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Lombardia and The Lakes Villa Rentals, Rent Villa in Lombardia and The Lakes
Lombardia and The Lakes
Lombardia is located at the very north of Italy and borders with Switzerland and the Alps. Home to the industrial capital city of Milan which is perhaps the biggest centre in the world for fashion with names like Armani, Prada, and Gucci all residing in Milans ‘Golden Quad’. The local people of Milan take great pride in the way they dress and it can often seem they are all on a catwalk as they quickly march through the streets.
Milan is also the finance powerhouse of the country, and is not driven by tourism. The city itself is fast passed, and a great place to visit if you are a serious shopper.
The main attractions in Milan include Il Duomo di Milano, Leonardo Da Vincis last supper, La Scala opera house, and the Castello Sforzesco.
Italian Villa Vacations have some fantastic apartments for rent in the centre of Milan, and we specialize in villas rentals in the northern Lakes district. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Garda are some of the region’s most spectacular jewels located just an hour’s drive away from the centre of Milan.
Whether you are a couple wanting a self contained lake side rental, or a large family wanting a luxurious rental in Como we have something to offer.
The Lakes
Lake Como or Lake Maggiore?
Lake Como is the most famous and the most scenic. It’s also the most difficult to get around in. Roads are narrow and winding, the traffic is slow and at weekends, a little too crowded which means the best way to get around is by ferry. Lake Orta and Maggiore are just as beautiful and easier.
Come to the Lake District for its scenery, history, monuments, nature and gastronomic tradition. Swimming in the lake is possible, although this is not the main reason to go to this region.
How to reach the Lakes
By car or train: the town of Como is easily reached by motorway (A9), from here you have to drive along the busy statal road to reach the north side of the lake. Only the east branch of the lake (Lecco to Sondrio) is connected by train. Lake Maggiore touristic resorts can be easily reached through the network of the motorway, main roads or by train. The ferry service: Once there, both lakes can count on the extensive ferry service run from the Navigazione dei Laghi.
IMPORTANT
Airports and arrival time
As we can’t guarantee late check in it is important you have an idea about the distances from the airports to your holiday destination. Planning your flight you need to consider that the roads are busy on Saturday. There are 3 airports: Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, and Milano Orio al Serio. Malpensa is the closest to Lake Maggiore. It could take you 40 minutes to h. 1, 30 to get to your holiday rental (depending if this one is on the south or in the north part of the lake). The airport is 30 km from the southern point of the lake and 77 from the northern. Malpensa is the best airport even for Lake Como west shore locations. There are about 70 km from Malpensa airport to the town of Como (about h 1, 00 hour) and 100 km to the northern accommodation we offer in lake Como (about h1, 10) Linate is located southeast Milan it means 110 km from the northern rental we offer in lake Como (about h 2.00) and 140 km (about h 2.00) to the northern holiday rental we have on Lake Maggiore. While Linate could be easy for Varenna as it is only 80 km far. Orio al Serio is located close to Bergamo and it is of course the farthest from the lakes. Before booking your flight be sure that you will be able to arrive on time to your destination. From Orio al Serio to Lake Maggiore there is 120 to 180 km and to Lake Como 120 to 150 km, parts of the motorway Bergamo/Milano are always very busy. So before choosing a flight landing in this airport is aware that it could take you from h 2 to h 2, 30 to reach your holiday home, plus the time you need for your luggage and car rental. If your holiday destination is Varenna you have no difficulty to land in Orio al Serio as it is 80 km far and can be reached in about h.1, 10 m.
Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta
In a surrounding of extraordinary beauty Lake Maggiore offers to its visitors spectacular gardens boasting exceptional collections of camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, historic villas and castles, sacred routes, medieval churches. An impressive number of parks are located here such as the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande (the largest wilderness area in Italy). The mountains, beyond the lake are wonderful, and each little village with its painted houses seems a terrace on the water.
In the centre of the lake float the three enchanted Borromeo Islands. The Isola Madre and Isola Bella, where are the Borromeo palaces and gardens and the charming Isola dei Pescatori (fishermen island). In front of Stresa stands, just above the water, on a rocky cliff the Eremo di Santa Caterina.
