The region sits at the foot of the Alps and is known for its stunning scenery of glacial lakes, mountains, and valleys. The lakes are popular tourist destinations, with activities including boat rides, exploring historic towns, visiting villas, hiking, and rock climbing.

· Lake Iseo is the lake where the wedding weekend will take place.

· Lake Garda (75 km/47 mi) is the largest lake in Italy, which is located between Milan and Venice. Its scenery includes vineyard-covered hills, rocky cliffs, and villas.

· Lake Como (120 km/75 mi) is a Y-shaped lake which is home to many rich individuals and celebrities like George Clooney.

· Lake Maggiore (160 km/100 mi) is a large lake that sits partially in Italy and partially in Switzerland.

· Lake Orta (180 km/110 mi) is the smallest of the lakes. It also sits furthest from the wedding venue.

Things to See/Do:

· Take a self-driving tour around a lake. Roads tend to run along the shores over bridges and through tunnels where the mountains abutt the lake shores.

· Rent a bike or e-bike and ride along the shores or through the towns along the shores of the lakes.

· Take a boat tour on a lake.

· Hike some of the trails near the Lakes. (Malcesine, a town on Lake Garda, has a cable car which one can ride up/down and hike around the peak or hike a trail back down to the lake’s shore.)

· Take a wine tour in the region between Lake Iseo and Lake Garda.

Region website: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-italian-lakes

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 77° F/ 57°F (25°C/14°C), ave 10 rain days), Oct (ave high/low 68°F/ 45°F (20°C/7°C), ave 8 rain days).

Tourist traffic: less crowded with a quieter atmosphere, pleasant weather and lower prices

Bergamo is small city in northern Italy, approximately 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Milan, situated about 30 km (19 mi) between Lake Como and Lake Iseo and 70 km (43 mi) from Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It sits in the foothills of the Bergamo Alps (Alpi Orobie) which begin immediately north of the city. The city is divided into two regions: Città Bassa ('Lower City') a more modern town which sits in the plains and the Città Alta ('Upper City') which is a beautiful hilltop medieval town, situated on 7 hills and surrounded by a 16th-century fortified wall. The wall which is part of the massive Venetian defensive systems is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to See/Do:

· Wander through the medieval cobblestone streets of the Upper City exploring the shops, restaurants, and cafes.

· Walk around the city walls (6km/3.7 miles) taking in the magnificent panoramic views of the plains to the south and the foothills of the Alps that sit to the north.

· Ride the City Funicular to travel from the Lower (modern) City to the Upper (medieval) City. You arrive at the Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. Once a bustling hub of commerce, this square was dedicated to the sale of shoes in 1430.

· Ride the San Vigilio Funicular to explore the San Vigilio Hill and Parco dei Colli where you can stroll through paths and discover the ruins of the Castle of San Vigilio, the highest point in Bergamo. From the Castle you can see nearby Mount Bastia and the villages of Valbrembo and Paladina in the ancient Breno Valley, the esplanade of Almenno (Lemine), once an area of great commercial importance, and the villages located along the road leading to the mouth of the Brembana Valley and the foothills of the Alps.

· Explore the Old City (Città Alta) by visiting Piazza Vecchia: the heart of Bergamo Alta, featuring the Contarini Fountain, Palazzo del Podestà, Angelo Mai Library, Palazzo della Ragione, and the Campanone (Civic Tower); Piazza del Duomo: home to the Bergamo Cathedral, the Baptistery, and other historic religious buildings; and The Rocca: an ancient military citadel with a park, historic cannons, and a privileged view of the city

· Taste Bergamo specialties - polenta, Casoncelli – a small crescent shaped filled pasta (somewhat like a mini-ravioli) served in a butter, sage sauce, and stracciatella gelato -sample it at its birthplace Gelateria Marianna.

Official city website: https://www.visitbergamo.net/en/

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 75° F/ 58°F (24°C/14°C), ave 8 rain days), Oct (ave high/low 65°F/ 50°F (18°C/10°C), ave 8 rain days).

Tourist traffic: moderately busy

UNESCO World Heritage Site – A small, medieval city that is famous for its historic architecture, its 1st century Roman amphitheater which still hosts concerts and opera performances and for being the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”.

Things to See/Do:

· Explore the Verona Arena and the central piazza (Piazza Bra). If available, book a ticket for a concert or opera in the arena.

· Visit Castelvecchio, the medieval castle, and the Scaliger Bridge.

· See Juliet’s House and Balcony (Casa di Giulietta) including the bronze statue of Juliet.

