L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 17 Valtellina: the hidden gem of Lombardy, beautiful in all seasons W hen one thinks about mountain holidays, depending on person- al preferences, one envisions either white peaks and powdery snow or green fields dotted by a myriad of wild colorful flowers. The fall is often overlooked, and it shouldn't, as it can be a magi- cal time of the year to visit the mountainous area of Valtellina. Located in the far north of Lombardy, close to the border with Switzerland, Valtellina stretches from Morbegno in the west, through the main town of Sondrio and ends to the east in T i r a n o , a l l a l o n g t h e A d d a River. Quite far from highways, this valley is often overlooked because of its remoteness – it is far easier to reach it from St. Moritz in Switzerland than from Milano – but is definitely worth the drive as it offers several a t t r a c t i o n s , f r o m i n c r e d i b l e wines and gastronomy, to ther- mal baths, to year-round skiing. This region is also home to the stunning Stelvio National Park, the largest protected nature r e s e r v e i n E u r o p e : w i t h i t s impressive glaciers and breath taking panoramas, the park is itself a good enough reason to visit the area. The fall is a par- ticularly good time of the year to visit it, as most crowds are now g o n e , a n d t h e f o l i a g e t u r n s incredible shades of yellow, orange and red. For detailed i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t : h t t p : / /www.stelviopark.it/ The spa resort of Bormio, too, is a highly desirable destina- tion for those seeking rest and relaxation. The Bagni Vecchi (Old Thermal Baths) have been used for more than 2000 years: built by Romans before Christ, these two pools are still in use t o d a y a n d g i v e v i s i t o r s t h e chance to submerge themselves in history as well as in thermal water. The Grotta sudatoria di CHIARA ASSI San Martino, a cave sauna esca- vated 150 feet into the moun- tain, is another favorite with guests who can relax next to where the thermal spring water spurs out. The outdoor pool, with its hot water, is also a stun- ning spot to enjoy in every sea- son with unique views over the surrounding mountains. The B a g n i N u o v i ( N e w T h e r m a l Spa) on the other hand, don't boost much history, but they have a lot to offer when it comes to wellness with a unique path that takes visitors through seven different outdoor thermal pools – perfect for those who enjoy more variety. History buffs can enjoy sev- eral First World War itineraries that stretch from the Stelvio Pass to Mount Scorluzzo: along the way you can see military outposts, barracks and, further towards the summit, the trench- es escavated during the 1915- 1918 conflict. Valtellina also offers a lot to the wine lover looking for an u n u s u a l w i n e r e g i o n , s o m e - where off the beaten tracks, with a selection of small, boutique wine estates, stunning alpine scenery and superb gastronomy. Among the great local wines, the Sforzato, Maroggia, Sassella and Inferno are amongst the best a n d d e f i n i t e l y w o r t h a t r y . Expect long, leisurely lunches and hearty specialties: local c h e e s e s B i t t o , C a s e r a a n d Scimudin are good alone or as p a r t o f t h e r e g i o n s c u i s i n e ; Bresaola, air cured beef sliced thinly as prosciutto is great on bread, but also by itself with just a few drops of olive oil and shaved Parmesan cheese; piz- zocheri, buckwheat tagliatelle with cheese, potatoes and greens are perhaps the most famous – and one of the most delicious– dishes to try while in the area. If you enjoy train travel don't miss out the opportunity to trav- el to St. Moritz, Switzerland, from Tirano with the Bernina Express: the journey is part of the Unesco Heritage since 2008 and is simply spectacular. The t r a i n c l i m b s a l l t h e w a y t o B e r n i n a p a s s ( 6 6 0 0 m e t e r s above sea level) and travels on one of the highest tracks of the Alps. The views are breathtak- ing, from lake Poschiavo to Alp G r ü m a n d O s p i z i o B e r n i n a , where not one but two glaciers can be seen. For tickets and m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t : www.rhb.ch Valtellina can be reached by train using the Milano -Tirano line, stopping along the way to L e c c o o n L a k e C o m o , Morbegno, famous for its wine cellars and Sondrio. B y c a r u s e t h e S p l u g a express way up to Colico, then the Strada Statale 38 "Strada dello Stelvio" that goes all the way up the valley to Bormio. T h e c l o s e s t a i r p o r t s a r e Milano Linate (about 80 miles), Milano Malpensa (about 100 miles) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (about 65 miles). The spa resort of Bormio is a highly desirable destination for those seeking rest and relaxation Valtellina also offers a lot to the wine lover loking for an unusual wine region Local cheeses Bitto, Casera and Scimudin, part of the region cuisine

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