Breathtaking nature

Neatly ensconced in the Alps, combining Swiss perfection with Italian taste, is the skiing resort of Livigno. But Livigno is also a summer wonderland, where the stunning views of mountains and lakes make your stay a truly memorable one. Indeed - and this may come as a surprise to many - Livigno's charms can be enjoyed in summer as much as they are in winter.

YTC, the Livigno specialists, make it a holiday to remember from the minute you land at Milan's Malpensa Airport. From there a luxury coach takes you on an enjoyable ride around Lake Como, with various stops through the Valtellina region and the Grigione valleys of Switzerland which probably will come very close to your idea of paradise! The train ride on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St Moritz is an unforgettable experience as you take in the spectacular views which unfold before you.

Once you reach Livigno you are spoilt for choice regarding what to do. YTC organises a number of events for a week's stay. A walk by the lake at the start of your holiday, with majestic mountains all around you, is relaxing and refreshing - just what you need in the warm summer months. A day across the Swiss border to Davos and Glorenz is another enjoyable option. The Swiss village of Zernez, for example, offers the tranquillity we often miss in our crowded little island.

Then, of course, there is the duty-free shopping: the whole of Livigno is a duty-free area, with scores of shops selling clothes, antiques, perfumes, appliances, cameras, watches, food, wines and spirits at bargain prices. You are warned: this is where you feel you must indulge yourself and thank God for credit cards!

On the list of possible things to do one also finds a visit to the dairy farm that supplies Livigno and neighbouring villages; this is accessible on foot from your hotel. This is where you will likely discover you are a lover of dairy products. You are given a guided tour of the place and detailed explanations of the process of making cheese, yogurt, ricotta, butter and milk, followed of course by a tasting of all the aforementioned. All the more reason why you cannot really resist buying from the shop on the premises: I thoroughly recommend the ice-cream, which is delicious!

And don't worry about the calories you have gained. You can burn them off by taking a walk past the fields, farms and mountains which brings nature as close to you as it can get.

The "free afternoon" can be filled quite easily: you have a choice of cycling, horseriding, trekking or shopping. I opted for the horseriding, and it was exciting and great fun.

And of course there is the ride on the Bernina Express I mentioned earlier. It's no express at all but goes at a stately pace through mountain peaks to St Moritz, with a stop at the marvellous waterfalls of Pontresina.

Another excursion offered by YTC is to Bormio, a nearby mediaeval town. Members of the Roman aristocracy travelled to Bormio to enjoy warm baths in the mountainous scenery, and the good thing is that most of these thermal baths are still in use today - a truly pleasurable experience. A walk through this village with some time for shopping was greatly appreciated. The town is centred around the historic Piazza Cavour and Via Roma. This used to be a main trading point on the route from Venice to Switzerland. Bormio today retains its unique centre, attracting many tourists, Italian and foreign.

Eating out is a highlight of your stay in Livigno. There are dozens of good restaurants and other eating places, serving a variety of food, though one should opt for the local fare. This region is famous for its hearty pasta and polenta dishes, meats, cured hams and wines.

And then you can unwind at one of the local discotheques and clubs. Livigno, in short, has something for everyone and is no less enjoyable in summer than it is in winter. Whether travelling as a family, with friends or as part of a group, you are bound to enjoy yourself and make new friends, and to have fun.

To learn more about holidays in Livigno, contact YTC holiday organiser Stellina Galea on 2142 1464, 2141 4811 or 9942 0377. You can also e-mail stellina@ytctravel.org or visit www.ytctravel.org.

• Ms Grech Sant travelled to Livigno as guest of YTC. The trip was made possible thanks to Air Malta (www.airmalta.com).