Bergamo, a city to be savored
Those who plan to visit Bergamo for the FORME event, scheduled from October 17th to 20th, will not only encounter all the cheese in the world and the whole world of cheese.
The city and the province reserve surprises in all fields, from art to culture, from landscape to architecture.
EXPERIENCE 01
Bergamo Upper Town
A medieval town, surrounded by UNESCO walls, including a delicious stop along the way
The trip begins aboard the Funicular, passing the UNESCO Venetian walls, whilst enjoying a spectacular view of old & new Bergamo. You alight at the top of the hill amongst the historic centre of the city which has existed since Roman times.
From Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, you walk the medieval streets which have maintained their ancient charm, to the Rocca Castle, a once defensive structure but now a stunning point from which to appreciate Lower Town and neighbouring valleys below. From there you continue to Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by ancient communal palaces & the impressive civic tower.
Onwards to Piazza Duomo, surrounded by the majestic & unique Basillica de Santa Maria Maggiore – a jewel of Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral, the Baptistery & the Colleoni Chapel – a stunning Renaissance building. You will then stroll along the Corsarola, the main street of the Upper Town, flanked by old & modern shops, restaurants & coffee houses. To finish, you will arrive at the Piazza della Cittadella, built by the Visconti family. With its timeless charm it is now home to the famous museum centre featuring the Civico Museo Archeologico (the Archaeology Museum) and the Science Museum “Enrico Caffi”.
During your visit there will be a mouth-watering stop at the famous Pasticceria La Marianna to sample Gelato Stracciatella, a flavour born of Bergamo. An expert “Gelataio” will tell the story of its creation and present the method of production.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:30am or 14:30pm
Duration 3 hours
Price 55 euros
Meeting point Funicular station, Lower Town
Experience includes
• Funicular ride from/to downtown to old town with a panoramic view of the city
• Entrance to Church Santa Maria Maggiore
• Gelato Stracciatella visit and tasting
EXPERIENCE 02
Downtown Bergamo
Accademia Carrara Museum & the rediscovered Mantegna masterpiece
Discover the heart of Bergamo, an area of historic, architectural & symbolic value.
Departing from Sentierone, where Bergamo locals stroll amongst the porticoes, shops & cafes, you will move towards Borgo Pignolo a place where traditional and modern culture intertwine. Along the way you will catch sight of the many noble residences with their stunning courtyards, gardens & painted entrance halls. Via Piazza Santo Spirito you will view the neoclassic building of Accademia Carrara, one of the most important art galleries in Italy. During the visit you will have the opportunity to view outstanding masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Raffaello, Tiziano and a rediscovered masterpiece “The Resurrection of Christ”, recently attributed to Andrea Mantegna.
To round off the incredible experience you will be treated to special “Forme Aperitif” in celebration of the Forme festival.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:30am
Duration 3 hours
Price 50 euros
Meeting point Balzer Café, portico of Sentierone, Lower Town
Experience includes
• Guided downtown walking tour with headphones
• Entrance to Accademia Carrara
• Forme Aperitif
EXPERIENCE 03
Franciacorta, Lake Iseo & Montisola Island
A full day to discover the tastes & flavours of Franciacorta as well as the magic of Montisola Island, a green oasis in Iseo Lake and the largest lake island in Europe.
Your first stop will be the village of Sarnico with its beautiful liberty buildings. By ferry you will then travel across Lake Iseo to Montisola Island and enjoy lunch at a waterside restaurant, serving a fish dishes fresh from the lake. Post lunch you can stroll and take in the picturesque fishermen’s villages.
Whether you prefer to explore or relax there are options for everyone. Scale the height of the island to 400m above sea level and visit the sanctuary known as Madonna dela Ceriola whilst enjoying the breath-taking panoramas. Alternatively hire a bike or swim off the beaches between Peshchiera & Sensole whilst enjoying the restaurants & cafes around the lakeside.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:00am
Duration 8 hours
Price 125 euros
Meeting point Piazzale Marconi, Lower Town
Experience includes
• Full day guided tour
• Franciacorta wine tasting
• Gourmet Lunch on Montisola Island
• Private bus
• Boat to/from Montisola Island
EXPERIENCE 04
Val Brembana
Culture, country life & the San Pellegrino Spa
You will begin with a visit to the Romanesque circular church Rotonda di San Tome and the medieval village of Cornello del Tasso. As the day progresses you will enjoy the daily routine of The Agritusimo Ferdy by taking part in daily farm activities such as feeding the animals and learning about milking processes, all whilst taking in the spectacular mountainous beauty of the surrounding area. Furthermore you will be able to enjoy lunch in their restaurant, which uses a variety of farm fresh ingredients and wild herbs. Products include their locally produced Oribic Goat and Brown Cow raw milk cheeses.
