Under two hours from Milan, here bikes clatter along the cobbles
as locals sip espressos in the town square. Home to 164 violin
workshops, Cremona has a history of craftsmanship with professional
musicians travelling there from around the world to commission
local artisans to make bespoke violins. On average, a violin maker
will only make 10 violins a year because the process is so time
consuming – and the instrument will last a lifetime. As for
sightseeing, head up the brick bell tower (the tallest in Europe)
for views of the town and crowds flocking below. Here you’ll find a
handful of good restaurants, such as the appropriately named
Il Violino which serves up four different types of
risotto in spacious, deep-blue surrounds.

Where to stay: A 30-minute drive from Cremona,
Villa Bottini is a 19th-century delight fit with huge
iron beds and high ceilings. In the best rooms, guests are treated
to views of mulberry or magnolia trees lining the park, which also
features a lemon house and swimming pool.

The scene when: the family are relaxing in the
villa, which is located just north of Cremona. Unfortunately the
property is privately owned but it is currently for sale for €1.7 million for
any super fans with cash to burn.

Italy road trippers would have
probably bypassed Crema in the past, but since Call Me By Your Name
was released the number of visitors has increased by 30%. The tiny
town is worth an amble and is an excellent spot for people
watching, but there’s not a lot to see beyond baroque churches and
palaces. For lunch, head to Trattoria Quin; start with local
pickles and burrata, be open to trying the bittersweet stuffed
tortelli (it’s not for everyone) and don’t miss the tiramisu with
amaretto and Crema-style caramelised hazelnut to finish.

Where to stay: B&B San Clemente offers huge rooms overlooking the
town. It’s filled with paintings, the breakfast is fantastic and
the owner will tell you all the important things like where to find
the best pasta in town.

The scene when: Elio and Oliver cycle through
Via Buso then settle in Piazza Duomo on ivory table and chairs. The
tourist board have even resurrected the same bikes used in the film
in the exact. Crema’s hidden alleyways are also featured when
French girlfriend Marzia sidles up to Elio.

Bergamo is completely walled as if enveloped in ancient Italy.
The “mountain village” in the top part of town is reached by
funicular. Buildings are made from a local green stone called
arinaria, which gives the town a lovely uniform hue. Bakeries
windows are filled with acid-yellow “polenta e osei” cakes, but
Il Caffe della Funicolare is the
place for dishes typical of the region; asparagus risotto,
tortellini and “torta sbrisolona” (a crumbly biscuit cake). If you
want to explore further, San Pellegrino have opened a spa 40
minutes away from the town with gorgeous thermal baths surrounded
by limes trees.

Where to stay: Hotel Relais is the only five-star hotel in Bergamo,
boasting 30 modern rooms featuring touches of Italian design in the
wood finishes. The excellent spa offers a Finnish sauna, steam bath
and “cold fog” skin treatments.

The scene when: Elio and Oliver elope on a
weekend away and dance to the car radio near private villa Palazzo
Terzi (where tours can be booked on appointment). The fountain used
in the scene does not exist and was constructed purely for that
moment – but you can spot the two lion sculptures in the archway
nearby.

On the edge of Lake Garda, Sirmione is known for its
archeological sites and Mediterranean feel. Twisted olive groves
line the coast which lead up to the Grotte di Catullo ruins where
visitors can meander between the ancient pillars. Pale
patina-coloured rocks, creeping vines and rosemary bushes add to
the sheen of pastel green, mirrored in the emerald lake. Once
you’ve had enough of history, jump back into the present day for an
Aperol spritz on Jamaica Beach. Spas are also great here thanks to
the natural sulphur bubbling below which does wonders for skin –
Aquaria is one of the best. When filtering
through tourist traps for dinner, Il
Girasole will be brimming for a reason; their wine list is
extraordinary and the pizzas will not disappoint.

Where to stay: Presenting the best views of
Lake Garda you can find in Sirmione, Hotel Eden‘s bedrooms are a
crisp white, highlighting the turquoise of the surrounding waters.
With an on-site spa, “solarium terrace” and snack bar, this is a
place to while away summer days.

The scene when: Elio’s father discovers a
ruined torso sculpture in the ocean. You’ll also recognise the
pillars that Elio boyishly weaves through.