South-east Tour
A stay in Milan can also involve exploring the surrounding area, featuring the famous lakes and other cities of historic and cultural interest.
The second itinerary sets off towards the south east, in discovery of cities such as Mantua and Bergamo, both featuring notable historic and urban heritage.
The day can begin with breakfast at Hotel Alga, which offers a buffet with sweet and savoury options, as well as traditional American breakfast options. Also available are organic products, sliced fresh fruit, fruit salad, fruit in syrup, tropical fruit and fresh fruit smoothies, as well as solutions for those with particular dietary requirements, such as guests with coeliac disease.
On leaving the hotel, the itinerary continues south towards Mantua, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2008. The city is constructed around three lakes in the heart of the Po Plain, and one of the best times to visit is in summer, when lotus flowers bloom on Lago Superiore.
Among the main monuments are the Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, residence of the Gonzaga family until the 18th century and containing over 500 rooms. The current layout is the result of the merger of multiple buildings, including Palazzo del Capitano, Corte Vecchia and Castello di San Giorgio, located between Lago Inferiore and Piazza Sordello.
Inside Castello di San Giorgio is one of the city’s most significant works, the Camera Picta, also known as Camera degli Sposi, frescoed by Andrea Mantegna in the latter part of the 15th century.
A short distance away is Palazzo Te, named for the island (Teieto) on which it stands. The palace is best known for the Sala dei Giganti ("Hall of the Giants"), in which Giulio Romano depicted the myth of the fall of the giants with a cycle of frescoes which involves the entire space, from floor to ceiling.
In Piazza Mantegna is the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, where history and tradition weave together. According to legend, it holds a relic containing the blood of Christ, brought to the city by the Roman centurion Longinus, who had scooped up the earth containing the blood at the foot of the cross.
The visit to Mantua can conclude in Piazza San Pietro, a square with close links to the city's origins, where some of the main monuments are located, including the cathedral, Palazzo Vescovile ("Bishops Palace") and Palazzo degli Uberti.
Before leaving, however, it is worth visiting nearby Sabbioneta, a significant example of a renaissance city. Built in just 30 years at the behest of the Gonzaga family, it represents a city model built according to unitary urban planning criteria, with residential, rural and defensive functions incorporated.
Continuing to the east we reach Bergamo, another major Lombardian city featuring an upper town and a lower town, in equilibrium between historic elements and contemporary development.
Among the main elements of interest are the Venetian defensive walls surrounding the upper town, built in the 16th century and now a UNESCO world heritage site.
The centre of the upper town is Piazza Vecchia, an urban space of particular relevance which incorporates some of the most representative buildings, including Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre Civica (bell tower) and the Contarini fountain.
A short distance away is Accademia Carrara, an art gallery with works by artists including Sandro Botticelli, Raffaello Sanzio and Andrea Mantegna.
After this is the cathedral, Duomo di Bergamo, featuring a sober external appearance and richly decorated interior, with tapestries and ornaments.
A short distance away is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a building of great architectural significance, known for the rich decoration of its interior as well as distinctive elements such as the lions guarding the entrance and its tapestries.
If the hub of Bergamo upper town is Piazza Vecchia, in the lower town this central role is played by Piazza Matteotti, the hub for modern-day city life. Leading off from here is Via XX Settembre, the city’s main shopping street.
Returning to the Milan area, the itinerary concludes with Monza, known for two distinctive elements: the Royal Villa and the Monza Circuit, officially called the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, located in its park.
The Royal Villa’s grounds represent one of the city's main areas of interest: surrounded by a park of around 8 km², it offers extensive green space and open-air routes.
The building, previously belonging to the Habsburgs, is now open to visitors, who can tour the historic apartments and learn more about the court's life and habits.
For racing fanatics, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is a must-see.
The third purpose-built racing circuit in the world after Brooklands and Indianapolis, it is one of the historic circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, with the Italian Grand Prix traditionally taking place in September.
It hosts numerous other races over the course of the year, and also offers access for dedicated track sessions, allowing enthusiasts to experience the circuit first-hand.
Hotel Alga’s staff are at your disposal to provide information and support the organisation of personalised itineraries to let you discover Lombardy.
art AND culturE TOUR
While Milan is a great place to visit at any time of year, it offers particularly favourable conditions in spring and early autumn.
The itinerary can begin in Piazza del Duomo, the centre of the city and point of access to the main streets. Naturally, you will see the cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, a significant example of Gothic architecture which combines Nordic influences and Lombard elements.
north west tour
A stay in Milan can also involve exploring the surrounding area, featuring the famous lakes and other cities of historic and cultural interest.
The first itinerary takes in the area to the north-west of the city, towards the main lake areas, including natural areas and landscapes of particular interest.