The Climb to the Stelvio Pass, Lombardy, Italy

 

There are 42 hairpin bends on the road from Bormio up to the Stelvio Pass, which, at more than 2,700 metres, is the second highest road in the Alps.

Riding the Mortirolo Pass, Lombardy, Italy

One of the toughest climbs in Lombardy (no matter which way you go up), the relentless ride up to the Mortirolo Pass is worth it for the serene scenery on the plateau at the top (and then the super smooth tarmac on the hairpins down to Grosio).

Bormio, Lombardy, Italy

With its roots and architecture in the Middle Ages, Bormio makes for an attractive and enthralling base for a winter skiing or summer cycling trip. As Italy's gateway to the Stelvio National Park, the Alpine town is surrounded by scenic cycling routes and walking trails, as well as ski lifts. Within Bormio, there are cobbled streets, medieval churches and the Piazza del Kuèrc, which is lined by cafes, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Tower of the Bajona, Bormio’s civic bell tower. As you browse the old-school eateries and shops on both sides of the Adda river,  you're likely to cross Bormio's distinctive 14th century stone bridge - Ponte di Combo,  

Ripa di Porta Ticinese, Milan, Italy

 

Running alongside the Naviglio Grande canal, Ripa di Porta Ticinese is lined with quite touristy bars and restaurants. Despite the obvious commercialism, it's an attractive and atmospheric place for an early evening stroll or sundowner.

Bellagio, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

 

An upmarket tourist hotspot on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Como, Bellagio is in an enviable location. Its cobbled alleyways tumble down to a busy waterfront at which hordes of American and Asian visitors alight and aboard frequent pedestrian and car ferries.  Some of the elegant mansions that line the lake host smart hotels and pricey restaurants, while most of the genteel shops are targeting the tourist trade. Although the budget conscious should stay (and eat) outside the historic heart of Bellagio, don't be put off by the high price tags - loafing about by the lake is free and fun.

Duomo di Milano, Lombardy, Italy

 

Built over six centuries, the Duomo di Milan is a vast, yet intricate, building that gleams almost white in the afternoon sunshine. More squat than most of its peers, Milan's Duomo is both very majestic and very distinctive. Built in the Gothic style, the Cathedral's mesmerising facade is an onslaught of detailed stonework. Although construction work began in 1386, the building wasn't considered complete until the 1960s. Fittingly, the Duomo overlooks a grand square, which is major draw for tourists, but doesn't feel particularly crowded even in summer.

Como, Lombardy

 

On the southwestern tip of Lake Como, a short train journey from Milan, sits the small historic city of Como. Its pedestrianised core, demarcated by the 12th century walls, is a pleasant place to wander round for a couple of hours.  Although you won't be the only one admiring the fine 14th century cathedral, cobbled streets and Renaissance and neoclassical architecture, Como feels like less of a tourist trap than some of the other settlements around the eponymous lake.

Madonna del Ghisallo, Magreglio, Lombardy

If you ride south from Bellagio towards Magreglio,  you'll take on a famous 700 metre climb. At the top, you'll reach the Madonna Del Ghisallo, a 17th century chapel that was anointed as a shrine to cyclists in 1949. In front of the church, marble columns commemorate some of Italy's greatest cyclists, such as Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, and Alfredo Binda.  

In 1973, a monument dedicated to cyclists was erected next to the Sanctuary. Made of bronze, it represents the struggle between victory and defeat, and bears an inscription by Bruno Raschi stating that the bicycle is an instrument of practice and exaltation in life, according to the shrine's web site. From a viewing platform behind the chapel, you can see Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The site is also home to a more mundane building that houses a cycling museum.

Milan's Historic Trams, Lombardy, Italy

 

Some of the trams ferrying passengers around Milan are more than 80 years old. The network, which consists of 18 lines, has been running since 1876, when the trams were drawn by horses.

