Bergamo & Surroundings: A Shoestring Budget Road Trip

Day 1: Explore Bonate Sotto

Bonate Sotto, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bar Pasticceria Bonomi

Start your day with a delicious Italian pastry and an espresso at this lovely local cafe.
Walk to the café; it's a few minutes from anywhere in Bonate Sotto.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista

Explore this charming local church with beautiful frescoes, it represents the heart of Bonate Sotto.
Short drive or walk to the church, just 2 km away.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Stroll through the local market

Enjoy immersing yourself in local culture and perhaps pick up some incognito souvenirs while trying some street food.
Market is usually set up near the center, walking distance.
EUR10 for street snacks, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Trattoria Antica Mola

Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch with local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive 5 minutes to the trattoria.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit local sights

Walk or drive to see the local attractions and parks, taking in the scenic beauty of Bonate Sotto.
Exploration can take you all around Bonate; it's a small community.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Museo Alfa Romeo

Arese, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at local café

Grab a quick breakfast at another local café; enjoy a croissant and cappuccino.
Drive to Arese, about 30 minutes from Bonate Sotto.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Museo Alfa Romeo

Dedicate your morning to exploring this captivating museum filled with the history of Alfa Romeo.
Located near the entrance of Arese, easily accessible.
EUR10, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the museum café

The museum has a nice café for light lunch options. Enjoy some Italian favorites here.
Café located inside the museum.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the museum shop

Check out memorabilia and gifts related to Alfa Romeo before departing the area.
Walk to the shop just steps away from the café.
Variable, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Driving towards Boromejski Otoci

Traveling towards Boromejski Otoci, enjoy scenic views of the countryside.
A drive of approximately 1.5 hours from the Museo.
Free (gas), 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Arrival and late sightseeing

Arriving at Borromean Islands, enjoy a late afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens.
Arrive and park near the ferry terminal.
EUR5, 2 hours
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Day 3: Boromejski Otoci Exploration

Stresa, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel or B&B

Have breakfast at your accommodation or a local bakery in Stresa, enjoying the view of the lake.
Walk to the nearest bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Isola Bella

Explore the opulent gardens and the stunning Borromeo Palace on the island.
Take a ferry to Isola Bella, short ride.
EUR15, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Isola Pescatori

After Isola Bella, enjoy a stroll through this charming fishing village and witness the local lifestyle.
Ferry transfers between islands are quick.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Pescheria

Indulge in local fish specialties and Italian cuisine while overlooking the lakeside.
On Isola Pescatori, a short walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Leisure time on Isola Madre

Take some leisure time to relax and wander the less-touristed garden paths, soaking up the atmosphere.
Use ferry to get to Isola Madre directly.
EUR7, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Head back to Stresa

Ferry ride back to Stresa allowing you to reflect on your day.
Ferry takes around 15 minutes.
EUR5, 1 hour including waiting time
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Day 4: Discover Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Cavour

Enjoy a famous Italian pastry and a robust coffee in the heart of Bergamo.
Drive 1 hour back to Bergamo.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Città Alta

Explore the historic upper city with its medieval streets and beautiful architecture.
Park at the base, take the funicular to Città Alta.
EUR3 (funicular), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Wander Piazza Vecchia

Relax in the lively square and enjoy the stunning surrounding buildings.
Just walking distance in Città Alta.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Da Mimmo

Taste local dishes with fresh pasta in a charming restaurant.
A short walk from Piazza Vecchia.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Accademia Carrara

Explore one of the finest art galleries showcasing Renaissance masterpieces.
Easily reachable by foot from lunch.
EUR8, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to your base or explore more of Bergamo

End your journey discovering Bergamo at your own pace. Explore further or head to your accommodation.
Walking back to your vehicle.
Free, Variable
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