A weekend break in Italy usually means Rome, Florence or maybe Milan. This time, though, I ended up taking a slightly different route through three cities in Northern Italy that I honestly didn’t know much about before: Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda and Palmanova.
What connects them? They’re all part of the so-called Venetian fortress cities, a network of historic defensive structures that are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In just three days, I found not only really good food and a chance to properly slow down, but also places that feel quite different from the usual Italian hotspots.
So if you’re looking for a slightly different idea for your next weekend break in Italy and enjoy culture and a bit of history, this is a route you can easily follow yourself. It also works perfectly if you want to combine it with a trip to Milan or Venice.
This trip and blog post were created in collaboration with ViralPassport and the Italian Ministry of Tourism, who aim to showcase Italy as a travel destination.
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Bergamo: the perfect start to a slightly different weekend break in Italy
Bergamo was easily the biggest surprise of this trip for me. The city is split into two parts: the modern lower town (Città Bassa) and the historic old town (Città Alta), which sits on a hill and is completely surrounded by Venetian city walls. Those walls still shape the character of the city today.
They were built in the 16th century by the Republic of Venice as part of a highly sophisticated defensive system on the mainland. Unlike traditional city walls, this wasn’t just a single barrier. It included bastions, ramparts and strategically placed gates, all designed so that approaching enemies could be seen from multiple angles.
Today, you can walk along more than 6 kilometres of these walls, and that’s exactly what makes Bergamo so special. Rather than being just a historical structure, they’re something you actually experience, whether you’re going for a walk, joining a guided tour or simply watching the sunset over the city.
Highlights in Bergamo for your weekend break in Italy
Guided walking tour of the Città Alta
Exploring the old town at your own pace
If you’d rather just wander and see where the city takes you, you’ll sooner or later end up at Piazza Vecchia. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione. Very close by is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, impressive both inside and out, with elaborate frescoes and an incredible amount of detail. A little quieter, but just as worth seeing, is the Palazzo Moroni, with its historic rooms and terraced gardens.
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Castello di San Vigilio
Sitting just above the Città Alta, this is one of the best viewpoints over Bergamo. You can walk up or take a small funicular.
Funicular to the Città Alta
Pasta workshop or food tour
Accademia Carrara & GAMeC
Where to eat in Bergamo
You can eat well pretty much anywhere in Bergamo. The food here is hearty and a bit more rustic than in other parts of Italy. Expect dishes with polenta, plenty of meat, and of course casoncelli, the local stuffed pasta speciality.
One of my favourite meals was at Ol Giopì e la Margì, a small and very cosy restaurant in the Città Alta, known for its traditional dishes.
I’d definitely recommend trying casoncelli at least once while you’re here. A great place for that is Nonna Alda, where they prepare the pasta fresh in a small shop just around the corner. You can even watch it being made before enjoying it yourself.
If you’re after a bit more choice, it’s also worth heading to Da Mimmo or Circolino, which is slightly tucked away in a quiet courtyard and has a really relaxed atmosphere.
Where to stay in Bergamo
I stayed at the Palazzo Santo Spirito, a very stylish boutique hotel in the lower town, perfectly located for quickly reaching both Città Bassa and the old town. I especially liked the combination of the historic building and the modern design.
Another central option is the Hotel Cappello d’Oro, especially ideal if you’re arriving by train.
For something a little more personal and quiet, the B&B San Benedetto is a charming small accommodation with a family-like atmosphere. And if you’d prefer a bit more privacy, Altana Bergamo Home is a lovely choice.
Peschiera del Garda: a relaxed stop on your weekend break in Italy
After Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda feels completely different. Instead of hills and stone streets, you’ll find water, boats and a much slower, almost Mediterranean pace.
The town sits on the southern shore of Lake Garda, right where the lake flows into the Mincio River. This location was already strategically important in the 16th century, which is why Peschiera was developed into a fortified town by the Republic of Venice.
Unlike Bergamo, this isn’t a hilltop city but a water fortress. The entire old town is surrounded by canals, which were carefully integrated into the defence system. Walls, bastions and waterways all work together, making it particularly difficult to attack at the time.
Today, what you notice most is how relaxed everything feels. As you wander through the old town, you’ll cross small bridges, pass boats and cafés by the water, and quickly realise that life moves at a slower pace here.
Highlights in Peschiera del Garda for your weekend break in Italy
Boat tour through the canals
If you only do one thing in Peschiera, make it this. From the water, you get a completely different perspective of the fortress and its unique location. There are various options for boat tours, whether you prefer one that stays around the fortress, includes a lunch option, or goes all the way to Sirmione. In summer, you can also paddle across the water by kayak or SUP.
Walk along the fortress walls
The walls run right along the water and offer lovely views of the canals and the lake.
I’d also recommend a guided tour here if you want to properly understand the history of the town. Make sure to leave some time to wander through the old town as well. You’ll find small streets, cafés, little shops and plenty of views over the water. And of course, time for an Aperol or two.
Wine tasting at Fraccaroli
A really lovely way to get to know the region through its food and wine is at the family-run Fraccaroli winery. You can taste a variety of Lugana wines that are grown directly around Lake Garda. What makes it especially nice is the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a little break between sightseeing and continuing your journey. The winery also includes the restaurant Agriturismo Sapori in Cantina, where you can enjoy a wonderful lunch.
