The River Adda, the great waterway connecting the plain with the mountains, can inspire a weekend break uniting worlds that are very different from each other.

From the peaks in the Valtellina and Valchiavenna, where you can seek the thrill of daring downhill rides and climbs back uphill, you can descend to Lake Como, taking advantage of charming steamer transport and then, along the course of the River Adda, reach the lowlands around Lodi, in the heart of the Po Valley, to discover Lodi, a minor art city.

FOR ALL TASTES
Valtellina
From the uphill stretches that have made cycle racing history, Stelvio, Mortirolo, Aprica, to the routes around Livigno, the birthplace of off-road cycling.

HEROIC WINES
Valtellina
Vineyards producing full-bodied red wines: Inferno, Grumello, Sassella and Sfursat. For cyclists, to be sampled strictly in the evening, after the day’s ride.

BRIEF STOP
Chiavenna
Where the Val Bregaglia meets the Valle San Giacomo, an elegant old town centre with fountains made from soapstone and the fine Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo.

COOL WATERS
Val Bregaglia
At the mouth of the valley is the double waterfall along the Acquafraggia torrent that enchanted Leonardo when he passed through the Valchiavenna.

VISITS TO CROTTI
Chiavennasco e Valtellina
Mountain taverns: pizzoccheri made from buckwheat flour, cheese fritters, bresaola salted beef and goat violin cured meat. To replace the calories that you have consumed.

AROUND THE LAKE
Lake Como
From Lecco you can sail up the eastern branch by steamer, stopping in Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio, on the western shore.

CHEESE MAKING
Lodi area
Try Granone lodigiano cheese, the aphrodisiac qualities of which were praised by Casanova; pannerone cheese and the curly scrapings of raspadúra, as well as mascarpone.

IN THE CITY
Lodi
Piazza del Duomo and the treasure chest of the Tempio Civico dell’Incoronata, a pictorial score by Bergognone and the Piazza brothers.

IN THE MEADOWS
Pian dei Resinelli
Above Lecco, the plateau that in summer becomes a green, grassy balcony overlooking the lake, the gateway to the Southern Mount Grigna.