The Way of St. Augustine is a pilgrimage route in Northern Italy in the area of Brianza, near Milan, Lombardy which connects 25 Marian sanctuaries and St. Augustin places. The faith route in fact highlights mainly St. Augustin sights such as his home in Cassago together with a great number of Marian icons, shrines and sanctuaries.

The beauty of the route however is also that the only way to can do it is by foot or bike and passes along some beautiful relaxing and peaceful places you wouldn't guess to find only a few miles distant from big towns.

The route is divided into three itineraries: from Brianza to Milan, from Milan to Pavia and then towards Genoa.

All the itinerary composes a rose shade with a stem which arrives at the town of Genoa reachable following the ancient salt Road linking the north with Liguria.

Mantova is a fabulous place to visit and we go along with Torquato Tasso writing in 1586 following his visit to Lombardia: "This is a most beautiful town worthy of travelling a thousand miles to see it'". So what are you waiting for!

1. THE DUKES PALACE

Palazzo Ducale is really a town in the shape of a palace and was built to compete with the major European courts of the 13th to 14th centuries. It is 34,000 square meters of lanes, squares, courtyards, gardens and well preserved rooms housing priceless masterpieces. Not least the 'Camera dei Sposi' sumptuously frescoed by Andrea Mantegna with Emperors, Kings and crowds of people. horses and dogs. In fact, the ruling Gonzagas were great animal lovers and even built a dog's courtyard by a lakeside wing of the complex. You can still see a gravestone to their beloved 'Oriana'.

Ever tried to buy a ticket for La Scala Theater in Milan? Andrea Borgen tells Delicious Italy how it's done.

"The Teatro alla Scala is one of the world's most famous opera houses, open since August 3, 1778 and recently completely and stunningly refurbished. The opera season traditionally begins on December 7, the feast day of San Ambrogio (Milan's patron saint). This being said, performances continue year-round, entertaining audiences with various operas, ballets, and orchestral concerts.

The day of every performance, the Theatre reserves 140 gallery seats. Although obtaining a ticket can be a bit tricky, it is well worth your while if you are on a budget or if the performance is sold-out. Tickets can be purchased either online, or at the main box office, located inside the Duomo metro station.

Milan is, of course, the fashion capital of the world. The capital of the region of Lombardia is knwon to everyone as a shopper's paradise and perhaps the city boasts the finest collection of designer shops in Europe. But, navigating through the many shopping districts is a little easier said than done. With so many options available, it is important to know what you are looking for.

For the season's latest designs

Quadrilatero della Moda - Literally meaning "Quadrilateral of Fashion," this district boasts the most lavish and refined shops in the city.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - This beautiful galleria is reputed to be one of the world's first shopping malls. Inside you will find various elegant restaurants and designer stores. Right outside the galleria, in piazza Duomo, is La Rinascente - Milan's premier department store, spread throughout 8 floors.

Notwithstanding the glam and colour of Europe's finest 'ready-to-wear' fashion scene, Milan may seem pretty grey at times. But if you know where to go there are oases of incredible art and imagination from museums, galleries and permanent exhibitions.

First and above all, the 'The Last Supper' at the Cenacolo Vinciano, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2. The masterpiece by Leonardo in the small convent dates from 1497 is compulsory viewing and compulsory booking as we discovered to our cost.

You can't just turn up and wait in the queue, you have to book in advance. Make sure you do it at least a month before online or telephone +39 02 89421146. Frustrating? You bet.

Taking an aperitivo in Italy has now become very fashionable in the main Italian cities, not least Milan. An aperitivo (or aperitif in English) is traditionally considered to be a pre-dinner drink, served to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

At most bars throughout Italy, drinks are served with a bit of potato chips and olives to snack on. But, in many bars throughout Milan, the idea of an aperitivo has since grown to include enough food to serve as a replacement dinner.

After ordering a drink, you are invited to help yourself to a buffet of various meats, cheeses, pastas, pizzas and grilled vegetables - selections vary among different bars. While full cocktail menus and wine lists are typically offered, the drink of choice amongst the Milanese is a Negroni, which is made using equal parts of Campari, Vermouth and gin.