg pastas with rich meat sauces, plump tortellini and ultra-lean culatello ham, washed down with a sparkling local Lambrusco.  As well as the Lambrusco other native grape varieties include the white Albana, and red Ancellotta, and Sangiovese.  For the ultimate foodie experience, try the tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena, winner of numerous accolades.

Cities, Towns and Villages 

The world’s oldest university, its own leaning tower and an exquisitely preserved medieval centre are just some of the reasons for visiting Bologna but its nickname of La Grassa (The Fat One) gives you a good indication of another of the city’s attractions! Work up an appetite climbing the 498-stepped Torre Asinelli to get an overview of the red-roofed streets, wander through its arcaded streets (666 porticos in total) or past the designer labels along the Portico Cavour and pause for a cappuccino in one of the city’s magnificent piazzas. 

Slightly off-the-beaten track, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ferrara is home to Renaissance palazzi and one of Europe’s oldest Jewish ghettos. Ruled by the impressive Este family in Renaissance times, the city’s two most striking buildings are the Castello Estense and the Duomo. The city is a must for anyone who has read Giorgio Bassani’s The Garden of the Finzi-Continis or his other Ferrara-based novels. 

Aside from Parma’s food tours, there is a splendid Romanesque Duomo and an octagonal pink marble baptistery which is one of Italy’s finest medieval buildings. The National Gallery, housed within the 16th century Palazzo della Pilotta, has examples of work by Correggio, born in Parma and one of the great painters of the high Renaissance. Other highlights include a unique astronomical clock on the north side of Piazza Garibaldi and the baroque Teatro Farnese, created entirely out of wood. 

Cars and tasty treats are just part of the story in Modena.  The Cathedral, Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina Tower have all been awarded UNESCO world heritage and the home of locally-born Pavarotti has been made into a museum. 

Of the many charming villages in the region, Brisighella is one of the prettiest. Situated close to Faenza, the medieval town is made up of ancient lanes and streets, the most famous of which is the raised and covered Via del Borgo (also called Via degli Asini) which was used to transport chalk, via donkey, from the quarries. The street is overlooked by the former donkey stables, now private homes. Comacchio, a picturesque fishing village criss-crossed by a series of canals, is also worth visiting.  The former capital of the western Roman empire, Ravenna remains one of Italy’s less crowded tourist attractions, despite its extraordinary mosaics. Read our Ravenna Blog to learn more about the city’s outstanding monuments.   

Things to do 

· Take in an opera at the Teatro Regio, Parma, which hosts an annual Verdi Festival (October) and stages four operas every season. 

· Visit the University of Bologna (established 1088), its library and anatomical theatre, which dates back to 1637. 

 · Rent a free bike from the tourist office in Ravenna to cycle round town or out to the tiny village of Classe to admire the vast Basilica di Sant’Apollinare. 

.  Visit one of the area’s many motor museums

Did you know?   Ravenna was the final resting place for Dante who completed the Divine Comedy whilst living there and was the subject of a lively debate between Ravenna and Florence as to where he should be buried. While many flock to Dante’s imposing memorial in Florence’s Santa Croce, his remains lie in the small chapel connected to the Basilica di San Francesco in Ravenna.   

Holidays in Emilia Romagna:

Our Northern Tuscany and Ravenna tour travels from Bologna to Ravenna, incorporating hikes in the Mugello and a visit to Brisighella; while our Parma Tuscany and Ligurian Sea tour travels down from Parma, along part of the ancient Via Francigena, to Lerici on the Ligurian Coast. 

For an excellent local guide to the region of Emilia Romagna, contact Unordinary Italy. Unordinary Italy is a boutique tour operator specialised in regional Italy. Their journey begins in the enchanting Emilia- Romagna, a region close to their founder Monica’s heart. Born and bred in Sassuolo, nestled near Modena, Monica’s passion for Italy and travel led her to work for eight years in esteemed travel agencies in Australia, and she returns to Italy annually, scouting the unexplored corners and creating exceptional experiences. Her aim is to connect you with food, people and places off-the-beaten-tracks to create your own memorable Italian story.  To find out about all the experiences in Emilia-Romagna, visit their website.

Getting there:

International flights are available to Bologna, Verona and Venice airports. Further information on the region from the Emilia Romagna Tourist Board. 

