Lombardy (Lombardia in Italian) is a region in the central north of Italy, bordered by Switzerland to the north and the Italian regions of Piedmont to the west, Trentino-Alto Adige to the east and Emilia-Romagna to the south. It is divided into 12 provinces, which are not dealt with separately on this site.

This is classic wealthy northern Italy, boasting historic cities such as Brescia, Bergamo, Mantua, Monza and of course, bustling, industrious, fashionable Milan. The north of the region is spectacularly alpine, the mountains descending first to vineyard covered hills and then to plains. In the mountains are the famous Italian Lakes of Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como - beautiful, with little towns, villages and grandiose homes on the lakesides. There is something uniquely magical about the mountain flanked lakes, mysterious and misty in the early mornings, shimmering in the sunlight later in the day. Lombardy is also a winter sports destination, with ski resorts such as San Colombano, Aprica and Livigno

In terms of accommodation, Lombardy is full of places to stay. There are unique and historic hotels, some luxury, some quaintly local, around the lakes and you can also rent villas and apartments here, some with fabulous views. There are self catering ski apartments and chalets in the Alps, plus many hotels and b&bs. In the cities are mainly hotels and apartments, many with designer finishes in keping with their stylish locations. For a taste of genuine Italian grandeur, why not hire an apartment in a converted palazzo or palace!