La Ca’ Granda, Milan, Lombardy, Italy

 

Although it is little more than 100 years old, the University of Milan occupies a beautiful red-brick 15th century building known as La Ca’ Granda. Originally a hospital, La Ca’ Granda was bombed badly during the second world war, but was restored in the subsequent decades.

Landscapes at the Southern End of Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

From the hills south of Bellagio, you'll glimpse views of the majestic mountains that loom over Lake Como.

Via Orefici - Via Dante, Milan, Lombardy

One of Milan's grand thoroughfares,Via Orefici runs from the Duomo down towards Castello Sforzesco, another major draw for visitors to the city. It leads into Via Dante, which is lined with smart restaurants and cafes.

Spring Skiing in the Dolomites, Italy

 

With spectacular craggy scenery, an efficient modern lift system, fine food and a wide variety of runs, the Dolomites makes a great playground for winter sports enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys being outdoors in the mountains. While many of the resorts aren't that high, the multitude of snow making machines and the Marmolada Glacier means the Dolomites should be a decent option in the spring time. Many visitors tour one or both of the well sign-posted ski circuits - the Sellaronda and the First World War ski route. A highlight has to be the picturesque and secluded "Hidden Valley",  which is a lovely place to ski and eat (in the Rifugio Scotoni), but you may need to catch a bus/taxi to get there and be towed out by a horse-drawn carriage.

The Marmolada Glacier, the Dolomites, Italy

To reach the Marmolada Glacier, you need to catch a series of cable cars. But the glorious views on a clear day are well worth the trip. If you time it right and go mid-to-late afternoon, you might also have the long ski down pretty much to yourself.  But be warned, the red runs up here can get pretty bumpy and you need to make the last lifts back to wherever you are staying.

Giardini Luzzati, Genoa

Stumble on Giardini Luzzati early in the evening and you might find talented eight year olds kicking a ball around and locals sipping aperitifs in this versatile open space in Genoa's old quarter. The square also affords views of some of the city's most venerable landmarks, including the charismatic bell towers of the 12th century San Donato church (below) and the Church of Sant'Agostino Genoa (above).

Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello, Genoa

 

Dating from the 12th century, this well-preserved Romanesque church and convent of Santa Maria di Castello sits proudly on high ground in the heart of Genoa.

Hotel Palazzo Grillo, Piazza delle Vigne, Genoa

 

You may have to navigate some very narrow and seedy alleyways to reach the small square which is home to Hotel Palazzo Grillo. But it is worth the effort. Staying in this dignified and handsome historic building, which dates from 1545, is a treat.  Many of the 25 bedrooms, which are comfortable and well-equipped, still have striking period features and look out over the charismatic buildings clustered in the heart of the old city.

Le Rune, Salita Inferiore di Sant'Anna, Piazza del Portello, Genoa

One of many good restaurants woven into Genoa's tight-knit historic centre, Le Rune stands out for serving exceptional Italian cuisine at very moderate prices. With a regularly changing selection of five or so dishes (costing between €10 and €20 each) per course, the food is both imaginative and generous.  For example, one of the primo dishes (pictured above) combines the delicate flavours of three different porcini mushrooms with some excellent carpaccio. The pasta and secondi dishes also major on fresh ingredients expertly prepared. You can order a respectable bottle of local wine for just €15.  The outdoor tables are spread over a multi-level garden, which backs on to a funicular railway, adding to the atmosphere. With patient and friendly service, Le Rune's proprietors have perfected the art of the neighbourhood restauranteur.  9/10

Santa Margherita Ligure, Liguria, Italy

 

One of a clutch of resort towns on the Italian Riviera, Santa Margherita Ligure is a colourful and comfortable place nestling below the green hills of Liguria. Better still, it is easily reachable from Genoa via train. The beach is all pebbles, but that doesn't stop the locals lounging about in the sunshine.

Via XX Settembre, Genoa

 

The main shopping drag in Genoa, Via XX Settembre features elaborate mosaics, classical colonnades,  lofty stone arches, period street lamps and grandiose 19th century buildings. Although most of the shops are nothing special, this distinguished avenue is well worth a peek.