For anyone intent on leaving the tourists behind, Friuli-Venezia Giulia must be one of the first stops on Italy’s map. Despite its location just a couple of hours from Venice, the region remains largely undiscovered by tourists despite its elegant architecture, diverse landscapes and a 12th century Basilica that boasts one of the greatest Roman mosaics in the world. 

After 500 years under Austrian rule, the region became part of Italy after World War I. Given its complex history and its location bordering Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, it is perhaps unsurprising that this is a region with a very distinctive local cuisine and one that also happens to produce some of Italy’s finest white wines. 

Geographically, it is hugely varied, ranging from its Adriatic coastline to the Friulian Dolomites, generally considered the most unspoilt of the Dolomites mountain range. Lakes, valleys, protected areas and a coastline dotted with lagoons make it a delightful region for walkers. Along the coast and to the west of Monfalcone, there are some long sandy beaches and several tourist resorts, while the coast between Monfalcone and Trieste is mainly rocky.   

Highlights

More Viennese than Italian, café culture pervades the elegant streets of the regional capital of Trieste where you can pop into a literary café for a cappuccino and slice of sachertorte.  The region also scores top marks for its natural attractions. Much of the region can be explored by walking: there are plenty of nature reserves and some excellent hiking trails, including those in the Carnic Alps in the Dolomites, and in the Julian Alps.   

Food and Drink 

San Daniele del Friuli, just outside Udine, is one of the ham capitals of the world while elsewhere, the region’s food is as varied as its landscape. Venetian influences appear in seafood dishes while distinctly Germanic traditions emerge in the form of cabbage soup and the hearty local dish of porcina (boiled pork, sausages, sauerkraut and mustard). The local Montasio cheese is used in several dishes, combined with shredded potato to form frico, a crispy fried snack, or a soft potato pancake. For dessert, strudel, fruit cake and gubana, a pastry shell stuffed with dried fruit, all appear on menus. Strucchi are also a speciality, soft pastry rolls filled with nuts and grappa-soaked currants and raisins.

The region produces several world-famous wines, including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia, and is also renowned for its traditional and flavoured grappas. 

Cities, Towns and Villages 

Visit Trieste for its fascinating mix of ethnic influences –  take your pick from Greek Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox and Helvetic Evangelist churches or one of the largest synagogues in Europe. City highlights include the view from the waterfront cafés on the Canal Grande and pottering in the antique shops in the narrow lanes of the Jewish Ghetto. 

While Trieste is the region’s capital, Udine is generally considered its cultural capital. Wander through the maze of tiny piazzas, visit the Gothic Duomo and the Museo Diocesano to see works by Giambattista Tiepolo and climb to the city’s castle which houses the city’s 13-room Galleria d’Arte Antica.  

Other Friulian towns of note include Gorizia, for its medieval castle and cathedral; Pordenone, where there are churches, palaces and a magnificent main Corso, lined by Venetian porticoes; and the Unesco World Heritage city of Cividale del Friuli, famous for its Lombard history. A short drive from the seaside town of Grado, Aquileia was once one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire. Today, a vast archaeological site and magnificent Basilica makes the town a fascinating stop in this hidden corner of Italy. 

Things to do 

Head underground into the Grotta Gigante, reputedly the largest tourist cave on earth. Considered to be around 10 million years old, the cave is an astonishing 280m long, 65m wide and 107m high. 

Clock watching takes on a whole new meaning in the village of Pesariis in the eastern Dolomites. Clock production took off here in the 18th century and continues today but the village is also famous for its 14 huge clocks on its open-air ‘clock museum’ route. 

Did you know? 

Literary greats connected to Trieste include Hemingway, James Joyce and his locally-born contemporary and friend, the Italian author Italo Svevo.   

Holidays in Friuli

Our Slovenia and Friuli tour features walks in the hills around Gorizia and visits to Cividale del Friuli and Aquileia. The tour ends at Venice Marco Polo airport: you may want to extend your stay to include a trip to Trieste, Udine or elsewhere in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Alternatively, why not add a few days in the region to the beginning or end of our Austria and the Dolomites tour or our newest tour, Northern Tuscany and Ravenna which starts and finishes in Bologna.   

Getting there 

International flights are available to Trieste Airport (also known as Aeroporto Friuli-Venezia Giulia), to Venice Marco Polo and to Venice Treviso. Further information on the region from Friuli Venezia Giulia tourism office. 

