I'm trying to decide between 2 days in Turin and 1 day in Bergamo vs. 3 days in Turin.

I want to do justice to Turin but don't want to miss Bergamo either. The rest of the time will be spent in Sicily.

Any suggestions?

Never been to Turin, but spent a couple days in Bergamo. We had a great time and would go back. The pedestrian only shops were great. Also had street music that was fun.

GaryCA,

I think it would be a pity to miss out on Bergamo if you have a chance to visit.

Here's a link to my trip report for more info;

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34598121

Jim

That's terrific information, Jim. Thanks. Your trip report really makes me want to go to Bergamo. Maybe I can fit Turin into two days, unless I hear from somebody who convinces me otherwise.

I've never been to Bergamo, but Turin is a very nice city. It all depends on what you want to do in Turin. If you're not interested in museums, two days (I'm guessing 3 nights) is fine. The historic center is small and walkable. There are 3 main commercial streets (Via Garibaldi, Via Roma and Via Po) and two main squares (Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello).

My suggestion is equal to your first idea: 2 days in Turin and I day (including 1 night) in Bergamo.

Vincenzo

I was just able to book a free ticket for next October into Turin and out of Milan. So I will spend four nights in Turin at the beginning and then 1 night in Milan at the end before flying out. I guess there are always plenty of sidetrips out of Turin if three full days is too many, but my guess is there will be enough to do there.

excuse me for hopping onto this thread...

Can anyone comment on how Bergamo differs from Mantova?

I'm planning on going to Italy in the end of May beginning of June - 5 nights in Turin, 6 nights in Varenna, possibly 3 nights in Mantova (or Bergamo) and then 2 nights in Milan.

Bergamo has an old town located on top of a hill, the more modern part below. Mantova is flat and virtually surrounded by a lake/river. Bergamo has a population of about 120,00, while Mantova's is about 46,000.

ellenem - have you been to both? any preference?

I've visited Mantova twice as a day trip from Verona. I've visited Bergamo once, staying overnight.

Without a car, I think Bergamo would have more to offer within the city. With a car, from Mantova you could go further afield to visit more villas.

Not sure that my opinion is the most informed . . .

thanks ellenem