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12 Best Day Trips from Bergamo by Car and Train
Bergamo isn’t just beautiful, it’s literally got the best location for day trips all over Lombardy and even into Veneto and Emilia Romagna.
In just 30–45 minutes, I found myself swimming in Lake Iseo, hiking alpine trails in the Brembana Valley, and soaking in spa waters at QC Terme—all while using Bergamo as my base. Over my 30-day stay, I took 15 day trips from Bergamo and there are still more on my wish list.
If you’re wondering whether Bergamo is a good launchpad for exploring Northern Italy, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re renting a car or hopping on a train, the options are seamless and flexible. Some days, we didn’t leave until 3 pm and still enjoyed a full afternoon lakeside.
This post is for travelers who want authentic experiences without the logistical headaches. Perfect if you’re a slow traveler who likes to explore deeper without packing and repacking every night.
From countryside charm to historic towns like Schilpario (home of my great-grandmother) and San Pellegrino, I’ve curated the best day trips from Bergamo—plus tips on how to make the most of your time.
So grab your calendar—it’s time to plan some unforgettable Northern Italian escapes.
Day Trips from Bergamo by Car
San Pellegrino Terme & QC Terme Spa: Relaxing Day Trip in the Alps
This is hands down the most amazing experience you can have this close to Bergamo—just 24 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus. Perfect anytime of the year.
The town of San Pellegrino itself is incredibly picturesque, with the majestic Grand Hotel rising above the Brembo River (abandoned since 1979 but reopening as a 5-star hotel in 2030). Until then, the real highlight is QC Spa San Pellegrino.
For only €58, you can pamper yourself for 5 hours in thermal pools, hot tubs, saunas, and multi-sensory rooms spread across three levels. It’s all set inside a luxurious 19th-century Art Nouveau building, surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the pre-Alps.
If you book an evening time slot, you’ll also get to enjoy aperitivo: two drinks (Prosecco, beer, juice, or water) and a buffet of cheeses, salamis, breads, and veggies—served while you lounge in your robe under frescoed ceilings in the grand sala.
There are over 40 wellness experiences to choose from, including a rose garden, hay bio sauna, and salt-water rooms. My favorites were the Vichy showers and the alpine shepherd’s hut. Whenever I feel stressed, I transport myself back to that enchanting world of peace—and I feel renewed.
💡 QC Terme Booking Tips
- San Pellegrino Location: Not available on Viator or GetYourGuide. You can book directly through QC Terme San Pellegrino’s official website.
- Evening slots include prosecco, snacks, and that dreamy spa robe aperitivo—don’t miss it!
- Other QC Spas: Visiting Milan, Lake Garda, or Turin? Some QC Terme locations there do offer bookable day passes on GetYourGuide and Viator. Worth checking if you’re spa-hopping around Northern Italy.
Lake Iseo Beaches: Easy Afternoon Escape Near Bergamo
Think there are no beaches near Bergamo? Think again. You can reach several on Lake Iseo, Italy’s 6th largest lake, in just 30 minutes by car.
As soon as we picked up our rental car, we headed out for some swimming in Lake Iseo. It was such an easy and enjoyable excursion that we went at least five times.
Sometimes we didn’t leave the house until 4 pm and still enjoyed hours of Northern Italy summer sunshine and swimming.
Sassabanek Beach – Iseo Town
On our first day, we went to Sassabanek Beach in the town of Iseo. The view was stunning: steep mountains rising across the lake and a full view of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in southern Europe.
There are also three swimming pools, but we were there for the cool, clear, refreshing waters of the alpine lake.
We paid €25 each for entry and lounge chairs (plus parking). That was for a Saturday in July—the high season—so expect lower prices on weekdays.
Lido Povero – Sarnico
The next few times, we went to Lido Povero (“poor man’s beach”) in nearby Sarnico. Entry was just €3 each for chairs, and we brought our own food and drinks—much cheaper!
The water at Lido Povero wasn’t quite as pristine as at Sassabanek—we had to swim through some lake weeds before reaching the clearer water. But for the price and the relaxed vibe, it was still totally worth it.
