The largest surviving collection of notes by Leonardo da Vinci, the Codex Atlanticus is a priceless set of documents and the crown jewel of Milan’s historic Biblioteca Ambrosiana library. The more than 1,120 pages of the Codex Atlanticus contain handwritten text and drawings dating from 1478 to 1519 and a glimpse into da Vinci’s genius.
Rocca di Bergamo, perched on Sant’Eufemia hill, is a 14th-century fortress integral to Bergamo’s defense in the Venetian and Napoleonic periods. Visit to explore its historic ramparts and admire the panoramic views of the city and surrounding valleys. The on-site museum showcases medieval artifacts and stories from Bergamo's past.
Dating back to 1891, Antico Lavatoio was once a public washhouse, where people not only did their laundry but also socialized. When washing machines appeared in homes, the profession of washerwomen disappeared and so did the public washhouse. Today, visit for a window into this former way of life.
Perched on the western shore of placid Lake Maggiore, the tiny resort town of Stresa is backed by the Alpine foothills of Monte Mottarone and boasts elegant hotels on a tree-lined promenade. Stroll through picturesque Piazza Cadorna in the town center, relax on the waterfront lidos, or take a ferry to the charming islands nearby.
Once a bustling hub for shoe merchants of the 15th century, Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe—also referred to as Shoe Market Square—is one of Bergamo’s oldest squares. Located in the Città Alta, this historic piazza attracts a lot of pedestrians due to its location—it’s the arrival point of the city’s funicular, and people come here to eat, stroll, or admire city views.
Splurge on Milan’s famous fashion and design without breaking the bank at The Style Outlets, a designer outlet shopping center in Vicolungo, just outside the cosmopolitan capital city. Browse Italian and international brands to your heart’s content at more than 100 boutiques offering discounts of 30-70% off regular retail prices.
While many travelers visit the adjacent Santa Maria delle Grazie church—home of da Vinci’s fresco The Last Supper—the Bramante Sacristy (Sacrestia del Bramante) is an often-overlooked gem. Designed by architect Donato Bramante, the sacristy features a vaulted ceiling painted by da Vinci and exhibits on the inventor’s Codex Atlanticus.
This 12th-century Cistercian abbey, located just outside the center of Milan, is a welcome respite from the urban bustle of Italy’s fashion capital. Visit the historic complex that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque elements in its church, cloister, and granges, and savor the reflective silence in the monastic interiors.
A showcase of Rococo architecture, the 16th-century Villa Della Porta Bozzolo has sumptuous interiors decorated with spectacular trompe l’oeil elements and frescoes and 18th-century furnishings. There's also an Italian-style garden with ornate fountains, grand monumental staircase, and a cypress-lined avenue.
There’s something for every fun-loving family member at the eclectic Leolandia park, with attractions from impressive models of some of Italy’s most iconic monuments to lighthearted water rides and an exotic bird sanctuary with live shows. If your kids need a break from the bustle of Milan, take a day trip to this unique amusement park.
Originally built in the fifth century as part of a Roman military complex, this site was later converted into a Benedictine convent. Now part of a UNESCO-listed collection of buildings connected to the early medieval Lombard kingdom, the monastery features rare Byzantinesque frescoes believed to date back to the eighth or ninth century.
Tucked in the Alpine Val Masino just south of the Swiss border, the pristine Val di Mello is considered one the most picturesque corners of northern Lombardy. A protected nature reserve, this river valley offers scenic trails through thick forests and past crystalline lakes, rushing streams, and postcard-perfect waterfalls. It’s a popular day trip from Milan and the towns lining Lake Como, especially for anyone who enjoys hiking and cycling.