The car free town of Orta S Giulio is a little jewel. Visit the 20 frescoed small chapels of the Sacro Monte above Orta San Giulio, with their of terracotta sculptures illustrating scenes from the life of Saint Francis. From Orta charming lakeside square you can admire the island of San Giulio, dominated by the ancient basilica and the convent. A little farther in the inland is the Villa della Porta-Bozzolo in Casalzuigno, a masterpiece of early eighteenth-century landscaping.
Many sports activities can be practiced in Lake Maggiore such as sailing, water skiing, canoeing, golfing (7 golf courses in the area), trekking horse riding.
How to reach Lake Maggiore
By plane: Malpensa airport 20 to 45 minutes
By train: The international line links to Milan, to Genoa, Zurich and Basel with Cisalpino, Milan to Paris with Stendhal.
By road, motorway A26 and A8 links the lake to Genova and Milano and the Simplon.
Lake Como
Lake Como is a pre-alpine basin formed by an ancient glacier. It is Europe’s deepest lake (1,350 feet). It is 30 miles long, 2 1/2 miles at its widest point. The city of Como lies at the southwestern leg, while Lecco occupies the southeastern end.
Como and its Surroundings ( Cernobbio )
For its picturesque beauty, elegant restaurants, luxury hotels and stylish shops this is the favourite place of international tourists. Como is an attractive town offering lots of activities: culture, art, sport entertainment, shopping and a sophisticated atmosphere all round.
From Como to Menaggio
Luxurious gardens, elegant villas, nice restaurants can be discovered in the fascinating small villages that dots this part of the lake.
The centre of the lake The Larian Triangle
The picturesque tourist towns of Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna are located one in front of the other in the three opposite branch of the lake. They are famous for their historical villas and charming views.
Varenna (located on the east branch of the lake) offers an excellent train service (1 hour to reach Milan). The freeway easily connects to Lecco and Milano (1 hour drive) while the other tourist lake resorts can be easily reached by ferry.
Bellagio is situated on the promontory that divides the lake in two branches of Como and Lecco; both roads connecting to Como and to Lecco are narrow and winding for this reason we suggest to reach Bellagio by ferry.
From Menaggio to Colico the north part of the lake is more quite and simple, far from the sophisticated touristic destinations this area offers charming little villages set in pebbled or sandy shores where you can enjoy the regional specialities in simple family-run trattorias.
Many sports activities can be practiced in Lake Como such as sailing, water skiing, canoeing, golfing (3 golf courses in the area), trekking horse riding.
Trip Highlights in Lake Como
Patrician Villas, gorgeous botanical gardens, Romanesque churches, and picturesque villages can be admired in magnificent scenery on the lake-shores.
Recommendable sightseeing:
In Bellagio Villa Serbelloni and its Park, Rockefeller Foundation, Villa Melzi D’Eril and its Gardens, Villa Trivulzio, Villa Trotti, Villa Giulia.
In Tremezzo Villa Carlotta with Botanical Garden and Azaleas Spring, Sculptures of Canova and Paintings of Hayez.
In Ossuccio Villa Maria and Villa La Carlia.
The Comacina Island and the historic “Villa Balbianello” one of the most extraordinary places of the Lake, with a nice park and the memories of the Explorer Giacomo Monzino, the last householder.
In Varenna Villa Cipressi and the artistic Villa Monastero, now a Congress Seat.
Como the town, the shops, the cathedral, the cafes, everything is enchanting.
The Piona Abbey with its Romanesque-Gothic cloister, founded in the Middle Ages by the French Monks of Cluny.
Lugano (to cross the Swiss border you will need your passport)
And also...
Museum of Silk - The whole silk manufacturing process is displayed at the Silk Teaching Museum in Como, the unique one in Europe that shows the complete cycle, from worm farming to painting and pressing.
Moto Guzzi Museum - The Moto Guzzi Museum in Mandello del Lario is one of the most legendary collections of motorcycles in the world.
