The Top Things to Do and See in Lombardy, Italy

Since it was built in the 14th century, Scaligero Castle has been used as an armoury, military barracks, a police station and even a jail. It’s now a museum but remains one of Italy’s most well preserved castles. Walk around the moat, stroll over the drawbridge and explore its impressive towers. From the ground, the castle looks as though it’s floating on Lake Garda, but if you climb the 146 steps to the ramparts, the harbour view is equally divine.

Northern Italy was the birthplace of the violin in the early 16th century, and Cremona boasts many of its finest makers. Trace the history of the instrument at the Museo del Violino, where you can see violins crafted by Stradivari. Breathe in the scent of the resin and wood as you learn how they are made. Then, if you’re brave enough, try playing one. You can also experience how it feels to be part of the orchestra in the immersive audio room.

Take in the beauty of the valley as you whizz down the mountains in Livigno. The resort is a winter paradise and caters to skiers of all abilities. Try your hand at skiing and snowboarding or try something different – like Nordic skiing and tobogganing. Experienced skiers can climb aboard a helicopter to try heli skiing from one of the nearby mountaintops, before schussing down to the lively après-ski bars in town.

With the likes of George Clooney extolling its virtues, expectations of Lake Como are high. Set in the foothills of the Alps, the inverted Y-shaped lake does not disappoint. It’s the third largest of the Italian lakes, with its crystal-clear waters shimmering against the backdrop of mountains and charming villages that make it a firm favourite for travellers. For a different view of the area, jump aboard one of the many boat trips on offer.

Once a small house in the forest, where a vineyard was planted in the 1960s, Ca’ Del Bosco is now one of the leading producers of Italian wine. Take a cellar tour where you can wander around the lush vineyards and see how the wine is produced before sampling some for yourself. The Annamaria Clementi sparkling wine, named after the founder’s mother, is definitely the pick of the bunch.

Experience the authentic taste of the city of Mantua when you dive into traditional dishes from the region at Osteria dell’Oca. The recipes have been handed down through the generations, and the tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) is sublime. Expect some more unusual dishes, such as stewed donkey or boiled pike in a caper, anchovy and pepper sauce, but there are some veggie dishes, too. Save some room for the chocolate mousse, which is flavoured with Sambuca.

Step back in time when you visit the Neolithic carvings in Val Camonica. The valley is home to around 300,000 carvings (or petroglyphs) that were carved in the rocks over several thousand years. These range from prehistoric carvings of geometric patterns and weapons right through to elaborate carvings of people or animals, such as deer, elks and dogs, dating back to the early Roman age. The alpine views from the valley are breathtaking, too.

The Duomo of Milan is regarded as one of the most renowned monuments in the whole country. It is a great example of Gothic architecture, a style that does not abound in Italy. Marvel at its intricately carved exterior, which dominates the piazza. Entry is free, but there is a small fee to climb the tower and view the city from above. Alternatively, head up to the rooftop bar inside the Rinascente department store and enjoy an Aperol spritz – the cathedral views are excellent.

Monte Isola, as the name would suggest to speakers of the Italian tongue, is a mountainous island located on Lake Iseo. It’s the largest of its kind in Europe. Regular ferries are at hand to transport travellers from shoreside towns (like Iseo and Lovere) to the docks of the beautiful island. There are several paths leading up to the top of the peak that forms the island itself, where old monasteries and pine forests coalesce.

Painted in the 1490s, The Last Supper is definitely Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting. Housed in the convent refectory of the enchanting Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, it is one of Italy’s most important masterpieces and integral to the Western history of art. Make sure you book ahead to see this painting – tickets sell out months in advance.