Bergamo Airport or Caravaggio Airport Bergamo Orio al Serio to quote its full name, is the 4th busiest city in Italy. If you have car hire from Bergamo Airport it is an easy drive to the city, which should only take around 10 minutes. Bergamo is a pretty city situated in the foothills of the Alps and an ideal base for exploring the north of Italy.
Bergamo Airport has one terminal that mostly serves low cost airlines and is sometimes used as an alternative airport to Milan which is 45 km away. There is a currency exchange office and bank for all your money services and a pharmacy for any little emergencies. A tourist office will provide all the information you need about the area and there is a VIP lounge available at a charge to non business class passengers. There are 19 shops to keep you busy with everything from local produce and flowers to high end fashion and cosmetics. Duty free shopping is also available. If you need to eat something, you can try local specialities at Agripromo Bergamo or try the 6 other outlets that include a juice bar and ice cream parlour.
The pretty city of Bergamo at the foot of the Alps, has much to offer the visitor. The Cita Alta is the upper walled city of history and Cita Bassa is the modern low city. In the heart of the old city you will find the Piazza Veccia and examples of medieval and renaissance architecture. You can see the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Rocca, a fortress that now houses a museum. The Citadella is a 14th century building that has museums of science and archaeology, for a little culture or head for the Accademia Carrara to see renaissance and baroque paintings. You can explore the narrow winding streets or take a tram ride between the two citas or climb up to San Vigilio for excellent views and the old castle ruins.
Out of the city with your car hire in Bergamo, you can take a drive out to the beautiful shores of Lake Como. You can also ski in the Brembana Valley and at San Simone or Foppolo. Further afield you will find the charming lakeside town of Lugano in Switzerland, only just over an hours’ drive away.
