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.

Bernardino Luini (1475–1532)

This apprentice of Leonardo was so taken with his master’s talents that he spent his life churning out paintings in the Leonardo style without ever really developing one of his own.
Biffi

All the major labels for men and women, including whatever’s hot this season. No great deals, but a remarkably broad selection.
Birreria La Fontanella

Large, noisy room where the youth down beers from glasses so tall and unwieldy they require wooden stands to support them.
Birreria Spaten, Riva

Riva’s Tyrolean roots show in this “Austrian” bierhalle, where wurstel (sausage) and schnitzels hold sway on the menu.
Boccon di Vino, Verbania-Suna

Laid-back little osteria serving home-made pastas and simple, hearty seconds under vaulted ceilings.
Boeucc

Hard-core Milanese cooking in an 18th-century palazzo , favoured by bankers and fashion bigwigs.
Boggi

Boggi has been dressing the Milanese for years, providing them with classy men’s clothing and footwear at very reasonable prices.
Books

A catalogue of Milanese galleries, a glossy tome of lake scenes or a translation of local literary classic I Promessi Sposi (see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)) might be a more treasured souvenir than a sheaf of postcards or trinkets.
Bormio

This year-round skiing village high in the Valtellina is equal parts high-class resort and medieval village. It’s also a gateway to a park of glaciers, peaks, trails and gorgeous Alpine vistas.
Borromeo Palace, Lake Maggiore

The Borromeo family’s 1670 palazzo on the lushly landscaped Isola Bella is an incomparable glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthiest of Lombard families (see Isola Bella: Borromeo Palace).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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