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.

El Tombon de San Marc

Though it’s touting a full menu these days, most people still head to the Brera’s San Marc for its bar, beers and late hours.
Emporio

Discount outlet for noted clothing firms. Products are high quality and can just about be classed as haute couture, while still affordable.
Enjoying the Lido Giardino, Menaggio

In daytime, enjoy the private beach and pool. On Friday and Saturday nights, the banquet hall turns into a dance club that spills out into lakeside gardens.
Ermenegildo Zegna

Main shop of the fourth-generation fashion empire that keeps a close eye on everything from the wool on the sheep to the stitching of their elegant business attire and casual wear.
Ermenegildo Zegna

Fourth-generation, environmentally-aware firm that uses the finest cashmere, merino and mohair in its fabrics.
Esplanade, Desenzano

Elegance, stupendous lake views from its terrace and a perfect balance of creative cuisine and traditional recipes. Fresh lake fish, delicious mountain cheeses and over 800 wines in the cellar – wonderful.
Etro

Etro’s trademark paisley and Pegasus icons abound on silk, cashmere and the finest wools.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia

This bastion of sophistication knits together the best of both worlds: genuine 1937 Liberty-style class with modern comforts and amenities. The rooms have a quirky elegance, the baths are marble-clad, and the dual phone lines have a PC hook-up. Ten conference rooms are so well-equipped there are even simultaneous translators. The solo business traveller will thrill at the extra-wide single beds – uncommon in Italy.
Exploring Milan’s Duomo

Milan’s cathedral is a Gothic wonderland of flying buttresses, soaring pinnacles, saintly statues, spiral staircases and hideous gargoyles – fun to explore for kids aged 5 to 95 (see Milan’s Duomo).
Exploring the Roof of Milan’s Duomo

You can wander freely about the forest of Gothic carving adorning the rooftop of Milan’s cathedral. Duck under the buttresses, skirt along the eaves and clamber onto the peaked roof of the nave to drink in a panorama across the city (see Milan’s Duomo).

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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