10 Reasons Why Lombardy Is Italy's Most Glamorous Region

Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wine is made with grapes grown on the slopes surrounding Lake Iseo. Many argue that it’s better than champagne.

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Valtellina, bordering the Swiss Alps, is an internationally esteemed red wine region and has a DOCG for its Nebbiolo grape. Valtellina wines have a distinct character that is much lighter than their Piedmontese counterparts.

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For centuries people have travelled to Bormio (a small commune near the Swiss Alps) in search of wellness from ancient hot springs and fresh mountain air. QC Terme offers the ultimate luxury spa experience. Visitors can relax in the Bagni Vecchi, Roman baths located in the mouths of mountain caves, or take in the alpine scenery from a thermal pool or hot tub at the Bagni Nuova. There is also a beautiful branch in Milan.

The resorts Bormio and Livigno are easily accessible for weekend skiing. Livigno is known for its apres-ski and has tax-free shopping.

Paris, London, New York, Milan. Lombardy’s capital is the home of one of the most important fashion weeks in the world. The international fashion glitterati descends on the city twice a year to celebrate the outlandish glamour of Italian design. Milan boasts so many of the biggest names in luxury fashion – Valentino, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni (to name a few), but it is also the country’s centre of emerging fashion talent, with amazing new brands continually emerging.

Since the early 1900s, Italy has been a trendsetter in interior and furniture design and since 1961, when Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano first launched, Milan has been the epicentre of design innovation and activity. During Design Week Milan plays host to the chic global design crowd.

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On shores and hillsides of Northern Italy’s great lakes, you will find some of the country’s most opulent and architecturally stunning villas and palaces, built by the region’s wealthiest residents throughout the centuries.

For many, Monza is the embodiment of Formula One racing and the Italians call it ‘La Pista Magica’ – the magic track. It has seen some of the finest races of all time, but also some of the sport’s alarming accidents. Every September the beautiful historical town comes alive with Grand Prix celebrations.

Lake Garda is one of the world’s top venues for foiling catamaran racing and Spring 2018 sees the GC32 World Championships take place there. Lake Como is also a popular destination for the sport.

The concept of aperitivo hour took off in the 1920s in Milan, which is the birthplace of the bitter spirit Campari. You can enjoy aperitivo all over Italy, but in Milan it’s a ritual and they do it best – between the hours of 6pm and 8pm, the whole city seems to be enjoying a drink and light snack. We recommend the balcony of Giacomo Arengario ristorante, where you can soak up the sun with an unrivalled view of the Duomo.

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