Situated in central west Italy, Lazio is best known as being home to Italy’s capital, Rome. The region is bordered by Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche to the north, to the Abruzzo and Molise to the east, and Campania to the south, with a landscape that veers between fertile plains and mountains and from beaches to volcanic lakes. For hikers, there’s the added attraction of the Apennines and surrounding hills while to the west is the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea.

But its historical position at the heartland of the Etruscan civilisation, the Roman Empire and the Papal States ensures that this region is much more than just Rome. Crammed with fascinating elements dating back to Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque times, this is a region that delivers something for all aficionados of art and culture.

Not surprisingly, tourism initiatives tend to focus on Rome rather than its outlying towns and cities, and few visitors to Rome venture much further than the capital. But there’s no question that it’s very much worth adding on a few days to your Roman stay to explore the region in greater depth. 

Lazio highlights

Few come to Lazio without spending some time in Rome exploring its extraordinary culture, art and history.

However, the region is also home to several charming medieval towns and villages such as Viterbo, Civita di Bagnoregio and striking hilltop Olevano Romano which gives its name to the Olevano Romano DOC wine. There are Renaissance villas, castles and Etruscan ruins.

For a more outdoors experience, enjoy the natural attractions of volcanic Lake Bolsena, national parks, gardens and hot springs.

Every region of Italy has its own special dishes and Lazio is no exception. You’ll find pasta alla carbonara, and spaghetti cacio e pepe on most menus but read on to discover some of the other traditional ingredients and dishes that characterise the region’s gastronomy. 

Food and Drink

Pecorino romano, made from the milk of grass-fed ewes, and guanciale, provide the basis for Rome’s much-loved pasta dishes, with rigatoni, bucatini (hollow spaghetti) and fettuccine featuring in many dishes. When it comes to meat, guanciale (cured pork cheek) is probably the most popular but in Rome you’ll also find offal appearing on menus, for example in coda alla vaccinara, an oxtail and celery stew served with polenta. Not surprisingly, on the coast, you’re more likely to find delicious fish and seafood.

Vegetables are also popular. In springtime, expect to find fresh fava beans and, of course, artichokes which grow on Lazio’s fertile plains. These were the first vegetables in Italy to gain Protected Geographical Indication.  Eat them ‘alla romana’, that is braised and stuffed with the local mentuccia herb which is similar to oregano, or ‘alla giudia’, battered and fried. If you find olives on your plate, they’re likely to be gaeta olives, a mild, small, darkish variety which are good for cooking.

White wine grapes, mainly Malvasia and Trebbiano, dominate the region’s vineyards and are blended together to make regionally labelled wines. One of the main wine-producing regions is Castelli Romani while the town of Frascati near Rome is famous for its white Frascati DOC and Montefiascone, on the southeast of Lake Bolsena for its Est! Est! Est! You will find some red wines: the Cesanese, Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes are used to produce red wines such as Cesanese del Piglio.

Towns and cities

Start or finish in Rome, with independent visits to the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Campo di Fiori, or book a private guided tour with Rachel Potts.

The Castelli Romani is a cluster of small towns to the south east of Rome which include Castel Gandolfo, a popular holiday destination for popes and cardinals for centuries, and Frascati. The latter is best known for the 16th century villas built by papal nobility which overlook forests and scenic gardens, as well as its wine production. The area is also home to ancient Roman ruins (Albano Laziale) and grand Baroque palaces (Ariccia).

Viterbo is a medieval walled town set in what was the centre of Etruscan civilisation, which happily tends to stay off the main tourist trail. In San Pellegrino, wander past unchanged stone houses along medieval lanes and see the remains of the town’s grand papal palace.

Other towns worthy of note include the traffic free Civita di Bagnoregio, teetering high above a vast canyon, connected to the town of Bagnoregio by a long pedestrian bridge. To the west, the coastal town of Sperlonga was formerly home to Roman patrician villas, including one belonging to Emperor Tiberius, while Gaeta is an attractive seaside town with an interesting historic centre and impressive fortress, the Castello Angioino-Aragonese.

Top things to do in Lazio

Step back in time

Ostia Antica is a good day trip to take from Rome. Just half an hour away by train, the ancient Roman city, and port of Rome, offers a glimpse of what life was like for ordinary Romans. Visit the well-preserved ruins, temples and villas, then make tracks for the coastal town of Ostia for a seafood lunch.

The Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, also known as the Necropolis Banditaccia, is another UNESCO site. With thousands of tombs organized in a city-like plan, the site offers a fascinating insight into Etruscan culture.

