Ontdek het noorden van Italië: meren, bergen en charme

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Lake Iseo or Iseo lake or Sebino is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy, Italy, fed by the Oglio river. It is in the north of the country in the Val Camonica area, near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo. The lake is almost equally divided between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. Northern Italy is known for its heavily industrialised towns and in between there are several natural lakes. Lake Iseo retains its natural environment, with its lush green mountains surrounding the crystal clear lake. There are several medieval towns around the lake, the largest being Iseo and Sarnico. A notable tourism sector has emerged. A road has been carved into the side of the mountains that travel to circumnavigate the entire lake. In the middle of the lake there are Montisola island, Loreto isle and San Paolo isle (which compound the Monte Isola municipality). There is easy access via the regular running lake ferries. The Floating Piers, an art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, was open to the public at Lake Iseo for 16 days in June and July 2016.

About the destination: Lecco is a city in Lombardy, northern Italy, north of Milan, the capital of the province of Lecco. It lies at the end of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como. The Bergamo Alps rise to the north and east. The lake narrows to form the river Adda, so bridges were built to improve road communications with Como and Milan. There are four bridges crossing the river Adda in Lecco: the Azzone Visconti Bridge (1336–1338), the Kennedy Bridge (1956) and theAlessandro Manzoni Bridge (1985) and a railroad bridge. The Province of Lecco is composed of ancient villages and landscapes. The Lariana Abbey, in addition to its grassy shores, is the location for the engrossing Silk Museum. The Church of San Giorgio in Mandello del Lario is outstanding and represents a remarkable art gallery from Medieval times. The Guzzi Moto Museum in Mandello recounts the history of this locally-manufactured motor bike. The Abbey is an obligatory stop, along with the Fuentes and Montecchio Forts that evidence the great military strategic importance of the area.

About the destination: Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, is one of Europe’s most enchanting lakes. Its deep blue waters are framed by dramatic mountains, elegant villas, and lush gardens, creating a postcard-perfect landscape at every turn. The lake is shaped like an inverted “Y,” with charming towns scattered along its shores, each offering a distinct atmosphere—from glamorous and sophisticated to quiet and traditional. The town of Como, at the southern tip, is an ideal starting point. Stroll through its historic center with medieval walls, visit the Gothic Como Cathedral, and take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. From here, regular ferries connect you to other lakeside gems such as Cernobbio, Menaggio, and the iconic Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” where cobbled streets, boutiques, and waterfront cafés invite slow, leisurely exploration. One of the lake’s greatest charms is its collection of historic villas and gardens. Don’t miss Villa del Balbianello near Lenno, famous for its terraced gardens and appearances in films like “Casino Royale” and “Star Wars.” Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is another highlight, with its impressive art collection and botanical gardens bursting with azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons in spring. Many villas can be reached easily by boat, turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Beyond sightseeing, Lake Como is perfect for outdoor activities and culinary discovery. Hikers will find scenic trails leading to viewpoints and mountain refuges, while the lake offers opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding in summer. Food lovers can savor fresh lake fish, homemade pasta, and local specialties such as pizzoccheri and polenta, best enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the water. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or gentle adventure, Lake Como offers a timeless escape in the heart of northern Italy.

About the destination: Lake Maggiore is a large lake on the south side of the Alps, in the Italian Lake District and the northern part in Switzerland. It is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino. Located halfway between Lake Orta and Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore extends for about 65 km between Locarno and Arona. The beautiful countryside around Lake Maggiore offers peerless convention facilities. The area, including the provinces of Novara and Varese and the Canton Ticino, with its natural and artistic beauties boasts a long tradition in the meeting and convention hosting sector. Natural parks include the Val Grande National Park, Italy’s largest wilderness area, the Alpe Veglia and Devero Regional Park and the Wildlife Oasis of Macugnaga, on the lower slopes of Monte Rosa. The Lake Maggiore area is characterized by ancient villages, beautiful valleys and breathtaking lake and mountain views. The Walser people left their unique architectural heritage in the villages of Macugnaga in the Anzasca Valley and Formazza in the Formazza Valley. The age-old settlements of the Vigezzo Valley are ravishingly pretty, with their houses and churches typical of the Alpine environment.

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.