Savvy Sightseer - tips and insights for seasoned travelers!
Italian Lake Region, Milan, Verona and the Cinque Terre
Captivating and exciting, Italy's northern region is startling in its beauty and unique experiences.
Milan, arguably the fashion center of the world, masterfully blends ancient and modern worlds. A work of Gothic art in marble, the towering Duomo cathedral borders one side of the main square, while fashion frontrunners' flagship stores occupy another, and across the way is the ever-present McDonald's! Tour this city's Castle Sforza, Duomo, and Prada's home base in the Galleria. Don't miss the little-known, awe-inspiring Il Cimiterio Monumentale, a veritable outdoor museum of sculptured headstones like no others you have ever seen! Click the Milan photo to get started.
​Nearby visit historic Verona - home of so much more than fiction-based-on-fact Romeo and Juliet's famed balcony. Not to be missed here are the influences of Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as well as Roman ruins and a still-functioning arena.
Lake Maggiore, Lake Como (yes, George Clooney's home!) and Lake Garda, each have their own special beauty and personality and are charming examples of the ageless appeal of this region. Each lake is unique with beckoning towns: Stresa is the gateway to Maggiore's lush island gardens; Garda lays claim to Sirmione, an ancient fortress town; and Como has the fascinating Bellagio, with its narrow roads lined with shops and gellato stops. Amid the Italian Lakes District is the Italian-speaking Swiss town on Lake Lugano, home to a fascinating fresco with its own twist on The Last Supper by Luini, a contemporary of Da Vinci. Transport yourself to this vibrant region and learn some interesting back stories by clicking the pictures to the left.
DAY TRIP EXCURSION
To round out a trip to Italy's northern region, a visit to the Cinque Terre is in order. Three hours by train from Milan Central, five little villages comprise the Italian Riviera. Each has its own flavor; all are beautiful. For the adventurous, a hiking trail connects the five; for less nimble or more time-constrained visitors, local trains or ferries stop at each village. Shops abound with local specialties - pesto, focaccia, wine and olive oil; restaurants offer quick bites or leisurely dining; boulders provide places to relax and people watch or sunbathe. Click the set of pictures to view as a slideshow.
Click here for a recipe made from Monterosso ingredients:
To enjoy the Northern Italy experience at its fullest, attend a Savvy Sightseer - Northern Italy Travelogue at a library or community center near you! Check the Programs page for upcoming dates and locations.
Continue your trip through Italy with a visit to the Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore pages.