Explore Lazio’s green spaces

Not far from Viterbo, Bagnaia is best known for its 16th century Villa Lante, or rather for the villa’s gorgeous gardens, one of several magnificent green spaces in the region.

Head to Tivoli to visit gardens of note at the UNESCO Villa d’Este, a symbol of the Italian Renaissance, with fountains, grottoes and ornamental water features, commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa close by is another UNESCO site, effectively an open-air garden museum with temples, theatres, statues, and gardens.

The Garden of Ninfa is an exquisite English style garden to the south of Rome. Built on the ruins of the medieval town of Ninfa, the romantic gardens are filled with magnolias, climbing roses, Japanese maples and cherry trees.

For a less manicured experience, the Circeo National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the Lazio coast, ideal for gentle walks and cycling. Alternatively, head inland to Lake Vico or to Europe’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Bolsena, where you can hike, mountain bike, or horse ride along the shores of the lake then dine on freshly caught fish at a lakeside trattoria.

If you feel like stretching your legs while you’re in Rome, a walk along the Appian Way, Europe’s second largest urban park, is a great way to escape the crowds and is less than 2 miles from the Colosseum. Stroll past remnants of ancient Rome, including aqueducts and the Tomb of Caecilia Metella, a mausoleum built in the first century BC.

Holidays in Lazio

Rome is the meeting point for our Wilds of Abruzzo tour which starts with a private tour of Villa d’Este and our Etruscan Trails tour which includes a stay on Lake Vico. With both tours starting and finishing in Rome, you may wish to extend your holiday to explore Lazio in more depth.

Getting there

Rome has two main airports, Fiumicino Airport (or Leonardo da Vinci Airport), the larger and busier of the two, and Ciampino Aiport which tends to be used primarily by budget airlines and regional flights.

For more information on Lazio, please visit the Italian Tourist Board.

Situated in north-western Italy, Liguria (also known as the Italian Riviera), is one of Italy’s smallest regions. The region is largely split in two by the capital city of Genoa: to the east of the city, the Riviera di Levante has a fairly rugged, craggy feel while to the west, the Riviera di Ponente has wide beaches and lush landscapes. The coast around San Remo in the far west is known as the Riviera dei Fiori thanks to its mild climate which ensures that flowers bloom almost all year round.

With a 300km coastline that sweeps between France’s Côte d’Azur and Tuscany and takes in the Cinque Terre, the Gulf of Poets, the Gulf of Tigullio and various rivieras, it isn’t surprising that an atmosphere of old-world glamour envelopes many of the seaside towns. Away from the coast though, the Maritime Alps provide a network of mountain trails which are perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Liguria highlights

Its picture postcard villages are pretty much unrivalled. The pocket-sized villages of the Cinque Terre and Portofino are unquestionably beautiful – even if rather busy. If you prefer somewhere a little quieter, Camogli or Portovenere may be more appealing. Get ready too for some memorable views. With a backdrop of the Maritime Alps, dotted with pretty villages and swathed in terraced vineyards and olive groves, the views from the coast are every bit as good as those from the mountains.

Food and Drink

The region’s most famous culinary export is probably pesto, made from its sweet basil and prized olive oil. Here, it’s most commonly combined with trenette (similar to linguine) or trofie pasta, and in the case of the latter, often together with green beans and potato.

The seafood is superb and local specialities include dishes made from baccala (dried cod) and anchovies. Other highlights include bread-based delicacies such as fugassa, a soft thick focaccia covered with onion slices and olive oil. The small town of Recco has given its name to Focaccia di Recco, a thin sheet of baked focaccia with an oozing layer of crescenza cheese in the middle.

When it comes to wines, the region’s most important grape varieties are Albarola, Rossese and Pigato which match perfectly with Liguria’s traditional dishes. If you enjoy dessert wine, try to find the Cinque Terre’s Sciacchetra, produced from Ligurian Albarola, Bosco and Vermentino grapes.

Towns and villages

The region is crammed with eye-catching seaside towns and villages. First stop for many are the villages of the World Heritage Cinque Terre – Manorola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – but be prepared for crowds.

At the equally alluring town of Portofino, little has changed since the Sixties. Stroll round the harbour at the centre of the village and look out across a bay spotted with seriously glitzy summer yachts and bobbing fishing boats. From here, you can take a relatively easy walk up to the church of San Giorgio and the 16th fortress.

