DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes

Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse, a bustling city of finance and industry, media empires and fashion houses, backed up by an impressive cultural heritage of important art galleries and ancient churches. Yet a 40-minute train ride takes you to the azure pools of “the lakes”, lined with fishing villages, villas and laid-back resorts.

Desenzano

A large and delightful town, settled in the Bronze Age and a retreat since the Roman era. Its top attraction is the Villa Romana (see Villa Romana, Desenzano).
Design Objects

Italian industrial designers are maestros at turning everyday objects such as kettles, lighting systems and juicers into works of art. The often whimsical, usually beautiful and always ergonomically sound results are on sale throughout Italy, or you can go right to the source on Lake Orta. Here, an artisan tradition gave rise in the late 19th century to firms such as Alessi, Bialetti and Lagostina.
Designer Clothes

Milan, of course, is monumentally important to the world of fashion. Every important fashion label, whether local or based in Paris, New York or Florence, maintains a boutique in Milan. For those whose tastes outstrip their budgets, Milan is also home to some excellent stock shops and discount outlets.
Diana Majestic

A Liberty-style hotel focused on a lush courtyard garden. The rooms have a modern elegance with such top-end amenities as Bose stereos.
Disco Bar Café Latino, Riva

This disco overlooks the harbour from giant picture windows.
Diving

While this isn’t the tropics, the waters are clearer than you might expect. Subterranean surprises include an underwater Jesus near Riva. Equipment is available in various outlets.
Dmagazine

In the heart of high fashion sits a cut-price stock shop, with Fendi scarves, Armani slacks, Prada sweaters, Helmut Lang suits among the items. Check in daily for steals on the constantly rotating racks.
Dolce e Gabbana

Elegance, quality and just a little fun; D&G carry their entire line, from ready-to-wear to accessories, at these two branches.
Dolce e Gabbana

Boutique for D&G’s youth line (for men’s and women’s shops. Hey, if it’s cool enough for Madonna to wear...
Don Lisander

Creative regional, Tuscan and French cuisines in palatial surroundings.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €110
- €110-€160
- €160-€210
- €210-€270
- over €270
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20-€30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- over €50