The Ostello (Hostelling International) is a few miles from the old city but has good transport links and great views over the valley. All the rooms are ensuite and a maximum of 8 people.

Coming by train to Bergamo station walk out of the station and straight up the road towards the funicular (about 10 mins walk) take the funicular up and the bus to Ostello stops right outside the station, the bus will then take you right to the Ostello's door. This by far the easiest way to do it believe me!

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When I first visited Bergamo I found myself wondering why I'd never heard of it before.

Verona, Bologna, Naples are all of international renown yet Bergamo has something very special to offer, which for me eclipses the beauty of many other cities.

In simple terms, the lack of fame makes it quieter and less tourist-infested and, in addition, it's not a big city so less crowded but it's more than that of course.


So here are my 5 reasons to visit Bergamo.

1) The walled high town with its castle, university, cable car, cobbled streets, pedestrian area and varied restaurants offering beautiful views out over the plains of northern Italy

2) The excellent shopping area to be found in the low town.

3) The superb location, 10 mins from Milan Bergamo airport (Ryanair Hub) and 40 mins by train from Milan.

4) The hinterland that includes lakes, mountains and varied activities.

5) Its history and culture rival that of any other Italian town (perhaps with the exception of Milan, Florence and Rome).

I have written a destination guide at www.monticolo.it/bergamoguide.html

40 mins by train from Milan
10 mins from Milan Bergamo airport.
20 Mins from Lake iseo

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Extensive ski resort stretching over three stations between 1,200m and 1,800m.

Has two ski schools, hotels, restaurants and lodges.

Compared with other more "international" resorts it is great value for money.

50 mins north of Milan Bergamo airport. Resort guide in English at
www.monticolo.it/montecampioneresort.html

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For activities, unspoilt nature and dramatic scenery.

A 16km lake nestled into the lower Alps, with the largest inland Island in Europe.

Ferry boats, windsurfing, golf, canoeing, multi-pool complex and many other activities.

Value for money and no tourist bussle.

Just north of Bergamo (Milan Bergamo airport is a Ryanair hub). Activities guide www.monticolo.it/activitieslakeiseovallecamonica.html

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Lake Iseo, with Monte Isola, southern Europe's largest lake island, is Italy's best kept secret and behind it is Valle Camonica with skiing, rivers and more lakes.

Easy to get to, lots to do, not expensive and unspoilt.

Just north east of Bergamo (Ryan air hub for Italy) see
www.monticolo.it/lakeiseovallecamonicaandmontecampione.html

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I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL in Bergamo's Citta Alta. It has a One am curfew. They were not flexible AT ALL about negotiating this and refused to give us a key. On two occassions, over a long weekend break we had to leave friends early to make sure we were allowed back in. Some bars in the Citta Alta seemed to carry on untill at least three am. - with people of all ages strolling about the street outside our hotel enjoying themselves. Because we were there for a friend's wedding and there was also a cycling event that weekend we found it impossible to look for or find alternative accomodation at such short notice. If you like spontaneity then this is not the place to stay.

Citta Alta,Bergamo, Italy

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Milan (Bergamo) Airport is miles from Milan but only 5km from the insanely beautiful and romantic Bergamo. Stay in the Citta' Alta and dine at La Colombina: small, local, friendly, delicious trattoria. Tricky to find but well worth it. Plenty of other things to see, do and eat as well.

La Colombina, Via Borgo Canale, 12, Bergamo Alta. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

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Bergamo is ideal as a short break destination as it is a Ryanair hub (although called their Milan airport). There is a regular service bus into Bergamo city centre. There are a couple of interesting museums, lovely shops and the medieval hilltop town to explore.

I have written a Guide to Bergamo:www.europealacarte.co.uk/Italy/bergamo/.

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Lake Iseo lies between Bergamo and Brescia in Lombardy in northern Italy. It is smaller and not so well known as Lake Como and Lake Garda. This is part of the reason why it appeals to me, as it is not so commercialised and is better value for money. Lake Iseo is home to the largest island in a lake in Europe, Monte Isola. No cars are allowed on the island, so it is ideal for walking or cycling. There are many pretty towns and villages around the lakeside. The scenery is very dramatic with sheer sheets of limestone at one point on the western bank and the Pyramids of Zone, earth pinnacles up to 10 metres high, on the eastern side of the lake.

I have written a Guide to Lake Iseo
www.europealacarte.co.uk/italy/iseo

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