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Bergamo as base

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Hi All

I am planning to travel to Germany, Switzerland and North Italy in September this year.

In the Swiss leg of the trip, I plan to take the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and then am exploring Bergamo as a base for 5 days and was trying to put together day trips for this holiday. The following were my options:
Day 1: Bergamo
Day 2: Como: The ferry loop
Day 3: Bergamo / with 1/2 day to Lake Iseo
Day 4 day trip to Verona
Day 5 depart via Milan

happy to have views on the above and whether I can add any other 1/2 day trip or explore any other place as a base.

I have already been to Italy previously and was looking to explore few places in North Italy. I will be travelling by public transport throughout my journey.

thank you in advance

Posted by
9374 posts

Take this comment as someone who hates wasted time on a trip. Look up each of your days on Trenitalia to see exactly how much of your day each day will be at the site vs. transportation time. If you prefer day trips vs. staying at those locations, I would move the base to Milan.

The nicest part of Bergamo is up in the Bergamo Citta Alta section.

Other options around an hour from Milan are Cremona - gorgeous piazza at their Duomo, and it has stunning frescoes. It’s the home of Stradivari, so there’s an excellent violin museum. Torino’s Porta Susa station is just over an hour. I love going to Torino - lots of options there, including a wonderful food tour, if you’re interested. Stresa, my favorite spot on the lakes is another one.

Posted by
59 posts

I couldn't agree more with Jean. Do the following:

  1. Make Milan your base. Its location makes it easy to get to and from other cities, along with your departing flight.

  2. Target Lombardy and Piedmont cities closer to Milan for other potential day trips. See Jean’s well-informed suggestions.

  3. Research the travel durations from Milan to your day trip cities and back. You may reach the same conclusion:

  • Bergamo - as a day trip - and a Lake Como ferry tour are doable. (btw: kudos for considering Bergamo - an underappreciated second-tier city.)

  • Lake Iseo and Verona would result in too much time on trains.

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