It's time to explore Bergamo, a town divided by magnificent Venetian walls into the medieval Upper Town and the modern Lower Town. Wander the enchanting Piazza Vecchia, discover artistic treasures in the Carrara Academy, and enjoy spectacular Alpine views from the historic ramparts. Once you've had your fill of architectural splendor, you'll round out the day with a seamless return journey.
After arriving in Bergamo, you are free to explore this historic hill town and its remarkable fortifications at your own pace. In the meantime, your driver will be parked closely to await your seamless return trip.
The funicular from Citta Bassa to Citta Alta runs frequently throughout the day and is the most scenic way to make the climb. The short ride offers fine views as you ascend. Walking up via the steep medieval streets is another option, but the funicular is faster and adds to the historic feel of the visit.
Bergamo lies about 62 miles (100 km) east of Malpensa Airport. The drive takes around one hour 30 minutes each way, mostly along well-maintained roads through the Lombardy plain. A private day trip with a driver lets you skip parking challenges in the historic Citta Alta, where vehicle access is restricted.
Yes, Bergamo offers a wonderful introduction to Italian history without the crowds of bigger destinations. The compact Citta Alta can be explored in three hours, balancing architecture, art, and Alpine views. It feels authentic and less touristic than Milan or Venice, making it ideal for travelers wanting a more relaxed Italian experience.
Highlights include Piazza Vecchia framed by the Torre Civica and Palazzo della Ragione, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with its Romanesque exterior and Flemish tapestries, and the dramatic Porta San Giacomo gate. The UNESCO-listed Venetian walls offer sweeping views, and the Carrara Academy houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art.
Bergamo's signature dish is casoncelli, hand-folded pasta filled with meat, served with butter and sage. Polenta features heavily, often paired with braised meats or game. Try polenta e osei, a sweet sponge cake shaped like songbirds, at Pasticceria Zanetti as an iconic local souvenir. Local Valcalepio wines complement Bergamasca cuisine beautifully.
Bergamo is split by 16th-century Venetian walls into Citta Alta (Upper Town), a medieval hilltop quarter with cobbled streets, frescoed churches, and panoramic views, and Citta Bassa (Lower Town), the modern commercial and residential area. The two are connected by an atmospheric funicular. Most attractions worth visiting sit in Citta Alta.
Comfortable walking shoes are crucial for Citta Alta's steep cobbled streets and stone steps. Dress in layers, as the elevated old town can feel cooler and breezier than the lower city. Modest attire is recommended when visiting churches like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A light jacket is useful even in summer evenings.
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer warm, comfortable weather ideal for exploring Citta Alta on foot. Summer can be hot, while winter brings cool, sometimes foggy days with a quieter atmosphere. The Donizetti opera festival in November and December is a cultural highlight for music lovers.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.