Archive for 'Lombardy'

Passo Tonale is a great, budget-(and beginner)-friendly ski resort in Italy located on a high mountain pass that links the regions of Trentino and Lombardy.

Its location means that you can find a vacation rental in Trentino or a vacation rental in Lombardy, giving you more options to choose from and the wiggle room to find the perfect villa from which to base yourself as you enjoy the winter sports that Italy has to offer. It's the best of both worlds!

The village is located at the foot of the slopes with a gondola, that was installed in 2015, and an efficient lift system that makes the glacier more readily accessible. These go from Passo Paradiso to the slopes of Passo Presena, which are mainly suited to beginners and intermediate skiiers, and also link the town to the slopes of Ponte di Legno and Temù, which offer something more interesting for more advanced skiers.

Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses and is a DOP certified food that is largely produced in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. The name comes from Gorgonzola, in Milan, which is said to be the birthplace of the cheese, though this is now disputed. It is a crumbly, soft cheese that can have a mild or sharp taste, depending on its age, and is made of unskimmed cow's milk, to which starter bacteria and the spores of the mould Penicillium glaucum are added. The whey is then removed during curdling and the result is aged at low temperatures and ripened for at least three to four months. The iconic its greenish-blue marbling that distinguishes Gorgonzola was not always a feature and was added in the 11th century.

Sitting back with a wine and taking in the distinctly Italian landscape is a must for any person of legal age that appreciates a drink and has found a vacation rental in Italy. Italy is, of course, famous for her cuisine and wine and visiting a winery to taste and learn about local wines is a wonderful way to spend a day. We have compiled a list of some of the country's best and most beloved wineries for you to peruse so all you need to do is get planning your next trip!

In the final post in this series, we are rounding up more of Milan's architectural masterpieces. While the city may have been put on the map internationally by its fashion, it has much more to offer any visitor when it comes to art and culture and, in particular, architecture.

Just find a vacation rental in Milan and follow this guide and you will find some of the city's best architectural gems that, handily, are also some of its major tourist attractions.

6. Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte

The Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte, also known as the Villa Reale and the Villa Comunale, was originally built for Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso in the 18th century.

As noted in the last post, Milan is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that is often overshadowed by its title as fashion capital of Italy. One of the areas in which the city really excels is in her architecture and there are some incredible buildings in the city from ancient churches to contemporary explorations into modern living. If you are an enthusiast or merely a normal tourist, these buildings are sure to impress. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, perhaps, the most famous place to shop in Milan. The shopping centre, or mall, is located right by the Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even if you're not buying anything, it's probably the best place you could possibly go for a little window-shopping as it is so stunningly opulent and beautiful.