Tip: Sassabanek is great if you want full amenities and alpine views. Lido Povero is a budget-friendly alternative! You can bring a blanket for both instead of renting chairs. Both have paid parking lots.
🚗 Renting a Car in Bergamo:
We picked up our rental car right in Bergamo, which made getting to Lake Iseo incredibly easy. If you’re planning to explore the lakes and countryside, having a car gives you the most flexibility—especially for spontaneous swims or sunset drives.
➡️ Read: DiscoverCars vs AutoEurope in Italy: Which Should You Use
Sarnico, Iseo & Lovere: Charming Lake Iseo Towns to Explore
You don’t have to go to Lake Iseo just for swimming. The towns along its shores are absolutely worth exploring too.
From Bergamo, start in Sarnico. Walk along the wide promenade, take in the lake views, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the open-air restaurants.
Next, head to Iseo Town. Be mindful of the ZTL (limited traffic zone) signs—don’t drive or park inside them. Instead, park outside the zone and walk into town to enjoy a gelato in the charming medieval center.
Later, drive along the lake to reach Lovere, at the northern tip. Lovere has been named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and it’s easy to see why with its stunning views, medieval streets, and frescos.
Make time to hop on a ferry from Sulzano and explore Monte Isola. It’s a serene car-free island with 11 small villages. Perfect for walking and biking. We didn’t make it this time and I regret it. Another reason to go back!
Lake Endine Villages: Monasterolo del Castello, Spinone al Lago & Gaiano
For the closest lake to Bergamo, head to Lake Endine. Only 10 minutes from Bergamo by car, you can find several swimming spots along this peaceful lake with no motor boats.
You can also walk or bike around the perimeter of the lake and pass through the villages of Monastrolo del Castello, Spinone al Lago, Endine Gaiano, and Ranzanico.
Lake Endine and the surrounding towns are special to me because after searching all my life I finally discovered this is where my great-grandfather came from.
Walking around the lake felt different knowing my roots were here—it made the mountains and water feel strangely familiar.
Hiking in Val Brembana: The Best Alpine Trails Near Bergamo
Armed with maps from the Visit Bergamo tourism office, we headed to Val Brembana for our first alpine hike near Bergamo. Val Brembana is one of the most scenic valleys in the Bergamo Alps, with dozens of marked hiking trails ranging from easy walks to full-day alpine climbs.
The maps made it seem easy to find the trailhead, but in reality we kept having to ask for directions. A barista in Camerata Cornello saved us from walking an extra hour along a paved road in the sun.
When we reached the higher starting point, we were confused again. We went inside Rifugio Cespedosio, near the Church of San Domenico, and almost lost our nerve when the entire restaurant of shepherds turned to stare at us.
Luckily a friendly server came out and told us to drive further toward Eva to find the trail. We didn’t realize it at the time, but this rifugio is actually a recommended restaurant on Tripadvisor frequented by both locals and hiking tourists.
Finally, we found the right path and entered a magical forest trail that wound upward to wide grassy plateaus.
At the top, as we admired the views, a young shepherd appeared. Hoping he would offer us some cheese (which the map said was a possibility), I asked him if the trail ended there or if there was more. He told us there was nothing to do up there but work.
Cheesemaking at Fattoria della Felicità in Onore: Unique Local Experience
A few days later, we made our own cheese.
We signed up through Visit Bergamo for a cheesemaking class at Fattoria della Felicità, an agriturismo in Onore. You can also stay here on the farm.
We were told to leave early from Bergamo because Sunday traffic flows heavily in both directions through the valleys — and because a full lunch would be served after the class.
We left with plenty of time and were delighted to discover an enchanting little spot for cappuccino and brioche at Hotel Betulla in Onore, just minutes from the agriturismo.
When we arrived at the farm, they immediately offered us breakfast.
If only we had known.
While the others enjoyed their Italian breakfast, we wandered around the farm admiring the animals instead.
Eventually, the class began. First, the veterinarian and farm owner gave us a tour of the cow and sheep stalls, explaining how the animals are raised and why their milk is such high quality.
