Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy, the land of world-class gastronomy, ancient architecture and some of the world’s greatest works of art.
Begin your adventure at your Milan hotel, then, after checking in, perhaps grab an espresso at the plaza before meeting up with your tour guide and fellow travellers for a walking tour of this stylish city. Descend into the fascinating streets of Milan’s historical centre to admire the famed La Scala theatre, elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, mighty Sforzesco Castle and majestic Duomo di Milano.
Together with your group, conclude your tour with an exquisite Italian aperitif. The evening is yours to explore at your own pace.
Today, your travels take you the unforgettable alpine landscapes of Switzerland as you transfer by coach to Saint Moritz. Here, you’ll have time to stroll the elegant streets of this luxury resort town before boarding the famous Bernina Express railway. Regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, your route takes you through the Engadin Valley and up to the Bernina Pass where verdant slopes, icy glaciers and rugged gorges form breathtaking scenes of Swiss splendour.
Your scenic adventure concludes in Tirano, where you’ll board your return coach to Milan for an evening at rest.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours / Railway – approx. 2.5 hours
After a hearty breakfast, continue your adventure with a scenic train journey to Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Make your way to your hotel, and then, after checking in, explore this glorious town’s belle epoque flourishes and spectacular waterfront.
Travel time: Railway – approx. two hours
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world-famous beauty of the Borromean Islands. Following breakfast, take a ferry to the beautiful islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre. Famous for their baroque palaces, enchanting gardens and picturesque outlook, lose yourself in the wonder of these fairytale islands.
Today, discover new heights of beauty as you head to Lake Como via the spectacular Centovalli (‘A Hundred Valleys’) Railway, widely considered one of the most spectacular lines in the world. Travel across rugged landscapes, yawning ravines and sun-kissed forests while travelling from Domodossola to Locarno, where you will stop to enjoy this beautiful Swiss town on the shores of one of Europe’s most striking lakes.
With the Swiss Alps looming behind you and Como magnificently unfurled ahead, it’s impossible not to become spellbound by the town’s soul-stirring beauty. A treasure trove of cultural, artistic and antique riches reward the intrepid traveller. Arrive by train late this afternoon, just as the sun descends in a dazzling display of light across the water, and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours / Railway – approx. 90 minutes
A full-day tour of Lake Como and Bellagio awaits. Your morning will start with a walking tour of Como’s city centre before you set off to admire splendid villas and gardens while gliding across the lake on an included boat cruise. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bellagio, the so-called “Pearl of the Lake”, before returning to Como.
Bid farewell to captivating Como after breakfast, then venture onward to Bergamo by coach. Here, you’ll enjoy a refreshing lunch and the chance to explore this enchanting city. Ascend the spectacular Citta Alta, guarded by 16th-century Venetian Walls, and uncover the hidden treasures of its narrow streets and generational cafes.
Later, continue to your lakeside lodgings at astounding Lake Garda.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
In the quaint commune of Bardolino, your day is spent admiring scenery however you please. Familiarise yourself with the local olive oil producers, sample the town’s finest wines or simply stroll the lakeshore and soak up the sun-kissed beauty of Italy’s largest lake.
This morning, set a course for Romeo and Juliet’s romantic home city and its must-see attractions like the Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe and the houses of Shakespeare’s young lovers.
Later, venture into the picturesque Valpolicella region, where renowned vineyards and idyllic landscapes abound. Taste famed Amarone wines in the beautiful countryside before returning to tranquil Lake Garda for an evening spent freely.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes
After breakfast, transfer by coach to the legendary city of Venice, followed by a short 30-minute gondola ride (shared) through the city’s charming canals to reach your hotel in Murano, a series of small islands linked by lagoon-spanning bridges. Once you’re checked in, embark on a tour to discover the ancient and precious art of glass-blowing in a traditional furnace. While originally settled by the Romans and cherished for its salt production, Murano quickly developed a reputation for mirror-making and masterpiece glass beads, and today it’s still famous for the craft.
Over the next 48 hours you’ll be able to travel far and wide across the labyrinthine streets and bridges of Venice using your included Vaporetto pass, giving you every opportunity to soak up the sparkling culture of this renowned floating city.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Spend today exploring the magnificent floating city of Venice. On a guided walking tour, you’ll be led through the narrow alleys and across small bridges to discover the city’s main attractions, including the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco with its basilica, Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs.
Later, you’re free to further explore this glorious city’s magical canals and twisting streets at leisure.
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this storied corner of the world and make your own way to your onward journey.