If you’re planning a trip to Italy, travel experts at Omio have shared three hidden gems in the country’s north you can visit for under £100 in total.
Italy is shaping up to be a top holiday destination in 2025, thanks in part to the Catholic Jubilee celebrations taking place from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026.
However, it’s not just pilgrims flocking to this European hotspot – scores of tourists are also planning to visit.
While Rome remains a popular draw, travel experts at Omio recommend exploring Northern Italy’s lesser-known gems, which offer a budget-friendly alternative to the crowds.
Omio’s budget travel specialists have mapped out an affordable itinerary showcasing the region’s best-kept secrets, all connected by convenient flights and trains, with total travel costs under £100.
According to them: “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.”
First stop: Bergamo
Bergamo, described by Omio’s experts as a “medieval masterpiece hidden in plain sight”, is a mere 15-minute ride from Milan Bergamo Airport via the GoOpti Shuttle. To make the most of Bergamo’s rich history, head straight to Città Alta (Upper Town), where cobblestone streets, picturesque piazzas, and Venetian Walls (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) await.
Holidaymakers heading to Bergamo will want to carve out time for an espresso break in the historic Piazza Vecchia and savour the local casoncelli pasta, a true taste of the region’s culinary tradition. But perhaps one of the city’s most enchanting attractions is its funicular railway, whisking visitors up to spectacular panoramas.
This charming city is the perfect starting point for your journey through Northern Italy’s off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Second stop: Varenna
Next up on the itinerary: Varenna. A picturesque train journey from Bergamo—costing a mere £7—delivers you to this tranquil gem on the shores of Lake Como, a welcomed reprieve from more crowded destinations.
The experts advise: “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.”
Third stop: Sondrio
From there, venture on to Sondrio, under an hour from Varenna. Known as the entrance to the majestic Valtellina Valley, it boasts stunning natural scenery, an intriguing past, and unrivalled vineyards.
Here, the Alpine town unfolds as an idyllic retreat for gourmands and outdoor enthusiasts. Award-winning red wines beckon from terraced vineyards, thermal baths promise relaxation, and the Orobie Valtellinesi Park invites adventure, whether by foot, bicycle or, if the season agrees, atop skis.
Journey home
After embracing Sondrio’s charm, a budget-friendly £9 train can shuttle you back to Bergamo. From there, simply return to Milan Bergamo Airport and jet off to London, content with memories from a trip well-spent.
The specialists recommended: “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.”