Then we gathered around a long table to learn how to make primosale cheese. Each of us received a bowl of fresh milk and stirred in the rennet. Once the mixture thickened, we poured it into small slotted molds to drain. After that, you gently tip the cheese into your palm and pass it back and forth between your hands a few times before placing it back in the mold.
And just like that — you’ve made cheese.
While the primosale rested, we headed into the restaurant for our full farm-to-table lunch. We ordered traditional Bergamasque dishes like casoncelli and hearty meat plates made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
It was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend it. If you’d like to visit just for the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Lake Garda Boat Tour from Manerba: A Scenic Half-Day Trip
If I had to choose my absolute favorite excursion from Bergamo, it would be our four-hour Lake Garda boat tour. Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is unbelievably scenic. The drive from Bergamo to Manerba del Garda took just over an hour.
We picked up our boat at the pier and, after a brief explanation, off we went. None of us had a boating license or much experience, but it all went surprisingly smoothly.
It was a day of wind in our hair, stunning scenery, eating panini, drinking Ichnusa (responsibly), listening to music, and stopping often to dive into the crystal-clear water. Swimming there almost felt like swimming along the Amalfi Coast.
🚤 Renting a Boat in Manerba del Garda
One of the best ways to experience Lake Garda is by renting your own small motorboat in Manerba del Garda. You don’t need a boating license for most boats, and staff will give you a quick explanation before you head out.
You can cruise along the coastline, stop to swim in quiet coves, and create your own half-day adventure on the water.
➡️ Check prices and availability for boat rentals in Manerba del Garda here.
Clusone: Art, Culture, and Mountain Charm
On another day, we drove about 40 minutes to Clusone, a beautiful mountain village in the Alps, for lunch and a stroll through its well-preserved historic center.
The town is famous for its remarkable frescoes — and it absolutely lived up to the hype. With its beautifully intact paintings decorating the buildings, including the striking Danse Macabre, Clusone is often called “the painted town.”
Another highlight is the Fanzago Astronomical Clock. This Renaissance marvel turns counterclockwise and tracks everything from the time and month to the zodiac signs and hours of darkness. It even follows the lunar cycle — and still has to be hand-wound every day.
Clusone also makes a great base for hiking in the surrounding mountains, or you can continue on to Lovere, at the northern tip of Lake Iseo, before heading back to Bergamo.
Schilpario: Discovering My Roots in a Hidden Alpine Village
Schilpario is definitely off the beaten path for most tourists — but for me, it was the destination.
A few years ago, I finally identified the town my great-grandmother came from: Schilpario. I made it my mission to trace my roots here. Tracing those roots led me to work with a local guide to dig even deeper into my family history.
It may not be the most famous village in the Alps, but I’m happy to say it’s a charming alpine town nestled in stunning mountain scenery — and just 1.5 hours from Bergamo.
There are two fascinating museums that offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The Ethnographic Museum, located in an old mill house in the center of town, is filled with artifacts and passionate guides who bring local history to life.
Further down the mountain in the Val di Scalve, you can take a small train into the Gaffione mines, then continue on foot with an expert guide to learn what life was like in this once-thriving mining community.
Day Trips from Bergamo by Train (or Bus)
Verona from Bergamo by Train: Is It Worth a Day Trip?
Yes. Verona is an easy day trip from Bergamo.
After researching both train and bus options, we chose the FlixBus. It required no transfers, took less time, and was less expensive.
The journey took about two hours and dropped us near Porta Nuova Station. From there, you can walk into the Città Vecchia — but we were lucky. Our Italian friend picked us up and drove us to his family home in the center before giving us a personal walking tour of the city.
He first brought us to Piazza Bra, filled with cafés, elegant buildings, and the area surrounding the impressive Arena di Verona.
Then he took us down Via Mazzini for some shopping. It’s a narrow, marble-lined pedestrian street packed with visitors admiring luxury Italian designs in the shop windows.
