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 most effective day ever so I needed to share all the pieces about it.
An Excessive Day Journey is the place you are taking an early flight to a vacation spot after which take a late flight house. It appears a bit loopy at first however you may squeeze a lot into in the future 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, youngsters, pets or different commitments, an Excessive Day Journey is an effective way to journey extra and have mini adventures. You’d be stunned by how a lot you may see and do in 12 hours and it’s beautiful to nonetheless go house and sleep in your personal mattress.
Right here’s all the pieces 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 may see loads in in the future
- Bergamo’s Citta Alta is the previous space of town and that is the place you actually wish to be. The trendy a part of Bergamo is sweet too however it’s no totally different to another metropolis so keep on with the Citta Alta.
- Bergamo has a small, charming and conventional ambiance that I really like
- When you’re in Bergamo you may stroll all over the place which could be very handy
- You actually really feel like you may ‘see’ Bergamo throughout an EDT, quite 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 needed 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 a lot better choice for a day journey attributable to its smaller dimension and proximity to the airport.
Airport bus Bergamo centre
First issues first, easy methods to get from Milan Bergamo Airport into Bergamo.
Fortunately, that is very straightforward 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 price 8.50 euros. I did this once I was at house and easily activated my ticket simply as I boarded the bus. I’m not 100% certain 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
Once you’re in Bergamo I extremely advocate heading straight to the Citta Alta, which is the equal of the previous city. It’s perched up on a hill surrounded by protecting Sixteenth-century Venetian partitions and it overlooks the trendy a part of town.
The trendy a part of Bergamo is sweet however it’s similar to another metropolis actually so that you received’t be lacking a lot if you happen to don’t see it.
You can stroll or take the funicular as much as the Citta Alta and from there you may 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 if you happen to 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 areas 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 amazing place to start your stroll round Bergamo Alta as plenty of the principle points of interest are right here. It options the Contarini Fountain at its middle, a logo 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 components.
Porta San Giacomo
Porta San Giacomo is likely one of 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, made 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 a logo 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. Identified regionally because the Campanone, the tower dates again to the twelfth century and stands as a logo 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. After I visited the elevate was damaged however it was effectively price taking the steps for the views. I went up simply earlier than sundown and it was stunning.
Every night, the bell chimes 100 instances, a convention 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 relationship 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 an extra layer of grandeur with its vibrant marble façade and complex design. The basilica homes beautiful Baroque choir stalls carved by Lorenzo Lotto. You do must pay to go inside however it’s effectively price 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 may wander by.
I had greater than sufficient time to do all of this throughout my Excessive Day Journey and I completely liked the allure of Bergamo.
For those who’re excited about EDTs, this is one other Excessive Day Journey to Iceland I did on the finish of final 12 months.