For a Half Day

Certosa di Pavia: The Carthusian Monastery of Pavia (website: www.comune.pv.it/certosadipavia/home.htm) is a living museum, an architectural treasure box containing prized artworks and run by the monks who produce excellent Chartreuse liqueurs. Located 140km (87 miles) south of Milan, in an idyllic setting, the monastery is reachable by bus or train. The Certosa di Pavia is a 15-minute walk (skirting the Certosa walls) from the station. Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti ordered the monastery's construction in 1396, the same year as Milan's cathedral, as a monument to the Visconti dynasty. The Cistercian monks conduct tours, showing the cloisters, cells and beautiful frescoes by Pietro Perugino and Bergognone. The ornate marble facade by Amadeo is a masterpiece, famous throughout Italy.

For a Whole Day

Bergamo: Only 43km (27 miles) from Milan, the walled hilltop town of Bergamo is an enchanting place with a wealth of medieval, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Visitors should avoid the lower town (Bergamo Bassa) and head for the Piazza Vecchia in the heart of the upper town (Bergamo Alta), with the Palazzo della Ragione, restaurants, shops and the Torre della Civica (ascended by lift). In the nearby Piazetta del Duomo, the cathedral is overshadowed by the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which includes a 19th-century memorial to the native composer, Gaetano Donizetti. The best views are from the Castello on the summit of San Vigilio. The Accademia Carrara, at the bottom of the plateau on the eastern side, is one of Italy's finest art galleries, featuring important art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Trains run from Milan's Porto Garibaldi or Lambrate stations.

APT Bergamo, Viale Vittorio Emanuele 20 (tel: 035 210 204; website: www.apt.bergamo.it) provides further information.

Bellagio: The picturesque mountain and lake setting of Bellagio is an obvious tonic for the city weary. Because Bergamo is located some 50km (31 miles) north of Milan, visitors must have a car, or take a train to Como and then catch one of the boats from Piazza Cavour quay. The town enjoys fantastic views and a temperate microclimate - hence the luxury villas nestling around its narrow streets. The Villa Serbelloni has wonderful terraced gardens, while the neo-classical Villa Melzi boasts beautiful landscaped gardens. Tourist information is available (website: www.bellagiolakecomo.com).