Milan, capital of fashion and design
Fashion is serious business in Milan. The fashion quadrilateral, an island of four streets (via Manzoni, via Monte Napoleone, via Sant'Andrea and via della Spiga), is home to the biggest names in Italian fashion. Numerous luxury clothing boutiques await you, including Versace, Gucci and Prada. Don't hesitate to stroll through Milan's boutiques to find more affordable brands.
Il Salvagente is one of Milan's benchmark outlets for top designer creations at the best prices (up to 60% off!). On Saturdays, shop at the Fiera di Sinigaglia, the city's oldest flea market.
For soccer fans, Inter or AC Milan merchandise is another option: t-shirts, scarves... everything you need to support these teams!
As an original souvenir, why not take home a handcrafted umbrella? Head for via Giuseppe Ripamonti, 194 to discover umbrellas from the Francesco Maglia brand, which has been creating umbrellas since 1850. Beware, however, that the price is commensurate with the quality, originality and craftsmanship: expect to pay at least a hundred euros.
For design, Bialetti coffee makers are a must-have for any coffee lover. They are also better known as Italian coffee makers. Today, Bialetti offers a multitude of models based on the same design: larger and smaller versions, travel models and even ones with built-in timers. While the traditional models only work on gas, the new range includes models suitable for induction hobs.
Local crafts
In Como, the former silk capital, we meet one of the last silk merchants, Tessuti Trombetta. He embodies the town's manufacturing tradition and passes it on. Silk first came to Italy around 1100. From then on, Como quickly established itself as one of the best silk-growing towns, since its climate favors the growth of mulberry trees and the development of bombyx (moths whose caterpillars are silkworms). Today, the city imports its silk yarns, but produces around 85% of Italian silk fabrics and 70% of European fabrics. If you're interested in this part of the city's history, don't miss the Silk Museum in Como.
In Verona, even if it's very touristy and commercial, why not bring back a souvenir related to the city's most famous couple, Romeo and Juliet? Whether magnets, figurines, postcards... or even an Italian version of the book.
Gastronomy
It's hard not to mention the abundance of cheeses, cured meats, cakes and other delicacies to be found along the lakes.
In Milan, you'll want to visit Giovanni Galli, a confectionery where you're sure to find the best marrons glacés in town! On the sweet side, you can also choose the famous panettones, brioches filled with citrus zest, raisins and candied fruit. At Noberasco, candied fruit is a particular favorite.
If you're more into breadsticks, head for Grissinificio Edelweiss, via Teodosio 27, a single-product store packed with flavors. Or why not take a trip to Eataly Milano Smeraldo, , a temple to Italian gastronomy offering a selection of the finest products sourced directly from the regions.
And don't forget Lake Garda olive oil. The lake's slightly warmer, Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for growing olives. In Limone sul Garda, you can visit the Cooperativa Agricola, located next to the florist on via Campaldo. Here you'll find, among other things, "Garda Bresciano" D.O.P. olive oil. This quality olive oil has the particularity of being much lighter in taste than an olive oil from the south of the country, for example. In fact, it's the olive oil made at the northernmost latitude! You can also discover honey from the lake, olive-based products, truffle sauces... as well as some decorative products and kitchen utensils, mainly made from olive wood. A 50 cl bottle of olive oil costs around €8.
There are also a number of truffle-based products. If you want to pick them up at source, head for the Mantua region, about 40 km south of Verona. This area is renowned for its black truffles.
What about limoncello? Also known as "limoncino", this well-known southern Italian drink can be found on many delicatessen shelves. To be sure it comes from Lake Garda, check that the full name is Limoncello Gardese. If it comes from Sorrento, it's on the Amalfi Coast, south of Naples.
In Pozzolengo, south of Lake Garda, just below Sirmione, you can find locally-produced saffron. If you're a fan of cured meats, Pozzolengo's "Salame morecino" has recently been awarded the D.O.P. label.
In Bergamo, you'll find many specialties. Why not choose pasta or polenta, a local specialty? Bergamo's locals will tell you all about the qualities and flavors of their salami, said to be the best in the country! Try it at the Gastronomia Mangili store. And the word on the street is that if you have Italian friends, the only thing they'll want from Bergamo is that famous salami!
And, of course, in all the villages you discover and pass through, you'll want to take a look at the markets, which can sometimes be a treasure trove of bargains and ideas.
