If you were considering booking a vacation rental in Lombardy and were hoping for some spectacular less obvious gems in the region beyond its famous capital, Milan, and beloved Lake District then you are very much in luck. While those two destinations alone are more than enough reason to plan a holiday in Lombardy as soon as possible, there is much more to the region, many surprises and wonderful treats and fantastical beauties. For example, as this northern region of Italy abuts the Alps and Switzerland, it is an ideal place to go if you want to weave some excursions to those famous peaks and stunning landscapes while also enjoying days in the most cosmopolitan part of the already ever-chic Italy, fun by the lakes, the wonders of Italian cuisine and culture, and much more besides. Simply get in the car early some morning and head to the town of Tirano where you will find the most extraordinary adventure awaiting you and then return back to a lovely villa with pool in Lombardy with incredible lake views at the end of the day afterwards...the best of all worlds in one wonderful trip!
Tirano is a quiet, sleepy, and picturesque town that is nestled in a valley between peaks around 2km from Switzerland in the province of Sondrio and would likely be rather unknown were it not for the fact that it is the departure point of one of the prettiest and most scenic train routes in all of Europe, the UNESCO-awarded Bernina Express. Often referred to as the Red Train, this train travels through the Alpine passes to reach Saint Moritz in Switzerland along a route that takes in snowy peaks, pretty green meadows, glittering lakes that are either frozen over or reflect rich blue skies overhead, pine forests dusted white like something from a Christmas card, charming old rail bridges made up of chains of arches, lovely little mountain villages, and many more marvellous sights. Connected directly to Milan, too, by train, Tirano is truly a rather extraordinary little gem and an unexpected transport hub. Those interested in travelling into the Alps and to Switzerland for the day while on vacation in Lombardy, therefore, should be sure to make time to head to this little gem on a day trip. For some of the most remarkable scenery in the world and one of the most pleasant train journeys there is, Tirano is a must-see. The trains themselves, too, are a delight; comfortable and pretty inside with massive windows to allow their occupants better enjoy the astonishing scenes zipping past and equally appealing to look at from outside with their distinct red appearance.
However, should you come to take a trip on the Bernina Express, set aside some time too, if possible, to enjoy the town of Tirano itself. As noted, it is a picturesque and quaint gem, surrounded by great natural beauty and made up of a stunning and well-preserved historic centre, winding little roads, lovely piazzas, lots of gorgeous architectural gems and historic buildings, pretty church spires, ancient town walls, terraced vineyards, tree-lined avenues, and the gushing Adda river cutting a line down through the town. Wandering around the town, therefore, and taking in its remarkable beauty is well worth your while. However, the landscape of this part of the world also means that those interested in sport will find plenty to occupy themselves from hiking the area to rafting down the Adda to renting a bike to explore the well-known Valtellina Path and more.
So, if you are planning to book a villa in Lombardy and you are wondering about some of the region’s most spectacular charms then be sure to come and visit the lovely Tirano and to go for a jaunt on the exceptionally pretty Bernina Express! Train-enthusiasts, in particular, should not miss this as one of the most beautiful train routes in both Italy and the world.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Miroslav Volek / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Gabrielle Merk / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Emanuele / CC BY-SA 2.0
