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.

Isole Borromee

From the 1650s to today, the trio of tiny islands in the middle of Lake Maggiore has drawn admirers for the gracious palaces and ornate gardens built by the Borromeo family, who still own everything but the fishing village on Isola Superiore. The islands are among Lombardy’s top attractions (see Lake Maggiore’s Isole Borromee).

Gardens, Isole Borromee
Isole Borromee, Lake Maggiore

This trio of islets off Stresa – two clad in gardens and palaces, the third with a fishing village – rank among the top 10 sights in the whole region (see Lake Maggiore’s Isole Borromee).
Jewellery

Though it’s not a top European capital of baubles and precious gems, Milan’s jewellers hold their own. Seek out the bold creations of Donatella Pellini or the cutting-edge minimalism of Xenia. For something more classic, try Gobbi 1842 and especially Mario Buccellati, a firm that since 1919 has produced exquisite jewellery, elegant tableware and renowned silver objets d’art .

Objets d’art
Joia

It helps that the Swiss chef at Milan’s premier vegetarian restaurant creates brilliant meals even a sworn carnivore will love.
Joia, Milan

Swiss chef-owner Pietro Leeman spent time in the Orient before opening Milan’s temple of vegetarian cuisine, and many of his dishes have a hint of the exotic that put them in a gourmet category. The wine list is joined by a selection of ciders and organic beers.
Kayaking

Get a different perspective on Como’s fabled coastline, peeking into private lakeside gardens from a kayak or canoe.
Kennedy

Of the many bare-bones pensioni in this neighbourhood near the public gardens and Corso Buenos Aires, the Kennedy singles itself out for cleanliness, friendliness and the fact that its fifth-floor location allows a few rooms to peek over the rooftops at the distant spires of the Duomo. For once, an espresso and croissant in the hotel bar is as cheap as at a local café. Two of the rooms have full bathrooms.
Krizia

This Bergamo native delights in contrary fashions: colourful when black is in, miniskirts when conservative hem lines are the rage.
Krizia

Ever an eclectic designer, Mariuccia “Krizia” Mandelli has been flouting trends and winning awards since 1954.
Kursaal, Sirmione

A happy blend of retro disco and ballroom dance hall.

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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