Lombardy

LOMBARDY, ITALY: The Lombardy region’s capital, Milan, does not steal the limelight from the rest of its territory, which encompasses the beloved lake regions. Still, a shopping expedition down the famed Via Monte Napoleone and a peek at Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” plus the Duomo and La Scala are all a must. Regional highlights include the historic small city of Vigevano near Milan with its magnificent arcaded piazza and baroque cathedral. Our favorite Lombard cities include the beautifully austere Bergamo with its ancient stone center on the upper half of the city; Pavia with its monumental Certosa abbey and surrounding Pavese wine country; Cremona, the capital of violins and homeland of Monteverdi; and Mantova with its three interconnecting lakes. Tourists have always been highly attracted to the romantic northern lakes in Italy. Como sits at the top of the list, then Maggiore; Garda, the largest, with its fairy-tale medieval town; Sirmione; then minor lakes, Orta, Varese, Lugano, Iseo, all dotted with charming villages. The Franciacorta wine area, stretching between Brescia (Lombardy’s second-biggest city), and Lake Iseo, is in this region and produces Italy’s best sparkling wines.

Our list of Lombardy Hotels includes memorable small hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and Agriturismo Lodging. We have lodgings in every price range but all have special qualities to recommend them.