Archive for 'Lombardy'

Milan is famously a fashion capital of the world but it is also, as the largest city in Lombardy and a city with a long and complex history, a great cultural centre that is home to some amazing museums and galleries. If you an art-lover who has found a villa in Lombardy and you are planning a trip to Milan while in this part of Italy then be sure to set aside some time for at least one of these amazing cultural gems between your shopping, people-watching, visiting excellent bars and restaurants, and exploring the various attractions of the city. Of course, there are many different options to choose from and all have their own unique attractions and charms but one that is definitely worth considering is the fascinating Ambrosian Library or Biblioteca Ambrosiana.

Italy's Lake District – comprised notably of Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore – is one of the country's most desirable upscale resort locations. Here you will find pretty lakeside towns, wonderful scenery, excellent hiking trails, brilliant water sport facilities, and endless things to see and do in the most magical of settings. However, if you're interested in all of these traits and getting a little bit off the beaten tourist path, then we recommend actually foregoing these better-known destinations in favour of the lesser-known but no less lovely Lake Orta. A favourite getaway of the wealthy and cosmopolitan set of Milan, locals have largely kept this absolute gem to themselves but it can (and should) be readily visited if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and you happen to be looking to experience the delights of the Italian lakes without busloads of other tourists to contend with.

Despite being one of the most industrialised and densely populated areas of Italy, if you have found a villa in Lombardy you will quickly discover that it is in no short supply of natural wonders alongside its endless manmade delights and surprises. Here you will find Italy's beloved Lake District that is one of the country's most sought-after tourist areas and is a wealth of incredible scenery, lakeside palaces, pretty little towns, excellent hiking opportunities, and brilliant water sports facilities – it is no wonder that Hemingway, Goethe, and DH Lawrence all fell in love with, and wrote at length about, the area. And the Alpine peaks of the region are a further natural blessing of indescribable beauty and a resource that affords the facilities for a rich range of outdoor pursuits.

The region's capital, meanwhile, is one of the world's major fashion destinations, Milan, and there are plenty of other charming towns and cities around the region. However, one of the most interesting among them is, no doubt, Mantua. This city, once ruled and shaped by the powerful Gonzaga family for almost four centuries, is full of extraordinary architectural gems, works of art, and an immensely rich cultural and historical heritage. It is, however, also home to one of the most wondrous examples of where nature and man have come together to make something truly exceptional and stunning: the Isola dei Fiori di Loto (or Lotus Island).

For many, the novelty of simply having the time and freedom to sit out and watch the world go by while enjoying a meal or a coffee or a glass of wine is one of the best parts about being on holiday. While seeing famous landmarks and trying out new and interesting activities is all well and good, truly relaxing and having some proper down time to unplug and unwind is key to a good vacation. There are, of course, particular spots that are especially well-suited to this kind of leisurely relaxation such as markets, town squares, seafront promenades, and more. Or, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy, along an impossibly picturesque canal lined with restaurants and bars.