This year, I have spent a whole month of August 2010 vacation in Italy around Valtellina.
For most of the first timers in Italy, I would suggest they go to the normal touristic places first, like Rome ( a city that is like a museum ), Venice ( very romantic ), Florence, and Milan ( although Milan is not my favourite, it is not as pretty and not as full of character such as Rome and Florence.
But for those who would want to see nature and the best of Italy, I suggest to visit Valtellina ( Bormio, Sondrio, Tirano, Livigno )...with its magnificent and postcard like beauty of nature
In Italy, its always best to go around by car. But if not, there are trains around to go to these places. From Milan, to go to the Valtellina, you would be driving by the Lake of Como. Beautiful place! I mean, why would George Clooney get a villa in the Lake of Como anyway? Thats because it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. On the way, i suggest you find some place to have lunch around any of the towns around Como.
It would also be good if you get to stay at Como for 2 nights. There are so many tourists around, mostly Americans. Specially on the summer, it is worth to stay there for two days, bask in the sun and swim in the lake, then get a nice gelato ( ice cream ) while sitting and just watching the beauty of Como.
An hour from Como, you will be arriving in Sondrio. There is not much to do in the town of Sondrio. But there are places you can go and visit, i suggest probably dinner or a little bit of bar clubbing here. For dinner, the nicest restaurant in Sondrio is at La Veranda in Fracia. Magnicent view of Sondrio, plus nice food and wine. I suggest it is best to go there for romantic dinner. And for some nice dancing, visit Pendolasco Club Latino ( www.pendolasco.com ) where its nonstop dancing with latin music and they have the best caribbean music and with live dancers as well.Either you can stay overnight at any hotels nearby in Sondrio or either in Bormio town as well. They are both pretty.
Bormio is a part of the Lombardy area of Italy. Then from Sondrio and Bormio, i suggest you go to stay at Forte di Oga. Its magnificent and beautiful. Just staying there is like relaxing with nature. It is best to go there on a summer or better, on the winter as they offer ski holidays.
For the hotel, i would suggest you stay at Albergo Al Forte, and it is in the forte the oga. Rates start at 35 euro a night. But the best part is, their restaurant! Always frequented by locals and tourists alike and serves Valtellinese food. A must try is Pizzoccheri and Chat, and the pasta ragu! In italy, I would say this is one of the most delicious restaurants ( even suggested by locals ) and very reasonable price. pasta ragu at 6 euro a plate. And ...they have the tiramisu to die for! Their website for their hotel is http://www.albergoalforte.it
I stayed their and always waking up in the beautiful and breathtaking view of the alps is just amazing. One morning, i woke up and saw a wild deer near my window! If you wake up early around 6 am, there is likely a chance you would see one. So this is a must see for nature lovers.
In Bormio, never miss the Roman bath Spa. Its one of the only two original Roman Hot Spring spa in Italy. and its so relaxing. There is the Bagni di Bormio which has 2 choices, either you go to the spa Bagni Vecchi, or the newer Bagni Nuovi. I suggest you go to the Bagni Vecchi. Its a huge hot spring spa. And they even have a hot spring pool with the view of the alps. I went to stay in the hot spring pool, overlooking the alps. I heard its also great to go there on the winter. Imagine being on a hot spring, with the snow everywhere and the alps in your view. Rate is at 40 euros, and also, they have a very nice hotel here. I definitely suggest this for Honeymooners! check http://www.bagnidibormio.it
Once we were refreshed and relaxed on this holiday, we decided to go shopping at the only tax free place in Italy, at the border of switzerland. The place is called Livigno.
But on the way to Livigno, you will pass by Tirano. Do not forget to stay a bit, and bring your camera as you will see the Red Train in Tirano, a UNESCO world heritage site. It runs trips few times daily from Tirano to St Moritz in Switzerland. If you have time, get a day trip to tirano and ride this train. If watch Bourne Supremacy the movie, I remember seeing the scene where Matt Damon rode this train. a must see! Plus, also in the center, visit the most important monument of Tirano, the Basilica della Madonna di Tirano. It is believed that the Virgin Mary had an apparition here in the 1500s.
Then not far will be Livigno, where its like a heaven for shopping addicts. Here you will find beautiful branded items at 50 to 70 percent off because it is tax free! I saw a nice Bulgari sunglasses for 90 euros where in normal price would cost 500 euros! Also, Prada has an outlet here. they will sell bags at half the price in here! Just go around, you will see a lot of outlets for big brands, and restaurants and coffee shops to rest and recharge.
Enjoy Valtellina! It was a lovely holiday, with the unbelievable views of the alps! Unbelievably breathtaking!
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