Lombardy
Lombardia is where Mr Prada is from so we know it well. This region has the following main cities:
Milan, Bergamo, Como, Mantova, Cremona, Brescia and Pavia. There are many other smaller towns which are wonderful places to visit.
This region also has the stunning Italian lakes of Como, Maggiore, Garda and Iseo. Some of these lakes straddle two or more regions so they may appear in several places on Mammaprada.
Discover the best way to visit Italy for the first time! Explore iconic cities, hidden gems, and luxurious villas in Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond. From scenic landscapes to Italy’s finest cuisine and culture, make your Italian adventure unforgettable with our ultimate travel guide.
Here's our ultimate guide on the hidden gems of Italy. One of the best things about heading off the beaten path is that often you will find a great place just outside the big cities and be amazed no one is talking about it yet!
Late January in Italy is cold with low temperatures, yet it is still an excellent time to visit. You can enjoy the snowy mountains of the North for example.
The Best Italian Ski Resort - In our opinion!
I wrote about why we love Bormio a year ago now and nothing has changed. We are here right now with both our children, one who can now ski. Partly from learning in Bormio and partly in the UK at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.
Milan is not a city that’s easy on the budget, with some of the highest hotel and restaurant prices in Italy. But sightseeing there is inexpensive, with many attractions free and others modestly priced.
Why Bormio is one of the greatest Italian Ski Resorts
I wrote about why we love Bormio a year ago now and nothing has changed. We will be off there again in February to take both our children, one who can now ski. Partly from learning in Bormio and partly in the UK at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.
My youngest is too little being only 3, although the Swiss start at 2 years old! However a good ski instructor friend of ours told us the perfect age is 4 years old.
I wish it was that simple to look in a magic mirror and be told which Italian lake is the most stunning and should be your next holiday destination!
I've been to many of the Northern Italian lakes. Como, Garda, Trasimeno, Lugano. They all have a certain beauty to them. Their own personality.
An Italian Hidden Gem (#Dolcevitabloggers)
There are some places you want to keep for yourself. But then you can't believe somewhere so wonderful exists and really want to share!
So I'm going to be sharing a restaurant and hotel. Except it's not just any hotel, to us anyway. As this hotel is where we ended up having our wedding reception.
As most of you know by now, we are huge fans of the Italian lake region. We've been holidaying and visiting family around Lake Como for 12 years. We were married there, our babies were baptised there and we really feel like it's a home from home.
However recently we were persuaded by Jo of Bookings For You to consider a different lake for our next holiday. Lake Maggiore.
12 Perfect Holiday Villas in Italy
Today we have a fantastic Guest Post from Jo Mackay, founder of Italian Villa rental company Bookings For You. Jo has kindly gathered together 12 beautiful villas which all suit different types of holidays. Have a read and find the perfect break for your family and friends.
Luxury Italian Villa Holidays - Try Award Winning 'Bookings For You'
This week we're chatting to Jo Mackay of Italian Villa rental firm Bookings For You. Jo built her business from a love of her own family holidays in Italy to become a holiday specialist with beautiful villas available throughout the country and has now expanded into France.
If you would like your holiday organised by someone who realises how special those precious weeks off are and considers it of upmost importance that your time is memorable, read on!
Where to travel in Italy in 2018
Last week to lift our moods in dreary January I put together a list of 18 Trips to Take in Italy 2018!
Hopefully you have all now read Part 1, where you learnt about the first 9 destinations to add to your 2018 Italian Travel Wish List!
I wanted to help you explore areas you may not have heard of and this week is no different.
So here are the final 9 destinations! I hope you enjoy them and get inspired!
Where to travel in Italy in 2018
To lift everyone's spirits after Blue Monday, what could be better than a bit of dreamy Italian holiday inspiration?!
I've put together a list of 18 Trips to Take in Italy 2018 to help you explore areas you may not have heard of. Where I know experts in these destinations I've asked them to tell us why their town/ city is wonderful.
Great Italian Cities: Mantova
Many years ago not long after Mr Prada and I were married, we went on an Italian road trip. What is most surprising is that we were still married at the end of the trip as we always argue in the car! This is of course his fault rather than mine! Being in a car with an Italian, especially when they are suddenly back in their homeland means all sorts of insane driving practices seep out! How we got to Mantova is beyond me but it is one of our most memorable trips.
The Best Italian Ski Resort - In my opinion!
Bormio is one of those places you want to keep a secret! Papa' Prada has been coming here since he was six years old and we have been here together regularly for over ten years, more recently with our two children.
This week we’re beginning our feature on houses and apartments for sale throughout Italy. Today it’s Houses and flats for Sale in Milan, Cremona, Umbria and Tuscany.