Perillo Tours

Tours Visiting Lombardy:  14 Day North Classic (MAY THRU OCT 2012), 14 Day North Classic (NOW THRU APR 2012), 14 Day North Continental (NOW THRU OCT 2011), 14 Day North Continental (MAY THRU OCT 2012), 14 Day North Continental (NOW THRU APR 2012)

Cities:  Como, Lugano

Lombardy, Italy's richest and most developed region, often seems to have more in common with its northern European neighbors than with the rest of Italy.

Given its history, this is hardly surprising: it takes its name from invading Lombards, and was ruled for almost two centuries by the French and Austrians.

Lombardy has profited by being a commercial crossroads, too. Not surprising, too, is that Northern Europe takes Milan more seriously than Rome, and the region's businesses and banks wield political as well as economic power.

Upper reaches of Lombardy's valleys are largely unspoiled, its towns and cities retain their medieval cores, and the lakes are surrounded by stunning scenery and lush vegetation.

Milan dominates the plains of the southern part of Lombardy. The towns here – Pavia, Cremona, Mantua –flourished during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and retain their historical character today, albeit encircled by suburbs.

The north of Lombardy is quite different, with the lakes, low mountains and fewer historic towns – though Bergamo and Brescia are notable exceptions. Lake Como has long been popular with tourists.