Day trips from Bergamo
When people think about travelling in northern Italy, they usually head straight for Milan, Lake Como, or maybe even Verona. But tucked between all those big-name spots is Bergamo — and once you're here, you’ll realise just how many gorgeous, under-the-radar places are within easy reach.
There are plenty of things to do in Bergamo, but this part of Italy is full of hidden gems: spa towns that look straight out of a Wes Anderson film, quiet lakes with islands you can only reach by boat, hilltop villages with hardly any tourists, and wine regions that haven’t been overrun. If you’re basing yourself in Bergamo (which I highly recommend), these day trips are all within striking distance and offer a chance to explore the region’s more authentic side — the kind of places that quietly stay with you long after the trip’s over.
Here are some of the best day trips from Bergamo to help you plan something a little different.
San Pellegrino Terme
Yes, that San Pellegrino, of the sparkling water fame! San Pellegrino is actually a historic spa town and was the highlight of my summer last year. It was genuinely on of the most beautiful and relaxing places I’ve ever been. Tucked in the Brembana Valley just outside Bergamo, it actually does feel like a Wes Anderson film with its Art Nouveau architecture and dramatic mountain scenery.
The main draw here is the QC Terme San Pellegrino spa, and it really is worth the hype. Housed in a historic Art Nouveau palace with sweeping staircases and decorative details everywhere, the spa really has wow factor. The spa itself is massive — indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, waterfalls, and a fancy cafeteria for aperitivo hour. It’s the dream.
It cost us about 70 euros each to visit the spa for a full day last summer, and was worth every penny. It is a day I wish I could relive over and over, I’d go back to Bergamo just for a day trip here. I know I’m waxing lyrical, but I hope it inspires you to visit as well. There’s even an included aperitivo hour in the heart of the Art Nouveau building which I found delightfully silly as everyone sits in such fancy surroundings wearing their bathrobes. The food isn’t great, but the experience sure is. (If you are here for the whole day, I can recommend Caffetteria degli Artisti for risotto).
Beyond the spa, the town has a quiet elegance, with a riverside promenade, a few grand old hotels, and of course, the original San Pellegrino bottling plant. If you’re into slightly faded glamour and mountain air, this place is your vibe.
Getting there:
You can reach San Pellegrino from Bergamo in about 30–40 minutes by car. There’s also a regular bus (Line B) from Bergamo’s central station that takes around 50 minutes, and it drops you right in the centre of town — perfect for a spa day without the hassle of parking.
Cornello dei Tasso & San Giovanni Bianco
If you’re heading to San Pellegrino by car, it’s well worth making a couple of quick stops on the way — Cornello dei Tasso and San Giovanni Bianco are both small but beautiful villages that give you a real feel for the history and slower pace of the Brembana Valley. We visited both in the morning before arriving at QC Terme.
Cornello dei Tasso is tiny, but it’s one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the area. You park just outside and walk in as there are no cars in the village itself, which adds to the time-warp feeling. Cobbled streets, stone archways, and beautiful old houses perched on the hillside — it’s peaceful, atmospheric, and ridiculously photogenic. This little village is also historically important: it’s the birthplace of the Tasso family, who helped develop the modern postal system. There’s a small museum if you’re curious, but honestly just wandering around is the highlight.
Just down the road is San Giovanni Bianco, a slightly larger town with postcard views and a handful of cafés and bakeries for a coffee stop. What makes it really stand out, though, is the spot where two rivers fork through the centre of town, creating a striking and picturesque scene, especially with the stone bridges in the background.
You won’t need long in either, but both add something special to a day out in the area — and they make the journey to San Pellegrino even more of an experience.
Getting there: The easiest way to visit both is by car — they’re about 40–45 minutes from Bergamo, and only a few minutes apart from each other.
Clusone
Clusone is another charming mountain town near Bergamo, but this time in the Seriana Valley. Unlike the smaller villages I’ve mentioned, Clusone is a bit more spread out, but it still carries that serene, alpine atmosphere. The town is home to some incredible historical and cultural treasures, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dominating the skyline. This stunning church sits at the top of a grand staircase and boasts several works of art inside, making it a must-see.
