Angera, Lake Maggiore

Reputedly the oldest shopping arcade in the world, this 19th-century glamorous, 4-storey, arcaded shopping gallery features a rich mosaic floor and a spectacular iron and glass roof complete with cupola that connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala.

The fortified castle of Borromeo sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Angera and is one of the best-preserved castles in the region. There are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore and across to the Alps, meaning it was an important strategic location.

PAC is Milan's most important centre for the exhibition of contemporary art, located in the heart of the city, near Porta Venezia's park.

This gallery is the oldest in Milan, originally founded in 1957, and initially focussed on post-war avant-garde.

Founded in the 6th century, the cathedral of Monza, also known as basilica of Saint John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista) is Monza's most important religious building.

The Giuseppe Meazza stadium or San Siro (as it is better known) was conceived exclusively as a football venue. It was built to host the tempestuous and bi-annual games between the city's rival teams - AC Milano and Inter (F.C. Internazionale Milano).

Michelin-starred experience that draws on the experimentation of the Venissa culinary approach. The enchanting decor completes the tone for dining in a very unique setting.

Part of the Armani Hotel Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Italian wining and dining. The stylish decor has been designed to the smallest detail by Giorgio Armani himself.

The elegant style and furnishings, the neoclassical pieces of art decorating the walls and the hand-painted high ceiling is a dramatic yet fitting setting for the fantastic food of the Palazzo Parigi restaurant. And when the weather is fine, the relaxed atmosphere of the private garden terrace provides an alternative atmosphere for visiting diners.

Located at the luxury Excelsior Gallia Hotel, this rooftop restaurant boasts a menu created under the consultancy of three-Michelin starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea and the Lebano brothers. They serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on the Lombardy region.

Il Baretto has been running for over fifty years, delighting the great and the good of the city for half a century. The sophisticated, old English club house decor is host to a refined menu taking cues from Milanese and international cuisine.

The 2-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel is a new kid on the block for the Milanese restaurant scene. An open-plan kitchen gives guests a peak of how the stunning dishes are prepared and a more complete experience to their choices.

Elevated in the hills on Lake Garda's western side, Bogliaco golf course and resort is blessed with a Mediterranean setting and superb views.

Big-hitters will enjoy the generous width fairways but be aware of the lake-size water hazards.

Monte Tamaro rises 1,961 metres above the lake and in this beautiful hilly area there are plenty of wonderful trails and hikes. Notably it is the starting point for the Tamaro-Lema hike. This peak is also worth visiting for the contemporary and innovative Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and painted by Enzo Cucchi. It sits on the edge of the hillside with amazing views. There is also an adventure park and mountain bike trails. Something for everyone.

Heading up the hills from Lake Garda is the beautiful Monte Baldo region of sloping forests, lush greenery and flowing rivers.

If you want to see an overview of Switzerland in miniature, then this is the place to come.

Located in the historic centre of Milan, in front of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is one of Milan’s hottest and trendiest bars in the city at any time of the day.

This upmarket bar offers cocktails and a light lunch menu to a typically well-dressed crowd, fatigued after shopping the Galleria. The bar is part of the arty-industrial Straf 'design' hotel.

Located in south-central Milan, this former cycle shop is a funky art bar decorated with old bicycles and is a great place to enjoy an aperitivo, a tasty dinner or start your evening.

This small quirky cocktail bar has a "fusion" feel combining local furniture with Eastern, African and Caribbean styles to create a global feel.

This trendy bar and restaurant combines two of the most traditional yet innovative Italian brands: Dolce & Gabbana and Martini. This is a unique place where you can have lunch, aperitivo or dinner inspired by Sicilian cuisine.

This super-cool cafe/bar, whose name is taken from the Austrian General who ruled over Lombardy, is frequented by the Brera fashion and arts crowd and is a great place to unwind. It has an old-world feel, fantastic aperitivo and superb brunches. Best enjoyed in summer.

The hotel is located on a private street between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, La Scala and the Accademia di Brera, in a tastefully renovated 18th- century Milanese palazzo.

Exquisite attention to detail and fantastical decor makes the Château Montfort a stand out place to stay in the centre of Milan. A stay here will conjure up any number of enchanting childhood tales.

The TownHouse 31/33 Gardens and Lounges boasts a hidden garden; a peaceful oasis of exotic palms decorated with small refined tables and pretty soft chairs. From 10am-10pm guests can enjoy the intimate candle-lit atmosphere.

The Palazzo Matteotti Milano is a luxury design hotel located in the heart of Milan's fashion district.

A refined and sophisticated hotel housed in four 18th century buildings, the service and atmosphere is as expected from the international luxury hotelier group, Mandarin Oriental. A Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive luxury spa are the highlights.

This indulgent hotel offers classical Renaissance charm, allowing you the chance to dream under the frescoes and vaulted ceilings of a former 15th-century convent. And it is located just steps from Milan's couture houses and financial district, on the exclusive Via Gesú, between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.