Bergamo, Lake Iseo and the Valcamonica rock art
From Bergamo’s walled upper town through the Franciacorta vineyards to a car-free lake island and thousands of prehistoric carvings.
- Distance
- 108 km (67 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 29 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 19, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 108 km (67 mi) with 7 stops, from Bergamo to Naquane rock art park. About 1 h 29 min of driving in total.
Route description
Bergamo’s Città Alta sits inside Venetian walls on a hill above the modern city; park in the lower town and ride the funicular up. Then drive east into the Franciacorta, where wine estates and small roads roll between vineyards.
Iseo is a relaxed lakeside town with a long promenade. Monte Isola is closed to most private cars, so leave yours at Sulzano and cross on the frequent ferry; the island’s shore path and the climb to the Madonna della Ceriola sanctuary make a good half day.
Follow the SS510 up the eastern shore, with a detour up to Zone for the earth pyramids, then cross the head of the lake to Lovere, an old port with an art gallery on its waterfront.
From here the SS42 climbs the Valcamonica to Capo di Ponte, where the Naquane park protects thousands of carvings made over some eight thousand years. Allow at least two hours and wear good shoes; the rocks are best in slanting morning or evening light.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bergamo
Italy - 232 km
Franciacorta vineyards
FoodErbusco, ItalyRolling vineyards south of Lake Iseo that make Italy’s best-known bottle-fermented sparkling wine. Many estates offer tastings; book ahead at weekends.
- 311 km
Iseo
Italy - 49 km
Monte Isola
NatureMonte Isola, ItalyOne of the largest lake islands in Europe, almost free of cars. Leave the vehicle at Sulzano, take the short ferry and walk or cycle round the shore.
- 57 km
Earth pyramids of Zone
OdditiesZone, ItalyTall pillars of glacial clay, many still capped by a boulder, in a small reserve above Lake Iseo’s east shore. A marked path from Cislano leads through them.
- 68 km
Lovere
Italy - 740 km
Naquane rock art park
HistoryCapo di Ponte, ItalyGlacier-smoothed rocks carved with thousands of figures, from prehistoric hunters to ploughs and houses. Italy’s first UNESCO site; come in low sun, when the carvings stand out best.
