Bergamo and Donizetti Festival
A journey into the art of Bergamo
and the music of its famous composer: Gaetano Donizetti
Bergamo, a city full of history which preserves in the "counterpoint" between upper and lower part, authentic jewels ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day passing through the Renaissance. The most Venetian of the Lombard cities honors its great composer, Gaetano Donizetti, with a festival dedicated to him.
Highlights:
- A city to discover: The Upper Town, surrounded by the Venetian walls and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO; the Lower City with the Carrara Academy and the masterpieces of Lorenzo Lotto in the Churches of Santo Spirito and San Bartolomeo
- Teatro Donizetti: The Donizetti Theatre, inaugurated in 1784 with the typical structure of the horseshoe in neoclassical style
- The Operas: L’esule di Roma, Alahor in Granata and Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali
Lenght of Tour: 4 days / 3 nights
Suggested time: All year, especially in combination with Donizetti Festival: 13-29 November 2026 Programme
The heart of our journey is the Donizetti Opera Festival, celebrated in the historic setting of the Teatro Donizetti. It is a tribute to the genius of Gaetano Donizetti in his very birthplace, where his melodies still resonate through the city's red-velvet halls and ancient squares.
Our exploration begins at the Accademia Carrara, a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces, and continues following the Lotto trail through the churches of the Lower City.
Bergamo is a city of two souls: an ancient fortress and a vibrant modern center, where art and music breathe in every square.
From the panoramic views of the Venetian Walls to the red velvet of the opera house, this is an unmissable immersion into the true spirit of Italian culture.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Bergamo
- Arrival in Bergamo by own means. Accomodation at 4* Hotel. Rooms available in the afternoon
- Welcome appetizer or dinner in the hotel's panoramic restaurant
- Overnight stay
Day 2 - Bergamo Alta (Upper part)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit of Bergamo Alta, the ancient heart of the city. Its beating heart is Piazza Vecchia, where you can admire the Palazzo della Ragione, the Campanone, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Libreria Angelo Mai (external only)
- Free lunch
- After lunch we will reach Piazza Duomo to visit the Cappella Colleoni, the first Renaissance building in the city. Following we will visit the Duomo, dedicated to St. Alexander; the Battistero, with sculptures and reliefs by Giovanni da Campione (14th century); the splendid Romanesque Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore (12th century), the main historical-artistic building of the city
- In the evening, transfer on foot to the Teatro Donizetti
- Opera at Donizetti Opera Festival
- Free dinner and overnight
Day 3 - Bergamo Bassa (Lower part)
- Morning Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer by bus to the Accademia Carrara. Its collections are based entirely on bequests from enlightened patrons who wanted to increase its heritage by making it available to the community
- Free lunch
- We will continue the visit in the footsteps of Lorenzo Lotto: the Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano, which houses the imposing Martinengo Altarpiece and the Chiesa di Santo Spirito featuring his 1521 masterpiece: the Madonna con il Bambino in trono circondate da santi
- Return to the hotel
- In the evening, transfer on foot to Teatro Donizetti
- Opera at Donizetti Opera Festival
- Free dinner and overnight
Day 4 - Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
- Visit to Palazzo Moroni, a 17th century palace that preserves original interiors and a rich art collection, as well as an Italian garden
- At the end of the visit, return to the hotel
- Free time for lunch
- Departure and end of service
The visits order may change for operational needs without changing the content.
Proposal for an indicative itinerary.
The tour can be modified and adapted to any requests for further insights on topics chosen by the custom.
