Hi all,
What a great board. I've lurked and read all I could find here on Bergamo. It sounds, and looks perfect after flying in mxp. My only concern is the drive time. I mapped it at one of the online sites; estimated travel time was an hour. Can anyone confirm this? I'm also wondering about traffic, we arrive at 3:40 pm, by the time we get the car, bags etc it will be 5 probably. I think the last time we were there we left mxp early afternoon, and it still took forever to get away from the city because of traffic. If anyone can recommend an area that would be closer to mxp, please do so (but we don't like "new"; we like old and traditional).
Thanks

Are you planning to stay in Bergamo for only one night? Where are you headed next?

If you want something for only one night closer to the airport, consider the little town of Sesto Calende at the bottom of Lago di Maggiore. Only twenty minutes from the Malpensa, it is not a big tourist destination, but it is a pleasant enough Italian town with several adequate hotels and at least one good restaurant. It is easy to drive along the lake from there...Stresa is about thirty minutes north.

The restaurant that I like is in the Hotel Tre Re, right in the middle of town.

Jim Zurer
Great Travels Inc.
Washington DC 20015
My Slowtrav Classified Ad
http://www.great-travels.com
jim@great-travels.com

Thank you Jim,
I will research the area.
Yes, we will stay only one night. We are travelling w/a two year old, and I am afraid she will be a whooped puppy, and tired of her car seat!
On day two, we head to Verona in search of Amarone-shouldn't be too tough to find :>). We will eat and drink our way to venice, siena, florence, lucca, and pisa.

How long will you be in Italy? With that many places to see I hope at least two weeks, or even a month or two.

No, only eight very full days.

Hi-
Welcome to the board!

We hae made the MXP-Bergamo run many times, as we often we stay with friends in Bergamo when we go to Italy. It is a good hour without traffic. And without traffic is a rarity. I would count on at least 90 minutes at the time of day you are considering..you may get lucky and make it in less.

While I heartily recommend a visit to Bergamo (especially Bergamo Alta, the higher "old town"), I second Jim's idea for a closer stay right after your flight-especially with a two year old!!! Maybe you could visit on your way to Verona, etc.

And Amarone is worth the search

Please let me know if you would like anymore info on Bergamo...

Kate

quote:

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Originally posted by mcquigan:
No, only eight very full days.

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Wow. That's a lot to see in 8 days. Have you thought about maybe just seeing one place or a couple-three places that are near Verona?

We go primarily for food, wine, lovely views, and the wonderful people you meet. My husband is writing an article for a newspaper (on amarone), so we are committed to some areas. our itinerary may deviate a bit, but probably not much. We like to keep moving...it just gives us an excuse to come back.

Thank you Kate, I am so glad to hear the realistic time. We will definitely look closer. I'be been googling Sesto Calende, and found a couple of hotels, but no real pictures of the town yet. How disappointing, Bergamo (alta) looked perfect for us.

Having done the Malpensa to Bergamo route for business three or four times I would agree. Plan on one hour but be prepared for 90 minutes...this stretch of the highway is subject to long traffic delays usually around Dalmine. Great place though....fun caves nearby too....

~passerotto~

Not all who wander are lost. JRR Tolkein