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.

Gardaland

Italy’s top theme park, by Lake Garda, is a far cry from Disneyland, but it does have roller coasters, a jungle safari and a thrilling water park. It’s a place where older children can be dropped off for a day of fun while the parents drive off to explore those “boring villas and gardens” the kids are probably complaining about right now.
Gardesana, Torri del Benaco

Book ahead for a table on this palace’s long terrace overlooking the bobbing fishing boats in the harbour. A highly praised mix of regional and international cooking.
Gardone Riviera

The fruits of Gardone’s long popularity as a resort developed into magnificent villas and gardens, including Hruska and the Vittoriale (see Il Vittoriale, Gardone Riviera, Giardino Botanico Hruska, Gardone Riviera).
Gastronomia Peck

Superlative Milanese grocers since 1883, with three vast floors of meats, cheeses, vegetables, breads, wines and other delicacies. Its pricey restaurant is nearby (see Cracco-Peck).
Gelato Breaks

Italy’s gelato puts all other ice creams in the world to shame. There are dozens of classic parlours around Milan, including Rachelli (Via Hugo 4), Bastianello (Via Borgogna 5) and Grasso (Viale Doria 17). Elsewhere, be sure there’s the sign “produzione propria ”, indicating that it’s homemade. The true litmus test is to look for natural colours: you want banana that’s naturally (if unappetizingly) grey, not bright yellow.
Gemma, Limone

A modest, friendly trattoria serving simple pastas and grilled fish.
Genius Hotel Downtown

A resort chain bought this modern hotel on a quiet street in 2002 and renovated it with bright, thick carpets, new furnishings and orthopaedic beds, and largish baths. There is an entire non-smoking floor.
Gian Galeazzo Visconti (1378–1402)

This conqueror of vast territories was the first Milan ruler to gain the title of Duke.
Gianfranco Ferré

The former architect builds each item of clothing around a woman to accentuate her natural beauty. There’s also a branch just for men.
Gianni Versace

Five floors mostly of mens-wear, with something for the ladies upstairs. Versace always manages to make surprises out of the ordinary.

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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