Lombardy is a region that offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to choosing what to do for a weekend getaway. Rich in history, art and spectacular natural sites, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of things to do:
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1. Visiting cities of art in Lombardy
Milan is a city where style and modern meet: known as one of the world capitals of design and fashion, it is also a city rich in works such as the Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that is one of the city's most recognizable symbols. Another must-see destination is the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most important opera houses in the world and a perfect example of an "Italian-style theater" because of the shape of its hall and the arrangement of seats for spectators.
The Duomo of Milan
The city is a true paradise for art lovers, with world-class museums such as the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses works by Raphael, Caravaggio and other masters, and the Cenacolo Vinciano, Leonardo da Vinci 's fresco depicting theLast Supper, on the wall of the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Bergamo is a city with a dual soul, divided between the charming Upper Town and the more modern Lower Town. The Upper Town can be reached by funicular railway or on foot and offers visitors a dip into the past with its cobblestone streets, Venetian walls, and the splendid Piazza Vecchia where historic churches blend with medieval architecture
Brescia is a crossroads of history and culture with its Roman-era archaeological sites such as the Capitoline Temple and the Roman Forum that tell the city's thousand-year history. Brescia is also home to art museums spanning different eras and styles: The Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery houses works by local and international artists, while the Santa Giulia Museum is a monastic complex that tells the city's history through the centuries.
Mantua is a city that looks like something out of a Renaissance fairy tale. The Ducal Palaces of the Gonzaga family are the artistic and cultural center of the city. A must-see is the Bridal Chamber, a series of frescoes painted by Andrea Mantegna that tell and depict what court life was like in those days.
Façade of the Ducal Palace of Mantua
2. A romantic weekend in Lombardy: a tour of the lake
For the romantically inclined, Lombardy's lakes offer truly breathtaking scenery.
Lake Como, nestled in the mountains and dotted with historic villas, is a renowned destination for couples seeking fairy-tale views. Locations such as Bellagio, with its flower gardens and picturesque narrow streets, or Varenna, with its medieval atmosphere and spectacular views, invite hand-in-hand strolls along the shores.
Not to be outdone is Menaggio, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the spectacular natural setting of the lake and surrounding mountains. To make the most of the beauty of this lake, one can also choose a small boat cruise to admire the views directly from the water.
Equally fascinating is a trip to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. The town of Sirmione is located on a peninsula that extends into the lake, protected by the majestic Scaliger Castle, which with its drawbridge allows entry into the town and offers breathtaking views of the shimmering waters.
In Malcesine, the panoramic cable car climbs up to Monte Baldo, offering incredible views and the opportunity to stroll along alpine paths. For those who want to end their visit with a romantic evening stroll, the town of Bardolino offers long sandy beaches and enchanting tree-lined boulevards.
The Lovers' Walk in Varenna on Lake Como
3. Weekend adrenaline rush even for children
For those looking for a thrill and an unforgettable experience, Lombardy offers many adrenaline-pumping activities that will get the heart racing.
One of the most visited spots is the Tibetan Bridge in Val Tartano, in the province of Sondrio, a place for the truly daring. It is reached by a hike of about 9 km suitable for everyone, even families with small children (without strollers) you start from Campo Tartano and reach the Tibetan bridge that is 234 meters long and stands 140 meters high making it the highest Tibetan bridge in Europe. The bridge is made of 700 wooden planks and has high railings that make it safe and suitable for children.
For those who prefer an adventure among the tumultuous waters, rafting the rapids of the Adda River is an experience that will not be easily forgotten. The rapids offer a compelling challenge navigating through the rushing waters while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. This activity is best suited for teenage boys accompanied by adults or groups of friends: it is often chosen for bachelor or bachelorette parties.
The Bridge in the Sky, Europe's highest Tibetan bridge located in the Tartano Valley
4. Mountain weekends in Lombardy: experience the snow and winter sports
Lombardy is a region that offers activities for all seasons.
For snow lovers, the Lombardy Alps are a paradise for sportsmen and women of all levels, from novice skiers to serious enthusiasts who want to test themselves on more challenging tracks such as the Stelvio slope at the Bormio ski resort, which is the official track of a World Cup ski stage.
Families with children or novice skiers can choose places such as Piani di Bobbio or Aprica where they can make their first snow slides with easy slopes and well-prepared instructors.
On the other hand, for those who like to dive deep into winter sports, Livigno is definitely paradise with its double ski area that spans the mountains on both sides of the valley and activities such as Husky Village's dog sledding excursion or ice driving lessons in asports car.
The Stelvio slope at the Bormio ski resort, where one of the stages of the World Cup is held
5. Enjoying typical cuisine
For those who choose to visit Lombardy on a weekend, experiencing traditional local cuisine is a must.
From the timeless Milanese risotto with its intense yellow color given by saffron, strictly whipped with Parmesan cheese, to veal shanks in their version accompanied with peas or with a good polenta.
And speaking of polenta, you can't fail to taste polenta with braised donkey, slow-cooked in red wine and repurposed in so many variations by the big fancy restaurants as well as by village festivals.
For those moving around the Cremona area, it is practically obligatory to try at least once the tortelli di zucca, ravioli filled with sweet pumpkin and amaretti biscuits, seasoned with butter and sage that form the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Mountain lovers, on the other hand, cannot miss pizzoccheri, a typical specialty of Valtellina that has become the official dish of all mountain huts in Lombardy: it is a short pasta made with buckwheat flour and seasoned with alpine cheese, melted butter, and vegetables such as potatoes and savoy cabbage. The ideal dish to enjoy in front of spectacular views as a reward after a long hike in nature.
Mantuan pumpkin tortelli, seasoned with butter and sage as tradition dictates
6. A relaxing spa weekend in Lombardy
Lombardy is a region rich in spas and wellness centers, the perfect choice for a weekend of relaxation.
In Bormio, Valtellina, the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi facilities allow guests to enjoy the spa in a spectacular location, overlooking the mountains. Let yourself be pampered by the outdoor thermal water pools, soaking up to your shoulders in the warm water while all around you fresh snow rests on the edge of the pool during the winter season.
If you prefer not to stray too far from the city, in the province of Brescia are the Terme di Boario spa with its four natural springs, known since the mid-19th century. Today inside the Boario Spa Park is the new SPA & Wellness area divided into zones with sauna, Turkish bath, Kneipp path, emotional showers, ice waterfalls and salt room, thermal pool and whirlpool, relaxation area and solarium.
The park inside also has a botanical garden with very rare species of flora, which can be visited by guests of the facility who can take advantage of it for a rejuvenating walk to relax the body and mind
The spa park in Boario, in the province of Brescia
Conclusion
Lombardy is a region that offers many opportunities for a weekend getaway suitable for all types of travelers, from the most romantic to the most adventurous, and even lovers of good food.
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