Italy is a popular destination for the 2025 holiday, as Catholics around the world celebrate Jubilee from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026. Many tourists are heading to Italy this year as well.
Many will head to the Roman capital, but Omio experts have suggested diverging a little more this year and visiting some of Northern Italy's lesser known and less crowded treasures. Budget Travel Pro curated budget-friendly routes that showcase hidden gems in the area, featuring seamless flight and train connections and total travel costs under £100.
They said, “From London, travelers can land from 43 pounds via Omio for return tickets from Milano Bergamo Airport (London Stansted Airport), which will close to the calm city of Bergamo and stop exploring before boarding the scenic train to Varenna and Sondrio.”
Stop 1: Bergamo
Described by experts as a “medieval masterpiece hidden in the gaze”, Bergamo is a short 15-minute distance from Milano Bergamo Airport via the Gupti Shuttle.
Head straight to Citta Alta (Upper Town) in Bergamo and make the most of the city's history with its cobblestone streets and charming Piazza. This part of the city is surrounded by the walls of Venice, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors to Bergamo should make time to drink espresso at Piazza Vecchia and indulge in the local speciality, Casoncelli Pasta. And the final highlight of this stunning city is the sexual railroad that leads to amazing panoramic views.
Stop 2: varenna
From Bergamo, a scenic train ride (just 7 pounds) leads to Varenna. It is a peaceful alternative to other tourist-heavy towns on Lake Como and one of the region's most protected secrets.
To make the most of your time with Varenna, experts recommend:
Step 3: Sondrio
Less than an hour from Varenna is Sondrio, the gateway to Valtellina Valley, known for its natural beauty, rich history and exceptional wines.
This alpine town is a great destination for foodies and nature lovers. Visitors can sample the award-winning red wines from the area's terraced vineyards, soak them in natural hot water, or explore the Valterinesi Park in Orobie, bike and even skiing on foot.
Go home
From Sondrio you can take the train to Bergamo. This costs only 9 pounds. From Bergamo, you can return to Milano Bergamo Airport and return to London.
The expert added: “To conclude the trip, the train from Sondrio back to Bergamo gives time to the final taste of Northern Italy before returning home from Milano Bergamo Airport.”
