Lombardy and the Italian Lakes

The most glamorous region in Italy continues to be the country's most durable magnet for travelers. Cadogan's best-selling guide gets to grips with Milan, an international mecca of fashion and shopping that boasts awesome art collections and the world-famous La Scala opera house, and reveals idylls along the balmy shores of the famous Italian Lakes. After winding through the Renaissance cities of the Lombard plain, such as Cremona, where the world's first violin was made, the guide seeks out the spectacular 1000 foot waterfalls of Cascata della Frua, near the Alpine Ossola Valleys, home of winter sports. It also covers Lake Como, where olive groves and vineyards form the glorious backdrop to a thriving water-sports industry and waterfront restaurants. The highlights of the region are brought to life in a striking color photograph section, and comprehensive maps make navigation simple, whether driving along the autostrada or exploring a town on foot. The guide includes extensive, hand-picked listings of the best places to eat out and to sample the local vintages.