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Art lovers
View rich collections of Renaissance art, from Bergamo’s Accademia Carrara (walk 11) to Milan’s Museo Poldi Pezzoli and Pinacoteca di Brera, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (walk 18).
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Castle enthusiasts
Lake Garda’s shores (walk 14 and tour 15) are studded with medieval castles. Trentino (tour 17) is dotted with fortifications, while Angera (tour 2) is home to the imposing Rocca Borromeo.
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Escaping the crowds
Take a dip in unspoilt Lake Mergozzo where boats with engines are banned (tour 4), or spend time on the tranquil shores of Lake Iseo (tour 12). Relatively unexplored Franciacorta (tour 13) is a pretty region for touring and wine tasting.
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Ferry trips
Sit back and let the ferries do the work for you. The cruises from Stresa to Locarno (tour 5), Como to Villa del Balbianello (tour 10) and Sirmione to Malcesine (tour 15) are among the most scenic.
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Food and wine
Vinophiles and gourmets will enjoy Franciacorta (tour 13), home of Italy’s finest sparkling wine and many great restaurants. Bergamo (walk 11) is a foodie favourite. The culinary scene in Milan (walk 18) caters for all tastes.
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Island hopping
Follow the crowds to the Borromean Islands (tour 1); visit Lake Orta’s Isola di San Giulio (tour 6). Hike or bike around Lake Iseo’s Monte Isola (tour 12).
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Shopping
Head to the factory outlets of Como (walk 9), for discounted designer clothes and accessories; or browse in the boutiques of Bellagio (tour 8) or Bergamo (walk 11).
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Villas and gardens
Lake Maggiore’s showpiece is Villa Taranto (tour 4), while Lake Como boasts villas Carlotta, Melzi and Serbelloni (tour 8) and the movie regular Villa del Balbianello (tour 10).