Bergamo and my itinerary

I suggest that you use the Search function on this site (top of the page) to see what everyone has to say about prepaid cards. Basically, it's a big no, unless you have no other choice.

Basically pre-paid card are consider gift cards and don't have the legal protection that debit and credit do. I see no advantage to a pre-paid card but a number of disadvantages so I would not use them.

Why not fly directly to Rome and home from Milan? My experience is that would be nearly the same cost and posssibility cheaper. That would give you two nights in Rome. That would be more relaxing and make adjusting to jet lag easier.

I love Bergamo! The Citta Alta is beautiful, easy to stroll around, dozens of restaurants and specialty food shops.

OK...trash the pre paid card...I didn't know they were considered gift cards. Sounds like more trouble then they're worth.

I thought about the open jaw flights but it seems to be much more expensive..maybe I need to give it a little more time and keep looking. I'd prefer to fly into Rome and leave by Milan ..makes more sense.

Thanks!

Definitely avoid the cash card. They often do not work at all, plus some have fees for everything you do. If you have more than one credit card, I'd carry the second one (in a money belt, or leave it locked in your suitcase) as a back-up.

Bergamo is lovely and I think it's a great choice, but I believe three days would be a lot of time there for the typical tourist. One full day might well be all you need. How many days does your tour spend in Venice? For full appreciation of that city, you really need enough time to venture off the beaten path. If you do not do that, you may come away with mostly an impression of tourist mobs. I suspect if I knew your tour schedule, I'd say you should shift at least one of your proposed Bergamo days to Venice.

There are, indeed, many lovely cities along the Milan-Venice rail line. I haven't been to Verona (gets good reports from most, though it does have a pretty heavy tourist load), but I really enjoyed Padua and Vicenza. Vicenza's old town has a small-town vibe that might appeal to you.

I don’t know if you’d physically feel up to it, but I would take the train to Rome on the day you arrive. This will give you an additional full day to enjoy the eternal city. But if you haven’t purchased tickets yet or there is no ridiculous change fee if you have, best thing is to fly open jaws in to Rome. Return from Milan.

Why don't you fly straight through to Rome, chamging planes at MXP? There are frequent flights between Milan and Rome. I did this when I found a good price on an international flight from US into Milan.

I've been to Bergamo and loved it as well; medieval Citta Alta is fascinating! Take the funicular up to San Vigilo and the ruins of a castle with a fantastic view over the old city. Walk your way back down into C.A., stopping for a beverage at an open-air cafe.

Citta Alta is especially atmospheric at night when the narrow, dimly-lit streets and stairways recall an era many centuries past. :O)