To visit the Italy of the great cities of art means an enthusiastic but tirino itinerary around palaces, churches and museums, letting you admire the architecture and the works of art by famous painters and sculptors. Then, to really experience the vitality of the people, you just have to wander around the streets and squares. However, a trip to the lake of Como offers something different: the chance to admire the beauty of the Italian scenery, a harmonious combination of the natural environment and architectural works. Foreign visitors have always surrendered to its charms, including many a writer, painter and musician. The snow-capped peaks of the Alps act as the background to the lake, while mountains of an intense green and gentle hills surround it. Here the climate's mild, the sky bright.

The shores of the lake – sometimes high and rocky, other times low – alternate between wide bays and romantic creeks; promontories jut out into the lake and charming isles appear from nowhere... Picturesque villages, towers and castles, old churches and the archeological remains of past civilizations enrich this natural environment. Facing the waters are historic aristocratic villas, with their valuable furnishing and art collections, landscaped parks and gardens teeming flowers in a mass of color. In such an enchanting environment, embraced by warm air, calmed by the gentle rhythm of the waves, it's just too easy to relax... But you can also play golf, swim, go canoeing, water-ski, take panoramic walks, go hiking and trekking in the mountains, or go biking. If you want to, you can even climb rocky mountain faces or do other sports to get the blood racing, such as hanggliding and paragliding.

Fascinating hotels with exclusive facilities and elegant cuisine await you, the haunt of international clientele. Numerous restaurants invite you to try their typical dishes, many of which are delicate fish dishes. Fine local wines – white or red wines with a special bouquet or excellent sparkling wine – are the perfect accompaniment. To listen to classic music or opera in fantastic churches and historical buildings, or in open settings and theatres, on sweet summer nights will surely give you some unforgettable memories. The discovery of small old villages will offer plenty of surprises, while a visit to the numerous cities of art in Lombardy is the perfect opportunity to buy fashion items, soft silk clothes, leather accessories and jewellery, all with that unmistakable Italian style.