Where to eat in Peschiera del Garda
A lot of life in Peschiera del Garda happens right by the water, and that’s exactly what makes eating here so special. Along the canals and around the harbour, you’ll find plenty of small bars and restaurants where you’re almost always sitting with a view.
I especially liked places like Dispensa Ufficiali and Raffilù. Both are perfect for a long, relaxed lunch or an early evening aperitivo. If you’re after something with a bit more atmosphere for dinner and drinks, 7 Ponti is also a great option.
And of course, you can’t leave without gelato. So make sure to stop by Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 for a proper treat.
Where to stay in Peschiera del Garda
In Peschiera del Garda, I’d recommend staying as centrally as possible, or at least close to the old town, so you can easily reach everything on foot and still enjoy an evening stroll through the little streets or along the waterfront.
A really well-located option is Hotel Arilica, right in the center and perfect if you’re only staying a few days and want everything on your doorstep.
A quieter option, while still being well connected, is Aurora ApartHotel, around 10 minutes from the old town.
If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment with a bit more privacy, the CABANON Urban Apartments are a lovely choice. Their location right by the canal makes them a little highlight.
Palmanova: the most unusual stop on your weekend break in Italy
Palmanova is probably the most unusual of the three cities. At first glance, it might seem quite simple, but as soon as you see it from above or take a closer look at its layout, you realise this city was anything but accidental.
It was built in the 16th century by the Republic of Venice as an ideal fortress town. Unlike most cities, which grew organically over time, Palmanova was carefully planned from the start, in the shape of a perfect nine-pointed star.
This design wasn’t just about aesthetics. It had a very practical purpose. The layout of the walls, bastions and ditches meant there were no blind spots, so approaching enemies could be seen and defended against from multiple angles.
From the centre, perfectly straight streets lead outwards in every direction. It’s this symmetry that makes the city feel so different from anywhere else in Italy.
Highlights in Palmanova for your weekend break in Italy
Piazza Grande
The heart of the city and the starting point of all streets. From here, you get the best sense of Palmanova’s perfect symmetry.
Explore the tunnels, bastions and fortifications
A walk along the city walls is a must. In spring it’s especially nice, as everything around the city is really green. From the outside, you can clearly see the star shape, which helps you understand just how big the whole system is.
It gets even more interesting once you go a bit deeper. Some of the underground tunnels and defensive structures can still be visited today.
Guided tour or interactive city experience
In Palmanova especially, it’s worth not just looking at the town, but really understanding it. On a guided tour with audio guide, you’ll get a great overview of its history and the sophisticated fortress system.
If you prefer something a little more playful, there’s also an interactive city escape experience where you can explore Palmanova on your own while solving puzzles. Tickets are available from around 34 euros per group.
Where to eat in Palmanova
Palmanova is much quieter than Bergamo or Peschiera, and that’s exactly what you notice when it comes to food. Around Piazza Grande, you’ll find a handful of small cafés and restaurants where it’s less about “must-visit spots” and more about just sitting down and enjoying wherever you end up.
For a relaxed start to the day or a quick break, Caffetteria Torinese is a lovely spot. They serve simple things like filled focaccia, as well as local specialities such as frico, a typical cheese dish from the region, served warm and melted in a small pan. There are also plenty of small cakes if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
If you fancy a drink, Birra e Basta is a great option. It’s all about beer here, and even the glasses are chosen to match each type.
For dinner, Osteria Campana d’Oro is a really good choice. The food is classic and well done, with great starters and homemade pasta. And if you still have room, the apple tart with crema inglese is definitely worth it.
Where to stay in Palmanova
Palmanova is more of a quiet stop than a place you’d spend several days. In my opinion, even half a day is enough to explore it properly. That said, if you do want to stay overnight, Hotel Ai Dogi is a great, very central option right on the main square.
For something a bit more personal, Zi Bitta Guesthouse has a lovely, homely feel and plenty of charm. If you prefer something more modern and independent, the Palmamore Apartments are a great choice. They offer a bit more space and privacy, and are ideal if you like having flexibility.
Getting there & getting around for your weekend break in Italy
There are a few easy ways to plan this route through Northern Italy, depending on how flexible you want to be.
- The easiest way to get there is via Bergamo or Milan. Both have good international connections, and from there you can reach Bergamo quickly by bus or train.
- If you want more flexibility, renting a car is a great option. The drive between Peschiera and Palmanova is particularly scenic, and you can easily make a few spontaneous stops along the way. Once you’re there, you won’t need a car. All three places are compact and easy to explore on foot, which is exactly what makes this kind of weekend break in Italy so enjoyable.
Best time to visit for your weekend break in Italy
The best time to do this route through Northern Italy is spring or autumn. Between March and May, as well as September to November, the temperatures are pleasant, the cities are less crowded, and it’s ideal for exploring on foot.
Spring in particular feels a bit calmer and greener, which makes places like Bergamo, Peschiera del Garda and Palmanova even more enjoyable. Summer can get quite hot, especially around Lake Garda, and it’s generally much busier. It can still be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the crowds, but for a more relaxed experience, I’d personally go for the shoulder season.
This weekend break in Italy reminded me how rewarding it can be to look beyond the usual destinations. Instead of following the classic route through the big cities, this trip took me to three very different places, each with its own character.
What I loved most was the mix of history, good food and slow, easy exploring, without feeling like you have to rush from one sight to the next.
If you’re looking for something a little different for your next weekend break in Italy, this is a route that works perfectly for a long weekend.
