686 Christmas/New Year, Bergamo or Vicenza?

We are trying to decide whether to go to Bergamo or Vicenza this year arriving Dec 28th and leaving 2nd Jan. Does anyone have a view on which would be better at that time of the year. Would the shops, restaurants and bars still be open, or will everything shut up shop.
We stayed in Rome last year and it was obviously quite lively and, although we know these areas will obviously be quieter, we don't want to struggle to find somewhere to eat in the evenings.
Also does anyone know of any apartments in the two areas, as our searches on the web are so far proving fruitless.

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/30/2005 - 17:45

I lived in Vicenza for four years. Some activity but not exactly a Xmas mecca. There are some Xmas markets and activities nearby in Verona and Venezia.

Have stayed here several times:
Affitacamere di Marchiori Rosina 0444-322580 Contra Santa Caterina

Excellent location 10 minute walk from city centery, parking, good price.

Buon natale!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/01/2005 - 07:10

Hi Paul
I've never been to Vicenza but I did live outside Bergamo for a year. Its was quite a while ago but I remember it was a very pretty area, surrounded by hils. Bergamo is split into 2 parts Bergamo Bassa and Bergamo Alta (Low and High). The lower part is busier and more modern, with all the shops etc.(Probably open air Xmas markets too) The higher part is really beautiful. Like an ancient walled in town (there used to be a funicular to get to the top - maybe someone can tell you if it still runs?). It had narrow streets lined with traditional shops, which if I remember rightly opened up at one point into a large square with bars and a big church. Not sure about where to stay, but there may be someone else on the forum who can advise you about that, either in the lower part or the more romantic historical part.
Buon Anno wherever you decide !
Karen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/02/2005 - 12:44

No don't go to Bergamo :D

Forza Brescia !!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/05/2005 - 10:29

Bergamo is beautiful - well at least the old town [Citta Alta] is. I'm sure that there will be plenty to do in both the old and new towns over new year. Last time I was there the funicular railway still ran - and there is a bus service between the two parts anyway.

My recollection of Brescis is that it isn't so picturesce, and hasn't so much to do there - but it was a wet day when I visited

As for appartments - I'd think that as you only want one for 5 days, you might have difficulties - perhaps an hotel might be better.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/06/2005 - 09:35

Bergamo is very beautiful in the citta alta.

And you could easily visit Milan or Turin that are lovely during Christmas!

Paola