Arriving Milan (MAL) mid-morning. Departing Bergamo mid-morning the next day. Had planned to find a place in Milan convenient for catching bus to Bergamo, and seeing the cathedral and exploring just a bit in Milan. I would have an afternoon and evening, but have to get up early the next day. Bergamo looks really pretty. Would that make for a nicer afternoon and evening? I would lose more of the first day, but would not have to get up so early. I am totally unfamiliar with Milan. Opinions? Suggestions?

Milan Centre is just so big and interesting you will have more than enough to do.

Bergamo is very pretty, I think it would make a great visit given your time scale and getting a supper up in the old town would be nice.

If it were me I'd do Bergamo though I might take the bus from the airport to Milan station and a train to Bergamo

Bergamo is lovely....

Thanks. Bergamo, it is. We will be tired, and it looks as if that will be more relaxing. Also, looks like there are plenty of lovely B&Bs there. Any recs?

A wee hotel in a great location...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R..._Lombardy.html

Milan is one of the most wonderful places that you can explore. But since you have time constraints will try to make full use of it without over exerting. You can view the itinerary for one day in Milan at http://www.igougo.com/story-s1210497...Itinerary.html .
Hope you have fun.

If you are flying out of Bergamo then arriving the previous day is the way to go. The autostrada between Milan and Venice can get very busy and it only takes one accident to block the whole thing.

Article on Bergamo from tomorrow's NY times Travel section:



http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/12/19...tml?ref=travel

Ekscrunchy, Thanks, great article. I am so excited and now wish I was staying longer. I've already booked tickets to Dublin the next day, so too late. I will have to go back in nice weather. I figure I will fall in love with Italy once more - for about the 10th time.