Lombardy and the Italian Lakes

In the Italian lakes, the southern slopes of the Alps meet a charmed Mediterranean microclimate of camellias and lemon groves. This latest edition of a Cadogan classic reveals the fabled gardens, islands and villas of Lakes Como, Maggiore and Garda, as well as the lesser-known charms of little Lakes Orta and Iseo. The northwestern region of Lombardy, Italy's biggest and richest, also has room for the great art cities of Mantua, Bergamo, Brescia, Pavia and Cremona, dozens of unspoiled alpine valleys and mountain villages - and, at its heart, vibrant Milan, home of La Scala opera house and the world's third largest cathedral, mecca of finance and fashion, and Italy's best shopping city.This guide offers practical travel advice, over 300 hand-picked places to stay, over 250 restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as useful details of lake ferries and steamers.