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.

Ullrich

It may lack character and class, but the price is hard to beat anywhere in Milan, let alone just a few blocks south of the Duomo. None of the seven basic rooms has a private bathroom, but shared facilities are large, new and clean.
Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916)

This leading Futurist was born in the south but soon moved to Milan. His failed journalism career served him in writing treatises on Futurism, while his paintings and sculptures were among the most admired of his era.
Una Hotel Century

Near the central station, north of Piazza della Repubblica, this property is made up entirely of business suites: 148 sleek, modern units, each with a bedroom and separate living room/office.
Una Hotel Cusani

In 2001 the Radisson Bonaparte became part of the Una hotel chain, but that hasn’t changed its spacious rooms or comforts. A prime location, across from the Castello Sforzesco.
Val Calmonica Villages

The villages of Capo di Ponte and Nadro di Ceto are the best access points for the prehistoric rock carvings found in the valley north of Lake Iseo. The images are at least 3,000 years old and include hunting scenes.
Valentino

New York’s Metropolitan Museum once mounted a show of Valentino’s artistic clothing. Classy, chic and very desirable!
Valtellina

This meaty red from the hills of Lake Como is powerful: one type is named “Inferno”.
Varenna

Arguably, Varenna makes a better base for exploring the lake than crowded Bellagio. It has ferry links with the major towns and everything from frescoed churches to lovely walks (see Villa Monastero, Varenna, Villa Cipressi, Varenna).
Varenna, Lake Como

Varenna is less touristy than Bellagio and almost as rewarding. It has a waterfront promenade, two small churches with medieval frescoes on the main square, two villas-with-gardens to wander, and the half-ruined Castello di Vezio high above town. Just south of Varenna, the Fiumelatte gushes from the cliff face down about 250 m (800 ft) into the lake, making it the shortest river in Italy. Oddly, it flows only from March to October (see Villa Monastero, Varenna, Villa Cipressi, Varenna and Varenna).
Vecchia Lugana, Sirmione

A converted farmhouse at the base of the peninsula, where service is refined and the cooking a cross of regional favourites and flights of culinary fancy.

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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