Santa Margherita Ligure is an elegant beach resort that’s a good base for exploring the coastline. Rather than travelling by road, hop on a passenger boat from here to Portofino, to the seaside town of Rapallo, San Fruttuouso Bay and Camogli. The latter is a charming fishing village which has managed to remain relatively tourist-free and is well worth a visit.

The attractive coastal town of Lerici, with its pastel-coloured houses and castle, is popular with Italians. Visit the historical quarter, amble along the waterfront promenade and pop over to Portovenere or the Cinque Terre by boat. Choose from a selection of fairly gentle walks from Lerici, to San Terenzo or the village of Tellaro.

Other seaside towns worthy of note include Sestri Levante, also a favourite with Italians, and Alassio, where green-shuttered ochre houses back on to lovely sandy stretches. At Varese Ligure, summer operas are held in the Borgo Rotondo, while medieval history is still evident at Noli, Chiavari and Albenga.

Last but certainly not least, Genoa takes pride of place as one of Europe’s largest medieval old towns. The birthplace of Christopher Columbus is home to ornate palazzi and exceptional churches and is also Italy’s chief port.

Things to do

With fabulous coastal walks and a landscape of forested mountains intersected by streams and lakes, this is a popular region for hiking. Paths are well-marked and coastal villages linked by train and boat.

Explore the coast in style. Take the picturesque train ride that runs the length of the coast or the regular passenger ferries between the seaside towns.

Liguria and its literary appeal

The region has appealed to literati alongside the glitterati. DH Lawrence, Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Yeats, Byron and Shelley were all attracted by the region: in fact Lerici Bay was renamed The Gulf of Poets in honour of Byron and Shelley. Before his death as a result of a boat accident, Shelley lived in San Terenzo and was buried there at Villa Magni.

What’s on

As in most Italian regions, August comes to life with summer celebrations and ‘feste’. In Camogli on the second Sunday of May, the smell of fried fish wafts over Piazza Colombo during the Sagra del Pesce, dedicated to San Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen. Festival goers all get a share of the 3 tons of fresh fish fried in a giant pan with a 6m long handle.

In August, Lavagna hosts the Torta dei Fieschi when the town’s six medieval quarters celebrate the marriage (in 1230) of Opizzo Fieschi, count of Lavagna, to aristocrat Bianca de’ Bianchi of Siena. Join in two days of live music, medieval games and the cutting of an enormous wedding cake.

Holidays in Liguria

Our Parma, Tuscany and the Ligurian Sea tour ends with some free time in the charming coastal town of Lerici. You can read more about Lerici here.

An extended stay in Liguria is a great start or end to any of our tours to Piedmont. There are three tours to choose from – the Best of the Italian Alps, the Jewels of Piedmont and France and the Maritime Alps which ends in Piedmont.

Getting there

Fly to Genoa, Pisa or Nice. More information on the area from the Italian Tourist Board.  A new train route, launched in December 2022 from Austria’s national rail operator ÖBB, offers a comfortable overnight train from Munich all the way to La Spezia, also stopping in other Ligurian favourites Rapallo and Levanto.  It is known as the Nightjet and is a very relaxing way to arrive in the heart of Liguria.

One of Italy’s largest regions, and with more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other in Italy, Lombardy’s varied landscape encompasses lakes, rugged mountains, huge swathes of vineyards and the great flat expanses of the Po Valley. It is also Italy’s richest region, thanks to its position at the geographical crossroads of Europe. Yet despite Lombardy’s commercial outlook, it is still home to towns and cities with a distinctive medieval core and a magnificent legacy of world class art and architecture. Literary connections include Alessandro Manzoni (author of I Promessi Sposi) who, as a child, lived in Lecco on Lake Como.  

Highlights

Infinitely alluring and utterly romantic, the Italian lakes are one of the reasons why Lombardy finds its way on to the holiday map of so many holidaymakers. Lake Como and Lake Garda steal the show when it comes to visitor numbers but Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta are equally scenic and, being quieter, perhaps even more enchanting. Pretty Lake Iseo equally receives fewer visitors.

In terms of towns and cities, take time to explore Milan but be sure not to miss the ‘art cities’ of Bergamo, Cremona and Mantua.

