Morgan Explores

One of our most unforgettable adventures of the year was the Morgan Explores driving tour in September. The four-day trip took in Northern Italy and Slovenia’s most spectacular driving roads, sampling the region’s best hotels, restaurants and experiences. Starting off at the Mille Miglia museum in Brescia, an iconic place in itself, the was presented with breathtaking of the Dolomites, albeit in less than perfect conditions.

Characterised by dramatic limestone peaks, sheer cliffs, and verdant valleys, the Dolomites offer a constantly changing palette of colour, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the mountains glow with shades of pink and orange, a phenomenon known as enrosadira.

The Mille Miglia is a legendary endurance race and historic car rally held in Italy, covering 1,000 miles. Established in 1927, it ran annually for 30 years on public roads, becoming one of the most celebrated motorsport events of its time.

Today, the race continues as a prestigious event, attracting car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. Only vehicles that were eligible to compete in the original races (1927–1957) are permitted to participate in the modern Mille Miglia, preserving its heritage and exclusivity.

Traditionally, the race starts and finishes in Brescia, following a figure-eight route that includes a leg to Rome and back.

A famous local saying claims that in Brescia, fuel runs through people’s veins instead of blood, a testament to the city’s deep-rooted passion for motorsport.

The red arrow symbol of the Mille Miglia has become an unmistakable and globally recognized emblem of this historic event.

Ristorante la Berlera

Nestled between Arco and Riva del Garda, on the ancient hill of San Bartolomeo, lies La Berlera, a restaurant where Bronze Age history, Roman stonework, and culinary artistry come together.

Archaeological finds from as early as 1800–1600 BC suggest this was once a prehistoric fort, later settled by Romans who quarried its sandstone. In medieval times, the hill was home to a castle and a plague-era church, glimpsed in paintings of the 1703 French invasion. Though war and time erased much of the past, WWI trenches and battlements still whisper stories into the surrounding woods.

The current building dates to the 18th century, with parts of the old quarry visible in the rock-carved dining room, where stonecutter marks still remain. The name “Berlera” comes from the Celtis australis trees, locally called berlere, that grace the property, offering shade and charm.

Lovingly restored by the Bonora family, La Berlera opened in 1972, and is now led by Andrea and Lizet Guglielmi, who blend local tradition with fine cuisine, all set against a backdrop of vineyards, olive groves, and sweeping views of Lake Garda.

Piz Boe Alpine Lounge

Surrounded by lush greenery and ancient stonewalled vineyards, just a short stroll from Bolzano’s vibrant city centre, is Maretsch Castle.

First recorded in 1273, this Romanesque fortress was originally owned by the di Mareccio family, prominent members of Bolzano’s bourgeoisie who later rose to nobility. In the 15th century,

it passed to the influential Römer family, who expanded the estate with a west wing, extended fortifications, and added four circular towers, transforming the old watchtower into a panoramic Renaissance feature.

A major renovation in 1549 marked Maretsch’s evolution into a Renaissance residence, adorned with frescoes commissioned by Lukas Römer. During this time, it became a cultural and spiritual hub for nobles aligned with the Protestant Reformation, a rare fusion of religion, art, and politics.

Following the end of the Römer lineage, the castle passed to the Hendl and then the Thun families. In 1851, Karl Thun sold it to Countess Anna von Sarnthein, who leased it to the treasury as an arsenal. From 1919 to 1973, it served as the State Archive.

In 1974, the City of Bolzano acquired Maretsch, transforming it into a prestigious conference and cultural venue. A major restoration in 2003–2004 brought new life to its Renaissance elegance. Since 2007, the Castles of Bolzano Foundation has managed Maretsch Castle, preserving it not only as a historical treasure, but as a living space for art, dialogue, and discovery.

Triglav National Park

Dominating the skyline of Triglav National Park, the Triglav Mountains are the crown jewel of the Julian Alps and a symbol of Slovenian identity. At their heart stands Mount Triglav (2,864 m), the highest peak in Slovenia and the inspiration behind the country’s name, folklore, and even its national flag.

Named after the mythical three-headed Slavic god Triglav, the mountain has long held deep cultural significance. Climbing it is considered a rite of passage for Slovenians, “You’re not a true Slovene until you’ve stood atop Triglav,” as the saying goes.

The surrounding mountains offer a spectacular landscape of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, emerald rivers, and dramatic limestone peaks, all within the protected boundaries of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park. The area is a paradise for hikers, mountaineers, photographers, and nature lovers, with trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging alpine ascents.

Wildlife such as chamois, marmots, and golden eagles thrive here, and crystal-clear waters from lakes and waterfalls add to the magic.

Lake Bled, with its iconic island and fairytale charm, is one of Slovenia’s most treasured natural wonders. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when the Bohinj glacier carved a deep tectonic basin, obstructed by a large rock that eventually became the island we see today. When the ice melted, the basin filled with water, creating a lake that reaches depths of up to 30 metres. Today, it’s home to 19 species of fish, including carp, lake trout, and sheatfish, along with swans, ducks, and vibrant aquatic plant life.

But science shares the stage with folklore.

According to local legend, the lake was once a meadow where mountain fairies danced on a small hill. When shepherds refused to fence off their sacred dance site, a fairy was injured, and in their grief, the fairies flooded the valley, leaving only the hill as an island.

Today, you can stroll the 6 km path around the lake, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, take a ride on a plenta boat or simply take in the view of this enchanted alpine jewel. In the winter, if the lake freezes, you can even skate on the surface.