Lake Boat Museum - in Pianello Lario is the most interesting Museum of boats and sailing: it exhibits more than 160 boats of different ages and typologies that have made the history of Navigation and Trade on Lake Como, throughout the centuries.
Monza Race Circuit - built in 1922 in only 100 days by the Automobile Club of Milan, Monza is Europe's oldest permanent circuit still in use. Set in a former Royal park on the outskirts of Milan, Italy's second major city, the contemporary circuit is still one of the fastest in Europe. (Monza is 40 km from Como)
Not to miss for both the lakes...
Bergamo The upper town of Bergamo requires a whole day visit and is memorable for the Colleoni Chapel, the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the sophisticated atmosphere all round. (60 km from Como)
Milano visit The Last Supper, the very famous painting by Leonardo BOOKING: tel 0039. 02. 89421146. The Duomo, S.Ambrogio, la Scala, The art collections at Ambrosiana or Brera, the Sforza Castle. Discover the sophisticated shopping in the fashion district.
Shopping in Milan
Useful information: Shops opening times are generally 9.30am-12, 30 pm and 3-7.00pm, the department stores stay open through the lunch break. Pay attention because in Milan on Mondays, food shops are open only in the morning, other shops only in the afternoon.
For Italian Fashion big names go directly to the so called “golden rectangle “ they are all there: Armani, Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada, Versace, Valentino (Via Montenapoleone); Dolce & Gabbana and Prada in Via Spiga; Fendi, (Via Sant’Andrea), more Armani in via Manzoni. For fashion boutiques and trendy restaurants go to the pedestrian area around Brera (via dei Fiori Chiari). While very affordable shoes shops can be found in Corso Buenos Aires. For antique and ethnic shops go to the Navigli. Not to miss: Peck in via Spadari the delicatessen shop where you can find all the famous Italian food specialities and a luxury wine shop (downstairs).
BOAT RENTALS
Centro Nautico - Servizi Turistici
Via Mazzini 3 - Belgirate (VB)
Tel.e fax +39 0323 - 31266
Marta Sessa - Tel. cellulare +39 348.5826383
Carlo Tel. cellulare +39 338 4681183
info@lagovela.com
The most famous factory outlets In Milano
Etro
Via Spartaco 3,
tel: 02-550201,
Monday 15-19,
Tuesday to Saturday 10-13:45,
14:4530-19:00. Saturday from 10-13
Close to Milan
Dolce & Gabbana
Via Rossini 70, 20025 Legnano (Mi)
10,00-13,30 / 14,30-19,00
Close to Como
Armani Factory Store
Provinciale per Bregnano
Vertemate Con Minoprio (Co)
10,00 - 14,00 / 15,00 - 19,00
Close to Lake Maggiore
Loro Piana
Romagnano Sesia
Via per Novara 484
Tel. +39-0163-826875
Fratelli Rossetti
Parabiago (Mi) - via Cantù 24
0331 - 552226
In Mendisio (Switzerland, passport required)
Fox Town - Mendrisio
CH-6850
via A. Maspoli 18
Monday-Sunday: 11.00 - 19.00
Lake Garda
With its clear, clean and warm water, sunny beaches, mild climate and Mediterranean vegetation, Lake Garda is like a small sea set between the last spurs of the Alps and the Lombardy plain. Garda has been a favoured spot since Roman times and has been lauded by poets and writers through the ages, for example, Catullus, Goethe, Joyce and D'Annunzio. It unites its natural beauty with the traces of its history, from Roman remains to Liberty. There are many interesting little towns situated along the coast or up the hills, rich of history, culture, good restaurants and shops.
HOW TO REACH LAKE GARDA
By Car
- The West side of Lake Garda is reached by Motorway A4 (Milan – Venice)
Sirmione, Desenzano or Brescia Est exits
Highway 45 bis Brescia - Salò
Highway 11 Brescia - Desenzano
- The East side of Lake Garda is reached by Motorway A22 (Autostrada del Brennero)
Affi exit
By Train
The best train station to reach Lake Garda is in Desenzano (From Milan or Venice)
By Ferry The Ferry connects
Toscolano Maderno (WEST SIDE) to Torri Del Benaco (EAST SIDE)
Desenzano (SOUTH) to Riva del Garda (NORTH)
For more info www.navigazionelaghi.it
IMPORTANT
Airports and arrival time
As we can’t guarantee late check in it is important you have an idea about the distances from the airports to your holiday destination. Planning your flight you need to consider that the roads are busy on Saturday.
