Italy is a popular destination for holidays in 2025, as Catholics around the world are celebrating the Jubilee from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. And it’s not just people on a religious pilgrimage planning to visit this popular European country; hordes of tourists are heading to Italy this year too.
While many will head to the capital city of Rome, experts at Omio have suggested branching out a bit further this year and visiting some of Northern Italy’s lesser-known and less crowded treasures. The budget travel pros have curated a budget-friendly route showcasing the region’s hidden gems with seamless flight and train connections and total travel costs under £100.
They said: “From London, travellers can land at Milan Bergamo Airport (starting from £43 for a return ticket from London Stansted Airport via Omio), which is conveniently closer to the serene city of Bergamo, and stop to explore before catching a scenic train to Varenna and Sondrio.”
Stop one: Bergamo
Described by the experts as a “medieval masterpiece hidden in plain sight”, Bergamo is just a short 15-minute ride away from Milan Bergamo Airport via the GoOpti Shuttle.
Head straight to Bergamo’s Città Alta (Upper Town) to make the most of the city’s history with its cobbled streets and charming piazzas. This part of the city is surrounded by Venetian Walls, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors to Bergamo should also make time to sip some espresso in Piazza Vecchia and indulge in casoncelli pasta, a regional speciality. And a final highlight of this stunning city is the funicular railway, which leads to some amazing panoramic views.
Stop two: Varenna
From Bergamo, a scenic train ride (that costs just £7) leads to Varenna, a peaceful alternative to the other tourist-heavy towns of Lake Como and one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
To make the most of your time in Varenna, the experts recommend: “Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, explore the historic Villa Monastero, and soak in breathtaking lake views. With its colourful houses, waterfront cafés, and serene atmosphere, Varenna offers the perfect lakeside escape.”
Step three: Sondrio
Less than an hour from Varenna is Sondrio, the gateway to the Valtellina Valley, known for its natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional wines.
This Alpine town is the perfect destination for foodies and nature lovers. Visitors can sample some award-winning red wines from the region’s terraced vineyards, soak in natural thermal waters, or explore the Orobie Valtellinesi Park on foot, bike, or even skis if the weather allows.
Journey home
From Sondrio, you can take the train back to Bergamo, which costs as little as £9. From Bergamo, you can just travel back to Milan Bergamo Airport and fly back to London.
The experts added: “To round off the trip, a train from Sondrio back to Bergamo allows time for a final taste of northern Italy before flying home from Milan Bergamo Airport.”