On the south shore of Lake Iseo is the "Torbiere del Sebino" nature reserve covering 360 hectares. This wetland, formed from 18th century peat beds, situated between lake and hills is a paradise for bird-watching. 17 bird species nest in the wetland. In late spring the pools are awash with waterlilies.
La Scala is one of the most important opera theatres in the globe, where many of the most famous operas were premiered. It now stages concerts, recitals and cultural events as well as ballet and opera.
The Ambrosian Library & Art Gallery, named after Ambrose the patron saint of Milan, opened in 1618 and is the city's oldest museum. The beautiful palace, as well as the world-class collections of paintings, manuscripts and books are well worth a visit.
Opened in 2001, this beautiful gallery houses both Italian and international artwork, the well-established and the aspiring artist.
This basilica was originally built by St Ambrose, in the 4th century, and contains the remains of the Apostles, John, Andrew and Thomas, as well as those of San Nazaro. Some remains of frescoes can still be seen despite many changes to its original structure over the years.
'Arengario' derives from the Latin arengarius which means 'gathering place'. Situated very close to the cathedral, its presence symbolised the continuous fight for power among the religious and civil forces of Monza.
Carlo Maciachini built the Monumental Cemetery between 1863 and 1866. The 250,000 m2 cemetery grounds are home to an eclectic assortment of memorial headstones, sculptures and monuments.
This elegant and sophisticated restaurant is located in a luxury hotel right in the heart of Milan and has been awarded a Michelin star. They serve traditional Italian dishes with innovative touches using local fresh ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An Old England styled public golf course set prestigiously on the shores of Lake Como.
The great little trains of Orta tour around this part of the lovely lake, taking in the main square of Orta San Giulio, the holy mountain of Sacramonte and its chapels, and the painted village of Legro. It's a great way of seeing this outcrop of land and is a big hit with children.
Big-hitters will enjoy the generous width fairways but be aware of the lake-size water hazards.
If you want to see an overview of Switzerland in miniature, then this is the place to come.
This 18-hole, par 72, golf course was designed by Franco Piras and realised in 2002.
Golf Des Iles Borromées is an 18 hole course built in a natural and uncontaminated environment situated 500 metres above sea level. It has a southerly exposure, fresh in summer and sunny in winter, and from the 18th tee, you can often see the skyline of Milan and four lakes: Maggiore, Varese, Montae and Comabbio.