There are 6 Airports to reach Lake Garda
SOUTH & EAST SIDE
Verona Airport Valerio Catullo and Venice Airport Marco Polo
Verona Airport is the nearest to the South and East sides of the Lake. It could take between 25 minutes to 1 hour by car to reach your holiday rental (depending if this one is on the south or in the north part of the lake). The airport is 20 - 25 Km from the Southern point of the lake and 98 Km from the Northern
Venice Airport Marco Polo is far. The airport is 149 Km from the Southern point of the lake and 210 Km from the Northern
WEST SIDE
Brescia Airport Gabriele D’Annunzio, Milano - Bergamo Airport Orio al Serio, Milano Linate and Milano Malpensa
Brescia Airport Gabriele D’Annunzio The airport is 20 Km from the Southern point of the lake and 76 Km from the Northern.
Milano - Bergamo Airport Orio al Serio The airport is 82 Km from the Southern point ok the lake and 125 Km from the Northern.
Milano Linate The airport is 129 Km from the Southern point of the lake and 171 Km from the Northern.
Milano Malpensa The airport is 170 Km from the Southern point of the lake and 212Km from the Northern.
WHAT TO SEE ON THE WEST SIDE OF LAKE GARDA
Sirmione
The Brescian side of the lake begins at Sirmione which has been famous since ancient times for its health-giving spa water. The peninsula on which it stands sticks out into the water about 4 km and is one of the most enchanting places on the lake. In Roman times villas were built there including that of the poet Catullus who wrote of the beauty of the lake in his verses. Nature and history: Sirmione is full of art treasures and history starting with the Scaliger Castle through which one must pass to reach the town centre. The town itself is closed to private traffic but a shuttle takes the visitor to the end of the peninsula, the Grotte di Catullo, starting off from the square outside the spa (Terme di Sirmione) surrounded with a big park and famous throughout Europe.
Desenzano
Desenzano stands in the centre of a wide bay and is sheltered behind a semi-circle of hills. It is one of the best-known tourist towns on the lake and also a famous sailing and bathing centre. The town centres around the lakeside promenade, piazza Malvezzi (where an antiques market is held on the first Sunday in the month), Porto Vecchio and the porticoed streets lined with bars, boutiques and restaurants.
Valetenesi Hill
Valtenesi is the hilly area of vineyards and olive plantations that slopes down to the lake between the bays of Padenghe and Salò. It is made up of seven districts - Padenghe, Moniga, Manerba, San Felice, Puegnago, Polpenazze and Soiano. Ancient villages, castles and villas can be found nestling in the fields and on the lakeside there are small villages where bars, restaurants, and beaches await the tourist. Valtenesi produces some of the best Brescian wines (Groppello and Chiaretto for example) but is also famous for its extra-virgin olive oil. Both the wine and oil can be bought directly from their producers.
Salò
Salò is an elegant and popular holiday resort sitting in a marvellous position on the bay of the same name where it is protected from northerly winds. Along the lakeside (arranged in 1906) there are bars, ice-cream shops, restaurants and boutiques, that's why it is the favourite place where to go for a walk.
Gardone Riviera
With its lakeside walk, large villas and grand hotels, Gardone Riviera preserves a charm of times past; it has been a famous destination for international tourism since the end of the 19th century. The most recently constructed part of the town is Gardone di Sotto, the pedestrian section alongside the water where bars, ice-cream shops and boutiques jostle for space, and corso Zanardelli which is the busy axis of town life. In the centre of a large public garden stands Villa Alba whose dock was the Torre di San Marco. In 1900 the Tsar's doctor, Arturo Hruska, created the wonderful botanical garden bearing his name. In just 10.000 m2 there are over 8.000 varieties of plants and flowers from all over the word. The older section of the town, Gardone di Sopra, still has its large villas surrounded by gardens and its 18th century Parish church; it was here that poet Gabriele D'Annunzio built the property called "Vittoriale", which became a national museum on his death. From the Vittoriale there is a pretty walk along via Belvedere to Fasano.
