Spend a fun packed day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Crespi d'Adda located on the banks of the River Adda. Crespi d'Adda is a museum village, preserved with all of the character and style of a nineteenth-century workers’ village.  Its layout and architecture remains unchanged and many of those who live here descend from the original workers. The whole village was built by the Crespi family, who were cotton manufacturers, to house their staff and factory. The Crespi family were inspired by social beliefs of the time and strived to provide a working and social environment for their workforce. Each worker was given a cottage and vegetable plot and the community included a church, hospital, school, theatre, public baths and a community centre. Sadly, the owners went bankrupt at the end of the twenties because of changes to industrial reforms, which included using low-priced foreign labour and materials.

Northern Italy’s famous lakes all lie close to Milan and if you want to relax or see how rich Italians live then take the short train ride out to one of the lakes like Lago Maggiore. This lake lies close to the Swiss Alps and is the second largest in the country. Whilst you are there, take a boat trip out to the Borromeo Islands, which are named after the wealthy Borromeo family who lived on the lakes shores.  There are three islands in total; Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori. The islands provide some amazing views across the lake and towards the Alps and they each contain well manicured gardens, restaurants and cafes. Another place to visit on the lake is the town of Stresa, where you can take a cable car to the top of Monte Mottarone and enjoy some spectacular views.

Another UNESCO heritage site worth visiting is The Cinque Terre or 'Five Lands', a National Park with a protected marine life area, which lies on the northern coast. The Park consists of five villages which lie on the edge of a rugged stretch of cliffs in Liguria. There has been a long-term venture here to revitalise traditional farming methods on the terraced hillsides. There is a beautiful tiny piazza here and plenty of very rustic bars, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Milan lies close to many of Italy’s famous cultural cities and it is worth getting a feel for them if your stay permits. The city of Pavia used to be the capital of Italy and has a wonderful array of churches, towers and monuments many of which have been built in the Renaissance style. Nearby Monza is famous for the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Ferrari team. You can visit the stadium where this race is held, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza as well as strolling through the town’s delightful centre, where you can find some exquisite local glass. Brescia is the second largest city in this region and it captivates visitors with its impressive main square, the Piazza Vittoriale as well as a theatre, the Pinacoteca Civica Tosio Martinengo and a museum called the Tempio Capitolino, which houses the works of Raphael and Lotto. The town also has a busy market held on the Piazza della Loggia.