Just across from the Basilica is the Oratory of the Disciplines, known for its captivating frescoes, including the famous Triumph of Death and Dance of the Dead — the only one in Europe to feature all three themes of death. It’s a powerful and eerie artwork that really captures the essence of this ancient place. Don’t miss the Planetary Clock on the Town Hall tower in Piazza dell'Orologio. With its simple but clever mechanism, it tracks the hours, months, lunar phases, and more with just a single hand. It’s one of those quirky, fascinating bits of history that you just won’t find elsewhere.
ou can head up to Monte Cimiero or Colle Crosio for panoramic views, or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the Clusone Pine Forest.
Getting there: Clusone is about a 50-minute drive from Bergamo. You can also take the train to Albino and catch a bus up to the town. It’s worth the short trip if you're looking for a mix of history, culture, and mountain views.
Lake Iseo
The Italian lakes are known for their glitzy, luxurious reputation, particularly places like Lake Como, which attracts visitors with its grand villas and celebrity sightings. But if you’re after the same stunning scenery, minus the crowds and flash, then Lake Iseo should be on your radar. It offers that perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes with a quieter, more relaxed vibe.
The lake is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and the kind of serene atmosphere that makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. Lovere and Iseo are the main towns to visit, with their picturesque harbours and laid-back waterfront cafes — perfect for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon coffee. But the real draw is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, which you can reach by a quick ferry ride. Once there, you can spend the day walking or cycling around its peaceful perimeter, taking in the views without the usual bustle. It’s a delightful, tranquil spot that doesn’t feel overly touristy, making it an ideal escape from the more crowded lakes.
If you’re craving a day full of mountain views, lakeside aperitivi, and a slow pace, this is the place to be.
Getting there: Lake Iseo is about an hour’s drive from Bergamo, but there are also public transport options. You can take a train from Bergamo to Pisogne, Lovere, or Iseo, with a change in Brescia, depending on which part of the lake you want to explore.
Sirmione, Lake Garda
Sirmione and Lake Garda are a little further afield, but if you are seeking that elegant Italian lakes vibe then it is a reachable spot from Bergamo. Sirmione is one of those places that feels almost too picturesque to be real — a narrow peninsula stretching out into Lake Garda, with turquoise water on both sides and a perfectly preserved castle greeting you at the entrance to town. It’s an easy day trip from Bergamo and a great option if you’re craving that classic Italian lakeside feel.
The medieval Scaliger Castle is the first thing you’ll spot, sitting right on the water with its fairytale towers and moat. You can climb to the top for views across the lake, or just wander around the harbour and narrow streets. Further along the peninsula, you’ll reach the Grotte di Catullo, a large Roman villa ruin with incredible views — a surprisingly peaceful spot even in peak season.
Sirmione is also known for its thermal waters, and there are a few spa hotels and public baths if you fancy a soak. Otherwise, grab a gelato (there are some seriously enormous cones here) and sit by the water, or take a short lake cruise for a different view of the town.
Two cruises I recommend to get a view of the water while on Lake Garda:
Getting there:
It is about a 90 minute drive from Bergamo, but be aware that parking will fill up quickly. It is possible by public transport, but takes about 2 hours and is a trek, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Where to stay in Bergamo
Here are my picks, all under £150 and with a charming or authentic vibe.
Palazzo Santo Spirito - historic palazzo with a pool
Il Sole - basic but perfect location in citta alta
Antica Dimora - historic rooms
Hotel Piazza Vecchia - rustic Italian vibes
Franciacorta Wine Region
The Franciacorta wine region might not be as widely known as Tuscany or Piemonte, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Nestled between Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia, this area is home to rolling vineyards, charming villages, and some of the best sparkling wines in Italy. The region is renowned for its Franciacorta DOCG wines, made in the traditional method used for Champagne. These sparkling wines are a real treat, with a perfect balance of freshness and depth — ideal for sipping while enjoying the serene countryside views.
The towns of Cazzago San Martino, Iseo, and Adro are all great bases for exploring the vineyards, where you can tour the wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample the wines. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills, and in the late afternoon, the golden light over the vineyards is nothing short of magical. If you’re a wine lover, this is one of those hidden gems where you can get up close and personal with the producers, without the crowds you’d find in other, more famous regions.
