In addition to the cities of art, the villages tell of a "tiny" Lombardy, but certainly not a minor one. The 27 we propose are counted among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy." Surrounded by unique landscapes, they guard tradition, authenticity, architecture, unsuspected hidden treasures and countless gastronomic delights. To discover the villages, spring is the ideal season, when the nature of gardens and forests is at its best. In summer, fun is guaranteed, including mountain trips, bike rides and swimming at the lake. Then there is autumn, between grape harvests and village festivals. And finally, a winter of snow and traditional celebrations. Any time of the year is good to get away!

Autumn is the best season for exploring Lombardy properly, on two wheels

A33-kilometer route full of charm, its center of gravity is the Val Viola valley between Livigno and Bormio, in the province of Sondrio, and the Val da Camp and Val Poschiavo in Switzerland. Suitable for bikers with good downhill technical skills, equipped with a two-wheeled biammortized bike. Thanks to the shuttle service of the Bike skill center in Livigno, we start from the well-known tourist center in the upper Valtellina carrying the bikes up to the Foscagno Pass (2,291 m). We start pedaling toward the nearby resort of Angelina (2,240 m) and take trail 186-195. We descend on dirt road in the direction of Arnoga. Further on we re-enter on a path immersed in the forest and at a crossroads, shortly after a hairpin bend, we take a right following trail marker 195, still in the direction of Arnoga (1,870 m). We cross state road 301 and join trail 290. The route to follow is to the Viola refuge. The route, first single track then dirt road, begins to climb through the woods taking us, after pedaling for about 9 kilometers along Val Viola and passing through Alpe Dosdé (2,138 m), to Val Viola Lake and the Viola refuge (2,314 m). The imposing silhouette of the Dosdé horn (3,232 m) provides the backdrop. A refreshment stop at the refuge is a must. Once rested, we get back in the saddle in the direction of the Val Viola pass (2,470 m) and enter Swiss territory. We follow the Val da Camp route 32. We cross the plans da la Genzana and di Giardin, a glance at the lagh da Val Viola and then pedal in the direction of Saoseo Lake. We continue the descent surrounded by larches and the trail along the valley alternates, guaranteeing a high rate of fun for enthusiasts, single track to trails. After about 1,400 meters of elevation gain we reach Angeli Custodi (1,113 m), a hamlet of Poschiavo in the valley of the same name. From Switzerland we return to Livigno by shuttle. - Ph: Giulio Masperi

Gnomes, witches, goblins and knights all live in the ancient woods. Ready to look for them? From theme trails in Monza Park to a guided tour of the Bertini Hydroelectric Plant in Cornate d’Adda, here are six things to with children in Monza and Brianza! LOOKING FOR GNOMES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS OF MONZAA trail to discover all the mysterious legends of Monza Park. It starts from the large gate at Porta Monza and crosses a magical wonderland of mysterious enchanted beings to arrive at the Villa Reale Gardens. It is said that the trees in these Gardens are so old that they have known generations of gnomes with red, pointy caps. They live under the roots of the oaks and the doors to their homes are just a step away from where you’re standing! Leave them some sweets - they go crazy for them - or a few drops of tasty milk in an acorn. Download the itinerary  PLAY TOURS AND CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AT THE CIVIC MUSEUMS OF MONZAAt the Civic Museums, in the centre of Monza, youngsters can experience art while having fun with dedicated play tours and creative workshops. The multi-sensory rooms offer children the chance to discover the beauty that man has created over thousands of years of history. Note: To celebrate a special, unusual birthday with friends, you can choose a workshop at the Museum and then cut the cake together.   THE MONZA RACING CIRCUIT BY BIKEThe Monza Autodromo and Park is one large green area. And what better way to enjoy it all than by bike? At the InfoPoint of the Autodromo, you can hire different kinds: city bikes for a laid-back, comfortable ride around the wide tree-lined avenues, or mountain bikes for the more adventurous who want to get off the beaten track. The hire service also includes a riding workshop, open to all cyclists and bike lovers that may have problems with their bicycles, and you can get all the information you may need about riding in the area.Find out more  THE LIPU OASIS IN CESANO MADERNOA journey through the microhabitat of the typical environments of Groane Park. The Lipu Oasis in Cesano Maderno is a bird sanctuary and has a visitor centre with a parking zone, picnic area, bathrooms and storage area. Here visitors can get more information about the oasis and enjoy small exhibitions. A 4-kilometre trail complete with information panels crosses the 3-hectare area alongside the Visitor Centre with its educational microhabitats. The Oasis has a wide range of educational proposals for children of all ages, from kindergarten to secondary school, and also hosts lots of nature events during the year.Find out more  PALAZZO ARESE BORROMEO IN CESANO MADERNOVisiting a Palace? Here you are welcomed by 33 frescoed rooms and 10 hectares of parkland. Built by Bartolomeo III Arese in the 17th century as a ‘place of delight’ (luogo di delizia), Palazzo Arese Borromeo is open to the general public every weekend, with guided tours on Sundays. The multimedia tour with a map, available at the Infopoint and an app for scanning the QR codes to download to your smartphone are just a couple of the many new features. A detail you can’t miss? The “Galarietta fatta a Mosaicho”, a small gallery of mosaics and one of the most important parts of the Nymphaeum, richly decorated with frescoes and floral and geometric mosaics made using white and black river pebbles, with the mosaic of the crowned coat of arms of the Arese family standing out from the rest. Find out more  AT THE BERTINI HYDROELECTRIC PLANT IN CORNATE D'ADDAOnce Europe’s largest and most powerful plant, and second in the world only behind the hydroelectric plant of Niagara Falls, the Bertini hydroelectric plant - built in order to electrify the tramways in Milan - opened in 1898 on the right bank of the Adda River, in Cornate. It is still operational and has a museum that is open to visitors, who can also book a guided tour of the plant. - Photo CENTRALE IDROELETTRICA BERTINI, CORNATE D'ADDA, Wikimedia. 

