The blossoms in Valtellina’s apple orchards are an extraordinary spring awakening. Nature returns to the Rhaetian side of the Alps in April, from the province of Sondrio to Switzerland.   Along this natural border, the alluvial cones in the municipal areas of Ponte in Valtellina, Bianzone, and Semio-Lovero, fertile concavities forming a fan, are ideal for the creation of terraces, where vines and apple trees form the backbone of traditional farming life in Valtellina.  With the arrival of spring in the central Valtellina, there is an authentic sea of blossoms, with flashes of pink and white petals from the apple trees, releasing a sweet, delicate fragrance into the crisp mountain air.  This creates the perfect atmosphere for walks or bike rides around the orchards, using the flower-filled routes to create an itinerary where you can choose your own starting point for a day’s exploring. Cologna, Sernio, Lovero, Villa di Tirano, Chiuro, Ponte in Valtellina, and Tresivio are the locations where you can discover the magic of the apple blossom.   A floral excursion that offers its best in the sunshine, but also an opportunity to explore the characteristic local villages if your trip is affected by the weather. One of these worth visiting is Ponte in Valtellina, a traditional old village with a centre that seems suspended in the mists of time. Cobbled streets and old courtyards, plus uninhabited noble palazzos create a magical setting in which to discover historic churches and local restaurants where you can enjoy a typical lunch. Just over a 15-minute drive from Sondrio and 20 minutes from Tirano, Ponte in Valtellina is right between these two locations, and is a great place from which to explore nature and history in the spring.     

A historic garden that has been located at its current site since the late decades of the 1700s

Between the trails and panoramic views of the Lombardy countryside, nature meets expanses of water, for a truly unique experience.

In the heart of Brescia, hidden between the walls of the Monastery of Santa Giulia, the Domus dell’Ortaglia unfolds. In this secret garden, time stands still, and ancient art is still visible between its mosaics and frescoes.   These ancient Roman houses, emerged from the monastery vegetable gardens (hence the name ‘Ortaglia’) are one of the best-preserved residential complexed in Northern Italy. The Domus di Dioniso, so-called because of the sophisticated mosaic depicting the God lying down between rocks and panthers, and the Domus delle Fontane, with its fountains and floors decorated with floral and seasonal patterns, are a testimonial to the elegant and contemplative life of the Imperial Brixia. On the outside, the Viridarium – a garden reconstructed according to Roman custom - welcomes visitors with its herbs, medicinal plants, and ancient flowers, evoking the harmony between nature and architecture typical of noble Roman houses.Today, the Domus dell’Ortaglia are not just an archaeological site, but a place of deep connection between art, landscape and memory. Part of the Museo di Santa Giulia, and recognized as UNESCO heritage, they offer an intimate and poetic experience. A travel back in time to rediscover the hidden beauty in the heart of the city. (Ph: I Mille - Domus-Ortaglia)

The enchanting Gardens of Quistini Castello - a 16th century building among the Franciacorta hills - bloom in spring, offering a unique occasion for artistic and cultural exploration.   During the month of May and June, the Quistini Castle opens the doors of its elegant gardens, and offers visitors a unique experience of nature, history and well-being. This engaging trail includes the rose labyrinth, which has three concentric circles housing over 1,500 varieties of ancient, modern and English roses, and culminates in a central pergola adorned with climbing Banksiae Alba and Banksiae Alba Plena roses.  The rediscovery of this magical and secret place is made even more so by the Giardino Bioenergetico, designed by eco-designer Marco Nieri and architect Chiara Odolini, where plants are arranged according to mental-physical well-being enhancing principles. And equally fascinating is the Giardino Segreto delle Ortensie, which houses rare varieties, such as the Hydrangea involucrata and the H. quercifolia, and offers a corner of tranquillity and beauty. The experience is completed by the ‘brolo’, an orchard with ancient fruits, such as the mombin and the nashi, and a small garden with traditional medicinal plants. During guided tours, you can discover these amazing botanical wonders, and admire sculptures made of recycled materials and blending into the landscape.  For more information, visit the Castello Quistini official website.  

The botanic garden of Pietra Corva is located in the village of Romagnese (in the province of Pavia, Italy). Its setting is at the foot of Monte Pietra di Corvo, at 930 m, in the mountain region of Oltrepò Pavese ("Land beyond the Po River") which belongs to the Northern Apennines. It was founded by Dr. Antonio Ridella and it covers 3 hectare of land. The flora of this garden belongs mostly to the montane, subalpine and alpine zones of the Alps. Nevertheless it is also possible to see numerous species belonging to the Apennines, the Pyrenees and other mountain ranges worldwide. Here you may find some outstanding communities of particular genuses (Primula, Saxifraga, Gentiana, Iris, etc.). 

Outdoor activities in the heart of Brianza

Swimming pools, attractions, shows, adventure, sport: enjoy summer in Lombardy’s most beautiful amusement parks

Canals, tricycles and a funicular that made history. And, to drive away hunger, high-calorie soft cheeses (with or without bread)

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy

It's a village-garden on Lake Como: let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the villas and parks, with their colours and perfumes.