There are specific tours that can take you round the vineyards, for example this tour which also includes lunch at Lake Iseo: Winery Tour in Franciacorta with Lunch
Getting there: The Franciacorta region is just a short drive from Bergamo (around 45 minutes). It’s easily accessible by car, but there are also train connections to Brescia, from where you can hop on a bus to the heart of Franciacorta.
Brescia
Brescia, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours like Verona or Milan, is a real treat to discover. Steeped in history and brimming with cultural attractions, it has a quieter, more authentic feel compared to Italy’s tourist hotspots. The Piazza del Foro is one of the highlights — an ancient Roman forum that gives you a glimpse into the city's past. The Brescia Castle (or Castello di Brescia) sits high above the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and a look at the city’s rich military history.
One of the city’s treasures is the Santa Giulia Museum, housed in a former monastery and home to Roman and medieval artefacts that tell the story of the city through the ages. Brescia also has an impressive collection of churches, including the Duomo Vecchio (Old Cathedral) with its unique circular design. And if you’re in the mood for shopping or a coffee break, Corso Zanardelli is the place to go, where you’ll find a mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Getting there: Brescia is about 45 minutes by car from Bergamo, and easily reachable by train, with direct connections to Milan and Verona. It’s a great spot to visit either on a day trip or as part of a longer exploration of the region.
Crespi d'Adda
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Crespi d'Adda is a must-see. This small village, located just outside Bergamo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of a company town from the late 19th century. Built in the 1870s to house workers for a nearby cotton mill, the village is an architectural time capsule, with its quaint houses, wide streets, and tree-lined avenues.
The village is incredibly picturesque, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. The Crespi Family Villa is the most notable building, but you’ll also find charming houses, a church, and even a school that were all designed with the workers in mind. It’s fascinating to see how this small community was built around a single industry, with every detail considered for the well-being of its residents. Today, the village feels almost frozen in time, making it a peaceful and fascinating place to visit.
Getting there: Crespi d'Adda is a short drive from Bergamo (about 20 minutes). If you’re taking public transport, you can catch a train to Ciserano or Treviglio, then a short bus ride to the village. It's a quiet spot, so a car is the easiest way to visit.
Milan
Of course, if you’re visiting Bergamo, chances are you’ve already made a trip to Milan — but just in case, it’s worth noting that Milan is only an hour away by train, making it an easy day trip. And trust me, it’s not one to be missed. Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, a hub of world-renowned architecture, and home to some truly stunning art and culture.
One of the city's iconic landmarks is the Duomo, the stunning gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. If you haven’t already, you can also climb to the roof for incredible views of the city. Another highlight is Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper — a must-see for art lovers.
For something a bit more contemporary, the Museo del Novecento (Museum of 20th Century Art) offers a brilliant collection of modern art that’s sure to impress. The museum itself is housed in a beautifully restored palace, and its galleries feature works by major Italian artists like Boccioni and Modigliani, as well as international names like Picasso and Kandinsky.
And no trip to Milan is complete without indulging in aperitivo hour, especially around the Navigli district with its charming canals. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Grab a drink and some nibbles, and watch the city come to life as locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the early evening atmosphere.
Getting there: Milan is an easy 1-hour train ride from Bergamo, with frequent departures throughout the day. Trains go directly from Bergamo’s station to Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi, so you can get there in no time at all. It’s a great option if you're looking for a quick city escape or a change of pace.
Bergamo is an incredible place in itself, but is also surrounded by some seriously tempting day trips. From lake swims and long vineyard lunches to peaceful villages and art-filled city strolls, there’s so much packed into this corner of northern Italy.
Some of these places are only an hour or so away, but they each feel completely different. It’s a great way to get a sense of the region — and to see parts of Italy that still feel authentic and a bit under the radar. Just don’t be surprised if one day in Bergamo turns into two.
Looking to explore beyond Bergamo? This guide rounds up the best day trips from the city — from lakeside towns and spa retreats to vineyard visits and hidden mountain villages. All easy to reach and full of that quiet, authentic charm northern Italy does so well.