Places of Interest

The city of Bolzano offers insights into the Dolomites' rich history as well as its sophisticated pleasures. An ancient trading town ringed by ancient castles, once overseen by Tirolean archduchess Claudia de Medici, features nowadays elegant shopping streets, gourmet shops, and colorful markets. While Italians visit it to "go abroad," northerners come to enjoy its Mediterranean climate.

Merano offers a very beautiful landscape. Nearby Tirol Castle, the ancestral home of nobility since 1140, dominates the valley. Palatial hotels treat travelers royally.

Val Gardena, a summer retreat of kings and emperors, is located in a valley where flame-hued sunsets illuminate the mountains that overlook the town. In this secluded spot, the ancient customs of Ladin culture are still practiced, and the gastronomy of the region is remarkable and very delicious. The Ladin Museum displays minerals, archeological finds, and religious treasures.

While the ski resort Cortina d'Ampezzo may be the area's best-known destination, summer vacationers have access to historic hiking trails that lead to the Dinosaurs Route to Monte Pelmetto, the Iron Route, and the medieval Castle of Andraz. Collectors of contemporary souvenirs will find a glittering assortment in Cortina's fashionable boutiques.

The four highest mountains of Europe - Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso- girdle the Aosta valley in the west.  Its French cultural heritage is evident at traditional carnivals and parades, marked by bountiful food and drink.

The Lombardy Region

North of Milan, Lake Como stretches fjord-like for 50 miles from Lugano to the Bergamo Alps. Villas and vineyards are clustered at its southern end, and boats sail from picturesque lakeside towns such as Bellano and Como, Varenna and Lecco.

The Lake Maggiore with its sky-blue waters and sheltered by an impressive Alpine ring, has long drawn romantics. Velvety green hills that rise to the rugged and mysterious Val Grande belt the beautiful lake.  Parks and the Sacro Monte della Trinita nature reserve in Ghiffa provide ample space to savor the scenery together. Ride a taxiboat to Isobella, the main island within the lake with its 17th-century Borromeo Palace, whose terraced garden slopes gracefully down to the lake.