Next came the famous Juliet balcony, a popular tourist stop. After that, we wandered toward Piazza dei Signori, layered with Renaissance history and lively cafés, and then to Piazza Sant’Anastasia with its magnificent basilica. At one point, I genuinely felt a touch of Stendhal syndrome — there was almost too much beauty to take in.
From there, we walked to the Adige River and stood quietly for a while, admiring its strength and beauty. Then we crossed Ponte Pietra and climbed the stairs to Castel San Pietro, where we were rewarded with sweeping views over the city — and a well-earned meal before heading back to Bergamo.
Bologna by Train: What to Expect on a Day Trip from Bergamo
Taking the train from Bergamo to Bologna was a no-brainer. We started with a regional train to Milan, then transferred to a Frecciarossa bound for Bologna. It was easy to book everything through the Omio app. We left Bergamo around 10 am and arrived in Bologna at 12:15 pm.
I was especially excited for this trip because Bologna is where it all started for me. I spent my junior year of college living there, studying Italian language and culture, and I hadn’t been back since.
After leaving Bologna Centrale — which has had a major upgrade since my student days — we walked up Via Indipendenza toward Piazza Maggiore. Even Via Indipendenza has changed. It has just officially reopened as a pedestrian mall, completely transformed.
Bologna felt bigger, more colorful, and more cosmopolitan than I remembered. The porticoed streets and historic charm were still there, but the city now feels more sophisticated and lively.
The Basilica di San Petronio remains as awe-inspiring and massive as ever. The Quadrilatero market — with its maze of narrow alleys overflowing with produce, cured meats, cheeses, fish, and pasta — is just as vibrant. And the grand porticos on the streets bordering Piazza Maggiore felt even more stately than I remembered.
My overall feeling? Bologna is even more incredible now than it was when I was a student. It deserves far more than the six hours we spent there — but if that’s all the time you have on a day trip from Bergamo, it can absolutely be done. And it’s worth it.
Milan Day Trip from Bergamo: Easy Train Guide for First-Time Visitors
Bergamo is so close to Milan that you could live here and commute every day for work. They don’t call it the Milan-Bergamo Airport for nothing. It’s practically as close to the city center as Malpensa is.
It’s just a 50-minute train ride from Bergamo to Milan. You can buy your ticket on the Trenord app right before walking onto the platform. There’s no reserved seating and the trains don’t sell out. If you can’t find a seat, you can stand — or simply wait for the next train.
We went to Milan several times.
The first time, we took the metro from Milano Centrale to the Duomo and then walked toward the Navigli district, the canal area filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Naturally, the first thing we did was sit down for aperitivo.
On another visit, we explored the Brera and Porta Garibaldi neighborhoods. We stopped for lunch and coffee in Brera, wandered along Corso Como to see Milan’s modern side, and ended up back in Brera for evening aperitivo.
Another day, we walked from Milano Centrale to the Porta Vittoria neighborhood and then continued on to Fondazione Prada, a contemporary art and cultural institution. That visit happened during our “art week,” when we were touring museums across Milan, Bergamo, and Venice (not a day trip!).
Once in Milan, we sometimes took the metro to different neighborhoods, but more often we preferred to walk and get a better feel for the city. Surprisingly, Milan isn’t as sprawling as people think — it’s quite walkable.
You can visit Milan at any time of day. We usually left Bergamo around noon and arrived in time for lunch. We talked about leaving late at night and reaching Milan around midnight when the clubs open, then coming home at 6 am — but in the end, we always chose our cozy Bergamo home instead.
Why Bergamo Just Makes Sense
Some days we left at 4 pm and were swimming by sunset. Other days we crossed medieval bridges, shaped fresh cheese with our hands, or stood in front of Renaissance frescoes feeling overwhelmed by beauty.
And every time, we returned home to Bergamo — tired, happy, and already planning the next escape.
If you’re looking for a base that lets you experience Northern Italy deeply without constantly packing and unpacking, Bergamo is seriously the perfect location.
More Ways to Experience Bergamo
If you’re planning to spend more time in Bergamo, there’s plenty more to discover. Here are some of my other guides to help you explore the city and its surroundings even deeper.
