LOMBARDY AND PIEDMONT, WHERE SUSTAINABLE DISCOVERIES ARE MADE
The regions of Lombardy and Piedmont in Northern Italy have placed sustainability and authenticity at the centre of their diverse tourism offering.
Lombardy, the land of trails
Cycling, eating local and walking along superb nature trails are all part of the Lombardy and Piémont sustainable experience. Lombardy has more than 4,000 km of cycling routes along rivers, lakes and mountains. The Mincio Bicycle Path connects Lake Garda to the great River Po, with many cultural treasures from the Renaissance period.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, more than 6,700 km of marked trails are available. The 200-km Valtellina trail goes through 78 municipalities, cutting through many vineyards, where walkers can stop and taste outstanding culinary products such as IGP Bresaola meat, apples, honey or Bitto and Casera cheese. Without forgetting a glass of wine!
The area is also home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including one of Europe’s rarest amphibians, the Lataste frog. The small animal lives only in the 144-ha sanctuary of the Bine Oasis between Cremona and Mantua.
Piedmont showcases the diversity of its identity
In Piedmont, authenticity and diversity go hand in hand. Visitors will discover the true star of the region’s food basket, the Alba White Truffle. There are many events taking place in Asti and Alessandria throughout Autumn, such as the International Alba White Truffle Fair, where gourmets are invited to participate in events. These include aroma and sensory workshops, cooking courses and learning how to hunt for precious mushroom.
Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands are a must-visit on the long list of attractions with their rare flowers and impressive trees. Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and 18 species of wisteria can be found on Isola Madre from April to May. The enchanting gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella are also home to hundreds of varieties of flowers which blossom until November.
Piedmont also showcases identity through its trails, including the Via Francigena, the Don Bosco Trail, the Percorsi Sindonici and the “Sacri Monti Trail” or the Jewish Trail. All of these paths, which are accessible year round, tell the region’s story through its heritage, art, architecture, customs, traditions, handmade creations, food, and wine.
For more news about ENIT and Lombardy and Piedmont’s slow tourism offering at ITB, click here or visit the stand of ENIT – Italian National Tourism Board at Hall 1.2 | 107