Food and Drink

Compared with the rest of Italy, Lombardy can get rather overlooked when it comes to food and wine, but perhaps unfairly so. As elsewhere, each province of the region has its own culinary traditions and you may be surprised to find donkey on the menu in Mantua and frogs in Lodi. Milan is home to the classic Italian Christmas cake of panettone, but also, of course, famous for its risotto alla Milanese and ossobucco.  Rice and polenta is common to the whole region, not least the province of Mantua. Dine out in a traditional local restaurant in Mantua and the menu is likely to include polenta accompanied by sausage, pumpkin tortelli and risotto alla pilota (made with minced pork); visit Cremona and the local speciality is torrone (nougat). Local cheeses in Lombardy include mascarpone, gorgonzola, stracchino and, from the province of Bergamo, taleggio.

Despite Lombardy’s status as the country’s industrial powerhouse, there are wine trails and several pockets of beautiful untouched wine country.  The Oltrepò Pavese, in the province of Pavia, is Lombardy’s largest wine-producing area and little known to tourists.  Local wines include the red Barbera and Sangue di Giuda and, very specific to the Oltrepò, the white Riesling Italico. Other wines worthy of mention include Lambrusco Mantova and the sparkling Franciacorta from the province of Brescia. This sparkling wine is increasingly receiving a very positive reception around the world, made as it is using the traditional Champagne method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle. It is only released at least two years after the harvest.

Cities, towns and villages

Do your homework before you go to Milan to get the most out of Italy’s capital of fashion and finance. Stunning architecture, elegant galleried shopping malls and breath-taking window displays all add to its charm but there is also the opera, art galleries and an extraordinary number of Michelin-starred restaurants to throw into the mix. Read more about Milan in our city guides.

Mantua is one of Lombardy’s great unsung heroes, relatively undiscovered by tourists despite its UNESCO world heritage status and Italian Capital of Culture 2016 designation. The city is utterly charming, with a skyline of cupolas and bell towers that are an extraordinary legacy of the powerful Gonzaga dynasty.

Be among the first to discover the sleepy town of Cremona, best known for its violin production, and around an hour south east of Milan. Aside from the violin making, there are Gothic palazzi, a Romanesque cathedral and the 268-year old Teatro Ponchielli which still puts on international performances on one of Italy’s largest stages.

Pavia, also to the south of Milan, is another northern Italian town where you will hear little other than Italian spoken. Despite its former status as northern Italy’s most important town, it remains refreshingly free from tourists. Take time to visit its churches, Basilica di San Michele, Cathedral and the Certosa of Pavia.

Heading north from Milan, Bergamo has retained the charm of a medieval village and has several interesting buildings, palaces and artistic treasures. For outdoor enthusiasts, it provides access to some wonderful walking in the Seriana Valley and to the Serio Waterfall, one of the highest in Europe.

Things to do

Book well in advance for tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper in Milan.

Still in Milan, why not take in an opera at the magnificent Teatro alla Scala? Get full details here.
Garden-lovers will be spoilt for choice in Lombardy. Our Italian Lakes tour includes visits to the gardens of Isola Bella and Villa Taranto but consider extending your stay to visit some of the gardens on Lake Como such as Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and Villa Serbelloni, amongst others.

The Bernina Express train is the scenic way to travel from Italy to the Swiss Alps. Hop on a train at Tirano in Lombardy’s Sondrio province and be prepared for some spectacular views as you travel round the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct, past forested slopes, snow-capped mountains, the dramatic Morteratsch glacier and the Bernina Pass.  To travel from Tirano on some wonderfully scenic train journeys, contact Cristina Giudici at info@treninorosso.it. If an adventure in Switzerland or a night under the stars is on your wish-list, then look no further!

Holidays in Lombardy

Our Italian Lakes tour explores three of northern Italy’s lakes – Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta – transferring the group to Milan at the end of the trip. Milan has excellent travel connections with the Lakes, any of the towns in Lombardy and indeed anywhere else in Italy.  Our Northern Lombardy tour starts in Bergamo and explores the vineyards of Franciacorta, pretty Lake Iseo and the high valleys of the Valtellina close to the Swiss border.  If you wish to take a tour in a neighbouring region and then extend your holiday to discover more about Lombardy, we recommend our Jewels of Piedmont, our Best of the Italian Alps or our Austria and the Dolomites tours.

Getting there

There are two airports in Milan, at Malpensa and Linate. Malpensa is used by most European and all international flights.  There is also an airport at Bergamo.  For more information about Lombardy, visit the Lombardy Tourist Board.