The waters of the Ticino, the irrigation ditches, the canals and the rice fields shape a landscape with a fluid geometry that once captivated a certain gifted student.

Where is it written that you can only enjoy the mountains in Lombardy during the winter with skis on your feet? We would like to suggest some high-altitude activities you can do, from hiking to fat bikes, from snowshoeing to skating. Here are some alternative proposals for enjoying the splendid panoramas and pure air that only mountain peaks can give you.Take your pick!     1.    Hiking and practising an alternative sportIf the objective is to be outdoors and enjoy the magic of landscapes blanketed in white, Lombardy is the ideal destination. It can be lots of fun to try a sport for the very first time, and even more fun if it involves a shot of adrenaline!  In addition to the countless hikes, you can take along trails of trodden snow, there are other ways of walking on the snow... like Nordic walking or snowshoeing. A winter excursion with snowshoes on your feet is a wonderful experience and perfect for children and adults alike! Another fun alternative to skiing is ice skating. In Lombardy, you can also try the exhilaration of “rafting on the snow” with snow tubing. Amazing downhill rides with “donuts” on the snow! Many mountain locations in Lombardy also offer another excursion option that is ideal for all ages: you can enjoy the experience of sliding on the snow on a sled pulled by a team of sled dogs!    2.    Pedalling on the snow with a Fat BikeFinally, two-wheel enthusiasts will no longer have to wait for spring to come to cycle in the mountains. Lombardy also offers numerous structures for renting fat bikes that organise excursions in total safety, accompanied by qualified guides.It will certainly be an opportunity to enjoy wintertime mountains in a unique and fun way.   3.    Savouring tradition As a day on the snow comes to a close, your appetite will take over! One of the things to do in Lombardy during the winter is to enjoy the pleasures of fine dining by sampling traditional dishes accompanied by a glass of excellent local wine. The pizzoccheri della Valtellina (buckwheat pasta traditionally seasoned with savoy cabbage, potatoes, butter, garlic, pepper and abundant Casera cheese), regional cheeses and salami, and the many versions of polenta (grits) and desserts.  The mountains of Lombardy can become a true gourmet tour!    4.    Visit mountain villages With the right seasonal clothing, there are many pleasant wintry walks to be taken in the various mountain towns and villages.The heartland of northern Lombardy is a microcosm on a human scale, where there are small hamlets where it is still possible to come across small artisan workshops.Many valleys of Lombardy are oases of peace and relaxation. This makes them ideal for people seeking silence and those wishing to immerse themselves in pristine natural settings. These destinations offer a precious artistic heritage and are the keepers or age-old traditions.    5.    Instagrammer for a day The effects of the colours and lights reflected by the snow transforms many excursions into the Lombard mountains true “Instaplaces”; highly suggestive and to be immortalised! But even those who are not “social addicts” will certainly be astounded by natural scenarios of breath-taking beauty!All you need to do is photograph the magical snowy landscapes that the Lombard mountains offer and share them on your account. You’re sure to get hundreds of likes!And don't forget to tag us: #inLombardia!