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Arturo Hruska, Swiss dentist to Europe’s royalty in the early and mid-20th century, laid out these sumptuous botanical gardens between 1940 and 1971 (see Giardino Botanico Hruska, Gardone Riviera).

Swiss dentist and naturalist Arturo Hruska may have had only a single hectare of lake property, but over 30 years he managed to turn it into a microcosm of Dolomite and Alpine flora. Since 1989, Austrian multimedia artist André Heller has kept it open it to the public (see Giardino Botanico Hruska, Gardone Riviera).

Carlo Sigurtà spent 40 years irrigating and planting this barren hillside in order to turn it into one of Italy’s great gardens, with manicured lawns and pathways amid vibrant flower beds and reflecting pools. Hidden along the far western edge are some large enclosures where deer and goats run free. The gardens are a 20-minute drive south of the lake-side.

The first mega-department store devoted to just one fashion house – that of Milan’s very own guru.

The most modernized of the hotels on Via Rovello sports sleek new baths and contemporary furnishings lit by elegantly tall windows. Amenities, however, are a notch below those of its neighbours, with gruff staff and no laundry or concierge service.

Raphael’s protégé helped finish his master’s commissions after his death, but his fame as a frescoist was soon eclipsed by his architectural technique. Both came to the attention of the Gonzagas in Mantova, who commissioned from him the Palazzo Te and other buildings. Only failing health kept him from returning to Rome to become chief architect of St Peter’s.

This Milanese Mannerist was a gimmick artist, but very good at it. He churned out allegorical “portraits” that are actually collages: of flowers, fruit, fish, weapons, animals or even flames.

On Thursdays you can have dinner and dance the night away; on Saturdays there are often live bands and an interesting crowd.

The luxury hotels of the lakes have all invested in designer golf courses (see Playing a Round of Golf and A Round of Golf).