Northern Italy 7 Nights

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, is one of Europe’s most glamorous yet serene escapes. The town of Como sits at the southern tip of the lake, acting as both a charming base and a gateway to the surrounding villages. Its historic center is a mix of medieval streets, lively piazzas, and elegant boutiques, all framed by mountains and sparkling water. Whether you’re here for a day trip from Milan or a longer stay, Como offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and style. Begin your visit in Piazza Duomo, home to the impressive Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), a masterpiece that blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. Wander around the old town’s narrow cobbled lanes to discover local cafés, traditional trattorie, and shops selling silk—one of Como’s most famous exports. Don’t miss the Broletto, the medieval town hall beside the cathedral, and the lakeside promenade that invites leisurely walks at sunset. For sweeping views, take the funicular from Como to Brunate, a hilltop village overlooking the lake. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the water, the Alps, and on clear days even the skyline of Milan. Active travelers can follow well-marked hiking trails, while others may prefer lingering over a cappuccino at a terrace café. Back down by the lake, join a boat tour or hop on a public ferry to explore nearby gems like Cernobbio, Bellagio, and Varenna, each with its own character and lakeside villas. Como also makes an excellent year‑round destination. Spring and summer are ideal for boat trips, lakeside aperitivos, and garden visits, while autumn brings quieter streets and vivid colors in the surrounding hills. Even in winter, the town has a cozy charm, with fewer crowds, atmospheric mists over the lake, and easy train connections to Milan for museum visits and shopping. Whatever the season, Como combines Italian elegance with natural beauty in a way that’s hard to forget.

About the destination: Lake Garda is an important tourist area in the shadow of the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy. It is a popular holiday location, about half-way between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan. Glaciers formed this alpine region at the end of the last Ice Age. Lake Garda becomes pretty deep just a few metres from the coast. The best beaches, not over-crowded, can be found from Punta San Vigilio to Torri del Benaco and the water is very clean. The beach of Sirmione is great for swimming, so there you will find the clearest water of all Lake Garda. The quality of the water is constantly checked and certified. The beach of Sirmione is made of large smooth rocks and pretty clean. The sight is breathtaking because Sirmione peninsula lays right in the middle of Southern Lake Garda.

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.