Introduction
The Italian mountains form a unique region of towering peaks bordering France, Switzerland and Austria, where the culture and history of this area of the continent collide.
Skirting the high passes of some of Europe's most precipitous mountains, the region extends from the border, all the way down to the Piedmont region of Italy's former monarchy, making for a wonderfully evocative self-drive among the snow-capped peaks. Then, in the north-east, the serrated tips of the Dolomites loom above historic towns, fashionable resorts and bucolic farmland. In summer this is a region made for hiking and mountain biking, while in winter it's host to some of alpine Europe's finest skiing,
