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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy

Nearby Destinations

Many popular Italian cities and lakes are a quick trip from Bergamo. Discover Milan, Brescia, Lake Como, and Lake Garda.

For a wide selection of bookable experiences, visit GetYourGuide's Day Trip section.

Highlights

  • Milan: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (advance booking needed).
  • Brescia: UNESCO Roman archaeological area (Capitolium), San Salvatore-Santa Giulia Museum, Duomo Nuovo and Vecchio.
  • Lake Como: Picturesque lakeside towns (Bellagio, Varenna), stunning villas, boat excursions.
  • Lake Garda: Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, thermal baths, beautiful lake scenery.

Exploring Beyond Bergamo

Venture into the diverse landscapes and cultural riches surrounding Bergamo for a Lombardy experience.

Natural Escapes

Discover the serene beauty of mountain valleys and renowned wine regions.

Nature's Embrace

  • Val Brembana & Valseriana: Stunning mountain landscapes, hiking trails, alpine villages, San Pellegrino Terme.
  • Franciacorta Wine Region: Famous for sparkling wines (DOCG), picturesque vineyards, cellar tours and tastings.
  • Ideal for outdoor activities or relaxed scenic drives.

Cultural Excursions

Uncover Lombardy's history and artistic legacy.

Historical Gems

  • Cremona: World-famous for violin making (Stradivari), Museo del Violino, Torrazzo, Duomo.
  • Mantua (Mantova): UNESCO World Heritage Renaissance city, Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te, scenic lakes.
  • Rich history and art await your discovery.

Multi-Day Extensions

Further Destinations

  • Italian Lakes Region: Combine Bergamo with Lake Iseo (tranquil), Lake Como (glamour), and Lake Garda (adventure).
  • Dolomites: For hiking and nature lovers, 3-5 days in this UNESCO mountain range are ideal.
  • Venice or Florence: High-speed trains from Milan make these major art cities accessible extensions.

Travel Planning

  • Excellent train and bus connections connect lakes to major cities.
  • Car rental offers flexibility for lakeside roads and villages.
  • Plan multi-day excursions to truly experience the diverse regions.

Summary of Trip Extensions

  • Milan journey time:45-60 min train
  • Brescia journey time:35-50 min train
  • Lake Como journey:Train + ferry
  • Lake Garda journey:Train + train
  • Franciacorta access:Car or tour
  • Cremona journey time:1.5 hours train
  • Mantua journey time:2 hours train
  • Dolomites travel:Few hours drive/train

Travel Tip:

For Last Supper tickets, book many months in advance, especially during peak season.

Beyond the City Walls

Discover experiences beyond the main city sights.

Hiking Trails

Explore extensive trails in Val Brembana and Valseriana, offering stunning mountain views and fresh air.

Wine Tastings

Visit the Franciacorta Wine Region for sparkling wine cellars and vineyard experiences.

Thermal Baths

Relax at the historic thermal baths of San Pellegrino Terme in Val Brembana.

Val Brembana & Valseriana

These valleys extend immediately north of Bergamo, ideal for nature lovers.

Access & Activities

  • Accessible by regular bus services from Bergamo Autostazione or by car.
  • Numerous hiking trails and charming alpine villages await.
  • Foppolo and Piazzatorre offer summer hiking and winter skiing.

Franciacorta Wine Region

Located southeast of Lake Iseo, approximately 40 kilometers from Bergamo.

Wine & Scenery

  • Car is the best option for independent exploration; train to Rovato also available.
  • Renowned for its sparkling wines (Franciacorta DOCG), often likened to Champagne.
  • Explore picturesque vineyards and visit cellars for tastings.

Day Trip Practicalities

Milan:Easy by direct train
Brescia:Quick train journey
Lake Como:Train to Varenna, then ferry
Lake Garda:Train via Brescia
Cremona:Train with change
Mantua:Train with change

Green Travel Note:

  • Consider public transport for day trips where possible.
  • Support local businesses to distribute tourism income.
  • Minimize waste and use recycling bins.
  • Respect natural landscapes and protected areas.
  • Choose eco-friendly accommodations when planning overnights.

Extended Adventures

For longer stays, Bergamo is a gateway to diverse Italian regions.

Italian Lakes Region

Combine Bergamo with a multi-day trip exploring Lake Como, Lake Iseo, and Lake Garda.

Highlights

  • Lake Como: Glamour and stunning villas.
  • Lake Iseo: Tranquility and Monte Isola.
  • Lake Garda: Thermal baths and adventure sports.

Dolomites Adventure

For nature and hiking enthusiasts, the Dolomites are an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mountain Exploration

  • A few hours' drive or train journey north-east of Bergamo.
  • Plan at least 3-5 days to explore this stunning mountain range.
  • Excellent for hiking, climbing, and scenic drives.

Venice or Florence

These major art cities are reachable by high-speed train from Milan.

Artistic and Historic Cities

  • Venice: Approximately 2.5 hours by train from Milan.
  • Florence: About 2 hours by train from Milan.
  • Logical extensions after exploring Lombardy.

Logical Next Destinations

From the lakes, continue your journey to other captivating Italian regions.

Connections and Regions

  • North to the Dolomites for mountain adventures.
  • West to Turin for culture and culinary delights.
  • Good train and bus connections between lakes and major cities.

Transportation Connections

Ease of movement between Bergamo and extended destinations.

Rail Network

Extensive train lines connect Bergamo (via Milan) to most major Italian cities.

Bus Routes

Local and regional bus services offer access to smaller towns and natural areas.

Car Rental

For ultimate flexibility, a rental car is ideal for exploring remote areas.

Seamless Travel:

Utilize Italy's efficient public transport network for easy connections to your next adventure.
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