Cycling in Milan

Founded in the 6th century, the cathedral of Monza, also known as basilica of Saint John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista) is Monza's most important religious building.

The building of the Ospedale Maggiore, commonly known as Ca' Granda, was ordered by Francesco Sforza in the 15th to bring Milan's thirty hospitals into one place. The vast construction was designed by Tuscan architect Filarete, known for his work on the Castello Sforzesco and the cathedral.

The Castello Sforzesco is Milan's main attraction after the Duomo. The castle's popularity is due in no small part to the dozen museums and archives within its grounds, with exhibitions on subjects as diverse as Palaeolithic history to 1950s furniture.

Built at the request of empress Maria Theresa of Austria as a summer residence for her son Ferdinand, this royal palace was designed to imitate Lombard villas. The palace and its extensive gardens are now part of Monza Park.

This basilica was originally built by St Ambrose, in the 4th century, and contains the remains of the Apostles, John, Andrew and Thomas, as well as those of San Nazaro. Some remains of frescoes can still be seen despite many changes to its original structure over the years.

The Ambrosian Library & Art Gallery, named after Ambrose the patron saint of Milan, opened in 1618 and is the city's oldest museum. The beautiful palace, as well as the world-class collections of paintings, manuscripts and books are well worth a visit.

Located at the luxury Excelsior Gallia Hotel, this rooftop restaurant boasts a menu created under the consultancy of three-Michelin starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea and the Lebano brothers. They serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on the Lombardy region.

The 2-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel is a new kid on the block for the Milanese restaurant scene. An open-plan kitchen gives guests a peak of how the stunning dishes are prepared and a more complete experience to their choices.

Il Baretto has been running for over fifty years, delighting the great and the good of the city for half a century. The sophisticated, old English club house decor is host to a refined menu taking cues from Milanese and international cuisine.

The elegant style and furnishings, the neoclassical pieces of art decorating the walls and the hand-painted high ceiling is a dramatic yet fitting setting for the fantastic food of the Palazzo Parigi restaurant. And when the weather is fine, the relaxed atmosphere of the private garden terrace provides an alternative atmosphere for visiting diners.

Part of the Armani Hotel Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Italian wining and dining. The stylish decor has been designed to the smallest detail by Giorgio Armani himself.

Michelin-starred experience that draws on the experimentation of the Venissa culinary approach. The enchanting decor completes the tone for dining in a very unique setting.

Monte Tamaro rises 1,961 metres above the lake and in this beautiful hilly area there are plenty of wonderful trails and hikes. Notably it is the starting point for the Tamaro-Lema hike. This peak is also worth visiting for the contemporary and innovative Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and painted by Enzo Cucchi. It sits on the edge of the hillside with amazing views. There is also an adventure park and mountain bike trails. Something for everyone.

Heading up the hills from Lake Garda is the beautiful Monte Baldo region of sloping forests, lush greenery and flowing rivers.

This 18-hole course was built in 1928 in the historic Royal Park of Monza. The three paths of the course are set within an ancient wood, requiring the player to think carefully about each shot, with a focus on precision in the front 9 and long shots on the back 9.

An Old England styled public golf course set prestigiously on the shores of Lake Como.

Elevated in the hills on Lake Garda's western side, Bogliaco golf course and resort is blessed with a Mediterranean setting and superb views.