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By car in Lombardy

Tips and itineraries for getting to know the region by driving through it

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT
Automatically translated

Lombardy to travel far and wide by car, to admire spectacular landscapes and make interesting stops to discover unexpected corners.

A region that rises from the plains to the Alps, passing through cities of art and large lakes. Over 70 thousand kilometers of roads, from highways to provincial and municipal roads.

By car in Lombardy one moves easily and can reach practically all the main tourist attractions. On the other hand, Lombardy cultivates a special passion for four-wheelers, as witnessed by the many themed events, such as the Mille Miglia, a historic automobile competition that right here-particularly in Brescia-has its start and finish.

Whether you have your own car or rent a car - the possibilities are many now and also inexpensive - set off on a trip out of town or a tasty weekend getaway. We recommend that you be cautious and bring a camera with you, to take lots of photos during the stops.

We here present just a few suggestions--have a good trip!

Garda: lake view journey with a Mediterranean flavor
The evocative driving tour can start from the pearl of Garda: Sirmione, famous for its thermal baths and the Rocca Scaligera. A few kilometers and driving along the Lombard shore you reach Desenzano, where you can be enchanted by Piazza Malavezzi or the Castle that dominates the village. Take the SP572 to visit Salò and its renovated lakefront. Even further up, along the Gardesana Occidentale, you can travel the absolute most scenically beautiful stretches of road. You can reach as far as Gargnano and Limone, with its citrus groves. And perhaps climb to the more than 400 meters of Tremosine, to end the trip with a breathtaking view of Lake Garda.
(Tremosine sul Garda)
Among the bubbles and flavors of Franciacorta
An 80-kilometer route from Brescia, the starting/finishing point of the Mille Miglia, to the shores of Lake Iseo. In between is a succession of hills carpeted with vineyards and the renowned wineries in which Franciacorta wine is produced. But also villages, castles and ancient villas. Small treasure chests of art in the midst of greenery. Among the most active and characteristic centers we point out, for example, Rovato, Erbusco, Rodengo and Saiano. Returning to viticulture and flavors, the Strada del Franciacorta holds some excellent ones, all to be discovered and savored in the many inns and agritourisms scattered along the route that leads to Iseo and then to the shores of the placid Sebino.
(Vineyards in Franciacorta)
Climbing through the Bergamo valleys.
Moving up the course of rivers, in a crescendo of peace, relaxation and clean air. We offer just two examples. The Brembana Valley, in the heart of upper Lombardy and enclosed by the foothills of the Orobian Alps. A destination not to be missed along the way? San Pellegrino, with its Art Nouveau architectural treasures and spas to indulge in hours of intense wellness. Or the Seriana Valley, along the green SP49 that runs along the Serio River. Among the quaint villages, don't miss a stop in Clusone and Gromo, with Palazzo Milesi and its art exhibitions.
(Grand Hotel in San Pellegrino Terme)
The glamour of Brianza and Lake Como
Leaving Milan behind and heading north, you can cross Brianza to Lake Como. In this green and industrious land, the itinerary to discover the Ville di Delizia will amaze you, in a continuous interweaving of art and nature. Some examples? Villa Cusani Tittoni Traversi in Desio, Villa Gallarati Scotti in Oreno di Vimercate, not forgetting the Villa Reale in Monza. Near the Lario you can choose to go up to Bellagio, or visit the Como or Lecco sides. Just a couple of suggestions: on the one hand, Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, along the Via Regina. On the Lecco side, we recommend the romantic village of Varenna.
(Villa Carlotta, Lake Como)
Immersed in the nature of Valtellina
Famous for its ski resorts in winter, Valtellina offers so much all year round. Even in summer, when you can enjoy the greenery and fresh mountain air. If you are on 4 or 2 wheels, we recommend plowing through the valley from Morbegno to Tirano (about 50 km). The starting point is famous for historic wineries, but don't miss Malacrida Palace as well. The route along the SS38 runs along the Via dei Terrazzamenti, which characterize this area. At the center of the valley is Sondrio, with Piazza Garibaldi and the charming Via Scarpatetti. Finally, rolling eastward, we recommend a stop in Teglio, home of Pizzocchero, before reaching Tirano, from where the Bernina Red Train departs.
(Terraces in Valtellina)
Traveling in the lowlands around Cremona
One of the driving routes we suggest takes you from Casalmaggiore to Cremona, in the heart of the Po Valley, dancing near the Po River. Nature will be music to your ears. And great music you can enjoy in Cremona, home of violins. Violin-making art here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can touch it with your own hands in the many workshops in the city center. With the occasion we add a suggestion that will take you to the other side, so in the direction of Crema/Milan: the walled cities itinerary, visiting among castles and fortified citadels in the Cremona area. These are some examples: the Visconti Castle in Pandino, the "city of war" in Pizzighettone and the 1473 Rocca Sforzesca in Soncino.
(Rocca Sforzesca of Soncino)
Relaxation and lots of greenery along the Major
About fifty kilometers connect Angera and Luino. We are on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, driving along SP69. Breathtaking views, with the Alps to the north as a backdrop. The starting point is dominated by the Rocca Borromeo, with the Doll and Toy Museum inside. Along the way is Ispra with its old furnaces, monuments of industrial archaeology. Don't miss a stop at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, in Laveno Mombello, with a goosebump view. Then continue further north, skirting the lake at leisure. Final stop Luino, an important lake town with a quaint weekly market that is internationally known.
(Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso)
Visiting the region's automotive museums
Roaring engines and gleaming bodies to be discovered even in Lombard museums dedicated to the four wheels. For example at The Museum of Speed, divided into fourteen different thematic areas inside the Monza Autodrome, which has hosted the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix since 1922. Or the Mille Miglia Museum, dedicated to the legendary vintage car race and designed to trace the history of this myth. It is located in the monastic complex of Sant'Eufemia della Fonte, just outside Brescia. Finally, we suggest the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, the heart of a brand center equipped with a bookshop, cafeteria, documentation center, indoor track and event spaces.

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