My excessive day journey to Bergamo, Italy + what to do in Bergamo
Final weekend I took an Excessive Day Journey to Bergamo and had the very best day ever so I needed to share the whole lot about it.
An Excessive Day Journey is the place you’re taking an early flight to a vacation spot after which take a late flight dwelling. It appears a bit loopy at first however you’ll be able to squeeze a lot into at some point and it actually feels such as you’ve had a mini vacation. If, like me, you wrestle to get away for a full weekend break, whether or not it’s all the way down to cash, work, kids, pets or different commitments, an Excessive Day Journey is an effective way to journey extra and have mini adventures. You’d be shocked by how a lot you’ll be able to see and do in 12 hours and it’s beautiful to nonetheless go dwelling and sleep in your personal mattress.
Right here’s the whole lot I did throughout my Excessive Day Journey (EDT) to Bergamo…
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My Bergamo day journey video
Right here’s why Bergamo is nice for a brief journey
- Flights to Bergamo are low-cost!
- The centre of Bergamo is simply 22 minutes on the bus from the airport and the buses are common and dependable
- Bergamo is comparatively small so you’ll be able to see loads in at some point
- Bergamo’s Citta Alta is the outdated space of town and that is the place you actually need to be. The trendy a part of Bergamo is sweet too however it’s no totally different to every other metropolis so keep on with the Citta Alta.
- Bergamo has a small, charming and conventional environment that I like
- When you’re in Bergamo you’ll be able to stroll in every single place which could be very handy
- You actually really feel like you’ll be able to ‘see’ Bergamo throughout an EDT, slightly than simply scratching the floor and seeing 1-2 vacationer points of interest.
Flights to Bergamo
I flew with Ryanair from Manchester to Bergamo.
Departing at 9.15 and returning at 22.05.
The flight takes simply over 2 hours and Italy is one hour forward so I arrived simply after noon. This gave me 8 hours in Bergamo, taking into account I wished to be again on the airport for 20.00.
I booked my flights to Milan Bergamo Airport and had each intention of visiting Milan. However once I began doing a little analysis I realised Bergamo is a significantly better choice for a day journey as a consequence of its smaller dimension and proximity to the airport.
Airport bus Bergamo centre
First issues first, how you can get from Milan Bergamo Airport into Bergamo.
Fortunately, that is very simple as there’s an airport bus taking you into Bergamo.
I took the No 1 bus which was instantly exterior the arrivals doorways on the airport.
The bus takes 22 minutes and leaves each quarter-hour. I bought off at Piazza Matteotti.
For a ticket, I downloaded the ATB app and pre-bought a vacationer day card which covers you for all public transport in Bergamo, together with the funicular. This value 8.50 euros. I did this once I was at dwelling and easily activated my ticket simply as I boarded the bus. I’m not 100% positive if it’s the most affordable choice however it was really easy and handy and saved any stress. Plus, it was nice not having to queue for a ticket for the funicular.
I like to recommend utilizing Google Maps to see when the subsequent bus will likely be arriving.
Issues to do in Bergamo
If you’re in Bergamo I extremely suggest heading straight to the Citta Alta, which is the equal of the outdated city. It’s perched up on a hill surrounded by protecting Sixteenth-century Venetian partitions and it overlooks the fashionable a part of town.
The trendy a part of Bergamo is sweet however it’s identical to every other metropolis actually so that you gained’t be lacking a lot should you don’t see it.
You could possibly stroll or take the funicular as much as the Citta Alta and from there you’ll be able to wander, meander and discover.
Listed here are some issues it’s best to add to your Google Map so that you don’t miss them!
- Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta
- Porta San Giacomo
- Campanone – or the Civic Tower and you may pay to go up right here
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Rocca di Bergamo
- Il Fornaio – for pizza
- La Marianna – for gelato
- Nessi Bergamo Alta – for polenta cake
The good factor about Bergamo is that should you merely have a stroll and a wander then you definitely’ll come throughout all of those locations and plenty of extra. I preferred having some places plotted in my Google map however I didn’t actually need it.
Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta
Piazza Vecchia, the historic coronary heart of Bergamo Alta, is a surprising medieval sq.. It’s an awesome place to start your stroll round Bergamo Alta as a number of the primary points of interest are right here. It options the Contarini Fountain at its heart, an emblem of timeless magnificence. The sq. is flanked by the Palazzo della Ragione, the traditional civic palace, and the Civic Tower, providing panoramic views of town. Close by, you’ll see the Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai with its mix of Renaissance and medieval parts.
Porta San Giacomo
Porta San Giacomo is among the most iconic gates of Bergamo’s Venetian Partitions, a UNESCO World Heritage web site. In-built 1592, this elegant marble construction served as a grand entrance to Bergamo Alta, showcasing Renaissance artistry and engineering. The gate, manufactured from pink Zandobbio marble, encompasses a majestic façade with clear, symmetrical strains and a central arch. It overlooks the decrease metropolis and also you’ll have breathtaking views from right here. As soon as a key level of protection, Porta San Giacomo is now an emblem of Bergamo’s wealthy historical past and architectural heritage, welcoming guests to discover town and benefit from the views.
Civic Tower
Bergamo’s Civic Tower, or Torre Civica, is a distinguished landmark in Piazza Vecchia. Recognized domestically because the Campanone, the tower dates again to the twelfth century and stands as an emblem of medieval energy and resilience.
The tower is over 50 meters tall and you may pay 7 euros to go to the highest of the tower. Once I visited the raise was damaged however it was properly value taking the steps for the views. I went up simply earlier than sundown and it was lovely.
Every night, the bell chimes 100 occasions, a practice recalling the traditional curfew signaling the closing of town gates.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque structure with origins courting again to the twelfth century. Famend for its lavish inside, the basilica is adorned with intricate frescoes, beautiful tapestries, and ornate woodwork. Its Cappella Colleoni, a Renaissance chapel, provides a further layer of grandeur with its vibrant marble façade and complex design. The basilica homes beautiful Baroque choir stalls carved by Lorenzo Lotto. You do need to pay to go inside however it’s properly value it!
Rocca di Bergamo
The Rocca di Bergamo is a historic fortress perched on the hilltop. Constructed within the 14th century, it served as a defensive stronghold for the Visconti household and later the Venetian Republic. Surrounded by lush greenery, the fortress is a good spot for beautiful views of Bergamo and there are beautiful, peaceable gardens you’ll be able to wander via.
I had greater than sufficient time to do all of this throughout my Excessive Day Journey and I completely cherished the allure of Bergamo.
When you’re eager about EDTs, here is one other Excessive Day Journey to Iceland I did on the finish of final 12 months.
