10 Reasons Why Lombardy Is Italy's Most Glamorous Region

Home to the country’s most beautiful lakeside villas, several ski resorts and with fashionable Milan as its capital, it’s easy to see why Lombardy is the most glamorous region of Northern Italy.

Sparkling wine that rivals champagne

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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Its celebrated red wine

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Thermal spas

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.

Breathtaking mountain views form the thermal infinity pool at QC Terme Bagni Vecchi, Bormio

Inside the enchanting, ancient Roman baths at QC Terme Bormio

QC Terme Milano, a tranquil thermal spa hidden inside ancient Roman architectural remains

Skiing

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

Milan Fashion Week

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.

Fendi runway, Milan Fashion Week (Men’s Autumn/Winter 2018)

Milan Design Week

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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Luxury lakeside villas

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.

The terrace of Villa Balbianello, Lake Como

Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda

The lush poolside at Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda

Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza

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.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates at the Italian Formula One Grand Prix in Monza, September 2017

Sailing

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.

Sailing boats float in the Malcesine marina on Lake Garda

The ultimate aperitivo

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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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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