Italy
A rural jewel set between the sparkling Lakes Como and Iseo, the Imagna Valley is a lush green oasis that remains relatively untouched by tourism. Known for its delicious local produce as well as its soothing thermal waters, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind whilst surrounded by magnificent vistas and evocative history. Dotted with ancient hamlets, unique traditional houses and Romanesque architecture, the settlements of Lombardy are a delightful escape from the crowds.
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"Everyone had a super time in the amazing Imagna Valley and the lovely hotel, the family who owned the hotel couldn’t have been more helpful. The food was amazing and the facilities also. We would like to book again with a different itinerary!" – Marian, Group Organiser
based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling in a specific month
April, May, June, September, October
Learn how to make casoncelli, a stuffed pasta that is typical of the Bergamo region. An intriguing sweet and savoury stuffing is used to fill the handmade pasta, getting you to the heart of Lombardy via its cuisine.
The bustling city of Bergamo is a majestic medieval masterpiece with history, culture and music at its heart. The historic core of the city sits atop a hill and is divided from the lower city by Venetian walls, which afford spectacular views of the surrounding Lombardy region. Explore the charming cobbled streets, take in the lovely architecture from different eras and visit the city’s fascinating churches, picturesque piazzas and outstanding museums and galleries.
Get to the heart of northern Italy by tasting the region's wines. One of our specially selected local wineries will introduce DOC wines produced using traditional methods, with respect for nature and the environment.
Housed inside a natural cave located in a mountain overlooking the Imagna Valley, this sanctuary has been adapted into a functioning place of worship over hundreds of years. Today a place of meditation and peace, it is a popular destination for pilgrimages as it has ties to the late Pope John XXIII.
This delightfully authentic trattoria, which is located in an historic building in the village of Roncaglia, takes pride in serving dishes from the local tradition using produce from the valley, created with age-old recipes.
Tucked unobtrusively between the larger lakes Garda and Como, this hidden gem is nevertheless the fourth largest lake in northern Italy. Loaded with the charm and beauty of its more famous neighbours, it sees just a fraction of the visitors. Idyllic Iseo, romantic Lovere, splendid Tavernola Bergamasca or charming Sarnico are the perfect towns for soaking up atmospheric alleyways, elaborate churches, collections of fine art and impossibly beautiful vistas.
Beautiful Brescia is an artistic and archaeological delight. With no less than four grand, historic squares, it boasts Roman remains dating back to the 1st century, an 8th century monastic complex, two cathedrals, Venetian architecture and a fascinating astronomical clock. A fascinating selection of museums accompany this living history. Brescia is also in the heart of a European Region of Gastronomy, meaning that the food is a delight at almost every turn.
4 minute read
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Northern Italy is well known and much-visited thanks to its beautiful landscapes and the stunning lakes that sit in the Lombardy region. However, despite the hordes of tourists that flock to the sparkling waters of Lake Como (and rightly so, for it is beautiful), it’s surprisingly easy to get off...
By Tony Flanagan
10th Jan 2019
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Italy
Glittering like a sapphire amongst the vibrant green hills and craggy mountains, Lake Garda is a destination that has it all. Italy’s largest lake has been inspirational for centuries, with its crystalline waters, characterful towns and picturesque vineyards.
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Peaceful and serene, Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland, and basks elegantly against the snowy backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Surfacing from the crystalline blue waters, the Borromean Islands are the jewels of the lake.
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Italy
Jagged and dramatic, the towering Dolomites cut like teeth into the azure sky of north-eastern Italy. This mountainous destination offers a truly memorable escape with its overwhelming backdrop and crisp, fresh air.
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