Winters in Northern Italy can be cold – Brescia sits at the foot of the Alps, and ice, snow and fog are common. Summers can be very hot: pack your sunscreen. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
Getting there
Planes
Caravaggio Airport Bergamo Orio al Serio – often referred to as Milan-Bergamo – is near Brescia in the neighbouring province, Bergamo. It has direct flights to a host of other European destinations, including London, Leeds, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Moscow (www.sacbo.it).
Trains
The most convenient major railway station is Milano Centrale, has daily services throughout Italy and beyond, including Barcelona, Paris, Vienna, Munich, Zurich and Geneva. From there, local trains run regularly to towns in the province, including Ospitaletto, Travagliato, Rovato, Lonato del Garda, Calcinato, Desenzano del Garda, and the town of Brescia itself (www.trenitalia.com).
Automobiles
Rent a car to explore Brescia’s vine-covered hills, Unesco historic sites and picturesque lake shores. The town of Brescia is about an hour and a half east of Milan. Desenzano del Garda, on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, is roughly halfway between Milan and Venice, about two hours’ drive from each.