This region, steep in history and charm, is one of the most photogenic areas of Italy. Milan may be the fashion capital of the world, however, the region's beauty is more than skin deep. Milan's Duomo, Castello Sforzesco and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper are visual treats, but the city's opera and jazz scenes are renowned.

Superb industrial design is intrinsic, but the cuisine has an earthiness extending from humble polenta to hearty osso bucco and to the region's understated wines and cheeses. Only a short trip from Milan; the turquoise lakes boast majestic castles and elegant villas reflected in the mirror-like surfaces, offset by the mountains where Northern Italy's adrenalin junkies and young jetsetters make the ski fields their playground. This region, steep in history and charm, is one of the most photogenic areas of Italy.

Milan may be the fashion capital of the world, however, the region's beauty is more than skin deep. Milan's Duomo, Castello Sforzesco and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper are visual treats, but the city's opera and jazz scenes are renowned. Superb industrial design is intrinsic, but the cuisine has an earthiness extending from humble polenta to hearty osso bucco and to the region's understated wines and cheeses.

Only a short trip from Milan; the turquoise lakes boast majestic castles and elegant villas reflected in the mirror-like surfaces, offset by the mountains where Northern Italy's adrenalin junkies and young jetsetters make the ski fields their playground. This title includes suggestions from local people on where to go and what to do. It offers a month-by-month guide to pros and cons of visiting at certain times of year.

It presents a series of great driving routes and city walks. It includes the author's personal recommendations of a place or an activity. It discusses where to picnic and the best places to buy your goodies.