· Visit Piazza delle Erbe to enjoy the cafes and bustling market. Climb Torre dei Lamberti to get an aerial view of the city.

· Climb the hill on the opposite side of the Adige River to Castel San Pietro for a fantastic panoramic view of the city and its surroundings in the foothills of the Dolomites.

Official city website: https://www.visitverona.it/en

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 77°F / 57°F (25°C/14°C), ave 5 rain days) Oct (ave high/low 65°F/ 49°F (18°C/9.5°C, ave 7 rain days)

Tourist traffic: moderately busy

Milan is Italy's leading financial center and a hub for business, media, and advertising. It is probably best known for being a global capital of fashion and design, with brands such as Versace, Prada, and Armani based here. Besides business interests it also has cultural, historical and artistic sites worth visiting.

Things to See/Do:

· Visit the Gothic Duomo di Milano (the cathedral), Milan's most iconic landmark.

· Visit or (better yet) attend a performance at Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses.

· See “The Last Supper”, Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting which is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

· Wander through the design districts like Quadrilatero della Moda and Brera. Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant shopping arcade adjacent to the Duomo.

· Check out the canals, charming streets, and lively nightlife in the Navigli district.

Official city website: https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/yes-milano-convention-bureau

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 76° F/ 61°F (24.5°C/16°C), ave 5 rain days), Oct (ave high/low 64°F/ 53°F (18°C/11.5°C), ave 7 rain days).

Tourist traffic: moderately busy except during Milan’s Fashion Week which typically occurs in September. (Dates for Sept 2026 have not yet been determined.)

UNESCO World Heritage Site - A small city where the Renaissance began before spreading to Florence. It was a bedroom community for wealthy Venetian families to summer in. It is famous for its Palladian architecture - elegant buildings designed by the 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio.

Things to See/Do:

· Visit Basilica Palladiana, an architectural and engineering marvel. Here the Palladian window was first introduced.

· Stroll along the Piazza dei Signori, Vicenza’s main square which has cafes, restaurants and is a good place to take a short break in front of the Basilica Palladiana.

· Tour Teatro Olimpico, Palladio’s final work. It is one of only 3 remaining Renaissance theaters. The inside of the theater which was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi after Palladio’s death is extraordinary. Performances are still held in the theater so purchase a ticket if you can for a show.

· Visit Palazzo Chiericati, another one of Palladio’s masterpieces which is home to the Civic Museum.

· Visit the Palladio Museum which is housed in Palazzo Barbarano, designed by Palladio. The museum displays many of the architect’s original drawings as well as his books, technologies he used to design La Rotonda and other buildings, and scale models. The museum provides the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the man that shaped much of the city’s architecture as well as learn how he developed many of his architectural/engineering works.

· There is a self-guided walking tour outside of the city where one can see more of the villas that Palladio designed including La Rotonda, Villa Valmarana ai Nani and the Rococo villa. Besides the magnificent buildings the villas are set in well maintained grounds with mature gardens.

Official city website: https://www.vicenzae.org/en/

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 76°F/ 57°F (24.5°C/14°C), ave 6 rain days) Oct(ave high/low 65°F / 49°F (18°C/9.5°C, ave 7 rain days)

Tourist traffic: light

Padua is another small northern Italian city in the Province of Veneto. It sits 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Venice and 29 km (18 miles) southeast of Vicenza. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Padua, which was founded in 1222. Famous alumni and faculty include Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus and Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, a Venetian noblewoman and mathematician who became the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1678. The city also houses two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the world’s oldest Botanical Garden and 14th century frescos that can be found in buildings around the city center.

Things to See/Do:

· Visit Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni Chapel) to see Giotto's groundbreaking 14th-century frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (You need to book tickets well in advance.)

· Tour the Basilica of St. Anthony (Basilica di Sant'Antonio) which contains beautiful artwork including significant bronze works by Donatello.

· Visit the Botanical Garden. It was originally created in 1545 in conjunction with the university as a medicinal garden and maintains its original location and layout.

· Take a tour of Palazzo del Bo, the historic heart of the University of Padua, and the Hall of the Giants. See the chair in which Galileo sat and visit the18th-century Anatomical Theater.

· Explore the markets in the historic center, particularly in Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, to sample local produce and relax in a café off the main square to enjoy an Aperol Spritz which is said to have originated in the area.

Official city website: https://www.turismopadova.it/en/

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 78° F/ 58°F (25.5°C/14°C), ave 6 rain days) Oct(ave high/low 67°F/ 51°F (19.5°C/10.5°C), ave 7 rain days).