To complete the tour you will visit QC San Pellegrino Terme Spa, spread over 6000 square metres and housing frescos, colonnades & ceilings from the early 20th Century. The structure also houses a Casino which brings to mind images of the Belle Epoque era with its majestic décor & elegance.
Datails
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:00am
Duration 8 hours
Price 130 euros
Experience includes
• Full day guided tour
• Lunch at the farm
• QC San Pellegrino Terme from 5:30pm (includes ticket to the wellness centre, bathrobe, towel, slippers & aperitif
• Private bus
EXPERIENCE 05
Shopping al Franciacorta Outlet Village
Enjoy a day of shopping at the Franciacorta Outlet Village. Located between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo in the famous Franciacorta wine region, the Outlet Village offer discounts of up to 70% all year round on famous international brands including Adidas, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Nike, Pinko & many more. Show your ticket at the outlets information centre to receive an additional 10% off!
You cannot visit Franciacorta without sampling some of the best sparkling wine Italy has to offer. In the afternoon you will visit a famous Franciacorta farm where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque vineyards and visit the cellar.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:00am
Duration 8 hours
Price 70 euros
Experience includes
• Transport to and from Franciacorta with a guide and private transport
• Visit to a winery with wine tasting
EXPERIENCE 06
Como
Food & Villas Tour
Lake Como is the third largest lake in Europe and is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery & beautiful villages.
With a local guide you will enjoy a cultural and gastronomical journey, strolling through the alleys of the historical city centre in the pleasant Northern Italian climate. Admire monuments such as the great Gothic-Renaissance Duomo, the “Broletto”, the 18th Century Teatro Sociale and the Romanesque church of San Fedele, all the while pausing to appreciate popular dishes and flavours loved by the locals.
With the mountains in close proximity, Como is a cheese lovers delight. Sample high quality extra virgin olive oils, focaccia and the finest local meats such as Bresaola, Prosciutto & Mortadella. Your expert guide will also explain and allow you to sample the various wines produced in the region alongside a tasting of the freshest lake fish in one of the most popular restaurants in Como.
In the afternoon you will be treated to a mini cruise to the village of Bellagio, known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden with lake views.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:00am
Duration 8 hours
Price 130 euros
Experience includes
• Guided walking and tasting tour of Lake Como
• Delicious food samples in several authentic locations
• Shopping in Como
• Funicular ride to Brunate for a panoramic view of the lake
• Lunch in Como
EXPERIENCE 07
Milano
Culture, Fashion & Food
Milan has an incredible artistic & cultural heritage which includes Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpieces, the Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, Brera District and the Sforzesco Castle but is also home to some of the top fashion houses in the world.
You will spend time in Milan’s famed fashion district-Quadrilatero where your expert guide will reveal the history and secrets of Milan’s fashion industry whilst you explore acclaimed shops, enchanting courtyards and gorgeous palazzi.
The city’s skyline has developed in recent years and in addition the historical aspects of the city, you will have the chance to view the Palazzo Lombardia, the Bosco Verticale by architect Stefano Boeri as well as the Diamond Tower and Piazza Gae Aulenti. From there, enjoy a walk through Corso Como to Eataly Smeraldo to enjoy an authentic and delicious Italian food experience.
Details
Date 17th-20th october
Departure 9:00am
Duration 8 hours
Prezzo 110 euros
Experience includes
• Guided walking tour of Milan City Centre, the Fashion District & the Porta Nuova area
• Entrance to Duomo Cathedral
• Admission to La Scala museum & theatre
• Eataly Smeraldo food store tasting
• Shopping opportunities
• Private transport to/from Milan