BERGAMO Private Tour: Upper Town and UNESCO Walls

The BERGAMO Private Tour offers visitors an enriching exploration of the historic upper town and its UNESCO-listed walls. Over two hours, guests can discover iconic sites like the Shoes Market Square and Cathedral of St. Alessandro while learning from knowledgeable guides. With the chance to savor local sweets and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises a memorable experience steeped in culture and history. But what hidden gems might be waiting to be uncovered in this ancient city?

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About Your Stay

This private tour explores the historic upper town of Bergamo and its UNESCO-listed walls, lasting approximately two hours.
Key sites include Shoes Market Square, Gombito Tower, Cathedral of St. Alessandro, and the Colleoni Chapel with Tiepolo’s paintings.
The tour provides insights into Bergamo’s architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque and Renaissance, and its cultural and historical significance.
The tour is led by live guides available in Italian and English, with a maximum group size of 20 participants for a personalized experience.
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy with full refunds available up to 24 hours prior, and no upfront payment is required for reservation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Bergamo Private Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic upper town and UNESCO-listed walls, with prices starting from $371.36 for groups of up to 20 participants.

The two-hour tour allows guests to discover significant sites, including the Shoes Market Square, Gombito Tower, and the Cathedral of St. Alessandro.

Discover significant sites during the two-hour Bergamo Private Tour, including the Shoes Market Square, Gombito Tower, and the Cathedral of St. Alessandro.

Highlights also include the Colleoni Chapel and the Venetian walls.

Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a live guide available in Italian and English, as well as the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Tour Highlights

A key highlight of the Bergamo Private Tour is the visit to significant sites within the historic upper town. The tour explores the Shoes Market Square, known for its historical significance. Participants will see the Gombito Tower, an ancient defense structure, and the 19th-century wash house.

The tour also includes:

A stroll through streets with local shops and a chance to taste Bergamo’s sweets and stracciatella ice cream.
A visit to Piazza Vecchia, featuring the Contarini Fountain, Civic Tower (Campanone), and historical palaces.
Admiration of the funeral monument of composer Donizetti and intricate tapestries in Santa Maria Maggiore.
Exploration of the Colleoni Chapel, renowned for Tiepolo’s paintings and the Colleoni Sarcophagus.

Tour Description

Guided walking tour focuses on the upper town’s historic center, connected by funicular.

Explorers will discover preserved walls and towers, beginning at Shoes Market Square with its historical significance. They’ll see Gombito Tower, an ancient defense structure, and the 19th-century wash house.

Explorers discover preserved walls and towers, beginning at Shoes Market Square with historical significance, including Gombito Tower and a 19th-century wash house.

Strolling through streets with local shops, visitors can taste Bergamo’s sweets and stracciatella ice cream.

The tour takes guests to Piazza Vecchia, featuring the Contarini Fountain, Civic Tower (Campanone), and historical palaces.

This immersive experience provides an intimate glimpse into Bergamo’s architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque and Renaissance.

Cultural and Historical Insights

While exploring the upper town, visitors will discover Bergamo’s architectural diversity, from the Gothic influences in the Santa Maria Maggiore Church to the Baroque and Renaissance styles that adorn the Colleoni Chapel and Cathedral of St. Alessandro.

Key cultural and historical insights include:

Admiring the funeral monument of renowned composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Marveling at the intricate tapestries within the Santa Maria Maggiore.
Exploring the renowned Colleoni Chapel, famous for Tiepolo’s paintings and the Colleoni Sarcophagus.
Appreciating the white facade and significant artworks of the Cathedral of St. Alessandro.

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Tour Logistics

The tour is led by live guides available in both Italian and English.

Participants meet at the clearly marked meeting point near the Bergamo Alta funicular exit, where guides with visible license badges will be waiting.

Guests can check availability and select preferred starting times when booking the tour.

The group size is limited to up to 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Travellers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment and benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

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Exploring the Shoes Market Square

The walking tour begins at the Shoes Market Square, a historic hub long known for its bustling commerce.

The walking tour begins at the Shoes Market Square, a historic hub long known for its bustling commerce.

This lively piazza showcases the city’s mercantile roots, with stalls selling an array of goods.

Visitors can:

Admire the square’s architectural features, including the 19th-century wash house.
Explore the Gombito Tower, an ancient defensive structure that once guarded the city.
Savor Bergamo’s renowned sweets and stracciatella ice cream from local shops.
Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and imagine the square’s past as a thriving marketplace.

From this starting point, the tour delves deeper into Bergamo’s captivating upper town and its UNESCO-listed walls.

Discovering the Gombito Tower and the Wash House

What makes the Gombito Tower and the 19th-century wash house such significant features of the Shoes Market Square? The Gombito Tower is an ancient defense structure that once guarded the entrance to the upper town. Today, it stands as a testament to Bergamo’s rich history. Nearby, the 19th-century wash house, a functional yet architectural marvel, provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Bergamo’s residents. These historic landmarks offer visitors a tangible connection to the past, inviting them to imagine the vibrant activity that once filled the Shoes Market Square.

| Feature | Gombito Tower | 19th-Century Wash House |

| — | — | — |

| Historical Significance | Ancient defense structure | Functional architecture |

| Architectural Style | Defensive | Utilitarian |

| Current Use | Landmark | Landmark |

| Notable Elements | Guard entrance to upper town | Architectural marvel |

| Visitor Experience | Sense of history | Glimpse into past life |

Visiting the Piazza Vecchia and Its Architectural Wonders

Visitors to Bergamo’s historic center are captivated by the architectural wonders of Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the upper town.

The square features:

The square features the grand Contarini Fountain, the towering Civic Tower, historical palaces, and the Cathedral of St. Alessandro.

The grand Contarini Fountain, a Renaissance masterpiece adorned with mythological figures.
The towering Civic Tower (Campanone), whose bell once signaled the opening and closing of the city gates.
The striking historical palaces, including the Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo Nuovo.
The Cathedral of St. Alessandro, renowned for its white marble facade and impressive collection of artworks.

This lively public square offers a glimpse into Bergamo’s rich cultural heritage and the skill of its master builders.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The private tour allows flexibility to focus on the aspects that most interest you, such as specific historical sites or architectural styles.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups?

Yes, there are discounts available for large groups. The tour price starts at $371.36 for up to 20 participants, so the per-person cost decreases as group size increases. Larger groups should inquire about special rates.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Dining?

The tour guide can provide recommendations for local dining options that offer authentic Bergamo cuisine. They’re familiar with the area’s top-rated restaurants and eateries, and can suggest places to enjoy regional specialties during or after the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Visitors With Mobility Challenges?

The tour may not be fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Some sites along the route, such as the historic cobblestone streets and staircases, could present difficulties. However, the tour operator may offer accommodations upon request.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour Without Restrictions?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour without restrictions. The tour guide encourages capturing the historic sights and architectural details throughout the upper town and UNESCO-listed walls of Bergamo.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The BERGAMO Private Tour provides a captivating exploration of Bergamo’s historic upper town and its UNESCO-listed walls. Guests can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage, visit iconic sites, and gain insights from knowledgeable guides. With flexible options and a chance to savor local delights, this tour promises a memorable experience for those seeking to uncover the enchanting essence of Bergamo.