Tourist traffic: considered shoulder season – good time to visit

UNESCO World Heritage Site – Founded in the 5th Century, became the home to Venetian traders during the 10th century. The “Floating City” is comprised of over 100 islands located within a lagoon where traveling is done by boat through the abundance of canals or by foot crossing the numerous bridges that span the narrow canals. It is famous for its Gothic architecture and Renaissance art as well as excellent food and beverages. No car traffic is permitted on the islands. If arriving by car it is suggested that one parks in The Autorimessa Comunale AVM. S.p.A., which is the largest car park in Piazzale Roma (the car terminal that provides the most convenient and immediate access to Venice's historic city center).

Things to See/Do:

· Wander the cobblestone streets and cross the bridges taking in the vibrant buildings that line the canals making it to Ponte di Rialto, the 400-year-old bridge which is a landmark of Venice. Wander through Mercati di Rialto, daily street markets located near the Rialto Bridge.

· Visit Doge’s Palace (nothing to do with Trump and Musk), Basilica de San Marco (St Mark’s Cathedral) and Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square). (A combination ticket can be purchased to visit both, or you can purchase individual tickets to either the Doge Palace or to enter Basilica de San Marco.)

· Visit one of the many art museums or explore Murano, one of the islands famous for glassmaking.

· Take a gondola ride on the Canal Grande.

· Travel by water taxi to see the different islands.

Official city website: https://events.veneziaunica.it/en/

Weather: Sept (ave hi/low temp 75°F/ 58°F (24°C/14°C), ave 5 rain days), Oct (ave hi/low temp 65°F / 51°F (18°C/10.5°C), ave 6 days of rain)

Tourist traffic: Moderately busy.

The capital of Tuscany, the region most Americans associate with Italy, and the heart of Renaissance art and architecture.

Things to See/Do:

· Visit Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), the iconic symbol of Florence.

· See Michelangelo's David and other significant sculptures at Galleria dell'Accademia.

· Walk to Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge with shops built along it, another of Florences’ iconic sites. (Visit at dusk or early morning to avoid crowds.)

· Spend time viewing Renaissance Art treasures at the Uffizi Gallery, including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

· See the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo in the Basilica of Santa Croce.

· Wander through Piazza della Signoria, the historic political heart of Florence, with the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s City Hall) and an outdoor sculpture gallery (Loggia dei Lanzi).

· Cross the Amo River to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy an infamous panoramic view of Florence’s historical center.

Official city website: https://www.feelflorence.it/en

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 81° F/ 59°F (27°C/15°C), ave 6 rain days), Oct (ave high/low 71°F/ 52°F (21.5°C/11°C), ave 7 rain days).

Tourist traffic: Busy in early fall, especially in October, as the weather is pleasant. It is still considered "high season".

The capital and most populated region in Italy nestled between seven hills. Its history spans 28 centuries. It was founded around 753 BC but individuals have inhabited the region for over 3 millennia. The metropolitan region is comprised of two distinctly different districts: the ancient and historical center and the EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) district, whose development Mussolini commissioned to host the 1942 World's Fair. The district was designed as a showcase for Fascist architecture and now is a modern residential and business area. Vatican City (the smallest country in the world and headquarters of the worldwide Catholic Church) is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome.

Things to See/Do:

· Spend time visiting the ancient sites and ruins in the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill. See the remains of the early city where the Roman Empire originated.

· Take a tour of the Colosseum, the ancient Roman Amphitheater, which was built around 70AD and was the site of the infamous gladiator fights.

· Visit the Pantheon, a Roman Temple, known for its domed roof and the burial place of Raphael, the Renaissance painter and architect.

· Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. The fountain was constructed during the 18th century and is considered by many the most beautiful fountain in Rome. It’s open 24/7 and is particularly beautiful at night.

· Climb the Spanish Steps which connects Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, two of the piazzas in Rome that are worth wandering through.

· Visit the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. (Book tickets well in advance). The Vatican owns an immense collection of artwork which includes Michelangelo’s fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

· Enjoy Roman cuisine. Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara are two Roman pasta specialties. Don’t forget to enjoy gelato for dessert or a snack as you wander around the historical sites.

· Stop for an aperitivo in one of the many street cafes or on the rooftop of the Vittoriano (Victor Emmanuel II Monument) which has a fantastic view over the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

Official city website: https://www.turismoroma.it/en

Weather: Sept (ave high/low 76° F/ 57°F (24°C/14°C), ave 6 rain days), Oct (ave high/low 72°F/ 54°F (22°C/12°C), ave 8 rain days).

Tourist traffic: less crowded than in the peak summer months but sites can still be crowded.