DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Milan and the Lakes (Pocket Travel Guide)

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Clockwise from top: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, spires of Milans Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe in Mantua, Varenna, Rocca di Angera frescoes, Triennale Design Museum, Lake Garda

The capital of Italys north, Milan is a world leader in the fields of design. Behind the citys frenetic public face, lies the cultural heritage of Milan, while just beyond its borders lie the tranquil jewels of the Italian lakes. With Eyewitness Top 10 Milan and the Lakes, its all yours to explore.

World-class museums and stunning architecture; top restaurants and traditional trattorias; chic boutiques and bustling markets; grand opera and hot night spots Milan has it all. And whether you are gazing in awe at Leonardos Last Supper or looking out across the city from the roof of the Duomo, Milan is a sightseeing paradise. As befits a city with fashion at its heart, no mere shopping mall can compete with the grand and glorious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, while, for culture vultures, the Pinacotera di Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and the museums of Castello Sforzesco offer an unequalled guided tour through the entire history of Western art.

The Italian lakes make an idyllic contrast to busy Milan. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, with their villas and gardens, are the nearest, while laid-back Lake Iseo and beautiful Lake Garda are easily reached as well. The historic and cultural gems of Bergamo and Mantua are also close enough to merit a days exploration.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Milan and the Lakes have to offer, from futuristic Porta Nuova to arty Brera, from the Navigli districts waterways to the Isole Borromee. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Milan and the Lakes.

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Two Days in Milan

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Day 1

Morning

Start the day at Piazza Duomo to marvel at the Gothic .

Milans Duomo affords magnificent city views from its Gothic-spired rooftop.

Afternoon

Cross Piazza Duomo to browse the .

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Milans unique, spectacular shopping arcade.

Day 2

Morning

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Afternoon

Head to .

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Four Days in and Around Milan

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Day 1

Arrive at and spend the evening among the exclusive bars and eateries of nearby Corso Como.

Day 2

Make an early start at the . Explore the churches and piazzas of the historic centre then hire a bicycle or join a boat tour to enjoy the citys lakes.

Day 3

Today, head for .

Bergamo combines culture and charm.

Day 4

Say goodbye to Milan and set off for .

Lake Maggiore is easily reached from Milan, and offers many lovely sights.

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Top 10 Milan and the Lakes Highlights

The city of Milan viewed from the roof of its magnificent Duomo

TOP 10 MILAN AND THE LAKES HIGHLIGHTS

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LEONARDOS LAST SUPPER

The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vincis 14957 masterpiece, is a touchstone of Renaissance painting. Since the day it was finished, art students have journeyed to Milan to view the work, which takes up a refectory wall in a Dominican convent next to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. When writer Aldous Huxley called it the saddest work of art in the world, he was referring not to the impact of the scene but to the frescos fragile state of deterioration.