Toscolano - Maderno
Divided by the river Toscolano, Maderno and Toscolano (now a single unit) are popular tourist centres loved by sportsmen and sailing enthusiasts. Their shoreline is the longest on Garda and behind it lies a 9 hole golf course. Circolo Golf Bogliaco. The places to see at Maderno are the 12th century church of S. Andrea with a work by Paolo Veneziano and the later Parish church which has a painting by Paolo Veronese. Before arriving in Toscolano, a small detour should be take to the Valle delle Cartiere where a paper-making industry flourished after 1300. Toscolano, the original Benacum, was the most important Roman centre and the remains of a villa with mosaic floors can be visited. The 16th century church of Santi Pietro e Paolo has a baroque portal, 16th century wooden sculptures and 17th century pictures by the Venetian painter, Andrea Celesti. Nearby there is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Benaco con 16th century frescoes.
Vittoriale
Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) had two aims in mind when he built "Vittoriale" - to have a place to live and to create a monument to his own genius and audacious deeds during World War One. The site is an extraordinary set of buildings surrounded by its own park overlooking the lake. It was designed by Gian Carlo Maroni and encloses the Priory (the pot's house from 1921 to 1938), an open-air theatre (which holds a Summer season of D'Annunzio works each year), the poet's tomb and mausoleum, avenues lined with the urns of his wartime companions and a series of extraordinary objects such as the bow of the cruiser Puglia built into the hill, the speedboat MAS 96 which he used in the "Buccari Escapade" and the aeroplane in which he flew over Vienna, on the 9th of August 1918, to drop subversive leaflets. The Priory shows just what sort of mind D'Annunzio had and the life he lived with its Liberty furniture, thousands of objects, and the works of art, books and paintings with which he liked to surround himself in. The Library is very interesting for the collected works of the poet, rare editions of his favourite writers, and musical scores including signed copies of works by the famous musicians Debussy and Wagner.
Sub-Regions
Lake Como
Lake Como is a pre-alpine basin formed by an ancient glacier. It is Europe’s deepest lake (1,350 feet). It is 30 miles long, 2 1/2 miles at its widest point. The city of Como lies at the southwestern leg, while Lecco occupies the southeastern end.
Lake Garda
With its clear, clean and warm water, sunny beaches, mild climate and Mediterranean vegetation, Lake Garda is like a small sea set between the last spurs of the Alps and the Lombardy plain. Garda has been a favoured spot since Roman times and has been lauded by poets and writers through the ages, for example, Catullus, Goethe, Joyce and D'Annunzio.
Lake Maggiore
In a surrounding of extraordinary beauty Lake Maggiore offers to its visitors spectacular gardens boasting exceptional collections of camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, historic villas and castles, sacred routes, medieval churches. An impressive number of parks are located here such as the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande (the largest wilderness area in Italy).
Lake Orta
Thanks to the quiet beauty of the landscape, its fascinating history and its wealth of artistic treasures - principally Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Lake Orta has long been the destination of poets, artists and writers.
Lake Orta lies at the west of lake Maggiore in the northern Italy.
Milan
The capital city of Lombardia is Milan which is perhaps the biggest centre in the world for fashion with names like Armani, Prada, and Gucci all residing in Milans ‘Golden Quad’. The local people of Milan take great pride in the way they dress and it can often seem they are all on a catwalk as they quickly march through the streets.
Mantova
Rich in art and history, Mantova charms its visitors for its exceptional features. The town is set in a beautiful natural environment where land and water are blended together.
Mantova offers exceptional Artistic Itineraries: art lovers will be enchanted by the treasures of the town like Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te, the Cathedral, and the Bibiena theatre just to mention a few of them.
