I booked the cheapest flights and ended up in an Italian gem | Travel News | Travel

As the summer sun fades into memory, Europe still offers warm retreats like Bergamo in Northern Italy, where even in October, temperatures hover around a pleasant 17C.

Bergamo may not ring a bell for many, overshadowed by its famed neighbours such as Milan, just 60km away, and the picturesque Italian Lakes – Garda, Maggiore, and the celebrity-studded Lake Como.

Yet, Bergamo’s charm is undeniable, as I found out on a spontaneous trip after snapping up the cheapest flight from Edinburgh Airport to “Anywhere” via Skyscanner. This nifty website feature allows travellers to roll the dice on their next adventure by selecting their departure point, a travel month, and the enticing “Anywhere” option, which then conjures up the most wallet-friendly flights for that period.

In my quest for a September getaway, Skyscanner revealed that the most economical international flight from Edinburgh was to “Milan Bergamo Airport,” with Ryanair offering a return ticket for a mere £40.

The journey from Edinburgh to this Italian gem takes just over two hours, making it an accessible escape from the British Isles, reports the Daily Record.

While many travellers use Bergamo airport as a gateway to Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, the airport is actually located in the historic city of Bergamo. Known as “Italy’s best-kept secret” by tour guides, Bergamo offers lower prices and cheaper accommodation than its more famous neighbour.

Bergamo is divided into two parts: the modern lower city and the ancient Citta Alta neighbourhood, which dates back to around 500BC. The latter is perched on a series of hills and encircled by vast Venetian defensive walls, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

From afar, the Citta Alta appears like a backdrop for a fantasy series or video game, with its concentric circles of historic buildings. It wouldn’t be surprising to spot a cloaked assassin darting from rooftop to rooftop, evading Roman soldiers.

My partner and I secured an Airbnb just a five-minute stroll from Citta Alta, in a refurbished 16th-century palazzo (a former merchant’s house), for a mere £60 per night, although rates fluctuate depending on the season. The accommodation was clean, charming, unique, tranquil, and conveniently located near numerous incredible sights and activities.

A stroll along the Venetian walls (Mura Venete) is touted as a must-do experience in Bergamo, and it’s easy to see why once you embark on it. The walls are simply stunning, lined with parks and trees, and offer spectacular views over the modern city and the Lombardy plains beyond.

Basking in the serene atmosphere of Piazza Vecchia in the heart of the old town became a cherished pastime, with its welcoming tables free for public use. The allure was heightened by savouring exquisite coffee and sandwiches sourced from the local gem, Macelleria Fracassetti, located on Via Gombito.

Venturing nearby, the awe-inspiring Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore beckons a must-see attraction. The church’s interior is adorned with an extensive array of paintings, tapestries, and resplendent gold leaf.

Despite the modest admission fee of €5 per adult, the visual splendour inside justifies every penny.

For those seeking respite from their wanderings, Bergamo offers a scenic remedy: the funicular railway. A mere couple of euros grants you passage on this charming ride, ascending to the commanding Castello di San Vigilio at the city’s zenith.

Perched high above, San Vigilio offers vistas that outshine even those from the Venetian walls; it extends an invigorating panorama of the Alps and picturesque villages below. Remarkably, entry to the castle, under the stewardship of the local council, doesn’t cost a thing.

Before descending, treat yourself at Barettoa Michelin-starred yet wallet-friendly eatery adjacent to the funicular station. There, indulge in a “stuzzichino” and a glass of prosecco while relishing the splendid view all for an inviting €7.

Another budget-friendly yet surprisingly luxurious dining option is Circolino Citta Alta, a charming restaurant housed in a historic building with a beautiful terrace and a traditional Italian menu.

They offer a fixed-price lunch deal where you can enjoy a two-course meal complete with wine, bread, water and coffee for just €15 per person.

One must-try dish is the casoncelli alla bergamasca – meat and vegetable ravioli served with butter, sage, Parmesan and crispy bacon. It’s a local speciality.

While Bergamo is undoubtedly delightful, it is relatively small, so we decided to expand our exploration by taking a day trip to the nearby town of Lecco, located on the shores of the celebrity-frequented Lake Como.

Those who have recently been hit by Scotrail fares might want to look away now, as the hour-long train journey from Bergamo to Lecco cost us a mere €4 per person. To say we were astounded would be an understatement.

Lecco is enchanting and certainly worth a visit. On the Sunday we visited, there was a street food market along the lake shore offering a vast array of delicious local and international cuisine, including a Scottish food stall!

We certainly didn’t anticipate finding tinned haggis and Irn Bru on the shores of a renowned Northern Italian lake.

If you fancy a boat ride on Lake Como, there’s no need to splurge on hiring a private vessel. There’s a ferry service that connects Lecco to other picturesque towns on the lake, ending at the Instagram influencer favourite, Bellagio.

The journey to Bellagio will leave you spellbound with its stunning views, yet be prepared for a trek the voyage takes over an hour each way.

Travellers might also want to brush up on their Italian, as English may not be commonly spoken by everyone in the less tourist-heavy town of Bergamo.

I found my 30 days of Duolingo lessons barely equipped me with useful phrases, offering gems like “I like to go swimming with my neighbour” which unsurprisingly didn’t come in much handy. However, a mix of expressive gesturing and Google Translate helped navigate through most language barriers.

And, despite the language hiccups, the locals were exceptionally welcoming. One notable encounter was with Adriano at a bar though quite inebriated and not really an English connoisseur, he eagerly had me convey his message to all: “Tutti in Scozia dovrebbero venire a Bergamo. Adoriamo gli scozzesi qui! “.

Which translates to: “Everyone in Scotland should come to Bergamo. We love Scottish people here!”