Holidays to Lombardy

Why Lombardy?

Romance, mountains, and medieval architecture await you in the stunning Italian region of Lombardy. Situated in the north-west, holidays to the Lombardy area are full of culture and magic. There’s main city, Milan with its rich history and ice-white cathedral, home to many an Instagrammer and Bergamo will charm you with its timeless appeal, the centuries old walls now a bona fide UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Como is the deepest of its kind in Europe, promising dramatic scenery and lively nightlife – a cinematographer’s dream – while the health-conscious among you will enjoy the hitting the slopes of the Orobie Alps. Sip delicious wine in a cosy mountain hut after hiking on the trails and see why this region captures the hearts of so many.

Popular areas to stay in Lombardy

Stuck on where to go? Check out the best resorts and towns to base your holiday

Bergamo

Sitting 40 miles from Milan, and very much in its shadow, Bergamo is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. A delightful hill town with charm by the bucket load, it’s earned itself the moniker Florence of the North. Surrounded by Venetian walls and accessed by a funicular, it’s got a maze of cobbled streets crammed with medieval monuments and age-old churches which butt up against far newer hipster coffee shops. And if you fancy venturing further afield, Bergamo’s the perfect base for exploring the Lombardy countryside or the postcard-pretty lakes region.

Who is it for?

Couples

Enjoy a romantic evening for 2 atop the ancient hill in Upper Town.

Foodies

Rice takes precedence over pasta here, with risotto being the most famous dish.

Culture Vultures

There are ancient streets to lose yourself in the Upper Town, and museums in the Lower Town.

Room price from

£23

per person per night

Sirmione

This lakeside town is one of the most popular spots on Lake Garda, and it’s easy to see why. It has an attractive historical old quarter with cafés and bars, and a fair share of its visitors come to see to Scaliger Castle, which was built in the 12th Century. Sirmione was popular with the Romans thanks to its thermal springs and spa, which still draw visitors today.

Who is it for?

Couples

The maze of cobbled streets at Sirmione’s heart provides a romantic setting for an evening stroll.

Foodies

The region is famous for its ossobuco alla milanese. A slow cooked veal shank that simply fall off the bone.

Culture Vultures

Sirmione has a vibrant, turbulent history that dates back as far as the Stone Age.

Room price from

£20

per person per night

Desenzano del Garda

On the south west shore of Lake Garda, Desenzano Del Garda is a trendy party spot for northern Italians, who come here to eat and drink in the local bars and restaurants, before heading off to the nightclubs. For other tourists, there are lots of fascinating historical sites including the town’s fortress the Castello, an archaeological museum with Bronze Age artefacts, and a Roman villa.

Who is it for?

Night Owls

This is where the locals head to live it up, so there are bars and clubs aplenty.

Culture Vultures

This region is chock full of historical artefacts that tell the wonderful tale of its past.

Nature Lovers

Enjoy clear views of the lake and surrounding countryside from the lakeshore.

Room price from

£25

per person per night

Como

Como, at the southern end of Lake Garda, is famed for its Gothic cathedral and attractive waterfront. You’ll also find works of art, beautiful churches and palaces, and parks. It’s a popular spot for visitors because the weather is pleasant almost all year. Another plus is that it’s surrounded by hills and, at its heart, has a picturesque network of streets, with cafés and busy shops.

Who is it for?

Shoppers

Como built its fortune on silk and has some of the best silk available in Europe.

Culture Vultures

Hit the streets with a tour guide and you’ll get the most out of this town.

Nature Lovers

You have a lake to the front and hills to the rear, offering plenty of opportunities was boating and walking.

Milan

From art-lovers to foodies and even fashionistas, breaks to Milan come up trumps for all kinds of holidaygoers. Italy’s design capital, it’s got some of the most Insta-worthy architecture in Europe. The likes of Zaha Hadid and César Pelli have bestowed it with a futuristic skyline, while the prestigious La Scala opera house stands as a reminder of its illustrious past. And then there’s the jaw-droppingly impressive Gothic cathedral. But Milan’s enviable aesthetic doesn’t extend only to its buildings. Museums are stuffed with 20th-century art while streets are jam-packed with design showrooms and the flagship boutiques of many sought-after Italian fashion labels.

Room price from

£17

per person per night