It is an ideal base for exploring this area. Sondrio itself is completely' untouched' by tourism, an ideal place to mingle-in with the northern Italians and to try the local wines and cuisine.

 Try the 'pizzocheri', tagliatelle noodles made from buck- wheat flour, served with melted local cheese,potatoes and cabbage -delicious! Then there are the local 'sciatt' -deep fried cheese balls served with chicory salad. The local bresaola (cured beef) is another speciality along with some excellent cheeses. Here at the Gembro we buy our cheese straight from the farmers.

 From Sondrio you are spoilt for choice. In the summer you can do some fabulous mountain treks, visit Lake Como, or even go summer skiing on the Stelvio Glacier. Mountain biking is ideal in this area too, along with white -water rafting. In fact the junior European Championships were held here last year.

 In winter you can go up to ski in Chiesa Val Malenco, or why not go 20minutes to Tirano to catch the famous 'Bernina Express' that goes over the Bernina Pass into St Moritz for the day, an unforgettable experience.

 Whatever your taste the Valtelllina has something for you!